Mystic Syn

“Only as convincing as you were trying to make it.”

“Depends on the situation.”

“For the love of Ko’ad,” Ji mumbled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “When you’re talking about that sort of thing, don’t talk about it when the person who you want to get rid off is right there. I don’t think she appreciates it.” He looked back at Lyanör. “You have to excuse her. She’s an idiot when planning these sort of things.”

“Yes, of course.” Ji rolled his eyes. “As if this place needs any more bad rep.”

“I’d rather not drag a body around,” he said, pointing a glare at Elya.

“I do hate having stalkers.”

Khusa grinned. “Suit yourself,” he said, going through his papers again.

Ji folded his arms. “Don’t look at me, Elya. It was your idea to start this.”

“An offer,” he said, holding the piece of paper in front of him for Velen to see. “Not to work for me, per se, but to work with my protection.”

“I’m going to pretend like I know what you’re talking about,” Q muttered.

She scrunched her nose at Fadran. “Excuse you. That’s the place I call home. Unless you’re talking about the Pacis, then they can go suck a jellyfish.”

Khusa didn’t seem surprised by Velen lashing out. He gave a half shrug and started to sort out papers, till he came to one. Khusa’s eyebrow twitched upwards as he looked up back at Velen. “Oh, Velen,” he called out, “you might want to consider this piece of paper before leaving.”

“Well, if you don’t remember, then must not be important.” “Oh yes. Pacis. Worked with them.”

“Alright then,” Q said, with a slight roll of her eyes. “Humor me for a second: Who do I remind you of?”

Ji rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say.” “We already have you here. I think we’re good on the lunatics.”

“Aaah,” she said, nodding. “I still don’t get why I seem familiar. Udyiess isn’t the one that has a whole lot of people like me traveling from universe to universe.”

“Ah, one of those people. Alright.” “I feel like that was supposed to be an insult. Don’t know why.”

Q froze, then looked Fadran up and down. “And you don’t?”

Q pursed her lips, then bit her bottom lip. “Udyiess. Continent of Zvso.” Looking back at him, she didn’t say anything, except for, “Hm.”

“Yeah. You gotta problem with it?” She tilted her head at him, raising an eyebrow. “I was told that I was needed here, so here I am.”

“I do now.” Khusa leaned back, nodding to Haro as she slipped out the door. “Either way, you won’t be chased by the police, nor your apprentice.”

Ji narrowed his eyes at the newcomer, but didn’t say anything. He blinked, then turned to see a new face. Ji cocked his head, flickers of his scowl returning. “And… who might you be?”

Oh Light, they’re going in, she thought, racing to slip in. Or you could just walk up and introduce yourself like a normal person? Krow suggested as they managed to slip in. Q looked up at the grandness of the base, and nodded in appreciation. Sure, there were better bases back home, but it was still impressive. From what little conversation she picked out from the main group, this was some sort of resistance base? All things considered, it was in great condition and well organized for a resistance. Q wasn’t exactly sure who exactly they were resisting, but it had to be the person she was sent to take care of… right? She sighed. You know I’m far from normal, Q responded, picking her way and following the main group. Really? I think you’re perfectly normal. I’m not scared or shocked that there is a multiverse, there are people who look different than I’ve ever seen, I can make death ribbons come from my fingers, I see blood and bodies everywhere, and not to mention I’m talking to a disembodied voice in my head. See? Perfectly normal. Q rolled her eyes. You and I need to have a talk about the definition of normal. What? he said, sarcasm coming into his tone. You shouldn’t be surprised that there’s a multiverse, anyways. After all, you went to another world… Unitas, you even fell for–– Shut up, Q thought, frowning deeper. We’re not going to talk about that. Okaaaaay. I still feel like–– From there, Q began to ignore his comments. She hung back still, watching from afar. They all seemed like they were… happy? As if meeting strangers wasn’t going to hurt them later. Like they had no fear about what they could do to betray them. Some of them were affectionate. Others were more outgoing. There was a leader, of course, and he looked like he cared about what happened to everyone that came his way, even though he was freaking out about how many people were suddenly showing up. Maybe it’ll be different this time. Maybe people will care for her. Maybe they’ll give her a remedy. Maybe… You know that only the weak embrace love, an echo of Highness’ voice said, the scars immediately stinging. Well… she just wasn’t going to get close to them. But that’s also what she said about last time, and… well… Q shook herself, feeling Krow push her forward to meet the group. She carefully skirted around the edge of the group. “But don’t you already have that?” Q said, folding her arms as she rose an eyebrow.