Page 3754

Not only did it have a quieting effect on his own mind; it also gave him the opportunity to search through the past for anything that might’ve been useful in the present day. Perhaps that was a fruitless endeavor, since Axiolis could theoretically just tell him anything that might be discovered here, but Zeff Elroy couldn’t help himself.

There was just a feeling he had. Somewhere in the back of his mind. A feeling of unrest. Tension. Like maybe this chaotic world would make a little more sense if he could figure out what he was missing.

Plus, there was the fact that he and Axiolis both now knew that the reaper’s memories had been tampered with in the distant past. The sudden remembrance of Kingsparrows during their first encounter with Graves had left a lasting impression on the two of them. Perhaps that was why Axiolis seemed just as keen as he to conduct these meditative dives. The reaper was thinking of it as a kind of personal audit, a search for anything else that might’ve been suppressed--or perhaps that had simply slipped through the cracks.

Zeff, however, was uncovering a further problem.

Because there were times during their meditation--not often, sure, but they were there--when he could sense an abrupt discord between his mind and Axiolis’. And it was bad enough that it even threatened to prematurely end their hyper-state merge.

He’d discussed the matter with Axiolis multiple times now, but the reaper just kept telling him that it was a matter of continued practice. That it was a sign they needed to refine their skill with pan-forma, perhaps instigated by the immense amount of emotional and psychological turmoil that they had both undergone over the last several months.

Which, frankly, Zeff did not entirely buy. It was a fair excuse, sure. They had indeed been through much. It made a degree of sense that it might begin to impact their mental performance.

But he’d also begun to think that, perhaps, Axiolis was hiding something from him. Perhaps there were memories which the reaper did not wish for him to see.

And yet, that notion was also a bit peculiar. When it came to the merging of their two consciousnesses within a hyper-state, Zeff had never been under the impression that he should be privy to each and every memory that Axiolis had ever experienced.

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Page 3753 -- CCCVII.

Nixil paused at that. ‘My equal? In what capacity?’

‘All capacities.’

‘Hmph! How bold! You are all but asking me to test you, you know! Are you sure that you can handle it? I do not wish to harm you, my friend.’

‘That will not be necessary.’ Then, in a tremorous voice, he added. ‘Release her.’

And suddenly, she noticed the Methusel there next to her. Their hands had been on her wrists and ankles, apparently. But now they were letting her go and slinking away.

‘Go now, Gema,’ said Ozolos privately. His voice was not commanding any longer. Only gentle and familiar.

And she went. Through the open doorway and into the corridor.

Nixil gave chase. ‘You can command the Methusel!’ he said, sounding equal parts shocked and delighted. ‘I knew you were one of us! You must tell me your identity!’

‘No longer.’

‘Do not say that! Were you among the exiled?! If so, then put your fears aside! After such a transformation, I am sure we could arrive at a new arrangement for you! Bygones could well and truly be bygones if you wish it! Do you know how rare of an opportunity that is! Countless of our kind would kill for such a chance!’

Gema just kept going, feeling that she absolutely should not stop walking unless Ozolos told her to.

‘I was not exiled,’ said Ozolos. ‘I left of my own accord. And you, Nix, have gotten much worse in my absence.’

Nixil stopped following.

‘Wait,’ said Ozolos privately.

And she stopped as well. She looked back toward the other reaper.

Nixil was just floating there, silent. A group of Methusel had followed, though they seemed to be keeping their distance.

‘I thought perhaps you might’ve changed for the better after all this time,’ said Ozolos. ‘But I see you have become even more manipulative than ever. Power has gone to your head, little brother.’

Nixil was visibly struggling. ‘You... which of my brothers are you claiming to be?’

‘Even now, you still cannot tell?’

‘Do not try that. Tell me now or be slain as a liar and imposter of the highest order.’

Ozolos sighed. ‘‘Tis I. Skapa.’


Chapter Three Hundred Seven: ‘O, lost dragon...’
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Meditation was helping him to remain calm. To remain sane, even.

Meditation, that was, in combination with pan-forma. If there was one bright side to this sudden and strange captivity, it might have been that. He could delve deep into Axiolis’ memories. He could literally live in the past. In the presence of his many ancestors.

For a time, anyway.

Page 3752

‘A noble claim,’ said Ozolos. ‘If only it were the truth.’

‘I can do naught else but give you my word,’ said Nixil. ‘In the end, it is your choice whether to trust it.’

Then there came a long silence.

So long, in fact, that Gema began to think that perhaps she was missing something. Which made sense, she supposed, considering how lost she’d ended up.

She looked around the dining chamber another time and noticed a few more Methusel than before, but knowing what she did of them, they may very well have been there all along.

One thing was certain, though: she was more uncomfortable than ever. She remembered thinking that, if things got any tenser in here, she might have trouble breathing, and yet somehow, it was still a surprise to find that she had actually been right about that.

Her breaths were hard and sharp. Not difficult, necessarily. But she had to concentrate on them a little. Force the air in.

Even if she couldn’t follow what the reapers had been saying, she could follow this feeling. And it didn’t bode well.

Finally, Ozolos spoke up again. ‘I’m afraid I must respectfully decline.’

‘That is a shame,’ said Nixil. ‘But I hope to change your mind before your stay here concludes.’

