Maury spins me outward without delay. We hold hands as my body expands and I raise my leg upward in a split. I look at him with surprise, yet I don’t object.
Next, he spins me towards him. He holds my curves and lifts me up as high as he can. I raise my leg at a half angle. I take it as my cue to extend my arms.
Ah! I get the feeling now.
Though I was dragged.
But I like it.
And I resume on my own.
Especially with Maury here.
Maury gently lowers me. He gets behind me to nudge my leg. I lift it up towards him. He holds my leg with one arm, and my back with his other arm. He crept his hand towards my cheek to caress it. I end up supporting my leg as he touches my thigh with his free hand.
Damn, I’m trembling all over. My face is red.
“You’re good at this,” I whispered. “Please continue...”
Maury told me he knows martial arts. Except I haven’t seen them yet. Maybe I did when he saved me, but I was almost unconscious to notice.
However, I’ve seen him doing slow-mo martial arts upon my wake up. I’ve also seen him meditate. And on rare occasions, leg stretches. It goes to show he has in his genetics too.
After lowering my leg, Maury gets on his knees. I slide downwards, bending backward as he holds me. My arm reaches and wraps his neck for support.
And with this, ends our performance.
Gwen’s eyes sparkle as she applauds us. “Oh my gosh! Best duet ever!!” Maury and I chuckle a little. I pick up the bag afterward to keep going. I’ve noticed few people saw us and clapped. We didn’t expect our little dance to appeal some, but it did.
Maury and I stop to catch our breath. Sure, we danced for fun, but it was an intense workout for both of us. The weather is chilly, yet we’re sweating a sauna underneath.
My heart beats fast, and it thumps faster when Maury pulls me in. He wraps his arm around my back and strokes my hair with his other hand. He’s leaning towards me. Is Maury going to hug me? Don’t think so.
Maury is aiming for my lips. He’s going to kiss me! I don’t know. We’re cousins. We can’t kiss. But I knew him as a friend: a gentleman with dating potential. Our friendship changed once Maury became my cousin.
But I can’t resist. Maury... He’s so handsome. Alluring but kind. This one time... only once. I want to kiss him. I close my eyes in anticipation of his kiss.
Suddenly, a furball stops us.
“No! What are you doing?”
Gwen stops Maury with her tiny arms. Shoot! The whole thing has broken off. Yet, it’s a good thing she did. I was losing it with him.
I almost forgot I brought Gwen with me.
“Maury, I don’t feel like cooking today. Let’s buy a six-pack and boxed lunches.”
Maury stands undecided but agrees with my plan. “Sure, why not? Box lunches would be nice.”
We had leftovers from yesterday’s dinner, but we ate them all this morning. I’m not in the mood to cook dinner after cooking a big one yesterday.
A snowflake falls. Snow has started.
I’m shivering. Yes, I’m wearing a sweater dress, but I’m still cold. Gwen is shaking too. Seeing this, Maury throws his jacket over my shoulder. Ah! All better. His warmth is quite comforting. Gwen slumps in relief.
“Thank you,” I uttered.
As the day quickly turns into nighttime, we must buy right away. I cling to his arms as we walk towards the grocery store.
Final Month - January
Date: January 1; Time: Evening, Full Moon
We’re here at the Marion Hotel eating an extensive buffet. I’ll let you know that this is the best buffet I ever tasted! I’ve done this twice: one for the office holiday party and another with a date. But eating a buffet with friends I care about beats them both.
We’ve been here since the festival ended. See, Aster and Agnes spent the New Year’s Eve at my place. We jumped for a hug the moment the clock stroke at midnight. Wonder what the resolution is? To defeat the God of Darkness, of course! There is no better New Year’s resolution than this. Next, we celebrated with drinks, fell asleep, and left in the morning to attend the festival.
The festival was incredible: there was a parade, a concert, and a live theater. Each of them decorated with all sorts of glitter and cool costumes. Oh! And there were lots and lots of food. I know I’m going around telling you like a kid right now, but I’m so happy. I even played a few games at the booths and won some plushies.
