Shadow Slave Fanfic: Peaceful Dreams...well...kinda. [New]

In the hush of dawn, when the sky still cradled the Moon on the horizon, a hidden world stirred in the Wilderness beyond Bastion, a mere 60 kilometers from the grand Main Castle. There, nestled within the embrace of a mountain, lay a cave that delved deep into the earth's heart. In its cavernous depths, a faint clinking of chains echoed—a sound both eerie and subtle.

Within this shadowy realm resided a creature of formidable presence, a towering figure that loomed at five meters tall. Its form, vaguely reminiscent of a human, was an unsettling blend of sinewy muscle and monstrous grace. Two powerful arms and legs supported a torso sculpted by the rigors of strength. Four long tails sprouted from its back, accompanied by two more that unfurled from the nape of its skull, each tail adorned with retractable spikes and a wicked stinger at the tip. Its skin, a mottled grey, was interspersed with white, bone-like plates that served as armor, guarding its vital essence. The creature's head bore a draconic visage, yet its features carried an unsettling human quality—reptilian red eyes glinted with a scar's history, sharp fangs framed a mouth that twisted in a crooked line, and a forked tongue flicked out with an air of menace.

One might mistake this being for a nightmare creature, eternally shackled within the cave's confines. Yet, the clinking chains were not a prison; they were tools of creation. The creature, a master of its own dark art, wove links from the very fabric of the air, extending the chains with each deliberate motion. A deep, resonant sigh escaped its lips, morphing into a low, gravelly voice.

"Dusk approaches, and soon I shall break free from this place once more."

For this was no mere monster of horror, but a young master wrestling with a curse that bound him to the form of a harrowing demon from dawn till dusk. In these fleeting hours of twilight, he sought solace from the prying eyes of humanity, laboring to forge his arsenal of weapons.

Meanwhile, back in Bastion, atop the illustrious Ivory Tower, Nephis stirred from her brief slumber. Though sleep was a luxury she rarely indulged in, she had succumbed to the allure of rest for a fleeting moment.

As she stretched and tended to her morning rituals, she ambled into the kitchen, only to frown at the sight of her nearly empty fridge—a gift from Sunny, crafted from the remnants of the winter beast.

With a gentle knock, she roused Rain from her dreams. Upon entering the guest room, she found her friend still ensconced in sleep. With a tender touch, she caressed Rain's head, humming the familiar tune of the mongrel theme song—a melody that had become a constant in her mind.

As Rain stirred, stretching her limbs, she blinked into awareness, her gaze landing on Nephis.

"Morning, Rain. Did you sleep well?" Nephis asked softly.

"Yeah, thanks for letting me crash here," Rain mumbled, still caught in the remnants of sleep.

Nephis glanced at the clock, then back at Rain, her smile brightening the room.

"How about I take you back to Sunny's Café? We could grab breakfast, and I can support you while you chat with Sunny about that young man you met yesterday."

Rain hesitated, a chuckle escaping her lips. "That sounds wonderful, Neph. Thank you."

Nephis stood, flinging open the curtains to let the morning sun and fresh air flood the room.

"Great! Get ready, and I'll meet you in Cassie's office."

As Rain prepared, Nephis focused on her best friend, sending a mental message.

'Are you awake, Cass?'

[Yes, I'm already in my office.]

'Good, I need to discuss something important.'

[Okay... I'll be waiting.]

'See you soon.'

Descending the staircase, Nephis made her way down the hallway, opening the door to Cassie's office. She greeted the blind seer with a smile, though Cassie's nervousness was palpable.

Nephis took a deep breath, ready to confront the matter at hand, but was suddenly taken aback by the sight of tears streaming down Cassie's cheeks, a sight that even her blindfold could not conceal.

"I... I promise... I'll never do it again... I feel so ashamed... I know saying sorry won't change anything... but I still want to apologize. You trusted me... and I abused that trust... I'm so sorry... please don't hate me."

Confusion washed over Nephis. "What's going on, Cass? What are you apologizing for?"

Cassie blinked in surprise, her heart racing. "I thought you were mad at me for connecting our minds when you were in the cave with Sunny."

Nephis's eyes widened in horror. "WHAT?"

Cassie's heart sank as she realized the gravity of her admission, her guilt forcing her to reveal something she never intended to share.

"You can't be serious, Cass. Why would you do that? This is our private life! How could you think that was okay?"

With her head bowed, Cassie spoke softly. "I just wanted to check on you. When I saw Sunny carrying you to bed, I got carried away. I knew it was wrong, but in a moment of weakness, I let the connection deepen."

