The Eighth Sin - 72 One final meal...

Lingering on such a thought he came to a conclusion that no matter what was to come, he would strive onward. “Teleport, Safe Haven.” Riyku would call forth. Even in his weakened state, he managed to use Diabolical Energy in order to create the runic magic circle he needed to teleport to the Safe Haven tavern. The magic circle rose from beneath him and took him away, porting him into Safe Haven from a magic circle that appeared the exact same.

Riyku’s expression turned sour. The place was far worse than before. The bodies had been cleaned out, but the stains of blood and broken chairs and tables were still littered everywhere. Riyku would make his way towards the stairwell and head up the stairs. The pictures that were along the walls were smashed. As he passed by his room he noticed how the room was turned upside down. With a shake of his head, he decided to take a look into Astraia’s room, but it was just the same as his. Everything was destroyed. Riyku would kiss his teeth and leave Astraia’s room to enter Astrid’s. He had some hope that maybe there was something left. The room was a complete disaster as well, and hope started to drain from his eyes. That saw a picture frame on the floor with the picture faced to the ground.

Riyku would pick it up only to see that it was a picture of him in between Astrid and Astraia. The picture was full of joy. It was when he took them out to go shopping one day. Tears started to silently roll down his cheeks to stared deeply at the picture. He already knew… what was gone was to never return. But… the feeling would remain. The loss would still be there. It was slowly eating away at him…

“Riyku. You need your rest.” Skeith would speak up after noticing how blank Riyku seemed to be.

“Yeah…” Riyku would mutter as he took the picture from the frame and decided to pocket it. He would make his way over the bed which had the cotton and what not torn out and the blankets and sheets ripped to all hell. Rolling over onto the bed he would stare at the ceiling.

Empty…

Silent….

“Riyku…”

“Riy~”

Two voices seemed to call to him. Familiar in each tone. Slowly, Riyku would flutter his eyes open. His vision was a blur; silhouettes of Astrid and Astraia were before him.

“Astrid…”

“Astraia…”

“Is it… you?” Riyku would reach towards them. Both of them reached back and took hold of his hand.

“It’s time to wake up.”

They both said sweetly.

Riyku’s smile slowly faded and he closed his eyes only to open them shortly after. He took a look to his left, but Astrid and Astraia were not there. A quivering sigh left his lips before he decided to get up. He would take a good look at the picture before setting it onto the bed. No words came from him, no expression… he just simply made his way into the kitchen was is in disarray and began picking up a few pots and pans. He gathered what ingredients he could before making himself a meal. No hymns, no words, nothing… just silence.

Once he finished the quick soup, he would prepare three bowls and take them to any table that he could still use and set two bowls down first as if he were giving Astrid and Astraia a bowl each before setting his own down and taking his seat. He would take up the spoon and blow on the steaming soup before placing it into his mouth. When he did, tears steamrolled down his cheeks. A whining muffle came before started another bite, and bite and bite.

Once he finally finished the meal his eyes were puffy red, and his face looked like a mess. He would wipe residue tears before rising from his chair then he would make his way towards the exit. Taking in a deep breath to steady the remainder of his nerves. Riyku would turn around and bow, “Thank you for everything you have done for me. I promise… No. I vow, that this tragedy will never happen again. I will make sure of that. So please… rest well… Astra… Astrid.” Riyku would raise only to turn away to leave behind what could no longer be brought back.

Several hours had passed and Riyku was simply roaming the streets of Crimson Ash. Many people already knew what had transpired at Safe Haven. After all, not only was Safe Haven a hot topic to speak of, the fact that Riyku had claimed Astrid and Astraia was also another thing. Since they knew, they decided to keep their distance. No one dared to talk to him or even look at him for too long. Riyku did not care though, his mind was occupied with thoughts on what to do. It was at this time that a voice from the depths of a pitch-black alley called out to him. At first, they did not get his attention. So they called again, and again, until finally stepping out to yank him into the alley. The movement was so fluid and fast that it was impossible to take notice of who it was.

Riyku was about to strike the person down until he saw their face. “Calm down… please.” The voice would remark with a hand to Riyku’s mouth. Bust against his body and a knee in between his crotch as if to keep him against the wall. Riyku would tap upon the person’s arm as if telling her to let him speak and she did.

“What are you doing here, Racheal?” Riyku inquired with a puzzled expression.

Racheal would shift her glance from the walkway to Riyku when he called her name and asked her a question. She would adjust her hood to cover her face a bit more. “I got away… More importantly, how are Astrid and Astraia?” Racheal did not see the look in his eyes until after she asked the question. When no response came from Riyku her thoughts were confirmed.

“I see… I am sorry….” Racheal would immediately embrace him warmly.

“I am sorry, Riyku. I am so sorry…” Her voice quivered, but she bit back her tears out not wishing to bring more tears to Riyku’s face. Riyku slowly wrapped his arms around her. Listening to her repeatedly apologies for something that was beyond her control. It seemed that Racheal only stopped apologizing when Riyku released her and said, “It is okay.” Of course, the way he spoke of it was off. He was lying. His facial expressions and tone of voice showed just terrible a liar he was.

