Realm of Monsters

Chapter 209: To Be Your Friend

Stryg sighed, What do you want?

To be your friend, Sylvie admitted.

He narrowed his lilac eyes, I thought I already made it clear, I dont want to be your friend.

I know, bu-

Then why are you here?

Sylvie bit her lip, Ive been hanging out a lot with your friends recently. Theyre all really fun to hang out with, even Freya, and shes mean half the time. When Im with them I think to myself, Wow. This is what it must be like to have friends, to be a part of something bigger than myself... I really like this school and I really like our friends.

Good for you, now leave me alone, Stryg closed his eyes.

She smiled weakly, The thing is, it feels like something is missing. Whenever the gang is hanging out theres always a dark spot in the room, something that is left unsaid, but everyone understands and keeps quiet, everyone but me. I didnt get it. Until I realized the missing piece was you.

No, Im not the one theyre missing, Stryg thought miserably.

I heard from Kitty, Sylvie said. That you used to drink with her at some tavern all the time, but now she rarely sees you. The others have similar stories, no one really sees you anymore. I didnt want to bother you, I know your business isnt my own.

Then why do you keep bothering me? he thought.

But we share the same friends now, she said. All I want is for everyone to be happy. What Im trying to say is, I think theyre all worried about you, except maybe Freya, I dont think she worries about anyone.

Youre wrong. Theyre not worried about me, he thought.

So, I, uh, wanted to see if theres anything I can help with. Hows the saying go? The friend of my friend is my friend? Sylvie winked. Callum told me youre training for the Great Cities Tourney. I could help you train? Im actually well versed in duels, my parents made me practice a lot when I was a kid. Im also a grey mage like you, so we can swap spells and give each other pointers too... I just want to help, if you want me to.

...Why are you doing all of this? I doubt the others asked you to, Stryg muttered.

They didnt, she admitted. But growing up I wish I had someone who would have been there for me when I was struggling. So many people in the academy say to stay away from you, that youre a bad person, but I think maybe they're wrong. I think hybrids are misunderstood.

Misunderstood? 

Memories of his childhood flashed in his mind, the names, the ridicules, the beatings he had suffered, all because he was different, the odd goblin.

Yeah, Sylvie nodded. I know we look different than others. You have no idea how many times I wish I was smaller, not the freakishly tall girl, even when I was a kid. I would have given anything to be small. But I cant. Were stuck with who we are and I dont think thats a bad thing, not really, because we get to choose who we want to be.

Stryg stayed quiet and kept his eyes closed.

Sylvie cleared her throat, I didnt have friends growing up. I didnt have siblings either. I was alone. But Im not anymore and thats my choice. So Im putting myself out here, asking you, from one vampire-human hybrid to a drow-goblin hybrid, do you want to be my friend?

Drow hybrid? he mumbled with a frown.

I know we dont really know each other, but isnt that how all friendships start? Sylvie laughed awkwardly. Kitty told me that you used to fight with another friend of yours often, but then you two became best friends. I was hoping maybe we could be like that or something?

Strygs eyes shot open, his fist lashed out. Sylvies aurum aegis flared to life, bronze light particles condensing around the attack and shielding her from danger.

Sylvie jumped back, surprised, What was that for!?

Stryg sauntered to his feet, You think you can just walk into this academy with your idiotic giddy personality and replace Clypeus!? That we will all simply accept you as his replacement?!

N-no, thats not what I meant at all, Sylvie shook her head, panicked.

You will NEVER replace Clypeus! Stryg roared. Clypeus was the best of us.

Was? Sylvie stiffened. I I didnt know he

Stryg held back his tears and glared at her, He was a true friend, he didnt try to force his friendship on others just to feel good about himself.

That isnt what Im trying to do, Sylvies voice cracked.

Stryg stuck out his finger and pointed at her face, No, youre just some stupid dire girl, with her head stuck so high up in the clouds that she cant even see no one fucking wants you! Kegrog is simply friendly to everyone. Freya doesnt like anyone. And Callum likes to fuck tall women, thats it, he doesn't actually care about who you are. But Kitty loves Callum, which means she probably hates you! And if I wasnt clear enough before, I do not want to be your damn friend!

Sylvies bottom lip trembled, tears slipped down her brown cheeks. She wiped away her tears and swallowed hard, ...I guess the rumors were right, I shouldnt have come here.

Do you think I care about what they think? Stryg snarled. Do you think I care about what any of those cowards think!?

A knock rang on the door. Felis purple hair popped out through the doorway.

Um, am I interrupting something? she asked.

Feli? What are you doing here? Stryg asked, surprised.

Feli frowned, Are you serious? Have you really forgotten?

Forgotten what?

This is exactly why I came to get you, Feli groaned. Todays the new moon, remember? Were going to celebrate at the Merry Crescent tavern.

Oh yeah, sorry about that, he winced.

Whos this by the way? New friend? Feli asked. Wow, youre tall.

