by J. J. Egosi
There was a smile on her face. “Well?”
“Well, I think so.”
The woman frowned. She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and slammed him up against a tree.
“You think so? You have the nerve to violate me with your eyes while I’m trying to protect you, and you can’t even tell me for certain that they’re the best?” She was livid.
Michael began to sweat. He could feel it beading down his neck. “Well, I think they’re the best. I’m not sure. You see, there’s this girl from home. Her breasts, well-”
The woman released her grip on him and stood back. “Well, I suppose there’s no helping it.”
“Huh?”
“You may be a pervert, but at least you’re honest.”
Michael’s nerves slowly left him. The woman extended her hand.
“My name’s Julianna,” she said. “I’m an assassin from the Light Realm. And you are?”
An assassin? Michael gulped as he shook her hand.
“My name’s Michael,” he replied. “I’m from the Dark Realm. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
They sat down on a rotting log in the woods. Now that the fire beast was gone, the surviving inhabitants slowly came out of hiding: cattle, rabbit, deer, and several species of birds. The trees were still scorched, but the animals felt safe and so did Michael.
“So what’s your deal?” Julianna asked.
“My deal?”
“Yes, your deal. What brings you to the Twilight Forest in the middle of the night? Are you also an assassin?”
Without thinking, Michael nodded. “That’s right.”
“Well, in that case, I take it you’re here for a large bounty like I am.”
A large bounty?
Panicking, Michael said the first thing that came to his mind.
“I came looking for trouble.”
Julianna burst out laughing. “That’s what brings you here? You were looking for trouble? Well, you found it!” She wrapped her arm tightly around him. “Let’s partner up for a little while. I have a couple more heads to collect, and you’re probably still looking for trouble. Is that right?”
What did I just get myself into? Michael got an uneasy feeling at the thought of lying to a trained killer. Why did I tell her I was an assassin and agree to help her collect more bounties? Did I really agree to all that?
His mind raced with the thousands of ways in which the forest, along with this assassin, could take his life.
Then it clicked.
I no longer hear that voice. Michael studied the smile on Julianna’s face; it was both confident and playful. He then thought about Isabella’s smile. They were very similar. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel so alone anymore. At least not when I’m with her.
Michael allowed himself a half-smile. But, how long until she decides to throw me away like everyone else has?
He averted his gaze. He’d accepted that happiness was only transient at best for him and a ruse at worst.
Noticing his gloomy expression, Julianna laid her head on his shoulder. “Oh, don’t look so sad. We’ll have plenty of fun together, I’m sure of it. After all, I can’t wait to meet this girl from home of yours.”
Michael lost himself in her contagious laugh; his lips even twitched upwards again.
So this is my life now…even if it is only for now.
My life with this red-eyed assassin.
Michael, who was overwhelmed by her in so many ways, was struck by the realization that things were only going to get more complicated from here.
Chapter 3
A Sudden Raging of Spirits
T
he next morning, Michael woke up lying on the floor of the Twilight Forest. He slowly opened his eyes to the sun beating across his face.
“It’s morning, already? Damn,” he muttered with an exhausted groan.
The last couple of days felt like a dream. Things seemed to be happening quickly and with little explanation.
“I had the craziest dream…about a fire giant…and this red-headed assassin…”
His dream continued when he opened his eyes, and sleeping on his chest was the woman he’d met in the woods. Julianna.
Michael tried to gently shift her onto the grass, doing his best not to wake her up. Just before he could get up, he felt her latching back onto him again, this time more tightly as her lips quirked upwards. Michael could now plainly see her cleavage in her nightshirt where their chests met. He attempted to avert his gaze, feeling somewhat embarrassed. She softly patted his cheek.
“You’re not escaping that easily,” she said, meeting his eyes. “Not when those lecherous eyes of yours won’t stop staring down at my breasts.”
Michael’s face grew red.
“No, I was just…sorry. I don’t find myself in positions like this too often.”
“Position? You mean waking up with a beautiful woman beside you?”
“Yes, that’s it,” he said. Michael laughed nervously as he tried to escape her grip.
Julianna chuckled. “You’re cute as well as honest. That’s tough to find in the industry I work in,” Julianna said as she got up. She then helped Michael do the same.
“Really? That must be rough.”
“Yes, and as you can imagine, the murder business is very male-dominated.” She looked over at the knapsack she’d hidden in the forest prior. The light size of it told him she had little interest in attracting unwanted attention. “It’s not often I find a man I can remotely stomach, let alone enjoy being around. Nothing but a bunch of perverts. Always trying to grope me…”
And am I different because I haven’t tried to lay a hand on her?
Michael looked at her in confusion. “So is sleeping together your way of saying you trust me?”
Julianna slapped him across the face. “Are you calling me a whore?”
“No, not at all!”
Julianna gritted her teeth. “I slept beside you because I think you’re a decent guy. I’m not that kind of woman,” she said, storming away into the woods.
