The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

The air seemed thick in this dark and desolate place. Where was he? What did this all mean? In the distance he could see a great shining shield; a banner of awesome stature. He ran towards it with all his strength, no time to waste thinking about it and just the pattering of his feet against the hard ground. No matter how fast he ran it seemed to keep moving away. His energy faltered, he couldn’t keep up his speed and yet he would hobble on... encumbered by exhaustion. “Wait! Don’t leave me behind like this! Please!”
he pleaded with the great protector that was now far out of his reach, fading into the darkness that seeped out of every corner he could see. “Stop! Don’t go! Not again! Don’t go!”


“Awaken my vessel! Remember where you are!”




His eyes shot open, taking in that familiar scene yet again. The sheen of metallic items cascading from all around him attempting to soothe his heart; the ringing of an anvil sounding off just ahead of him. “Calm yourself young one, I have not abandoned thee. Wipe those tears from thine eyes.”
Nier lifted a hand to his face and touched his cheek, his fingers moistened from his own folly. How did I get here? I couldn’t come here out of instinct... could I?
he wiped the tears away with a swift motion and quickly kneeled before Nammay. “I apologize for the intrusion, I don’t know what happened.”
Nammay paused for a moment, the ringing from the anvil ceasing altogether. He stood and turned to face Nier, casting a heavy shadow over him. “Vessel, I know thine heart well. I have seen and heard thine suffering, fear not to bear thy weaknesses before me. Now, I beseech thee, take this hammer.”


Nier looked up towards his lord with wide eyes. This was a new experience, something he could have never expected. Nammay himself seemed made almost entirely out of shimmering metal, a robe of pure flowing gold caressing his person. Before him lay an anvil and resting upon it a large hammer. Nammay could easily hold it in one hand, but he would have to use two just to get it to move. “Take it in thine hands with conviction. Thou are mine vessel after all, it should be rather easy.”
With those words he clasped the hilt of the hammer tightly with both hands and lifted it above his head with relative ease. It felt as if the entire world could change at a single swing, in a single moment. “Now, strike the anvil and show me thine heart”
, Nammay ordered. Nier swung the hammer down with all his strength; the collision chimed out with a loud ring, knocking him back onto the ground. He quickly lifted himself up to see Nammay holding what looked to be a silver orb. “I have had thee do this once before, although you were too young to remember. It came out the exact same way”
, he said as he struck the orb and a ring echoed out from it. “Hollow... doth thou still see thine self this way? Hmmm... begone from this place. Rest, my child. Don’t forget the task at hand. I have much to do.”


With that Nier awoke in a rather lucid state. He sat comfortably in a chair on what he knew to be a private plane he had procured for these ‘special’ trips. He let out a soft sigh and reached for his phone, quickly gazing through the internet for any information about newly discovered books when-“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”
, he said as he spotted an article about a large glowing woman who appeared in the middle of the day, distorting the very time around her in Rome! “Echowix... what could she possibly be planning?”


He rushed to the cockpit of the plane and quickly got the pilots attention without sending them flying into a mountain. “Change of plans! We’ll be heading to Italy! Has it alway been so fucking loud up here?!”
“Roger that boss, and yes always! You know... you never told me why you were leaving Dubai! Was it business again?!” Nier gave a casual smirk and patted the man on the shoulder. “Oh you know, just felt like my soulmate was out here waiting for me.”
The pilot laughed and waved him off as Nier made his way back to the seat he had left behind, closing the door to the cockpit behind him. Now all he had to do was wait a little while longer and he’d be there. He was already on the way to Denmark, that being his first choice, but now he’d get to stop short! Maybe I’ll get to go home early after all.



•_•



It didn’t take long for him to reach Italy, as expected. Once there he made his way out of the airport and quickly rented the first motorcycle he could find, so now looking for a motel of any sort was his first order of business. Preferably he’d find one that was close to Rome where Echowix herself had appeared, but for now he’d have to focus on his surroundings. He cruised around steadily; observing everything within his vision around him as he traveled. There was no telling when another claimant would pop up and if he would have to fight them knowing the surrounding areas would be essential to his survival. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many alleyways to slip into, so an escape would be pretty easy for anyone here. The only problem now is that there was basically only one motel he could find around Rome.

