Shadow Slave Fanfic: Peaceful Dreams...well...kinda. [New]

Step... Step... Step...

Rick's massive form moved with an unexpected grace, each footfall soft and almost ghostly. Beside him, Rain clutched one of his fingers, her small hand dwarfed by his, creating a scene that was oddly charming.

Jet flashed Rick a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I must admit, you weren't exaggerating about your nightly transformation into a Demonic Figure. Quite the spectacle! But honestly? I dig it. Looks badass."

Effie's eyes widened in disbelief. "You knew? When did he spill the beans?"

Jet chuckled, giving her a reassuring pat. "I took a little trip back to the Cave. From a distance, I saw this guy emerge, and let me tell you, I was just as shocked as you are now. We had a chat, and I promised to keep his secret."

Effie sighed in relief. "Well, it's nice to finally understand who's behind that ridiculously strong grip."

Rick chuckled, settling down cross-legged. Even seated, he towered over everyone else, but at least no one had to crane their necks to meet his gaze. After a moment, he spoke up. "I owe you all an apology for the ruckus. I usually leave Bastion before sunset to avoid situations like this, but today, luck wasn't on my side."

Laughter erupted around them, the sight of a towering figure with the demeanor of a well-mannered gentleman was a comedy goldmine that none of them had expected.

Once the laughter subsided, Rick looked on, puzzled. "Did I say something amusing?"

Nephis was the first to respond, her voice light with mirth. "Kind of! Your appearance is the exact opposite of your personality. It's just hilarious to witness."

Rick's smile turned sheepish as he scratched the back of his head. "I see your point. Since I have control over this body and not the Beast, it is a bit funny."

Jet leaned in, curiosity piqued. "You mentioned there was a time when that wasn't the case. Care to elaborate?"

Rick nodded, letting out a heavy sigh. "Sure. My Flaw forces me to transform into a Demonic Figure every night, but during that transformation, my mind takes a backseat. I can only watch as a bloodthirsty Beast takes over. It took a long time to learn how to control it, but now I can seal the Beast within my soul. So when I transform, I'm still in control, and I don't go on a rampage."

Everyone listened intently as he explained. After a moment, Jet scoffed, "You were right; I wouldn't want a Flaw like that without a way to keep it in check."

Sunny sighed, his tone lightening the mood. "You could've told us sooner. It's not like we haven't seen much scarier things than your body. I mean, I can turn into all sorts of creatures."

Rick blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry, but in the past, people reacted differently. I didn't expect you all to accept me."

Rain chimed in, her voice warm. "Well, I think you look beautiful. I'd never see you as a monster."

Rick smiled, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, that means a lot, especially coming from you."

Cassie stepped forward, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "Can you tell me why I can't see your runes with my Aspect? Or sense you at all?"

Rick let out a hearty laugh, nodding. "Of course! I'm suppressing my Aura along with the Beast inside my soul. That's why you can't sense anything. As for the runes, this body belongs to a Divine Apex Predator, so it has built-in defenses against being detected, even by a powerful Seer like you."

A stunned silence filled the room, some even dropping their drinks in shock. After a moment, Nephis spoke up. "I think we should discuss this in a more private setting. You should fit through the entrance of the Ivory Tower. Let's head to Cassie's office… no, that won't work. The conference room has a big enough door, I hope."

Rick nodded and made his way to the entrance of the Ivory Tower, with Sunny, Nephis, Rain, Jet, Effie, Kai, and Cassie trailing behind, while the others lingered outside.

To his surprise, he fit through the entrance without a hitch. They climbed the stairs, Rick dropping to all fours to navigate the narrow staircase. Eventually, they reached the conference room, and he squeezed through the doorway, making it work somehow.

A few moments later, everyone was seated around a large round table, except for Rick, who had to sit on the floor. Unfortunately, there were no chairs that could accommodate his size, but he didn't mind, especially with Rain smiling at him the whole time.

Nervousness bubbled within him; conversing with others in this form was an adjustment he was still making. But Rain was his anchor, reminding him that he didn't have to fear rejection based on his appearance.

Breaking the silence, Rick wore a crooked smile. "So, what do you want to discuss? I'm more than happy to answer most questions."

Effie smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You've had quite the change of heart since last night. Why the sudden talkativeness?"

Rick let out a nervous laugh. "Well, I didn't want to talk to anyone in this form. I feared being despised for it; it's happened before. That's why I was hesitant to engage with you in the cave."

Effie sighed, her tone soothing. "Honestly, it's fine. I know people who are truly harrowing, especially on the inside, but you're a nice person. No one here judges based on looks, so just relax."

Rick nodded, a smile breaking through. Effie laughed heartily. "But we'll have to work on that smile! I can't tell if you're happy or ready to devour some fresh meat most of the time."

