Cylion lived in a small, quaint village in the middle of a forest area. Everyone knew each other. The lusii being sure to take care of the children they are guardians of to keep them out of trouble. Even Cylion. As a little girl, she was always curious and often times gets herself into trouble more often than a normal child should. Somehow she always finds a way and her lusus, batmom, has to try and control her. Though even if she is kept under watch, trouble tends to find a way to seek her out on its own.
The village has lived a peaceful life for so long until that moment where bandits suddenly attacked. They burned the village, stealing valuables, and capturing certain trolls to put into slave labor. Cylion's lusus thought ahead, grabbing the little girl and hide up on the tall trees, hoping to wait for the bandits to eventually leave once they have finished. Cylion held onto a tree branch until one beneath her foot sudden gave way, snapping off, startling her as she held on. One of the bandits below heard the noise, looking up and pointing up. "Oy! We got a live one up ovah there!" One of them said.
The lusus' fight or flight instincts kicked in, grabbing Cylion by the shoulder and attempted to fly away. "Don't fucking let that girl get away!" The bandit leader ordered. One of the bandits took aim with their rifle, shooting the bat lusus on the wing. It caused the lusus to drop, making a rough landing that caused it to lose its grip on Cylion, the girl skidding across the ground a couple feet away from her lusus.
Bruised and scratched, Cylion tried to crawl to her lusus until she was picked up from the bandit. The little girl struggled to break away from their grip, screaming for her lusus as a bag was put over her head.
Much later, Cylion is put into a slave labor camp, her wrists and ankles in shackles, in line as the head troll examined each person. Cylion was next, stopping in front of the tall adult as they looked at her. "Grey colored eyes." They said. The troll took Cylion's hand, taking a knife with their free hand, placing the blade on her palm and making a cut. Cylion winced in pain, tearing up as the palm of her hand started to bleed. Bright red blood was shown, jerking her hand away. "A mutant. Now that is quite intriguing. Put her in with that cyclops kid."
Cylion was then moved to a cell she had to share with a boy. Arriving at the cell, she was pushed inside as the cell door closes and locked behind her. She turned around, grabbing onto the metal bars and tried to budge her way out but with no luck. "You're wasting your time." A voice is said.
"H-Huh?!" Cylion turned around, startled by the voice until she sees a boy in a corner.
He hugged his knees, sitting in the corner and looked at the girl. He only had one eye, the other is a false eye that is fully teal colored. "Ya ain't gonna escape. You're here forever..."
"Wh-what is this place...?"
"Slavery... makin' us work for the soldier people."
"... But... I-I... I... I don't wanna be here..." Cylion began to sob, collapsing to the floor on her rear, tearing up.
Over time, the girl was put to work but was the main target from many guards, making her work harder to exhaustion where many moments she would collapse. Lately, it would seem the rest of the guards began to become more aggressive to the rest of the slaves. All the trolls have begun to speculate that Cylion is the source to the sudden aggressiveness of the guards. "Curse" began to spread from person to person, making all other slaves to stay away from her even during the lunch hour in the courtyard.
Cylion has noticed this but wasn't aware of this talk. They all tend to quickly stop talking once she walks pass them. During one day in her cell, she sat quietly in the middle of her cell until a stone was thrown at her. "Ow!" She looked from where the direction it was thrown, looking at the boy with false eye. "What was that for?!"
"This is all your fault!" He said.
"What?"
"The guards were mean to begin with but now they've been more mean lately ever since you came in." He explained. "You're a curse!"
"N-No I'm not... that's stupid!" She tried to plead her case.
"Then why are all more mean all of a sudden? Especially to you."
"I'm... I-I'm just..."
"You're a curse!"
"I'M NOT A CURSE!" She screamed.
Suddenly the cell door was slammed, startling her as one of the guards came in to stop the argument. "Hey! You two shut the hell up!"
"B-B-But I... I-I-"
"I don't give a shit what it is. Last thing we need is to hear you two flap your lips." They said, leaving the cell. Cylion didn't know what to do, feeling another small stone hit her, looking back at the kid as a sinister grin was across their face, looking at Cylion.
Overtime, Cylion has grown a distrust on everyone, already figuring that she can't speak to anyone for help as this curse rumor has spread to everyone, not wanting to do anything with her. She needed to get out. She needs to escape. Though no one will help her. It's gotten to the point that she was nearly killed during an accident that occurred from a machine. A piece landed on top, crushing her as she tried to get out, the soft ground beneath her was slowly going to turn into a sink hole. Everyone all stood and watched as the little girl finally got herself out as the ground was soft enough for her to sink lower to crawl her way out of the machine piece. She ran away from the spot as it eventually turned into a sink hole. Shocked and afraid, she looked at everyone with wide eyes, seeing everyone's expression of displeasure to see her still alive. At that moment, she was truly on her own. Alone. An outcast.
She has to escape.
A couple sweeps later, Cylion was in the middle of running through the forest, having escaped the slave camp as other trolls was heard behind her, chasing after her. Panting and keeping her distance, she tried to think of a plan on trying to have them lose sight of her. It wasn't long until she heard a familiar screech in the distance. Quickly stopping herself in a clearing, she looked up and sees a figuring flying overhead. A large bat. In fact, it was one she was able to spot by the hole on the wing. Her lusus. "M-Mom!" Cylion called out, waving her hands. She waited for the lusus to hear her, flying around over the clearing, looking down and lets out a surprised screech. Cylion simply smiled but quickly turned to a frown as she heard the trolls still trying to find her. She got herself to run, hoping that her lusus will follow her.
