A Man for Himself (Norton X Eli) [Identity V] *UNEDITED*

Chapter 19 - Come Back to One's Senses

"It's been so long since you put on that costume. It's perfect," Naib said as he studied Eli from head to toe.

He was standing by the door watching the seer put on his socks.

Eli was finally back. To celebrate his comeback to the team, they'd agreed to wear costumes that had animal characteristics. The seer chose to wear his most priced costume. It was the very first gift that he received when he entered the manor.

It was a dark blue velvety robe with runic embroidery and exquisite pattern that's secured with a leather belt around the waist. His hood was lined with silver complete with a side cape that's covered in feather as if to resemble a wing. Instead of wearing a blindfold, he had on a blue shiny mask that resembled an owl's beak. He had to admit that it was a bit heavy. It's the reason why he seldom wore it despite its beauty.

"So is your costume," Eli pointed out.

Naib, on the other hand, was wearing a mask that resembled an eagle's head. Unlike his usual clothes, the mercenary was wearing a sky blue top that barely covered his upper body. In fact, it exposed the most part of his midriff which was evenly toned. He had on a side cape that resembled a wing like Eli's. Combined with the claw-like design of his elbow pads, Naib resembled an eagle to Eli's owl get-up.

"I've missed this," Naib commented, arms over his chest as he leaned against the wall.

Eli finished putting on his shoes and looked at the mercenary. "You know why I don't wear this. It's too heavy, too showy, too—"

"I wasn't talking about the costume," the mercenary interrupted. "I mean...this." He looked around the room, hands gesturing to its entirety. "Just us talking like this, enjoying moments like this." He sighed, looking resigned. "I can't explain it, but...I feel like you've changed since our last match in the asylum."

Eli's heart skipped a beat. It's good that his mask was hiding most of his face. He didn't know what kind of expression he was wearing at the moment.

"What do you mean?" he asked, trying to laugh it off. "Nothing has changed."

Naib walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Then he smiled, a melancholic one. "You can tell me everything, Eli. I'll listen," he said. "Remember? Between you and me, there's no need to hide anything."

After a sigh and a squeeze to Eli's shoulder, Naib turned to leave the room.

"I'll wait in the lobby!" he yelled.

Eli stayed sitting on the bed for a while after Naib left while thinking about what the mercenary had said. Of course, Naib wasn't stupid. He would notice the changes. He had noticed the changes, yet he'd chosen not to pester Eli until he's ready to tell him about it.

Would he ever have the courage to tell Naib about his current situation?

* * *

They were at the Sacred Heart Hospital. The building itself was dilapidated and worn with age. It stood on a land that was slowly being taken over by a swamp. Bed frames and equipment were scattered around the area.

Eli became restless as soon as he set foot on the barren land. With the help of his owl, he's able to discover the hunter's identity right away. It was Hastur.

He felt his heart drop to his stomach. The last time he'd encountered Hastur, he had promised to not let himself be tainted again; yet, he did the exact opposite. Because of this, he was afraid he'd already decided the fate of his friends. After all, Lord Hastur wasn't an easy opponent.