"EFFIE!" Rain shouted across the room, but Rick just laughed, patting Rain on the head.

"It's alright. I know how my smile looks; it's pretty strange considering how crooked my mouth is."

Nephis coughed awkwardly, trying to steer the conversation. "Alright, let's switch topics. You mentioned your body is from a Divine Apex Predator. How do you know that?"

Rick shrugged casually. "Well, that's what it says in the description of my Flaw. I could read it to you if you'd like."

Nephis hesitated but then shook her head. "No need. But I have another question: What's the rank of your Aspect?"

Rick shrugged again, his tone nonchalant. "It's of the Divine Rank, just like yours and Sunless's."

Silence enveloped the room. After a moment, Sunny burst into laughter, locking eyes with Rick. "Who told you that?"

Rick shrugged once more. "Nobody. But this body has incredible senses. I can perceive things others can't, including the state of someone's soul. Nephis has multiple soul cores, and so do you, Sunless. Since I have multiple too, and I know another person with a divine aspect who also has multiple soul cores, it's safe to say you also have a Divine aspect."

Everyone was taken aback, not just by Rick's ability to see someone's soul, but also by the fact that he knew another Divine aspect holder.

Sunny beamed at him. "You know another Divine aspect holder?"

Rick nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, he's my best friend. A fantastic guy—friendly, smart, and strong—but unfortunately, we haven't seen each other in a while. He's a recluse; doesn't like being around others much."

Sunny nodded in understanding. "What's his name?"

Rick smiled, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't share his personal information. He's a recluse for a reason, after all. You'd have to ask him yourself."

Sunny chuckled. "I can totally relate. I've been living as a recluse for a few years myself."

Cassie sighed, her curiosity piqued. "Can you tell us where we can find him? We'd love to have a chat."

Rick laughed heartily. "It's nearly impossible to find him when he doesn't want to be found. But since we've become friends, we set up a way to contact each other. I can ask him to meet us if you'd like."

Nephis smiled. "That would be great! Getting to know another Divine Aspect holder could be very beneficial down the line. And since you speak so highly of him, he must be a good person."

Cassie lingered for a moment, then asked, "Can you at least tell us how you met him since you mentioned he's hard to find?"

Rick chuckled, shrugging. "It's actually a complicated and long story. Are you sure you want to hear it all?"

Cassie and the others nodded eagerly. Rick sighed, preparing to share.

"It all started after I was transported to the dream realm during the Winter Solstice. I found myself alone in a vast underground forest, with massive roots sprawling throughout the cave. After months of running around and trying to survive in that forsaken place, I finally stumbled upon a citadel. But it was empty, overrun by nightmare creatures. To my surprise, it had been conquered.

In my search for the gateway, I found a room sealed by magic. I managed to open it, and inside, I discovered him. He was relatively fine—there was food, water, and furniture. He was incredibly surprised and happy to see me, having been imprisoned there for years. We talked for a while, he helped me with some issues, and together, we escaped through the gateway."

Confusion danced across Cassie and her companions' faces like shadows at dusk. After a brief moment of silence, Cassie, with a hint of uncertainty, ventured a question.

"You discovered him in a forsaken Citadel that had fallen? And he was locked away there? That's peculiar—what led to his imprisonment?"

Rick shook his head, his expression serious.

"It's a deeply personal matter for him, so I can't delve into it further."

The group nodded in understanding, and Sunny, flashing a warm smile at Rick, inquired, "Do you think he'd be open to meeting us?"

Rick hesitated, then replied, "He's a lot like I was before I ascended to Master—always on the move, never lingering too long. It's hard to say, but I can try to reach out. Just give me a moment."

With that, Rick summoned the Jade Green Coin, a relic from his past race with Jet. He placed it on the table, explaining, "This coin holds a fragment of a shared memory; its twin, a red coin, is with him. If I infuse it with essence, I can send signals that will resonate with the other coin."

Cassie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Would you give it a shot?"

Rick nodded, a grin spreading across his face. He infused the coin with essence, causing it to emit a soft glow. Soon, rhythmic taps echoed as he communicated in Morse code, a secret language crafted between friends to keep their conversations safe from prying eyes. The repeated sequence spelled out "Greenhorn."

Sunny chuckled, curiosity piqued. "Why are you tapping out 'Greenhorn' in Morse code?"

Rick erupted in laughter, sharing, "Oh, it's a hilarious, albeit embarrassing tale. Long story short, I once met an incredibly attractive woman at a bar, and I was so oblivious that I sent her packing. My friend laughed and dubbed me 'Greenhorn'—I had no clue what it meant back then, but it stuck."

Laughter erupted around the room, only to be interrupted by the coin ringing again. This time, the Morse code translated to "Rapunzel."

Sunny burst into laughter, and Rick shot him a playful smirk. "You guessed it—that's the nickname I gave him."