Going deep into the forest, she kept her pace, looking up occasionally to see her lusus is keeping up until eventually the large bat got next to her, rapidly flapping its wings. Her lusus then flew above her, slowly lowering herself and grabbing onto Cylion's shoulders, bringing her up and maneuvering herself pass the trees as she carried Cylion above the tree line. Losing sight of the men chasing after her, she was flown back to the village she lived in, fully built back up ever since the day it was attacked. Cylion was gently put down as she turned to hug her lusus, not even believing that actually made it and to see her lusus still alive after all this time. Tears went down her face, crying onto her lusus and not wanting to let go. She was free. Finally free.
- - -
The Demon Is Born
Sweeps later, Cylion decided to take her lusus, her belongings, and live alone in a hive she built by hand alone, away from everyone, isolate herself. During that time, she found books to read until she found one that piqued her interest. The front cover had a pentagram, a symbol she was familiar with but wondered why it's on the cover of this certain book. The pages were all in a different language, not something she is familiar with until one page that was actually in Alternian.
Cylion read it out loud to herself, wanting to have something to do for her time and eventually noticed a sigil just formed on the floor in front of her. Growing concerned, the sigil began to glow, causing her to step back as the floor cracked open on the sigil it's opening up on, an arm peered out from the crack. Claw-like hand was seen as a figure rose up from the depths and came into view. A large creature, hooved feet and bat-like wings. Horns similar to trolls but the skin color was a darker grey. Their three eyes opened up, looking at Cylion and let out a deep, gutteral growl. "You... summoned me." It spoke.
"Wh-who are you...?!" Cylion demanded but was cautious.
"Do not be afraid, my dear. I do not harm those that are defenseless." It gives a grin, looking around at their surroundings until looking back at the girl. "It has been so long since I have surfaced up to the mortal realm. This world, however, is... different."
"What... what are you..?"
"A demon... an abomination within the fiery realm of Hell. My name is Kalo R' Tash. What is yours... miss?"
"Cylion... I-It's... It's Cylion Cytone..." She nervously responded.
"Miss Cytone... A lovely name... familiar. Though I cannot place my finger as to why it is... I... have an offer for you."
"What is it...?"
"You summoned me... and I can sense... fear. No... not fear... there's a deeper cut within your mind, is there?" The demon spoke and slowly walked to her as she slowly crawled away until she was stopped by a wall behind her. "Am I not wrong?"
"... M-Maybe..."
"We can talk, dear. I am... usually blood thirsty but you are an exception for now. We can... help each other. Do you... trust me?"
Cylion was silent. The mention of those words left a chill down her spine as memories of what she went through shrouded her mind, thinking she have forgotten all about it but she can't escape it. "... Fine." She looked up and replied to it. The demon grinned, Cylion telling her trouble tale of her time at the slave labor camp, not knowing what to do with her life ever since she escaped, lost without a goal.
"Such a tragic past." The demon said. "Perhaps... I can make you an offer... Do you still hate them?"
The question was something she had to stop herself and think. Wasn't until she reminded herself of the hell she went through all those sweeps ago and anger grew within. Immense hatred. "Yes... I hated all of them."
"I can sense it. An anger festering so deep within that you wish to wrap your hands around their necks, squeezing tightly until every ounce of their last breath eventually fades."
"... Yes..."
"Perhaps... I can make that happen."
Those words instantly got her attention, looking up at the demon. "I'm listening..."
Few months pass as the front entrance of the slave camp was quiet, the guards stood idly by, keeping watch until one spotted something in the distance. A lone troll came into view as one guard muttered to the other about it, both looking at them with caution. Cylion was the lone troll. She continued walking until one guard asked her to stop as she was barely a yard away from the front gate. "Who are you? What's your business?" One guard demanded. All of a sudden, a gash appeared on the guard's throat, blood spurting out as they collapsed to their knees, covering their neck to stop the bleeding but slowly died from the blood loss. The other guard was horrified, raising their rifle and aiming at her direction. "Wh-what the hell happened to him!?"
Cylion slowly turned to look at him, staring directly at him. From that moment, the guard has never felt more fear until he looked at her eyes. Pure anger. Pure hatred. It was enough for the guard to suddenly freeze, losing their grip of their weapon as it drops from their hands. He only blinked once as she was suddenly in front of him, getting grabbed by the throat and lifted inches from the ground by an unknown force. The guard struggled to breathe, trying to grab what was around his neck but feeling nothing there. Wasn't until he heard her speak. "My business..." Cylion began. "Burn my past to the fucking ground." Those words were the last he heard as his neck snapped, the body falling limp to the ground. Eventually, a horde of demons peered out from the forest behind her and began their attack on the camp. The main gate fell, fire was sparked as the main guards were unprepared, killed off one by one. The demons mutilating them as Cylion walked through the camp with no trouble and used her magic, that was taught to her by the demon she summoned over the months, and killed any guard that got in her way.
The slaves were all hearing the sounds of screaming from within their cell area, not knowing what was happening outside. It wasn't until the steel double doors was bashed through and the demons surrounded the front of the main cell area as Cylion was let in. All the trolls stood up until one she instantly recognized walke up to the cell door. "H-Hey... are you... are you getting us out?" He said. It was the same troll with the false eye.
"You... I remember you so well." Cylion said.
Confused, the troll with the false thought hard until he stared her long enough to see it was her. The same girl that he has messed with for a curse rumor that spread around. "I-It's you! H-H-Hey! Get us out! Come on!"
"Why should I?" She asked. "Do you know what I remember? Distrust... From you... from fucking all of you. Each... and every person here."
"C-Come on... Y-Y-You had to understand that it was a j-joke all this time... r-r-right?" He pleaded.
"Really? A joke...? Do you see me fucking laughing?!" Cylion yelled, a darker aura was felt that it seemed to have sent a shock wave that knocked every troll back. "I was nearly killed one time... and you all watched... You all... fucking watched..." She looked directly at the false eyed troll, anger was the only thing he sees in front of him. "Do you... even know my name?"
"It's... U-U-Uh... i-i-i-it's well..." The false eyed troll stammered his words, panicking.