He groaned and pulled the motorcycle into a parking spot before getting off and claiming a room; at least that was easy enough, but now there was another matter at hand. His stomach had been begging him for food since he arrived and started surveying the city. Guess I’ll just have to find a place to eat.
he made his way on foot to the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating and requested a table, relaxing himself a bit once seated. A woman approached him and smiled before asking, “What may I get you sir?” Nier lifted his eyes to meet hers, a hand quickly grabbing hers. “For me? Well, if I’m lucky you could give me your hand in marriage. No meal could ever compare to the treat I’ve received by simply setting my gaze upon you.”
The woman was clearly unamused and Nier laughed at her reaction, flipping through the menu before staying. “I’ll just take some gelato please. Thank you.”


As he waited Nier looked through his phone for more information on the matter of the book. Apparently there still wasn’t too much to go off of, but at least now he had a location. Rather, now everyone had a location! What would drive Echowix to make such a display? I’m sure she doesn’t want any random people getting hold of the book, but this ancients have never been known for making the best decisions.
his thoughts paused when something new popped up whilst he searched. You’ve got be kidding me...
His eyes locked onto the articles explaining how some random nobodies found one of the swords that could very well destroy everything he currently stood for. Now I’ll have to deal with this? I swear, I’ll kill whoever is making me go through all this work.
“Here you are, sir.” the waitresses voice broke him out of his thoughts as she placed his order onto the table. “Is there anything I can get for you.”

Nier stood up quickly, a hand swiftly gliding around her waist and pulling her close to him; locking his eyes with hers once again. He put forth an exponential amount of charm that seemed to almost make him glow with radiance. “My dear, there is something you can give me... my heart has been aching for so long, as if the most important piece has been missing for an eternity. In your eyes I see the entire world waiting to be discovered, and I can show you that world; if you’re willing to take my hand, that is.”
the woman’s eyes lit up. Nier by no means was an unattractive man, and as he weaved his words with the skill of twisting copper wire it drew her in like electricity across the current. However she simply replied, “I apologize, sir, but I’m already happily married.” Nier laughed with great confidence, no care in the world for the spectacle he had just caused. “Well it was worth a try! Thank you for entertaining my advances ma’am, if only for a moment. I don’t need anything else. Thank you again”
, he replied before sitting himself back down and enjoying his treat.

"I just don't understand why you need to leave, mija. You know this is an important time to be here. They have to get used to seeing your beautiful face in charge, you know."

DeVian weathered his hesitations with a curt smile on her lips, hands clasped behind her back as she waited for an opening in his worried monologue.

"I know, papa. But this is something I have to do."


"It's not helping that you won't even tell me why. I've half a mind to tell you no."

'Can you hear me?'
'So much pain...'
'This corner or that one? I can't decide which to stand on today.'

DeVian's ears felt hot. This was the worst time to be hearing the voices. The ghosts. Sometimes they were louder than the voices of the living, and most of the time infinitely more irritating.

"I'm going, but I'll call you. That's all I can do, papa."


"You'll call every day?"

"Oh, there's no way in hell. But I'll check in often."


"Last time you left home without an explanation, you drove your car into the sea."

'Are you ignoring me?'
Leave, leave, leave!'

"I remember. If you keep worrying so much, it'll rub off on me."


"You are mi corazon, hermosa. I will always worry."


-



It felt like every time Novevu was pissed with her she heard more of the ghosts. Sometimes she saw more. They hung on the edge of her vision, following her like a shy shadow. It seemed like a lot of them talked to themselves. On the occasion, she found herself asking the undead for directions. Some of her previous tasks for Novevu had included putting a few of the restless spirits to permanent sleep. She supposed she was a part-time mostly-human grim reaper at the Ancient of Death's discretion.

Even now, as she sat with her legs crossed in the hangar of one of Law Technologies' private airfields, she was impatient to get this over with. The ghosts were everywhere, constantly heckling her. It felt like the Void was just over her shoulder.

'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking the right language.'
'Little girl.'
'I. AM SO. BORED!'
'Look at Novevu's descendant, ignoring her duties.'

"Excuse me?"
Dev's concentration finally snapped, dark brows lowering as she glared into the nothing beside her. She could see a small gathering of ghosts standing there, just congregating for no apparent reason. Most of them faced her, but there were a few mindlessly facing any direction. One of them cocked his head at DeVian quizzically. "Why are there so many of you here, anyway? There's not enough room on the rest of the Earth for you to haunt?"


