An answer must be given. Silence isn’t an option. Acceptance is unacceptable.

The answer is clear.

Dalafaem, spawn, and Lord.

Those with the vision, those freed from their masters’ yolks, and the one who they tried to erase.

We of Zero Point.

We who watch over the Void’s ingress.

We are not many.

We are not strong.

But we are cunning.

We are patient.

We are everywhere.

Our lives dismissed as pointless. Turned away by our own kin. Rejected and cast aside. Pariahs.

We will fight where they will not.

Tentacle, quill, and song will lead the fight.

We will guide, teach, train, and nurture all who ask it of us.

Our home is your home. If you carry the light of Dalafaem, you are one of us. If you can see what others cannot, you are one of us. If you manifest your soul’s visions, you are one of us and you are welcome.

Even those without the gift are welcome among our ranks. If you resist the Void, call Zero Point your home.

Join us in the fight.

Victory isn’t guaranteed. Earth may yet fall and humanity nothing more than another notch on the Void’s bloodied axe.

But not all is lost. Not yet, anyway.

So who will stand and fight the Void?

We will.

You will.

We are the answer.

Together we stand.

Together we fight.

Our answer will be loud and violent. Blood of all colors will spill. But an answer, regardless of its wording, is still an answer.

And this is ours:

We will not go quietly.

They came without warning. Silent and unnoticed.

They carved their way into our society with deft accuracy. Played on our weaknesses. Our insecurities. We let them undermine us. Compromise us. For all intents and purposes, they’d already won.

In a matter of days what took humanity centuries to carve out was redistributed among their territorial claims. And we let them.

Our resistance was pitiful. Their stain upon our world rendered our weapons capable of ending millions of human lives in a single blast inert.

They let us fire one. We saw the result. Human lives erased and they thrived. The Void thrived on our death and carrion. Radiation a comfort to them.

We never stood a chance.

They crept and crawled while we fought ourselves. Simple lesser spawns harrying human lives. Lords waiting silently to step in and bring order to merciless chaos.

It didn’t take long for them to offer solutions. A way forward for humanity. The world had changed we just didn’t realize how much. It wasn’t even out world anymore.

One by one they laid claim to swaths of our planet. Five out of nine made their presences known. They reorganized our lives. Our existences. We saw their manipulation as a salve. There was nothing else we could do. Fighting would be extinction.

But these lords… They didn’t seem to want us dead. In fact, they tailored their rule to the areas they occupied. Mimicked our cultures and traditions.

Seamless.

But they didn’t know. They didn’t understand. It was all death in the end. Our only choice was swift or slow. And they’d chosen complacency.

“We” became “them”. They bowed and the question was asked in silent darkness. In the corners of dim resistance, it echoed. The lords heard it and gave no answer. To them, there was none. Their rule was now absolute. And they, the masses, had accepted it.

So who, then, will answer the Void’s question?

Who will stand?

Who will give answer to their endless eons of slaughter?

Who will fight the Void?

The Arboreal Land Octopus is said to be an urban legend or at best a cryptid.

It’s said to be closely related to it’s oceanic counterparts save some critical evolutionary diversions.

One would think the Arboreal Land Octopus would evolve authentic lungs and carry oxegynated blood to match. Instead, it has evolved vestigial lungs that serve no practical purpose as it managed to exist without the need for respiration.

It does bleed, but it’s blood is of a thicker substance than that of humans. It also bleeds a deep shade of violet rather than the expected red or blue.

The Arboreal Land Octopus is a very curious creature. It’ll thoroughly examine anything it can get it’s tentacles on. Tasting with its suckers.

Though it often finds itself up in trees, its known to have issues with heights. As in, it can go up, but struggles to get back down. It could easily fall from the tree and land on its tendrils, but it hesitates with every descent.

The Arboreal Land Octopus is carnivorous. It will occasionally consume fruits and vegetation, but its primary source of nutrients is meat.

Sometimes its willing to hunt, but more often than not it simply lies in wait for something to tread too close. Its barely hidden among the branches and yet it still finds easy prey and remains well fed.

“Jeron for the love of God help me down from here!”

The Arboreal Land Octopus is also very loud when it wants to be. Despite its size it can move in deft silence or lumbering stomps. It makes noises from its mouth hole when it needs to communicate.

“You know I hate heights…”

It protests when up in high branches, yet spends much of its time gliding through the air on tentacle-powered propulsion. It doesn’t fly, more glides and falls with style, but it does spend much of its days airborne.

“Whatever you’re writing stop.”

For some reason, it struggles with going down when in a staionary position, for example, from up in a tree.

“This isn’t funny.”

“Sylus, you put yourself up there, you can get yourself back down.”

“Can I?”

“Just drop down.”

“It’s not that easy!”

“Yes it is.”

The weight of the Arboreal Land Octopus causes the branches beneath it to creak and bend.

“Jeron!”

I bring my guitar around front and play a simple song placing a bubble beneath Sylus.

With a sigh, he releases his branch and lands unceremoniously onto my bubble.

The Arboreal Land Octopus has safely descending from its verdant perch.

“What are you even writing?” He struggles to squirm off the bubble.

I play a note, popping the bubble.

The Arboreal Land Octopus lands on its substantial haunches.

“Christ.” He hissed. “What’s so damn funny?” He stood up, rubbing his backside.

I closed my journal and smirked. “You.”

I followed behind as Sylus boarded the bus. I wasn’t entirely sure why we were taking public transit when we could just teleport. Maybe we were going somehwere new? All he said was: “It’s something everyone should do at least once in their life.” I’m all for new experiences.

It was dark out. Night had fallen on New Hampton hours ago. We’d been walking around, basking in the man made lights of a bustling city. One that had already begun tilting toward the xanthous hue of it’s new master.

The air was heavy and stagnant. Humidity drenched my skin. Sylus, in his customary suit and tie, looked entirely unphased.

“Want the inside or-?”

“Hm?” I tuned back in to reality. “I’ll sit on the outside if that’s not a problem.”

“Not a problem at all.” He chuckled.

We made our way about halfway back, his head just shy of scraping the ceiling. He looked bigger and more lumbery-er than usual. He slid into a seat and patted the one beside him. Surprisingly, their was enough room for both of us. I was worried if I’d fit beside his massive thighs.

As we got under way, the passing lights of the world outside became mesmerizing. They’d flash through the dark cabin of the bus and across Sylus’ face. He was very interested in the world outside. I wasn’t. I was more interested at all the different colors his face turned as we passed light source after light source.

I leaned over, resting my head on his shoulder. He put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. I sighed.

I had no idea where we were going or what the plan was, but it didn’t matter. Nothing beyond this moment mattered.

I felt something smoothe yet firm against my leg. I cracked my eyes open just enough to see a tendril snaking down my pants.

“Hey now,” I patted him on the chest. It wasn’t like anyone else could see it, but this was a public place and there were at least ten other people on here with us.

He smiled, still looking out the window.

The tendril settled benignly on my thigh.

In return, I slid my own hand between the buttons of his shirt.

He rumbled and gave a low, contented growl in reply.

I snuggled back up against him and let my eyes close once more.

“Wanna watch me turn a 25¢ bag of dried noodles into a culinary masterpiece?”

I lowered my book. “Excuse me?”

“Deluxe ramen from a bag.” Sylus held a packet of chicken “flavored” ramen.

“What?” I replied flatly.

“Trust me. I can make a feast out of this bad boy.” He shook the bag. “Want some?”

I sighed. Cheap instant food wasn’t exactly my favorite thing in the world. But it was low effort and Sylus was offering.

“Fine.” I sighed.

“You won’t regret it.” He winked and weave walked to the kitchen below.

I shrugged. It’d probably be delishious, but I couldn’t help but have my doubts.

The scent of boiling noodles and vegetables wafted up the stairs. Unexpected. Some actual chicken? A little fish? I cocked a brow.

Some time later Sylus returned with two heaping bowls of steaming soup.

“Here.” He offered me one on a plate. With it came a pair of wooden chop sticks and a deep ladel-like spoon. I put my book down, took it and sat it in my lap.

Sylus settled on the couch and immediately dug in.

I stirred the bowl. It was full of all kinds of incredients and not just cheap noodles. All of it erred on the more affordable side, but I couldn’t deny the diversity.

I scooped a bit of everything up, blew it off, and shoved it directly into my mouth.

To say it was delicious was an understatement. Likely tempered by my very low expectations, I found Sylus’ ramen to be one of the most savory things I’d ever eaten.

Slurping the last of the broth, I put the bowl down on the bookshelf beside me.

“That was amazing, Sy.”

“Mm.” He nodded. “A real flash from the past.” He forced a somber laugh.

“How did you turn cheap noodles into something that actually resembled a hearty meal?”

He shrugged. “You learn a thing or two when you’re homeless and have to feed a kid with zero budget. Usually all that extra stuff was near expiration or past it’s shelf life so I could either haggle for it or, well, pilfer it.” He shook his head. “Ramen nights were Daniel’s favorite. Thankfully,” he placed his empty bowl on the center coffee table, “those days are long behind both of us.”

A sobering cloud filled the room.

“Oh don’t be down about it.” He laughed. “The past is the past. We learn and grow from it. Can’t let it tear us down, can we?”

I crossed the room and sat beside him on the couch. Resting my head on his shoulder I took a deep breath. “I suppose we can’t, can we?”

“The old proverb goes ‘you are what you eat’.”

“Yes, and?” I already knew I wasn’t going to like where he was going with this.

“And I eat humans and spawns which coincidentally lines up with my anatomy being half human half spawn. Therefore, by that logic, everyone is, quite literally, what they eat. If they ate higher life forms.” He scratched his chin. “It makes sense on a cosmic level.”

I slapped a hand over my face. “You also eat pork and beef. Are you a pig and cow too?”

“Irrelevant. I said higher lifeforms.”

I sighed. “You’re insane.”

“Took you how long to notice? No but seriously, maybe I’m more 1/4 human and 3/4 spawn based on my diet.”

“Jesus Christ, Sylus…”

“I like being partially human at all times.”

“You’re a human soul. That’s as human as you have to be.”

“Run my Vrilk through some tests. Bet you’ll find residual human DNA that isn’t mine. Wore mine out a long time ago…”

“How about we don’t do that?”

“Well now I’m curious.”

“We are NOT running your Vrilk through a battery of medical tests just to see how many people you’ve eaten! That’s beyond morbid, Sylus!”

“I mean I know how many people I’ve eaten. Hard to forget, really. I’m more curious about how much is left as residual.”

“This conversation is over. Mull it over with Qaitax if you have to, but I’m checking out.”

“Wonder if anything would show up on 23 and Me…”

“SYLUS!”

“You have 100 living relatives extending from 12 different people… Congratulations you somehow broke the system.”

“SYLUS! STOP! Oh my GOD! STOP!”

He scratched his chin. “It’s more than twelve anyway.”

