Shattered Destiny : Fate

Before Dinner

Ajax: Hey, Lucius.

Lucius: What can I help you with, Ajax?

Ajax hesitated for a moment, staring at the flickering candlelight in the dimly lit hall.

Ajax: …Can you manipulate my emotions?

Lucius: No, I can't.

Ajax: I don't want to feel lonely in this world like I did in my previous life. I don't want to crave a romantic relationship—I want you to make that feeling disappear.

Lucius: I may not be able to change your emotions, Ajax, but I can assure you this—you won't be alone in this world. That, I'm certain of.

Ajax: I want a pretty girl.

Lucius: You'll surely get a pretty girl.

Ajax: I hope so… Just one, though.

Lucius: Just one? Why?

Ajax: Am I supposed to go for more?

Lucius: Not necessarily, but it wouldn't be a bad thing to want more.

Ajax: In my past life, all I wanted was one girl—just one—who'd love me deeply. And I would've stuck with her forever.

Lucius: That's not something you need to worry about. Trust me—nobody could resist falling in love with you.

Ajax: …Lucius, I miss my father.

Lucius: I do too, Ajax. But you have to remember—we're in this together.

Ajax: I know that, but…

Lucius: You're not alone, Ajax. You aren't.

During Dinner

Ajax sat at the long dining table, his fork hovering over his plate, but he hadn't taken a single bite. His mind drifted, tangled in thoughts he couldn't quite put into words.

Across from him, Athena noticed.

Athena: Ajax, you've barely touched your food. Are you okay?

Ajax blinked, snapping out of his daze. His mother's concerned gaze softened something inside him.

Ajax (quickly smiling): Oh, don't worry, Mom. I was just reminiscing about a book I read in the library.

Athena studied him for a moment, then let out a small sigh.

Athena: Alright, but eat before the food gets cold.

Ajax: Okay, Mom.

He picked up his fork and took a bite, but the unease in his chest lingered.

After Dinner – In the Library

The library was quiet, the faint scent of aged parchment and candle wax filling the air. Ajax ran his fingers over the spines of the books, his gaze distant.

Ajax: Lucius, in my previous world, I used to enjoy thinking to myself. But now… knowing there's a conscious being inside my mind, it feels different.

He exhaled a short laugh, shaking his head.

Ajax: Sometimes, it's hard not to mistake you for an actual person. Just now, I nearly spoke out loud.

Lucius: I understand—it's an adjustment. But you'll get used to it. And honestly? You can speak to me out loud. Just… maybe do it in your room, so people don't think you've lost your mind.

Ajax (chuckling): Fair point.

His fingers stopped on the spine of an old, leather-bound book.

Ajax: So… what should we read today?

Lucius hummed in thought.

Lucius: We've finished all the spell books here, haven't we? You're quite the reader, I must admit.

Ajax (grinning): Of course.

Lucius: I think it's time we shift focus to combat manuals. You'll need the techniques for what's ahead. Once you master those, we can explore other subjects.

Ajax: That sounds reasonable. Let's do it.

He pulled the book from the shelf and settled into his chair, flipping to the first page as the candlelight flickered beside him.