Bridge Jumper Comes Back To Life For Help: The Century Curse

030

Diana laid on the couch looking up at the boy, "are you sure about this?"

"It's not up to me." Ian looked up to the ceiling as if he were speaking to some higher power. "Astuo, are you sure about this?"

"Indeed. We are more than capable." He was glad to hear her have a happier tone, even if it was still based in mellow.

The boy pressed forward, moving his hand towards Diana's. But they never connected, instead, pausing, thinking that at any moment, this could go horribly wrong. Rycklid could launch a surprise attack, potentially ending the conflict before it even starts. He started to wonder if it was smart to have both Reity the detective, and Citrus, his last standing family member, there with them. But they both had their reasons for being there, their striking gazes sinking the question before he even asked.

Then there was the concern he shared with the girl in front of him who was about to experience something mystical, the results of which were unknown. The thought passed through his mind, was it even worth it, several times. However, he knew it was not only worth it, but it was necessary for Diana's sake.

"Diana, before we do this... I have something I want to say."

"What is it?" Acting on what seemed like impulse, she reached for his hand to comfort his woes. But he dodged it, knowing if he did the same, there might not be a chance to share his thoughts.

"We've shared a lot of moments together, and I appreciate the time we've spent together. But if I have to be honest, I still feel like we're strangers."

"Nian—"

"But, I want that to change. After all of this is over. I want to share many more moments with you as a part of our family. So let's make it through this together."

A moment of silence lay still the room. But a moment was all she needed, before smiling and nodding, while they courageously clasped their hands together.

The two vessels of other worldly beings awaited the shocking pain. But, to their relief, there wasn't a shock, no feeling of anguish displayed on either of their faces. However, as they confirmed each other's well being, Ian noticed a smoky haze between the two of them. It was clear Diana was seeing it too, her puzzled expression seemed to be focusing on it as best she could.

"Why, hello there!" The realization came too late, as Ian realized he'd seen this smoky figure before. Diana jumped up and over the back of the couch, an unsurprising reaction for someone who'd never seen one of these beings before. But this time, Ian was ready. Taking a step back, he braced for whatever move Astuo was about to launch from his body with.

The body stood and waited, and continued to wait as he stared at the hazy translucent figure in front of him. Though Rycklid had no discernible facial features, Ian could tell, he was staring back at him, judging him, or maybe waiting patiently as well. There was no way to be sure, but literal minutes passed, as the patience of everyone in the room grew thin.

"Uh. Astuo, isn't this where we... I don't know, do something cool or something?"

"Why?" The mellow voice in his head seemed genuinely puzzled.

"Isn't he about to attack us or something? A fight to the death, right?"

"Hm. But he will not attack?"

Ian let go of his Bruce Lee inspired action pose, and collapsed to the floor. It was as if all the fear, anxiety, preparation, motivation, had all left his body completely drained. Feeling everyone's eyes on him, he curled up into the fetal position, wanting to roll away like a potato bug. But as he turned to commence his desired position, he saw a girl laying next to him, one resembling his sister, but he had just heard her gasp from the hallway behind him.

Rycklid's voice boomed from across the room. "Dear boy! I see you've collected four of the five pieces! And plus ones are a welcome surprise!"

Pondering Rycklid's words, he stared at the girl lying next to him, landing on the only logical conclusion. "As... Astuo?!"

"Indeed. I've always seen you, but now..." Astuo, swiped the bangs of her black hair behind her ear before reaching over to Ian's face, placing her palm on his cheek. "I'm happy you can see me again."

See her again? Was I not able to see her in my head? Or was that not enough for her?

"It was not." The girl, reflective of his sister's features, glossed over his cheek with her thumb. Her eyes found a proper resting place as she stared into his.

"Is this... what I summoned?!" Citrus shouted, sending him reeling back into reality, realizing how awkward this must have been for his sister. "She looks exactly like me! And why is she naked?!"

But the entity ignored her witch, instead, lingering on the boy once more, before sitting up to look at Rycklid.

"Your wish for conflict. It's absent. Or did it ever exist? Disciple of death."

"I..." It was as it always was, like Rycklid was announcing a sports event to thousands of attendees. "Am a man of many games! Psychology is just a very controversial one to those who do not manipulate!"

Ian watched on, the two creatures sitting together and talking, as if they were just casual members of society, if not for one of their unusual appearances. However, several talking points caught the boy's attention.

I have four of the pieces?

Mulling over all the times Rycklid and him had talked, there wasn't much that stood out referring to pieces, other than those chess pieces within Rycklid's realm.

Four... Four... Let's see. What was it? Diana was the king. Citrus was the bishop. I was the knight. Oh! And Rycklid was the pawn, but I guess he wasn't counting himself. But then, who were the other two?

Ian thought back to the details of the figurines, the black and white pieces creating a mess across the floor. Details came back up, from the conversation he'd had after the ordeal, discussing the game pieces with his sister and Diana.

Then it set in, he focused on the suit, one of them was wearing a suit. A suit was something someone had worn on their very first encounter with Ian. Not to mention, that person was standing in the very room as they all listened to the conversation between the spiritual creatures.

"So you. You know not your summoner?" The sister look-alike questioned, now covered by a blanket thanks to her twin's embarrassment.

"That is an untrue statement! The correct answer was, I know of my summoner! Now a word from our sponsor!" His voice altered itself to a low tone, resembling that of a voice actor from a movie comercial. "She's traveled many continents, over many centuries. She's summoned thousands before Rycklid, the handsome. She is... the witch of Sweden!"

Sweden?

Ian thought back to that last figure, laying on the ground, the queen. His hand reached out, mimicking the motion he took that day towards the piece he found a strange attraction to. Looking past his stretched out hand in his memory, he saw a woman, in a long summer dress, wearing a sun hat.