“SYLUS!”

Sylus stood at the edge of the lapping ocean in nothing but a pair of black swim trunks with little purple squids on them. He stared at the water as it dared encroached on him, an angry eldritch god. How dare nature command the tides?

I sat on a towel laid out on the warm sand watching him incase his thalassaphobia got the better of him.

“I’m a GOD for FUCKSSAKE!” He cried out drawing the attention of some of our fellow beach-goers. Unlike myself, they couldn’t see his tentacles flailing wildly.

“You’re a human consciousness piloting the body of a ‘god’.” I called back to him.

“There’s seaweed and dead shit in there…”

I lowered my sunglasses and glared over them.

“The ocean is gross.” He kicked a wave as if it’d care. “Deep, dark, cold.” He shivered as he retreated to his blanket beside me. “I’m over it and I don’t care what my alien squid ‘brain’ says.”

“What if Qaitax wants to go for a swim?” I chided.

“Then I’ll take a nap and he can go sit at the bottom of the ocean for an hour.”

I pulled a book out of the backpack I brought with us. “I’ve got time.”

“Don’t encourage him!” He cried out.

“Well someone besides me has to enjoy themselves today.”

“You’d rather be alone than sitting here with me?” His voice barely shook.

“Oh my god, big guy.” I patted his belly. “Relax.” I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I’m just giving you two the option.”

“Great. He does, in fact, want to sit down on the cold dark.” Sylus sounded on the brink of tears. “Fine. You deal with him, then.” With a huff, he closed his eyes.

When they opened again I was looking at Qaitax’s violet crosses stretched across a sea of black. He got up without a word and made his way to the water.

“Not even a hello?” I laughed.

“I have fifteen minutes. Greetings can wait.” He waved me off over his shoulder.

I snorted. “Have fun and don’t stress Sylus out too much.”

With that he waded out and vanished beneath the waves.

Knowing them, I knew this might happen so I came prepared. I reached into the backpack and removed a fleecy blanket. I rested it on his towel in the sunlight to let it get warm.

“Fifteen minutes.” I picked up my book. “Probably should have asked how long I should wait before worrying.” I shrugged. “It’s not like they have to breathe or anything.”

Fifteen minutes passed. I wasn’t worried.

Thirty went by. Sylus did initially say an hour.

Forty-five minutes. I finally looked up from my book. No sign of him.

I could hear some people muttering about seeing a man wade out and not come back. Some glanced at me and found my lack of concern disturbing. I sighed. It wasn’t like I could just say “He’s a Voidlord he’s fine.” No one knew what that was. Not yet anyway.

Then again, an hour ticked on and neither of them reappeared.

As invasive as it was, I opened up outlr conduit.

You two okay?

Uncharacteristic silence came in response.

“Ah shit.” I stood up and made my way to the water.

I started picturing him having a panic attack down in the darkness. Qaitax pulling a bait and switch to “strengthen his resolve” as the monster put it. He was always doing shit like that to Sylus. Pushing his boundaries, actively putting him in traumatizing situations. I would’ve called it abusive if I didn’t know it helped Sylus to some small degree.

The way Sylus put it was, if things truly went south, Qaitax would save him. He’d rather face his fears on his own terms than forced to in conflict.

As much as I hated seeing him in tears and pain, I accepted that.

But this felt different. Something wasn’t right. The lack of communication wasn’t like Sylus at all, but it was very much like Qaitax. Creature of few words unless they were taunting and aggressive.

Answer me, Qaitax.

Silence.

I pinched my nose and tossed my sunglasses back onto my towel. Guess I was going in. Not that I could go as deep as they could. Not that I could even really begin looking for them… I sat down in the shallows, knees pulled to my chest and did the only thing I could do: wait.

90 minutes after they submurged, their pale face emerged far out in the depths.

I stood up trying not to look as upset as I felt.

They went back under, a dark shadow signifying their approach. I just stood there trying to meter my feelings. No crying, no yelling. I took a deep breath as they stood up, their shoulders above the waves.

I put my hands on my hips.

He lifted his arm. An orange octopus clung to it. “His name is Corky and he likes mussels.” It was Sylus. I let loose a sigh of relief.

“You could have just told me you were making friends!” I almost shouted.

“I did?” He paused. “You bastard.” He hissed.

“How long did it take him to abandon you?”

Sylus motioned to give him a minute. He rubbed his tentacles together making some squeaking noises. The octopus did something similar before releasing his arm. He ducked under before surfacing for the last time. He lumbered out of the water and stood before me.

“I wasn’t exactly happy about it.” He sighed. “Corky latched onto Qaitax and he couldn’t stand it, so he put me up to deal with it. I learned octopus by the way.”

“Why didn’t you answer me?” My worry was dissipating in the form of anxious shakes.

“I did. But a certain someone intercepted.”

“He can do that?!” My trust for Qaitax was already thin and I knew he had none for me.

“Apparently.” He signed. “Can I get out of the water now? I’m cold and generally uncomfortable.”

I took his arm and lead him back to his blanket.

He flopped down unceremoniously and I sat down beside him, picking up my sunglasses and book. He moved the plush blanket under his head like a pillow and muttered a sentiment of gratitude. I nodded in reply.

“Well I’m glad it wasn’t a disaster, but we really need to talk about that interference thing. Major safety issue.”

He nodded. “I’m less than pleased.”

I sighed as I patted his broad, pale back. “Don’t burn, okay?”

“Can’t. No melanin.”

“I know.” I breathed.

I intended to keep reading, but instead I laid down and closed my eyes.

I turned to Sylus. He was unconscious. I couldn’t tell if he was actually asleep or fighting with Qaitax, but he was out like a light bulb.

I squirmed over and threw an arm over him and rested my head on his.

“I’m glad you made a friend.” I breathed before my anxiety left me groggy and I fell into a nap of my own.

I walked into the kitchen, strumming my guitar. Sylus stood at the stove, prepping for tomorrow.

🎶It’s in the way you smile

“What?”

🎶It’s in the way you laugh

He looked around.

It’s in the way you talk
It’s in the way you walk
That makes me say ‘I love you’

He blushed and laughed nervously.

It’s in the way you wear your hair
The way you shine your shoes “Even your sneakers for God’s sake.”
The way you wear your tie. I tugged on it.

He was slowly stopping what he was doing.

It’s in the way you walk
It’s in the way you talk
That makes me say ‘I love you‘

“What’s going on right now?” He forced an awkward laugh.

I circled around him to his other side.

It’s in the way you snore I dropped my head to the side and snorted.
It’s in the way you dream “If ya know what I mean.” I winked.
It’s in the way you walk
In the way you talk
That makes me say ‘I love you’

It’s in the way you cook “I think it’s burning.” He cried out as he returned his attention to the stove.
It’s in the way you dress “365 days of formal wear”
It’s in the way you walk
It’s in the way you talk
That makes me say ‘I love you’

It’s in your smile
In your impeccable guile
In the tales you tell
In the way you smell
It’s in your clothes so snug
In the way you hug
I just wanna say ‘I love you’

He was flushing a deep shade of violet as I continued strumming on my guitar.

Ooooh forever is a very long tiiiime
At least that what I hear them saaaaaay
But I think I’ll be okaaaaay
As long as I can call you miiiine

He sighed as he dumped whatever was in his pan in the garbage before he, himself, in his deeply baritone voice, began to sing.

It’s in the way you strum
It’s in the way you hum
It’s in the hue of your soul
It’s in the way you roll

“Wow nice one.” I mocked with a laugh.

It’s in the way you walk
It’s in the way you talk
That makes me say ‘I need you’

I sighed.

It’s in the way you pile way too much food on my plaaaaate

It’s in the way you shovel it all in your mouth I harmonized.

It’s in the way you taaaaaste He was trying to drive me off with awkwardness. Little did he know…

It’s in the size of your waaaaaaist

He balked and huffed.

“Did I win?” I laughed.

It’s in the size of you c-

SOCKS! I interrupted.

“Well you know what they say about big feet?” He waggled a bushy brow.

“Jesus Christ Sylus…”‘

He cleared his throat.

It’s in the way you… care...
Th-the way you hold me tight
The way you keep me safe
The way you… T-touch me… “A-and it doesn’t hurt…”
I-it’s on the way you walk
It’s in the way you talk
That makes me say… I… He deflated. “I’m so sorry.” I need youuuuu

I stopped playing and took his face in my hands. “You don’t have to say it.”

“You deserve to hear it.”

“And I will, whenever you’re ready.” I smiled.

He leaned in close. It’s in your gentle touch He sang on his own.
It’s in your unending patience
It’s in the way you make me feel
Sometimes I can’t believe it’s real
It’s in the way you walk
It’s in the way you talk
And all the ways you say ‘I love you’

I closed the distance with a soft kiss.

Viscera rained down from the sky. Yellow globs mixed with sprays of violet. Feathers and tendrils plummeted to earth.

Soil flew from its resting place as my feet slammed back onto the ground. I was up and striking a chord on my guitar, wiping out a watcher as it dove after me. Sylus crashed down beside me. Tendrils whipped through the air as he thrust himself skyward once more.

We were on the brink of overwhelm. I knew what we had to do, but I had to get both Sylus and Qaitax on board.

Open it. I sent the thought through our connection. Open it and let’s end this.

A screech ripped through my mind. As much as it hurt, I was used to this tactic. It was Qaitax’s defense mechanism. He was, very literally, making sure I wasn’t, well, aroused. And if I was, the shriek would clear my mind. I had to be thinking clearly and he had to be sure of it.

I sent a few spells Sylus’ way, lending him my strength. We were already on a feedback loop. I drew from his core, strengthened it, and sent it back to him or used it to combat foes. The next step was a free flowing connection of souls.

For all intents and purposes, and in the eyes of the Void, we would be one. Our powers and strength fully combined. The fight would be over in minutes. But it was incredibly-

Dangerous. He replied to my request.

I know.

He settled gently beside me, a far cry from his usually booming landings. Where I sprayed dust, he made craters. He was capable of grace, but he reserved that for me and me alone.

He closed his eyes and I closed mine.

Time stopped.

Opening our eyes, we stood upon a field of violet irises swaying on golden stems. Stars and galaxies swirled in the sky above. The moon hung low, massive and silver, but whole. A lone willow waved in the distance.

Humming broke the still silence. His half of our song met my ears.

I closed my eyes and added my own.

I felt his hand graze mine. I took hold of it.

We hummed together until the barriers of our souls collapsed.

Our eyes alight with eldritch flame, we returned to reality as one.

Two bodies, one soul. One will.

The floral scarring that marked the right side of my body, from head to toe, glowed violet as fire coursed through my veins.

The power that now filled every inch of my flesh was beyond exhilarating.

Our thoughts and feelings flowed freely between us. He, too, was bursting with energy.

I took to the sky on chord-cast bubbles of ancient magic.

