Maya and Sunny clung to the icy spikes jutting from the Mawshade's enormous head. As the ice-clad serpent glided through the sea of ash, the wind howled past the two Dreamers.
Maya's ash-blonde hair, which always appeared as if it were frozen, was whipping wildly in the wind. It had grown considerably since she arrived here. In fact, it was now longer than it had been in years.
I'll have to cutit... she mused. This is so annoying.
She had always kept her hair short— just above her shoulders— with bangs that accentuated her sharp, angular features. Even in the real world, she had been quite beautiful. But here, as a Sleeper, she had become nothing short of breathtaking.
She knew it, of course. Her looks had been one of the reasons she had such a problematic personality back in the real world. But here, she had tried to change— tried to shift her mindset, to be different. And she supposed it was working.
Cade's presence had also played a role in her change. He had been the complete opposite of her in the real world— a loner who spent his days behind a screen, barely speaking to anyone. He had even admitted to her that he had no friends back then.
If I'd known him in the real world, that would've been so fun, Maya thought. I would've bullied the shit out of him...
The thought amused her. But as she entertained it, the Ashen Barrow loomed closer. She stole a glance at Sunny. His jaw was clenched, his gaze locked onto the abominable Soul Devourer with grim determination. He was clearly worried sick about the two girls— so much so that, for once, he wasn't even voicing the countless questions that were undoubtedly running through his mind.
I wonder if he's already acknowledged his feelings for Nephis... Maya mused. I remember him mentioning that he'd been in love with her even before reaching the Dark City.
Maya let the thought linger before shrugging it off. No point in wondering when she could just ask. Shifting her position, she moved deftly between the Mawshade's jagged spines. Her footing was sure despite the wind whipping through her hair.
"Hey, Sunny," she called, raising her voice over the rushing air. "Can I ask you something?"
Sunny's gaze snapped away from the distant Ashen Barrow. He blinked, momentarily pulled from the weight of his thoughts, and turned to look at her. His brows furrowed.
"You can," he replied in a reserved tone. "And you just did."
Maya smirked. "Well, I got another. Tell me, how do you feel about Changing Star?"
Sunny's eyes widened just a fraction before he quickly looked away, his gaze snapping back to the Ashen Barrow ahead. For the briefest moment— so brief it was almost imperceptible— a faint flush of color touched his cheeks. But when he spoke, his voice was nonchalant, his shoulders rolling in an easy shrug.
"She's alright," he said, feigning indifference. "I feel... content that she's not my enemy."
Maya's smirk turned downright vicious. Oh, this was good. This was the best kind of entertainment. Sure, their situation was precarious— lives were on the line— but where was the fun in being grim and serious all the time? A little lighthearted mischief never hurt anyone.
She leaned in slightly, her expression amused and insufferably smug. "You really do know how to beat around the bush, huh? You haven't forgotten that I know your Flaw, have you?"
The effect was instantaneous. The color drained from Sunny's face. His eyes snapped back to her in sheer horror. The wind tousled his dark hair as the Mawshade surged forward, cutting through the ashen landscape.
When Sunny finally spoke, his voice was low. Almost wary.
"I haven't forgotten," he muttered. "I just… didn't know that."
"What? Don't tell me you're actually surprised," Maya said, shrugging with exaggerated nonchalance. "Cade already told you— whatever he knows, I know. He wasn't joking. We really are a bunch of weirdos who know far more than we should. And you, Sunny, just happen to be one of our favorite topics."
Sunny let out an exasperated groan and threw his arms up, nearly toppling over like an idiot. He barely managed to grab hold of one of the Mawshade's icy spines. And before he could embarrass himself further, his fingers clenched around the frozen surface. His face twisted with frustration, indignation flashing in his dark eyes.
"But how?! Why the hell are you two so obsessed with me?!"
Maya only sighed dramatically.
"Alas! If only I shared your Flaw..." She placed a hand over her heart in mock wistfulness. "Then maybe I could satisfy your burning curiosity. But, unfortunately for you, I'm under no obligation to answer your questions." Her lips curled into a devious smirk. "Anyway, you're trying to change the subject." She leaned in slightly, her tone dripping with amusement.
"We were talking about Nephis."
Sunny tensed, his jaw locking as he swallowed dryly. His fingers curled tighter around the icy spine beneath him, as if bracing for impact.
"So?" Maya drawled, tilting her head. "You gonna say it, or do I have to make you?"
