Ethereal Madness

Chapter 33- Brothers

The phone rang a few times in my ear.

*Click.*

"What's up?" Roxanne said.

"Hey, you busy?" I asked.

For a second, all I heard was silence. "Nah, not really. Why?"

"Need a favor."

"Depends."

"Just need you to go to a clothing store. My friend runs it. I just want to make sure she's okay."

"Why? She get caught up?"

"Dunno to be honest. But...—" I looked around me at the group of thugs passed out on the street— "I'd hate to do nothing and something happens to her."

"Alright, whatever, just send me the address."

Wait, that's it? No fussing? No follow up questions? No demanding compensation? Whatever, I won't complain.

"Alright. Thanks a lot."

"No biggie. Be there in a sec."

She hung up.

I took a deep breath. I hope Clarissa is safe. I don't know what happened to the city, but it looks like something out of an action movie. I texted her the place immediately. I'd hate to get sidetracked and forget.

"Now then, as for you..." I switched my attention back to the blonde boy. He was sitting on the ground, and although his body shook, the maddening smile didn't leave his face.

I crouched down and met his eyes. "So, you're with them, right?" I gestured to the bodies on the floor.

His smile somehow grew wider and I fought the instinct to grab Essentia. "Ahah, no, no, I just got caught up in their shenanigans. I'm not supposed to be here." He squirmed a little but not enough for me to consider him a threat.

His beaten and battered clothes did a terrible job of convincing me he wasn't the enemy, and the scratches on his face weren't helping.

"Promise," he tried to reassure me.

"Mmm." What do I do with him? I haven't seen him do anything wrong. I don't think he's telling the truth, but I can't prove he's lying either. Should I really do anything to him?

"Leave." I commanded him. I shot him a look.

He grinned. "Appreciate it."

I cant help but feel I'm making the wrong decision here...What would Rin do? Flashbacks of the bear haunted my mind. Yeah no...What about Min?

'Don't doubt your instincts. They're what make you strong.'

Good enough for me.

I summoned a chain and whipped the back of his head. He smacked onto the asphalt lifelessly.

I didn't smack him too hard, did I? I gazed down at him. He's not bleeding, so he's probably fine.

I pulled out Essentia. I can't imagine she's still hungry after devouring what had to be at least a hundred thugs, but— Miss Mya, I called. Do you want him too?

Oh? You're offering me more? She sounded cheerful. How considerate. No, thank you though. I'm already quite full. Besides...

A spiral of sadistic emotions filled my veins and I had the unnatural urge to stab everyone around me.

I have a feeling I'll have my fill in the not-so-distant future.

I hurriedly sheathed Essentia before I made a mistake. I took a heavy breather, impatiently waiting for these foreign emotions to pass like all the others. Eventually it vanished, but it left me feeling slightly empty. I wanted to just curl into a ball in the corner. Sadly, I'm here for a purpose.