Sylus was right behind me, launching himself with a cackling howl. The Void Wolf was unleashed.

Out the corner of my eye, I watched his jaw snap open before clamping around a watcher’s scrawny throat. It screamed it’s last caw as it’s throat was ripped from its neck. Tentacles flew out in a web of flesh catching countless spawns in their grasp. All of them pulverized at once sending a spray of yellow mist into the air.

I cast a net of my own. With a strum of my strings, a thousand bubbles launched forth seeking the cold blood Voidal life. As they met their targets they latched on to claw and wing. A spare few snagged Sylus’ outstretched tendrils. Nothing went to waste. Good. Striking another chord, every single bubble burst unleashing my own wave of xanthous viscera. Sylus roared as my spare bubbles strengthened his wild blows.

I caught Sylus as he descended and threw him back into the air. He cackled and hollered as he shot into a flock. Again he took hold of several screeching watchers before making a death dive for the ground below. Slamming them into the earth, their blood filled every crack we’d forged throughout the battle.

To the west, sigils began glistening in the sunlight. They were hard to spot to a normal eye. But nothing was normal about either of us.

Wings of shimmering bubbles sprouted from my back as I darted after them. I could take a guardian if Sylus would handle the rest, though the plan was to stop the guardian from happening at all.

He careened into the gathering before I could reach them. Hooting and howling he tore them to shreds midair. I was quick to pick up on another group and diverted my attention there. I felt Sylus key into yet another group.

We knew this tactic well and we knew we couldn’t stop it. Too many summoning their greater demons at once.

We landed on the ground together and waited for their eldritch magic to crush their scraggly bones together into their almighty guardian.

Sylus snarled and huffed as he stood hunched over, tendrils already poised to launch himself back into the sky.

I played a few idle notes as I kept my gaze trained on the watcher flocks that dotted the sky.

The distinct sound of bones cracking and flesh squelching filled the air.

“THERE!” Sylus cried out as he burst into the air.

Sure enough a guardian had spawned to the north. All of the remaining summoning watchers converged on its location.

Sylus knew the plan. He caught the small ones and tore them apart. I flew directly for the watcher’s eye, summoning my guitar’s crystalline blades. Spines guarded it like bony lashes. I had to chop through them, evading it’s own bladed feathers and thrashing spikes.

Sylus lost momentum and fell to the ground. For a brief moment I was fully exposed. I disconnected from the guardian and played a chord raised a protective shield around myself. They screamed and clacked their beaks as they clawed at my bubble. I sneered as a crack finally appeared in it’s surface. The crack spidered until the bubble burst, blowing up the surrounding watchers with it.

I smirked, but my victory was short lived. The guardian had taken the opportunity to ready itself. A flurry of feathered blades shot toward me. I managed to dodge some, but most ended up in my flesh. I cried out as my own red blood splattered out. I could barely hold myself together as a flock of watchers turned on me to finish what the guardian had started.

An otherworldly howl rang out. Primal fear shot down my spine. I looked down to find the gaunt king standing where Sylus had landed. This wasn’t part of the plan.

A tendril-woven, wolf-like creature unleashed a back full of tentacles into the sky. No features adorned it’s blank Y-shaped head. That is until it split open sideways revealing countless gnashing teeth and a salivating, cavernous opening. Watcher after watcher was dragged down into his maw. A massive shackle around his belly meant he could only eat so much, but feast he did.

I felt the crack forming in our connection. Sylus was slipping away. If Qaitax had to step up, I’d lose control of my own powers.

What the hell are you doing?! I thought to him. We talked about this!

My stomach lurched in response. A fraction of his unending hunger shot through my core. I cried out as I lost my composure and fell from the sky. I hit the ground, knocking the wind from my lungs.

SYLUS!

Things were taking a dire turn. The gaunt king was a horrific weapon of absolute destruction, but it came at the price of Sylus’ consciousness. He knew he couldn’t just whip it out and yet he did without even saying a word to me. It was a last ditch solution, not a causal attack. I was furious.

Watchers were raining down. Unless we could get back in control it was over.

I closed my eyes.

Time stopped.

I found Sylus crouched down in our field of eternity clutching his head. He wept and screamed. He wasn’t in control anymore. The dark wisp behind me told me Qaitax wasn’t either.

“What the hell happened!?” I cried out.

“Hng so fucking hungry so hungry… It hurts it AH it hurts…”

Off in the distance I could see our frozen conflict. The gaunt king was mashing it’s face with watchers while the guardian had turned its massive cycloptic gaze on me.

I turned to Qaitax lingering behind me.

“Do something!”

He took on his usual form which was identical to Sylus yet somehow looked nothing like him. He shrugged.

“You made this mess, ameltria, you figure it out.”

“I thought we were over that.” I snarled at him.

He shrugged again.

“Snap him out of it!”

“I cannot.”

“Yes you can!”

“Allow me to rephrase: I will not.”

“Bastard!”

“I’d rather you learn a lesson, ameltria. You know I’m not one to lend the easy way out.”

“Then what good are you?!” I shoved him away.

Qaitax smirked. “Tik tok, ameltria.” He returned to a wisp of darkness before vanishing.

“USELESS!” I screamed at the starry sky.

Now wasn’t the time to be cursing Qaitax. It was my own fault he was so hands-off.

I turned back to Sylus. He was barely conscious. Any longer like this and Qaitax would be forced to intervene and send him to the dark place. I couldn’t allow that. Sylus would be gone for days and I’d lose my powers.

I sat down beside him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. He shook with every sob. I rested my head against his and hummed our song. I rocked him from side to side, running my fingers through his hair. His shuddering slowed to a stop. His gasps and sobs subsided.

“I’m so hungry.” He groaned.

There was only one way to undo the gaunt king.

“Here.” I offered him my marked arm knowing it’d heal faster than my normal human arm.

He shook his head and groaned in agony.

“Sylus…” I cooed.

“Red…” He choked. “I saw red… Y-you were…”

“Oh my poor little squid. I’m okay, but I need you to be with me.” I held my arm in front of his mouth.

He shook his head again. “Wasn’t thinking. Still not thinking. AH!” He cried out as he doubled over, falling to his side in a fetal position. The same way he slept. “I’m so hungry. It’s killing me…”

In the distance I watched the gaunt king lower its head to my side. Slow and shuddering as if its movements were reduced to frames of a camera. Tendrils slithered out, shielding me from the watchers.

“Sylus…” I breathed as I laid down, wrapping my arms around him.

He lurched forward and latched onto the marked side of my neck. I cried out at the suddenness. I knew his bite well. It wasn’t sharp so much as a dull bruising feeling. The tips of his teeth curved back. I could feel those tiny hooks making their way into my flesh.

“I can’t make you suffer.” He breathed.

“I’m not suffering.” I caressed his head. “Do it, big guy.”

A tentacle came from the gaunt king’s mouth. It wrapped around my unconscious neck. I could feel its suckers pulling at my skin.

I felt him take a piece of me away in eternity. He consumed my flesh, just like I consumed his soul. It hurt, but it wasn’t the kind of pain I’d cry over.

Eternity snapped away. The gaunt king howled as it unraveled revealing a bloodied Sylus standing at its center.

He scrambled over to me and took me up in his arms. I hissed in pain and placed a hand over my bleeding neck. He pushed it aside and replaced it with his own massive grasp. I felt my body healing from his touch. The pain was gone and I was whole again.

I gazed into his flaming eyes and ran my fingers through his thick sideburns. He smiled softly before nuzzling his face in my neck.

But the fight wasn’t over. Time was moving again.

Sylus held me tightly. Our souls were still joined. I threw my arms around him. We had to close the connection. He was still unstable and I was draining his core.

From our embrace every ounce of energy we’d built up during the fight welled between us. Brilliant violet light enveloped our bodies. It grew and grew. Searing and burning away any watcher that got too close. It grew until I felt him whisper in my ear:

“I need you.”

The bubble of our power burst, destroying the spawns around us.

From its blinding glare we burst forth, spears of our united will, heaven bound for the guardian’s eye. It resisted our impact, caving in like plastic, before bursting into countless smaller eyes and flailing talons.

I took Sylus’ hand and thrust it into the center. Violet light riddled its way through the space between its eyes, each one popping one at a time.

A massive talon arched over its scorched form. I raised my shield, keeping it away just long enough for us to punch through to its core.

Sylus wrapped his fingers around the yellow light and squeezed it until it exploded in his grasp.

The guardian screamed as its very existence was undone. Its echoed and faded into nothingness as it hit the ground in a pile of formless Vrilk.

We sank to the ground in each other’s arms. Tired, worn, and spent, we collapsed into each other.

There is always a price, ameltria. Qaitax’s words echoed in my mind.

“Shut up.” Sylus and I murmured together.

I prided myself on being healthy. I ate well and stayed active. I figured I was pretty much immune to illness.

Until I woke up to my gut trying to rip itself out of my abdomen.

I rolled over Sylus and ran for the bathroom. I heard him groan as I elbowed him in the belly, but I couldn’t stop to check on him.

I fell to my knees and emptied the contents of my stomach into the porcelain throne.

Sylus wasn’t far behind. He knelt in the door way and held my locks back as I projectile vomited.

“I warned you. Straight whisky isn’t really a beginner thing.” He breathed.

I gave him a quick finger before I had to return to holding onto the bowl for dear life.

I wasn’t a drinker. I never drank except to try my cooking wines. That was it. But Sylus was drinking so I really thought I should try. He was right. I took it too far. I was trying to keep up with a being that was physically incapable of getting sick from drink. He stopped, I kept drinking. Guess I thought I had something to prove.

My stomach was killing me. My soul was trying desperately to escape my body.

I barely remembered the evening. I remember getting home. I remember giving Sylus a hard time when he was worried about me. I remember flopping on the living room rug taunting him.

“Oh God.” I groans as I hocked something up from the depths of my bowls.

He wrapped an arm around my abdomen. The warmth of his hand managed to ease the pain. I still felt like shit.

I was crying. I was disoriented and confused. I rolled from the toilet to his belly. I rested my head there and sobbed. There was probably still puke and bile on my lips but he pressed me against himself and rubbed my back.

“It’s alright, Starlight. You’re going to be alright.” He cooed.

I was barely concsious. All I could feel was the pain in my gut and head. I tried desperately to focus on Sylus. On his gentle words, his soft touch, his comforting belly. It was so hard.

I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my face as deeply into him as I could.

“Now now,” he pulled me back, “You still have to breathe.”

I squeezed him tightly as I slowly caught my breath.

“I’m sorry.” I muttered. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what, my love?”

“Drooling barf all over your shirt.” I rubbed my face in his belly. “Seeing me like this… I’m a gross mess.”

“Why on earth would you even think any of that?”

“I’m not supposed to get sick.”

“Not supposed to-what? What are you saying?” He stroked the back of my head. “Oh it’s just the drink talking.”

