Heart of Dorkness Monster Two - Want

Monster Two - Want

Monster Two - Want

I walked carefully along the edge of the wall, one hand out and trailing against the rough brickwork to help keep my balance.

I didnt feel dizzy, but I did feel weak. My legs were heavy, as if sothing were clinging to them, and staying upright was tiring.

Moving ahead, I paused by a window cut into the wall. A huge thing, with glass from hip-height all the way up where the window ended at an arch. Leaning against the base, I looked out of the castle and onto the wider world beyond.

The view from this window was no different than the view from the others I had looked out of. A world of dark rocks under a grey sky. A purple haze floated bare tres off the ground in swirling patches that rotted away any weeds that dared poke out from the ground.

Sotis the ground dipped, or a large crack ran across it. These were always filled with black tar. The surface would sotis bubble and a creature of black skin and white bone would crawl out of the muck.

I had to squint to make out any of the smaller details. Still, I could tell that the world outside was dangerous.

Two moons hung above, one of them pearly and white and cracked, with a chunk of it missing and a ring of stone hovering around it. The other, smaller, was pitch black and only visible as a circle of missing stars.

I supposed that it was almost pretty, in a way. Just like my new na.

Valeria.

I wondered if it ant anything.

Do you know? I asked as I half-turned.

Milpis, the Long Librarian, eyed carefully, the huge centipede-like monster wrapped around the edges of the corridor to fit its entire body in. It... he, I supposed, because he looked like a boy monster, didnt seem to mind leaving my room to walk about and explore.

About my na, I an, I explained. Youre a librarian, right? You should know.

It ans brave.

I spun and faced the end of the corridor.

The Goddess of Darkness was walking my way. Her entire body swaying gently with every step, and despite her statuesque height, she seed almost small compared to the creatures flanking her.

I squinted at one of the monsters.

[Falanen - The Breaker of n - Greater Servant of the Dark God]

Scourge of Burning Fists

That was a fitting na for soone with fists as big around as I was tall. He was a nice looking fellow, with veiny, pebbled skin, and a whole bunch of cute spikes across his shoulders and back. Hello, I said both to the monsters and to the Dark Goddess.

Hello child, the Goddess said. Youre up and about then?

I am, I confird with a nod. My na really ans brave?

The goddess made a noise again. I suspected it was the closest thing the woman had to a laugh. It does, yes.

Does that an you think Im brave?

Perhaps. Or perhaps I am not so cruel as to call you Terius.

I didnt know what that ant. Well, thank you, its a very pretty na. Whats yours?

One of the goddess eyebrows perked up. I have had a few. Most just call the god of Darkness, or the Dark Goddess.

But thats a title, not a na, I said.

That is true. Luciana Malvada is the na I once called my own, before the titles. Few know of it. Fewer dare to use it.

Thats a very pretty na too, I said. I smiled up at the Dark Goddess, at Luciana, until my dimples hurt. We both have pretty nas.

Precocious one, arent you?

Thank you, I think, I said. I tried to smile harder, but I couldnt.

Then the Dark Gods hand was around my chin and my head was pulled back just a little so that I had no choice but to look into the gods black eyes. Child. Valeria. Bravery is strength in the face of fear. I did not na you so because I rely found you courageous. I bestowed the na upon you because I can see your fear.

I swallowed and tried to keep my smile on. Um, I dont know what you an? I tried. My legs began to wobble a bit. Did I have to pee?

Luciana made that noise again, her sort-of-laugh. I see youre working to live up to the na, she said as she let go of my chin. Tell , what do you want?

What do I want? I repeated. I blinked. I wanted... well, I wanted... I dont know? I admitted. Lunch, maybe?

Is that all? Your only desire is to fulfil so base need?

I shook my head. Saying yes sounded like the wrong answer, and while I didnt rember much, I did know that I didnt like being wrong. No. I... I guess I dont know what I want, but I know that I want sothing?

The Dark Goddess tilted her head as if considering that. Yes, I suppose that would be fair. Do you know why I spared you?

Um, no?

Because you might be entertaining. I surround myself with powerful creatures and beasts of imnse strength, but so little of what I have around is different and new. I am giving you a chance.

I didnt know what that ant, exactly, but Luciana had been nice so far, so I decided that the best thing to do was think real hard about what she said.

I put on my thinking face and stared off to the side. The Dark God looked at strangely for a bit, but she didnt interrupt or anything.

What did I want in life?

I felt like that was a pretty big question for soone who had skipped breakfast.

You said you have a bunch of strong people working for you already, right? I asked.

She nodded.

That made sense. She was a goddess, so she had strong friends. Also, I bet she was really strong too. Probably. I didnt really have much of a fra of reference, but she lived in a big huge castle and had handso monsters serving her, so I figured it was a safe assumption to make.

So, she didnt need soone strong. What did she need?

Did I want to beco soone that she needed?

I looked up to her. Will you kick out if I dont want to serve you?

The god blinked, then her lips quirked just a little. No. Its rare to have company. Though I must warn you, brave little child, that your appearance alone will make you an enemy of mankind.

Oh, I said. That wasnt nice. That was very not-nice. I nodded. I could fix that. Then Ill change peoples minds.

[Congratulations!]

[Through your actions you have unlocked the potential to obtain the following classes:

Prophet of Chaos

Oh, I got a new class thing! Prophet of chaos. Is that a good one?

Luciana reached down and, very carefully, patted on the head. No, I dont think thats one you want to take, child. Though it certainly has potential. I wonder, how much of that was you considering my words and how much was you allowing yourself to be distracted?

I felt my cheeks warming up. Right, I was supposed to be thinking. I even let my thinking face fall. Still... Wasnt that an answer, though?

You truly think that you will be able to change peoples opinions? she asked. Knowing as little as you do?

Uh, maybe? If I try really hard?

The Dark Goddess expression was neutral, but there was a glint in her eyes. I think she liked my answer. Follow . I think I shall set aside my question for now. We shall return to it once you have the context and knowledge to truly understand what is at stake.

Okay? I asked.

She started walking, and I ran to catch up to her. She didnt look like she was going fast, but she had really long legs.

Then she started to climb the stairs, and it was all I could do not to huff and puff the whole way up. I still felt heavy and weak, but Luciana had said that I should follow her, so I did.

I hoped that she would lead sowhere nice!

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