~8~ Something in Common

Hey guys, I know this chapter is late. I'm in my late high school years in honors/AP classes and my life is kinda complicated right now, no, I don't want to talk about it. But, GOMLS will probably be back on its 6-8 day update schedule though, yeah! Thank you for being so understanding everybody, it isn't going unnoticed.

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Sophie opened her eyes to see Tezcacoatl staring at her in surprise and Ricin purring at the sight of his companion. But Tezcacoatl was glaring at the goddess holding onto her heiress, a snarl slipping out from the side of his mouth. Sophie stepped out of the flurry of snow Kynareth swarmed herself with, blandly holding the crown out for Tezacoatl, staring at the ground.

Kynareth quietly approached Sophie, but the Assassin looked over her shoulder, her eyes turning gold. Kynareth fought to tighten her hold on Sophie's powers. Still, Sophie's Pancras form ripped apart Kynareth's hold on her, slowly releasing everything.

"I've learned what I needed. Go away." Sophie hissed at the goddess.

Kynareth's jaw clenched, but she stepped away from Sophie and disappeared in a cloudy mist. Sophie swallowed, Kassandra's crown cutting into her skin as she clenched it, but she held it out for Tezcacoatl.

Tezcacoatl hummed, glaring behind her as the rocks shuddered and moved on their own, covering the Crypt's entrance. He glanced at Sophie again, shaking his head.

"It is for you to keep," Tezcacoatl said, pointing his snout to the crown in Sophie's hand. Sophie faltered but placed the crown on the rocks as she slid down against them, her head in her hands. Ricin crowed, rubbing his snout against her hand.

A demon... that is the only thing Sophie could think to call it.

"Kynareth chose me as her heiress because this demon is going to kill Kassandra soon. And Egil's children are probably also going to die as well." Sophie stated, gently running the tips of her fingers over Ricin's bumpy scales.

Tezcacoatl surprisingly shook his head, "I don't believe so. I think, what did you call it, demon? I think the demon is too weak spread across three bodies, but Kassandra got the bulk of it. I think it is going to try to reunite through the three of them before killing them."

Sophie took a deep breath but looked Tezcacoatl straight in the eyes.

"You said if I got Kassandra's artifact you would answer any questions I have." Sophie started.

Tezcacoatl stiffened, but he nodded.

"Go ahead young Assassin, I will answer anything you want." Tezcacoatl nodded. Sophie tapped her foot against the frozen floor, sorting through her questions.

"The artifacts I've been finding, what are they? What purpose do they serve?" Sophie started.

Tezcacoatl settled on the Wall of Words and began.

"The 'demon' as you call it is an ancient being, and has caused problems in the past. The gods barely interfere with mortals, but Byzanthar is a god of craft and the earth, so he often spends time with various species. A curious and caring one, so when he learned of a threat to his precious little world, he created a seal to hold it aback. Five artifacts that were scattered through the world, meant to weaken them. But it seems the, what is it... Neverseen? It seems the Neverseen are searching for them. I don't know what they plan to do if they hold them all, but I know one thing. The demon if released from his mortal bodies and has no artifacts to weaken him, he will be unstoppable."

Tezcacoatl's tail swayed as he straightened out, "When you first approached me, you asked me to ignite the Forge of Byzanthar. Probably because Byzanthar has chosen an heir like Kynareth has, and needs to make a connection with him."

Sophie clicked the pieces together, "Her name is Maha, she was chosen as his heiress when she died in a flood as a baby. She has been hearing his voice her whole life, but she wants to get a clearer image of what he exactly wants."

Tezca nodded, "He needs her to help reforge his keys."

"Reforge?"

Tezca tapped his claws against the wall, "Byzanthar created artifacts, or keys, many years ago, when the old Dunmer king opened the door for the demon to pass through. They were meant to weaken him, sap his power away bit by bit. But what Byzanthar didn't account for was the demon taking up bodies and using them to hide himself from the artifacts. Now the artifacts are old, and are begining to break."

Sophie's head snapped up, "Wait... the golden rope at Foxfire? That fell to bits?"

Tezcacoatl nodded, "Indeed. That was one of his artifacts."