‘I think we will also be cutting our stay short,’ said Ozolos. ‘In fact, we will be leaving immediately, as there is something we must report to Captain General Frederick. Thank you for your hospitality, good Rahja.’ And then privately to Gema, he added, ‘Stand up and go.’

Oh. Geez. Uh. Crap. She did as she was bid and moved to leave. She made it most of the way across the room before Nixil’s next word arrived.

‘Stop,’ was all he said.

But it was said with force. It reverberated in her mind and body at once, and Gema couldn’t help but do so.

She tried, but for some reason, she couldn’t take another step.

And it was all she could do to not panic.

Ozolos’ silent voice remained as calm as ever, however. ‘And so your true colors are revealed. That was surprisingly easy. I thought you would at least let us leave the building.’

‘I do not appreciate these games, Ozolos.’

‘No. You do. You simply do not appreciate losing them.’

‘Hoh! I’ve lost, have I? Why? Because you’ve succeeded in irritating me?’

‘In part, perhaps. But primarily, because you are out of practice sparring with equals.’

Page 3751

For a time, Nixil merely stared back at the two of them.

And Gema felt a shiver down the length of her body. Despite all their conversing, Ozolos had still never detached himself from her. He was clinging to the back of her shoulder even now.

‘My friend,’ said Nixil, ‘I give you my word that I wish no harm upon you or your girl here. You are free to leave at any time.’

‘Harm is not all that concerns me,’ said Ozolos. ‘This girl, despite her youth, has already endured much. She has become the instrument of forces far beyond her ability to even perceive, let alone control. And you, good Rahja, are yet one more player of a game in which she is only a pawn.’

Wow. Gema certainly wanted to interrupt and defend herself, but on the other hand, this felt like it might be a rare, true glimpse into her strange reaper’s heart.

Either that, or he was lying. In which case, she didn’t want to ruin his performance.

‘I have no designs on your servant,’ said Nixil. ‘She matters nothing to me.’ He spared her a glance. ‘Meaning no offense.’

Gema merely bobbed her head and returned a flat a smile.

‘My only interest is in you, Ozolos. I understand your worry, but from the way you are talking, it sounds to me as though you are already in quite a difficult position. Within the Vanguard, perhaps? Their machinations have been rather concerningly opaque, of late. It would not surprise me to learn that you have become stuck in a troublesome spot of that web.’

Hmm. How much did this fellow know about what the Vanguard was actually up to, Gema wondered? Because she had a feeling that it was quite a lot. The Covert Intelligence Division probably wouldn’t be bending over backwards to try and accommodate these people if that weren’t the case.

‘Your assessment has merit,’ said Ozolos. ‘Are you offering to help us out of our bind?’

‘Yes,’ said Nixil. ‘But are you willing to trust us in this task? Because if not, then nothing can be accomplished. Regardless of what the caged fools or the wicked birds or anyone else may have done to you, it cannot be undone without your consent.’

What in the world were they talking about now? Gema was completely lost.

But apparently, Ozolos wasn’t. ‘Cannot? Or will not? Is that an expression of your inability? Or your unwillingness to compromise your principles?’

‘The latter. We will not do anything to you without your permission. On this matter, you have my most sincere promise.’

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Page 3750

‘You will have to forgive me if I do not trust that claim,’ said Ozolos.

‘Of course,’ said Nixil. ‘Your trepidation is understandable. Unburdening yourself of it will take time, no doubt.’

‘Time which my servant and I may not have,’ said Ozolos. ‘Wonderful as this island is, we do have lives that we must get back to. We cannot stay here indefinitely for the mere purpose of helping new reapers integrate into your fold--especially when we are not exactly integrated ourselves. That seemed a strange demand of your kin, if you do not mind my saying so.’

Nixil shook his head. ‘It saddens me to hear you say so, but perhaps that is my failing. I’ve become so accustomed to hearing about how passionately outsiders wish to join us here that it did not occur to me that you might feel differently.’

‘So it WAS on your request that we be ordered to stay here,’ said Ozolos. ‘That Harilixa of yours was quite insistent. And demanding.’

And rude, thought Gema.

‘Was she now?’ said Nixil. ‘She can be rather passionate, at times. But yes, I did mention to the Council that I wished for you to stay a while upon your next visit. You piqued my curiosity.’

‘You honor me, Rahja.’

‘And I would so even more, if you would but stay. There is much I would discuss with you, Ozolos.’

‘We had already intended to stay for a few days after the new residents arrived. Beyond that, however, I’m afraid we cannot linger.’

‘Mm.’ Nixil turned and swam a few paces backward before returning. ‘Then perhaps I should not waste time. Tell me, Ozolos. Can you see them still? Do you know their current faces? Do their strings still pull on you?’

Ozolos fell quiet.

Nixil didn’t push him, though. He merely waited.

And again, Gema felt like the air got even thicker. Much more than this, and she wondered if she would have trouble breathing.

‘...You ask too much of me, my friend,’ said Ozolos.

‘That is why you should stay,’ said Nixil. ‘So you can learn not to fear them. This place will be good for you. It will rejuvenate your spirit, if you allow it. Heal some of those “scars,” perhaps.’

‘They’ve healed well enough on their own.’

‘Then why do you not speak more freely?’

‘Because I know the danger therein.’

‘Again, I tell you that danger does not exist here. The Methusel guard us well.’

‘The danger is also in you.’

Page 3749

‘That is an interesting term to use,’ said Ozolos. ‘Reborn. I had not thought of it that way before.’