The glare Sunny shot her was filled with pure, undiluted loathing. Maya's grin only widened in response. Ah… how long has it been since someone looked at me like that? A pleasant wave of nostalgia washed over her. Brings back memories…
Sunny clenched his teeth, his entire body taut with the unbearable pressure of his Flaw. He fought it, for all of three seconds— before he snapped.
"Fine!" he spat out. "I care about her, okay?! Happy now?" His hands balled into fists. "Now shut up and don't ask me anything else. If you even try, I swear I'm telling Nephis about you and Cade."
Maya stiffened. A slow, involuntary gulp slid down her throat. Her smirk wavered for just a fraction of a second before she forced it back into place.
"Come now, Sunless…" she said with a strained chuckle. "No need to get all defensive." She raised her hands in mock surrender. "I was just trying to lighten the mood. No harm, no foul, right?" Her smile turned increasingly desperate. "We're all good here? No ratting each other out to a third party? Right?"
Sunny smirked, his amusement clear as he watched Maya squirm. His voice turned smug, dripping with satisfaction.
"Yeah, that's more like it," he said. "That tone suits you much better. So long as you don't mess with me, I think we're good."
Maya clenched her jaw, frustrated by Sunny's smugness.
By then, the Ashen Barrow loomed before them, its desolate form stark against the sea of shifting ash. The Mawshade came to a smooth halt at its base, its ice-clad coils settling into stillness. Maya wasted no time; she leapt down, landing with practiced ease, and Sunny followed suit.
With a faint shimmer of frost, the Mawshade dissolved into nothingness. Crystalline motes of ice scattered briefly before vanishing into the air.
Sunny narrowed his eyes, watching the strange display.
Maya caught his expression and answered the unspoken question with a casual shrug. "Something to do with my Aspect," she said. "My Memories are the same. They all form from and dissolve into frost."
Sunny frowned slightly. "Weird..."
Maya gave another shrug, unfazed. "It is what it is." She turned her gaze toward the Barrow's twisted remains and nodded toward it. "Anyway, send your shadow. Check if they're still asleep."
As Maya spoke, a voice rang out from above, clear and unmistakable.
"Sunny? Where are you?"
It was Changing Star.
Maya's blood ran cold.
Her voice drifted closer. "Cassie, did Sunny tell you where he went? Oh… you're still asleep. I forgot."
She was moving. Coming toward the edge. Any second now, she'd look down.
Maya's breath hitched. Her gaze shot upward just in time to see silver strands catch the dim light. Then, Changing Star herself stepped into view, peering down with narrowed eyes.
Sunny tensed, every muscle locking in place. His pulse hammered as he flicked a glance to his side— where Maya had been just a second ago.
There was no one there.
The ground stretched empty beside him. He stood alone at the base of the Ashen Barrow.
Or so it seemed.
The instant Maya heard Changing Star's voice, she went utterly still, allowing the Vanishing Thread to shroud her completely. She barely dared to breathe.
Sunny's slight startle and Nephis's complete lack of reaction told her all she needed to know— she was unseen.
Damn… that was close.
From above, Nephis peered down, her clear grey eyes steady.
"Sunny? What are you doing down there?" she asked, tilting her head. "And why didn't you bring us any fruit?"
Sunny gulped. His throat was suddenly dry. Forcing a casual smile, he lifted his gaze to meet hers.
"Hey, Neph. Good morning. Uh… yeah, I just wanted a change of scenery, so I took a little stroll." He shifted his weight, trying to seem at ease. "I was just about to wake you up, but looks like you beat me to it. I wanted to enjoy the fruits together."
Nephis studied him for a moment before nodding. "I got up a couple minutes ago. Cassie's still asleep." Her gaze flickered past him, as if considering something. Then, she asked, "What made you want a change of scenery? What's more pleasant than the Soul Tree?"
Sunny's jaw tensed, his fists clenching at his sides. Though Maya remained perfectly still, unseen, she was acutely aware of the subtle shift in his posture—the war between instinct and restraint playing out in the tightness of his shoulders.
For a long moment, it seemed like he might break under the weight of whatever thoughts ran rampant in his mind. But then, with visible effort, he forced himself to relax— or at least, to appear that way. With a slow exhale, he raised a hand to the back of his neck, rubbing it as though brushing away his unease.
"I just needed some time to think," he said, voice measured. "And what do you know? This sea of ash holds more secrets than we'd have guessed. Anyway, I have something to tell you."
Without waiting for a response, he moved, ascending the slope of the Barrow. Nephis watched him for only a second before he reached her, grasped her hand, and led her away. Their forms soon disappeared from Maya's sight.