'Trust me, your company is really not so grand.'
'Can't you feel it?'

"What are you talking about?"


'The energy of Echowix, young one.
'Have you not heard the message?'
'It was for you.'
'For all of us.'
'Have I always not been able to feel my legs?'

Her fingertips felt cold. But it wasn't from fear. If anything, she was becoming more exasperated by the situation with every new development. On the other hand, the challenge was more attractive. It wasn't like she feared the other houses, for she was a descendant of Novevu, the original thief and the one that put the creator of the Ancients to sleep. She knew of the power her house was capable of. She just didn't know if she felt like applying it amid the demands of her civilian life.

"Tell me, then, what you saw."


'Now she wants something from us.'
'Well tell her.'
'What's in it for me?'

"I will try my best not to send you shrieking into the Vacío. Unless you prefer the Prism?"


'She can't do that...'
'Can she?'
'Do you want to find out?'
'I want to rest...'
'I just want to go to Elysian.'
'The beam of light seen around the world. Echowix has returned.'

A metal clanking sound made the tech giant heiress start. She looked over her shoulder, relieved to see the pilot loading bags into the cargo hold. "Who the hell ya talkin' to over there?" he asked, grunting with exertion.

"What? I wasn't talking."


"Fuck, I must be tripping out. I could've sworn I heard you over here. Well, we're about ready to get this baby in the air."

"Barrett, who wants to hear their pilot say they're 'tripping out' right before they take a metal death trap into the skies?"



-



The time difference from Sao Paulo to Rome was only five hours, but DeVian was dead fucking tired by the time she walked into her hotel. The penthouse was already taken, much to her dismay, but she'd gotten the best money could by for her stay. Which honestly wasn't that great. The tourists had booked a lot of the rooms, especially since she'd needed to come on such short notice.

She rubbed at her forehead as she collapsed onto the queen bed in the room, exhaustion pouring out of every muscle. But sleep didn't come. Instead, she found herself falling into the Void. There was no ground to land on, nor was there any fear related to the falling. She just felt weightless, as if she were floating around a pool.

"Something has changed," came Novevu's echoing voice, but this time she was not looking up at him. He still sat on his throne nonchalantly. DeVian felt as if she were perpetually falling at his eye level. The false illusion of water did not ripple under his feet.

"Master, I am following the book,"
she told him hurriedly, annoyed already with any scolding he might have on his mind.

"Echowix herself has appeared in this mortal realm to appeal to all the houses. This is unprecedented."

"So we're not the only ones looking for it."


"No, but it is in our best interest to be the ones who possess it. Destodai is already so unstable. Alvax fancies himself a just crusader." He let something like a sigh pass out of his nose. "She appeared in the Colosseum of Rome. Echowix is not so thoughtless that that place has no significance."

"Very well. Tomorrow--"


"Go now."

Her jaw flexed. That was as far as the physical extent of her annoyance went.

"One more thing. Do not forget what house you belong to."

"Yes, I am DeVian of House Desdon. You never leave me alone long enough to forget it."


The unhinged laugh that she hadn't heard thus far rang in her ears. And the very next moment, she was waking in her hotel bed and internally screeching. There was no explanation for how tired she was. She just knew she had to do this mission for Novevu, before she found herself unable to sleep because ghosts decided to hold a conversation at all hours of the night. So she just rubbed her eyes, threw a series of punches into the air in her frustration, and left the hotel again. The bath she had on her mind for later... Maybe this stress would be worth it, after all.

Rome was beautiful; that was a given. She had been all over the world, and even in Italy, but never Rome. Despite the fact that Italian was close to her native Spanish, she could barely make conversation in Italian. It was mostly phrases she had picked up in the business.

The cab driver was pleasant enough. It was easy to get to the Colosseum since it was such a popular destination. Even moreso since a woman had appeared and disappeared in an amazing display of light.

Dev stepped out, throwing on a pair of sunglasses to combat the sun. It had only been about 10 AM at home, but it was mid-day here. The sun was out in full force and it was a bit humid. The dark-skinned woman approached the stairs of the ancient structure slowly and cautiously. She could feel it as soon as she stepped onto the scene: the magic. The raw magic Echowix must've left behind--

Or was that the book? Was this just the imprint the book left?