‘Oh? How would you put it, then?’

‘Scarred. Mutilated, even.’

That left a lingering and tense silence in its wake.

Gema felt her heart beat a little faster as she waited to learn how the leader of the Old Wardens was going to take that response.

‘...I understand,’ said Nixil. ‘That, too, is a reasonable perspective. I only question its productiveness. Moving forward has always been the more appealing way of thinking to me.’

‘Another interesting term,’ said Ozolos. ‘Moving forward. It does not strike me as appropriate for you, however. You, who leads one of the most infamously isolationist societies in the world. It seems, rather, that you and your kin would prefer to move any which way but forward.’

‘Watch how you speak to the Rahja,’ said Gardorox.

‘I said be silent,’ said Nixil, this time with noticeable force. Enough so, in fact, that Gema could feel the words in her chest.

Which confused her further.

After a moment, Nixil’s tone softened again as he addressed Gardorox. ‘I would have our guest speak his mind before us. I tire of mealy mouths.’

Hold on. She was a guest here, too. Did she not count? Eh, who was she kidding? Probably not.

Nixil turned back toward them. ‘So tell me, Ozolos. Were you always called such? Were you once one of us?’

‘Perhaps,’ said Ozolos. ‘Or perhaps not.’

For some reason, that made Nixil burst into laughter. ‘Oho! For a moment there, you seemed without humor! But that is quite the inside joke! I must say! And a telling one, as well!’

‘Then it is as I thought,’ said Ozolos, sounding not at all jovial by comparison. ‘You have had encounters of your own.’

‘Heh.’ It took Nixil a bit longer to settle himself fully. ‘Indeed.’

‘Yet you seem no worse for wear, as far as I can tell.’

‘Yes. I have always been able to negotiate from a position of strength. They have sought me out in every Age, sometimes stealthily, sometimes forthrightly. Always hoping to find me more agreeable.’

‘...To speak so candidly, you must be quite confident in yourself,’ said Ozolos. ‘In my experience, words must be chosen carefully, even in total privacy. To do otherwise is to invite the Unwavering Gaze.’

‘Not here,’ said Nixil. His tailfin gestured broadly. ‘Not among our stalwart friends. You need not fear. Faridel is well-protected from such invasive eyes.’

Page 3748

For his part, however, Ozolos was currently still remaining silent.

Gardorox pushed a bit more. ‘Please, do give it a try. It is quite rare that we allow any outsider to experience this, so I am interested to see your reaction to it.’

Admittedly, Gema was a little curious to see that herself, but rather unsurprisingly, Ozolos made neither a response nor a move toward the glowing banquet before them.

And perhaps it was just her, but Gema abruptly felt as though the tension in the room had become thick enough to use one of these strange utensils on.

It was Nixil who pulled them out of the silence. With a chortle, no less. ‘I fear we have wasted our time and resources. This one will not be indulging in our generosity, I suspect.’

‘Hmm?’ Gardorox looked to his leader. ‘Why do you say that?’

Nixil did not answer him. ‘Your name was Ozolos, correct?’

Immediately, Nixil received his own treatment, as Ozolos elected to say nothing.

Nixil’s fishy face remained unbothered. ‘You are quite wary of us, it would seem. Not at all like the countless sycophants that my colleagues are so accustomed to dealing with. I find it rather refreshing, honestly. A change of pace, if nothing else.’

‘You honor me with more attention than I deserve,’ said Ozolos. ‘I merely keep to the old ways of my people.’

‘Oh, you are too humble by a half,’ said Nixil. ‘I thought there was something peculiar about you the first time we met, and now, having had time to meditate on it, I think I may know what it is.’

Oh, gosh. Gema was listening even more intently than before.

‘You are one who has been reborn,’ said Nixil. ‘Aren’t you?’

Ozolos made no response.

‘Perhaps you even went by a different name, once upon a time,’ said Nixil. ‘Perhaps I would even recognize that name, were you to tell it to me. And perhaps the reason you are so wary is because you are already quite familiar with our customs. Indeed, perhaps you were once one of us, hmm?’

What in the world? Gema wanted to say something, but she had no idea what.

She was not alone in her confusion. ‘What are you saying, Nixil?’ Gardorox swam nearer, though still not too close. ‘Reborn? How could such a thing--?’

‘Be silent, please, my friend.’

And Gardorox did exactly that.

Page 3747

‘My dear,’ said Ozolos publicly, ‘I do not think any of this was bought from a grocery store.’

“What do you mean?” said Gema. “Where would it have come from, then?”

‘Apologies for my servant,’ said Ozolos, stretching himself over her shoulder to look at the same Methusel. ‘She is a notoriously picky eater.’

“I am not!”

‘She is also in a denial about a great many things in life.’

Gema made a face--and not entirely as part of their performance. That remark felt like it had a little too much subtext.

Ozolos didn’t stop, though. ‘‘Tis not entirely her own fault, however. Over the long years among our storied kin, there have been many figures who were infamously difficult to please at the dinner table. I have begun to think that it may instead be some strange byproduct of Rainlord culture. Or Arman culture, perhaps. I hope your masters will not be offended if she does not partake very deeply of this wonderful banquet that you have all so graciously provided to us.’

“...Arman?” said the Methusel. But he did not get the chance to elaborate, because another silent voice interrupted.

‘This banquet is not only for her enjoyment. It is also for you, her noble guide.’