Sylvie sniffed, I was just leaving, actually. Excuse me.

Feli stepped aside, the dire hybrid walked by and left.

Sooo, should I ask what that was about? Feli said.

I rather you didnt, Stryg sighed.

~~~

32, 33 34, Rhian mumbled.

Lysaila pulled her hood tighter over her head. She really didnt want to be out here in front of this stupid gate with this stupid centaur and all these stupid students walking by.

Hey, Rhian nudged her shoulder. Do you wanna know what Im counting?

Not at all, Lysaila muttered.

Come on, arent you a little bit curious?

Nope.

Well, Ill tell you anyway, Rhian said. Im counting the number of times people walking by notice your tail hanging out from below your cloak, freak out, and run away.

Youre telling me this, why exactly? Lysaila grumbled.

You know, I bet if you just took off that hood people wouldnt be so scared of you. Youre really pretty. You could just win them all over with a smile.

Why in all the bloody realms would I want to win over any of these idiots? Lysaila hissed.

Because its better to have people like you rather than be scared of you?

Wrong. Fear is always the stronger tool for leadership. History has proven rulers who are feared reign longer and are attacked less often by rival kingdoms.

Rhian cocked her head to the side, Who said anything about rulers? I was talking about friends.

Lysaila wished the amber gods would just send a lightning bolt to put her out of her misery already. You think these people, these chromatic species, are your friends?

Well, not all of them. But Ive made a few friends, it was hard, but I did it all by myself, Rhian smiled proudly. 

I knew you were stupid, I just didnt realize you were this stupid, Lysaila rolled her indigo eyes.

Rhian frowned, I know Im not the smartest centaur in the world, but Im not stupid. Everyone needs friends, even someone as tough as you. If people are scared of you, they dont want to be your friend. I know you dont like me, I dont think you like anyone really, but I like you. As far as Im concerned youre a part of Ebon Hollow, just like me. So even if you hate me, Ill have your back lil sis.

Lysaila looked up at the centaur, confused. She always thought this centaur was just a goofy idiot. Now she realized she was incredibly naive and an idiot.

What makes you think Im younger than you? Lysaila raised an eyebrow. How old are you anyway? 22, 23?

Rhian lifted her fingers and began counting quietly to herself, Lets see Im, uh... 18. Yup, thats right, 18 and three quarters.

Lysaila glanced at the centaurs large bust, Youre only 18?

And three quarters. Rhian lifted Lysailas hood, Hmm, let me guess, youre 16?

Im 38.

What the fuck? Youre older than Maximus! But you look younger than me?

Lamias have a longer lifespan than centaurs, Lysaila said. We stay youthful for a longer period of time, all for the sake of fighting efficiency.

Fighting efficiency? Rhian furrowed her brow.

We were all made for war, Rhiannon, she said bitterly. All of us were created to serve our masters the Mortem in any way they desired. Dont you get that?

Ive heard some stories, Rhian mumbled. But just because beast-kin were made for battle, doesnt mean we have to follow that order. Im a show-horse, I like to entertain people, not fight them.

Lysaila laughed darkly, Right because thats what beast-kin escaped the Scarlet Realm for, to live freely in whatever way they want. All beast-kin must be living in paradise by now. Oh, wait, thats not what happened, youre kind was captured and enslaved. You may not wear a collar, but you have an owner like all the others.

Rhian shook her head, Beast-kin in the Ebon Realm arent slaves. We are pets, or oftentimes beasts of burden, sometimes soldiers, but we are not slaves.

Oh my gods! Do you hear yourself? Pets? Youre not an animal Rhian.

Stryg says were all animals.

Of course the Mortem would say something so ridiculous. Theyre all monsters! The truth is... you're just Strygs slave.

Im not Strygs slave, Rhian said sternly. 

Then why do you call him master?

Rhian tilted her head, All beast-kin are trained to call the one who buys them master. Stryg told me at some point that I dont have to call him that though.

Then why do you still call him master?

Out of habit, I guess A lot of people call others master.

Maybe when that person is their teacher or their lord. Stryg is neither to you.

Stryg is the chieftain of Ebon Hollow, he might as well be the master of our House, Rhian crossed her arms.

Then tell me this. If you wanted to leave Ebon Hollow, Hollow Shade, Dusk Valley itself, right now, would Stryg let you?

Yeah, of course, Rhian chuckled. Im free to do what I want, Stryg respects my choice whatever that may be. I dont want to leave, though.

Really? And why is that?

Well, because I like my life here. Stryg and Feli are my family, I love them. Why would I want to leave the people I love?

Yeah, you must have it all figured out, huh? Lysaila nodded. Except one little thing. Were beast-kin, were not free. Our ancestors thought they could be free when they left the Scarlet Realm, but the truth is none of us are ever free. We arent like any of the people walking by. We were born cursed, our sole purpose of existence is to serve. We might as well be puppets of flesh and bone.