The festival ended at sunset, so we went to the hotel to eat an exclusive New Year’s buffet there. However, unlike the festival, we had to pay our way in. Luckily, Agnes took care of it (though I still wonder where is she getting the money from.)
Okay, now a word on the Marion Hotel. It’s Simona City’s most expensive and luxurious hotel. Celebrities and politicians are known to stay here. A one-night stay at any of the rooms can break anyone’s bank if they’re not rich.
“Ah, I’m full!” Gwen said. I can see that her small belly is about to burst. She’s in her regular form, but she’s hidden underneath a table. She can still be seen, but no one has paid attention, which is good. We don’t want to cause unnecessary panic. Not to mention, this room is full of people minding their own business. All adults, of course.
“Same here, but I can’t get enough of this chicken,” Maury added. The buffet isn’t short on the meats with steak, pork, chicken, turkey, beef, and sausages. We don’t eat much meat because it’s expensive for us so getting to eat meat here is priceless.
“I’m full as well,” Agnes said. She ate her share of seafood with exotic fish and lobsters.
“I’m glad we’re in high spirits,” Aster said with a smile. Since he’s a bronze golem, eating is optional. Instead, he sips a cup of expensive red wine.
After eating our meal, we march again to get dessert. All sorts of sweets are here including tiramisu and cheesecake. There’s also a large panettone with sliced fruits all over it.
Whatever! The panettone I made is way better. It had coated butter, diced strawberry, mint candy, and raisins. My friends were thrilled. I’ll be happy to give the recipe if you like.
“You know, Glen, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take some food home,” Maury suggested. “What?! Are you saying my cooking sucks?!” I bellowed. What he said hurt like a bee sting. Why would he want to take the food home? I know the food here is good and all, but couldn’t he have thought before suggesting?
“It’s not what I meant! It’s simply to have additional food to last us for days. Especially the meat.” I mentally sigh. He’s right. We should take some meat home. Leftover meat will be thrown out. I hate to see food wasted like this. Maury stands to gather the meat. Knowing him, he needs lots of it. Shit, I feel foolish!
“I need to use the bathroom,” I said. The weight of the food in my stomach makes me want to pee so bad.
“Alright, I’ll wait for your return so I can go too,” Agnes said. She remains seated next to Aster since she knows he can’t be left alone. Aster wears his hood on, but his face is exposed. Luckily, no one paid attention so far.
And so, I gleefully rush to the ladies’ restroom.
Date: January 1
Time: Late Night, Full Moon
“Okay, done!” I said to myself out loud. “I thought I was never going to end.” I wash my face and hands on the bathroom sink. After drying them, I march outside. I need to hurry so Agnes can use the restroom too.
“So which way is the buffet again?” I puzzled. I would’ve gone to the restroom on the floor we’re at, but it’s out of service. Thus, I had to use the one on the next level above. Going back will be tricky since this hotel is like a maze.
.........................
Huh?
I feel a light breeze on my cheek.
I look up. Maybe the air conditioner?
I shrug it off and begin walking.
GRAB!
Wait! What’s going on?
Why am I being gr
oped?
My mouth is suddenly covered.
And my eyelids close.
My body falls into a limp.
I was still conscious but not for long.
Someone is dragging me away.
And I lose consciousness afterward.
Oh great! I’m out of the story again. Can’t you tell what happened? I’ve been kidnapped...again! Looks like I must play overhead narrator once more. Aw, man! This sucks!!
***
“Glen is taking too long. I hope she’s not putting makeup,” Maury said, yawning with his arms stretched up.
“Well, I’ll go. Glen went upstairs so I’ll find her there.” Agnes glanced at him. He nods, understanding the need to oversee Aster and Gwen. “Okay, hurry up. I need to use the bathroom too.”
Agnes rush through the stairs. She enters the ladies’ restroom and checks every open stall. “Not here...” she thought. She goes outside and looks around, checking every corner. After searching, she stands in the middle of the room. She whips her smartphone to text me.
However, I don’t respond.
She tries again. I always respond to text messages, so Agnes finds it strange I haven’t. After texting a third time and not hearing a response, she returns downstairs.
