Beholding the Memories of the Demon’s Voice…
In Lady Mezalune’s hands… a crystal materialises – black as pitch, levitating above her palm. Shadows slither across its darkened surface like living serpents… pulsating, breathing. The very air around it chills, more intense than before. And as I lay eyes on it… my skin prickles.
Good grief. Fucking hell! So that’s what’s causing that icy, dark aura around her… and why her servants and guards refuse to leave her side.
“By Rinnah…” Anna whispers, staring at that evil, ominous thing. “That’s…”
“It’s a Memory Crystal, Little Miss!” Lady Mezalune states, watching her closely. “They’re shaped by the memories they contain. So, what will you do?”
Anna hesitates. For a brief moment, I see it – a flicker of uncertainty in her determination. But then she steadies herself, her gaze locked onto that space within the Oracle’s hands where darkness holds dominion… black as death.
“It’s not too late to turn back,” Lady Mezalune murmurs, the shadows of the Memory Crystal slithering over her hands, coiling between her fingers like living tendrils. “You could tell her I refused, that you tried your best. She already resents me. To her, I’m the worst thing that’s happened since everything else she’s forgotten.”
“Part of me wants to do as you say,” Anna admits, her voice quiet, heavy with something unspoken. Her gaze drops momentarily as if weighed down by the burden of choice. “But Eris deserves to know the truth. It’s what she wants. And I… I know how she feels.”
Lady Mezalune raises a brow. “Oho! Do you?”
Anna nods. “I understand what it’s like to have gaps in your memories. Nights spent staring at the ceiling, trying to grasp something… anything… just beyond reach. It haunts you."
“Anna…”
I place a hand on her shoulder, my own heart twisting. She searches for memories of a past forgotten. I grieve for memories of a future undone. We’re two sides of the same coin, both carrying an ache that never quite fades.
But at least… we have each other.
That night before we left the Isle of Spirits, we held each other close till dawn. It didn’t erase the emptiness entirely, but it made it bearable. She’s here for me. And I’m here for her. Always.
Now, she’ll be here for Eris as well.
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“It’s an awful feeling, losing parts of yourself… and knowing you’ve lost them,” Anna continues softly. “That feeling of hollowness… I wouldn’t wish it on anyone! Least of all, a gentle soul like Eris, regardless of whether or not she’s my favourite Bard.”
Lady Mezalune studies her in silence. Then, slowly, a smile spreads across her lips – bright, unexpected, and laced with something almost mischievous. It’s a force of joy so powerful that it overwhelms the cold darkness enveloping her!
“You’ll do it, then?” she exclaims. “Great! Super special awesome! With that conviction burning in your heart, I believe you’ll accomplish what I cannot, Little Miss!"
Anna blinks. “Miss Mezalune…?”
“You’ll be there for Little Miss Eris in her time of need,” Lady Mezalune says warmly, her purple eyes gleaming with quiet certainty. “From all that you’ve told me… I know it to be true!”
Then, a sly smile tugs at her lips. “Besides… she does like you quite a lot! And as you just said – she’s your favourite Bard! An idol and her number one fan… it’s a match made in heaven!”
“Oh my!” Anna exclaims, her face turning a deep shade of red as she instinctively places a hand on her cheek, fingers trembling slightly. “You really think so!?”
“Well…” Lady Mezalune answers with a smirk. “Little Miss Iris was quite the generous patron of Little Miss Eris’ Studio, all thanks to you loving her songs! You’re a VVIP to them!”
Anna frowns. “But Mom never mentioned what happened to Eris and her Studio. Everything you said earlier… that they betrayed her for gold, and…”
“She didn’t want you to worry! At least… not until you were ready to fight demons and those who serve them!” Lady Mezalune replies gently. “As for her Studio… they’re still around! It was a few bad eggs in upper management… and I’ve dealt with them since!”
“I see. I’m not sure how to feel about that…”
Lady Mezalune smiles. “You don’t have to! Because what’s done is done. Now, one last time, from the bottom of your heart – Little Miss Paladin of the Order of Selene, guardian of the Healer Hero – will you bear this burden and be there for Little Miss Eris in her time of need?”
Anna breathes in. Then, with resolve shining in her eyes… she answers.
“I shall.”
“Good!” Lady Mezalune grins with delight, eyes glinting as she holds out the Memory Crystal, its shadows pulsing with an ominous rhythm. “Place your hand upon it… and embrace the darkness.”
Steady, unwavering, Anna reaches for the Memory Crystal. Shadows rise, enveloping her in their cold embrace. Part of me wants to help her, but I know I can’t – it’s a delicate process… and any interference would forever shatter the crystal and the memories within.
Wait, why do I know this? Necromancy ain’t my forte – far from it! And yet… I do.
“It’s… very cold…” Anna murmurs, her entire body trembling as the icy shadows coil around her… their combined evil threatening to swallow her whole. “Miss Mezalune, I…”
“It is,” Lady Mezalune says softly. “Endure it.”
“I will. I can already feel the shadows weakening, Miss Mezalune! I’m in control now, I…”
“Anna!”
I lunge forward just in time, catching her as she staggers. Her body is ice-cold, trembling against mine… barely able to support itself as she holds the Memory Crystal in her hands.
The accursed thing pulses with a sinister presence… but she refuses to let it overpower her. Gritting her teeth, she forces herself upright.
“Thank you, Arisa…” Anna rasps, her voice strained, her breath uneven. “I’m not feeling too good right now… but I’ll manage.”
“No problem,” I reply, mustering a smile I don’t quite feel. “Let’s get this to Eris.”