Of Yen

chapter 3

Sorry for the lack of updates with the story. I called my brother a bitch (becuz he is) and didn't realize my mum was nearby and got grounded. I stuck my phone back for a bit while my mum talks to Nan, this chapter is short, sorry. I'll be stuck in Spain for another month.

 so enjoy!

Ethereal was getting tired of the meets regarding Scar's rampant search for his nephew and the rest of the pride. The endless complaining from the overgrown cat was starting to grind against his nerves.

One moment he would have peace and quiet to work on his own plans, only for Scar to barge in and start complaining.

Oh Doovid escaped! I was led the wrong way again! I have to kill him before he challenges me for the throne!

Ethereal was tempted to send one of his men to just end the lion in his sleep, but with Scar in power Ethereal could have his team overlook the mining operation that was agreed upon ascending to power. He needed the iron, and he wasn't feeling like killing all the free workers because of a coupe.

Though, the foods that were offered by the different animal kin in the Pride Lands was a nice addition to his palate. The different spices and dishes were a nice touch, a fresh change that was long overdue. Caviar and Wagyu steak was starting to become bland, even if he hired the best of chiefs to make something new.

The Elephant kin had a wild wheat and rye bread that was tart, in a refreshing way a glass of lemonade would be against the heat of the day. The Monkey kin had a fruit bowl that would be dipped in heated sugar, not quite caramel, but flaked easily. As if cotton candy was made as a sheet and not spun into a thread like texture. Topped with roasted cocoa, rivaling the natural sweet with the natural bitter. The Peacock kin had more flashy dishes to match their flashing fashion of bright face paint and feathers. They made brightly colored jams from fruits and seeds, boiled and preserved with brightly, non-toxic flowers.

Ethereal groans as he leaned back in his chair, pushing himself away from the desk. He was thinking of food again. The thought made him ill. The unnecessary weight that would not be accommodated when he used his armor suit, adding a weakness that he didn't want. He didn't have any weaknesses and wasn't going to start now. But the pain that had settled into his gut wasn't backing down. Even after administering painkillers, the subtle ping still ate away at his gut and skull.

He looked into the shining reflection of the desktop, staring at the reflection of the helmet.

"You know better than to give into the temptations." The reflection scoffed. Ethereal rolled his eyes. "We are still a living being. We still need to eat and rest to survive." He replied as he rested his chin into his hand. "Yet you deny yourself the basics of survival, because we need to be the pinnacle. Something You'll never be. You're nothing special," his reflection snarled. "You're just average, nothing remarkable."

"I don't need your approval." Ethereal laughed.

"Yet you lean into my words as if I'll change my mind and tell you what you wish to hear." The reflection sang as he flicked the reflection of the pen holder on the table. Ethereal jumped as the pen holder to his left tipped, the pens littering the desk and onto the quartz floor.

"I know your thoughts. Your needs." The desk ripples as the reflection's hand grips tightly onto Ethereal's mask. "Your desires."

Ethereal fell back from his chair with a jolt as he reached for the panic button but stopped. He sat in silence before he scanned the floor. No pens.

Ethereal looked over to the clock on the wall, watching as the tail of the clock swayed in perfect tandem with the second hand.

4:43 AM.

Ethereal groaned as he run his hand down his face. His face. His...

Ethereal's other hand flew to his face, feeling his skin. He screamed as he scrambled to find his mask. He didn't even remember taking it off. He swore he didn't take it off.

Ethereal could feel his chest tighten as he could find his mask anywhere on the floor, jumping up to the desk and finding it empty. He felt as if he couldn't breathe. The lights of the room were too bright, and the ground felt as if it was sinking around him.

"No no no no no!" Ethereal stuttered as he whipped his gaze around the room.

A small flicker of light from the bed caught his attention.

Ethereal sat alone at the table, staring down at the plate of food in front of him. His stomach growled, but he couldn't bring himself to take a bite. Despite his hunger, he felt a wave of disgust and shame wash over him as he thought about eating. The idea of consuming food made him feel... gross, as if he didn't deserve to eat. The struggle between his hunger and his disordered thoughts left him feeling confused and frustrated, caught in a cycle he couldn't seem to break.

"Is this not good enough?" Lego asked from his spot by the mahogany doors.

Ethereal just ate the night before. He could wait another few days before eating. Right?

"Leave." Ethereal said, waving his hand to the wildebeest, who left the room without a second glance, leaving him in silence.

Ethereal stared down at the plate, it looked appetizing. Tempting. It was fresh and it looked authentic. But he didn't need to eat. He didn't want to eat after eating the previous day. It would be a waste of time and resources to eat every day. He believed every two days would be more efficient and less waste costing.

Ethereal shoved the plate away with a glance to the window viewing the island. His mind wandered.

Ethereal leaned his head back to stare at the chandelier. The light bouncing the light as if it was a group of fairies passed the lights around like a ball.

Wait... why was he thinking fairies?

"I guess, I am losing it." He chuckled as he rested his hand against his helmet, tapping his finger against the purple tinted glass.

"Just two more weeks before I nuke this god forsaken island off the map."