Red Abyss Insatiable - I. Blood Pact - Part Four

Hello once again, my fellow earthly humans! I am in good spirits. Why? Because of the moon!

Anyhow, if you're either new here or you just want to explore, feel free to delve into the Table of Contents! 

As for the rest of you, it's time to enjoy the final part of the first chapter!

              Red Abyss Insatiable - I. Blood Pact - Part Four


As always, here are the transcripts for your pleasure, to either read alone or read along:

“You must prove control to yourself.” 

     Oshvail’s words violently yanked Aden out from his ocean of memories and he quivered from the sudden chill.  “What do you propose I do to prove this to myself?”

     “Your spirit has undergone too much of your brooding.  If you let it get worse, I’m afraid you will not be able to heal.  Your purpose, all the work you’ve put into the last few years, would then become void.”

     Aden clenched his fists.  “I won’t allow that to happen.  Tell me, what must I do?”

     Oshvail produced a vial from what appeared to be thin air, displaying it in his hand.  Inside the vial was a blue, glowing liquid.  “Firstly, you must confront those of your kin whom you feel have betrayed you.  Invite them into your home, prepare a meal, and cater to them.  Serve them.  Converse with them.  Sup with them.  Create an environment that they’d be comfortable in.  Keep them comfortable from the moment they step into your home, to the moment they leave.  Do not give yourself reason to regret, and don’t give them a reason to think anything less of who you really are.  Your spirit needs this confidence to heal.”

     Aden’s mouth fell open.  Oshvail’s request was a heavier blow than Aden had anticipated.  All of his potential protests were excuses, he knew, and so he felt ashamed for even considering them.  Though he had a strong distaste for the given task, he remembered and held onto the responsibility supplementary with the blood pact.  His place was the loyal pupil.  “If that is what I must do, then consider it done.”

     Oshvail raised the vial.  “Once you have completed that requirement, drink this.  And Aden, do make sure you perform these duties in the order I have provided.  Drink this after the feast.  Any sooner and I cannot promise your safety.”  Oshvail tossed the vial over to Aden.  “Everyone has a spirit.  I dare to presume that yours is somewhat damaged and requires a bit of refurbishing.  I’ve created this as best I could to suit your entrance.  You have struggled with yourself for too long.  Make a final decision and pursue your path.”

     Aden observed the liquid, all shiny and blue.  Apparently the answers to his years of emptiness and brooding were separated only by a thick glass and a cork.

     “I will open my domain to you,” said Oshvail.  “But do not return unless your task is complete.  The next time we meet, I will be sending you to Grendia.  Your purpose requires the most vigorous of spirits.  Come prepared, ready for your new life.”

     Aden squeezed the vial.  “And what if I fail to fix things once I enter this... construct?”

     “If you fail, it would mean that you have either given up, or your essence has expired.  Whichever the case, your purpose will have become void.  I urge you not to let that happen.”  Oshvail stood to his feet.  “Above all else, remember that we are friends.  This assignment is to your benefit.”

     Aden could not pinpoint his feelings.  He managed to say, “I understand.”  Of all that encompassed his mystical education from Oshvail, this task, this dinner... it was the one task thus far with the crippling power to overwhelm Aden Walker.

     “You may have doubts,” said Oshvail.  “I assure you this is within your reach, and is absolutely necessary.  I would never send you where I think you would fail.  At times you may feel overcome.  It’s at those times you must remember to use your strengths.”

     Aden looked at the vial and gripped it tightly.  He had a horrible feeling in his stomach.  Revisiting old wounds wasn’t his idea of a new future when he originally partook in the blood pact.  But the pact was alive, nonetheless, and Aden remained true to his position.

     Once again, the opposite wall of the dome had become translucent, and Oshvail was already on its way to joining the other counterparts.  Aden turned from the creature and saw his private exit:  The round, white wooden door that always reappeared when it was time for him to leave.  Outside the door awaited the spiral staircase, and beyond that was snow, followed by more snow, followed by his apartment where he would magically arrive, standing in the bathtub to face the blue shower curtain as well as the most difficult task of his life.  Aden figured he would take his time.  After all, he was in no hurry to let his essence expire.

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Next Part: II. Value and Worth - Part One

I do hope you've enjoyed yourself thus far, and this concludes the first chapter, Blood Pact.

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Until next time... 

Art by Keaton G. Wolfe