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

Rain didn't catch the words that slipped from Rick's lips; instead, she bolted from the room, racing up the stairs in search of Nephis's aid. Bursting through her door, she skidded to a halt, her breath hitching at the sight that greeted her.

Nephis lay sprawled on the kitchen table, her back pressed against the cool surface, while both Sunnys were deeply engaged with her—one in her mouth, the other in her flower. The trio of Saints turned to Rain, their expressions a mix of shock and embarrassment, their faces betraying their unexpected predicament. Although Nephis face was hard to read behind the 2 Balls dangling infront of her.

In a flash, Sunny conjured a wall of shadows, shielding them from Rain's gaze as she recoiled, her voice trembling with panic. "Oh no, oh no, oh no... I'm so sorry! I should've knocked!"

Inside her mind, a whirlwind of thoughts spiraled. *What on earth? Using Sunny's clones for... that? On the kitchen table, of all places! I'll never look at tables the same way again!*

With a heavy sigh, Sunny proposed, "Let's just pretend this never happened, alright?"

Nephis and Rain nodded in unison, their responses a chorus of agreement. "Yes." "Mhmh," came Nephis's muffled reply, still not having the freedom to speak.

"What's up, Rain? You seemed in a rush," Nephis finally managed to ask, once Sunny had removed himself.

Rain hesitated, then blurted out, "I... I need something for Rick to wear. His clothes got wrecked during his transformation, and now he's naked in the conference room, waiting for me to bring him something."

Nephis paused, then asked, "Doesn't he have an armor memory?"

Rain froze, realization dawning. "I don't know... he tried to stop me from coming here, but I didn't listen. I guess that's what he wanted to tell me."

Sunny, exasperated, suggested, "You should head back and see if you just wasted your trip. I think you did."

Without another word, Rain slammed the door behind her and dashed back downstairs.

Nephis chuckled, "We should definitely lock the door from now on."

Sunny smiled, sending one of the clones to do just that. "Absolutely."

He leaned closer to Nephis, whispering, "Now, where were we?"

Meanwhile, Rain returned to the conference room, determined to knock this time. Standing before the door, she bit her lip, battling her curiosity. 'But I kind of want to peek...'

"Just come in," Rick's voice called from within.

As she opened the door, her heart raced, for there stood Rick in a skin-tight black bodysuit, showcasing his sculpted chest and abs that seemed to ripple with power. His muscular arms and legs looked like they were chiseled from steel, and Rain felt her cheeks flush as her gaze drifted downward, where the snug fit of the suit left little to the imagination. She licked her lips, murmuring, "No way that's going to fit anywhere."

Rick's face turned crimson, and he quickly summoned the pants of his armor. Clearing his throat, he stammered, "Sorry, I didn't realize the first layer was so tight."

Rain blushed, averting her gaze. "It's fine... you're my boyfriend, after all. Nothing to worry about."

Rick stepped closer, locking his gaze with hers, a smile playing on his lips as he gently tilted her chin up. "I think it's time we tried what you did earlier again."

Rain felt spellbound by his presence, momentarily lost in the moment before she nodded. Rick closed the distance, their lips meeting for their first real kiss—awkward and uncoordinated, yet filled with a sweetness that made it perfect.

When they finally pulled apart, both wore radiant smiles, speechless and awash with emotions. After a heartbeat, Rick murmured, "That was amazing; you're amazing."

Rain laughed, "Yes, but I think I'm hungry for more."

Rick chuckled, "I'm starving, actually."

They resumed their kisses, but with plans for their first time together after their date at NQSC, their morning was spent in blissful distraction.

Two days later, in a hotel in NQSC, the morning sun peeked through the curtains. They had arrived early, anticipating a lengthy meeting with Rick's friend, and wanted ample time to visit the Dreamscape Café.

Gathered around a table in Sunny and Nephis's hotel room, everyone was present except for Rain, who opted to sit at a distance.

Rick raised an eyebrow, a playful chuckle escaping him. "Is something wrong with the table, Rain?"

With a sigh, Rain glanced at Sunny and Nephis, raising an eyebrow. "I don't know. Is there?"

