Shadow slave: a storm of shadows

In the end, Sunny agreed to talk later in the evening with Nephis, after he finishes his business with Kai.

Kai lead him inside the castel. they were having small talks here and there. Sunny wanted Kai to drop his guard down, and knowing Kai, that promised not to be a problem.

Walking through the halls, and Ignoring the stares of many people, Sunny came across the place where Harper used to sit.

There was a young woman now in his place, as if his death meant nothing.

Sunny wished that he was sent back in time before that. Perhaps before Cassie, Nephis, and him were still on their own. Maybe before the Forgotten Shore, or the first nightmare. Or maybe when his parents were still alive. He could save his father and mother. They could've had a decent house, ate normal food. Rain could've lived with him...

Sunny stopped himself. Gods knew what great sadness that line of thought brought him.

After walking through many halls and corridors and going down many stairs. Sunny was met with a familiar wooden door. Kai opened the door and walked inside, prompting Sunny to follow.

Arriving at a familiar hall with no windows, Sunny took a deep breath.

' alright. Now where's your creation, Nether '

Sunny had already started looking around using the deep insight that [Blood weave] granted him.

Ignoring Kai and Stev's talk, he focused on the armor type memories. Only to be met with nothing.

Frowning slightly, Sunny turned to Stev.

" was there any armor type memory that was stone like in here? "

Kai and Stev turned to him, not appreciating their conversation to be cut off. Stev sighed.

" no, and what kind of armor would be made of stone? That's completely impractical "

' another anomaly...'

Surprisingly, both had ties with the Daemon of Choice of all people.

" anyways, are you here to buy a memory or stare at them, brat? "

Sunny was pulled away from his thoughts by Stev's voice. Forming a small smile he pointed at Kai and said.

" I am. Actually I want some arrows for him "

Kai looked at Sunny with surprise.

" me? B-But why? "

The truth was because Sunny didn't find what he was looking for and didn't want to look like an idiot. But, at the same time...

" take it as a gift for our friendship. "

The way Kai looked at him with those puppy eyes made Sunny want to throw up.

' ugh, don't look at me like that...'

_______________

In the end, Sunny bought a new bow and a set of arrows for Kai that complimented his abilities to a great degree, which in turn surprised Kai himself.

Of course, Sunny used [Blood weave] to learn all the enchantments available, and with the previous knowledge of Kai's capabilities, it wasn't hard to pick the best memories in a subtle ways so that Stev didn't get suspicious.

What annoyed Sunny the most were the looks of absolute gratitude and devotion that Kai was giving him.

' I'm starting to have second thoughts...'

It didn't matter at the end, getting Kai stronger also benefited Sunny. And in the same time it made Kai see him as less of a dangerous individual and more as a friend.

Despite their encounter being more different than the last one, Sunny still wanted Kai as his friend.

Especially after he knew the feeling of being forgotten. And the loneliness that it brought with it.

" hey, Sunny "

" what? "

Sunny was momentarily pulled out of his thoughts.

" we're here "

Sunny looked up, and sure enough, they arrived at Changing Star's hunting party base.

The base itself was heavily fortified, at least compared to the other buildings in the outer settlement.

They made their way inside, and were met with many people doing various tasks. All seemed worried, probably because of the state of the Nightmare creatures last night.

But as soon as Sunny and Kai entered, everyone halted as they stared at them, especially Sunny.

' this is becoming more and more irritating...'

A young woman greeted them with a smile. she was looking between the two of them, and failing miserably to hold back her blush.

" W-Welcome, H-How can I help you, Handsom- I mean gentlemen! "

Kai gave the girl an apologetic smile, while Sunny sighed.

" Changing Star is expecting me "

The girl's eyes lit up.

" of course! F-Follow me..."

Sunny wanted to say that he knew the way already, but thought otherwise in the end.

They arrived at a familiar wooden door, Sunny pushed it open and went inside followed by Kai.

Inside was just as Sunny remembered. Nephis and Caster were discussing the map of the ruins. Cassie was holding a cup in her hands, while Effie was setting on a chair, her feet resting on the table.

The moment her eyes glanced at the newcomers, Effie fell from the chair to the floor. Caster's eyes grew wide as much in amazement as in disbelieve. Nephis tried to cover her face, trying to hide the deep shade of pink that appeared on her face. She's gotten better than the last time, but it was still noticeable. Only Cassie seemed puzzled.

" Who is this?! " Effie almost yelled.

" Effie, this Sunny. " Nephis said after she regained some composure.

" Doofus?! " Effie's eyes widened.

Sunny would be lying if he said he didn't feel amused.

" why are you surprised? You didn't think I'd die, did you? "

Effie didn't seem to register his words.

" W-Why do you look..."

" handsome..."

Caster finished her words causing Sunny's eye twitch.

" what do you mean by that? I always had decent looks! You know what? Forget it. Can't we get to the point of why you wanted to see me? " Sunny said, turning to Nephis, who turned her gaze away from him and said with a stoic expression.

" of course, you two take a seat and I'll tell you. "

' what's up with her? '

Sunny sat down after pushing his chair away from Effie, who was glaring at him. Kai sat beside Cassie, who still looked puzzled.

Kai smiled and introduced himself.

" hello, I am Kai. It's nice to meet you "

Cassie giggled.

" you won't believe it guys, I thought I just heard Night from Nightingale. Crazy, right? "

Kai blinked a couple of times.

" sorry, but i am Night from Nightingale "

Cassie grew deathly pale, Sunny moved knowing what will happen as the cup in her hands fell. He caught it before it hit the floor.

' I hope this doesn't become Frequent '