AGG: Devil Side Stories

Valerie 3

…

Commissioned by Binge Reader, Ichypa, and cjdavis103

Word Count: 3119

…

“So, you’re suicidal, huh?”

As always, Celeste had the subtlety of a sledgehammer. 

“Compared to your dad, everyone’s a sledgehammer, Val.” Celeste drove through CORE Central’s empty surface streets with practiced ease. Though most of CORE was now based in Point Zero, humanity required a fortified, self-sustaining fallback position. Not only were Arcane resources not yet to be adapted to space, the the amalgam of CORE’s original base, Las Vegas, and the Silicon City was to be humanity’s penultimate stronghold. The last, of course, would be the Artic Base. “I’m an Aspect, you can’t expect me to be a therapist, too. I’d be way too overpowered.”

Still, I would have preferred if she didn’t speak about it so frankly. 

“Sorry, but frank’s what you’re going to get with me, Val. I didn’t make lying a sin without a good reason. It fucks shit up, muddles the whole system, and leads to a whole slew of bad shit. Problems and issues are best handled truthfully, regardless of shame, and in spite of ulterior motives.” Celeste turns the vehicle about and we reach a familiar sight. Pangs of nostalgia strike at me as we disembark. How long has it been since we were last here? Everyone? “So, like I said, I’ll be by your side when you break the news to the rest of the family, but I’m not going to cover your ass.”

The mere mention of the reason why I’m back at my Father’s home makes me want to flee. I most certainly could. In a split second, I could take flight. Celeste wouldn’t be able to catch me. All I would have to say to everyone else, who were already all on their way, was that an emergency arose. That would be the end of it. I would go on to handle the problem alone, by myself, as I should. 

I wanted to run away.

“Pfft, alright. If you’re going to quote obscure anime, this is going to be a lot easier than I thought.” Celeste may have laughed, but her grip on my shoulder was tight after she’d slid across the car’s front. The smile on her face was easy and calm, but there was a hidden message in her eyes. No. She was wrong. She could speak as well as my father if she wished. “Anyway, how about we head in, do a little cleaning, and set the table? Heart and her kids can have it done in a jiffy, but we should probably show some initiative, yeah?”

I don’t even recall ever having cleaned during my whole life.

“Well, they always say that new experiences distract the mind, so you’re in for a treat!” Celeste was glib, but she ushered me through the door and saw it locked in the same sentence. As she’d said, the manse was dusty, and the table at the end of the hall its chair neatly stacked atop it. It was ready to be inhabited, but it was empty, as this backup region was only being maintained and protected until it was needed. The thought, for some reason, made my chest ache. “C’mon, let’s get to work on cleaning! Just a dusting, enough to make this place livable, we’re not miracle workers! Well, you’re not.”

Celeste moved and so did I. Though the difficulty to breathe remained, I couldn’t allow Celeste to clean by herself. It was where I’d been raised, where I’d grown up, and where I’d ask my family for aid regarding my current circumstances. Doubtlessly, though it was dusty and empty, it was a place I cherished. While I’d never cleaned it myself, it didn’t seem proper to have someone else do it. 

“Yeah, that’s the spirit! Get irritated! Mad! Act! Get at those dust bunnies!” 

I couldn’t decide whether or not Celeste was helping or not.

…

“Sister, I’m glad to see you. Celeste.” Of all my siblings, Everett is the least inclined for conversations. He preferred numbers and combat, taking after Elena Heart, despite admiring father most of all. Or, perhaps, because he took after his mother, that was the case. Already, just after we’d opened the door for him, he was already rolling up his sleeves. “You’ve done a decent job cleaning this place so far, but allow me to help.”

He passed into our childhood home without another word, granting an opening to his half-sibling without another word.

“Val! Oh, you look terrible! It’s great that you’ve called everyone to talk about this!” Meanings within meanings, Tomoko Yori’s child had every ounce of Tomoko and Father’s skill’s in speaking. In a single sentence, she told me she knew the reason why I was here, approved of my actions, and pledged her support. She placed a kiss on my cheek whilst embracing me. “Come on, let’s get in! Everyone else isn’t here yet! You too, Celeste!”

Turning inward, I wasn’t surprised to see Everett putting away his timepiece, and finding the whole first floor spic and span. 

“Kazumi informed me of your current circumstances. You have my support, too.” Everett’s words were as concise as ever. He had a certain disdain for secrecy, despite his work in CORE. I could only suppose he disliked secrecy when he thought it was unnecessary. He pressed down on his lapels and reset his sleeves. His gaze was as frank and stoic, but it was level and stable. Reliable. Indeed, of all my siblings, he fit that word the most. “However, to my knowledge, everyone else in the family does not know of your current circumstances.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to in an hour or so! How about we eat or play with the old systems in here? We literally have all the classics!” There was a click corresponding with Kazumi’s words and suddenly the whole of the living room was ready to receive us. Snacks, from where I did not know, were arrowed on the table and the classical plasma-screen was assembled with the more ancient gaming devices. I could almost see everyone, as children, playing together.  “Since everything’s clean, we can unwind now!”