Sunny offered a nervous smile. "No, but didn't we agree to never discuss what happened two days ago?"

Effie smirked, her laughter bubbling up as she noticed Rain's discomfort. "What? Did you walk in on them on the kitchen table in Nephis's room?"

Rain scoffed, "You hit the nail on the head."

Effie erupted in laughter, turning to Nephis. "Forgot to lock the door, huh? Don't worry, Princess, it happens to the best of us."

Jet, Cassie, and Kai stifled their giggles, while Sunny sighed. "Yes, it can happen to anyone. The worst part is that it was Rain who stumbled in on us."

A shiver ran down Rain's spine as the memory replayed in her mind, her expression souring. "I wish I could forget that."

Cassie chimed in, "Actually, I could help with that. I can also establish a mental connection while we're at it."

Rain's face brightened. "Awesome! I don't want that memory haunting me every time I see a table. And with a mental connection, we could talk telepathically, right?"

Cassie nodded. "Exactly, and I could use your senses, but only with your permission, of course."

Nephis chuckled, giving Cassie a friendly pat on the shoulder. Rain hesitated, then said, "That sounds great. What do I need to do?"

Cassie removed her blindfold, smiling at Rain. "Just look into my eyes."

Rain complied, and a moment later, Cassie's voice echoed in her mind. [Hi, I know it's weird to suddenly hear my voice in your head, but you'll get used to it.]

'Yes, it's a little strange, but your voice is nice, so it doesn't bother me.'

[Thanks! I'll alter your memory of what you saw two days ago, but you'll need to think about it one last time.]

'Ugh, fine... yes, I will.'

She replayed the scene in her mind, and Cassie flinched, her voice trembling. "Damnation, and all that on the kitchen table... Oh no, did I just say that out loud..."

Realizing her mistake, she quickly fell silent, and both Sunny and Nephis facepalmed.

After a moment, Cassie sighed, replacing her blindfold. "It's done. Now, Rain, how do you feel?"

Rain took a moment to gather herself, then shook her head with a smile. "Perfect."

She glanced at the table, noticing she had been sitting far from it. Frowning, she scooted her chair closer, resting her arms on the surface.

Rick chuckled, breaking the tension. "Well, look who's back at the table!"

"That's an incredible yet daunting power, Cassia," Rick remarked, his voice a blend of awe and trepidation.

Cassie beamed and nodded, her confidence radiating.

"I'll take both as compliments," she replied, her tone playful.

Rick chuckled heartily, "They were indeed meant to be compliments. I envy your gift, but alas, my Chains lack such finesse."

Jet tilted her head curiously. "We haven't really delved into your aspect, have we? We know it involves Chains, but that's about it. Care to enlighten us?"

Rick sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair, a shadow of concern crossing his face. Nephis, ever perceptive, chimed in, "You don't have to share if it's too much."

Rick chuckled softly, "It's not that I don't want to; I just don't know where to begin."

The group exchanged glances, surprised by his hesitation. Sunny broke the silence with a grin, "I get it. Divine aspects can be a labyrinth of complexity. Just give us the highlights."

After a moment's pause, Rick shrugged. "Yeah, that sounds better. If I detailed everything I could do, we'd be here until the stars blink out."

He inhaled deeply, preparing to share. "Alright, here goes... I wield Chains and anything reminiscent of them—Ropes, wires, you name it. They're tethered to my soul, ready to be summoned at will. I can manipulate their properties, making them tougher, longer, or altering their thickness. My more unique abilities allow me to enhance or weaken others by transferring essence with my Chains. I can even seal away their powers, and in rare instances, I can mimic their abilities and channel them through my Chains. But my pièce de résistance? My Core Chains. Their number reflects the Cores I possess—five at the moment, to be precise. Crafting them is a painstaking endeavor, link by link, demanding both time and essence, but the payoff is immense. They can replicate someone's flaws and pass them onto others."

A hushed awe enveloped the room, leaving even Sunny, who prided himself on versatility, lost in contemplation. After a moment, Rick hurriedly added, "Oh, and I can teleport between my Chains when I touch them. That's my latest trick."