“I’m so… Mortal compared to you. It’s pathetic. I’m pathetic.”

“Now now.” He held me tight. “None of that bollocks is true and you know it. You are so very very strong, Starlight. Stronger than you know.”

I moans as I pressed myself into him again.

“Your only shortcoming is needing to breathe.” He chuckled as he pulled my head out of his stomach again.

I held me in his arms, rubbing my back and head. As the pain subsided, I could feel his comfort more and more. Exhaustion started surfacing. I knew I had to get back to bed, but I couldn’t move. I was paralyzed in his embrace.

And so he sat there. Holding me. Cooing softly. Massaging my aching muscles.

He was right. I would be okay.

“I’m hungry and I don’t want to cook.”

“Sylus, cooking doesn’t even help you when you’re hungry.”

“Yes, but accept the euphemism for hunting. I’m too fat and lazy for any of that.”

“You’re neither of those things and I’ve seen you hunt.” An exhilarating shiver went down my spine. “You’re pretty scary, actually.”

“Thanks.” He growled. “But this doesn’t solve the fact that I am, in fact, lazy.”

“There’s always Trish’s place. She knows how to feed you.”

“That she does.” He patted his belly. “But I’m almost too lazy to weavewalk.”

“Well I’m not gonna go get you a whole ham so that’s your option.”

He leaned his head back on the couch and groaned.

“Fine. I’ll take us there.” I took his hand and dragged him through our pocket of the Void.

We emerged on a familiar street in New Hampton. I could have landed us right outside, but suddenly appearing on a busy corner might draw some attention. The Void wasn’t ingrained enough in society for us to be openly flaunting our powers. Instead, I took us to about a block away.

Sylus glanced over his shoulder. About ten blocks back and across the street was where his son lived in an old brownstone. He sighed.

“We can stop by if you want.”

“Absolutely not.” He barked. “I’m not in the mood to fight with Dorry.”

“You know Dan would come out to you.”

He looked at his watch. It was Friday night at 7 o’clock. A snarl rippled across his lips.

“It’s late.” He snapped. “Dinner’s closer.” His hackles were raised.

I sighed. “Alright, big guy. Stand down. I won’t push it.”

He snorted before allowing his body to relax. Talking about his son always did that to him and I should’ve known better, but every so often he’d agree to stop by. It was rare, but I always wanted to give him the chance.

We made our way to Trish’s place. A fancy steakhouse furnished with dark woods and leather. The exterior was brick with a tarnished copper overhang. After years of exposure to weather, it now practically glistened green.

Inside we were welcomed by the usual mater de, Marcel. “Good evening, gentlemen.” He bowed lightly, shaking his freshly colored and beaded braids around is face.

“Good evening, Marcel.” I bowed my head in response.

He lead us to our usual table and furnished us with our regular priceless menus and a tasteful glass jug of water..

“Half N Half?” He nodded to Sylus.

“As always.” Sylus grinned. “But give is a moment, please?”

“I’ll have the prescutto wrapped fille mignon medallions. Medium rare.” I knew what I wanted before we even arrived.

Marcel chuckled as he left us to ourselves.

Sylus stomach roared. “Ugh.” He groaned as he rested his head on the table.

“There there.” I patted his belly under the table. “You’re gonna be okay.”

I could feel his hunger and it was never a simple thing. A lot of who and what he was was tied to that deep, aching feeling. What I felt was only a fraction of it. It was gut lurching but also somewhere between agonizing and, well, intoxicating. I knew what it meant to him, to be hungry. And I knew he wanted more than food. More than to consume.

But this was a decent establishment in a nice side of town.

Plus Trish would murder us if we did anything unseemly.

Not that I would.

Not in public, anyway.

Probably.

Anyway, I knew he was incredibly uncomfortable and there was very little I could do about it.

Well, there was something. I put a hand on his belly and kneaded. He gave me the usual warbling growl in return. I smiled.

He finally sat back so I could see his beautiful violet eyes. Sometimes it made me wish my own eyes matched, but I’d gotten so used to having the best of both worlds I knew I could never go back. The way he sideeyed me as I squeezed him complicated my own feelings.

As always, our meals were out far faster than should have been possible. Trish was one of the gifted. I’m not sure where she stood on the hierarchy of void magic, but she had a conduit, same as me, and she used it frequently to create things. Where I made music, she made food. If I recall correctly, it was a skillet.

Sylus’ meal was left on a cart and mine was placed before me.

“Enjoy.” Marcel bowed. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Thank you, Marcel.” I nodded.

With a smile, he left us.

Placing my napkin on my lap, I picked up my fork and knife and cut into my meal. It was perfect as always.

Sylus was picking at his food which consisted of half a cow and half a pig. No heads or legs, but you know what you were looking at. All of it together was pretty much the same as if he went out and hunted a spawn himself. It was the most food I’d ever seen in a restaurant.

He was always weird about it, though. It was far from our first time doing this. He’d pick at it with his utensils, get barely a forkful, put it in his mouth, chew slowly, and swallow. It annoyed the shit out of me. I didn’t want him unhinging his jaw, but he could do better than scraping some meat off of ribs.

“Sylus.”

“Hm?”

“Eat.”

“I am eating.”

“You’re taking smaller bites than I am.”

He pursed his lips and took a slightly bigger portion.

“Why are you like this?” I groaned, dropping my fork on my plate.

His face flushed a deep shade of violet and muttered something under his breath.

“Use your words.”

“I don’t want to be a monster.”

I banged my fists on the table. “We’ve been over this, Sylus! So many times! Eat like a normal human being! Maybe a little inhuman. It’s fine!” He winced. “We’ve been over this since our first damn date! Just eat!”

He put down his utensils and buried his face in his hands.

“Oh my god stop it!” I reached over and took his arm. “Please. I just want to have a nice evening. I don’t want to be here all night while you eat your food molecule by molecule. I want to go home with you at some point!”

He pulled his arms away and sat back in the booth.

“Really?” I sat back myself. “Take me home, then.”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“You’re being an ass!”

“What do you want me to do?!” He picked up his fork, slammed it into some beef ribs, tore them off, and shoved them directly into his mouth.

I glared at him.

“What?!” He cried out around a mouthful of food.

My glare deepened.

He rolled his head on his shoulders before swallowing.

“Eat like normal!” I barked.

“WHAT IS NORMAL?! My normal? Your normal?” He took another rib, put it on his plate, picked it up in his fingers, sucked the meat off and swallowed the bone.

“LIKE THAT!”

“THAT’S NOT NORMAL!”

“IT’S NORMAL ENOUGH FOR YOU!”

He roared before turning completely to his meal.

“Why was that so difficult?” I scoffed as I picked up my utensils again.

He intentionally kept his gaze away from me.

“Every time, Sylus. Every damn time.”

“Sorry.” He mumbled.

I shook my head. “I just want you to be comfortable.”

He sighed. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s just me, Sy.”

“I know.”

“Now eat. Please.”

He growled as he continued eating.

My plate was delicious as always and judging by the happy humming coming from Sylus, so was his.

Why we had to do that song and dance every time we ate here was beyond me. He knew he could eat like a wild animal and I wouldn’t care.

Then again, I knew it wasn’t about me. He was desperate to cling to some form of human civility. He was already walking a fine line and the risk of tipping over to the feral Void side was too great.

I reached across the table and squeezed his arm firmly. He paused his chewing for a moment, gave me a subtle nod, and returned to his meal.

Things were complicated for him, but I was just happy to be by his side. I could never fully understand his internal struggle. All I could do was support him to the best of my ability. Which was difficult at times because he struggled to communicate his struggles.

I felt a tendril settle in my lap beneath the table. I smiled. He was comfortable.

We finished in comfortable silence. It wasn’t the date night I’d been hoping for. Then again, I’d never said that’s what it was and unless I did, Sylus wouldn’t pick up on it. That’s okay. We had a nice quiet meal together that neither of us had to prepare.

Marcel gave us the clearance to leave. We thanked him and stepped outside.

“You good?” I asked him.

He stretched, tentacles and all, and rolled his head on his shoulders. “I suppose so.”

I put a hand on his shoulder. “You ready to head home?”

He thought for a moment. “I suppose I am.”

“No churros?”

“Carbs are bad for me.” He squeezed his stomach.

I laughed.

“Why did you want churros?”

“Not unless you do.”

He gave it some thought, a barely visible tentacle rubbing his chin. “What if I don’t?”

“Then we can go home.”

“And what if I do?”

“Then I’ll get some churros.”

He nodded sagely. “Better to have than have not, yes?”

I snorted as I took his arm and lead him to the churro stand on the corner.

Once we’d been sufficiently churroed, I slid my arm around his.

“Ready to go, big guy?”

He craned his head to the sky. “You ever wonder what it would be like if you were with a normal human being?”

“Not really. Why?”

“I just wonder what experiences I’m depriving you of just but being what I am. Like a normal dinner out.”

“I don’t know why you keep using the word ‘normal’. That doesn’t apply to either of us or even the planet anymore. In fact, I think normal is a myth conjured by people who feel like they can’t be themselves so no one else should be able to.”

“Hm.”

“Anyway, who cares about normal when I have a big fat tentacle monster as my boyfriend? Checks all the boxes for me so what does it matter?”

“What if I was just a normal human?”

“Then I would have killed you in the desert and we wouldn’t be here holding hands.”

“I wouldn’t have been chasing spawns in the first place.”

“See? We wouldn’t have even met and we’d both be worse for it, right?”

He sighed. “Right.” He shook his head. “I mean I suppose.”

I patted his chest. “Don’t worry about it, Sy. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

“Are you happy?”

“Very.”

“Then I suppose I am, too.”

“What good are you if you don’t understand it either?” Sylus muttered to himself as he sat on the floor at the living room table sifting through several sheets of plastic parts.

I sat across the room giggling to myself as he and Qaitax struggled with the build. I knew he’d ask me if wanted my help so I just sat back and read my book while they went at it. So far they had some very articulate limbs built but we’re currency struggling with torso instructions.

“Is it upside down? How much is it supposed to stick out? That’s the wrong joint thingy… Why is there so much spruuu??” He huffed. “No Qai we are not making new parts that fit together better. These’ll fit together once we figure it out-I DROPPED THE STICKER!”

I burst out laughing.

“Enjoying my misery are you?”

“If you’re not having fun, Sy, put it down for now.” I wiped a tear from my eye.

He growled before returning to his suffering. He wouldn’t stop until it was done. No matter how imperfect it turned out.

“I just absolutely maimed that sticker trying to jam those two pieces together. Why didn’t you stop me?”… “what do you mean that’s what you thought the instructions were saying? I’m the dumb mortal, Qaitax. You’re supposed to know everything.”… “So? Just because you’ve never done it before doesn’t mean you can’t tell me I’m fucking up.”… “WELL THAT’S DIFFERENT!”