Sophie paled, her hands gripping her knees, "I didn't know, I didn't mean to-"

"You couldn't have stopped it. It would've broken soon anyway."

Sophie propped her chin on her knees, her mind whirling, "I-I don't- ugh. So if Maha fixes these artifacts, we can weaken the demon?"

"Only if you manage to track down the bodies the demon is inhabitiaing and lure him out. But getting him out will kill the people he is inhabiting, you must know that."

Sophie thought to Queen Kassandra, sitting on her throne in the dark crypts below.

"What should I be expecting?" Sophie asked.

"He has probably taken one of the bodies in the Neverseen, using them to acomplish his goals. And from what I've heard, the Neverseen are growing faster and stronger everyday. Outposts, armies, Mirthless, spies, everything."

"And what are his goals? This demon?"

Tezca shifted uncomfortably, "To level this world and build a new one atop it's ashes as it's emperor."

Even the wind stilled. But Sophie pressed on.

Sophie steeled herself, letting out questions left and right, "How can I tell who is infected with the demon?"

"Some will be obvious, like Kassandra, others it will be impossible to tell."

"Is there anything more specific Kynareth might want from me?"

"It seems you are simply her conduit for battling the demon in the mortal realms. I sense no other intention from her, but Kynareth is tricky and skillful, there may be more."

"Where should my resources be spent right now? Rebuilding Inalia and the Old Republic? Building an army? Finding the demon?"

"That is for you to decide Amalia."

By the end, Sophie was pacing, spewing questions, and getting clear cut answers, which is not something she is used to. Ricin watched Sophie with intent, just wanting to return to Kynareth's temple.

"What is the demon's name?" Sophie asked.

That question took Tezcacoatl back, and the first real hesitation he had.

"Why are you hesitating?" Sophie asked.

Tezcacoatl's wings shuddered as he adjusted, slinking down from the wall, "It is a bad omen, especially if he is on the mortal plain."

"Well I can't just keep refering to him as the demon, can I?"

Tezca scoffed, his teeth shining against the moonlight, "Just becuase you're Kynareth's little brat doesn't mean you get to say whatever you wish!"

"Just tell me the name!" Sophie barked.

Tezcacoatl's massive claws clenched the gravel, but he spat, "Mephala,"

Sophie didn't recognize it. She would have to do research about it when she returned down the mountain.

"Alright, final thing," Sophie pulled out the drawing she and Maha created, pointing to the carven crystal. She held it up for Tezcacoatl, who squinted at it for a few moments before his eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"My... friend, and I have been having these weird visions and connections with each other. He says it's becuase of this crystal, and, "Sophie tapped to the carven dragon on top of it, "That is you, is it not?"

Tezcacoatl looked at the drawing, then Sophie, then back at the drawing.

"So he survived then," Tezcacoatl muttered, glancing at the massive burn scar his abdomen.

"Who survived?" Sophie asked.

Tezcacoatl sighed, "I'm guessing your friend is Ruy Ignis?"

Sophie faltered, "How... how did you know that?"

"A few years ago, my friend Councilor Kenric asked me to help smuggle a kid out of the Lost Cities. Ruy Ignis. It went pretty smoothly right up until Govenor Heinrich spotted me. He has always hated dragons..." He spat.

Sophie ran her fingers over Ricin's snout, scratching under his chin, "I'm well aware."

"He managed to shoot me down, the lucky bastard, with Ruy on my back. I knew I couldn't count for Ruy's safety once I was fighting them off, so when we were falling, I created a Hollow Tie and pushed him away from the fight."

"A Hollow Tie?"

"It is a sort of... spell I placed on him, though spells don't exist. An ability all high class dragons have, we imprint them on our young to keep them safe. When I placed the Hollow Tie on Ruy, it was set to create a bond to the first person to see him. One that would last until they both wanted it gone or one died." Tezcacoatl gestured to Sophie, "It seems the Hollow Tie connected him to you."

"I met Ruy a long time ago, but not when he was a kid. At first when we were on oposing sides a few years ago, then again when we became allies in a Neverseen base."

