Evil

When Pigs Fly

I sipped at the mead that filled my wooden mug, ignoring the several stares on my back.

After a few minutes, a group of guards entered,"We've received reports of a mu—"

"Save your breath I killed the man. He attacked first, spear of ice or whatever. If it hadn't been for my prowess, I would've been there instead of him," I responded as I took a swig,"I have to warn you, lest you think of taking bribes from the man who called you, my morality is rather lacking. I don't mind being exiled or escaping the city if it means I have some prey to hunt." I licked my lips, a light sigh leaving my lips.

"Threatening us, you—"

"Not a threat, dear soldier. Merely a prediction if you wish to arrest me. Of course, if you have a wish to follow in the footsteps of a deadman, why not?" In honesty, I didn't want to be kicked out of the city. Lord knows where else I would go. But not backing down was a flaw of mine. This stubbornness had gotten me into spots of trouble before.

I flashed an icy look at the solider, holding a simple meaning: Back off, or I'll rip your back off.

Giving me a deep look, he turned to his men,"It was self-defence. Leave it be. We have better things to attend to."

I yawned, downing the last gulps of beer,"Not bad."
Holding up a piece of parchment, I squinted at it.

It was a little request put up by someone. The Lako Hall was simply a place where people could group up and fulfil said requests for reward. I had picked one out for myself. Exterminate the bandits and save the son of Elder Farlein, a member of the Barshiek clan. If it wasn't for the recent ongoing conflict with a neighbouring clan, he would have gone for the child himself. Unfortunately, with all the members held up in the fight, Lako Hall was his best bet.

I stepped out of the hall and swiftly left for the Songbird's Retreat, an inn the receptionist girl had recommended, albeit rather fearfully. Within a few minutes' walk, I reached.

Looking up at the building, it was one of the tallest around, standing at fifteen stories tall. The tallest building I had seen was the bell tower near the entrance.

I stepped through the main entrance guarded by two imposing guards and was greeted by a few nobles lounging about in the hall, a warm reception and a cold blast of air.

Air-conditioned? No, this must be some kind of magic. Sweet!

Having spent a day under the hot son, one in the rain, another dying repeatedly and the last two on an uncomfortable carriage, cool air and a comfy bed was the first thing I looked forward to.

"Welcome to Songbird's Retreat, will you be staying with us?"

"How much is the luxury suite?" I cut straight to the chase.

"One gold a night, miss."

I nodded, placing ten gold, half my total, on the table,"Ten nights then." Her eyes shone as she nodded with a professional smile, not letting her emotions get the better if her,"Thank you for staying with us distinguished guest. Please wait at the lounge while we get your room prepared. Complimentary drinks will be provided."

"Mm," With all this build-up, I was looking forward to something truly special. Plopping myself down on the soft couch, I sank in with a comfy sigh. Even the couches at the front desk were this good. I finally understood why she recommended the place now.

A few moments later, a bellboy of sorts led me to my room. Since I had just arrived, my luggage was few so we spent the time making mindless conversation until we reached my room,"These are the keys, distinguished guest. Please note that you'll be fined five silvers if it's lost."

"Got it."

"Please help yourself to anything in the suite." He bowed slightly as he left, leaving me in the room.

I turned my attention to the room, my eyes sparkling as I closed the door behind me and rushed forward to check everything. I don't think I had ever been as excited about anything to this extent other than when I was hunting.

The suite was more luxurious than any hotel I'd been in, decked out with a queen-sized bed fitted with the softest pillows and sheets I'd ever felt in my life. A pseudo fridge-like box held a few bottles of liquor and water. As I opened the windows, a picturesque view of the city below revealed itself to me, taking my breath away. Truly, it was the minutiae of life that mattered.

In the bathroom, a toilet that had vaguely resembled the modern toilets on Earth but had parts replaced by some sort of magic. It was a rather fascinating thought, that magisters, these powerful beings, could devote their time and effort to making toilet bowls.

In the same vein, a jacuzzi-like bath sat beside the toilet, a variety of soaps sitting at the side. This was more than tempting enough for me,"I suppose I'll take a bath." I didn't realise it but I smelled rather horrid having gone three days without showering.

Quickly undressing, I looked up and finally got a good look at my face since the first moment I was reborn.

Inquisitive, emerald green eyes with alluring charm peered back with a certain sharpness to them. A head of hair that reached the bottom of my shoulder blades displayed itself in prominent rose quartz. I didn't know if it was natural beauty or the water from the fountain of youth but my skin was spotless, not a blemish. It was a surreal experience, to see a face you had that didn't belong to you originally.

A voice sudden appeared in my head.

Of course it's the fountain of youth. No man or woman can look this beautiful or handsome with mere natural beauty. Only with the magic of Gods can this be possible.

"If it weren't for the fact that this was me, I think I'd have fallen in love for once, I joked before my eyes froze on my collarbone.

There, a lone red heart imprint stood,"This...What the hell is this?"

A sinister chortle sounded in my head.

Of course it's the curse. You think that the imprint was merely on your heart? It's been imprint onto your soul too. Unless you had special methods, merely tearing your heart out is ineffective.

"Are you fu—" I was a little pissed,"So all that shit I went through, that pain, it was all for nothing?"

A suppressed chortle.

Pretty much.

"Thanks a ton, Bob."

Ah, I became Bob again. How fickle women are, alas.

"Whatever. I'll never fall in love, curse or otherwise," I snorted cynically, not believing for a second that I would even let myself get close to another,"Not now, not ever."

You might say this now, dear Artemis, but such is the fickleness of the human psyche. Who knows, you might find the one down the line someday and settle down.

"Bullshit."

There was that saying, wasn't there? Love is a sixth sense which overpowers all other senses, forcing a person to believe in a seventh sense—Nonsense. Love is quite the irrational thing, Artemis. From the pederasty in the past to romances between a human and an inanimate object, anything is possible. Careful that you don't fall down the rabbit hole lest you regret it.

"Rest assured, I'll fall in love with another human when I see pigs fly."

So strong and assertive. It seems you have no fear. I wonder, Artemis...Just what could a woman like you be fearful of?

"That...Is none of your business."