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

In a Hotel Room on the Edge of Bastion

Rick stood on the brink of a new adventure, his heart racing with a cocktail of excitement and nerves. This was uncharted territory for him—someone had actually invited him to share a moment in such an intimate setting, and the woman in question was as enchanting as a sunrise. He had spent the night mulling over what he might reveal about himself, but ultimately decided to let the currents of conversation guide him.

"I really hope she's a good soul. We barely scratched the surface yesterday, but my instincts tell me she's someone special."

He laced up his shoes and stepped out of his hotel room, clad in a black hoodie and shorts that danced just above his knees. Fashion wasn't his forte; he prioritized comfort and practicality over trends.

As he made his way to the ferry, Rain had mentioned that her home was a café owned by a man known as Master Sunless.

"He could be her father or some other kin. Their names are intertwined, after all."

His gaze drifted across the shimmering lake, where a brick building loomed in the distance, proudly displaying the sign: "Master Sunless Café and Memory Boutique." Despite the distance, Rick's keen eyesight allowed him to discern even the screws holding the sign in place.

Upon disembarking the ferry, he approached the café just as a man emerged from its doors. With raven-black hair and pale skin, the man's stature was modest, but his presence radiated authority.

"I'm certain he's related to her; they share a familiar scent."

Rick approached the man, donning a friendly smile. He extended his hand in greeting.

"Hi, I'm Rick. I'm here to meet Rain for some coffee and cake—she invited me."

The man took Rick's hand firmly and smiled back.

"Greetings, I'm Master Sunless, Rain's older brother. Before you enter, I'd like to have a word with you."

A wave of apprehension washed over Rick as he felt the strength in the man's grip. He hadn't anticipated such power from someone so seemingly unassuming.

'Is he really a Master? There's more to him than meets the eye. What does he mean by 'a little talk'? He's not going to interrogate me for visiting his sister, is he?'

Sunless must have sensed Rick's unease, for he sighed and spoke gently.

"Don't worry, I'm not here to interrogate you—just to offer a bit of advice."

He tightened his grip slightly, bringing their heads level.

"I'm willing to give you a chance, but let's be clear: my sister's well-being is my top priority. Those who wish her harm often find themselves in my soul sea."

With that, he released Rick's hand and smiled warmly.

"Now, let's go inside. She's been waiting for you all day."

Rick, still processing the weight of Sunless's words, found his thoughts interrupted by the sight of Rain.

She was a vision in a simple white t-shirt and light blue jeans, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Her smile lit up the room as she extended her delicate hand, which Rick took with a mix of awe and admiration.

"Hi! I hope you made it here without any trouble."

Rick was momentarily speechless, his heart racing at her beauty. He let out a quiet sigh, muttering to himself, "She's even more stunning than yesterday."

Rain's cheeks flushed crimson. "What?"

Caught off guard, Rick stammered, "I mean, yes! Your directions were spot on."

She relaxed, gesturing toward a table with two chairs facing each other.

"Good! My brother has prepared something special for us."

As they settled into their seats, an awkward silence hung in the air until Rick broke it.

"Thanks for inviting me. This is a first for me, and I've been a bundle of nerves since yesterday."

Rain looked at him, puzzled. "Really? I would have thought someone like you would get invited more often."

Rick chuckled, shaking his head. "Believe me, this is a first. I've been traveling a lot and haven't met many people."

Rain sipped her tea, nodding in understanding. The silence returned until she spoke again.

"I noticed you're awakened. I thought you might be a Master or even a Saint, but my friend didn't recognize you, so I assume you're not local?"

Rick grinned, "You're right. I'm not from around here. And yes, I'm a Master."

Rain's eyes widened slightly, excitement bubbling within her. She had only just awakened herself, and the gap in their experiences felt vast.

"Well, I'm just an Awakened. I'm not ready to become a Master yet."

Sunny, busy in the basement crafting Nephis's sword, would have been proud of Rain for her modesty, but he was unaware of the conversation unfolding above.

Rick laughed heartily. "There's no rush! I'm a young Master myself, so don't compare our paths."

A flicker of curiosity crossed Rain's face. "By the way, how old are you?"

"I turned 22 this year. And you?"

"21," she replied, relief washing over her. "I was worried you might be much older or younger. It's hard to tell with the Awakened."

Rick chuckled, "You're right. Sometimes I can't believe the ages I hear, and I have pretty good hearing."

Rain giggled. "That happened to me too! Does your keen hearing relate to your aspect?"

Rick hesitated, taking a sip of his tea. "Yes, it's part of it."

Rain studied him for a moment, then asked cautiously, "If you don't mind me asking, where did you get that scar?"

Rick's smile faltered, the question striking a sensitive chord. He paused before nodding, ready to share.

"It's a long story. In short, I encountered a particularly fearsome nightmare creature. I had to run for my life, and it left me this scar as a parting gift."

Rain's heart sank. She sensed there was more beneath the surface, but she chose to shift the mood instead.

"If it helps, I think it's beautiful."

Rick blushed, surprised by her words. "Thank you. Most people call it 'disgusting' or 'cool,' but I've never liked it. It's nice to hear someone appreciates it."

Rain blushed in return, clearing her throat awkwardly. "Well, it suits you."

Rick grinned. "And I must say, I adore your hair and your beautiful eyes."

Her cheeks deepened in color. "Thanks! Where do you come from originally?"

Rick smiled, shrugging casually. "I hail from the outskirts, but not near the Hive cities. I grew up in a small, self-sufficient community far from other human settlements."