She was not afraid of coming toe-to-toe with the other houses. What she was more afraid of was disappointing Novevu if she did not perform well. He would have domain over her soul after she died, and the Void didn't seem like the most welcoming place. There was no amount of fear or respect that rivaled what she held for her Ancient, despite how demanding and ambivalent he could be.

'You are not the only--'
'They are here!'
'You claimants all smell the same.'

DeVian's lips moved into the start of a grin. Good. The ghosts would do all the searching for the other claimants for her. "Point them out to me, mis encantadores. It's time for a few business deals."

"I just don't understand why you need to leave, mija. You know this is an important time to be here. They have to get used to seeing your beautiful face in charge, you know."

DeVian weathered his hesitations with a curt smile on her lips, hands clasped behind her back as she waited for an opening in his worried monologue.

"I know, papa. But this is something I have to do."


"It's not helping that you won't even tell me why. I've half a mind to tell you no."

'Can you hear me?'
'So much pain...'
'This corner or that one? I can't decide which to stand on today.'

DeVian's ears felt hot. This was the worst time to be hearing the voices. The ghosts. Sometimes they were louder than the voices of the living, and most of the time infinitely more irritating.

"I'm going, but I'll call you. That's all I can do, papa."


"You'll call every day?"

"Oh, there's no way in hell. But I'll check in often."


"Last time you left home without an explanation, you drove your car into the sea."

'Are you ignoring me?'
Leave, leave, leave!'

"I remember. If you keep worrying so much, it'll rub off on me."


"You are mi corazon, hermosa. I will always worry."


-



It felt like every time Novevu was pissed with her she heard more of the ghosts. Sometimes she saw more. They hung on the edge of her vision, following her like a shy shadow. It seemed like a lot of them talked to themselves. On the occasion, she found herself asking the undead for directions. Some of her previous tasks for Novevu had included putting a few of the restless spirits to permanent sleep. She supposed she was a part-time mostly-human grim reaper at the Ancient of Death's discretion.

Even now, as she sat with her legs crossed in the hangar of one of Law Technologies' private airfields, she was impatient to get this over with. The ghosts were everywhere, constantly heckling her. It felt like the Void was just over her shoulder.

'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking the right language.'
'Little girl.'
'I. AM SO. BORED!'
'Look at Novevu's descendant, ignoring her duties.'

"Excuse me?"
Dev's concentration finally snapped, dark brows lowering as she glared into the nothing beside her. She could see a small gathering of ghosts standing there, just congregating for no apparent reason. Most of them faced her, but there were a few mindlessly facing any direction. One of them cocked his head at DeVian quizzically. "Why are there so many of you here, anyway? There's not enough room on the rest of the Earth for you to haunt?"


'Trust me, your company is really not so grand.'
'Can't you feel it?'

"What are you talking about?"


'The energy of Echowix, young one.
'Have you not heard the message?'
'It was for you.'
'For all of us.'
'Have I always not been able to feel my legs?'

Her fingertips felt cold. But it wasn't from fear. If anything, she was becoming more exasperated by the situation with every new development. On the other hand, the challenge was more attractive. It wasn't like she feared the other houses, for she was a descendant of Novevu, the original thief and the one that put the creator of the Ancients to sleep. She knew of the power her house was capable of. She just didn't know if she felt like applying it amid the demands of her civilian life.

"Tell me, then, what you saw."


'Now she wants something from us.'
'Well tell her.'
'What's in it for me?'

"I will try my best not to send you shrieking into the Vacío. Unless you prefer the Prism?"


'She can't do that...'
'Can she?'
'Do you want to find out?'
'I want to rest...'
'I just want to go to Elysian.'
'The beam of light seen around the world. Echowix has returned.'

A metal clanking sound made the tech giant heiress start. She looked over her shoulder, relieved to see the pilot loading bags into the cargo hold. "Who the hell ya talkin' to over there?" he asked, grunting with exertion.

"What? I wasn't talking."


"Fuck, I must be tripping out. I could've sworn I heard you over here. Well, we're about ready to get this baby in the air."

"Barrett, who wants to hear their pilot say they're 'tripping out' right before they take a metal death trap into the skies?"