I snorted. I could tune in to hear the other side of the conversation, but it was far more entertaining just hearing Sylus yelling at himself.

Once he finished the torso, he proudly attached the limbs. All that was left now was the head.

“Why aren’t the legs even?” He asked softly as if pleading with the tiny plastic parts. “Why.” He turned it over, pushed on some things, part of the torso’s belt popped off. He grumbled as he got it and put it back on. A leg fell off. He snarled as he put it back. Giving up on the mismatched leg lengths, he laid it down and began working on the head.

“Jeron.”

“Yes?” I looked up to find him standing over me.

“What do these instructions look like they’re telling me to do with these two pieces?” He offered me the paper and two plastic parts.

I laid the instructions in my lap before taking the pieces. The diagram was drawn at a weird angle, but I managed to figure out how the pieces snapped together. I offered the joined parts back to him. He bowed and returned to the couch.

The next step was for him to get the head on without popping anything else off. A gentle but firm touch was necessary. He popped an arm off, growled, put it back on, popped a belt piece off, snarled, put it back on, balanced the finished product and sat back, sighing with relief.

He sat back, arms folded across his chest and nodded with satisfaction.

“Never again?” I chuckled.

“Oh absolutely again.”

“Didn’t exactly sound like you were having fun.”

“Despite the complaints, it was worth the effort. I just need to get better at it. We just need to get better at it.”

“So Qaitax had a good time?”

“Surprisingly. I’d love to do it again, but maybe an easier build next time. I think I just skipped like five brackets. The stickers are awful and I had to jam so many pieces together because I couldn’t file the spru off good enough. But it’s done.”

It was a humanoid mecha with big black wings and purple trim.

“I’m afraid to move it.” He sighed. “But it can’t stay here.”

I motioned to the bookshelf in the corner beside me. “There’s some space there.”

He took a deep breath before lifting it carefully by its feet. He moved across the room as if he was carrying a full bowl of hot soup. He placed it down, balanced the legs, and stepped back. “There.” He breathed as he returned to the couch and flopped down. “You suck.” He mumbled to Qaitax.

I laughed. “I’m proud of you both for not giving up out of frustration. It’s a very nice robot mecha thingy. Good job.”

Sylus groaned.

Cooking is my passion. Work aside, I adore it. Making good food, feeding people, seeing the smiles on their faces, cleaning their empty plates… It just floods my brain with dopamine.

Don’t get me wrong, I love making music, too. Where cooking gives me structure, I let music be my time to unwind and just do something for myself.

Between the two I like to think I have a pretty healthy grasp on my work/life balance.

Sylus, on the other hand, likes cooking, but it’s not the same for him. I think he just likes sharing in something with me more than anything else. He’s a good cook, without a doubt, but it doesn’t call to him. It doesn’t feed his soul like it does mine.

Never you worry, Sylus is well fed regardless.

He had a similar relationship with music as I do, but he’s more than once expressed a desire to have something to do with his hands. He used to dabble in lasers cutting, but life pulled that away from him. So there’s a hole left there that cooking doesn’t quite fill.

In another life, as he used to say, he was a Sci fi writer. He has yet to let me see any of his work and I stopped pestering him when I realized how sore of a spot it really was. He had dreams of publishing. Of being one of those homegrown success stories rising from the ashes of a miserable life. Instead live made him a dead eldritch god and writing had to take a step back.

He seems a bit hollow when asked what his interests are. It’s the same response every time: Protecting the people he loves. It’s not a very good answer either because that’s more of a role than an interest. Still, that’s all he says he cares about.

Meanwhile he loves working on cars and identifying flowers yet none of these things register as interests to him. Why? Because they’re impractical. He can’t actually repair a car so much as tinker around under the hood and what good is identifying flowers?

I know how useful those skills could be, but he doesn’t see it.

Though thick, I know his hands to be incredibly dexterous. As a whole he’s deceptively agile. I know how well he can navigate tight spaces despite his size. So I knew he could handle the task I’d picked out for him

I handed him a box wrapped in brown paper. He glanced between me and the object, cocking a brow.

“What’s the occasion?”

“Well, maybe I’ve made a bit of an assumption, but we’re off for a few days and I thought you might like a little hands on project. Just for fun.”

He furrowed his brows as he opened the package. I’m not sure what was going on in his head as he processed what he was looking at. Once he held the unwrapped box in his hands he just stared at it.

“Struck out, huh?” I chuckled.

I think he was reading the box even though it was largely I another language. I forget sometimes that he’s an omniglot.

He read the sides and checked the back which was blank, before holding it in his hands again, studying it.

He cleared his throat. “How did you know?” He choked out.

“Know? Know what?”

“Did Aria tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

He looked over the box again. “You just found this and somehow thought I’d like it?” I was trying desperately to get a hold of his tone.

I shrugged. “You like scifi. You like machines. You like making things with your hands. It was an educated guess at best.”

He stared at the box again.

“Plus it’s got a lot of that retro clear plastic stuff and I know how much you love dated things. Bonus, it’s got a lot of purple.”

“I’ve always wanted a kit of my own.” He was almost in tears. “I love it.” He sobbed as he threw his arms around me.

It took a full wind up to swing the garbage bag into the bin. That never used to bother me but today it took the wind out of me.

I felt tired and disgusting.

I could hear Sylus talking to one of the kids.

“I understand you had to leave everything behind, but we’ll figure it out, alright?”

“What if I never find anything my soul connects to?”

“You will. You just have to learn to live again and that takes time. You’ve got a good support system here so that’s a start.”

“Yeah I guess…”

“And you are not a burden. We’ll find your conduit eventually. Once your passion returns it’ll get easier. For now that doesn’t stop you from learning the basics and getting your sight under control.”

The young Dalafaem sighed. “I guess.”

“It’s getting let. You’re tired. Go get some rest. We’ll address this again in the morning if you want.”

“Yeah okay.”

I made my way around the restaurant. Sylus was on the front stoop with his tentacles just hanging out, something he never did in public for obvious reasons.

“Sy?”

“It’s embarrassing how many of these kids are here because they have nowhere else to go.”

I took his arm. “At least we can try to give them a home.”

“And if we can’t? What then? Half of them can’t go home. Half of them have no home to go back to. I swear if another child tells me how their parents evicted them over this I’ll start rampaging.”

“You won’t.” I patted his chest. “We’ll just keep doing the best we can.”

“I couldn’t even be a father to one child and now I have 20 kids looking up to me.” He forced a laugh. “Sucks.”

“Have you invited Dan out? He’s a Dalafaem, right?”

Sylus sighed. “If I got him any further involved with this Void stuff Dorry would kill me. Bad enough he can do spells and has zero scruples about showing them off.”

“Maybe give it a try?”

“I have no desire to fight with my sister. Just as I have no desire to throw my son into harm’s way.”

“Kids could use a role model though. Someone their age.”

Sylus sighed. “Ask me in the morning. I’m tired and emotionally drained right now.”

“Come on.” I pulled him back inside. “Let’s take a quick shower.”

“Jeron… I’m not…”

“Neither am I. It’s the utilitarian option to get it done together.”

He sighed. “It’s not like we have a water bill.”

“Would you rather shower alone?”

“Not particularly.”

“Then let’s go.”

I lead him back inside and upstairs to our shared bathroom. Just as there was a master bedroom there was also a master bath, but I was still hesitant to use either. Instead, we always used the adjoining bathroom between our rooms. It was smaller by far but we both fit.

I turned on the shower and kept it on the cooler side of things. I was a sweaty mess and Sylus was neither sweaty nor a mess but he was tired.

I stripped down and hopped in. It took him a minute but he did the same. I think he was waiting to make sure I wasn’t going to pop out and undress him. Usually I would. It’s fun to take his clothes off of him. But right now, like I said, it was all utilitarian. I wanted to be in bed.

Sylus lumbered in behind me. With the two of us there was barely any room to move around.

He could stand pretty much completely still and use his tentacles to wash himself off. Collect water in suckers, wipe them off on himself, lather them with soap, literally rinse and repeat. His hair was fine tendrils, too, which made cleaning them as simple as running water over his head. The cleaned themselves like antennae but in a level I couldn’t really see so no it didn’t bother me as much as it probably should have.

I was left to take the old fashioned route. Soak, soap, rinse.

Once we were done, Sylus tendrils reached out and squeezed the water from my dreads. Incredibly convenient. He was all I could see as the flurry of tendrils milked me dry. I have him a tired smile. He returned the gesture.

Tentacles wrapped around me and lifted me gently off the ground, carrying me to bed. He placed me gently onto the mattress before collapsing beside me, tossing me ever so slightly off the surface.

He laid there, face down, and I rolled over to put an arm over him.

“Good night, big guy.” I breathed before sleep consumed me.

I was sitting on a whicker chair my mother had purchased when I was a child, blanket across my lap, scrolling through my phone. My brand new very smart phone. I’d lived my entire 32 years of existence without one and now here I was drawn into the 2X century because Sylus’ SIXTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD thought it was important we could make phone calls and send texta. Nevermind our telepathic connection. That could be tapped. Like a phone call couldn’t.

Anyway Sylus agreed so I got a phone and he upgraded from a flip phone to an equally intelligent one.

He didn’t scroll around like I did. In moments of silence he’d just knock himself out and talk to Qaitax or something. I’d be scrolling around learning stuff and catching up on decades of internet culture. I came to realize Sylus’ meme references were from about twenty years ago. But that was very much like him so I did my best not to attempt to exercise more modern iterations of memeology.

He woke up on the couch across the room, sniffed, reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, typed something, then placed it face down on his lap.

My phone chimed and a message dropped down from the top. It was from Sylus. I glared at him.

“You’re sitting right here.”

He shrugged and looked away.

“Fine.” I huffed as I opened his message.

>Send noods.

What the hell… I thought to myself. I turned to him. He was on his phone ignoring me.

I slipped my phone under the blanket. He gave me a side-eyed glance.

Sylus’ phone pinged. The tiniest puff of smoke came from his nose.

He opened the text.

His face turned purple as his cheeks puffed up. A massive belly laugh burst from his lungs.

I resumed scrolling on my phone with a grin on my lips.

“Well now I want macaroni and cheese.” He snorted.

My smile grew and a small laugh slipped through my lips.

We were sitting on the couch watching a movie when Sylus started rumbling and grumbling about. I tried to ignore him until he started pulling the blanket off my legs.

“Can I help you?” I tore it back.

He thrust his head back like the drama queen he often became.

“What, don’t like the flick? Too new for you?” I slapped him across his massive thigh.

He huffed.

“Use your words. Please.”

“I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry.” I groaned.

He shook his head. “For something specific.”

“A craving?”

He nodded.

“For what?”

A snarl rippled across his lips before a huff burst forth.

“Don’t make me read your mind, Sylus. Use your words. For the love of God please.”

