Beneath The Surface

Act 22 - I saw myself in those eyes.

Normal text
Thinking
Onomatopoeia

Kai'Sa's POV
Keeek!

I intentionally ignored the chitters of a certain bugger and rolled over on the bed, unwilling to open my eyes. Since it liked playing dead so much, I'm more than willing to comply.

Kekeke!

This time, the noisy screech was accompanied by an intense rippling of my skin. The pain immediately got my bloodshot eyes to fly open. I groaned tiredly, blinking at the ceiling. I really didn't feel like getting up. Not with my whole body sore and the memory of last night resurfacing in my mind. How the corner of Luna's eyes were dyed red, a stark contrast to her fair skin. How her nasal voice quivered audibly. In a fit of blind rage, I ended up firing harsh words at Luna. Only to regret it seconds later. I wanted to tell her I didn't mean any bite. It was just a moment of rashness. A moment of fury. But in the end, as her lonely silhouette disappeared in the sandstorm, I didn't once call out her name. Because I couldn't bring myself to nod my head. Even if it's done perfunctorily. Even if it's done begrudgingly.

Usually, I'm not someone who's that rigid about my own ideas. As long as the requests weren't too excessive, I'd oblige. Especially when it's from Luna. I was more than happy to agree to her requests. After all, she's one of the few people who didn't see me as one of those beasts. In fact, I could agree to anything. Everything except for working with that bloody stingray. The thought of collaborating with my family's killer was enough to drive me insane. I won't work with the Void. I can't. Otherwise, what would it mean to the people who died for me to live up to this point? Wouldn't it be as good as betraying their faith? Over my dead body would I ever see eye to eye with those savages!

Excruciating pain flooded my spine, causing my limbs to spasm. That infuriating brat was throwing a hissy fit again. It wanted to eat, not sleep till the end of time. Incessant chirpings sounded in my ears. I could almost imagine the twat glaring menacingly while stabbing me with its claws. And yet, this coward was quiet as a chicken in front of that stupid stingray. The duplicity!

"Oh, now then you decide to come back to life??? What happened during the Bel'Veth encounter, buddy??? Why weren't you as feisty yesterday?!"

The thing didn't appreciate my sassiness and responded with more angry chirps, digging into my flesh for good measure. I merely rolled my eyes and finally crawled out of bed. While brushing my teeth, I furtively glanced at myself in the mirror. Normally, I disliked looking at my own reflection. Because those unsightly purple eyes and Void markings on my face always brought up unhappy memories. It reminded me of the cruel irony that I had become the monster I hated the most. Avoiding the stares from those unnerving violet eyes, I stared at my collarbones. It was fair and smooth again. The little coward had healed the gaping holes overnight, leaving no traces of scars.

I sighed and took a quick bath before heading downstairs. The moment I stepped foot into the cafeteria, the noisy chatters died down. Hundreds of eyes were on me. Which was understandable since it barely took us over a day to crawl back from the depths of the abyss. Hell, I don't even think they expect us to ever return from the lair of an S-class disaster. But it didn't mean I appreciated the extra attention. My symbiote certainly doesn't. It was howling in protest, scratching me in a fit of frenzy. Biting my lower lip to prevent myself from wincing, I headed towards the buffet table with a stony face.

However, I didn't get very far before a shadowy figure appeared in my peripheral view. Someone relatively small with eye-catching sapphire-blue hair and violet eyes. It crashed straight into me with such force that knocked all the air out of my lungs. Petite arms wrapped tightly around my midriff, squeezing out every pocket of oxygen from my body. The little bugger inside me was freaking out from the sudden sneak attack, madly scraping my gut. I wasn't prepared for a tackle hug early in the morning so tears ended up welling in my eyes. But the irrelevant stinging pain was the least of my concerns. Because all my attention was on the rogue and her surprising embrace. Akali wasn't known to be a hugger. More like a short-fused ninja who'd explode the moment someone got too touchy-feely. And yet, here she was, hugging me for dear life. Almost breaking my spine in the process.