He raised his eyebrows, as if the answer should be obvious. That, or he was curious to discover that I knew Ruth.
“Because you’re an Original?” I guessed, assuming that was the only possible explanation. That Originals were significantly more difficult to kill, even by the passage of time.
He cleared his throat, not directly answering my question. “Curious that you’d refer to our kind as demons. You must be younger than I assumed.”
“And why is that?” I asked seriously.
“A friend of mine keeps me up to date on the human cultures of the world, whenever she is able to visit the human world every few hundred Cycles.” He paused. “Back when I was human, the concept of ‘demon’ – and particularly their appearance – wasn’t what it is now. Back then, it was more common for our kind to be confused with a bull deity. A sign of strength, fertility, and holiness.”
“Humans used to compare us to cows?” I repeated in disbelief.
“That, and rams. But gods, not demons. Such cultural perceptions have only existed for a couple millennium, though even the metaphorical lamb of God has horns.” He scoffed. “Even Ruth wouldn’t have perceived our kind as ‘demons’ when she was human, but instead might have assumed one of us was the incarnation of Baʿal, a bull god. Certainly blasphemous to her human religion, but not demonic.”
I sighed, realizing I didn’t really care enough to continue this particular topic. While somewhat interesting, I didn’t have time for a history lesson. Plus, it was nice he was speaking freely now, but getting a bunch of non-answers to my actual questions was frustrating, even if I could assume his silence meant I was correct.
“So tell me, Adapa, if you don’t mind. I intend to take Ruth and her son, Ezra, to the human world so that they can recover from their…starvation. Will there be any consequences for them for me doing so? I know Ruth was punished for creating Ezra at such a young age. Is her punishment forever? And if so, what would be the conditions for having her punishment suspended?”
Not that I really cared about that last part, considering they probably wouldn’t exist long enough to see a day where they would need to worry about long-term freedom.
I just wanted to give them a taste of relief while this dimension still existed.
Adapa’s crimson eyes narrowed again. “I’m not sure Ruth will want to risk the soul of her son, or her own, for that matter, to end their current suffering in exchange for a future torment.”
I scoffed at that. “So then, you believe in a heaven and hell,” I realized. “A true heaven and hell, where there’s a God who judges people.”
Honestly, as a human, I had once held that viewpoint, but everything that had happened, ever since I was introduced to Miriam’s world, shifted my perception on life. I wasn’t saying there wasn’t a God entirely, or gods. But being a demigod and having faced a god-like creature, who created the Ryujin, I was beginning to doubt that possibility.
Not to mention the fact that my sister had messed with time.
That alone seemed like a ‘god’ ability, yet she certainly wasn’t a god.
When he didn’t respond right away, I continued.
“You yourself were ‘created’ were you not? And yet your Mother is no god,” I scoffed.
His eyes widened into saucers, complete and total shock crossing his expression, before his brow abruptly furrowed. “How do you know about that?!” he demanded, seeming a little aggressive for the first time.
I shrugged. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. But I just find it odd you believe in such things when you yourself were created by a being you’ve known.”
His crimson eyes narrowed again. “I was created, yes. But not by Her. She changed my body, but she did not create my soul. She did not give me life. There is a God, the source of all life. And you would do well to not damn the already damned.”
I paused as I considered his words, before addressing his concern directly. “Well, either way, it doesn’t matter. Humans donate blood now – they have it drawn out of them with tubing and use it in medical facilities to save people’s lives. So I can provide Ruth and Ezra the sustenance they need without bringing harm to anyone.”
Truly, if my comment about his Mother did not completely shock him, then this information did.
He was left speechless.
“And no,” I quickly retorted, when I saw the series of expressions crossing his face. “I’m not trying to tempt anyone with sin or whatever. I myself have fed on human blood, and yet have never bitten or killed anyone.”
For once, he stumbled with his words. “F-For how long have they d-done this?” he said in disbelief.
Oops, I couldn’t answer that question.
Not without blowing my cover that I was significantly younger than he assumed – like, the youngest Ryujin in existence, in terms of pure chronological age.
“Doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they do, and I need to know if there will be consequences for Ruth and her son?”
He hesitated, still seeming baffled before shaking his head slowly. “No, her punishment ended once Ezra reached the age of absolution, which occurred roughly four-hundred Cycles ago.”
My shock quickly transitioned to frustration. I knew he was only talking about roughly two-hundred and fifty years, but that was still a long time to suffer unnecessarily, even if it was in addition to an original millennium. “So you’re saying,” I almost spat between my teeth. “That she let her son suffer because she was so worried about his soul?”
His expression became more serious, seeming displeased with my attitude. “No,” he replied firmly. “This method of penance is meant to be damning. She no longer has the capacity to travel to the human world on her own, and very few have the authority to take her. Which means, while her punishment is finite, her torment is meant to be infinite.” He paused. “A close friend of mine, Jericho, would gladly take her if she could, but the punishment would be severe. Only a Ruler, or a select few Generals, have such authority.”