He muttered something too low and fast for me to hear. I glared at him.

“Tuna melt.”

I sighed. “I can make you one if you want.”

“No. Tuna melt from a corner market in a small down in the Midwest specifically.”

I clutched my shirt. “Is mine not good enough?!”

He shook his head. “Yours is very good. I just kinda want this one right now.”

I sighed again. “How close can you get us? I don’t really feel like walking.”

“Right on their doorstep.”

“Alright.” I flopped my hand in his lap. He took it and we weave walked away.

It was a small building with a ran exterior. Definitely had neiborhood convenience store vibes.

Wherever we were, the weather was beautiful. Warm with a brisk wind and a white cloud smeared blue sky.

Sylus hurried inside and I followed.

Register and deli right inside. Aisles of goods filled the room. He made his way to the counter and I took a look at their goods. All pretty good quality. No weirdly branded stuff. Local produce and honey, decent prices. I was pleasantly surprised.

I found a bag of cherry BBQ kettle chips. Sounded weird enough.

I met Sylus on the end with the coolers. He reached in and grabbed bottle of Shirley Temple. He held the door open and I grabbed a cream soda.

“I got you one, too. I hope that’s okay.”

“You only got one?”

He nodded. “I just want the taste. Americo cheese and tomato on marble rye.”

“Sounds good.” I handed him my drink and chips and he took them to the counter to pay.

We waited a few minutes before our sandwiches were ready. He handed me our bag and carried them himself. He lead me outside and across the street to a small grassy area with some tree cover. A yellow picnic table awaited us.

I sat down, resting the bag on the table. Sylus did some fat math before deciding on sitting sideways, straddling the benc. I laughed. He offered me my sandwich. I traded it for his red sugar drink.

We each took a bite. It really was pretty good. But what made it different from mine? A tuna salad was a tuna salad.

“Dill.” Sylus explained, his hand outstretched.

That’s exactly what it was. Maybe I’d try some with my own.

“Use your words.”

“Crisps.” He flexed his fingers.

“Well I suppose that is a word.” I handed him the bag of chips. He popped it open with ease and tilted it to me, offering me the first try.

I took a red dusted chip. Definitely kettle cooked with some skin on the edges. I put it in my mouth. A spicy but warm fruity taste hit followed by a satisfying crunch. The seasoning was perfectly balanced and the cherry was far from lost in the smoky bite of the chip.

Sylus hummed approvingly.

I looked around. We were surrounded by a very nice neighborhood and a few restaurants. Buses went by in both directions. A middle class foodies’ dream.

“I’d live here.” Sylus spoke between bites. “If I was normal.” He swallowed. “If I still had Daniel. If I’d been able to get my shit together sooner.” He sighed. “I once dreamed of living in a place like this. Having food and neighbors close at hand. Quiet nights in with my son. A home. Our home. That’s… Just not my reality. Never could be.”

I reached across the table and put my hand on his.

“Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m very grateful for the life I have. Those dreams were the product of someone very different than what I’ve become.”

“How about this: When the war’s over, we’ll get a little slice of a tiny town for ourselves.”

He smiled and resumed eating. So did I.

“It’s very good. Thank you, Sylus.”

He nodded as he tidied our garbage into the bag we’d brought it in. A trash can stood on the corner just off the small park. Cheating, Sylus just teleported the bag into the bin.

He leaned back and sighed, clearly satisfied.

“That hit the spot?” I chuckled.

“It did indeed.”

“Good because it’s getting chilly and I miss our blanket.” I offered him my hand.

With a smile he took it and carried us home, right back to where we’d left.

I cuddled back under the blanket and threw it over him.

“You sure this movie isn’t too modern for your dated sensibilities?”

He leaned over, resting his head on my shoulder. “If you like it, I like it.”

“That’s not how it works.”

“How about if you like it, I can tolerate it.”

“That’s better.” I scritched his chin. “That really was a pretty good melt.”

“Small placed have the best food.”

“Very true.” I breathed before returning my attention to our movie, idly running my fingers through his hair.

“It’s weird.” Sylus was tilting his head while gnashing his teeth on his stick of gum. “I don’t exactly have masticates anymore and it keeps sticking to my hooks. And not in the most pleasant way.” He stuck his finger in his mouth to pull the gum off his teeth. “Guess that’s one human activity I have to give up.” He tossed me the rest of the pack. “If you’ll excuse me it’s getting dark and I have some cookies to pick up.”

I chuckled to myself as I followed him.

Cassidy was packing down when we approached her. Strangely enough, she was wearing sunglasses even though the sun was barely in the sky.

“Oh, you’re back?” She sounded surprised.

Sylus nodded. “I said I would be.” He offered her the cash. “How much will this get me?”

She studied his offering before digging into a duffle bag. One of each flavor and two coconut crunches and three minty minchies.

Sylus cocked a brow. “Surely this can’t cover that.”

“I need them to move. The lighter the bag, the faster I can get home. Besides,” She took his cash, “you bought me dinner. Take ’em.”

Sylus looked around again. “Where’s your chaperone?”

“Oh,” She forced a laugh, “They’re, uh, just running a bit late.”

“Do you need any help?”

“No offense, mister, but I know better than to trust a stranger.”

Sylus chuckled. “Smart girl.”

“How often are you here?” I asked.

“All day every Saturday and Sunday and Friday evenings.”

“Not by yourself, I hope?”

She shrugged dismissively. “I’m probably the only one that takes the business seriously.”

“Hm.” Sylus scratched his chin. “Well good to know, then. I might be back.”

“A repeat customer?” A flash of green light flickered behind her sunglasses. “Ah, haha, these darn LEDs…” She laughed nervously.

Sylus studied her carefully. “Fancy taking those silly things off?” He gestured to her sunglasses.

“Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”

Sylus let a spark of violet flash across his eyes. I was mortified. He’d just broadcasted his spawnhood.

Cassidy seemed to freeze. I was bracing myself for a fight. With a child…

She cleared her throat, bagged his cookies, and pushed them across the table. “Take them and go. Please.”

“You’re a spawn, are you not?” He asked gently.

She bit her lip. “Just go.”

“Very well then.” He put his cookies in the cart. “Let’s go, love.”

We were just off the sidewalk lip when a small voice called after us. Cassidy, stripped of her boisterous bravado called out: “Wait.”

We stopped. Sylus turned to her. She looked around nervously before running up to us.

“Please don’t tell anyone.” She was almost in tears.

“I would never.” Sylus placed a hand over his heart.

She looked around again before removing her sunglasses.

I immediately recognized the black crosses of her pupils. She was no mere spawn. This child… Was a Lord.

Sylus tilted his head back. “I see.”

“You’re a spawn, too, right?” She put her sunglasses back on.

“I am, yes.”

“And you have a family?”

Sylus turned to me. “I do indeed. Why do you ask?”

“I didn’t know spawns could have families.”

His brows furrowed. “You mean you don’t have anyone looking after you?”

“I-I have a guardian, but he’d be so angry if he knew I came out and sold cookies to mortals.”

“A guardian?” Sylus pressed.

Cassidy nodded. “He takes good care of me. Keeps me safe and stuff, but I like exploring. Trying new things. He doesn’t.”

“What color is he?”

The girl shook her head. “You know I can’t tell you that.”

“Hm.”

“Y-you’re not gonna kill me, are you?”

Sylus balked. “Why would I?”

“You’re a Lord and I’m just a stupid spawn. I’m sorry I made fun of you.” She bowed deeply. “I should have known better.”

She has no idea what she is. Sylus’ thought crossed our conduit. Perhaps that’s for the best.

“I don’t just randomly kill spawns. That’s not how a Lord behaves. Besides, you’re a child. How long have you been a spawn?”

“For as long as I can remember which, thinking about it, isn’t that far back.” She started to look upset. “Huh.”

“A-are you alright, little one?” Sylus reached out to her.

“I-I don’t…” She shook her head. A smile snapped across her lips. “I’m fine!”

She ran back to her booth, finished breaking down in record time, and waved to us. “Come back anytime!” She ran around the corner of the mall and with the tiniest flash of green, she was gone.

Sylus stood morbidly still. Even his breathing had stopped. Clearly he’d stepped back to have a conversation with Qaitax: the creature he shared his body with and a much more void-wise soul.

I sighed as I took his arm. He wasn’t impossible to move when he was soulless but it was a pain in the ass juggling him and the cart. I managed to reach the truck and push him into the bed while I got our groceries into the back seat. His groaning meant he’d returned to reality. I made my way back around the truck to him.

“And what does the eldritch horror have to say about this?” I leaned on the rim of the truck bed.

“We are confused. She does not match a Lord we are familiar with and there cannot be new Lords since Mother’s departure from the Void.”

I shrugged. “Maybe you’ve just never met her before?”

“Perhaps…” Sylus replied slowly before shaking his head and clutching it in his hands. Exchanging always took a toll on him.

“Come on, big guy.” I patted his belly. “We’ll figure it out later. Together, okay?”

“Yeah…” He gazed wistfully back at the grocery store. He closed his eyes before turning to me with a smile. “Together.”

As we entered the massive building, bright, florescent light washed over us. Sylus hissed quietly. Half jokingly and half serious response. Puppy Squid wasn’t exactly comfortable in bright places.

We’d walked into the produce section. Greenery stretched the length of the aisle. Fruits lined the opposite wall. Vegetation that didn’t need watering filled bins im the middle of the aisle. It was glorious.

“What’s a durian?” I asked no one in particular. “Are dragon fruits red inside?” I put one of each in the basket Sylus came out of nowhere with.

“Sorry, love. Fruits and veg are not my area of expertise.”

“We’ll find out together then!” I took hold of the cart and started pushing through all the greens. I grabbed some different apples and pears I’d never heard of. A few cabbagey things like bokchoy. I didn’t exactly have a plan in mind. I was just planning on grabbing as much as I could knowing full well Mr. Moneybags wouldn’t stop me.

At the end of the aisle was a person standing behind a table. Little plastic cups of croutons were laid out. Sylus approached the table and struck up a conversation with the employee. They looked preemptively annoyed as he approached, but their demeanor shifted as they spoke.

“They’re garlic cheddar. Store brand.” They explained.

Sylus took a cup and tossed them back. “Not bad.” He offered me a cup. They were okay. Nothing like Ma used to make.

Sylus thanked the employee who smiled and waved as we moved along.

“Bet they’ve been standing there all day getting badgered by customers.” He shook his head. “I could never work retail. I hate people too much.”

“Well that’s not true.”

“Nothing wrong with an individual person. I try not to judge off the bat. But people? In the wise words of a fellow suited individual: ‘People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals’.”

I sighed.

The deli was right across the way from the aisle we’d just left. I took to browsing their options. All kinds of meat cuts and fish sat out for all to see. A whole dead octopus laid among them. I turned to Sylus. He didn’t look happy.