"Of course you didn't. None of you knew... All you were worried was a fucking curse... that never... existed. You just wanted to put the blame on someone for your sorry shitty existence. And now once you stare at death... you act like you deserve a rope to escape the hole you're in and ride the chariot to freedom."
Everyone was quiet and soon Kalo the demon walked in, standing beside Her. "What do want us to do, dear Cylion?"
Cylion looked at all the trolls, thinking to herself. One thing is certain, her anger and hatred can't be swayed. She made her decision. "Your service has been grateful, Kalo... Kill them all." She said and it was enough for all the trolls to begin to panic. "Paint the walls with their blood."
"It has been a pleasure working for you, dear Cylion..." The demon replied.
Cylion turned and walked away, hearing the screams behind her until it eventually faded as she got far away from the place. She stopped for a moment, turning to look back to see the place in a blaze from a distance. The roars and howls of the demon horde was loudly heard from the burning camp, echoing throughout the forest, a sign that their work is finished. "Ashes... and nothing more." The only words she said as she continued to head to the direction of her home.
Hours passed and soon, Morita, possessing Cilrus’ body, finally arrived to meet Cylion once more. The dark witch knew she was coming back. Behind them was her girlfriend, the demon succubus, Tyranix, who has been skeptical of the spirit and their promises but more so worried about Cylion than anything. “Came back with that lousy girl again.” Cylion commented.
“How do you expect a spirit to pick up a regular object with limited powers?” Morita replied. “Now... here it is.” Going into the satchel she had on, she takes out the rooted heart, showing it the dark witch.
Cylion’s eyes widened. She read the stories of such a magical relic but to really see it with her own eyes was a sight to behold. “That... that’s...”
“The Rooted Heart.” Morita grins, tossing it to Cylion in which they caught it. “It’s powers were mysteries in many books mostly because such a thing was talked about but never seen in person. Though they don’t know it’s true potential besides... me.”
At that moment, Cylion knows of the spirit’s true form from before. “What does it do?”
“Give eternal life!” Morita exclaimed with joy. “That, and my ticket of ridding myself off of this body and retaining my original form.”
“Then... what happens with... them?” Cylion questioned.
Morita groaned, though she should at least try. “Right... start the ritual and let me handle that issue.” Cylion didn’t question it and walked away beginning the process. Meanwhile, Morita walks off a good distance away and exits out of Cilrus’ body as the goth troll collapses to the ground, breathing heavily as if they were submerged in water for hours.
“Wh-what the hell?!” She screamed.
“Calm down, will ya?”
“C-Calm down?! What are you doing?! What is your plan?!”
“I’m getting to that.” Morita says, floating around Cil. “Now, I’m giving you an option and maybe one of these you won’t even like.”
“Why should I listen to you?” Cilrus says.
“Because if you want stay alive, I suggest you take my fucking offer.” The goth troll stayed silent. “Now... I want you to join me. I’m giving you this option of not perishing with the rest when I create a new world. You deserve that, don’t you? A fresh start. That’s what you want... right?”
“Wh-what do you mean YOU create the new world? Wasn’t that The Singularity’s plan? Aren’t you just doing it for her?”
Morita merely chuckles and slowly gives an insidious grin at Cilrus. “Perhaps... you don’t see the full picture still.”
“Who the hell are you?! Is your name really Morita?!”
“Maybe... I can show you.” Extending her hand out, she touches Cilrus’ head and once again possesses her. “Just... watch.” Morita walks back to Cylion who was already in the process of the ritual. Morita began helping, muttering spells to speed it up.
Wasn’t long until a familiar voice called out a name. “Cilrus!” They screamed out. Both Morita and Cylion turned to the direction of the voice and see Yevine. “Cilrus!“ The girl ran, wanting to stop this but then stopped, seeing what she thinks is Cilrus but because of her clairevoiyance, she sees the spirit using Cilrus’ body. “You... What have you done to her?!”
“Wh-what do you mean by that?” Morita says, trying to play it off.
“You are not Cilrus... You’re that spirit she talked about. Get out of her body! Stop whatever this is!”
Not wanting to make anymore excuses, she lets Cylion continue with the ritual, leaving the sigil and going up to Yevine. “How did you figure out to find us here? Hm?” Morita questioned.
“I-I’m a clairevoyant. I felt something was wrong... and I just... went to this direction. I care about Cilrus... memory or no memory... she and I shared something together.” Yevine explained but stepped back a little. “And I’m not letting you use her in this damn ritual!”
Morita merely grins. “How cute...” In one hand, a blade materializes, shadow-stepping towards the girl and stabs them with it. “I’m not going to be interrupted anymore.”
Yevine felt the pain but speechless as to what has happened as she slowly looks down, seeing the blade embedded into her. Morita slowly takes the knife out of them as Yevine stumbled a bit, bright red blood coming out as the girl places her hand over it and looks at the blood on her hands. “Cilrus... I-I’m... sorry...” Cilrus’ ex collapsed to her knees, trying to crawl, reaching out with one hand to grab onto Cilrus but soon her whole body just falls to the ground, being still.
Morita only smiled deviously but this was enough for Cilrus gain control, screaming as the spirit was forced out and the goth troll went to Yevine’s body. “Yevine!” Cilrus screamed, kneeling down and carried her body, shaking her gently. “P-Please... wake up... Don’t die... please...” Her voice already shaky, desperately wanting Yevine to still be alive. “Please... I-I can’t do this... I c-c-can’t do this alone...”
“You don’t need to, you know?” Morita added.
Cilrus quickly looks up, angry, tears going down her face. “Why would I trust you?! You killed her!”