The tension drained from her body all at once. Damn. She hadn't even realized she'd been holding her breath. As the last echoes of their voices faded, she let out a slow, controlled exhale.
Maya moved swiftly, scaling the slope with practiced ease. Once at the top, she crouched behind the twisted remains of an ashen tree, her sharp eyes locking onto the trio.
Sunny and Nephis had roused Cassie from her slumber, and now, they stood in a loose circle, speaking in hushed tones. Well, Sunny was speaking. The other two listened, their faces unreadable.
Then, Nephis tilted her head slightly, silver hair catching the dim light. "A boat? What do we need a boat for?"
Sunny hesitated for the briefest moment before shrugging, then threw his arms out in an exaggerated motion. "To sail off into the sunset!" He grinned. "Well... something like that." The last words came quieter, more to himself than to them.
Before Nephis or Cassie could press him for an explanation, he raised his hands, cutting them off.
"Come on, Neph. I've followed you into the depths of hell with nothing but a few second thoughts. Killing an Awakened Monster? Sure. Fighting an Awakened Demon? Why not? Now, I'm asking for something in return."
His desperate smile widened. "This will be the project of a lifetime. We'll use the Demon's carapace for the hull, carve the mast from its bones. Cassie's cloak? That'll be our sail. She can fill it with wind using her staff." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with something both eager and daring. "It'll be done in no time. Please."
Nephis studied him for a long moment, then gave a slow, almost reluctant nod. "I suppose we can build a boat. I have to admit, though... I've never seen you this insistent about anything."
Sunny shrugged, keeping his tone light. "Well, this is important to me. I'll help with whatever you need, and Cassie can keep us both company."
Nephis nodded again. "Alright. Come on, let's go."
But just as they stood up, her sharp, storm-grey eyes flicked to the crown resting atop Sunny's head. Her gaze hardened, her expression shifting into something colder— calculating.
She narrowed her eyes. "What is that?"
Sunny followed her gaze, then gave a nonchalant shrug. "It's a crown, obviously."
Nephis didn't look amused. She held his gaze, her voice quieter but no less firm. "Where did you get it?"
Sunny forced out a strained smile and puffed out his chest. "Well, a very beautiful girl gave it to me. Said I was her prince in shining armor."
Maya clenched her teeth so hard it was a wonder they didn't crack. That Cade… I'll definitely kill him for making me do that.
Nephis didn't react immediately. She simply studied him with that unreadable, steady gaze of hers. Then, after a moment, she raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Instead of backing down, Sunny doubled down. He shifted slightly, angling himself just enough to glance at the exact spot where Maya was eavesdropping. A slow smirk stretched across his lips.
Maya's muscles tensed. Bastard…
Sunny continued, his voice carrying just the right amount of smug amusement. "In fact, she even dropped to her knees and told me she couldn't bear the thought of being without me. Then, she gave me this crown, said it was something very precious to her, and that she wanted me to remember her by it."
Maya felt her fingers twitch with the urge to strangle him. Son of a bitch. Both of them. I'll kill both of them.
Nephis kept her gaze on him for a moment longer, then shifted her attention to Cassie. The blind girl, though barely holding herself together, turned her sightless eyes toward Nephis in return.
A silent exchange passed between them— imperceptible to most, but not to someone as observant as Maya. Nephis gave the barest nod, and though Cassie was in no state to reciprocate, the understanding between them was clear.
Then, both looked back at Sunny.
"Alright," Nephis said, her tone neutral. "You don't want to tell us? Fine." She turned on her heel. "Come on... let's get your boat ready. Afterward, we'll eat some fruit."
Sunny exhaled sharply and muttered under his breath, "Like hell we will..." before trailing after Nephis and Cassie, his shoulders just a little stiffer than before.
_______________________________________________________
Pacing is ass, I know, but I'm trying to maintain a proper word count— somewhere around 2,500 words, give or take a few. I actually signed up on AO3 and uploaded some chapters there and while I was copying the chapters, I noticed how far I've strayed from the usual word count. So, this is how it'll be from now on...
I'll try to conclude this little mini-arc by chapter 80... hopefully. I'm not sure yet.
Also, do you think I should conclude the Volume too? The first Volume of Shadow Slave ends when the trio reaches the Dark City, so should I end the Volume here as well? Or should I include the entirety of Forgotten Shore in it?
I recently got a crazy inspiration regarding what I wanna do for the Forgotten Shore arc, so it'll likely be just as long as the fanfic up to this point, maybe even longer. Should I include it in a different Volume or should Volume 1 cover all of it? Do let me know your thoughts...
Anyway, hope you liked it. Until next time... :]