-



The time difference from Sao Paulo to Rome was only five hours, but DeVian was dead fucking tired by the time she walked into her hotel. The penthouse was already taken, much to her dismay, but she'd gotten the best money could by for her stay. Which honestly wasn't that great. The tourists had booked a lot of the rooms, especially since she'd needed to come on such short notice.

She rubbed at her forehead as she collapsed onto the queen bed in the room, exhaustion pouring out of every muscle. But sleep didn't come. Instead, she found herself falling into the Void. There was no ground to land on, nor was there any fear related to the falling. She just felt weightless, as if she were floating around a pool.

"Something has changed," came Novevu's echoing voice, but this time she was not looking up at him. He still sat on his throne nonchalantly. DeVian felt as if she were perpetually falling at his eye level. The false illusion of water did not ripple under his feet.

"Master, I am following the book,"
she told him hurriedly, annoyed already with any scolding he might have on his mind.

"Echowix herself has appeared in this mortal realm to appeal to all the houses. This is unprecedented."

"So we're not the only ones looking for it."


"No, but it is in our best interest to be the ones who possess it. Destodai is already so unstable. Alvax fancies himself a just crusader." He let something like a sigh pass out of his nose. "She appeared in the Colosseum of Rome. Echowix is not so thoughtless that that place has no significance."

"Very well. Tomorrow--"


"Go now."

Her jaw flexed. That was as far as the physical extent of her annoyance went.

"One more thing. Do not forget what house you belong to."

"Yes, I am DeVian of House Desdon. You never leave me alone long enough to forget it."


The unhinged laugh that she hadn't heard thus far rang in her ears. And the very next moment, she was waking in her hotel bed and internally screeching. There was no explanation for how tired she was. She just knew she had to do this mission for Novevu, before she found herself unable to sleep because ghosts decided to hold a conversation at all hours of the night. So she just rubbed her eyes, threw a series of punches into the air in her frustration, and left the hotel again. The bath she had on her mind for later... Maybe this stress would be worth it, after all.

Rome was beautiful; that was a given. She had been all over the world, and even in Italy, but never Rome. Despite the fact that Italian was close to her native Spanish, she could barely make conversation in Italian. It was mostly phrases she had picked up in the business.

The cab driver was pleasant enough. It was easy to get to the Colosseum since it was such a popular destination. Even moreso since a woman had appeared and disappeared in an amazing display of light.

Dev stepped out, throwing on a pair of sunglasses to combat the sun. It had only been about 10 AM at home, but it was mid-day here. The sun was out in full force and it was a bit humid. The dark-skinned woman approached the stairs of the ancient structure slowly and cautiously. She could feel it as soon as she stepped onto the scene: the magic. The raw magic Echowix must've left behind--

Or was that the book? Was this just the imprint the book left?

She was not afraid of coming toe-to-toe with the other houses. What she was more afraid of was disappointing Novevu if she did not perform well. He would have domain over her soul after she died, and the Void didn't seem like the most welcoming place. There was no amount of fear or respect that rivaled what she held for her Ancient, despite how demanding and ambivalent he could be.

'You are not the only--'
'They are here!'
'You claimants all smell the same.'

DeVian's lips moved into the start of a grin. Good. The ghosts would do all the searching for the other claimants for her. "Point them out to me, mis encantadores. It's time for a few business deals."

"I just don't understand why you need to leave, mija. You know this is an important time to be here. They have to get used to seeing your beautiful face in charge, you know."

DeVian weathered his hesitations with a curt smile on her lips, hands clasped behind her back as she waited for an opening in his worried monologue.

"I know, papa. But this is something I have to do."


"It's not helping that you won't even tell me why. I've half a mind to tell you no."

'Can you hear me?'
'So much pain...'
'This corner or that one? I can't decide which to stand on today.'

DeVian's ears felt hot. This was the worst time to be hearing the voices. The ghosts. Sometimes they were louder than the voices of the living, and most of the time infinitely more irritating.

"I'm going, but I'll call you. That's all I can do, papa."


"You'll call every day?"

"Oh, there's no way in hell. But I'll check in often."


"Last time you left home without an explanation, you drove your car into the sea."

'Are you ignoring me?'
Leave, leave, leave!'

"I remember. If you keep worrying so much, it'll rub off on me."


"You are mi corazon, hermosa. I will always worry."