Tezcacoatl hummed, "It seems you have to collect some memories Amalia."

"Will Ruy possibly remember these memories?"

"The crystal is a physical incarnate of the Hollow Tie between the two of you. It decides what is safest for the two people involved in the Tie, and will carry it out. Such as memory loss in your case. It is possible he may remember."

Sophie sighed, adding another conversation with Ruy on top with all the other ones.

"Tezcacoatl-"

"Call me Tezca..." The dragon hissed at her. Why did he want Sophie to call him Tezca now?

"Tezca... what should I do?"

The dragon hummed, understanding her question.

"Honestly, that is your choice. You had an idea before, but things are changing and truths have been revealed."

Tezca stretched out his wings as he spoke again, "You need to keep a level head and loyal allies. The times are rocky and unpredictable, you must be ready for anything and understand that things won't turn out how you like."

"But they might? We might win, Tezca."

Tezca's icy blue eyes shuddered, "That doesn't mean your victory will be something you like."

Sophie hugged herself, the cold getting through her fur cloak. She turned to Ricin, feeling the soft membrane of his wing brush against her.

"I will go light Byzanthar's Forge now, your friend can get some insight from Byzanthar."

Sophie tapped her foot, "What about my powers?"

"What about them?"

"When I initially refused Kynareth, she... she took away my powers. I can't summon ice or lightning, my telepathy is weak, my shadows are sputtering out... how do I make her give them back?"

Tezca began to flap his wings, the snow fluttering in the air as his massive wings began to lift him in the sky.

"Kynareth doesn't take them, she is merely holding them. You can either grovel to her and maybe make her release them. Or? Break the bond holding them down yourself." Tezca explained.

That... wasn't ideal.

"Could you at least give me a ride down?" Sophie asked.

Tezca dove into the wintery mass beneath the peak, towards the temple, leaving Sophie and Ricin alone at the peak.

Sophie crossed her arms, looking at the path downwards and scoffing.

"Man, what an ass-"

Ruy didn't know what time it was outside his mindscape, if people were shaking him awake. He still watched his younger self take in the salty air, swaying with the rocky ocean as they approached the largest Cariana island in the peninsula, gripping Alexios's cloak closer to him. Alexios was the only one who Ruy fit.

"So, new kid," Alexios started, sliding up near Ruy against the bow. Ruy silently turned to him, which Alexios squinted at.

"Do you say anything?" Alexios asked. Amalia came up behind her brother and elbowed him hard in his ribs.

"Don't be rude, you idioti! He has clearly been through enough!" Amalia hissed at her brother. Alexios recoiled, spitting words he probably shouldn't know at his sister.

"I don't know what to call him! He hasn't given us a name!" Alexios barked back at his sister. Tezcacoatl wanted him to be safe; maybe his name wouldn't be so bad.

"Ruy, my name is Ruy," He muttered. Amalia smiled at Ruy, sliding on her boots.

"Don't worry then Ruy, we have a friend we are visiting that is going to help you! She is the High Lady of the island, one of the most powerful High Ladies ever if you ask me! And one of pater's closest friends!"

Ruy began to figure out the dynamic between everyone on the ship on his second day aboard. Allesandro is some sort of warrior, maybe a mercenary or soldier. Amalia is his daughter by blood, he isn't the father to Alexios, even though Alexios called Amalia his sister. But they looked alike, so they were most likely cousins. Amalia made no mention of a mother, however, most likely not present in her life.

Ruy was worried sick about Tezca. He tried to ask the captain about it, to go back to the island and check, but he had no idea where Tezca landed in the first place. Not to mention, he was too scared to even form the words to ask.

Allesandro approached them, his hand on his daughter's back as he pointed something out to Ruy. A large fort at the top of the sprawling city, large yellow and blue flags hanging from the walls.

"That is where we are going. It is going to be safe there, and we might be able to get you some real help." Allesandro explained. Ruy nodded, his eyes fixed on the fort, his hands combing the long hair away from his eyes.

Allesandro gave him a small smile as he pulled a small strip of leather from his pocket.

