Chapter 148
Imagine, for a moment, the darkest secret you have. Something that haunts you, lingers in the forefront of your mind like an incomplete shadow. It should be something you are desperately afraid of, something youve managed to live with by shoving it as far down and deep as possible.
You know the one.
Now imagine that your hand has been forced, and youre now required to reveal that secret in front of everyone you care for. Despite knowing how their opinion will change, imagining the looks on their faces.
That was how it felt, summoning the lithid. Like fighting through a wave of never-ending shame, reaching the bottom and somehow finding more.
A swirling gray mass of orange and black exploded before me, wind pressure pounding against my armor and knocking me to the ground. The second floors serene blue sky filled with clouds, a spiraling wind funnel descending to the summons point of origin.
It shouldnt be able to attack! Talia shouted in my mind.
I dont think it is. Doesnt make sense with how high its bond started. I responded in the same manner, our surrounding environment far too tumultuous for anything more than telekinetic communication. As if to directly contradict me, the wind picked up speed, rampant gusts competing to lift me off the ground. nove(l)bi(n.)com
I looped my arm around an upraised root, anchoring myself to a nearby tree.
Release it before its too late! Talia said, her panic ringing clear.
If it gets worse. Just hold on a little longer.
When I looked back towards Talia, I saw her clinging to the tree beside me vertically like a squirrel, shooting daggers in my direction. Her claws were dug deeply into the tree, but she was clearly slipping. The wind grew even more intense and one paw came free.
I mentally prepared to release the summon.
Then the wind died. An eerie silence fell over the clearing.
A shadow fell over me, and I looked up.
Less than a foot away, a silhouetted figure towered over me. Where it had once reminded me of viscous motor oil before, its skin was tinted dark blue, its reflective aspect of now bringing to mind a dark ocean, or a moonlit night.
Slowly, it raised a hand and waved. Hi.
Hi?
The panic in my mind slowly eased as I shifted to my feet, studying the summoned version of the lithid carefully. It had no facial features to speak of, and the silhouette didnt register as female, as it had before. It read more androgynous than anything else, its voice equally in-between. Strangely enough, it sounded nervous.
Talia, I called back, refusing to look away from the lithid for even a moment. You good?
Apart from the several nails I left behind in the tree? Yes. Talia sounded genuinely annoyed at the loss.
Ill resummon you later. Subconsciously, I straightened my back. As petty as it sounds, I didnt like that the lithid was taller than me.
Suddenly, it shifted form, legs and torso shortening until it stood half a head below me.
My eyes narrowed.
Now that I was looking for it, I could feel a subtle vibration from
You are welcome to try. It would take you a long time to learn in your current state and require significantly more mana than you possess. The lithids statement was oddly candid, stating the reality without rubbing it in.
I waved it off. Thats not I stopped. It should have known that wasnt what I was trying to achieve. You stopped reading my mind?
I sensed you didnt like it. The lithid inclined its head towards Talia. She doesnt either, but as shes also fantasizing about eating me, turnabout is fair play.
Thats a lie. Talia snarled.
Still, this level of cooperation wasnt what I expected.
Can you isolate how deeply you look? I asked.
Yes. The lithid confirmed.
Read my surface thoughts again.
I braced myself and turned my focus inward. Now that I was looking for it, the intrusion felt like a whisper, a tiny spectator lodged in the depths of my mind. When I felt confident that I could detect it again, I told the Lithid to sever its connection with Talia and me, and the feeling of being watched receded.
There was an underlying sense of anticipation as it leaned closer.
Well, you already know why were here. I leaned slightly away.
The tiny spectator popped into the back of my mind again.
No. I scolded. The spectator receded immediately, and the lithid huffed in frustration.
How am I meant to respond correctly when I dont know someones motivation? It whined.
Im not certain. The lithid mused. Its unlikely Id be able to retain the form for a significant length of time. Slightly longer if the host was willingpossession will work similarly.
After processing as much of that as I could, saving the more outlandish ideas for when I had time for more detailed theory crafting.
I ran a hand through my hair. Before, you said you were a little hungry. Im concerned about that. It may have been reset for the moment, with your death and resurrection, but whats to stop it from getting to the point it affects your personality.
Totally reasonable, the lithid said in a schmoozing tone that grated. I dont remember much from when I was born, but I do remember the hunger. It was far worse than it is now, and if I do get hungry Well
Spit it out. I barked.
It put two fingers together in an oddly childish gesture. If you could just let me dwell within something or someone youre about to kill, that would satisfy me immensely. The lithid said shyly.
I stared at it in horror. Talia made a gagging noise.
If thats too much
Slowly, I put a hand over my face. No no, why not? You can eat their suffering, then Audrey can devour the corpse! The buffet is stocked for everyones dietary needs!
Ive upset you. The lithid realized glumly.
Leaving that disquieting. request alone for a moment, Talia said, The mechanics interest me. You can dwell within someone without possessing them? In the outside world as well?
Of course. The lithid said, as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
And they would remain unaware of that? Talia pressed.
Its very unintrusive. The lithid confirmed.
Picking up on what Talia was driving at, I felt a small surge of anticipation. And youd be able to hear what theyre saying?
The lithid suddenly clapped its hands together, making us both jump. Oh! Yes, Id be an excellent spy.
Are you male or female? I asked suddenly. Talia gave me a questionable look, and I shrugged. It had been rattling around in my head for a while, and referring to human-esque creature as it, felt degrading, somehow.
Both. Neither. The lithid placed a hand under its chin. Though I really ought to be male, considering.
Considering what? I asked dryly, not sure if I wanted to hear the answer.
Well, you already have a female summon. The plant is both, but looks and sounds feminine. Add another female to the roster and people might start getting the wrong impression.
Shes a wolf! I exclaimed.
Hes a human! Talia said simultaneously, equally put off.
The lithid shrugged. Doesnt matter. Theyll still talk.
If anyone knows about all three of you at any given time, wed have far more serious problems. I argued, feeling stupid for how heated I felt.
Judging from the memories I looked through, a few gods know already. And while the majority are complete degenerates, theyve come a long way from the wild days. Wouldnt want to screw yourself out of a boon or favor due to an optics issue.
Jesus. Just be whatever you want.
Male. The lithid confirmed. Its form shifted to reflect the change. Its body was slim but muscular, a figure suspiciously similar to my own.
Talia? I prompted her.
Talia stared at the lithid with distaste. As much as Id like to say otherwise, he is too valuable to turn down.
The lithid hopped up and down in excitement. Then, Im in?
Not quite. I studied him, dreading giving the question voice. Our bond is exorbitantly high. Audrey started at one, Talia at zero. I need to know why our bond in particular is so elevated.
Oh. The lithid shrunk back. I was going to wait and address that when the time was right. I cant tell you later?
Now or never. I reiterated.
Before I say anything, The lithid hedged, bear in mind I have a solution for your geas issue.
That got my attention immediately. And?
Ill tell you when the time comes. The lithid bowed his head apologetically.
I grit my teeth. Fine. Keep your leverage. Now answer my question.
The system didnt force me to admire you, or instill loyalty. In truth, Ive been waiting to meet you for a long time. But I am, in some ways, a slave to my nature. You had to run the gauntlet first. Even though you well you made me. The lithid was the very picture of anxiety, his arms held close to his body, shuffling from foot to foot as he waited for my response.
Foul creatures sustained by hate and regret, formed in the void between worlds when a sapient being commits the unforgivable.
There were plenty of things I wanted to ask about, but I wasnt sure I could handle the answers. I breathed out, as the small part of me that still argued for banishing the lithid withered and died.
Pick a name. We have shit to do.