-



It felt like every time Novevu was pissed with her she heard more of the ghosts. Sometimes she saw more. They hung on the edge of her vision, following her like a shy shadow. It seemed like a lot of them talked to themselves. On the occasion, she found herself asking the undead for directions. Some of her previous tasks for Novevu had included putting a few of the restless spirits to permanent sleep. She supposed she was a part-time mostly-human grim reaper at the Ancient of Death's discretion.

Even now, as she sat with her legs crossed in the hangar of one of Law Technologies' private airfields, she was impatient to get this over with. The ghosts were everywhere, constantly heckling her. It felt like the Void was just over her shoulder.

'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking the right language.'
'Little girl.'
'I. AM SO. BORED!'
'Look at Novevu's descendant, ignoring her duties.'

"Excuse me?"
Dev's concentration finally snapped, dark brows lowering as she glared into the nothing beside her. She could see a small gathering of ghosts standing there, just congregating for no apparent reason. Most of them faced her, but there were a few mindlessly facing any direction. One of them cocked his head at DeVian quizzically. "Why are there so many of you here, anyway? There's not enough room on the rest of the Earth for you to haunt?"


'Trust me, your company is really not so grand.'
'Can't you feel it?'

"What are you talking about?"


'The energy of Echowix, young one.
'Have you not heard the message?'
'It was for you.'
'For all of us.'
'Have I always not been able to feel my legs?'

Her fingertips felt cold. But it wasn't from fear. If anything, she was becoming more exasperated by the situation with every new development. On the other hand, the challenge was more attractive. It wasn't like she feared the other houses, for she was a descendant of Novevu, the original thief and the one that put the creator of the Ancients to sleep. She knew of the power her house was capable of. She just didn't know if she felt like applying it amid the demands of her civilian life.

"Tell me, then, what you saw."


'Now she wants something from us.'
'Well tell her.'
'What's in it for me?'

"I will try my best not to send you shrieking into the Vacío. Unless you prefer the Prism?"


'She can't do that...'
'Can she?'
'Do you want to find out?'
'I want to rest...'
'I just want to go to Elysian.'
'The beam of light seen around the world. Echowix has returned.'

A metal clanking sound made the tech giant heiress start. She looked over her shoulder, relieved to see the pilot loading bags into the cargo hold. "Who the hell ya talkin' to over there?" he asked, grunting with exertion.

"What? I wasn't talking."


"Fuck, I must be tripping out. I could've sworn I heard you over here. Well, we're about ready to get this baby in the air."

"Barrett, who wants to hear their pilot say they're 'tripping out' right before they take a metal death trap into the skies?"



-



The time difference from Sao Paulo to Rome was only five hours, but DeVian was dead fucking tired by the time she walked into her hotel. The penthouse was already taken, much to her dismay, but she'd gotten the best money could by for her stay. Which honestly wasn't that great. The tourists had booked a lot of the rooms, especially since she'd needed to come on such short notice.

She rubbed at her forehead as she collapsed onto the queen bed in the room, exhaustion pouring out of every muscle. But sleep didn't come. Instead, she found herself falling into the Void. There was no ground to land on, nor was there any fear related to the falling. She just felt weightless, as if she were floating around a pool.

"Something has changed," came Novevu's echoing voice, but this time she was not looking up at him. He still sat on his throne nonchalantly. DeVian felt as if she were perpetually falling at his eye level. The false illusion of water did not ripple under his feet.

"Master, I am following the book,"
she told him hurriedly, annoyed already with any scolding he might have on his mind.

"Echowix herself has appeared in this mortal realm to appeal to all the houses. This is unprecedented."

"So we're not the only ones looking for it."


"No, but it is in our best interest to be the ones who possess it. Destodai is already so unstable. Alvax fancies himself a just crusader." He let something like a sigh pass out of his nose. "She appeared in the Colosseum of Rome. Echowix is not so thoughtless that that place has no significance."

"Very well. Tomorrow--"


"Go now."

Her jaw flexed. That was as far as the physical extent of her annoyance went.

"One more thing. Do not forget what house you belong to."

"Yes, I am DeVian of House Desdon. You never leave me alone long enough to forget it."


