Oath [BL; Book 2]

48

The brightness of the room, the light the bed, the four walls. Aether stared at the ceiling in disbelief. His heart pounding he sat up quickly and looked behind him, there was nothing. He touched his chest feeling the bandages were still there. The fear set in and he immediately got up only to fall right back down. Tears dripped onto the wooden floor and he clenched his hands into fists as they held him up.

"It...." he fought back the tears. "It was only.... a dream?" Aether smiled so torn from the knowledge. "What... what am I even alive for?!" He screamed curling up right there on the floor. "What's the point in having dreams if it's all just fake?!" Hearing his cries, Xianyun opened the door.

"Traveler?!" She entered quickly and Paimon came in after her.

"Aether?"

The feelings disappeared.

Vanished into thin air. Aether sniffled and smiled, not a touch of sadness on his face. "Sorry, I sort of fell." He wiped his tears, "It was kinda frustrating 'cause I couldn't get up."

Xianyun felt otherwise but said nothing simply helping him onto the bed. ".... Very well, are you hurt?"

"No, I'm okay." He thanked Paimon for the tissues and cleaned his face. "I just couldn't....." in the moment of his speaking Xianyun saw a dullness in his eyes, "move on."

These words, the way they were said felt as if he meant something else. Taking the initiative she looked to Paimon, "Paimon, one requests you fetch some water for Traveler. He must be parched from his long rest. Hydration is key to a balanced body."

"Ugh! Why does Paimon have to do it? Paimon isn't your lackey!"

"Hmph! One gives such hospitality, and this is the respect one receives?"

"Fine! Fine! Paimon's going!" She huffed and went on anyway.

Aether chuckled watching her go and sighed holding the tissue with his tears soaked into it. Xianyun now went on with her plan and asked, "Have-" but before she could Aether said,

"I'm fine." He looked at her with a calm smile, "It was just a... dream."

"One is concerned you are still ailed by nightmares, Traveler. The remedy will only be a few more days."

"That's alright, I'm surviving these.. nightmares... just fine." Aether brushed it off, "Anyway, my back doesn't hurt."

"Hm, Adeptus Xiao issued the emergency medication I left in his care." She crossed her arms, "He stated you awoke sobbing and applied it to help sooth your dreams."

"... Mm, I guess it did it's job." Aether said, "I'd rather have nightmares than this torture...." he was rested but tired.

"Shall I call Adeptus Xiao perhaps a more familiar face will allow you to rest easily?"

"It won't.. not after that." Aether shook his head and lowered his eyes back to the tissue. "No, I really shouldn't bother him when he's busy." He lied to himself, "I think I'll just end up bothering him.."

"Alright, one has some business to take care of in Yilong Wharf, should you need simply ring this bell and one will appear to aid you." She brought a bell from thin air and handed to him.

"Y-you'll hear it?" He was amazed by the small object. It was well crafted and light too. "Are you sure?"

"Quite," she was confident in her craftsmanship, "the sound is specially tuned for one to note from all other noise. Ring the bell and one shall appear."

"Ok," he smiled amazed and chuckled, "have fun."

"Yes, take care Traveler." She got up and left.

Paimon came in with the glass of water handing it over and he took it thanking her, "Thanks Paimon, are you okay?"