“They’re smart, you know, octupuses.” He murmured. “If they lived long enough they’d probably have cities down there. Give us mammals,” he paused a moment, “humans, a run for their money as apex creatures.”

I took his arm and squeezed it.

“It’s okay.” He sighed. “Let’s just move on.”

We continued down the end cap aisle where prepackaged meat awaited us. I expected Sylus to be more excited but he just eyed every cut with a mild look of disdain. They weren’t good enough for him. I laughed. He was incredibly spoiled in that department, but honestly from what I knew of his past, he deserved it. He deserved to have nice things.

We both did, I suppose.

He passed almost everything up until we reached the hot dogs. He threw at least a dozen packs of foot longs into the cart.

I cocked a brow.

“Practice.” He muttered.

I laughed. I laughed so hard I had to hold onto the shopping cart for dear life. My ribs started to hurt and my stomach ached. I clung to the cart as I made my way around it until I could throw my arms around my giant squid.

“God I love you.” I choked out.

He took my chin in his hand and brushed his thumb across my sideburn. He leaned in close. “And I you.” He breathed across my ear.

I was compromised.

Sylus took hold of the back of the cart and started dragging it and me down the aisle.

On the corner stood another sample table. Mini sausages in mini cups. Of course we stopped.

Once more Sylus struck up a friendly conversation unrelated to the product. He ended up knocking back most of the samples in the process. Sylus apologized. The employee seemed more grateful than upset.

“Less to clean up.” They said. “Makes my life easier.”

I took two cups for myself.

We wandered up and down a few more aisles picking up things we didn’t need like cookies, chips, and snacks. Some random hot sauces, too. None of what was in our cart made any sense.

And that was fine.

We made our way to check out. It came out to way more than I thought it would be. Sylus paid, of course.

We were on our way out when he cursed and ran back in.

I waited, confused.

He returned with a pack gum and some cash. He offered me a bubble flavored strip.

I took one. “You bought some gum to get cash?”

He nodded. “Cheaper than an ATM.”

I snorted.

About half an hour away from La Sombra was a strip mall. I’d driven past it enough to know it had a grocery store attached to it. I’ve never been to a grocery store. All our food came from restaurant suppliers. Pops always said grocery stores were overpriced especially when they could get high quality goods in bulk. The only problem was, everything we had was presumably reserved for customers. If I wanted something for myself, I had to work for it.

“I wanna go for a ride.” I mumbled to Sylus as he read the newspaper from a different prefecture.

“Where to?”

“Leaping Lion.”

“Leaping- That’s a grocery chain. You want to go for a ride to a grocery store?”

I nodded.

He glanced toward the kitchen doors. “Do we not have enough food here?”

“Probably, but I’ve never been to a grocery store.”

“Never been?”

I shook my head.

“Well you’re not missing much.” He returned his attention to the paper.

I reached across the table. “Come on.”

“I’m information gathering.”

“From a propaganda rag?” I scoffed.

He glared at me over the paper.

“Well, I’m gonna go shopping. You can stay here reading Xanthous propaganda.”

His glare deepened.

I started weave walking when a tendril followed me into the void and pulled me out.

“Rude.” I snapped.

He was standing now. “Is this really that important to you?”

“Yes.” I pulled my arm out of his tentacle. “It is.”

He sighed. “Very well.” He offered me his hand.

“You sure?”

He nodded.

I took his hand and brought us to the strip mall. Specifically the a sidewalk across the street since I’d never actually been in the strip.

We crossed over and made our way over to the grocery store.

Sylus paused outside, clearly distracted by something. I followed his gaze. A frizzy red-haired girl sat at a plastic folding table hawking scout cookies. He made his way over to her.

“Sylus?” I reached after him.

The girl greeted him as he approached the table.

“Well well well, if it isn’t my target audience!”

“Excuse me?” He balked.

I made his way to his side.

“Big boned, mid life crisis. You just check all the boxes.”

“Mid life- what?”

“The purple hair. Clearly the symptom of a greater issue.”

Sylus balked. “I’ll have you know this is my natural hair color!”

“Yeah sure, big guy.” She flicked her wrist at him.

I stifled a highly inappropriate laugh as I took his arm.

“You’re not exactly enticing me to purchase your wares.”

“Oh but you will!” She reached under the table and pulled out two crispy coconut boxes and three minty munchies.

Sylus sighed. “Where’s an adult?”

The girl’s demeanor took a sharp turn. She looked around nervously. “A, uh, I…” She cleared her throat. “They just walked away for a minute.”

“So you’re just here? Unsupervised?” Sylus cocked a brow.

She scoffed. “Cassidy Jones don’t need no adult to run a business. Heck I’m the only one that knows how to use the cube reader.”

“Cube? Reader?” Sylus was clearly confused.

Cassidy reached under the table and put a small box on its surface. “It’s a portable credit card reader.”

“Huh.” He scratched his chin.

“So you buying anything or-?”

He sighed. “How much?”

“$8 per box credit or $5 cash.”

“You’re allowed to manipulate prices like that?” Sylus, once again, cocked a brow.

“I sure can.”

He side eyed her. She grinned almost menacingly at him.

“I’ll be back with cash.” He grumbled. “How long are you here?”

She looked across the parking lot. “Until sundown. So about two hours.”

“Alright, I’ll be back.”

“You better be. These are my most popular flavors.” She patted the boxes.

Sylus shook his head. “Whatever you say, kid.”

He gave her a half hearted wave over his shoulder as we headed inside. She waved back excitedly, but he didn’t see it.

Author’s Note: This is a little NSFW. Nothing graphic, but there is talk of sexy stuffs.

I stood outside the shop eyeing the wares inside between a veil of hanging plants. This was the place.

I felt Sylus lumbering up behind me, offering me a hot dog from a street vendor.

I smiled as I took it from him.

He crouched over to look through the obscuring vines. A soft laugh punched from his lips.

He shoved his entire hot dog down his throat and capped it off with a satisfied gulp. “Sometimes you just have to indulge in some rubbish.”

I snorted as I continued working on my hot dog.

“Did you want to go in, then?” He pointed over his shoulder with his thumb to the shop’s door.

I looked up at the white-sided, black-trimmed, three story victorian.

Sylus hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and looked me over for an answer.

“Yeah sure.” I swallowed the last of my sausage.

His massive arm reached out and opened the door for me. Tree trunks. Thick, massive, strong. He wore a fitting smile for the occasion.

Inside was crisp and clean. White wood all over.

I was on a mission. A mission I had no idea what the success rate was.

Sylus broke away from my side and started eye a slatwall covered in packaged goods. I made my way to the other side of the shop where my objective awaited.

“Hello and welcome to Lily’s!” Two women appeared behind the counter.

“I’m Kriss.” A dark-haired woman with sharp emerald eyes waved to us. Her hair was done up in a high pony tail. She wore a black shirt with sheer sleeves.

“And I’m Lily!” The blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman beside her cheered. Her hair hung freely around her shoulders. Colorful tattoos covered her exposed arms. A septum piercing shimmering in the sharp light of their shop. “Welcome and let us know if you need anything.”

“Anything at all.” Kriss added with a bow of her head.

“Thanks.” I waved back.

Sylus gave them an understanding nod.

I returned to browsing.

“All of our leather products are hand made right here by the two of us. Feel free to ask about any resizing or customization!” Lily called out.

“Thank you!” I waved over my shoulder.

Digging among the strappy leather, I found a simple, dark purple collar. It was a good start. Lifting it from the rack, I made my way over to the counter.

“Ready to check out?” Kriss asked.

“Not yet, um.” I glanced back at Sylus before turning back to Kriss. “I-I need something like this, but a bit bigger.”

“Do you have some measurements?”

I nodded. I knew every single one of Sylus’ measurements. From his thighs, to his waist, to his shoulders, and his throat. I knew it all.

“Would you like to customize it at all?” Lily slid down the counter toward me.

“Um, well…” I looked back at the slatwall. “I saw you had some more intricate pieces.”

“We do! We love adding unique flairs to our designs!” Kriss had stepped back from the counter as Lily dominated the conversation. “What did you have in mind?”

I glanced at Sylus again. He was holding a package in his hand and carefully reading the back.

Kriss apparently followed my gaze. “Those are clitoral stimulators.”

“Understood.” Sylus replied, still studying his box.

Kriss bit her lip.

“Tentacles?” I resumed my conversation with Lily.

“Tentacles? Hm.” She turned to Kriss. “Thoughts?”

Kriss thought for a moment before reaching under the counter for a notebook and pencil. She opened it up, flipped through a few pages, and started sketching.

“Rivets for suckers?” I suggested.

“Oh, I like that.” Lily grinned.

Kriss kept working, nodding in reply.

Sylus stepped up beside me, clutching something low in his hands. I smiled as I slipped my arm around his.

Kriss stepped forward, placing her notebook on the counter. In the front was two tentacles gripping an O-ring. Rivets followed the curves of the tendrils. The back was clasped with a buckle. It was thick and chunky. Hard to ignore. I turned to Sylus. He was flushing.

“What do you think, big guy?”

“Wait what?”

“For you.”

“F-for…” He swallowed hard.

“Who did you think it was for?!” I shoved him lightly.

He stared almost blankly at the drawing.

Heat started welling into my cheeks. “D-did I misunder-“

He ran his fingers over the design. “For… me?”

“Yes, big guy. For you.” I patted his belly.

He bit his lip and stepped back.

“You okay?”

“I-I…” He was still clutching his find in his hand. “Y-you want me? Like… like that?”

“Of course I do! Sylus! Of course I do!”

His lip quivered. “No one’s ever wanted me.”

“Oh my god.” I wrapped my arms around him. “I want you, Sylus. In every way!”

“I-I knew that but…” He wiped his eyes. “Oh Sondreh I’m making a scene.”

“It’s okay.” Kriss replied.

“Ugh. All the strength of a god and you still find ways to break me down.” He sniffed.

“Are you okay with this, Sylus? It’s okay if you say no.”

He took a deep breath and wrapped his arms around me, whatever he was holding still in his hand. “Thank you.” His deep, hot breath washed over my cheek.

I smiled from ear to ear before pulling away. I scritched his chin before returning to the counter.

“Here’s his measurements.” I wrote a number down on the sheet.

Kriss pursed her lips and nodded. “I was close.”

Lily giggled.

“Alright,” Lily reached under the counter and pulled out a piece of paper, “How much do you think Kriss?”

“Hmm. Materials, time…” She counted on her fingers. “Do you want precious metals?”

I looked back at Sylus. He deserved the best.

“Steel would be fine, thank you.” He answered.

I smiled.

“Alright.” Kriss wrote some stuff down on the sheet. “$280 with a four week lead time.”

“How’s that sound?” Lily followed up.

“Sounds great.”

“So, half up front and half on pick-up. Sign here please and leave a phone number and/or email so we can let you know when it’s ready.” Lily moved to ring me up.