Rain's curiosity piqued. "I didn't know there were humans living outside the Hive cities! Do you visit home often?"

Rick's expression shifted, the question hitting a nerve. He sighed, his voice heavy with sorrow.

"No, not since it was destroyed. Everyone was killed that day; I'm the only survivor."

Rain's heart dropped. She leaned closer, taking his hand gently. He flinched but didn't pull away, finding comfort in her touch.

"I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I hope you're okay."

Rick nodded, his heart warmed by her concern.

"No need to apologize; you couldn't have known. Let's talk about something else. How did you become friends with two of the most famous Saints? I was shocked to see them!"

Rain chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Well, they're friends with my brother's girlfriend. That's how."

Rick's instincts kicked in, and he suspected the answer. "Your brother's girlfriend is Changing Star, right?"

Rain nodded, a smile dancing on her lips.

"Indeed, she is. It's nearly impossible to miss that news; her fame is like a wildfire, and when the whispers of her having a boyfriend ignited, the world erupted. My brother, naturally, couldn't escape the spotlight either," Rick lingered, his words hanging in the air.

"I wasn't aware of it through the grapevine. It's her essence that lingers everywhere, mixed with your brother's. It was only logical that she was the one you meant," he added.

Rain's eyes widened, her jaw dropping in astonishment.

"Wha... what? You can actually smell people? Your senses must be extraordinary! But how did you identify her scent?"

Rick felt a blush creeping up his cheeks, scratching the back of his head with a shy chuckle. "Well, yes, my senses are heightened. As for recognizing her scent, I've met her once, and I can never forget a fragrance so... distinctive."

Rain beamed at him. "You're right; she is one of a kind, just like my brother."

Rick chuckled awkwardly again, taking a sip of his tea. "Oh, our first encounter was certainly memorable, to say the least."

Rain raised an eyebrow, her tone turning serious. "I hope he didn't say anything out of line. He can be quite intense when it comes to those he cares for."

Rick laughed, shaking his head. "No, nothing inappropriate. He simply made it clear that I should treat you well. I intended to do so anyway, but I suppose it's a brother's duty to look out for his little sister."

A relieved sigh escaped Rain's lips. "That's a relief. I didn't expect him to act foolishly; he promised me he wouldn't, and he's a man of his word. But your reaction just now had me worried."

Rick chuckled, his voice light. "No, everything's perfectly fine. I actually like him; he seems like a fascinating person. But his presence... it's not that of a master. It feels far more potent, almost like a saint cloaked in humility, choosing a quieter life."

He paused, sipping his tea and taking a bite of cake. "But that's just absurd, of course."

Rain's mouth fell open, her left eye twitching slightly in disbelief.

Rick noticed her reaction, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "That... was a joke. Please don't tell me I'm onto something."

Snapping back to reality, Rain shook her head in confusion. Taking a sip of her coffee and nibbling on her cake, she steadied herself. "No, he's a Master."

Rick's expression turned pale, and he gulped nervously. "I'm sorry to say, Rain, but I'm about 99% sure you just told your first lie of the day."

Her face blanched as she stammered, "H...how? Can you really tell when someone is lying? Do you share Kai's... flaw?"

A hint of embarrassment colored Rick's cheeks as he met her gaze. "No, but as I mentioned, my senses are exceptionally sharp. So sharp, in fact, that I can even pick up on the body's reactions. I can sense the fluctuations in someone's heartbeat when they speak, which gives me a clue if they're being truthful. It's not foolproof, but it's pretty accurate."

He watched as Rain's face turned crimson. With a shiver, she exclaimed, "Oh no, I need to tell Sunny! This secret is too dangerous; his life in Bastion could be at risk if it got out."

In a moment of reassurance, Rick reached for her hand, his smile warm. "I promise, his secret is safe with me."

Rain exhaled, relief washing over her as she returned his smile. "Thank you."

"Of course," Rick replied, his grin unwavering.

They continued their conversation, losing track of time as the hours slipped by like sand through their fingers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Rick felt a flutter of anxiety. He didn't want to end this delightful exchange with Rain, but he knew the moment was drawing to a close. With a soft smile, he said, "I'm sorry, but I really must be going. I hate to end our talk, but time waits for no one."

Rain looked at him, her smile bright. "Oh, okay! Thank you for coming. I had a wonderful time. Let me walk you to the door."

They stood together for a moment before Rain summoned her courage and wrapped her arms around him in a big hug. Surprised but delighted, Rick embraced her back, holding that moment close. After a while, he broke the silence. "I truly enjoyed our chat. Would you like to meet again?"

Rain chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "I would love that."

Rick felt warmth creep into his cheeks. "Great! How about tomorrow, same time?"

Releasing him from the hug, she beamed. "Sounds perfect! Here at the café again?"

Rick pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I have a different idea."

Surprise flickered across Rain's face. "Okay? Where do you want to meet instead?"

With a playful grin, Rick replied, "That's a surprise."

A mischievous smirk danced on Rain's lips. She could sense Rick's feelings for her, and she felt the same. "Are you planning to take me on a date?"

Rick's face turned a deep shade of crimson as he stumbled over his words. "Ah... well, ye... yes, I think... no, I'm sure! I want to take you on a date tomorrow."

Rain blushed slightly, pulling him into another hug. "Then I'll be here waiting for you at noon."

Rick nodded, excitement bubbling within him. "Sounds wonderful! See you tomorrow, Rain."

With that, he left the café, making his way toward the ferry—or so it seemed. In reality, he was veering off toward a small mountain range, about 60 kilometers away, his heart racing with anticipation.