"What. Did. You. Just. Do. You. Absolute. Imbecile…?"
To the outside observer, it is nigh impossible to accurately decipher the emotion Zateon is expressing. That is primarily due to the fact that it's not merely one emotion, but a medley of several:
Confounded, confused, and horrified just to name a few. All share one objective reality–Zateon is no longer in control. He speaks through his gritted teeth, doing his best to salvage what is left of his mask. Nevertheless, the Emma lookalike, formerly known as M, looks serious and composed.
"Master Zateon, I know that you are a man of intellect and wisdom, so please–I beg of you, consider my words thoroughly."
The Emma doppelganger tosses away her mask, her voice now lighter, matching that of Emma's pitch exactly. She extends the tip of her sharp nail to the fallen Emma, whose body lays lifelessly on the ground. Her lowered eyes do not bother hiding her disgust–she cannot withhold herself any longer.
"That 'Emma' is a phony–the true and authentic Emma is none other than me."
Without a single word spoken or uttered, Zateon's face rapidly expresses at least nine emotions in a matter of seconds before finally settling on just one: realization.
"No, it can't be. This is impossible, improbable and utterly nonsensical! Is this a curse at work? Cease this tomfoolery at once!"
"Master, it is rather easy to conclude that I am an authentic demi-human–there is no foul play…not on my behalf. Once again, will you please listen rationally?"
"How could I be rational when you blasted my faithful servant in front of my face, unprovoked? You are fortunate that security is occupied–more so distracted…use your limited time wisely, you heathen."
Noticing that Zateon's eyes kept glancing at her occupied hand rather than her, Emma drops her weapon to the ground, making sure to hold her palms wide open.
"During your most recent tour at the beach, I was ambushed and sedated while using the restroom. When I came to my senses…"
_______________________________________________________________
A deep whistle fills my ears…it's progressively getting louder and louder…more aggressive. I value the hearing prowess that my species is blessed with, but at such a time as this–my head is throbbing inexplicably. Perhaps my keen hearing is a detriment at this moment…
No, I rescind that thought; please forgive me, dear goddess, for even thinking of something so ungrateful and careless. Thanks to this gift, I can recognize one fact–I am still alive. My senses are returning, albeit slowly…all except for my sight.
"Is there someone there? I cannot see very well at the moment, but your assistance would be greatly appreciated. I will compensate you in any way I can manage to the best of my ability."
The low whistle noise finally comes to an end, undoubtedly in response to my voice. Thank you goddess that that remains intact.
Although my throat feels just a tinge hoarse…
"Ah, you have finally returned to your consciousness! Great, she will be delighted to know that you are still alive and well. I thought that she may have been a little too rough with you."
"Um, may I ask for your identity and my current location? My memory is a bit fuzzy, so I am concerned that there has been a misunderstanding on my end somehow…???"
"Whoa there, be careful!"
For the first time since coming to my senses, I attempted to stand up. I fully acknowledge that was a risky action to commit while lacking the capability to see.
My legs will not budge.
Neither will my arms…
"Would I happen to be constrained?"
"To this special chair, indeed you are, Emma. It is too dangerous for you to try moving on your own, so please just cooperate with her orders–for your sake."
"How do you know my name, yet I do not recognize you? Nor this woman that you keep referring to ominously. Please, do not continue to keep me in the dark–both interpretations, preferably."
"My sincere apologies, but–"
"Ahh, that ever-so-lovely voice. You have finally woken up, sleepyhead!"
"?"
That voice…it sounds like the higher-pitched voice of a female, yet somehow her tone implies familiarity with me…
It has been ages since I have felt this sense of increasing uneasiness...suddenly, I can feel her breath touching my skin, combing through my fur. With her in such close proximity I can only hope that she refrains from being hostile, though given my predicament, that is but a vain hope at best.
"That's a good thing, a very good thing. Otherwise, you would miss out on everything that I have in store for you, and that would be such a waste."