"Here, tie it up," Allesandro said as he opened Ruy's hand and gently set it in his palm. Ruy just stared at it, struggling to tie it back. Allesandro reached to help, but Ruy recoiled. Allesandro immediately pulled back his hand, shaking his head.

"Gods, what have you been through?" Allesandro muttered.

"Oi, Morretti! Help my men tie up the ship!" The captain called from the helm. Allesandro roughed up Amalia and Alexios's hair. He grabbed some rope from a passing crewman and helped as the ship entered the Cariana port. Amalia gently pulled the leather strip out of Ruy's hand, giving him a faint smile.

"Let me help. I promise I won't hurt you." Amalia said. Ruy stared at her but surprisingly nodded. Amalia gently pulled back Ruy's knotted hair and tied it up, with little pain. Ruy enjoyed the gentle flutter of her fingers against his neck, no malice or ill intent behind them.

"There, now you can see!" Amalia smiled. Alexios hopped up on the ship's railing, balancing while holding a wooden staff.

"My sister is really good with hair. She is the one who taught me how to do this!" Alexios smiled, pointing to his half updo and the small bun at the back.

"I learned from Aunty Maria, that's all. She is really good at braiding and stuff. I like how my hair looks in braids." She giggled.

"Yeah well, your braids may be cool, but-" Alexios swung with his staff, maintaining perfect balance on the railing, "Mine makes me look like a Spartan!" Alexios claimed, swinging so fast Amalia and Ruy had to duck beneath his staff.

"Knock it off!" Amalia hissed at her brother again. The ship finally docked, and the Morretti siblings easily jumped over the ship's sides onto the dock, landing on crates and barrels. Ruy stared at them in disbelief, watching as they easily climbed down the barrels and landed perfectly on their feet, now weaving through the dock's various goers.

Allesandro patted Ruy's head, "They like to show off sometimes." He chuckled. Ruy followed Allesandro as they all boarded off the ship; Allesandro effortlessly threw their heavy bags over his shoulder and followed as his children walked through the city. It was crowded, various people of all sorts parading through the streets. Vendors bargained with tourists on the sides of the cobbled roads, businessmen and women chatting with their partners as they traveled from one meeting to another, people cackling with each other in the various bars and pubs.

"It is nice here," Ruy said meekly, his voice scratchy. Allesandro's eyes widened at Ruy's words and merely nodded in agreement. Ruy normally hated crowds, but here it was so... warm. Lively.

"Uncle Allesandro, look!" Alexios called out from the bustle of crowds. The crowd easily moved around Allesandro, the hulking hooded figure, and parted to reveal a velvet carriage waiting on the side of the road.

"What on earth?" Allesandro muttered. A gorgeous woman leaned her head outside the window; Amalia and Alexios gasping when they see her. Allesandro chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with his unoccupied hand, the bags dangling from his shoulder.

"Nyoka." He smiled. The woman, who Ruy assumed was Nyoka, gave Allesandro a radiant smile. Amalia looked between her father and Nyoka and squinted, her lower lip jutting out in thought.

"I felt it was unkind to force you to hike all the way up to the fort." Nyoka chuckled. Two men stationed beside the carraige grimaced at the sight of the unruly Alexios, the unfeminine Amalia, and unclean Ruy, but Nyoka gave them a sharp look.

"Open the doors for them, no need for that." Nyoka gently reprimanded. They begrudgingly opened the carriage doors for the group, and they all piled in.

Nyoka crossed her legs as she patted the carriage's side, the man driving flicking the reins and the horses beginning their trot uphill. Nyoka looked over Ruy, smiling.

"So this is the little one you mentioned in your transmission, Allesandro?" Nyoka asked.

"He was wrecked on the side of our boat about two days ago, that night I sent you the transmission. He has spoken very little since then, he has clearly gone through something fierce." Allesandro explained.

"I see... well, I promise you I can help." Nyoka smiled at Ruy. Amalia gently poked Ruy's arm, pointing out the window. They all gaped at the thick canopies of green and splattering of cities across the island. In the distance, you could see the outline of the other islands in the Cariana peninsula.