Without the clear direction of audible sound waves to rely on, Gema had to look all around the room before her eyes finally landed on the voice’s owner. It was Gardorox again, and this time, he was joined with someone who had not been present during their earlier encounter.

Someone quite important. Someone she’d only met once before but remembered quite clearly for the impression he’d made.

That was Nixil, the Head of the Warden’s Council--and by extension, the leader of this entire enclave.

Not many reapers within the Old Wardens were individually famous in the outside world, because they rarely ever left, but Nixil was certainly an exception. In fact, his name was one of the most recognizable in the entire world, as he was historically known to have negotiated with servant emperors across every Age.

And when they crossed him, it was often to their great detriment, in one way or another.

Or at least, that was how Ozolos had explained it to her, prior to their very first visit to this place.

On that particular occasion, it had not escaped Gema’s notice that Ozolos had seemed a little different in Nixil’s presence. Here and now, she was already wondering if it would be so again.

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Page 3746

The spread of food in front of her continued to grow until there was a veritable banquet filling the table. Obviously, this was far more than she alone could have been expected to eat, so she could only assume that more people were going to be joining her soon.

Or at least, she hoped so.

As for the dishes themselves, Gema had to lean forward and inspect them more closely, because even at a glance, they looked truly otherworldly. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen food glow before. She’d heard about a couple of entrees in the Undercrust that also did, but she’d yet to actually visit and see for herself.

This was not just a couple of things, though. All of it was glowing. The entire feast. She was looking for even just one portion that looked in some way normal, but she couldn’t find it.

On the bright side, however, nothing looked or smelled particularly horrible. In fact, some of the scents she was picking up were quite enticing. The dish closest to her smelled faintly of honey and cinnamon, which happened to be some of her personal favorites.

It was still a bit questionable as to whether or not those two things were actually in the food, though. She had a rather strange feeling that they might not be. Like maybe this was all some sort of elaborate sensory illusion, designed to appeal directly to her psychically-determined preferences.

The temptation was certainly there, though. And a variety of utensils were already laid out in front of her, too.

And as she continued looking and smelling, she couldn’t help feeling terribly ill-at-ease by this whole situation. Like she’d been dropped into a den full of psychic booby traps. Like there was nothing she could do and nowhere she could go to escape.

But thankfully, that was just a feeling. And Gema Elroy was quite good at ignoring those.

She’d always preferred to flip a situation on its head, instead of stewing in silent discomfort.

After a few more silent moments of deliberation, she turned to the nearest Methusel behind her and said, “Excuse me. I’m sorry to be a bother, but how many calories are in this dish, right here?” And she pointed.

The Methusel looked at her like she was speaking in tongues.

Gema Elroy was not deterred. She looked to the next Methusel. “Maybe you could just show me the packaging for the ingredients used. That might give me a rough estimate.”

Shockingly, still no answer arrived.

Page 3745

She’d wanted to look into the details more. Find a proper report about what actually happened. But it had been difficult, to say the least. She’d been buried in work constantly. Whenever she returned from a mission, no matter how swiftly she’d been able to complete it, there’d always been another one waiting for her. She’d never found the opportunity to ask her direct superior about it, much less Miles himself, who’d supposedly been there.

...Hmm?

Her eye twitched.

She’d never asked? Never been time?

No. That wasn’t right. She’d visited home again, hadn’t she? There must’ve been--

“Are you unwell?” came the voice of the Methusel who’d been guiding them.

She suddenly realized that they had all stopped walking--including herself--and were now in some sort of large, warmly lit dining chamber. Ugh. Had she gotten that lost in thought? How unprofessional. She tried not to cringe as she apologized. “Yes, I’m sorry. I-I was just... not paying attention. It has been a long day, I fear.”

“You have a troubled soul,” the Methusel said.

Her brow furrowed a little. Again? Wait, was this the same Methusel from earlier? It was horrible to admit, but she couldn’t actually tell and was afraid to ask. The shifting colors and textures of their bark made it quite difficult to keep track of who was who.

Rather than questioning it, she elected to say nothing and simply sit down at the long table. Dishes were already arriving from a connecting room. It was a bit surreal to see more Methusel carrying dinner plates full of food. She’d known all along they worked for the Old Wardens, of course, but she hadn’t realized that they served as waiters and maybe even chefs, too.

Before she could actually inspect the food, however, the same Methusel spoke up again.

“If you are in a state of emotional distress or discomfort, we may be able to help,” said the tree man. “Some among us specialize in treating such conditions.”

What the heck?

Ozolos answered for her. ‘A kind offer, but we must politely decline. We outsiders have our own ways of handling these things.’

The Methusel seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then he bowed and moved away.

‘They may attempt to lay hands on you,’ said Ozolos privately. ‘Do not let them.’ The reaper’s tone wasn’t doing much for her anxiety.

‘A-alright...’

Page 3744

Gema said nothing more, finding herself abruptly unsettled. It was a rare thing to have Ozolos speak to her so much like this. But it was rare still for him to speak with such clear intensity.

If he was a telling her all of this, then perhaps she had misjudged their present circumstances a bit.

Perhaps this place was even more dangerous than she’d realized.

She recalled the last time Ozolos had spoken to her in such a tone. In fact, she might never be able to forget it, because it had been when the Second Continental War began.

Ozolos had been more vocal--and more irritable--that entire day, even before they had heard about the invasions. He’d told her again and again to pay attention.