Nephis felt a surge of betrayal, anger mingling with disappointment. For the first time in years, she felt a deep-seated resentment towards Cassie, a feeling she never thought possible.

"I... I need time to think about this, Cassia," she said, using her full name, a clear signal of her distress.

Nephis exited the room, her heart heavy, as Cassie buried her face in her hands, tears flowing anew.

What could she do? She had crossed a line, and now she feared the chasm that had opened between them.

Nephis, striving to mask her turmoil, re-entered Rain's room, who was ready to leave.

"What's wrong, Neph?" Rain asked, sensing the storm brewing within her friend.

"I need to speak with Sunny. It's urgent," Nephis replied, her voice trembling.

Before Rain could ask for clarification, Nephis scooped her up and leaped from the balcony, radiant white wings unfurling from her back as they soared into the sky.

Rain clung tightly, fear gripping her heart, but she knew Nephis would never let go.

"I'm sorry for not explaining," Nephis said, her voice laced with urgency. "Something happened between me and Cassie, and I need to talk to Sunny about it."

Rain nodded, understanding the weight of the moment. "I hope everything will be okay."

As they landed at Sunny's Café, Nephis dashed inside, scanning for him. But he was nowhere to be found. She called his name, her heart racing as she searched the kitchen, the upstairs, and finally the basement, desperate to find the one person who could help her navigate the chaos swirling in her heart.

As she darted around the corner, a familiar presence brushed against her senses, cloaked in the elusive Nebulous Mantle. Though veiled, she felt its warmth and urgency. Her heart raced as she turned toward it, recognizing the very room that held the remnants of the winter Beast. With desperation fueling her, she pounded on the wall, tears streaming down her cheeks as she called out his name. In an instant, the barrier dissolved, revealing Sunny, arms outstretched like a beacon of hope.

In a heartbeat, she was in his embrace, the world around them fading as he enveloped her in comfort.

"Shhhh… it's alright, I'm here," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss atop her head, holding her close as if to shield her from the storm within. Nephis buried her face in his chest, her sobs echoing the chaos in her heart.

Time slipped by, and gradually, her tears subsided. Sunny tenderly brushed away the remnants of her sorrow, offering her a tissue. Nephis accepted it gratefully, dabbing at her red-rimmed eyes. After a moment of silence, Sunny leaned in, his voice soft as a whisper.

"Would you share what happened?"

Nephis nodded, resting her head against him once more, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "Cassie reached out to me in the cave using her ability. It wasn't just a simple connection; she invaded my senses, feeling everything I felt that night."

Sunny's face flushed with shock, his mind racing to comprehend her revelation. "I see… I thought I'd be more surprised, but I guess I'm not."

Nephis looked up, bewildered. "What do you mean?"

He sighed, his gaze distant. "Your feelings are valid, of course. She crossed a line, but I had a hunch something like this could happen."

Her eyes widened. "You knew?"

Panic flickered across Sunny's features. "No! Not exactly. Just a feeling that she might overstep. That's why I'm not as shocked as you are."

Nephis sighed, resting her head against his chest again. "I feel so lost, Sunny. Violated, betrayed, angry, and ashamed. I don't know how to face Cassie after this."

Sunny began to stroke her hair, his voice soothing. "I can't say for sure, but I think she might feel similarly. I don't believe she acted out of malice; she's always been a mystery with her emotions. Cassie juggles so much—managing the Firekeepers, maintaining connections, preparing for war. It's a lot of pressure. Maybe in a moment of weakness, she sought comfort in a way that crossed boundaries. Talking to her about setting clear limits might help. You might even find it in your heart to forgive her after she explains."

Nephis stared at him, astonished. "You've already forgiven her?"

Sunny hesitated, then replied, "I'm not the one who's senses got invaded. True, my privacy got a massive hit but it's ultimately you who got wronged. I'm not saying you should, just note that I have."

She leaned in, sealing her lips against his in a lingering kiss before pulling away, breathless. "You're incredible, Sunny. You know that, right?"

He chuckled, "You've mentioned it before, but I appreciate the reminder."

With a smile, Nephis pressed her forehead to his, gazing deeply into his eyes. "I can't believe I have someone as extraordinary as you by my side. Your knack for knowing exactly what to say makes me think you're a wizard sometimes."

Sunny laughed heartily. "Well, I am the one and only Weaving Sorcerer in this age, so you might be onto something."

Nephis couldn't help but giggle, resting her head against his chest again, eyes fluttering closed. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Neph."