Ruy turned to Nyoka, quietly looking her over. Her skin was a soft, delicate brown, her hair in naturally thick coffee-colored coils pulled back into an updo Ruy thought only queens and princesses would wear. She wore a delicate cream dress with a stark white corset securing her waist. A purple and deep red silk scarf protruded out from underneath her corset, a way of adding some color to her outfit. She wore matching dangling earrings and matching purple lip stain. Her eyes were a pane blue, a slate of gray splattered with midnight blue.

"I run this little part of Cariana, but I answer to the Governor. The other High Lords and Ladies run the other islands as well."

Nyoka watched as Ruy grimaced at the mention of the Governor, and hummed.

"I see..." Nyoka answered.

The horse-drawn carriage trotted through the massive stone gates and into the beautiful estate inside. It was multiple levels of terrain, the topmost being a beautiful light brick house with a red-tiled roof and elegant courtyard, the hill below it being the barracks and various high-end housing and shops, the final being the various rows of houses and parks.

"I live up there," Nyoka pointed to the estate on the top hill, glancing at Ruy, "You will be staying with me while we figure out what to do."

Ruy felt the anxiety settle in his stomach. These people made no moves to hurt him; he has been with them for two days. But... his mother was good at pretending too.

The carriage pulled into Nyoka's courtyard, all of them piling out. Ruy gaped at the beauty, at the rising sun lighting it all up, the distant howls and calls of exotic animals from the jungle, his heartbeat just a bit faster at it all.

Two men walked up to Allesandro, silently taking his bags from his, Allesandro staring in confusion as their bags disappeared into Nyoka's mansion.

"They are all so conditioned, think that they are all robots that need to serve me. It is so... lonely, sometimes." Nyoka sighed, gesturing to all of the well-dressed servants. Nyoka entered her mansion and started towards one of the rooms, all of them following in tow.

The warm cherry wood hard floors complemented the creamy wallpaper and comfy yet luxurious furniture. Dangling chandeliers and floor to ceiling windows lit it all up. The crystal chandeliers reflected rainbows on them as they passed underneath and began up the red velvet stairs. Nyoka finally turned into a large parlor with a bar cart, various couches, a marble fireplace, various paintings displayed in golden frames, and a massive balcony with french doors and billowing curtains flapping in the soft breeze.

"Please sit," Nyoka stated, sitting on one of the couches and calling over a servant.

"Would you like anything to eat?" Nyoka asked.

"Oh no, Nyoka, that would be far to much to ask-" Allesandro was cut off by his daughter and nephew piping up.

"Do you have pasteries? Like those little twirly cookies we had last time?" Alexios asked, leaning over his uncle's shoulder.

"And what about that sugary pink drink? The one with the rasberries and lemons?" Amalia smiled, peeking over the couch. Nyoka let out a laugh, turning to the servant.

"Bring them some sweets and drinks, please." Nyoka looked over her shoulder at Allesandro, who just sighed in defeat.

"Coffee will be fine for me, thank you."

Amalia sat down next to Ruy, her feet dangling off the couch's edge as she looked around the elegant room.

Allesandro was filling Nyoka in on Ruy, both of them quietly agreeing he looks familiar. Ruy didn't want to butt in, so he instead turned his focus to Amalia. Alexios was outside on the balcony, waving to the passing guards and nobles, who awkwardly waved back.

Ruy felt pretty comfortable around her; maybe he should talk to her? But what could he say? He never really talks to girls, and this one was really pretty. He didn't want to screw it up.

Ruy opened his mouth, then closed it, opened it, then closed it. Family? No, that's boring, and he didn't want her learning about his family. School? But, if they talked about that, he would somehow let it slip he has never been to school.

"D-do you like to do anything?" Ruy meekly asked Amalia. Amalia's brown eyes widened at Ruy's words, and Ruy immediately thought he already screwed it up, but she nodded.