The unhinged laugh that she hadn't heard thus far rang in her ears. And the very next moment, she was waking in her hotel bed and internally screeching. There was no explanation for how tired she was. She just knew she had to do this mission for Novevu, before she found herself unable to sleep because ghosts decided to hold a conversation at all hours of the night. So she just rubbed her eyes, threw a series of punches into the air in her frustration, and left the hotel again. The bath she had on her mind for later... Maybe this stress would be worth it, after all.

Rome was beautiful; that was a given. She had been all over the world, and even in Italy, but never Rome. Despite the fact that Italian was close to her native Spanish, she could barely make conversation in Italian. It was mostly phrases she had picked up in the business.

The cab driver was pleasant enough. It was easy to get to the Colosseum since it was such a popular destination. Even moreso since a woman had appeared and disappeared in an amazing display of light.

Dev stepped out, throwing on a pair of sunglasses to combat the sun. It had only been about 10 AM at home, but it was mid-day here. The sun was out in full force and it was a bit humid. The dark-skinned woman approached the stairs of the ancient structure slowly and cautiously. She could feel it as soon as she stepped onto the scene: the magic. The raw magic Echowix must've left behind--

Or was that the book? Was this just the imprint the book left?

She was not afraid of coming toe-to-toe with the other houses. What she was more afraid of was disappointing Novevu if she did not perform well. He would have domain over her soul after she died, and the Void didn't seem like the most welcoming place. There was no amount of fear or respect that rivaled what she held for her Ancient, despite how demanding and ambivalent he could be.

'You are not the only--'
'They are here!'
'You claimants all smell the same.'

DeVian's lips moved into the start of a grin. Good. The ghosts would do all the searching for the other claimants for her. "Point them out to me, mis encantadores. It's time for a few business deals."

"I just don't understand why you need to leave, mija. You know this is an important time to be here. They have to get used to seeing your beautiful face in charge, you know."

DeVian weathered his hesitations with a curt smile on her lips, hands clasped behind her back as she waited for an opening in his worried monologue.

"I know, papa. But this is something I have to do."


"It's not helping that you won't even tell me why. I've half a mind to tell you no."

'Can you hear me?'
'So much pain...'
'This corner or that one? I can't decide which to stand on today.'

DeVian's ears felt hot. This was the worst time to be hearing the voices. The ghosts. Sometimes they were louder than the voices of the living, and most of the time infinitely more irritating.

"I'm going, but I'll call you. That's all I can do, papa."


"You'll call every day?"

"Oh, there's no way in hell. But I'll check in often."


"Last time you left home without an explanation, you drove your car into the sea."

'Are you ignoring me?'
Leave, leave, leave!'

"I remember. If you keep worrying so much, it'll rub off on me."


"You are mi corazon, hermosa. I will always worry."


-



It felt like every time Novevu was pissed with her she heard more of the ghosts. Sometimes she saw more. They hung on the edge of her vision, following her like a shy shadow. It seemed like a lot of them talked to themselves. On the occasion, she found herself asking the undead for directions. Some of her previous tasks for Novevu had included putting a few of the restless spirits to permanent sleep. She supposed she was a part-time mostly-human grim reaper at the Ancient of Death's discretion.

Even now, as she sat with her legs crossed in the hangar of one of Law Technologies' private airfields, she was impatient to get this over with. The ghosts were everywhere, constantly heckling her. It felt like the Void was just over her shoulder.

'I'm pretty sure I'm speaking the right language.'
'Little girl.'
'I. AM SO. BORED!'
'Look at Novevu's descendant, ignoring her duties.'

"Excuse me?"
Dev's concentration finally snapped, dark brows lowering as she glared into the nothing beside her. She could see a small gathering of ghosts standing there, just congregating for no apparent reason. Most of them faced her, but there were a few mindlessly facing any direction. One of them cocked his head at DeVian quizzically. "Why are there so many of you here, anyway? There's not enough room on the rest of the Earth for you to haunt?"


'Trust me, your company is really not so grand.'
'Can't you feel it?'

"What are you talking about?"


'The energy of Echowix, young one.
'Have you not heard the message?'
'It was for you.'
'For all of us.'
'Have I always not been able to feel my legs?'

Her fingertips felt cold. But it wasn't from fear. If anything, she was becoming more exasperated by the situation with every new development. On the other hand, the challenge was more attractive. It wasn't like she feared the other houses, for she was a descendant of Novevu, the original thief and the one that put the creator of the Ancients to sleep. She knew of the power her house was capable of. She just didn't know if she felt like applying it amid the demands of her civilian life.