You know, youre really morbid sometimes. You should relax, Rhian patted her back. Ill buy you a drink when we get to the tavern.

You little Lysaila stopped and took a deep breath. Tell me, did Stryg ever tell you to stay? That he wanted you to not leave him?

Um, yeah, I guess? I am part of his tribe after all. Plus, I think he has some abandonment issues, Rhian admitted. But if I really wanted to leave hed respect my decision.

Would he? Then why dont you leave?

I told you already, I dont want to.

Or does Stryg not want you to?

I dont understand what youre saying, Rhian frowned.

Im saying your thoughts arent your own, Lysaila pointed at her head. Stryg is a Mortem mage. He can influence our thoughts, control our very mind and body with a single word. If he doesnt want you to leave, then you wouldnt want to either. You have no choice in the matter, youre just a reflection of his desires and you dont even realize it.

That isnt true! Unlike you, my mind is my own. Strygs words dont have any compulsion over me.

So youre telling me you never felt anything weird when Stryg talked to you? Never? Not even once?

Uh... Rhian faltered. 

And there it is, Lysaila scoffed.

Rhian shook her head, It wasnt like that. Stryg was in danger and I -

You felt a need to protect him, no matter the cost?

Rhian paled, How did you know?

The Prime Edict are a set of spells entwined into our very being by the Mortem Order. One of the Edicts main purposes is to ensure the protection of the Mortem. The moment Stryg was placed in danger the Prime Edict within you activated and you went into a hyper-focused state of mind in order to protect your master.

No, thats not what happened, Rhian mumbled uncertainly.

Lysaila pointed at her chest, You think you love Stryg? You dont. Love cannot be bought, it cannot be taken, it can only be freely given. And you, Rhiannon, are not free.

Tears welled in the corner of Rhians eyes, she glared at Lysaila, Yes. I. Am.

The twin heartbeats rang in Lysailas ears. The unique sound was easy for her to pick up even in a crowd. Lysaila turned to the front gate. Stryg walked out, Feli right behind him.

Rhian? Why is everyone crying today? Feli asked, exasperated.

Stryg glanced at Rhians sad expression and at Lysaila, What did you do to Rhiannon?

Nothing, Lysaila sneered.

Strygs pupils shrunk to thin blades, Down.

Lysailas body dropped to the floor with a hard thud. She grimaced and tried to stand, to no avail.

What did you do to Rhiannon? Stryg asked, his voice hard as steel. Whatever trace of warmth in his countenance was gone.

Lysaila glanced up at him from the cobblestone floor. Nothing, you bastard, she hissed.

Stop breathing, Stryg said apathetically.

Lysailas eyes widened as her lungs exhaled and her throat constricted tight. She clutched at her neck, gasping helplessly.

I tolerate you because of our strange bond, Stryg placed his foot over Lysailas chest. But if you fucking lay a finger on my Rhiannon I will not hesitate to protect my tribe.

Lysailas face grew red, her eyes darted around wildly. Stryg leaned forward and put pressure on his foot, Lysailas sternum creaked with strain. She sputtered wordlessly.

Stop! Stop it! Rhian screamed.

Stryg looked up at her, surprised. What?

Get off her, now! Rhian stomped the floor. 

Stryg stepped back, an expression of confusion etched on his face. Breathe, he muttered.

Lysaila gasped weakly and took a sharp breath. Rhian rushed to her side and helped her up.

Whats going on here? Stryg asked.

Why would you do that? Rhian mumbled. Lysaila didnt hurt me.

I thought she made you cry, Stryg frowned.

She didnt hurt me! And you almost killed her! Rhian cried.

I I didnt, Stryg mumbled.

I... told you, Rhian Lysaila coughed and rubbed her neck. ...Theyre all monsters.

Feli stepped in between them, It was a mistake, Rhian, a misunderstanding.

No, this was a mistake, Stryg said. I shouldnt have come here. Im going back to the dome. I need to train.

But what about your birthday? Feli bit her lip.

I didnt celebrate my birthday for 18 years. My 20th doesnt have to be any different. Stryg walked away.

But I worked so hard on planning it, Feli whispered.

Rhian rubbed her eyes and stood up tall, ...Then were going.

Huh? Feli asked.

Stryyyg! Rhian screamed. Are you a Sylvan folk or not!?

Stryg stopped walking, turned back, and glared at her, Was it that supposed to mean?

You told me Sylvan folk are honorable! Rhian galloped up to him. Feli set up your birthday for you. And you were going to leave anyway? Where is the honor in that? Are you a monster or are you the chieftain of Ebon Hollow?

Stryg blinked and glanced at Feli, she smiled weakly.

He looked away, Sorry, Feli... and thank you, for everything.

Apology accepted, Feli smiled wryly.

So are you coming or not? Rhian asked.

I could use a break He sighed with a smile, Lead the way.

Rhian smiled and nodded to herself. I know youre not the monster Lysaila says you are. Ill prove it, no matter what.