"I am thankful for your…seemingly…kind sentiments, but due to the fact that I am blinded and bound, I cannot help but assume that your intentions are not pure. Therefore, I respectfully decline your offer. However, explaining the situation that we are all partaking in would be much appreciated."
"Oh no no, you are my special guest, so I insist. Say, did you speak to this kind gentleman earlier, before my arrival? The only man here, to be specific."
"Yes, I just so happen to–"
SMACK
"Awooo?!"
My mouth! Something struck my mouth! I'm…I'm tasting my own blood! Since when has my physical condition been so impaired?
"As expected, you still can't keep your filthy mouth off of my man, and you even have the nerve to admit it to my face–the audacity!"
"Hey, Klia–"
"It's darling, remember? This is the 389th time!"
"...yes, darling. I am the one who initiated the conversation. It was only a bit of small talk, you know. Take it easy, okay?"
"So she is bewitching even you? Can't I have anything at all, you furry bitch?!"
No good, this person's hostility has spiked to dangerously high levels. I am vulnerable to her tantrums, so I must do anything in my power to deescalate. My survival depends on it!
"Th-there is a m-misunderstanding here, I am afraid. I would never take anyone from you, let alone your beloved partner. I do not know him, or you, so it is only logical to assume that you have the wrong person here, Miss Klia–!"
SMACK!
"Lie after lie after lie. Doesn't that get boring to you? And who gave you permission to say my name? Just because I didn't gag your mouth, doesn't mean you can speak freely without a care! Sigh, you demi-humans are so rotten."
The blood…it's slowly trickling down my scratchy esophagus. Where did I go wrong?
"Kli–darling, please take a breather. Here, I'll message your back. You must have had another stressful day at work, no?"
"Sigh…yeah. There were some bothersome patients to deal with, but worse, all Ranet does is look down upon me like she's my superior!"
"Well, she technically is, right?"
"Being head nurse hardly counts as anything, especially since I have more experience! Kissing up to the boss just so she can act all high and mighty? What a pathetic racoon she is!"
"Whoa, you are getting tense again, darling…"
"No matter, it's fine…I have a new way of relieving my stress. You, my precious dear, will get all of my affection, but that filthy dog?"
"?"
I feel a sudden wave of heat directly in front of my face; I can even smell the residue of sweat…it's not nearly as pleasant as my master's.
"You'll get all of my pent-up rage. I still have some more left in me, begging to be released!"
"Please…please inform me of what I have done to offend you. Whatever it is, I am willing to reconcile with you, but I do not think this method is efficient for either one of us."
Croaking that plea out of my throat took more effort than what I would have liked, but I need to convey to this person that I am not the threat she has mistaken me to be! I do not measure up to the wisdom master would have in such a dire situation. I'm sorry…
"Gosh, you are even more pathetic than I thought. I'm getting sick just listening to your drivel…ah, I've got it. Darling, hand me that jar over there, the one with the painted fingernail on the self."
"This one?"
"Yes, many thanks…."
Pop
"Slurp"
"Hmm? Where am I?...Say, aren't you Nurse Lean?"
"Irrelevant. All you need to do for me is create one of those mini moisture orbs, or whatever you call them."
"Whaaa…oh, you mean this? Can't believe that you would remember such a mundane curse like mine."
"It's part of my job, thanks. If I need you again, I will make another one of you."
"Okay, thanks–wait, what do you mean–"
Splat!
"Thank you, darling. Keep in mind that I will 'punish' you extra hard to make up for this pain, okay?"
"Of course, as expected."
My mind cannot reasonably fathom the events that just happened in such rapid succession…her steps draw nearer once again.
"You, open your mouth. Widely."
I cannot discern what object is in her hand in the slightest. Although I cannot pick up any toxic scents, in fact, it is slightly pleasant, there is no way that she means any good. However, given her demanding tone, I either freely cooperate with her orders, or she will exert force to make me cooperate. This is rather a lose-lose situation…but I need to ensure that I return to master Zateon in the best condition possible.