"I like dancing a lot, and music. I know how to play piano and piano forte, but I want to learn how to play the lyre as well! And I dance contempory and ballet with Miss Ligea in Renisanca three times a week. She says I'm one of her best dancers." Amalia lit up, "But I like to go exploring a lot with my friends. Two weeks ago, we went exploring on the little cove on the edge of one of the villages to go swimming. My friend Mansi jsut manifested as pyrokinetic though, so when she sneezed, she accidently set her towel on fire when she was drying off! My other friend Nour pushed in her into one of the tide pools to put her out. It was really funny, though Mansi didn't find it all that amusing," Amalia laughed. Ruy smiled, enjoying hearing her talk. He enjoyed the curl of her words from her accent or the way her nose crinkled when she laughed.

"What about you?" Amalia asked. Ruy froze, his mind reeling.

"Oh, uh, I don't really have any..." Ruy muttered. Amalia blinked, humming, "Well, maybe I could show you! I think Nyoka has a piano around here, I can show you a couple chords!" Amalia smiled. Alexios popped up next to them, "I can show you some sword moves as well! I'm way better then Amalia!"

"Nuh-uh!"

"Yeah-huh!"

Ruy spoke without thinking, "I would like that." He gently stumbled out

Allesandro cleared his throat, "Well, it is going to have to wait until tomorow."

"What, why?!" Amalia complained.

Allesandro pointed to the cart of sweets that came in, "Fill up the two of you, while Ruy and Nyoka get to know each other, we are going camping."

"WHAT!" The Morretti siblings cried in unison.

"I don't want hear it-"

"But pater, we are already here in Nyoka's house! Why do we have to go camping?!" Amalia complained.

"Because the last time, you didn't properly set up the tent correctly and I had to help you get out of the collapsed sheet and mess of poles!" Allesandro scolded. Alexios snorted, chuckling at his sister, but Allesandro turned to him, "And you burned all of our food becuase you got distracted by, what was it again?"

Alexios slumped down, "A rock that looked like a crocodile."

"Exactly. So eat your fill here, you aren't getting out of it." Allesandro snapped. Amalia and Alexios gave up their cause, instead of gunning it for the cart.

Allesandro put a hand on his forehead, "Maria and I raised two barbarians, I swear."

Nyoka chuckled, crossing her legs as she smiled at the children.

"It adds character to them." Nyoka chuckled.

Alexios held out a long tube of thin pastry rolled around an orange filling. Ruy took it but just stared, "Trust me, they are super good!" Alexios promised.

Ruy gently took a bite, the crunch startling him before the orange cream's sweet citrus filled his senses. Soon he was gorging on the sweets and drinks just like Amalia and Alexios.

Soon, they were all stuffed and packed to begin camping. Ruy watched as the family began down the hill in search of a good camping spot. Nyoka approached Ruy from behind, trying to place a hand on his shoulder, but Ruy shuffled away. He was getting a bit better with the contact, but still not great. Nyoka showed Ruy to his room, and she left him to allow him to change. He was in a flowing sleeved tunic with dark and light blue striped running down it. He tucked it into the comfy brown pants he was provided, sliding into the ankle boots and meeting Nyoka down the stairs. She was wearing a large-brimmed hat and a plum-colored dress. She gestured for him to follow as they left the mansion and began to walk through the fort's shops and lively parts.

"I felt like I could try to get you to explore with me a bit, so we could get to know each other." Nyoka started. Ruy looked at the ground, not really knowing what to say. They perused together, looking at shops and Nyoka making a pretty one-sided conversation with Ruy.

"You seem fairly comfortable with Amalia," Nyoka mentioned. Ruy stiffened, still keeping his eyes trained on the window displaying a range of feathered hats and silly noble boots. Ruy could see Nyoka smirk through the window's reflection as she casually checked her nails, "Do you think she is pretty?"

Ruy suddenly found the peacock colored hat extremely interesting, but he knew Nyoka could see his ears turn pink. Nyoka only smiled, "That is alright, I'll let you in on a secret," she leaned down, Ruy leaning forward to hear her, "I think Allesandro is very handsome too. We have something in common then!" Nyoka whispered. Ruy smiled, his shoulders loosening.

Nyoka rolled out her wrists and stared at the sun, only about an hour before setting behind the horizon.

"I need to go pick something up real quick, come along. We can stop for dinner if you like." Nyoka said, gesturing for Ruy to follow her. Ruy followed her a bit closer, close on her heels as she entered a jewelry shop.