“Did you find her?” Aster asked.
“No, I couldn’t,” she replied.
“Okay, I’ll go to the bathroom. But not the ladies one. Maybe I’ll have better luck finding her.” Maury hands over the bag with Gwen inside to Aster. Next, he sprints up the stairs. After a few minutes of waiting, Maury returns. “I didn’t find her either.”
“Do you think she went home?” Aster asked.
“I doubt it. It’s too far from here considering the time, and Glen can’t drive,” Maury said.
“Maybe she asked Moros to teleport back?” Agnes wondered. Huh? I asked Moros for many things these past few months but not for this.
“Makes sense. If Glen is with him, we shouldn’t worry,” Gwen said. My friends make their way towards Maury’s van. They find it pointless to panic assuming I’m with Moros. Besides, they’re tired.
Date: January 8
Time: Evening, Half-Moon
A week passed since the hotel buffet. Maury checks his phone for any sign. Gwen naps quietly on his lap. Crap, I’m still out of the story!
“Any luck?” Gwen asked.
“No,” Maury replied with a sigh. “I lost count of the text messages I’ve sent her. Glen always responds to them. I don’t understand why she hasn’t.”
Maury hears his phone ring. Assuming it’s me, he answers right away. “Glen, is that you? Answer me!!”
“Mr. Maury, it’s me, Agnes. Were you able to contact her?”
“No, I couldn’t. I texted a lot, but she doesn’t respond.”
“In this case, Aster and I decide to stay at your place until she’s found. Of course, I assume you’re okay with this.”
“Sure, please come. I could use your support right now. But you’re not busy, right?”
“I won’t be teaching until next month, so we still have time. And I also contacted my uncle earlier so he can file a missing person report. He said he’ll let me know by next week.”
“Agnes, you’re great. Thank you.”
“Praise will come after she’s found, okay?”
“I’ll be waiting for you guys. Come soon.”
Shortly after, Aster and Agnes arrive.
“Thank goodness you came,” Gwen said.
“We couldn’t leave you alone,” Agnes said.
“We’re worried as you are now,” Aster added. “By the way, were you able to contact Moros?” he asked Gwen.
“Since Glen awakened to her powers, Moros no longer responds to my requests. This makes sense since Glen is Nyx and not me. Thus, Moros will not bother to listen to me anymore. As long as Glen doesn’t command, Moros will not take the initiative.”
“Moros couldn’t be the type to kidnap her, yes?”
“No, he can’t. I know him well. As the son of Nyx, he has the incentive to remain at her side. Good or bad. As I’ve said, he will not move until Glen gives an order.”
“What kind of god is he, Gwen?” Maury asked. Since they’re on the topic of the gods, my friends figure they should ask Gwen for clarifications.
“Moros is the god of fate. To put it simply, he makes predictions. Whether the ultimate result is good or bad, he goes there.”
“Do you think he’s with Glen because he knows of an outcome?” Aster asked.
“Maybe. If she asked him to teleport here, she would’ve been here by now.”
“There’s no way to know the outcome unless Glen orders him to, yes?” Agnes asked.
“Correct. If Nyx (Glen) doesn’t order him to, he simply won’t say anything. Whatever the gods do remains among themselves. After all, why would the gods bother to tell humans their business?”
“I suppose there is nothing to do except wait,” Maury said. He’s sitting on the sofa with his head lowered, clutching his phone. Agnes sits next to him, gazing with a worried expression and humbly placing a hand on his knee.
The silence in the room is unbearable. Even after turning on the TV to watch a movie, the tension hasn’t died down. Waiting for the results will be torturous and troublesome.
Date: January 16
Time: Evening, New Moon
Another week passed. Agnes receives a phone call from her uncle. She immediately responds. The others nervously await the results.
“Uncle, were you able to... I see... you couldn’t, but... Are you sure? You talked to every employee, and they didn’t see anything?... alright. Thank you... Yes, we’ll talk later.” With the press of a button, Agnes ends the call. She drops her arms while still holding her phone.