“You mean, because Val, Celeste, and myself cleaned, we can unwind now.”

“Of course! Naturally! That’s totally what I meant!”

“Huh, those two haven’t changed at all.” Celeste nearly startled me by placing a hand on my shoulder. Both Kazumi and Everett were bickering as they approached the living room. Despite being half-siblings, they were very close to one another, as they made up for one another’s weaknesses with ease, thus they worked together regularly. They were capable partners in the past and still are.  “It’s almost creepy how they haven’t changed much, huh?”

That was true, unlike me. 

“Nah, you’re not listening to yourself talk. Really, you sound like an angsty, hormonal teenager, now.” Again, I wasn’t sure how Celeste intends to help me with words like that. Miyakuro was able to be abrasive and insightful. My closest friend, on the other hand, was just being abrasive. Suddenly, much to my surprise, I found myself furiously embraced. “Ah, finally, there’s the Val Glare of Death! Oh, how I’ve missed how your eyes glint with murderous intent, my dear!”

Wincing at Celeste’s strength, I struggled to speak. Yes, indeed, that was why I had difficulty speaking. No, her words were meaningless. I was acting as I usually did. Her insufferableness didn’t elicit anything I hadn’t done since I’d awakened!

“Yeah, sure, and Song doesn’t turn heads wherever he goes! Yours included!” Celeste laughed, turning her embrace into a hold. Or, at least, attempted to. Even in my current state, despite her superior strength, I was more than capable of throwing her. Literally. She still smiled insufferably while lying on the reinforced floor. “See! Like I said! Val’s coming back, baby! All it takes is a little attitude from yours truly!”

I didn’t deign those words with a response and took my seat on the couch.

…

“Hey.” Sleepy was the best way to describe Elise. Though it was more understandable now, given how she was stationed the farthest from us all, she’d always preferred sleep to anything else. She’d simply walked through the door, simply phasing through via sorcery, and laid on the couch as we’d played. Makoto, Chie, and Evelyn were to arrive last, before Tomoko, Elena, and Father, but I’d thought I’d be speaking with Elise last. Apparently, I was wrong, as she now faced me in the kitchen, while everyone else was remained in the living room. “You okay?”

Someway, somehow, in three words, Elise managed to make my heart stop and race at the same time. Very nearly, I felt a weight I’d not noticed crash on me, briefly forgotten as I’d spent time with Celeste, Everett, and Kazumi. In less than a second, while I’d been fine before, I found myself unable to answer the simplest of questions, even though the response to it was ingrained to me. 

I didn’t want to lie, yet the truth was out of the question.

Then, Elise simply gave a nod, and took my hand in her own. 

“If you’re not, we’re here for you, and it’s good that you’re looking for help.” Elise was the youngest and last child of my Father. Once, I’d been jealous about how he’d fawned over her. Though I’d fought and fought battle after battle, gaining victory after victory, she’d spend more of her time winning accolades and making breakthroughs in the same building as he did. However, in the end, the rivalry was one-sided, and she saw me as her elder sister, not a half-sibling. “If you go away, I’ll miss you terribly, sister.”

I’ll miss you. 

The words struck me terribly. I felt as though I’d been struck in the chest by a heavy weight and only had the body of a normal woman. With that single phrase, everything I’d never considered reached my mind all at once. Had I accepted Coda’s offer, if I’d wanted my End, I would have inevitably caused immense harm to my family. Because my family would remain, as all who I cared for remained, and everyone who relied upon me would remain, my End and respite would only result in the magnification and transference of everything I felt to those who cared for me, needed me, and wanted me to stay. 

What would my Father do to Coda, if I’d decided to take her offer? He’d lost control over himself, allowed Song to wreak havoc unchecked, when I was merely injured. What would he do with his words and his influence, despite the opponent he wanted vengeance against?

What of my siblings, who looked to me, asked me for help, and wanted guidance? How would they feel if they were told that I’d decided to stop existing? Would they wonder if they were the cause? Would they blame someone else? Wouldn’t I ruin their lives by doing so? Wouldn’t those who they care about see them and feel sorrow?

Then, of course, there was Song. 

What would occur between him and Coda? Though he’d said those all those words, about his earnest desire to protect the world, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if I chose the End. His every decision wasn’t reliant on me, I wasn’t about to pretend that was the case, but I knew he respected and cared for me. As he was now, he could barely stand to work with Coda, despite the girl’s blatant want for friendship between the two. My leaving would only result in unending animosity between the two. 

Then, of course, Coda would shoulder the entirety of the outcome by herself. Regardless of her own desires, wants, and needs, she would unhesitatingly make an enemy of the world, if I wanted to not suffer any longer. 

The only one who would be remotely happy about my decision would be me.

I suppose, despite the simplicity of the phrase, they were all I needed to hear from Elise. 

…

If there were individuals among my family who wouldn’t understand, they would be Evelyn, Makoto, and Chie.

Evelyn was someone who I understood intrinsically. The two of us were the most similar to one another in our family. Pride, time and time again, had us butt heads with one another. The position of eldest, between the two of us, was always tenuous. Though I stood a head over her, and even assumed the title, I had little reason to doubt she’d take my place the moment I faltered.