"Oh, hello Nyoka! Here for your ring?"

"Yes please, it is under Elizabeth though."

"Of course, let me go get it."

The salesman walked behind the velvet curtains to go grab Nyoka's order.

"Why is your order under Elizabeth?" Ruy asked meekly. Nyoka straightened, proud she managed to get Ruy talking.

"That is my birth name, given to me by my father, the High Lord of the island before me. I never liked it, and Nyoka was my mother's name. So when my father passed, I took her name as my own. I like it much more."

"But, wouldn't your father be mad at you for changing your name?" Ruy asked.

"Oh, he would be irate. But I don't care, it isn't his name, it's mine." Nyoka smiled.

"But, doesn't he scare you?" Ruy asked, his voice quiet. Nyoka's eyes widened slightly, worry creasing her face.

"No, he doesn't. He passed away a while ago, and even then, he never scared me." Nyoka faltered for a moment, "Do your parents scare you?"

Ruy shifted his weight on his feet, his voice as small as a mouse, "My dad never scared me, he was nice, at least, what I remember about him. But my momma, she... she isn't mean! She just gets mad." Ruy whispered. That didn't help Nyoka's worry, her eyes drifting over the few scars and bruises that could be seen around the collar of his tunic. Nyoka swallowed, "I see."

The salesman walked through the curtain, holding a small black box and another suspicious large wooden box.

"Uh, Edward? I never commisioned something that big..." Nyoka trailed, pointing at the box. The salesman Edward smiled, "No, it is from your sister and brother! They sent this to me a while ago and I thought I could give it to you now."

Ruy peeked over the counter, surprising Edward, "Why did they send that?"

Nyoka smiled as she grabbed both boxes from Edward, opening the wooden gift first.

"Oh, breath taking!" Nyoka gasped, two halves of a geode in her hands. Ruy stood on his toes to try to see inside, and Edward brought him a small stool. Nyoka held them out for Ruy, and he gasped.

Two half pieces of rock, cracked open to reveal a dazzling geode inside. They were swirling smooth rock of sky, peacock, cerulean, and azure blue.

"My brother is a geologist and my sister is an archeaoligst. They are doing undercover work in the human lands of Brazil. This must be one of their finds!" Nyoka explained.

"This here is agate, and this is quartz," Nyoka pointed out the various minerals within the geode to a flabbergasted Ruy and curious Edward. Nyoka smiled as she held up one of the halves, comparing it to Ruy.

"Look here, right in the middle?" Nyoka pointed to the geode center, where swirling azure sprouted to mix with the colors around it.

"It matches your eyes." Nyoka smiled. Ruy was still amazed even when Nyoka packed up the geode and ring and left the store.

"Let's get something to eat and head home alright? What do you like to eat?" Nyoka asked.

"I don't really have a favorite, I really eat anything I can get my ahnds on." Ruy shrugged. Nyoka hummed, looking over the various shops and restaurants.

"Well, time for some authentic Cariana seafood then. Come along." Nyoka carried her bags and led Ruy to a small little shop with a red and white awning and wicker seats. They sat on the patio, everyone warmly greeting Nyoka as their High Lady. They were immediately given menus and water, but Nyoka noticed Ruy hesitate at picking up his menu.

"What is wrong?" Nyoka asked. Ruy shook his head, awkwardly shifting in his seat.

Ruy watched his younger self fidget at the sight of the menu, knowing exactly why.

"Ruy?" Nyoka probed.

Younger Ruy awkwardly shook his head, "I'll just settle, it is okay."

Nyoka put her menu down, putting it together for herself, "Ruy, can you read?"

Ruy's cheeks blushed, getting angry even though he didn't answer Nyoka's question. Nyoka nodded, "How does salmon or flounder sound?"

"What is that?" Ruy asked.

Nyoka explained everything to him, different dishes and tastes. Ruy ended up just gorging on the all you can eat breadsticks in the end, but as long as he was fed, Nyoka was satisfied.