“Just... watch.” At that moment, the ritual was done. A beam light shot out into the sky from the sigil, the ground vibrated as the spirit went into the large source of light. Soon, it all stopped and beam fades. In the middle, of where the sigil used to be, is a large, black crystal that started to crack and crumble away. Piece-by-piece, the crystal broke apart which was enough to leave both Cilrus, Cylion, and Tyranix in awe from this spectacle. Wasn’t until that a body was exposed from within, the crystal continuing to crumble away until the whole form was revealed. They let out a single breath, inhaling, and slowly exhaling. “It’s been so long...” They said, opening their eyes and turning towards Cilrus.
At that moment, Cilrus noticed the horns being similar to hers along with her symbol on their outfit. “You... Y-You’re...”
“I am your ancestor, Cilrus.” They responded. “But I am more so known as The Singularity... in the flesh.”
“You... A-All this time you...”
“I have been stuck on that plane of existence for too long. Long ago, I had a following, not large enough to be an army, but to them, they were loyal to me and they were willing to join me in the new world I wanted to create... including... your ancestor, Cylion.” The Singularity then glanced to the dark witch.
It was hard enough to believe what she heard. Cylion was shocked, not knowing what to even say. “You... knew my ancestor?”
“Yes. The Demoness. Perhaps there’s a reason why you took into the life of learning the dark arts after all but nonetheless, she was good friend of mine... tragic what happened to her. The Fleet knew of my plans and wanted to end it. I had made a back-up plan if I were to die... obviously... I did. The Demoness suffered a tragic fate. She tried everything she can to stop them... but... I... don’t wish to talk about it.”
“My ancestor...” Cylion began speaking to herself until she finally pieced it together. “Is that why you came to me? Because you knew that The Demoness would have a descendant?”
“You are quite observant.” The Singularity smiles to Cylion “And yes. Thanks to you, I have regained my original form and I continue where I left off all those sweeps ago... which now brings me to you...” She then turn towards Cilrus, still carrying Yevine’s body but was then lifted off the ground by an unknown force.
“L-Let go of me!” Cilrus screamed.
“I’m giving you an option, my descendant.” She begins explaining. “You can join me. I break our ties together because I no longer need you to keep myself alive but... you will gain a bit of my powers to regain your own life. You can live. No fear of dying. And you can live your life in my new world. A peaceful world without any violence. Without any hate. You. Me. Cylion. And many others that are worthy across the universe to join this world and live in peace. There, you can officially start a new life. Start fresh and leave the worries of what or who you really are behind.”
“What if I refuse?” Cilrus asks.
It was enough to annoy The Singularity. “Then I break my ties with you. And you die right here.”
“Then I won’t join you. Fuck you.”
With that, Cilrus’ ancestor merely let out a sigh seeing as she failed to persuade her own descendant to join her. “Then so be it.” The Singularity cuts the spiritual link between them and Cilrus’ throat slit began to form, blood began spilling out as the goth troll struggles to stay alive, choking on her own blood and fell to the ground. Eventually, she stopped struggling and her body has gone still. The Singularity lets a deep sigh and turn towards Cylion, walking pass her and opening a portal. “Follow me.” She says to them, walking into the portal.
“You go in, Ty.” Her demon girlfriend was cautious but went inside and Cylion was about to do the same but stopped, looking over at CIlrus’ body and then at Yevine’s. She feels a bit of guilt. Why would she? Two people she doesn’t know at all but she feels this whole confrontation felt wrong. Either way, the dark witch wants to help The Singularity and more so after knowing the relations of them and her own ancestor. She leaves her home, entering the portal.
It has been a couple days since Cilrus has left the home of a troll by the name of Merlee who found her, retrieving her body, who she was presumed dead but was then revived by unknown means, and was taken care of until she had the energy to go back home. The goth troll appreciated the care she was given despite Merlee insisting for her to stay a bit longer and possibly help with her current situation. Cilrus refused the offer, however though thanked her for wanting to help. Though Cilrus doesn’t know if her predicament is worth helping.
She sits on the edge of her bed, staring off into a mirror that showed off her own reflection, accepting of the inevitable doom of herself and the entire universe. The Singularity has won. Her friend, who is her ex, is killed and she was brought back to life due to it. The goth troll felt like it was unfair for her to be brought back instead of Yevine. Yet, life has a sick sense of humor and continues to mock her in every turn. What can she do? Her ancestor is a powerful being and has two powerful allies by her side. “It’s no use...” She whispered to herself. “There’s no winning this. Might as well just... continue on with my fresh life... until the end eventually comes... but... at least I know it wil happen. And... it will be okay.”
“Will it be okay?”
A voice is heard, startling Cilrus as she looked around her room, trying to spot the source of where it came from. “Wh-who’s there?!” Cilrus called out.
A figure slowly fades in. Ethereal in appearance and glowing, wearing an elegant dress and seems to have a tail with lots of string around it, looking messy. Her eyes were the most catching. Black sclera with grey iris color. “Do not be afraid, my child.”
Cilrus’ expression of worry soon transitions to being calm. “What do you want...?”
“I wish to aid you. To stop The Singularity once and for all.”
“First off... how do you know my name? Secondly... j-just look at me!” She stands up from the bed, walking in front of the ethereal figure. “You think I can face my ancestor? A-A-And how do you even know her?! Why would you want to help me?! Planning to use me until I am unable to be useful... like her?!”
The figure stayed silent, unsure of what else to say considering she has just met the troll. She knew this girl has been through a lot but she is determined to change their mind.
“Answer me!”
The figure took a deep breath. Slowly exhaling and began to explain. “I am known as The Demoness. My name is Kelena Cytone, the ancestor of my descendant Cylion Cytone. I believe you two have met... under... worse circumstances. As for how I know your ancestor... well... it’s a long story... Though I can give a shortened version if that would suffice.”
Cilrus thought for a moment, then finally responded. “Tell me everything.”