‘See the world around you,’ he’d said privately. ‘Do not simply look. See it. Listen to it. Read between its lines. Uncover what it is trying to hide from you.’

And the time before that, it had been when she’d learned about the Rainlords’ betrayal of the Vanguard. Ozolos had been especially strange on that day.

‘The Veil shudders, my dear. It shudders and cries. It weeps, and it lies. It sells, and it buys. It whispers, and it dies. Listen to it carefully. But don’t believe it overly. Our people, our people. Who are they truly?’

And so on. She certainly hadn’t understood what he was talking about, but at the very least, she could tell that he’d been greatly upset. Even moreso after they heard the news.

As had she, of course.

Ever since leaving home, she’d harbored conflicting feelings about her heritage. Not once had she actually told anyone in the CID that she was a Rainlord.

She wasn’t trying to hide it, necessarily, and she was certain that plenty of the higher-ups already knew, but it still wasn’t something she’d wanted to advertise. Would it have made people treat her differently?

Probably.

Did she even deserve to use that label, anymore?

No idea.

She’d learned the history. Her parents had drilled that into her, most certainly. She’d learned about the larger-than-life heroes of yore. And about the ideals they tried to hold to throughout their difficult lives.

But she’d never really known what to make of all that stuff, never known if she really believed in it like everyone else did. Or like they seemed to, at least.

And yet, when that news first arrived, when she’d heard that her kin had “betrayed” the Vanguard and even fought against the Gargoyle of Korgum, of all people... she’d still ended up feeling profoundly hurt and confused.

Taking a day

Just the one. Page'll be up on th 17th. Thanks for reading, everybody.

Page 3743

A meal, was it? That was a surprising offer. In all her visits to this place until now, she’d never been given food. In fact, with so many reapers and Methusel around, she’d been under the impression that food was not even a subject that crossed their minds.

Which had made her pity the handful of servants who had to live here.

Granted, none of her previous visits had been for that long. She’d only been allowed to stay for a few hours at a time, if even that.

A look of amusement seemed to cross Gardorox’s fishy face. ‘You look surprised. You thought us incapable of providing sustenance, didn’t you?’

She supposed she could admit that. “Er, yes...”

‘Heh. Then you are in for a treat. As is your reaper.’

Gema was confused. “What do you mean?”

‘I shall let that be a surprise.’ Gardorox’s tail fin waved broadly to the side. ‘Please escort young Gema to her quarters. Dinner will be prepared shortly.’

And just like that, the reapers all began to disperse, not even bothering to inform each other that they were leaving. They simply flew off at a leisurely pace, going up into the ceiling or through the walls or even into the polished floor. Only a couple of them remained behind to strike up a conversation with each other.

Another Methusel appeared on her right--one she hadn’t even noticed a moment ago--and motioned for her to follow.

She did so.

As they walked, she decided to try consulting Ozolos one more time, despite knowing that it was most likely pointless. ‘Do you have any idea what they were talking about back there?’ she asked.

‘Yes,’ said the reaper privately.

Which was more of an answer than she’d expected, at least. But she still kept pressing. ‘And? Spill the beans, Ozzie. C’mon.’

‘They are trying to seduce me.’

She couldn’t help blinking. ‘Uh... say what?’

‘This is how it starts. Appeals to fleshly indulgences. Reminders of mortal pleasures. Things thought long lost to us. ‘Tis a potent strategy.’

‘Okay, yeah, I get that much. I think. But... “Seduce,” though? Is that really the right word for it? I mean...’

‘It is. Once seduced, control soon follows. Manipulation. Even slavery. Of the mind. And soul, too, no doubt.’

‘Whoa. Um. Alright. Don’t like the sound of that.’

‘Good. Remember your training. Hold truth. And see this place for what it really is.’

Page 3742

Gema hesitated at that. “Ah--fully integrated? Um. How long do you suppose that might be?”

‘As long as is required.’

Oh no. These were reapers. And some of the oldest ones on the entire planet, most likely. And she herself was technically immortal, too. So she was suddenly getting the distinct impression that this guy could be talking about decades here--or even centuries, for that matter.

She couldn’t just let that go by without addressing it. “I cannot stay indefinitely,” she said, stiffening her posture. “My work for Dr. Frederick comes first.”

‘You will stay as long as you are needed,’ said another of the female council members. This one’s name was Harilixa, as Gema recalled. ‘The Ohja owes us much. Any demand we make of him will be satisfied.’

Gema’s brow twitched at that, and she struggled to maintain the smile on her face. “Dr. Frederick is also very busy with the war. Many innocent people are relying on him for protection, right now. As members of the Vanguard, our first duty is to them.”

‘All the more reason why he should not refuse us,’ said Harilixa. ‘Without our continued support, the Ohja’s triumphs will dry up like a summer rain.’

Her jaw clenched as she held back the retort on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to tell them that ‘their support’ amounted to little more than a promise. They had not sent any actual troops or aid to the Surgeon Saint’s side. Only a guarantee that he could use this place as a bargaining chip when negotiating with enemy reapers.

Gema had to be careful here, though. Her emotional shield was only so strong. If a new emotion was allowed to take over--such as irritation, for instance--then her thoughts would no longer be protected from all the observing Methusel.

And perhaps that was exactly why Harilixa was saying such inflammatory things. To get a rise out of her.