After stifling his laughter, Sunny wiped a tear from his eye and exclaimed, "You can't be serious... 'Rapunzel'? You have to share that story!"

Rick chuckled, "It's quite simple, really. When I first met him, I mistook him for a woman because his hair had grown long during his years of imprisonment. I thought of the tale of a princess trapped in a tower with long hair and decided to name him after her. He despises that I use it as a code name, but I insisted."

Laughter filled the room once more. Rain, after the chuckles subsided, chimed in, "Sounds like you two had quite the adventures together."

Rick nodded, his laughter still echoing. "We did! We faced our share of challenges, supporting each other through thick and thin, even conquering the second Nightmare together."

Rain's voice softened as she caressed his arm, "It's comforting to know there's someone out there who sees you for who you truly are, without judgment."

Rick chuckled, "You're right; he was my rock during tough times. But don't be fooled—he's a real jerk. We trade barbs all the time. He often tells me how hideous I look and suggests I find a sturdy tree to hang myself from."

The group erupted in laughter again, though Rain's expression turned serious. Effie was the first to break the silence. "Yep, sounds like classic best friends."

Sunny shot her a knowing glance, smirking, "Definitely! You can't be best friends without a little friendly animosity."

Rick laughed, "I suppose you're right. But let me reach out to him now; he might just agree to meet."

With renewed determination, Rick began tapping on the coin with impressive speed, Sunny still managing to decipher their exchange.

"I've met new people, wanna meet, Rapunzel?" Greenhorn.

After a moment, the coin rang back with a message. "Fuck you, Greenhorn. Don't lie to me; you never meet new people." Rapunzel.

Rick chuckled, reminiscing about his early days as an Awakened. "No, I'm serious! They're quite famous—the Cohort of Changing Star. I'm also bringing my girlfriend." Greenhorn.

"Whatever you say, Greenhorn. What's your location?" Rapunzel.

"You're not gonna like it. It's Bastion." Greenhorn.

"Then no, I don't want to meet." Rapunzel.

"How about a different idea? We're flexible." Greenhorn.

"Earth is good." Rapunzel.

"Usual spot, but when?" Greenhorn.

"Yes, in two days." Rapunzel.

"Great! And you owe me a rematch after last time." Greenhorn.

"Not my fault you're too scared to use that ugly body of yours." Rapunzel.

"This time I will, so be ready, Princess." Greenhorn.

"Go fuck yourself. See you soon." Rapunzel.

Rick chuckled at the exchange before dismissing the coin. Sunny laughed heartily, "Alright, but where is it?"

Rick flashed a crooked smile. "It's a warehouse in NQSC that I own. It's my hideaway when I'm back in the Waking World."

The others exchanged puzzled glances, unfamiliar with Morse code. Nephis broke the silence, "I think it'd be nice if you could share what your friend said, since most of us don't understand Morse code."

Rick chuckled, "He agreed to meet us in two days at our usual spot—my nighttime hideout in the Waking World."

Nephis smiled, "Alright, looks like we're all heading to the Waking World in two days. Anyone want to stay behind?"

Everyone shook their heads, and Rick smiled, "Good, but I must warn you—he's very cautious, so he might take time to adjust to all of you, especially since most of you are renowned Saints. I doubt he believed me when I mentioned bringing my girlfriend and the Cohort of Changing Star."

Rain chuckled, "I can only imagine the shock he'll experience meeting us all for the first time."

Sunny sighed, curiosity piqued. "By the way, what was that about a rematch you two mentioned?"

Rick laughed heartily, "Oh, it's about our battles in the Dreamscape every time we meet in the Waking World. Last time, I lost because I didn't use my Transformation, just my Aspect, but this time I will."

Sunny's interest piqued further, and he smirked, "Could we possibly watch the fight? Maybe I'll get a shot at you too?"

Rick pondered for a moment before nodding. "I have no issue with it. We'll use a private room, so we won't be disturbed. But I doubt I can fight a Saint like you, Sunless. Maybe in this form, I'd stand a chance, but I think you'd get bored quickly."

Sunny chuckled, "It's the Dreamscape—a realm without consequences. So why not unleash the Beast within you?"

Rick's smile faded, his demeanor shifting to seriousness. "I don't think that's wise. I can't control it, not even a little. If I let it loose, it'll be free, and you don't want to be on the receiving end of its bloodlust."

Sunny nodded, unfazed. "I think I can handle it. If you're okay with it, I'd like to duel you in the Dreamscape."

Rick nodded, his expression serious. "I don't mind. Honestly, I can't predict how the fight will unfold. Just remember, this body has taken down a Saint before."

Sunny leaned back in his chair, intrigued. "Are you willing to share what happened?"

Rick sighed, giving a reluctant nod.