“I... lost my lusus at quite a young age. I had no caretaker at the time. I was vulnerable to the world until... a pair of demons took me in. They raised me. I learned many of their ways but also learned of the world I was hatched in, eventually. Soon after, I decided to live off on Alternia but... I grew... sad. Just... the world around me is dangerous. Every day you would see violence around every corner. Made me wish I could change the world. Make Alternia a peaceful world. That’s until I met your ancestor. The Singularity had a speech out in the middle of the city one day and I stopped to listen. Her words sounded genuine. Wanting to make Alternia peaceful. Stop the violence. Stop the over usage of power from the wealthy. Anything she said... it sounded too good to be true.”
“It seemed innocent at first. She had a following that grew and grew... then... it suddenly changed. I... do not know when it happened but I eventually see through her true intentions. I then received visions of multiple futures... Futures that I knew I had to stop. Or else... we wouldn’t be having this conversation. One of the futures was the annihilation of our universe. The other... sacrificing my life... and... yours... to ensure she never achieved her goal.” Kelena stopped, being ready to what’s going to happen.
“Wh-what?!” Cilrus was shocked from what she heard. “What do you mean by that?”
“In order to stop The Singularity... I only had several options... and it was to ensure that it wouldn’t happen in the future... and... to stop my descendant from straying herself to dark magic...” Kelena explained. “I had to stop her myself. Destroying a very powerful object that’s keeping her alive. The Rooted Heart. If that plan failed... I... tipped off the Fleet of her intentions and I knew... they would be afraid of this ever to surface again and therefore... you would have to die for it... to prevent her ultimate goal from ever coming to fruition.”
At that moment, it all began make sense to Cilrus. “You... You sabotaged my life... just... j-just so you can stop my ancestor...?!”
“I don’t expect you to be happy with what I said. I merely-”
“And why should I! Y-You ruined me... You fucking ruined my whole life! And during this whole time, I have been trying to figure out as to why I died, trying to figure out who I really am, and only to found out that it was all YOUR damn fault! I went out searching for answers for fucking nothing! I got my ex, Yevine, killed for fucking nothing!” Cilrus yelled. Anger is not a word she could use to describe her current feelings. She clenched her hands into fists, wanting to punch something but a part of her is holding back. Soon, sadness now overcame her as tears began to flow down her face. “I lost... the one person who I cared for... because of you... and you expect me to let you help me fight my ancestor...”
Kelena didn’t know what else to say. She is right. What the half demon did spiraled their life into what it is now and she can’t change that. What happened is in the past that is now jeopardizing the future. “I don’t expect you to accept the decisions I have made... even I can’t accept them... What I’ve done... I would have never predicted for what you have gone through... I was merely worried for the future of my descendant, the future of Alternia, and the entire universe as a whole. It was selfish of me to make those calls... and I still failed... Now I have to live with that mistake in the after life... but... I want to rewrite those wrongs somehow...”
The goth troll sobbed silently, turning away to not look at The Demoness. Both anger and sadness still overwhelming her.
“I want to fix my mistakes. I know I cannot change them. I wish I could but offering my power to you... you would have a fighting chance to finally stop The Singularity... and... possibly talk some sense to my descendant...” She paused for a moment, thinking of what else to say to convince them until one important piece came to mind. “Do you... know how you were brought back to life?”
The mention of this brought Cilrus’ attention, slowly looking back at The Demoness to fully listen. “N-No... Not really...” It was a mystery she couldn’t figure out. She knew she died. After her ancestor unlinked her soul from Cilrus’, the goth troll died as if it was the day she met her demise but then she came back to life out of nowhere. Why and how? She doesn’t know still.
“I have kept a close eye on you, hidden from view so your ancestor couldn’t detect me. And the day you and Yevine died... I... seen something I didn’t expect to happen. When you died... I thought all hope was lost but... Yevine... had a wonderful gift. Two gifts, to be exact. Her clairvoyance. Able to see the dead but also detect trouble, emotions of others. A very unique gift. The other gift... was giving up her soul to bring you back.”
At that moment, Cilrus’ eyes widened. “... What... she... sh-she...”
“You two were close, correct? Even if you didn’t have the memories from your previous life to fully understand the relationship you two had... she care greatly about you. Even enough to give up her own life... for you continue yours.”
“No... please tell me your lying... p-p-please tell me...”
“I... cannot lie about the truth.”
“She... sh-she gave up her life... F-F-For me...?” Her knees felt weak. Slowly going to her knees, she cried, audibly sobbing while hiding her face behind the palm of her hands. “Y-Yevine...I-I-I’m sorry... I’m sorry I couldn’t save you...!”
Kelena knew the truth wouldn’t be easy to fully accept but she had to bring it up. Cilrus needed to know. She possibly would have the same reaction if she told the same thing, too. The Demoness took a step in front and knelt down to the floor to their level. “Cilrus... she needs to be stopped. Not just for me... or for universe as a whole... but for you. To finally have a fresh life. It’s what your friend Yevine would have wanted, correct? Don’t... don’t let your friends sacrifice be all for not. Please... let me help you stop her once and for all. You can despise me for what I have done to you. I can accept that... but we both know that The Singularity is a major threat. What will it be...?”
Cilrus takes a moment to finally relax, controlling her breathing and to wipe away the tears. Everything that happened to her was all Kelena’s fault but she sounds sincere in wanting to correct her mistakes. Perhaps she has a chance. With The Demoness aiding her, she might have a fighting chance. She let out a shaky sigh, looking up at Kelena and nodded to her. “Okay... but I’m doing this to not let my friend’s sacrifice go to waste.”
The Demoness soon smiled, placing a hand on their shoulder. “Good. First, we’ll need to quickly search some artifacts to protect you from her magics.”
Catalyst: Is it over? No... Not yet (Revival Part 1 of 2)
Never-ending. The white void as far as the eye can see. The after life? Or perhaps the in between and awaiting to be judge. Cilrus doesn’t know for sure. All she knows is that she failed. Failed to fulfill her previous self’s promise on stopping her ancestor’s plan and failed to save Yevine. The goth troll sat in the middle of white nothingness, hugging her knees as she just has her own thoughts on her mind to preoccupy her.