‘Be mindful how you speak to us, girl. We may adore the Ohja, but you are not he. You are merely one of his pawns.’

Or perhaps she was just a bitch.

“I understand, Councilor,” said Gema, having solidified her smile again. “I can only apologize for any offense given.”

Harilixa said nothing more, and silence filled the chamber for a time.

Gardorox led them out of it. ‘In any case, there is much yet to discuss. Are you hungry from your journey? We will prepare a meal for you.’

Next page at noon PST

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Page 3741

Ozolos told her not to worry about it so much, but it was difficult. She had the feeling that the reason she was being refused a teacher was because they preferred being able to talk in front of her without her understanding.

So that they could say all sorts of mean and horrible things, probably.

But the joke was on them, because she was learning. Slowly, but she was learning. Paraya was their term for outsiders. And in her estimation, it harbored a slightly negative connotation.

“Councilors,” said Gema with as much respect in her voice as she could muster. She came to a stop in front of them all and gave a bow. She counted seven of them on this occasion, though she knew there were many more.

The one who’d spoken was named Gardorox, and he continued doing so. ‘What trinkets of the heavenly ones have you brought us this time?’

“No trinkets this time, I’m afraid,” said Gema with a sympathetic smile. “Instead, I bring news.”

The look of disappointment on each of their piscine faces was somehow quite apparent.

She’d been a little worried about that, but there was nothing she could do about it now. “As agreed, Doctor Frederick will soon be sending the first group of reapers here. I have come in order to ensure that you are not surprised by their arrival. And that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.”

‘So you intend to stay a while, then?’ said another reaper, this one feminine. Her name was Atriza, as Gema recalled.

“If the Council is gracious enough to allow it, then yes,” said Gema.

The Councilors all exchanged looks with one another, and many more words were exchanged in that mysterious language of theirs. Unfortunately, she still couldn’t understand very much of it, but she did pick up a few stray words here and there.

Families? Innocence? Young ones? Fighting? No, war.

Bah. Not enough to go off of.

Once they were finished discussing, Gardorox spoke for the group again. ‘The first group will consist of only three, yes?’

“Yes,” said Gema.

‘And they have been chosen personally by the Ohja, yes?’

The Ohja was their term for Cpt. General Fen Frederick. It seemed to be one of particular reverence, though she still wasn’t sure as to its exact meaning yet. “Correct,” she said.

‘Then you may stay,’ said Gardorox. ‘In fact, you must. Until these new arrivals are fully integrated, we shall make use of you.’

Page 3740

The guide continued onward through the throng of reapers in the plaza. Gema could see a few of them eyeing her, though whether it was out of curiosity or suspicion was anyone’s guess. The Old Wardens were a peculiar bunch, to say the least. Personally, Gema had found that many of them were intensely interested in hearing all about the outside world, while many others were decidedly not so.

There seemed to be a divide, of sorts, within the culture here.

Which, she supposed, actually made it no different from most other places in the world.

The journey kept going for even longer than she expected. Each time she’d visited, the meeting place had been different, and indeed, this occasion was apparently going to continue that trend. They ventured all the way through another street full of peculiar buildings and into a more wooded area, where the trail was barely visible.

Soon, the trees grew so thick that she had to push closer to the guide in order make sure not to lose track of him.

Eventually, the guide came to a halt, though not for any obvious reason that Gema could see.

Rather than voicing her confusion, however, she merely waited.

The guide raised his gangly arms over his head, and then the world ahead of them shuddered visibly. The dark forest wavered for a moment like a tapestry caught in a sudden breeze, and then a bright slit appeared down the center of it before transforming into an entire doorway.

An illuminated corridor lay inside, though it thankfully did not appear nearly as long as the last one. She followed the guide through, and soon enough, they arrived in a much larger chamber, one that looked rather like the main hall of a castle.

An invisible castle, she supposed.

Huh.

More reapers were here, of course, but these ones appeared to have been awaiting their arrival. Gema spotted a few more Methusel, as well, which only made her wonder how many others might secretly be observing.

‘Paraya,’ said the centermost reaper as they approached.

That was a word she’d become intimately familiar with over the years. She’d been trying to learn all she could about their language here, but as in all things, they didn’t make it easy. Each time she’d asked for someone to teach her directly, she’d been refused. Even when she asked what a particular term meant, she’d usually been ignored or simply met with silence.

Page 3739

To her eyes, reapers were pitch-black swordfish with a silvery glow and beady eyes alight with tiny white flames. Ozolos, however, did not entirely conform to that look. Rather than black, he was more of a dark gray, and his eyes shone a little more brightly than others.

Why that might’ve been, she still had no earthly idea, nor had anyone else she’d asked about it. The most reasonable explanation she’d gotten was that the slightly altered appearance was a byproduct of reapers with particularly strange personalities. A natural phenomenon observed throughout history.

She felt like there had to be more to it than just that, but at the same time, it did seem appropriate for her reaper in particular.

The reapers here, however, were also special. Maybe not in appearance like Ozolos, but by reputation, because this place was the Wandering Island of Faridel, home of the reaper enclave known as the Old Wardens. And she knew there was yet far more to be seen here, squirreled away in tunnels or behind illusory walls in giant boulders--and probably plenty of other hiding places that she still hadn’t learned about.

She’d been trying her damnedest to learn more about the history of the Wandering Island whenever she could, but information about it was preciously rare, and trying to get the Wardens to talk about it was like trying to get water from a stone.