Racheal could have told him he was. She could have said that is not right, but she refrained. Her thought was that ‘If Riyku was trying to move forward, then I will not stop him.’ In a way, she was not wrong. Riyku was attempting to move forward, but not along a ‘stable’ path. Racheal could not see that though and she would end up regretting this decision later on down the line.

“How long has it been since everything happened? I lost count of the time…” Riyku would comment as if to shift the focus point elsewhere. “About a month now… I have been taking refuge with an old friend of mine. You should come with me. I am sure she will accept you.” Racheal would remark.

“A month huh?” Skeith muttered inside of Riyku’s head.

“I see… Well, I see no problem with it. I do not have any other options. Lead the way.” Riyku would gesture with a hand. It was obvious he was trying to put on a mask in order to hide the pain he was in. It was clear as day just how much pain he was in. It was in his voice and eyes, his facial expression and body language showed it as well. However, Racheal ignored it and decided to guide him to the hideout that was in the Depths of Crimson Ash. In the most darkest and dangerous area of Crimson Ash. During their venture, they bypassed a lot of eventful happenings. Everything that happened in the Depths made what happened above look like child’s play. Murder, Sex, Drug Trades, Gambling, and even Brawls. Down in the Depths… well, survive of the fittest seemed to have a whole new meaning. Naturally, people eyed them. Everyone knew who Racheal was and some even called out to her with a jolly wave which caused Riyku’s brow to arch a few times with curiosity.

The trip was long and dull. No conversation topics came up. Nothing happened either aside from the occasional greetings for Racheal. When they finally arrived, Racheal was making her way into what looked like an Auction House of some kind. Riyku followed in after giving the surrounding area a quick look through. Upon entering though he realized what kind of Housing this was.

A Supple looking succubus with a refined aura and demeanor to show had called out to Racheal. She was wearing a black exotic night-gown which went well with her violet color hair and dark pink eyes. Her lips were a purple shade. “Racheal!” The woman would make her way over to Racheal and give her a hug. “Glad to see you have returned safely. How was your trip up top, did you find what you were looking for?” The woman’s mature tone of voice came forth and despite how mature she sounded her looks were another thing. She was far older than her appearance had lead on.

“Yes, Madam. Thank you!” Racheal would hug her back and give her a kiss upon the cheek which she did in return before gesturing towards Riyku. “I found him!”

The Madam would look from Racheal to Riyku and saunter towards him in a sexy manner with a playful hymn. While she circled around him she would examine him at the same time. Taking in every bit she could before making her way back over to Racheal. “Racheal… Dear…. You should not bring your students here. It is bad for business.” The Madam would tease Racheal who huffed with a slight blush. “That is not why I brought him here. I already told you what happened!” Racheal exclaimed which caused The Madam to giggle softly. “Of course you did. I was only joking with you. He can stay here.” The Madam would remark which caused Racheal to smile warmly, “Thank you!” She exclaimed happily.

“On one condition.” The Madam would speak up which caused Riyku to tilt her head to the side in confusion. “One condition?” She would repeat with a question mark.

“Yes. Your friend here will work for us. After all, I am not running a charity.” The Madam would state which caused Racheal’s cheeks to flush brightly. “NO!” She shouted which caused The Madam to huff, “Then no deal.” The Madam would comment. “But why!?” Racheal exclaimed when she heard Madam’s remark. “You’ve given me free rent, why not him!?” Racheal added.

The Madam would sigh lightly and take a hit from her long pipe before replying, “You.” She gestured with the pipe. “Are a different story. I know who you are. You’ve worked for me for many years and there will always be a place here for you. As for him.” She would gesture with the pipe towards Riyku. “I know nothing about him other than what you told me about him going against the Overlord of Crimson Ash. About the Royals tracking him down alongside you for simply being in the middle of everything. Regardless of your word, I still need to make sure I can trust him.” The Madam would answer. Racheal was about to speak up in protest when Riyku interrupted her. “It’s fine…” Riyku would remark. Clear pain in his eyes and voice.

“Riyku…” Racheal murmured as she looked at him. “It’s fine.” Riyku would remark once again even though the pain was visible upon his face. The Madam could see it in which she sighed lightly. “I am not so heartless to make you work right after what you had been through. Come. You will tell me everything you have been through, as well as everything about you; including that arm of yours.” The Madam would turn away and begin heading behind the counter. “You come too Racheal.” She could call out. Riyku had already been following her, but turned to look back at Racheal when The Madam asked her to follow. She did just that. When they reached her office, Riyku would start from, the beginning. With his memories of his time on MiddleWorld, his family, what transpired and follow through to here as well as the events that lead up to this moment. None of it was excluded which was probably because he did not care, or maybe he was just being reckless.