endless path, infinite cosmos

chapter 134

Vahn had thought of an explanation for Anubis, so he said, "It's strange, but this chain, [Enkidu], seems to have appeared in my body. I've never used it before, and it seems to be bonded with my soul." As he spoke, he disabled [Veil of the Traveler] to reveal his soul for Anubis to see. Her eyes opened wide when she suddenly had the chance to see Vahn's unique soul once again. Like before, it had a beautiful golden color with rainbow hues swirling within; she could now see a sphere of pure golden chains spiraling around each other.

In a somewhat dazed state, Anubis slowly spoke out, "It's so beautiful..." Vahn nodded his head because he thought she was talking about [Enkidu], not admiring his soul itself. In Anubis's eyes, Vahn wasn't simply an anomaly or someone with a mutated soul, but he was something far greater. She suspected it had something to do with his origins, and she very much wanted to know what had transpired to create something as unique as the soul before her. As Vahn hadn't hidden it away, her vision was instinctually pulled as she gazed deeper into the interior of his soul. She felt like it contained the power of infinity, and had a strange desire to probe its depths.

Vahn concealed his soul again because he had noticed that Anubis's eyes had actually begun to glaze over. He wondered if just the sight of [Enkidu] had an effect, but noticed that her dazed state faded almost immediately when he hid his soul. Now, she looked a bit sad and forlorn, almost like she had lost something precious to her. Even her ears, which normally pointed toward the sky, had drooped down a bit. Vahn was a bit worried about her, so he asked, "Are you okay, Anubis?"

Hearing the concerned voice of her Master, Anubis's ears twitched before standing back up. She turned to him with a smile on her face as she bowed politely, "Forgive me, Master, I just got distracted for a moment." Seeing that Vahn hadn't been relieved by her words, she continued and tried to change the mood by asking, "So, those chains suddenly appeared in your soul? Do you have any idea about their use?"

Her words reminded Vahn of his reason for calling her, so he explained with a bit of worry in his tone, "It seems to be able to pierce anything, though there is a bit of a delay before it takes effect. The primary function, though, seems to be...to bind things that possess Divinity..." Anubis was very interested in the effects of the remarkably beautiful chain, but hearing the last part of Vahn's words surprised her quite a bit. If what he said was true, then the chains would be a powerful artifact against gods, demigods, and some spirits.

She suddenly had a thought and, with a strange glint in her eyes, asked Vahn, "Do you want to try it on me...Master?" Vahn was surprised, not only because her words coincided with his intent, but because she asked the question on her own initiative. Though he had 'ordered' her to come to the room, he hadn't done anything to make her take an interest in the chains other than displaying his soul and discussing the effects of [Enkidu].

Vahn's surprise faded and he nodded with while saying in a cautious tone, "I do want to try...but the effects may be uncomfortable, or even painful, for you. I don't want to do anything that would bring you harm, but I would like to know the effects of the chains." Anubis didn't seem bothered by his words at all, as even her tail started to gently wag back and forth. She was pleased that Vahn was concerned for her, but she always wanted to help him if she could be of use. So far, it had been primarily Vahn taking care of her and her children, and she had yet to do anything worthy of mention.

Anubis walked forward and grabbed the chain with her hand while Vahn was still hesitating. She asked in a curious manner, "What should I do?" Vahn hadn't expected her to be so unconcerned after he warned her of the danger. He was worried about the fact that her Loyalty may be influencing her decision, so he sent a mental command compelling her to speak her true thoughts.

While she continued to fiddle with the chain, Anubis started speaking in a somewhat plain and dismissive manner, "I really wish Master would be needier. If he wants to bind me up in chains, he doesn't even have to ask. The idea of being bound by the Master I chose to follow makes my heart itch with anticipation." Though she hadn't paid it any attention when speaking, after her words finished, Anubis had a shocked expression as she stared wide-eyed toward Vahn.