After a moment, she opened her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Could you help me out of here? I really need something to eat. Then I'll face Cassie. It'll be awkward, but it's necessary."

Sunny chuckled, lifting her effortlessly as they slipped into the shadows, reappearing in the café. As he set her down, he spotted Rain at the same table.

"Morning, Rain! Hope you slept well. How was yesterday?"

Rain beamed. "It was lovely! We went shopping, saw the new mongrel movie, had dinner at a restaurant, and then went to the Tower. I had a blast!"

"Sounds amazing! When do you want to head out for your hunt?"

Suddenly nervous, Rain took a deep breath, signaling Sunny to sit. "Can you sit for a moment? I need to tell you something."

Worry flickered in Sunny's eyes, but Rain's smile eased his tension as he took a seat. "Of course, what's up?"

With a glance at Nephis, who gave her an encouraging thumbs up, Rain continued. "Yesterday, on our way to the restaurant, I met someone—a guy named Rick. I really liked him, so I invited him to come here in a few hours to chat and maybe share some cake and tea. He said yes!"

Sunny was momentarily speechless, processing the news. After a long sigh, he replied, "Well, I figured something like this would happen eventually. You're a beautiful young woman. I'm not upset, but we need to have a talk after breakfast."

Rain exhaled in relief. "I thought you might be mad or something."

Nephis chuckled, patting her shoulder. "See? I told you it would be fine. You never need to fear sharing anything with your brother."

Rain nodded, hugging both Nephis and Sunny.

Sunny laughed, heading to the kitchen to whip up breakfast while Nephis and Rain chatted.

"So, tell me about him! What does he look like?" Nephis asked.

Rain hesitated before answering. "It was dark, but he was tall, athletic, with dark brown hair and eyes. The most striking thing was a scar on the right side of his face. He was really polite and had a nice voice."

Nephis listened intently, but Sunny had left a shadow under the table to eavesdrop. With a smile, she said, "You clearly like talking about him. I hope it all goes well. I just wish I could place him—someone with a scar should be memorable."

Rain blushed, then said, "I'll ask him about it later."

After some banter, Sunny returned with plates of bacon and eggs, sitting beside Rain. "Alright, let's tackle some serious topics."

Rain nodded, her expression shifting. "There are two things I want to discuss, but first… I have a question."

"Sure, what is it?"

Sunny took a deep breath, his tone steady. "Did your parents have 'the talk' with you about the birds and the bees?"

Rain looked puzzled, tilting her head. "I'm not sure what you mean."

Nephis chuckled, a smile playing on her lips. "Sunny is asking if your parents ever talked to you about pregnancy and protection."

Rain nodded. "Yeah, my mom went over the basics when I was 14, but what do birds and bees have to do with that?"

Sunny shrugged, mumbling something under his breath. "You'll have to ask Effie about that analogy."

Rain looked even more confused but nodded slowly. Sunny sipped his coffee, ready to delve deeper into the conversation.

"Ahem... now, let's pivot to a topic close to my heart: boundaries. I want you to understand that no one has the right to push you into doing something you're not ready for or that makes you uncomfortable. Stand firm against any pressure to conform to what others want; this goes both ways, of course! Open communication is the lifeblood of a healthy relationship, so always be transparent with each other about your feelings and intentions."

Rain beamed at him, her eyes sparkling. "Of course! You're the one who taught me how to assert myself and navigate tricky situations."

Sunny returned her smile, affectionately ruffling her hair. "Damn right, I did! I'm so proud of you."

With a warm hug, Rain returned to her meal. Once they cleared their plates, Nephis turned to Sunny with a thoughtful expression. "I think I should head out and chat with Cassie about those boundaries you mentioned."

"Sounds like a solid plan. Best of luck! I might swing by later to talk to her too."

Sunny walked Nephis to the door, planting a gentle kiss on her lips before watching her disappear from view. He returned inside, ready to tidy up the remnants of their meal. As he scrubbed the dishes, he turned back to Rain, his voice steady.

"I need to have a word with Rick before letting him in."

Rain stiffened, concern etched across her face. "You're not going to do anything to him, right?"

Sunny shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. "No, but I'll make sure he knows that hurting my little sister has consequences. I could always remind him about the five dead masters in Ravenheart."

Rain's eyes widened in horror, ready to protest, but Sunny's laughter cut through her panic. "Relax! I won't actually say that. Just the fact that I'm your brother and Nephis is my girlfriend should be warning enough. Besides, I just want to get a read on the guy. You can learn a lot about someone just by looking at them, especially with my keen eyes."