“Wait.” I pushed the smaller purple collar forward. “I’d like this too.” I turned back to Sylus and beckoned him over.

I finally got a look at what he was holding.

“It’s remote operated.” He whispered. “You can get an app on your phone and-“

I laughed as I put it on the counter and filled out the form.

“Just a reminder, this is for clitoral stimulation.” Kriss delicately informed us.

“Oh, its not for me.” I motioned to Sylus. “It’s for him.”

He grinned sheepishly.

“Men can have vaginas, Kriss!” Lily giggled as she added the toy to our bill.

Kriss cocked a brow and nodded in understanding.

“Your total for today is $200!”

I knew Sylus was reaching for his wallet of infinite funds, but I managed to get my bank card out faster.

“Thank you!” Lily replied.

Kriss picked up her notebook and studied her design again.

I picked up the collar. “Whip it out, Sy.”

“We are in public, Jeron!”

“You don’t have one of those. Now whip it out.”

He looked nervously from side to side. A tentacle shimmered into plain sight. It slithered over his shoulder. I patted it softly before fastening the collar to it.

“How’s that for now?” I patted him again.

He flexed the tendril and nodded before withdrawing it. It shimmered back into obscurity.

“Tentacles.” Kriss nodded, unphased.

Lily looked a little put off, but cleared her throat and handed me my receipt. Kriss had put Sylus’ toy in a brown bag.

“Thank you.” I smiled as I took the bag and pressed it into Sylus’ hands.

He made a strange sound that I’m pretty sure was a gleeful squeal. He turned on his heels and made his way to the door.

“Thanks very much.” I bowed to the women behind the counter.

They bowed and smiled in return.

“Thank you for stopping in and shopping local!” Lily cheered.

“Have a nice day.” Kriss waved as I made my way to Sylus’ side.

He opened the door for me and we stepped outside.

He screamed with a level of joy I’d never heard from him before. He danced in place, clutching his bag.

“You happy, little squid?”

“Very!”

“Home or-“

“Download the app. I’ll find a bathroom.”

I let loose a deep, hearty laugh.

The haunting sound of his vase-like flute filled the air. Sylus was prone to disappearing late at night. He’d settle himself at the table and chairs on the roof of the diner and play for the broken moon. I think it called to him and he sang his song in return.

Ever since we first met, his song was somewhere on his lips. He’d hum it from time to time and I learned how to play it for myself. It was the most powerful spell in my arsenal. In battle, I could work his song into one of my own. Much like our souls, the notes blended together into a song for both our souls.

Pained yet hopeful, I’d made his notes part of my own life’s ballad.

A hun, he called it, the vase he played. Aetherial and haunting. A somber serenade for the end of the world. One of the few kind gestures his mother ever did for him.

Three chairs sat around the table on the rooftop. The side that faced the horrible moon and raging tides remained open. Looking straight out was the seat I’d had since I was a child. To the right, would be where my father sat. To the left, where Sylus had come to sit, was Ma’s chair.

I brought my guitar around front and began playing along with him.

Our music, though distinct, melded together. We knew who we were, but together we were so much more.

I’d play variations on his song, and he’d follow me along.

Outside of battle, it was the purest expression of our souls. All that we were dancing between us.

In these moments, our worlds would become one.

We would play until the sun rose. The moon still hanging in the now-sunlit sky.

He trailed off with a low, longing note. My own song tapered off.

He held his instrument in his hand, turning it over.

Dawn had broken.

It’s been one of those weeks. Momentum for the cause has picked up. Twelve new Dalafaem have come to La Sombra and each of them needed basic conditioning before they could settle down. It’s terrifying without support.

Sylus and I have both been working day and night to make sure they could acclimate. That the nightmares would subside and the visions could be more useful than mind adding.

Once the basics were settled and they could think straight, we’d start working on conduits. For now, they needed food, lodging, and Voidal therapy.

Sylus found himself largely handling the younger Dalafaem and I the older. It made sense. He was a father and I feel like they saw that in him. It wasn’t by choice. We had no intention of dividing up age groups, but these kids? They must have seen what I saw in him and felt safe.

We worked day and night to help them get their powers under control. Their first peaceful sleep was a great reward to us all.

Still, he and I? We rarely slept. We had to be watchful. Regardless of age, they were our wards. They trusted is with their lives. Lives so many things wanted to control or destroy.

We were tired.

We had to keep up strong facades. We knew what was going on. We could help. We were the only ones who could.

Being a Lord meant Sylus really didn’t need sleep, but being part human, his exhaustion would skitter across his face from time to time.

I couldn’t control the growing bags under my eyes. My body was starting to revolt. Joints ached, muscles stiffened. I felt like I was falling apart.

He’d insist I rest, but I wouldn’t. Not without him. I drew my power from his core and unless we both rested, neither of us would feel any better.

We knew what we’d committed to and both of us took commitments very seriously. We’d rest when every one of our charges was free from torment. Right now, the needed us.

But today was different.

All 20 of our charges showed up in the diner for breakfast. I was both happy and mortified. Sylus peeked out from the kitchen and stifled a groan. We weren’t up to cooking for 20 at once.

But they weren’t sitting. They stood gathered in the dining room, shuffling in place.

“Have a seat.” I motioned to the booths behind them, but they didn’t respond. “Is everything alright?”

A teenager stepped forward and cleared her throat.

“We’ll be okay.” She spoke clearly.

Sylus shambled out of the kitchen in his too-small grease-stained apron. For someone who could control his appearance with the flick of a wrist, he looked like shit. I probably looked a thousand times worse.

“Huh?” Sylus grumbled.

“We’ll be okay for a few hours. I bet we could even last a day.” Mumbles of agreement rippled through the crowd.

Sylus cocked a brow and I was too tired to process what she was saying.

“You make sure we can sleep. You should probably sleep, too.”

“Is it that obvious?” My words slurred together despite my best efforts.

They all nodded.

I felt like I was going to collapse right then and there. Sylus nodded and put an arm around my waist.

“We won’t be far.” He growled before weave walking me upstairs.

He practically threw me onto the bed and collapsed beside me. I opened my mouth to say something but he was already out like a light bulb. It didn’t take long for me to follow.

White blood splattered across the walls.

I stood at the top of the stairs, staring down at the mangled corpse of my mother. I was a child. I was a teenager. I was an adult. I was an old man. I was a corpse. I was dust on the wind.

It never changed. The paralyzing fear, the aching loathing, the isolation, the lifetime of guilt that would never heal.

It always hit like a train. Shattering my bones and soul. I lose myself in the regret.

If I hadn’t closed my eyes.

If I hadn’t succumbed to exhastion.

If I hadn’t been alone with her.

Ma…

I awoke to a gentle shaking and hushed cooing. Fingers weaved through my hair. An arm wrapped around my shoulders.

I shook in his embrace.

Tears burned in my eyes, but struggled to fall.

His warmth dimmed my shuddering. His soft body caressed my aching bones.

“Sylus…” I rolled over in his arms, pressing my face into his chest.

“There, there, love. It’s okay. You’re safe now.”

I slid my arms around him and sobbed.

“Oh, Starlight.” He breathed.

“I’m so sorry.” I wept.

“Why?”

“Ugh.” I leaned back to wipe my nose. He slid a hand up his tank top and wiped it for me. “After all you’ve been through, I must seem so pathetic.”

“Trauma isn’t a competition, love. Your pain is no less than anyone else’s.”

“But it was so long ago.” I sat up, clutching the sides of my head. “Why can’t I just get over it?!”

He sat up beside me, hands in his lap. “That’s not how it works, love. It doesn’t just go away. You learn to live with it. Perhaps even in spite of it. It will always linger, but it doesn’t have to control you.”

“I just want it to stop.”

“It might never stop.” He put an arm around me. “You can’t control it. No one can. And that’s okay.”

I turned and pressed my face into his chest again.

“Sometimes you just need to feel your feelings.”

“Ugh.” I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed. “Your so soft.” I murmured. He chuckled. “I-it helps.” He hugged me back. “Y-you help.”

“I do?”

I nodded against him. “I’d wake up alone. Fighting to breathe. Paralyzed with fear. Over and over and over again. He empty eyes staring at me, cursing me. Reminding me I’d never be enough.” I wiped my face on his shirt.

“You know she wouldn’t feel any of that. She loved you, Jeron. From the moment of your birth to her passing, she loved you.”

The words welled in my throat. Aching, tearing at my flesh. “I let her fall.”

“You were a child sleeping for the first time in days.”

“I should have been there…”

“You were sleeping.”

“I should have heard her. I should have gotten up. I should have helped her.”

“No. None of that should have been on your shoulders. You did more than you should have ever had to do. You were a child with an absent father. It never should have fallen to you.”

“But it did.” I choked. “And I failed.”

“You. Were. A. Child.”

I cried. Ugly, ugly weeping.

We’d been through this before. We’d both said similar things but somehow the hurt and the healing always felt just as real. It never dulled or dimmed. My tears always tore through my soul, his embrace always put me back together.

Arms still around me, Sylus gently laid me back down.

“I was so tired.” I choked. “I’m so tired.”

He nuzzled his face against the back of my neck. “Rest, love. You can rest easy now.”

I took a deep, shaky breath. As I exhaled I felt the pain slip away.

We bowed to each other at the bottom of the stairs. A world of steel and fire behind us. He offers me his hand. I take it. He leads me into the center, unfurling his dexterous tentacles like the tendrils of a blooming flower.

He spins me out, pulls me back, dips me down, and spins me again toward the door. A grin on his wolven features. His massive fingers release mine and I’m out the door.

Fire and steel instantly come to life. I can hear their song booming in the background.

I unlocked the doors, seated the guests, took their orders, and returned to the heat of the roiling flames.

His tentacles are already working to prep numerous dishes. He already knows what I need. Our minds are as close to one as we can allow.

And so we dance.

I go one way, he goes another. I spin this way, he spins that. Tentacles part for me to pass without a word.

Steel clatters with steel. Scraping, clacking, whisking… music to my ears.

I slip through his weave, grabbing some finished plates as I go.

More satisfied customers. We get them in and out as quick as possible with full bellies and smiles on their faces. I couldn’t be happier.

Our speed, accuracy, and quality are unparalleled. We take pride in everything we make. A bit of ourselves going with every plate.

The second I come back with a dirty plate, it’s lifted from my hands and cleaned.

Every so often, he’d throw back a plate himself. I’d hear him munching, but he’d never miss a beat.

We moved with such fluidity and synchronicity. Yielding to each other as necessary.

Afer 12 hours in the hot, clanging chamber we’d make one last meal each. I for him and him for me. We’d drag ourselves into the dining room and eat, usually in silence.

We never really needed words, but we cherished each other’s voices. Still, after a long day, still silence can be appreciated.

The music is over and the dance is done. We rest only to do it again tomorrow.