"Didn't you hear me? Open up!"
"A...a-ahh…"
"Wider."
"Ahhh…"
"Wider, with your tongue out."
"Ahhhhhh…"
Fling!
"Ack?!"
She launched something to the back of my throat! It's...it's stuck there?!
"That little orb is attached to your uvula. The more you talk or make noise, the more it will grow. Eventually, it will fall down your windpipe and get jammed there…need I say more?"
"..."
"Nod."
"..."
"Good. Now be a good girl and use your big ears to listen closely–you do not need any of your other senses. Darling, it's our stress-relieving time!"
"Already? Okay, I will head out the lab and prepare our room upstairs–"
Suddenly, a soft sound comes from the floor…something light fell down–or intentionally casted down.
"Darling, what are you doing?! This isn't the laundry room!"
"We are not going anywhere else–we shall do it right here."
"H-here?! F-fine, I'll take Emma upstairs into the bathroom and–"
"Nope! I want her to have front row seats to our show. I want her to experience how I felt all those years ago. All she can do is helplessly listen to us in silence."
"...will that really alleviate your stress?"
"For today, it will work like medicine. Come on, let's drink!"
From that point on, all I could hear was varying degrees of moaning. Paralyzed by the fear of choking to death, all I could do was listen to it all.
______________________________________________________
I could hardly make out what M…Emma was saying with Lily still pressing upon my back all the way over here, but whatever it is, I can't remain idle. I'd appreciate it if Emma would at least assist me over here, though to be fair, our agreement was only to help each other reach Zateon. Looks like I may have no other choice but to use…that technique. I'm somewhat rusty though…
Whether this goes well or not–don't hold it over my head for too long, Lily.
Vex musters up all of the energy he can to tilt his head just enough to see Lily, who is breathing heavily on top of him. Naturally, this means that droplets of drool carelessly rain down upon Vex–a fact that Lily couldn't care less about currently. Although her body is still operating by natural instinct, her spirit is quelled, looking aimlessly at the fallen corpse in the distance.
With a mind of its own, her tail swifts back and forth near Vex's folded arms without any regard whatsoever.
"...Thanks to the help of that man, I was able to escape from my capturer after a few days. I was not allowed to see much, even on that day, but he removed my blindfold just long enough for me to see that dim basement laboratory that held me prisoner…and his face."
"His face? What about it? Could you identify this man?"
"Yes, though it is merely my assumption, so I could be far from the truth. That man…he looked like…a slightly more prime version of you, master."
Zateon's eyes widened, stretching across his face.
"Kidnaped? Tortured? A gentleman who resembles a younger me? Sounds like poppycock! I, of all people, would instantly recognize if my right-hand servant got replaced by some phony!"
"I honestly hoped that would be the case as well, master…"
Ever so slightly, Emma sinks her head.
"As absurd as this seems, I cannot continue to dismiss you, especially after hearing such a detailed testimony. But I refused to be swayed without knowing the mastermind behind this elaborate scheme. Who is the person that has the ability to make clones of people, in such impossibly accurate detail?"
"She was called by the name of Klia, I assume. I never got the chance to see her face, but I think it is reasonable to assume that her curse is related to cloning in some capacity. Given all of the strange organic samples in jars, and the fact that she constantly plucked my hairs, it is logical to conclude that it is interconnected with her curse."
"Klia…Klia…"
Zateon furrows his brows, scratching the hairs on his chin. Aggressively.
"I have absolutely no recollection of that name. There is no other choice but to use all of my resources to research this person and pursue her as soon as this festival is concluded. No, I might even cancel my later planned participation."
"Master Zateon, please do not inconvenience yourself over this matter."