A sigh of relief escaped Rain, and she chuckled. "I think that's perfectly fine! I hope your first impression is as good as mine."

Sunny smirked, "Oh, it definitely won't be, considering I'm not looking to fall in love with dudes. But I'll give him a fair shot."

Rain laughed and playfully nudged him. They chatted for a while, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the young man.

Meanwhile, in the Ivory Tower, Nephis gracefully landed on her balcony and made her way down to Cassie's office. Pausing at the door, she hesitated for a moment before knocking. After a brief silence, Cassie's voice called out, "Come in!"

Nephis entered, finding Cassie seated behind her desk. After a moment of silence, Nephis took a deep breath and spoke with gravity. "We need to talk."

Cassie nodded, gesturing toward the chair across from her. Since their last heated exchange, Cassie had replaced her wooden chairs with fire-resistant ones crafted from the bone armor of a Nightmare creature, resilient against the Harrowing Sun's rays.

Nephis settled into the chair, ready to voice her thoughts, but Cassie spoke first. "I know it doesn't mean much, but I want to apologize again. What I did was inexcusable, and I understand if you can't forgive me. I violated your trust and invaded your privacy. I've spent a lot of time thinking about how to make it right, but ultimately, I realize I can't undo it. All I can hope for is that you don't hate me for my actions. I'm truly sorry, Neph."

Nephis listened intently, then paused before asking, "First, I want to know why you did it."

Cassie nodded, her expression serious. "There are several reasons, none of which excuse my behavior. Stress, loneliness, unprocessed emotions, and a moment of weakness."

Nephis sighed, resting her arms on the table. "So, what you're saying is you're terrible at communicating?"

Cassie froze for a moment, the truth hitting her hard. "Yeah... I guess you're right. I've talked to Jet, Kai, and Effie about it, and we all came to the same conclusion: most of my issues could've been resolved if I'd just communicated better."

Nephis took a deep breath before continuing, "You love Sunny, don't you?"

Cassie's eyes widened in shock, caught off guard by Nephis's insight. All she could do was nod, her expression frozen.

Nephis sighed, "I shouldn't be surprised. We've both been with him from the start. It's unfortunate we lost our memories of him, but our feelings linger. From what he's shared, it's clear our past is more complicated than we realize. I can't fault you for loving him; I do too. But I'm upset that you never shared those feelings with me. I can't help you if you don't talk to me."

Cassie shivered, her voice barely a whisper. "How was I supposed to share that? I can't just stop loving him. Hearing him talk about the times I hurt him broke my heart."

"I know it did, because it shattered mine too. But he's forgiven you, so there's no need to dwell on it. There is a way to move on from your feelings for him—find someone else who embodies the qualities you love about Sunny, but isn't him. I can't say who that person might be, but I believe they're out there, waiting for you."

Cassie's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Nephis's gentle voice urged her to let it all out. "Didn't we just discuss unprocessed emotions? It's okay to cry, Cassie."

In that moment, Cassie broke down, her composure crumbling as she buried her face in her hands. Nephis moved closer, cradling her head with soothing words. "I know you've endured so much these past years, especially since losing your ability to see the future. I can't change how you feel about Sunny, but I'm here to help you navigate through it. I don't hate you, Cassie. What you did was wrong, but it stemmed from circumstances only you truly understand. Our bond may be strained, but I'm willing to work on mending it with you."

Nephis stood and wrapped her arms around Cassie, who continued to sob. As Nephis held her, Cassie felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted. For too long, she had neglected her own feelings for the sake of others, but today marked a turning point. She would focus on herself, ensuring the future she fought to protect was worth living for.

After a while, Cassie finally calmed down, her blindfold soaked with tears. Nephis gently removed it, revealing Cassie's tear-streaked face, her eyes red and weary, dark circles betraying her sleepless nights hidden beneath layers of makeup. Concerned, Nephis asked, "How long has it been since you last slept, Cassie?"

Cassie struggled to recall, her mind a blur. "I... I don't know. A few weeks? A month? I lost track."

Nephis embraced her once more, holding her tightly. After a moment of silence, Cassie asked, "Have you told Sunny about this?"

Nephis chuckled softly. "Yes, and he wasn't surprised at all. He suspected you were struggling and even guessed your reasoning."

Cassie managed a small laugh. "Well, I guess he knows me better than we both thought. He always gives the best advice."

Nephis grinned. "Yeah, he's fucking incredible."

Cassie smirked, "Yeah, I know how incredible he's fucking."

Suddenly, Cassie felt Nephis tighten her grip, and in a breathless whisper, she asked, "Too soon?"

"Way too soon."