Michael ran after her.
“Hey, wait! That’s not what I meant. I just… I’m not very good with women, or with people for that matter. I’m sorry. Can we start over?”
Julianna walked towards him. She kept walking until they were only two inches apart.
“Fine, we can start over…on one condition.”
Michael took a deep breath. He felt uneasy. “Alright. What is your condition?”
She grinned. “I’ll forgive you for calling me a whore, if you kiss me on the lips.”
Michael was utterly dumbstruck. Is she for real? How is kissing a stranger, of all things, going to prove she’s not a whore? Women are so damn confusing.
After pondering the condition for a moment, he took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright, I accept.”
“Excellent.”
The trees rustled gently against the morning winds. The sun shone down on his blushing face. Michael’s heart raced as Julianna leaned closer. She stood up on her tiptoes and leaned in for a kiss. Just before Michael was about to place his lips on hers, he stopped.
“Wait a minute,” Michael placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her away. “You’re an assassin. How do I know you’re not trying to get my guard down?”
“Very perceptive, Michael, that you passed the test. Anyone with half a brain should know better than to act carelessly around an assassin. While my business is strictly with beasts like the one we faced yesterday, you could’ve easily been my target. Though if I really wanted to kill you, don’t you think I would have done that in your sleep? Of course, we’re in the same business, so I’m sure you already knew that.”
This woman has a few screws loose.
“What’s that look in your eyes? Are you hiding something from me?”
Julianna leaned closer. Michael felt sweat beading on his face.
“No, it’s just… Do I look like someone that could
be a target?” The wanted poster on the ship flashed through his mind.
“Yes, as a matter of fact. With beautiful white hair like that, I’m sure you’re the bane of many men’s existences. You’re probably always ruining relationships. I’m sure many would kill you on sight.”
Michael took a deep sigh of relief.
“Thanks…I guess.”
“You are most welcome, my friend.” Julianna patted him on the back.
Friend? His mind raced with images of being hurled into the ocean and wishing for the seas to take him along with being rescued by her and waking up by her side. All while she wore that same smile. He questioned its authenticity now.
“I know you’re an assassin and all, and being flirtatious like this might just be part of some plan you have that I don’t know about yet, but can you just be honest with me?”
“I beg your pardon?” Her playful smile faded.
“A part of me thinks you might have an ulterior motive, is all,” he replied. His chest tightened as his anxiety swelled.
“Really?” Julianna raised an eyebrow. “And what sort of ulterior motive would you expect I’d have?”
“Look, I don’t often meet new people, being a house servant and all. I certainly never make friends. So if you’re just being nice so you can kill me later, I’d prefer you just cut the act.” In a moment of fear and vulnerability, his words had slipped, and he said something he knew he couldn’t take back.
“Hold on,” Julianna replied. “I thought you said you were an assassin.”
Michael froze. His heart pounded. The wind blew freely through the trees as he realized his words contradicted the lie he’d told her yesterday.
“Yes, I am. The lowly house servant is a role that I play to let other peoples’ guard down.”
Michael took a deep breath. He could tell by her raised eyebrow her suspicion was growing. He had no other option but to tell the truth. In the presence of someone who kills for a living, he refused to let himself lie to her again. For saving his life the night prior, he owed her that much.
“Alright, I’m not an assassin. I’m a servant who got kicked out of his home. I’m here in these woods in search of a new start. I’m sorry for lying to you. Really, I am.”
Julianna scoffed. “You act so high and mighty, accusing me of putting up some sort of flirtatious front, and yet you’re the one who’s been dishonest! Well, fuck me. I feel like a fool.”
“I really am sorry.”
“Look, I like you, Michael. I’m not sure what it is, but I feel comfortable around you. You can either trust me or not. Is that straightforward enough for you?” She angrily crossed her arms.
Michael nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry. Could you please forgive me?”
“I suppose I can forgive you for lying. But no more of that, ok? It’s dangerous to keep things from me!”
She pointed directly into his face. Michael felt like his heart skipped a beat at the sight of the sharp fingernail.
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Excellent. Now, what’s the name of that girl from back home, and just how big is her chest?” Julianna said, pressing her breasts against him.
I’m going to fucking die in these woods!
“Her name is Isabella and…probably your size. Maybe. It’s hard to say. She’s slightly shorter than you, though,” he timidly replied.
“That’ll do for now. When I’m done taking care of business here, I still plan on meeting this woman of yours. What’s your relationship to this girl anyway? A girlfriend of some sort?”
“No, she’s the daughter of the family I worked for. Well, until they threw me out.”
“I see. Forbidden love between the master and her servant.” She swung her arms every which way in a taunting manner, as though she was portraying a swooning damsel falling into the arms of a young man.
“It wasn’t like that. Trust me.”
“Oh? Is she not your type? Don’t tell me you’re in it for more than a large pair of breasts?”
“She’s attractive, sure,” Michael hesitantly replied. “But she’s the shrewd type.”