This revelation sent shockwaves through the group, particularly affecting Effie, Kai, Jet, and Cassie, who wore expressions of defeat. But it was Rain who felt the weight the heaviest, as she still lacked an aspect of her own. Noticing her downcast demeanor, Rick leaned closer, gently tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "I believe you'll accomplish amazing feats with your aspect. Some of my powers don't even stem solely from my aspect, and you're just beginning your journey. There's so much potential within you."

Rain sighed, her voice barely a whisper, "But I don't even have an aspect."

Rick's smile faltered; uncertainty clouded his thoughts. "What do you mean? You don't have one? Is your flaw that you lack an aspect?"

Sunny sighed, turning to Rain, "So you haven't told him?"

Startled, Rain lifted her head, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. Rick, puzzled, asked, "Did you awaken naturally?"

The room fell silent, jaws dropping in disbelief. Rick, noticing their shock, questioned, "Why does everyone look at me as if I've just suggested the moon is made of cheese?"

Sunny facepalmed, shaking his head in disbelief. "This guy is something else."

Nephis erupted into laughter, "And you're one to talk! Need I remind you who taught her how to do it in the first place?"

Sunny chuckled, conceding, "No, you don't. But let's refocus. How do you know about Natural Awakening?"

Rick shrugged nonchalantly. "Just picked it up during my second Nightmare. Met someone on the brink of becoming a Transcendent who enlightened me on the path of Ascension without the spell. Simple as that."

Rain chuckled softly, "You do realize that's not common knowledge, right?"

Rick sighed, "I suppose you're right. I was just surprised to learn you awakened naturally; I didn't want to show it. But since I've learned it, it's not shocking that someone else has too."

Before Sunny could respond, the jade-green coin on the table chimed, its voice ringing out. "Hey, Greenhorn! Get your butt over here before I leave again, you bastard."

Rick grinned, tapping the coin to respond. "Alright, we're leaving the hotel now. See you soon."

"Sure, can't wait to meet your imaginary friends and girlfriend," came the teasing reply.

Rick chuckled, muttering under his breath, "What a little brat; no wonder his dad can't stand him."

Sunny caught his words, a smirk playing on his lips. "So he's got issues with his dad, huh?"

Rick rolled his eyes. "Yeah, 'issues' is putting it mildly. Anyway, let's move; I fear he might actually leave if we dawdle."

With a collective sigh, they rose to their feet. The journey to the warehouse was short, their hotel nestled just a few kilometers from the industrial area they sought. Sunny had secured a PTV that barely accommodated everyone, forcing Rain to sit on Rick's lap, a situation that stirred an internal tempest for him.

'Thank the gods this ride won't last long; this is pure torture. Damn these primal instincts.'

Meanwhile, Rain attempted to conceal her flushed cheeks, burying her face against Rick's broad chest.

'Oh no, I can feel it. Am I... getting wet? I've read about scenes like this, but never thought I'd find myself in one.'

Rick, too, was struggling, his senses picking up a familiar scent from Rain, one he recognized from two days prior, intensifying his predicament.

'Think of elderly women, just think of extremely old women... that should help...'

Just as he thought he was regaining control, Sunny hit a manhole cover, causing Rain to shift against him, shattering his concentration. She let out a soft whimper as Rick instinctively steadied her, cursing his existence as the road ahead promised to be increasingly bumpy.

Upon reaching the warehouse, everyone disembarked, except for Rick and Rain, who lingered to allow Rick's "problem" to subside.

Sunny approached the back door, a puzzled expression on his face. "What are you two doing? We need to go before he bolts again, right?"

Both were visibly anxious, but Effie stepped in, placing a hand on Sunny's shoulder. "Hey, I think we should give them a moment. Let's step aside and discuss what we want to ask this other Divine aspect holder, okay?"

Sunny frowned, then froze, casting a glance at the pair before facepalming. "I can't believe this is happening."

He closed the door behind him, leaving Rick three minutes to regain control, reciting the names of those he had lost during his own carnage—a morbid yet effective method of grounding himself.

As they made their way toward the warehouse, Jet posed a question. "Is there anything we should avoid discussing in his presence?"