The most she’d been able to learn had come from the Prime Archivers in Luugh. She’d been fortunate enough to be given a mission near there a couple years ago and had decided not to waste the opportunity.

There were many mythic tales of this place, such as the one of its origin. Supposedly, the Island was carved out of the small Luughian continent by a great sea turtle, who took the land upon its back in order to rescue the native population from a monstrous horde of invaders that was soon to arrive.

Of course, these days, it was easy enough to see from the air that there was no giant turtle beneath the island. And while its wandering nature was still somewhat mysterious, there were plenty of scientific explanations for it, such as buoyant algae along the underside of the island and large pockets of gas being trapped underground.

Took a bit of the mystique away, perhaps, but on the whole, she preferred science to legend.

Next page at noon

Apologies for all the delays, lately. And thanks for your patience.

By the way, a question for you: do you think I should go back and delete all these delay announcement pages? For ease of binge reading and whatnot? Or do you think it doesn't matter? I'm ont sure if it's worth the hassle.

Page 3738

‘They are one of the most well-hidden branches of humanity to ever walk the planet,’ Valess had told her. ‘Not only are they capable of manipulating minds and wiping memories like Sparrows, but they also possess an impeccable capacity for camouflage. My advice to you, therefore, is to treat them with exceptional compassion and politeness, because no matter how well you develop your psychic defenses, you may never truly know how many of them are in a room with you at a given moment. You should always assume that you are greatly outnumbered and being judged by attentive observers.’

Needless to say, that hadn’t been the most comforting thing to hear, but she’d tried to take it to heart during each of her visits to this place.

They finally reached the end of the long corridor, and a grand view of the main town opened up before her.

The central plaza drew the eye first, being so open and full of foot traffic. The buildings all around it were not uniform at all, varying in not only size and shape but also color, texture, and decoration. Where one was covered in vines and greenery, another looked as though it had been chiseled out of rock by a sculptor obsessed with geometry. Still another building had a decidedly Jesbolese aesthetic with its swooping roof and curving angles, while the one next to it looked more Intarian with how harsh and pointy it was.

There was even a building that just looked like a big pile of sticks thrown on top of each other. Crazier still, Gema thought she might actually know who lived in that one, despite never having gone inside.

Trees were also a common sight here, but perhaps not as much as one might’ve expected from the Methusel. She’d wondered why that was, and Valess had told her that it was because the Methusel did not care for shelter very much. They preferred to sleep outside, apparently.

Having never witnessed any of them sleeping, she supposed she would just have to take Valess’ word on that.

But that of course meant that all the buildings here were not for the Methusel. They were for the island’s primary inhabitants. The ones whom the Methusel had been protecting since time immemorial.

And Gema could see them out and about, all over the plaza.

Reapers. As numerous as she’d ever seen. And with nary a servant in sight.

Page 3737

‘I have a question for you,’ said Ozolos publicly.

“Yes?” said their guide.

‘Do your people take offense to being compared with the Dulvani?’

The guide fell quiet for a moment. “...Compared to? No, I should think no offense would be taken there. But if you presume overmuch about us because of them, then yes, you may create some awkward conversations. Why do you ask this of me, by the way?”

‘Curiosity.’

“No other reason?”

‘History, as well.’

“What do you mean by that?”

Unfortunately, however, this proved to be yet another of those instances wherein Ozolos decided not to respond, leaving only an uncomfortable silence behind.

Enough so, in fact, that the guide’s head turned one hundred and eighty degrees around in order to look at the two of them, his wooden neck making a crackling noise all the while. He didn’t stop walking forward, either.

Not knowing what else to do, Gema just gave a flat smile and then returned to examining the walls and windows.

Play dumb. Just play dumb. Dumb and innocent. Her tried and tested tools.

It seemed to work well enough. The guide gave up and turned back around, making it a full three hundred and sixty degrees.

She’d gotten used to that a while ago. This was not her first encounter with the Methusel.

They were a fascinating people but not exactly the easiest to read. Or learn about at all, for that matter. She’d never even heard of them three years ago, and in the time since then, she hadn’t been able to discover much about them or their history.

They all seemed to be quite stoic and soft-spoken. They were still human-shaped overall, but their bodies were noticeably more malleable. She wasn’t yet sure if they had any flesh beneath the ‘bark’ that covered them entirely or if they were actually wooden all the way through; but she did know that said bark could grow and change at will. And quite quickly, too.

At the moment, their guide’s bark was a smooth, pale white with an occasional black knot in it, but when she first saw him, it had been a deep brown color full of ridges.

She’d asked Ozolos about them numerous times, because she suspected he knew plenty, but thus far, he’d yet to elaborate. Thankfully, one of the other reapers within the CID, name of Valess, had been able to illuminate a few things for her.

Next page on the 9th

Thanks for your patience, everybody. I'll remember this time. The 9th. Definitely the 10th. Just kidding, the 9th.

Hope you're all having a good holiday season so far.

Page 3736

When she first became a servant and met this enigma of a reaper, it had been more than a little confusing. She’d sometimes heard her parents talk about their reapers and their personalities, but with Ozolos being the very first one she ever spoke to herself, she’d still needed Axiolis to come along shortly thereafter and inform her that they weren’t all like that.