"Tell me, then, what you saw."


'Now she wants something from us.'
'Well tell her.'
'What's in it for me?'

"I will try my best not to send you shrieking into the Vacío. Unless you prefer the Prism?"


'She can't do that...'
'Can she?'
'Do you want to find out?'
'I want to rest...'
'I just want to go to Elysian.'
'The beam of light seen around the world. Echowix has returned.'

A metal clanking sound made the tech giant heiress start. She looked over her shoulder, relieved to see the pilot loading bags into the cargo hold. "Who the hell ya talkin' to over there?" he asked, grunting with exertion.

"What? I wasn't talking."


"Fuck, I must be tripping out. I could've sworn I heard you over here. Well, we're about ready to get this baby in the air."

"Barrett, who wants to hear their pilot say they're 'tripping out' right before they take a metal death trap into the skies?"



-



The time difference from Sao Paulo to Rome was only five hours, but DeVian was dead fucking tired by the time she walked into her hotel. The penthouse was already taken, much to her dismay, but she'd gotten the best money could by for her stay. Which honestly wasn't that great. The tourists had booked a lot of the rooms, especially since she'd needed to come on such short notice.

She rubbed at her forehead as she collapsed onto the queen bed in the room, exhaustion pouring out of every muscle. But sleep didn't come. Instead, she found herself falling into the Void. There was no ground to land on, nor was there any fear related to the falling. She just felt weightless, as if she were floating around a pool.

"Something has changed," came Novevu's echoing voice, but this time she was not looking up at him. He still sat on his throne nonchalantly. DeVian felt as if she were perpetually falling at his eye level. The false illusion of water did not ripple under his feet.

"Master, I am following the book,"
she told him hurriedly, annoyed already with any scolding he might have on his mind.

"Echowix herself has appeared in this mortal realm to appeal to all the houses. This is unprecedented."

"So we're not the only ones looking for it."


"No, but it is in our best interest to be the ones who possess it. Destodai is already so unstable. Alvax fancies himself a just crusader." He let something like a sigh pass out of his nose. "She appeared in the Colosseum of Rome. Echowix is not so thoughtless that that place has no significance."

"Very well. Tomorrow--"


"Go now."

Her jaw flexed. That was as far as the physical extent of her annoyance went.

"One more thing. Do not forget what house you belong to."

"Yes, I am DeVian of House Desdon. You never leave me alone long enough to forget it."


The unhinged laugh that she hadn't heard thus far rang in her ears. And the very next moment, she was waking in her hotel bed and internally screeching. There was no explanation for how tired she was. She just knew she had to do this mission for Novevu, before she found herself unable to sleep because ghosts decided to hold a conversation at all hours of the night. So she just rubbed her eyes, threw a series of punches into the air in her frustration, and left the hotel again. The bath she had on her mind for later... Maybe this stress would be worth it, after all.

Rome was beautiful; that was a given. She had been all over the world, and even in Italy, but never Rome. Despite the fact that Italian was close to her native Spanish, she could barely make conversation in Italian. It was mostly phrases she had picked up in the business.

The cab driver was pleasant enough. It was easy to get to the Colosseum since it was such a popular destination. Even moreso since a woman had appeared and disappeared in an amazing display of light.

Dev stepped out, throwing on a pair of sunglasses to combat the sun. It had only been about 10 AM at home, but it was mid-day here. The sun was out in full force and it was a bit humid. The dark-skinned woman approached the stairs of the ancient structure slowly and cautiously. She could feel it as soon as she stepped onto the scene: the magic. The raw magic Echowix must've left behind--

Or was that the book? Was this just the imprint the book left?

She was not afraid of coming toe-to-toe with the other houses. What she was more afraid of was disappointing Novevu if she did not perform well. He would have domain over her soul after she died, and the Void didn't seem like the most welcoming place. There was no amount of fear or respect that rivaled what she held for her Ancient, despite how demanding and ambivalent he could be.

'You are not the only--'
'They are here!'
'You claimants all smell the same.'

DeVian's lips moved into the start of a grin. Good. The ghosts would do all the searching for the other claimants for her. "Point them out to me, mis encantadores. It's time for a few business deals."