Parallel Vol.2 [Legacy Edition]

Chapter 14: Self Reflect

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Suvron's Pass

Two figures plummeted towards the abyss that was the bottom of Suvron's pass: an area unnaturally darker than night where souls were robbed of their sight.

For creatures facing certain death, the doomed were strangely silent; only the sound of cutting wind pierced the still. 

"Have you devised a plan yet?" Kira asked as she sensed the ground draw closer.

Kashi looked to his companion. The rushing air forced her chops upwards, her tongue all but wrapping around her face. He killed a forceful laugh, and settled for a cynical smile. "I'm surprised: You aren't panicking."

"Should I be?"

"Well, it's the normal reaction, isn't it?"

"I do not see you in a state of panic either."

He shrugged. "Well, I'm not normal."

"Neither am I."

Kashi raised his shoulders in surrender. "It's time, grab on..." Even as he said it, he realized the folly of his words. "Sorry about that, how abo- OW!" He winced as she dug her teeth deep into his left hand. "This wasn't what I had in mind."

"It works doesn't it?"

He grimaced. "You're enjoying this aren't you?"

"What gave it away?"

"You... never mind." He pulled his arm closer to his body and she dug her claws into his clothes for additional grip. "Hold on tight."

"With pleasure," she agreed, tightening her grip on his arm.

He formed a hook with his right hand, raised it overhead, then dug it into the earthwall. Debris scattered over his head as his hand broke through. It didn't stop his descent however, and he continued to fall, albeit at a slow deceleration, his hand acting as a makeshift anchor.

They crossed the dark threshold and he had to turn on 'Dark Eyes' to see through the 'black zone'. By the time he saw the ground, they had decelerated enough. He kicked off against the wall compelting the rest of the descent in a curve that killed off the remaining dangeous speed.

Kashi landed softly, and winced as Kira let go of his arm, almost reluctantly. Her teeth had left a very deep wound which in turn had reduced his max HP. Injuries and certain status ailments could permanently reduce one's max HP. Most Health potions could only restore a person's health points to the current maximum health points. There were many ways to get rid of injuries. Let them heal on their own, be healed by magic or use first aid. Only one option was available to the dark elf.

He sat on the earth, opened his inventory and took out some bandages. He treated, then wrapped the injured area, pleased when he saw his max HP begin to rise. 

He looked at Kira, and from the little he could make of her expression, she definitely had no remorse. "You might as well have chopped my whole arm off."

"Who said I didn't consider it?" she replied, a deadly glint in her eyes. "I would have fallen to my death if I did. Even you are not worth that."

Kashi got to his feet and dusted his backside, sighing as he did so. "I don't know why; that shouldn't annoy me, but it somehow does."

"Hmmm..."

The pair wandered through the dark in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. 

"Kashi?"

"Yes?"

"Tell me, why do you speak and act differently depending on who you converse with?"

"Why you do ask?"