There was more she wanted to do. Experience friendship, love possibly, possibly choosing whether to forge her own path or continue on what her previous self was after learning some bits of her memories. That’s what this all was. Learning about herself. Who Cilrus was and whether she wanted to continue that or being someone different, given a fresh start. Never got to fulfill that wish either. Many things just gone in smoke.
“Dying sucks, huh?” A voice is heard which caught Cilrus by surprise, turning to look only to see herself standing behind her. “One of the worst ways to die. slit to the throat is slow and painful. Life’s a bitch, eh?”
Cilrus immidiately crawled back and stood up, shocked from this encounter. “I’m... I’m going crazy...”
“You’re not. Trust me. I am you. Technically the older version before we got kaputt and you had to deal with figuring out who you were.” She explained. “But hey... You don’t gotta worry about that anymore. And don’t ask how this works because I have no idea myself. Shit just happens and I’m along for the ride.”
“Same here...” Cilrus responded. Silence filled the empty air they shared. Either not knowing what to say until Cilrus finally broke out some sad news. “I’m... I-I’m sorry about Yevine...”
Her previous self frowned, as if knowing the outcome by the mention of it. “It wasn’t your fault. Besides... I... I wasn’t the best person overall. I don’t claim to be. Arrogant... envious and protective. Cocky and overall just an asshole. The break up left me... lost... but I knew I screwed but I just... didn’t realize how until everything with my... our... ancestor came to light and when I knew I was close to death’s door, I began to realize just... how much of an asshole I was... So much that I wished I could’ve changed the outcome if I had the chance... I still loved her. With all my heart since the day we met... and I just... fucked it up that day.”
The goth troll listened, looking down and rubbing her arm nervously and began to speak. “... When I met her, she was obviously still mad at me... well... us. Overtime, she helped me try to figure out the mystery you left for us. There was one moment when we just decided to take a break... she told me that... she actually missed us... missed you. I hope that... made you feel better. Even going as far as to trying to save me... save us.”
The older Cilrus was taken aback from this, chuckling to herself but feeling tears going down her face. “Yup... that’s Yevine.” She wiped away her tears, sniffling a bit. “She was amazing...” Both laughed and then a thought came to older Cilrus’ mind and begins to bring it up. “Listen... you don’t have to worry about trying to be me.”
“Huh?”
“I know that you went through a whole thing to wanting to figure out who you really were. What your life was like and all that. That’s history now. You don’t gotta worry about it. That and... you’re better off being whoever you want to be. No need to being a stubborn bitch like me. Just... be whatever.”
“But... but... what-”
“Ah. Ah. Ah. That’s final.” It’s at this point that the older Cilrus began to notice the current Cilrus’ body is beginning to fade out. “Hmm. It looks like you’re not done yet.”
“What do you mean?” The goth was confused until she looked down at herself, seeing her legs is fading and going up her torso. “What does this mean?!”
“You got a second chance.” Her older self said with a grin. “Don’t die from anything stupid this time, alright?” Older Cilrus watched the other slowly fade away until she was alone. “Please be better than me...” The goth troll then felt a presence and knew who it was, smiling. “I figured you had something to do with it.” She turned around and sees Yevine standing in front of her.
“What makes you say that?” Yevine says.
“Because you are always full of surprises.” Cilrus smile until her expression changed to a frown. “... I’m... I’m sorry, Yev.”
“... I’m sorry, too.” Yevine replied back with her own apology. “And don’t be sorry. I forgive you... plus... we’re together now.”
The sentence was enough to bring a small smile on Cilrus’ face as Yevine walks towards her and places a hand on the goth troll’s cheek. “Together...”
“... Until the end of time.” Yevine smiled. They both gently press their foreheads together, smiling at one another until going for a kiss, a bright light shining in the middle as their lips are about to touch.
At that moment, Cilrus opened her eyes wide open, taking it a gasp of air as she jolted herself upwards and looked around to seeing a red blood with a side hair cut and a sea dweller standing before her.
“H-Holy shit!” The sea dweller was startled by the goth troll waking up. “Merlee, what did you do?!
“I didn’t do nothing! She just woke up!” The red blood responded in a panic.
Cilrus was more confused as to where she is and who these people are than worrying about how she is suddenly. “Who... who are you two...?”
It has been quite some time since Cilrus and Yevine have been together though days have passed with their relationship being tested. More so Cilrus’ doing with her getting more and more protective with some jealousy being added. It has caused some heated moments between her and Yevine the few times that it has triggered Cilrus to being “the protector” but also giving some discomfort to Yevine from how Cilrus has been acting.
It has been a while since their last argument on that matter, however. So far things have settled down between the two though it’s becoming clear, to Cilrus, at least, that Yevine is becoming more distant from her. The goth troll have tried to have her talk about what’s going on in her mind but Yevine doesn’t want to budge. Since then, Cilrus has stopped trying to pry on whatever could be going on between she and her.
Cilrus decided to drop on by where Yevine is working at the moment. She’s possibly busy at this current time in the cafe considering many people must’ve finished work and wanting to get a quick, small bite or to re-energize themselves with something sweet. Whatever the case may be. The goth troll stepped inside and went to go sit at the table she always sits at, next to the window and waited for Yevine to notice. Cilrus can see Yevine from where she’s at, seeing the smile on her face made Cil happy, knowing that she loved her job. It didn’t take long for Yevine to spot Cilrus and waved at her direction. The goth troll waved back with a small smile of her own as her mate made her way to their table. “Cil! Hi! I wasn’t expecting you at this time!” Yevine said, leaning down and giving the goth troll a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“I just got done with my last job...” Cilrus said, Yevine stepping back and sat down next to Cilrus. “I’ll be honest... had to take a quick shower because of the smell from the monster I dealt with. You wouldn’t like it.”