“Or you,” I sneered, trying to ignore the name he’d mentioned.
He pursed his lips, seeming irritated, but kept his composure. “While my body has kept better than Ruth and the others, I also no longer have the capacity to make the trip, even if I so desired.”
“Oh,” I said simply, feeling dumb now, realizing he suffered the same plight.
Granted, I wasn’t sure he would have taken her there even if he could, but that wasn’t a point that really mattered right now.
I nodded decisively. “Very well. Then, as I said, I intend to end her suffering now. I will take her and her son to the human world, feed them, and then bring them back.” I then hesitated when I considered that becoming healed might actually ostracize them from the ostracized, or at least make others jealous of them.
I didn’t want to cause them just another set of problems, but ultimately it wouldn’t matter in two days, and even if it did, it would be their responsibility to figure it out.
“And if she refuses?” Adapa asked.
“Will she refuse the command of a Ruler?” I retorted.
Again, absolute shock crossed his expression, at what I’d just implied.
I continued, beginning to rise into the air, in preparation to leave. “Thought so. I appreciate the help, Adapa. You are truly an inspiration that we can be more than what our conditions dictate. If my beloved, Miriam, knew of you and your lifestyle, then I suspect she might have followed in your footsteps.”
“Wait,” he called out, unable to chase after me as I ascended higher. “Miriam? You can’t mean the sixth R–”
“Good day!” I cut him off. “And thanks again!”
Chapter 25: Offer
It was obvious that strangers were seen as a sign of trouble in the makeshift village of black stone buildings. Because, when I arrived, anyone outside immediately made their way indoors, some much slower than others. I assumed that the difference in reaction was because Ezra wasn’t with me.
&
nbsp; However, I didn’t plan to waste any time talking to anyone else, now only concerned with my overall goal, wondering if Ruth was going to be stubborn after all.
And debating whether or not I’d make her get better, or allow her to continue to suffer until the end, assuming she chose the latter option.
Part of me knew it didn’t really matter, but I couldn’t help but hope that I’d be able to make at least a tiny difference in their lives.
Moving quietly through the spacious cathedral where I’d first met her, I took a right down the hallway that led towards the circular room full of stained-glass windows.
Sure enough, she was in the exact same spot as I recalled, except she was significantly less composed than before. Previously, Ezra had announced his arrival, which must have prompted her to hide her agony, but she failed to do so now, seemingly unaware of my presence.
Her golden eyes were hidden, her medium gray face twisted in grief and torment, her brittle-looking body splayed awkwardly as she appeared to attempt a comfortable position on her side.
It seemed that in private, not knowing someone was observing, long gone was the woman who’d I spoken to last time – the one who still had strength, who still persevered despite her pain. Clearly, she was barely keeping it together, but also didn’t want others to pity her.
Or, in Ezra’s case, worry about something he couldn’t fix.
Knowing I’d probably startle her no matter what, I didn’t bother clearing my throat or saying anything, instead just walking more noisily towards the other side of the room, sitting down where I’d sat previously.
When I raised my gaze after getting situated – with one knee up, my elbow resting on it – I saw that her eyes were focused now. Her gold irises sharp, the color starkly contrasted against the midnight background of her sclera, her expression reserved.
Her tail had been loose around her waist, likely to avoid causing herself pain, but it was tightly in place now.
“I’m a friend of Jericho,” I stated matter-of-factly, even if it was a lie in this loop, hoping to put her at ease to have a stranger just stroll in like this.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but some of the wariness left her expression. She then began moving slowly as she attempted to sit up, not acknowledging my comment.
I hesitated. “Do you want help?” I asked quietly.
“No.” Her response was firm.
I didn’t bother replying, instead patiently waiting while she struggled to right herself against the wall. It was such a strange sight to see a Ryujin so weak, though I suspected it was more a matter of pain than weakness. Every single miniscule movement hurt – that much was obvious from the poorly hidden agony in her expression.
Once she was upright, her eyes still closed from the effort, she spoke again.
“I was unaware Jericho had such a powerful friend. What does one such as yourself wish with me?” When I didn’t respond right away, she opened her gold eyes to focus on mine. “You’ve come to see me, and yet now you hold your tongue?”
I pursed my lips briefly, only to clear my throat, finally deciding on my approach. “You suggested I’m powerful. What does that power tell you?”
Her eyes narrowed. “What does that power tell me?” she repeated. “I fear I’ve misunderstood your intent.”
“What does that power tell you about my authority?” I rephrased.
Confusion crossed her expression, before she immediately became apologetic, lowering her gaze. Her following words came out sounding sincere, but also a little panicked too. “Please forgive one such as myself, my lord. I fear I’ve been unduly imprudent. I beseech you to find it in your will to pardon my brazen conduct.”
I tried not to react when I realized she misunderstood me.
She thought I was offended by her attitude, which wasn’t my point at all. Rather, I was hoping she’d be more willing to believe me if she understood my position in their society. However, it didn’t go unnoticed that she referred to me as lord instead of Ruler.