Just I would to her, had our situations been reversed.

The twins, meanwhile, were creatures born of battle. Valkyries given mortal form, though they did they stun whoever they met with their beauty and talent, the two waded into battle with smiles upon their faces. Fighting was as easy as breathing for the both of them, so they were sent to the LRU, where the fighting was the hardest, with Evelyn commanding them. 

The three of them won battles, scored victories in wars, and tore out the jaws of defeat.

Once upon a time, I would’ve laughed, conversed, and been amongst them with ease in the kitchen. Not only were we family, we were friends, allies, and comrades. Sitting together, around a table, we’d tell tales of our victories, boast, and rib at one another freely. We’d done so as children, as young women making their way, and just a smattering of months ago, we’d done so as accomplished veterans.

But now I could barely match Evelyn’s gaze, let alone converse with them all.

“Something happened to you. You’re different.” Makoto spoke for Evelyn. Either of the twins were better at speaking than her, but she was the might behind the triumvirate. A warrior and sorcerer both, she could take battlefields by herself, and wars with the twins at her side. Gods would flee before the three of them. All four of us would destroy one with ease. We’d trained for years together to achieve such things, yet they were not strangers to me. “Talk, Vali. We can listen. We can help.”

“There’s no need to hide. You can trust us.” Chie followed her sister’s words. I wanted to do nothing more than crawl away and hide at the phrase. How could I tell them? After all we’ve done together, with everything we’re expected to do, and all our years of mutual trust, how was I supposed to share with them something of myself that they’d never accept? “Vali, we’re here for you. No matter what you’ve done, and no matter what you’ll do.”

No. 

That last phrase was wrong. 

They would sooner see me locked away, bound, and sealed should I tell them what I would do, if there was no consequences to be had. 

I don’t know how long the silence lasted, but when I looked up from my lap, Evelyn was looking down at me as I sat.

“Evie/Eve—

“Quiet.” 

With a single word, she silenced both of the twins, then she knelt and placed her hand atop my own. 

Gloved fingers pried my own from the hem of my trousers, then without further ado, untwined between my own before pressing the back of my hands against her lips. 

“I love you, Valerie. I will wait. I will give you space. I will give you everything you need. I only ask that you tell me everything yourself, one day.” What I felt failed to inspire a single word from my mind. The mélange of emotions writhing in my chest, at Evelyn’s simple words and action, couldn’t be put to words. They were impossibly both flawed and perfect. I didn’t want to hear them again, yet I wanted to listen to her say them again and again. “Yourself. No one else. Please, once everything is finished, promise me that, okay?”

For a second, I wavered, despite the demand I felt bursting within my chest to agree. 

Then, both Makoto and Chie spoke, too.

“Yeah, that’s fine. That’s totally alright.” Makoto placed her hand on my shoulder as Chie mimicked the same on the other. Evelyn let go, stood, and gave them both nods. There wasn’t a single shred of embarrassment upon her features, though I was sure my own face was burning the deepest scarlet. Chie finished for her sister’s phrase. “We’ll wait too, Vali. Don’t worry. We won’t be angry. Just tell as everything later, okay?”

I managed to nod, surrounded by those who were not only my family but also my comrades, and despite everything everyone else did for me, I couldn’t help but be more comforted by their actions than anyone else. 

Sometimes, I didn’t wish to speak, or act, or confront everything head on. 

At those times, I just wanted my decision to be accepted.

No, that was wrong. 

I didn’t want soothsayers who simply accepted whatever decision I made. 

I wanted for myself to be accepted and trusted by those who had faith in me, who believed in me, and had confidence in my decisions.

I wanted to be accepted. 

And, my family did.

…

“So, you feeling better?” The silence in our drive was broken.

“Mildly.” It had been a comfortable silence, but I didn’t miss it. 

“That’s great, Val. I’m happy for you.” I didn’t mind conversing.

“…Thank you.” It wasn’t a chore to talk. Far from it. I liked talking. 

“Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome. I’ve got your back.” That was true. 

“No, not just for that. For everything.” There were somethings that needed to be clear.

“Hmmm? What do you mean by that, Ms. Mystery?”

“My thanks… it wasn’t just for the compliment. It’s for the whole reunion.” Celeste blinked for a moment, before snorting and shaking her head. She scratched her nose, like she always did when she was nervous. “I appreciate you doing all of that for me.”

“Well… you’re my best friend, Val. I can’t exactly just stand by when you tell me that sort of thing.” The phrase wasn’t subtle, powerful, or filled with faith. No. They were just simple words, earnestly said, but they had the same strength as all the other words that were said to me today by my siblings and my parents. “We’re in this together. High or low. Thick or thin. I’m counting on you, so you can count on me, no matter what happens.”

It wasn’t about Celeste saying what needed to be said, giving me the insight I needed, or trusting me to do the right thing. 

It was about her helping me the moment I needed her. 

That was why she was important to me. 

And, why I’d stay, no matter what. 

Again, I thanked her.