“Agnes, what...” Maury probed.
“He doesn’t know. He couldn’t find her. He said he’ll continue investigating, but he has no idea where to find her. He asked every employee of the hotel, and they said they saw nothing. Glen has... disappeared.”
“No! That’s a lie! Glen can’t be gone! She can’t...” Maury’s voice quivers as his body trembles. The notice shot him to his core. As someone who is cheerful, the impact of the news strikes him hard. Tears well up in his eyes. He covers his mouth as he rushes to my room and slams the door.
“Mr. Maury!” Agnes attempted to dash after Maury, but Aster stops by placing a hand on her shoulder. “But...” she objected, turning towards him, but Aster shakes his head. Agnes returns to the sofa and starts to cry.
“Agnes...” Gwen mumbled, sitting on the sofa in cat form. She rubs her head on her side in hopes of comforting her. Aster sits next to her and taps her shoulder. “Is there a way? Any way to contact Moros?” he asked with desperation.
Gwen reverts to her usual form.
“I’ve already told you, no. I tried again today. Moros doesn’t listen to me anymore. He has no need since Glen is now Nyx. If Glen doesn’t say anything, he will not go against her order.”
“How can you trust Moros so much? You know he almost screwed us over.”
“True but he saved us many times. And the only reason he did was because I was possessed by Nyx. He was the one who allowed us to travel to the Underworld. And he saved us when the Underworld collapsed by bringing us back. Are you implying he is the culprit somehow?”
“Who else would it be beside him?”
“Aster, you disappoint me. I thought you’re smarter than this.”
“What do you want me to do, Gwen? Believe him no matter what?”
“Since I died, Moros helped me out with the spirit possession. He also helped look for possible candidates of Nyx. No matter what you say about him, my word will not change.”
“Is it so?” a familiar voice asked.
“Liz, is it you?” Gwen asked upon taking note.
“My host went to sleep, and I took over. I’ve overheard. Lady Glen is with Moros, and you still believe in him thinking he didn’t kidnap her.”
/>
“Yes, I do and to accuse him will be wrong!”
“Why? Explain yourself!” Liz demands as she stands with hands on her hips.
“Do you two have any proof?”
“What proof do you need when Glen isn’t found?!” Aster snapped.
“Exactly! Your ego is the reason for this whole mess. By supporting him, you have become his accomplice. Lady Glen is in trouble because of you. Do you realize this? Tell us the truth, Gwen. Do you know something we don’t?”
Gwen sighs. “Yes, I do.”
“Tell us then!!” Liz snapped, lifting Gwen up.
“Because I know,” Gwen responded. “I know because I’m a psychic, Liz. I know Glen is safe. I know Moros isn’t the culprit. I know it in my mind because I can see. I vision.”
“I don’t understand,” Liz whispered.
“It is true. Gwen developed a unique set of abilities after her death. The people of this world call this psychokinesis. Basically, it’s all about using the mind.” Aster steps in to clarify Liz, who listens attentively.
“A spell by using only the mind? I never heard such a thing. How is that possible?”
“Few people have been using the spells we used to know. Unless they’re lucky to have someone teach them, those spells will become extinct.”
“The world has evolved. Things change...”
“Yes, Liz. They have changed,” Gwen said.
“I apologize, Gwen. I never had an outburst like this.”
“Same here. We’re worried, so it’s normal to overreact,” Aster added.
Liz lowers Gwen to the sofa. Agnes’ soul returns as she and Aster extend the couch outward to a sofa-bed. Despite their worries, they manage to sleep by closing their eyes.
Meanwhile, Maury sits on the floor with his back to the door. He cries as he gets up and walks to my bed. He slowly crawls up and sleeps on it.
Wait, Maury’s on my bed? I have no comment. In fact, I have no right to comment considering the situation. He misses me. I miss him too.
“This bed has her scent, her warmth,” Maury murmured. Countless memories flow continuously into his mind, each with increased intensity. His tears soak into my pillow. After sobbing for a bit, Maury pulls up the duvet to sleep.
Legacy of Dolyn Page 19