"Years have slipped by like grains of sand, yet the echoes of my awakening still linger in the air. My physical form, however, remains a constant—a vessel I once struggled to command. One fateful evening, I set out towards a cave, intent on binding myself to its wall with my Aspect as the sun dipped low. But lo and behold, a figure stood at the entrance, blocking my path. He was a man of light brown hair and piercing blue eyes, clad in leather and chainmail, his presence exuding an aura of authority. He introduced himself as a Saint of Valor, claiming I was a suspect in the disappearance of several Awakened souls. Despite my protests, he was deaf to my words. When I refused his summons, he brandished his battle axe and charged at me. In that instant, my body shifted, taking control as if it had a mind of its own. The skirmish was brief; he fell swiftly to my hands. But the beast within me surged forth, craving more blood. Thankfully, I had chosen a cave far removed from human presence, sparing others from a similar fate that night as I wandered the Chained Isles, a prisoner in my own skin.

The room hung heavy with silence as my tale unfolded, each listener wearing a solemn expression. Finally, Nephis broke the stillness.

"I think I've heard of him—Saint Harbinger. He was a newcomer to the ranks of Saints, transcending at an age older than ours, in his late thirties. His disappearance was a mystery, but it seems we've unraveled part of it now."

Shame washed over Rick as Nephis spoke, his gaze dropping to the ground. After a moment, Nephis offered him a reassuring smile.

"It's not your fault. They would have condemned you for a crime you didn't commit, so in the end, it was self-defense. You have nothing to fear; we'll keep this between us."

A sigh of relief escaped Rick, and he slowly raised his eyes.

"Thank you, but you're mistaken. His death is on my conscience. Every life I've taken weighs heavily on me, and just because I didn't act with intent doesn't absolve me of responsibility."

In a gentle gesture, Rain rose from her chair and nestled into his lap, wrapping her arms around him.

"I believe intentions matter. You can't control everything, but I see now why you struggle with your transformed body."

Rick returned her embrace, his voice trembling.

"Thank you, Rain. I love you."

With a playful giggle, Rain released him but not before pulling his head down for a tender kiss on his crooked mouth.

Rick was taken aback, the unexpected sweetness of their first kiss leaving him dazed, yet he savored the moment. Rain noticed his surprise and laughed softly.

"I love you too, but I think we'll have to explore that again later—when you're back in your own form. I just couldn't resist."

Sunny, with his face buried in his hands, sighed and turned to Nephis. She met his gaze with a knowing smile.

"Remember your own words, Sunny. She's an adult capable of making her own choices."

Another sigh escaped him. "You don't need to remind me."

Moments later, Cassie chimed in.

"Alright then, it's settled. We'll set off in two days for the Waking World."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and they began to disperse.

Rick and Rain lingered behind, the darkness outside still thick. He lay on his back, while she nestled against him, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his chest.

"Can you feel my hand?" she asked, a hint of mischief in her voice.

Rick chuckled. "Yes, and I'm enjoying it immensely."

A blush crept onto Rain's cheeks. "Good, but we haven't discussed what we want to do in NQSC."

Rick paused, considering. "I'll take you on a date, of course! Maybe we can visit an amusement park."

Her laughter rang out like music. "That sounds wonderful! But what's next?"

Rick pondered for a moment. "How about dinner? I haven't been to many restaurants, but I'm sure we'll find something we both enjoy."

"And after that?" she pressed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Rick fell into thought, struggling to find the right words. Just then, Rain leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"I know we haven't discussed it yet, but I feel so comfortable around you, and I think I'm ready for something a bit more… intimate."

For a brief moment, Rick's expression froze, his mind racing. If his body could blush, it would have been a deep crimson. Words escaped him.

"Uh… I thought it might be a bit… early for that… don't you think?"

Rain sighed softly. "If you're not ready, that's perfectly fine. But I sense you're curious."

Rick stammered, "Wha… what makes you think that?"

Her laughter was light and teasing. "Oh, I just noticed your tail wagging like a happy dog when it hears 'good boy.'"

Rick took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Damn primal instincts."

"What's your take on it?" she asked, her eyes gleaming.

With a playful sigh, Rick lifted her effortlessly with one of his tails, setting her back down in his lap. "I would love to."

Now it was Rain's turn to blush, her heart fluttering at his crooked smile, which to her was the most beautiful sight in the world.

"I adore your smile," she murmured.

Rick wrapped her in a warm embrace, about to speak when suddenly, his body stiffened, panic flashing across his face.

"Rain, you need to step outside for a moment."

Confusion knitted her brows. "Why? What's happening?"

With a nervous chuckle, he explained, "Well, my body is about to shift back, and I'm not exactly dressed, considering my clothes were… destroyed."

A blush crept up Rain's cheeks as she jumped from his lap. "I… I'll go find you some clothes, okay?"

Rick nodded fervently. "Yes, that sounds great, but wait, I don't ne—"