“Well, I’m glad you did otherwise I wouldn’t have allowed you inside or you’d stink up the place.” Yevine joked around and chuckled a bit. “What was the monster?”
“Some... squid-looking thing with...- I... don’t know how to explain it? It was gross to look at. That’s all I can say.”
“At least it was dealt with... and that you smell nice and clean after~” Her mate gave a smile.
“How have you been? It’s been a bit since I saw you. I... came in to see how you were doing.” Cilrus nervously asked, already feeling like this is her first time talking to her.
Already Cilrus can tell that Yevine looked slightly annoyed by the question but tried her best to hide it. Though Cilrus can see through it. “I’ve been... doing fine. Work has been busy the last couple of days but it’s good for me! It may be exhausting at times but I enjoy this job so much... and I can’t thank you enough for getting me this job. You know that, right?”
“I know... I’m glad. I could tell that you are happy from over here.” Cilrus smiled a little. “A lot better than that library, huh?”
“Oh no! Don’t bring that up!” Cilrus chuckled to herself as a voice called out to Yevine. One of her co-workers asking for help taking orders. “I gotta get back to work. You want your usual?”
“Iced latte. Yup.” Cilrus quickly responded. Yevine nodded and walked off to get back to work, taking out a pen and her small notebook to take orders. One-by-one Cilrus sees as Yevine takes orders from everyone, admiring from afar as they worked. Despite the slight hint of wanting to hide something from Cilrus, Yevine does seem happy to see her after what felt like days since they “sorted out” the argument they both had.
Cilrus watched from her table and noticed that Yevine stopped at one customer that they decided to chat quite a bit. Already, the goth troll was thinking up of all sorts of things they might be talking about which was causing her some concern. Cilrus wanted to give them a benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they wanted to make some small talk. She didn’t want her jealousy to get the best out of her.
In the end, however, it eventually got the best of her as Cilrus sees the customer Yevine was talking to pulled out a present and they both hugged. Getting angry from the sight of this, Cilrus got up from her chair, causing it to move back, making a very loud screech on the floor that alerted everyone in the cafe, along with Yevine. She sees Cilrus coming towards their direction and before she knew it, Cilrus grabbed the random customer by the collar, lifting them up. “Listen here, fucker, don’t you dare getting all lovey dovey with Yevine!”
“Cilrus! Stop!” Yevine pleaded, trying to pull Cilrus away from the customer as they struggled.
“I-I wasn’t flirting with her!” The stranger said.
“What was the present for? Huh? Trying to win her over?”
“Cilrus! Enough! Just...” Eventually, Yevine separated them, pushing Cilrus away from the stranger. “... Stop... Go outside... NOW!”
Cilrus was pulled away and was surprised by this side she hadn’t seen from Yevine. The goth troll looked around, seeing all the patrons in the cafe looking at the scene. Some even recording what had just transpired. Without nothing to say, Cilrus stepped outside with Yevine following along, angry. “Yevine listen I-”
“Cilrus... you are not allowed back here... EVER.” Yevine interrupted.
“Wh-... What?!”
“Cilrus... there’s a reason we didn’t see each other... I was... I hoped you changed. You have a jealousy problem and you won’t freakin’ admit it!”
“Yevine... I... I just thought...”
“He was just a friend! WE worked together back at the library! He wanted to see what I was doing! There’s no fucking thing going on between me and anyone else! I don’t understand why YOU can’t see that!” Cilrus had nothing to say. They both stayed silent until Yevine finally spoke out after a minute. “Cilrus... I think... it’s best for us to... separate.”
“Wh-what?!”
“If you can’t change... then... I’m sorry. I thought about this for a while... and... I think it’s for the best. Just... just leave now. Never come see again ever again.” Cilrus was stunned by this. Yevine went back inside to get back to work.
The goth troll was brought into tears, frozen, feeling a tight knot on her chest as if something was torn in half. Her heart? No. Not actually torn. Though it sure does feel like it as she sees the love of her life going away from her point of view. The rest of the day was a blur, not even remembering how she got back home in her hive as sits on her bed, looking at the picture of her and Yevine.
It has been days since Cylion have joined The Singularity and her quest to restart the entire universe into a more peaceful one. Even if the dark witch thinks that annihilating a portion of those that aren’t worthy to live just for a simple task is a bit overkill, she somewhat shares their vision. Though Cylion would’ve wanted it done differently. And what that could’ve been? She hasn’t thought of that.
Her own pure hatred of everyone is what’s fueling her drive to go all out on this. She has went through too much in the past. Too much mistrust. Blinded trust.
The Singularity was preparing her spell, which the dark witch has been told is difficult and takes time. From what she has been told, The Singularity was close long ago, after a few sweeps of preparation, but, as she found out, was killed and halted the process. Luckily The Singularity can restart the process and speed up the process since all her days wandering as a spirit helped regain all her strength back.
One person, however, isn’t fully in on the plan. Cylion’s girlfriend, Tyranix. The demoness has been acting strange ever since they joined The Singularity. Both of them are within some palace that is not of Alternia’s plane of existence. Much more complex and despite their being windows, for some reason, the only view is the deep void that gives off a pulsing, gradient color scheme every now and then. Cylion walked around the palace, hoping to find her mate and eventually found her sitting on her lonesome.
“Ty... I have been looking for you-”
“Why do you want to come talk to me?” Tyranix quickly interrupted.
It honestly left Cylion shocked by her tone. She has never been snapped back like that before. “I’m... I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” The dark witch said.
“I’m totally fine. Just... here and you’re being gullible to that bitch’s promise.”
Cylion lets out a sigh. She knew it would go back to that topic. Tyranix have been telling her that this ancestor is “bad news written all over.” She still thinks so but being more hostile about it which Cylion has never seen her act this way from the first day she met the demoness. “Ty... you just... I-I wish you can just understand my point of view...”