"Ruy, we need to have a serious conversation," Nyoka started, freezing Ruy in his spot, "I need to know if you are getting hurt at home. I also need to know if your mother is in the middle of something that may put you in danger?" Nyoka quietly asked. Ruy shuffled in his seat, feeling like everyone was staring at him. No, he was fine, Nyoka was just dramatic.

"I'm fine," Ruy whispered, trying to disappear underneath his stray strands of hair. Nyoka glanced around, realizing asking him in public may not have been the best idea. Ruy didn't speak for the rest of the meal, Nyoka finishing her food and paying for them. Ruy tried to enjoy the walk back to Nyoka's house, but nothing felt right anymore. Nyoka made no moves to scold him about his slow pace or strike him about his sudden silence. But Ruy kept glancing at her to check, distancing himself with little steps. Nyoka was silently cursing herself, knowing she could've handled it better. Soon it was night, and Ruy was already in his bed with little said to Nyoka. He hasn't seen or heard anything about Tezca, he was really worried.

Ruy listened to the heavy pattering of rain against the windows, his eyes trained on the gentle flickering of fire in the lanterns in his room. The sound of the front door cut through the gentle silence, followed by Allesandro's voice.

Ruy was out of bed and skidding through the hallways. Nyoka was already at the front door, wrapping a towel around Alexios and talking with Allesandro.

"We need to hide him, and quick!" Allesandro breathed to Nyoka. Amalia turned to Ruy, her sopping hair stuck against her head.

"Did something happen while camping?" Ruy asked meekly. Allesandro turned to him, about to open his mouth, but he froze. He jumped up and slammed the front door shut, locking it. Ruy padded down the stairs and peeked through the curtains. Outside the front of Nyoka's house were a group wearing solid black cloaks, who all turned to look at Ruy through the window. Ruy knew those cloaks; his mother wore one.

Allesandro, through his panted breaths, muttered, "You are wrapped up with the Neverseen, aren't you kid?"

Ruy shook his head, his lip quivering, "No, no," he hugged himself, "My mom is, but I'm not, I promise!"

Allesandro held his hands out, "It's alright kiddo, I know-" The front door shuddered, Allesandro slamming his body against it to keep it closed.

"Move!" He hissed at everyone. Nyoka led everyone deeper into her house, into the kitchen.

"Everyone out of the mansion now!" Nyoka barked at all of her servants. The maids dropped everything, sprinting to the various exits. Ruy was next to Amalia, running with her.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry-"

Amalia looked over her shoulder and gave him a shake of her head, "It isn't your fault!"

The sound of the front door breaking down froze Nyoka to her spot. She turned to her wine cellar, feeling around the crevices fo the wine bottles.

"Nyoka..." Allesandro warned, peeking out the small doorway. Heavy footsteps pounded as the Neverseen spread throughout the house. Nyoka pulled out a bottle, the wall shifting into a small crack that they could barely fit through.

"Come on, hurry!" Nyoka whispered. They all ran through the crack, Nyoka pulled a crank on the other side. The wall shut behind them, and they all stared at it for a long while. Nyoka swatted her tight curls out of her face as she turned to Allesandro.

"What happened?" Nyoka asked Allesandro.

"We were on the western side of the island, near the docks. We were all set up for the night, but Alexios pointed out footprints in the mud. We followed them, they went to a small cave built into the mountain side. Inside, gods..." Allesandro ran his hands down his face, "Did you know that the Neverseen are in Cariana, Nyoka?"

"I mean, there have been the few cases here and there, but-"

"No, Nyoka... they aren't just in Cariana. They are running Cariana." Allesandro explained, pulling out his minyama.

"W-What? But I would've figured it out by now, and if not me then Govenor H-" Nyoka's eyes widened.

Allesandro nodded, "The Governor has not only been letting the Neverseen in Cariana," he held out his minyama, "He is in the Neverseen."

In Allesandro's blurry picture was the cave he talked about, and in the middle of it was Governor Heinrich, his leg propped on a box of Neverseen illegal goods and whispering Vespera, the Inalian traitor and Ruy's mother.

Please remember to vote, comment, share, and follow! Things are slowly going to get tied together in the next couple of chapters, which is great.

_Sibylline_