The word was a title of respect – specifically, an indication that she was acknowledging her subservience to me, though she didn’t know confidently where I stood in the Ryujin hierarchy. At the very least, I might be a General in her perception – someone to be respected, lest she be reminded of her current position in society. But she obviously didn’t know for sure.
However, even though that hadn’t been my intention, I decided not to correct her. It would be easier if she proceeded with a more humble attitude anyway.
I got right to the point.
“My understanding is that your son, Ezra, has long since reached the age of absolution.” I paused when her golden eyes widened, her entire body beginning to tremble. “Thus, I’ve come to end your penitence.” I hesitated again, wondering why she was shaking so much. She almost looked terrified, more so than relieved. “More specifically, I’ve come to take the two of you to the human world,” I clarified.
She remained silent for a few long seconds, her entire body shivering like she was cold.
“A-And what does my lord wish from us?” she finally asked.
I hesitated again, wondering what kind of thing a Ruler or General would demand of someone else for such a favor. Not that it really mattered either way, considering everything would soon cease to exist in little more than two days. However, I was still stuck on an answer.
If I told her ‘nothing,’ then I was concerned she wouldn’t believe me, especially since it appeared she held a more pessimistic perception of others, assuming that everyone had an ulterior motive – something to selfishly gain. But alternatively, I didn’t want to demand something that would make her fearful of her future – even an ‘unknown’ condition would make her worry about what it might be. Instead, I wanted her to experience freedom for once, not just another form of enslavement by being indebted to me.
Thus, after holding her gaze for a long few moments, I responded.
“The debt is not yours to be paid. I do this at the request of your friend, Jericho, whom has agreed to my conditions.” I let that sink in briefly, gauging her reaction, before continuing. “The deal has been made, whether you accept or reject my offer, so it would be wise of you to not waste her benevolence. Or mine,” I added.
Thankfully, this was working for her. It fit within her worldview of how people operated.
“And, may I ask what–”
“No,” I cut her off. “Now, will you accept my generosity, or will you waste the offer?”
Faced with such a choice, being well aware of the consequences of declining this possibly once-in-a-lifetime offer, she made her decision fast.
Unexpectedly, resolve appeared in her black and gold eyes – that, and hope to finally pull herself out of this living hell. “I’ll fulfill the debt,” she said confidently. “Whatever you’ve required of her, I’ll accept it in her place.” She hesitated. “If you’ll permit it.”
I sighed, wishing she’d just let it go, so that I didn’t have to keep up this elaborate ruse. But I supposed I could at least delay it, since I hadn’t actually made a deal with anyone, and it soon wouldn’t matter.
“I’ll consider your offer,” I said evenly. “But only after you’ve recovered fully. I won’t discuss it further for at least three Gradus. Understood?”
“Very well,” she agreed. “I accept your will as is.”
I nodded, standing slowly, only for her to speak up again, sounding more urgent.
“If I may trouble you with just one request, my lord,” she pleaded.
“I’ll hear it,” I replied, not about to commit to anything without knowing what it was.
“Please take my son first. He never deserved any of this, and if I could give him but one thing, it would be relief from a suffering he has never known anything apart from.”
I shook my head, not about to try to explain to her my warping capability. “You’ll be first, and you can have the joy of seeing him experience that relief for yourself.” I paused whe
n I saw her dejected expression, quickly making her suggestion seem inconvenient for me. “As well as the responsibility of dealing with him if he becomes ravenous,” I added.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Of course,” she whispered in agreement. “As my lord wishes.”
I took a step closer. “Then, I’d prefer to cause you as little discomfort as possible, if you could instruct me on where it’s best to touch you.”
She grimaced. “No place is better than any other,” she said irrefutably. However, after a moment, she continued, seeing that I was waiting on her to give a more elaborate response. “If you would have the patience to lift me slowly, and to avoid moving me once I was in your care, it would help.”
“Very well,” I agreed, finally closing the gap and kneeling next to her.
She initially sucked in a sharp breath, as if in preparation for the pain to come, but I didn’t immediately pick her up.
When she realized I was waiting on her to take the lead, with me stopping in a position for her to begin the process, her eyes widened in surprise.
Even if it were true that I had actually made a deal with someone else, I didn’t need to be gentle with her. Roughly picking her up, throwing her over my shoulder, and hauling her to Earth would accomplish the same goal, and the only difference would be her level of pain – the outcome being the same either way.
Thus, with this one simple gesture, I was communicating more than words could ever do.
And clearly, this was someone who relied solely on actions to tell her what kind of a person another individual was.
So truly, she was surprised.
Tentatively, she reached up to place her hand on my shoulder while lifting her knees upright, and I simultaneously stuck my arm underneath them – still not touching her skin – in preparation to lift her. Then, once she leaned forward enough for me to get my arm underneath hers and behind her back, carefully slipping my fingers beneath her black hair so it didn’t get pulled, we together got her in my arms at a snail’s pace.
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