Scales Between Pages

Chapter 7

Waking up in the middle of Epsilon's coils, Tasha could feel the feeling of  desolation and fear that floated through the air like smoke had become stifling and nearly pushed her past her wits end. Tasha shivered and snuggled into Epsilon’s chest. Epsilon, though asleep, instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his nose in her hair, before becoming still and falling back into the deeps of sleep. Tasha couldn't fall back asleep because she had this nagging feeling, that something was terribly wrong. However much she tried relaxing to the heat and steady heartbeat of Epsilon but, it couldn't ease her nerves. Tasha didn't move a lot, so at least Epsilon could rest. Using this time to think she began to wonder how Epsilon came to find her. Tasha would have to ask. Though she was afraid it would be a touchy subject she would also have to ask what happened to the shining Greek paradise that was here not that long ago. Was there an evacuation? Or was there something more going on?

     After half an hour of thinking and pondering over various topics Epsilon woke up and gently pulled her closer and into a sweet kiss, which she happily returned with a smile on her face.

“Morning Epsilon." Tasha mumbled. "Hey Epsilon?" All she got was a hum in acknowledgment. "What happened to the city?" She shivered. "The whole place has a eery feeling, and everyone is just… gone. There is this sound that drifts on the breeze. I just don't remember from the last time I was here, what was different and what was the same."

     Epsilon's eyes became glassy and tears sat ready to flood over the brim of his eyes, and he held Tasha as close as he could, using every bit of him to cover her and hide her from the world. He shivered, but held on and took comfort in her presence.

"It wasss awful. The ssscreamsss that people made, trying to essscape." He looked down at the girl in his arms. "I hoped you would return but not under any of thessse horrible cssircumssstancssesss." He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. "Sssorry about the accssent. It happensss when I don't control my emotionsss. Forgive me my flower." Epsilon looked into Tasha's eyes, still upset at the reminder of what was going on, but he acted more embarrassed than sad at the moment.

     Tasha could see emotions flashing within his eyes. She spoke up to make an attempt to comfort him. "Epsilon, there is nothing to apologize for. Emotions are meant to be let out and shared. Not bottled up. And whatever happened, whatever will happen, I will stand by you and help you regardless of any reason. Whether it be something about you or something you've done, as long as you are you, I will be here." Tasha reached up her small hand and placed it on his cheek, rubbing small circles with her thumb.

“Why?” he croaked. He didn't move much more than holding a bit tighter and leaning into her hands.

"Because..." She looked down and tried to control the red that flared in her cheeks and looked him.in the eyes. "It's because I love you, with all of my heart. Heck, maybe even more. And don't you ever forget that Epsilon."

"Thank you flower, you being here is more comfort than anything else.  I’ll tell you what happened here, but it was awful.” Her brushed a strand of hair out of her face. “He got the help of this powerful magician that had turned away from Hecate, you know the goddess of  magic and witchcraft and that sort of stuff. They captured everyone, in this tiny little gems. I don't know what to call them so..." He trailed off before refocusing. "I escaped and hid here. It’s done wonders to hide me and I…” Epsilon stopped to stare at her, becoming lost in thought. “That's all I know of. But I had been thinking about attacking and trying to fix things before you came, but I don't want you to get hurt, so I'm going to leave you safe and sound here.”

“I deserve to help you.” Tasha retorted. “If you go, I go!”

“You’re not going to let me argue are you?”

“Nope.”

“Fine.” He hissed somewhat bitterly. “My plan was to sneak up and capture or at least weaken the magic guy. If I, we succeed, others will be freed. Maybe. Because If I understand it right, his injuries and control over everything, will make him lose power over something at least."

Epsilon got up and released from his grip. Leading her along another darkened hallway, he spoke up again. "I have some gear from my days of training, back when Ares still thought I had to have some type of worth in battle. I might also have a set of spare armor and stuff that you can use."

     Tasha smiled giddily. Epsilon wasn't going to go back on his word, he really would let her help. "Thank you Epsilon. I think no matter what happens, we can't make it worse.” She gave a smile, even if she couldn't see it.