“Shrewd, you say?”
“She’s been getting groomed her whole life to inherit her family’s billion-gold estate. She turned into a monster as a result.” Michael’s expression shuddered in anxiety. He vaguely recalled a conversation he had with her when they were younger. He was sitting in his room reading spells from a textbook he’d taken from his sister’s room without her permission. She’d appeared over his shoulder and snatched the book from his hands.
Isabella told him that one day she’d rule over the Asmodai estate and destroy the lives of whoever got in her way. His adoptive sister had had the most callous grin on her face from such a young age. She’d worn it proudly ever since.
“I’d hear horror stories of her firing people on their first day. She’d accuse them of crimes like fraud and embezzlement, things they claimed they didn’t do. Their reputations were ruined, and they’d be chased out of town.”
“She sounds quite commanding.” Julianna appeared impressed by her pedigree.
“She is. No one questions who’s in charge when she’s around. Ever.” Michael was unable to shake the image of the last time she’d attacked him before he’d been tossed onto the street. “She’s the one who asked me to leave.”
“I see,” Julianna replied with a gentle nod. “So you’ve never been with a woman, I take it?”
“That’s what you took from that?!” He was blown away. His words were seemingly wholly ignored, all for the single motive she’d had from the beginning.
“It’s alright. I know you haven’t. Your body told me the whole story this morning,” Julianna said, rubbing his thigh.
Startled, Michael quickly jumped back. He was barely holding back his frustration. “Alright, I think that might be enough for now.”
She laughed like a gleeful teenager. “I’m just messing with you. Although, it’s good to know that if your words contain any doubt, I can always rely on another part of you for the truth.” Michael turned away, blushing and somewhat shaking.
“Also…” Julianna’s tone softened, “I’m sorry about her.”
Michael hadn’t expected that type of compassion from her, especially amid all her taunting. He thought about earlier this morning and cracked a small smile.
“It’s alright. If you don’t mind, can I ask you a serious question?”
“Alright, Mr. Serious. What did you have in mind?”
“Well, you mentioned something about killing multiple beasts like the one yesterday, right? So are you saying there are even more of those things hiding in these woods?”
“Yes, you’re correct,” she said. “I was sent out to kill three creatures known as elementals. They’re powerful entities who were once believed to be something of fairy tale. No one seems to know for sure where they came from, but some say they were the misbegotten result of a witch’s ritual.”
“A witch?”
“You’re not afraid of witches, are you?”
Michael was frightened just at the sound of the word. They were known for being practitioners of black magic and other forbidden arts, acts that were punishable by death where he came from.
“Well, it’s only speculation,” Julianna added. Michael felt some of the tension leave him. “What I can tell you for certain is that the beasts are brutish and will attack anything in their path, as you’ve now experienced.”
“I see. There are three of them?” asked Michael.
“Yes. You’re already acquainted with the fire elemental. Then there’s the earth elemental and the water elemental. Again, no one seems to know for sure where they came from. All I care about is that killing them will make me about half a million gold pieces.”
“And are they all able to lay eggs? Wouldn’t those be worth something?”
“Very insightful for someone who only poses as an assassin. Only the fire elemental has been known to spawn. After all, few elements s
pread the way fire does.”
Michael nodded; he knew full well about the ravenous devastation flames could cause if left unchecked.
“I see. Well, if they’re all as big as the fire elemental was, I’m sure the other two will be easy to find.”
“Let’s hope so.” Julianna began walking back into the woods. “Since this forest is where the other two are said to dwell, we should be able to find them in no time.”
“You mean, right now?” Michael asked.
“You said yourself that they’d be easy to find.”
“I did, but-”
“So hurry the fuck up,” Julianna said. “You may have lied about being an assassin, but you promised to help me.”
“That’s true.” Michael hid his pensive stare and followed her.
The two of them walked through the woods, searching for clues as to the whereabouts of the other two elementals.
After about an hour of walking, they were met with a massive spring. Different colored petals showered down from summer trees. They watched in wonder as the massive waterfall poured a glimmering cascade. The light glinting from it brought out the many shades of the petals in the flowers that surrounded the spring at the base. The sun rose calmly over the horizon. It was like something out of a dream.
“Wow. It’s beautiful.” Michael felt like his breath had been taken away.
“Indeed. Care to go for a swim?” Julianna asked.
Michael blushed. “Really?”
“Sure, why not? After rolling around in the dirt last night, we could both use a bath.”
Julianna started stripping. Michael turned away in disbelief.
“You can turn around now if you want.”
Reluctantly, Michael turned around to see her standing there wearing red lace undergarments. He could tell the materials were rare and expensive.
“What do you think?”
“I think it’s very nice,” he nervously replied.
“Well, what are you waiting for? The water’s nice and warm. Get in!” Julianna pushed him into the spring. She then quickly followed him in.
Michael gasped for air as he pulled his head out of the water.
“What the hell was that for?”