“No, I understand. You’ve told me about numerous times, Cylion.”
“Then you should know why I had to take up on her offer.”
“And that also means destroying everything?! Even my home?! My family? My mom? My dad? My sister?! Even destroying YOUR OWN home?!”
“Alternia was never my ho-”
“Shut it!” Tyranix snapped back and turned to face the dark witch. “I told you many times, Cylion. It doesn’t matter about the past. That’s all it is! The past! You are stuck in this that you’ve lost trust in yourself to even dare and try trusting anyone! I love you, Cylion. I love you with all my heart! And that’s not normal for a succubus. We are meant to... to fool those into giving up... everything! Until they give up their soul or be taken by force. You were an exception... because I felt true love. True love for someone like you. Though... it seems you have fallen into a succubus’ trick. And it’s not coming from me...” The demoness looked like she wanted to cry but held back the tears, closing her eyes, controlling her emotions as she made her hands into a fist as flames erupted from them.
“T-Ty... I’m...-”
“Don’t... don’t talk to me right now...” Tyranix interrupted once more, gaining control of her emotions as the fire dissipated from her fists and walked pass Cylion. “I need some time alone to think...”
The dark witch watched her walk away and as she was gone in the deep dark hall in front of her, she felt a hand being placed on her shoulder, startling Cylion that made her turn to look and find The Singularity. “Such a shame.” She quickly commented. “Unfortunate that your mate doesn’t see what we both want to see.”
“She is right... in... a way...” Cylion merely said.
The small comment caught The Singularity off guard. Already feeling some deja vu. “Cylion, my dear, I... no... we... are creating a better world. For both of us! You have gone through pain and suffering in which no other troll should ever go through. The lives of many for the lives of few is a worthy sacrifice for a better, peaceful world.” A minute of silence. Then, without warning, Cylion was picked up by the throat from The Singularity, feeling heat from her touch that was becoming painful around her throat area as Cylion struggled for air and breaking free. “If you want... to see this peaceful world... then I suggest you cooperate.” The Singularity ordered, staring at Cylion directly with her eyes glowing a bright yellow. “You are like your ancestor... You don’t know where your loyalty lies.”
The dark witch was then thrown to the floor, coughing and gasping for air. She wanted to confront The Singularity on this random attack but as soon as turned back, the mage was gone. Cylion felt defeated. She felt alone. A familiar feeling. She hadn’t felt that when she met Tyranix.
‘Was... Was this all a mistake?’ She thought to herself. ‘All for just... this petty grudge of mine...?’
It has been a couple days since Cilrus has gotten a break from her line of work. All the werewolf hunting, zombie extermination, and other non-normal things have gotten her wanting some sort vacation. She is in her armory, sharpening one of her blades until the goth troll received a call from her phone. Cilrus answered it and hears a familiar voice. “Hey! Cil!” That voice. Always lovely for her to hear. Yevine. Someone she randomly encountered and fell in love with her.
“Yevine, hey!” Cilrus responded. “How are you?”
“Fucking exhausted! Just finished my shift and I’m having some quality time here at the cafe. Wanna drop on by?”
“Sure! Can you get me something while I head over there? You know what I get.”
“Will do, hun!”
“I’ll pay you back. I promise. I’ll see you there!” Cilrus hung up, putting the blade back up on its display and headed out to the cafe. She loved her so much. Cilrus met Yevine in that same cafe she works at. During that time, the girl was once a librarian, or just worked in a library, but was fired due to some improper activities behind closed doors. She has been looking for a job and Cilrus spoke with the owner of the cafe she always goes to and got Yevine a job.
Yevine has been happy and is nice for Cilrus since the goth troll gets to visit her while they’re working. She finally got to the cafe and sees Yevine at a table, waving to her. Cilrus smiled, heading to her and greeted her, giving them a quick kiss on the cheek and sat down. “You got me my fave!” She says. Iced latte with a vanilla and strawberry cake slice.
“Well duh. You always come here getting the same thing so I pretty much know your favorite.” Yevine said.
“Thank you.” Cilrus takes a fork, cutting a piece off of it and eats it. She loved this kind of cake and it always surprise her every time of how good it is. Before she forgets, Cilrus rummages through her pockets and gives Yevine the money. “Here!”
“Oh... you didn’t have to pay me now.”
“I know I’ll forget if a couple days go by. Just take it. Please?”
Yevine was silent, hesitant and finally decides to take the money anyway. “Alright. Fine.” She takes the money and places her arms on the table. “Soooo... how have you been?”
Cilrus lets out a sigh, idly taking some pieces of the cake. “Alright... A bit tired as of late. Lots of working and such.”
“Lots of monster hunting, huh?”
“After dealing with a zombie horde because some asshole necromancer blames the world for their problems... I want a break from it.”
“A break? Like a vacation?”
“Yeah! And... I was wondering if you would want to spend time with me? You know. Be away for a bit, having a good time, you and me! I-I-If you want to! I know if you’re busy or... uh... yeah. Just a thought.”
Yevine sat there, pondering on the offer. Cilrus was anxious on what the answer could be. She merely just wants to spend lots of time with her and not worry of whether the next bounty comes in. She needs a break and she figures that Yevine would want the same. They have been working hard and Cilrus has seen it the few times she drops by.
Finally, Yevine gave her answer. “Yes! Let’s have a vacation!”
At that moment, Cilrus smiled widely, quickly leaning over, nearly tipped her iced latte over, and kissed her straight on the lips. “I love you so much! Trust me! It will be fun!”
Yevine merely chuckled. “Gosh, this is the most I have seen you excited since the day I agreed to be your girlfriend.”
“Wh-wha-? Can I not be excited for stuff?”
“No! I’m not saying that.” She giggled a bit. “I do find it a bit cute~”