‘Ozolos is someone who never moves at anyone’s pace other than his own,’ Axiolis had told her. ‘I won’t lie to you, girl. He may become a source of regular frustration for you. He may confuse you and annoy you and even cause problems for you with other people, who also find him bothersome. But one thing I have learned about him over the many Ages that I have known him is that deep down, he has wisdom. And when the chips are down, when it really matters, you will be able to rely on him.’

For her part, after five or so years as his servant, Gema still didn’t quite know if she agreed with that assessment. She’d been trying to give the reaper the benefit of the doubt, but it was hard, sometimes.

Life was hard, sometimes. And being considerate became all the more difficult.

She’d yelled at the reaper quite a bit, early on. Lost her cool.

It never seemed to faze Ozolos in the slightest. Perhaps that was why she’d stopped. She would’ve liked to believe, instead, that it was simply because she’d grown more mature and level-headed, but eh. That was probably wishful thinking, she knew.

Here and now, the reaper was attached to her back, just below her right shoulder. Not saying a word, as usual.

This was another of his habits. He often just grabbed onto her with no explanation and went along for the ride. She was beginning to think he just didn’t like floating around under his own power or something.

On this occasion, at least, there was justification for it. Reapers were vulnerable to psychics--not always, but often. Clinging to her like this afforded him a bit more protection against them.

Technically, Ozolos had undergone the exact same training as she had, but it was anyone’s guess if it had stuck. The two of them hadn’t encountered any problems thus far, so it was probably fine, but still. It was a nagging thought. One of many, when it came to Ozolos.

Page 3735

The strangest part of it all, however, had to be the fact that her increased emotional disturbance was actually useful to her work. Her worry over her family’s circumstances made it easier to summon an emotional smokescreen for her thoughts against psychics. She just had to think about her father for a bit--or her little siblings--and the emotions popped right up, persisting even after she started thinking about other things.

Much of the training had been about achieving that emotional summon on command in one’s mind. Entering the appropriate state of mind. Controlling the breathing. Tapping into memories. Or conjuring imaginary scenarios, if memories didn’t do the trick. And meditation, too, of course.

Now that all seemed a bit unnecessary. She had a shortcut to use.

Or at least, that was how Miles had reframed the situation for her.

<“Make use of what is useful,”> he’d told her. <“However you can. Even when it’s painful.”>

She still didn’t know to feel about that. Or about him, frankly. He’d always seemed to have an answer for everything. A solution for every problem. But sometimes, those solutions were a bit... unsettling.

She’d wanted to ask him and Overra more about what had really transpired in Sair, before the war broke out, but he’d been so difficult to get ahold of. The one time she’d been able to talk to him had been over the phone, and he’d told her not to worry too much and that it would all get sorted out, eventually.

<“It’s all a big mess and too difficult to explain right now, but trust me when I say that your family and everyone else are going to be just fine. Once things settle down a little, I promise to answer all your questions. For now, just focus on your missions. Fen’s got you doing important work for him, right? I knew you’d be a perfect fit over there.”>

She didn’t exactly take that advice to heart, at first. Her trip back home to Aguarey had required quite a bit of finesse and favor-providing, especially on the part of her reaper, Ozolos. He was a very old reaper--on par, even, with Axiolis--and so, he had a number of friends within the Vanguard to ask for help.

He certainly hadn’t been quick about it, though. For as long as she’d known him, Ozolos had always been peculiar. Even among other reapers, he apparently had that reputation.

My bad, guys. Thought I said the 5th

Whoops. I really thought I said the 5th. Didn't mean to freak you guys out. Next page will up tonight at midnight PST.

Next page on the 4th

Thanks for reading, everyone.

Page 3734

That last fight with her parents had been so bad. The memory of it was still dreadfully vivid in her mind. Some of the things she’d said...

And yeah, her parents had said some horrible things, too. Particularly her mother. And yeah, Gema certainly didn’t regret everything that she had said. There’d been several years’ worth of cathartic release from that conversation.

But there was one thing she felt guilty about above all the rest.

“I wish you were dead! I wish you and your bitch sister had been killed along with everyone else that day!”

It was painful even to think about. Strict as he might’ve been with her, Papa hadn’t deserved that. Nor had Aunt Joana.

The worst thing, though, was that Papa hadn’t even gotten mad.

He’d just looked hurt.

That expression on his face. She’d never seen it before.

In the moment, worked up as she was, she’d actually been happy about that reaction. She’d intentionally said the most hurtful thing that she could think of, after all. And she’d succeeded. Achieved her goal.

Then her mother immediately slapped the shit out of her and yelled at her to get out of the house.

It wasn’t until later, after she’d left and started to calm down, that she began to feel regret.

Now, all these years later, calling it regret would have been an understatement. That expression on her father’s face haunted her.

Especially lately.

News of the turmoil in Sair had done nothing to soothe her heart. And then the greater war, as well?

She’d actually managed to get reassigned to Sair after the war broke out, working as a scout, but that hadn’t lasted long. The call came down that Frederick was in need of agents with anti-psychic training, and so she answered.

There hadn’t been anything to see in Sair, anyway. She’d been too late. She visited the family estate in Aguarey, but there was no one there. Not even the staff had remained behind. Good thing, too, since the city had turned into a battlefield.

Now she didn’t even know if that house would still be there when she returned.

If she returned.

So she’d decided to throw herself into her work. Fully commit to the cause. Few were more just than this one, after all. This war needed fighting. And its warriors needed information, resources, and allies. She intended to do her part and then some.