Rick pondered for a moment before responding. "There are many topics he prefers to steer clear of, but outlining them all would take too long and reveal too much about him. You'll have to navigate the same trial-and-error process I did. But if I could befriend him, I'm sure you can too."

Entering the warehouse, Rick input the code on the keypad, and the door swung open. The sight that greeted them was awe-inspiring—Rick's hideout, a sanctuary that had remained unchanged for years in the waking world. Shelves lined with preserved food and distilled water, various rooms branching off, and a spacious sitting area in the center. Two Dreamscape Pods nestled in one corner, alongside two sleeping pods that stood unplugged and gathering dust.

The seating area featured a U-shaped arrangement of couches surrounding a large coffee table, with a TV mounted on a shelf visible from every angle.

As they stepped further inside, a figure rose from one of the couches. He wore a cap topped with a hood from a black mantle that cloaked him from head to toe. Only his deep gray eyes, reflecting a mirror-like intensity, and part of his face, adorned with a short raven-black beard, were visible. He exuded an air of maturity, his handsome features striking in an unconventional way.

As Rick and Rain drew nearer, they could sense a palpable tension in the air; their companions had turned to stone, eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and concern. Rick's gaze fell on his friend, who stood there, mouth agape and left eye twitching like a nervous tick.

Suddenly, the man shook his head as if to clear a fog of confusion. Locking eyes with Rick, he exclaimed, "Son of a bitch... you weren't pulling my leg!"

Rick shot him a cheeky grin. "Of course not! Just because you've chosen to live like a hermit doesn't mean I have to follow suit."

The man chuckled, shaking his head again, a smile creeping onto his face. He bowed slightly, introducing himself. "I didn't believe that fool over there when he mentioned his girlfriend, along with Changing Star and her entire entourage, would show up. So, I didn't bother dressing up. Apologies for my attire, but I'm Mordret, and it's a pleasure to meet you all."

Rick laughed, "Wow, look at you, all manners today! You should trust me more often, Rapunzel."

Mordret shot him a fiery glare before striding towards the group of Saints. After a heartbeat, Sunny broke the silence, eyes wide in disbelief. "Am I seeing this right? Does that guy look like Mordret?"

Cassie's voice quivered as she replied, "I'm not sure about the 'seeing' part, but his voice is unmistakably Mordret's, and he just introduced himself as such."

Nephis swallowed hard and whispered, "But why is he a master? He was with us in the Third Nightmare. I'm certain of it."

Nods of agreement rippled through the group as they watched Mordret approach. He halted in front of them, freezing in place when he caught sight of their expressions—shock, confusion, and a simmering hatred mingled in their gazes. With a hint of worry, he turned to Rick and asked, "Why do they look at me like I've committed unspeakable acts against their families?"

Rick shrugged nonchalantly. "Beats me. Hey everyone, this is my buddy Mordret—feel free to call him Mordy or Rapunzel if you like."

Mordret shot Rick a furious look. "If you don't zip it, Greenhorn, I might just have to end you for real this time. I'm trying to figure out why I'm in hot water, and I have a sinking feeling I know why. If I'm right, I'm lucky they haven't turned me into minced meat yet."

With a heavy sigh, he rubbed his temples and finally asked, "You've met my clone, haven't you? Ah, who am I kidding? Judging by your faces, you've not only met him but have probably been tormented by him. Just to clarify, I'm not the same Mordret you encountered. He's my flaw, and I'm his—it's a tangled mess. But, uh... I'm sorry, I guess?"

Extending a hand toward Sunny, he waited. Sunny glanced at it, then at Kai, who was staring at Mordret with wide eyes. A moment later, Kai turned to Sunny, trembling slightly. "He... he's not lying."

Sunny shot a look at Mordret and back to Kai, his expression still taut with uncertainty. "Are you sure about that, Kai?"

Kai sighed, "Yes, I'm sure. What he's saying is the truth."

With a reluctant sigh, Sunny took Mordret's hand, still feeling the weight of unease. "You're right; the other Mordret has caused us a heap of trouble in the past. So, it's only fair that we get a thorough explanation from you."

Mordret nodded, resigned. "Yeah, I figured as much. Let's sit down and have a chat. I'll explain how this creature came into existence."