"If I just sweep this under the rug, then that would be an even greater inconvenience! This person somehow knew where you were and who you were, ambushed you, then replaced you with this…cheap imitation. A deranged person such as this has motives that can't be reasonably fathomed, making her dangerous. How dare she try to stealthily interfere with our lives–I refuse to rest until we find her!"
"Master…"
"That's just a bit hypocritical coming from you, you have to be undoubtedly aware of that."
"???"
Standing with a firm stance before Zateon, right next to Emma, Vex clenches his fists at his side causing his muscles to hug his cloak, which further demonstrates the level of boldness within him.
Zateon, for just a second, veers his eyes aside. In the trial behind the man in front of him, lies a dazed Lily who is back to her normal appearance.
"...I must commend you for somehow resolving your predicament adequately; now I can only hope the same for myself."
"My sincere apologies to you, Vex. My mind was so occupied with thoughts that would be too inappropriate to share. I neglected everything else to focus on taking her out, could you forgive me for my lack of consideration?"
Emma lowers her head, daring not to look into Vex's eyes as her voice sinks into the floor. All the while, her body remains angled at Zateon.
"Lift up your head M–Emma. You did nothing that was unnatural–even I have done the same in similar situations prior."
"Thank you…thank you for your understanding."
"Tch!"
Exhaling a deep grunt that was purposely loud enough to express his obvious discomfort, Zateon wedges himself between Vex and Emma with crossed arms. Of course, he ensures that his backside is all that Vex can see.
"Emma, care to explain why you would form an alliance with this man?"
"Yes sir. I needed someone to help me approach you and my clone without drawing too much attention towards myself, and I especially wanted to be careful not to be recognized by Klia. I had to consider the best time and method of approach, lest my clone try to flip the situation against me. Vex happened to be seeking you as well, so I surmised that he would be the best fit; especially after observing some of his skills."
"In other words, you were using me as a distraction."
Peeping his head from behind Zateon's back, Vex chimes in a small quip. Zateon holds his hand up in a vain attempt to block him–"vain" due to the message being received almost immediately.
"Yes. It is unfortunate that I could not share such private details with you at the time, but I had to ensure my success the best way possible."
"Argh, I've had more than enough of this foolishness…"
Facepalming, Zateon shakes his head. No matter how much he attempts to regulate his breathing, faint clouds of smoke are all he can exhale. However, one would have had to be paying close attention to an uncomfortable degree, since all traces of this completely vanished.
All there is now is Emma delicately rubbing Zateon's back.
"One step at a time. First thing, we need to clean up this fallen clone, then alert the community about this potentially dangerous situation. This seems like a potential conspiracy aimed at me, though perhaps other people are in the crosshairs as well. This clone-making conspirator must be dealt with and answer for her transgressions…"
At long last, Zateon shifts his focus from his servant back to Vex. Facing him directly, Zateon retains the calculated composure he initially maintained as though nothing happened.
"...then we can finish whatever unfinished business we have between us. Though if you want to take the girl and leave, you are free to do so."
"No way I'm taking any cues from you. You still need to answer for the way you have afflicted people with your curse."
"Do you still not understand? What would explaining my authority in intricate detail even do to benefit you? Emma, please put this man on the priority schedule–we don't have time for this right now."
"Yes, master."
"Now if you would excuse me, I must resume my duties as an apostle. Vex, how about you explain your special guest back there? A water nymph that you–"
"AHAHAHAHAHA! Yes yes yes! All these years later, I finally found you…"
"?!"
A shudder shockwave spread through the spines of Vex, Zateon, and even Emma. The culprit–a mechanical laugh.
A maniacal laugh laced with instability…
…comes from the gushing mouth of the false Emma.
All anyone could do was watch in suspense as her body–fatally wounded and all–creepily rose to her feet.
The resurrected zombie, channeling the remaining life within her body, swallows her leaking blood and smiles gleefully.
"Darling!"
She no longer possesses the same eyes as the true Emma.