blueteamnovel 564. The Arbiter’s Request
564. The Arbiter’s Request
564. The Arbiter’s Request
Frost reached a hand towards where the water terminated.
Beneath was a pit that fell until it reached a singular point of darkness.
A thin, invisible fabric brushed against her fingertips, tearing apart at the seams.
“It’s safe. Go on. See what lays beyond.” Michaela urged. “Oh? Did you think I meant you? No. Only Frost may be permitted to.”
“Huuuh?” Cer tilted her head, only to be slapped on the back of the neck by Res.
“Show some respect! Ahem. Arbiter –!”
“O Young Res. Blessed Res... Need I remind you that we are friends? Be not afraid of this one.”
“Yes. Of course.” Res nearly bowed but was stopped short by one of Michaela’s tails. “I’m... also curious about what Cer said. Why is only Frost allowed to see what’s out there?”
“Because you are still lost.” The Arbiter did not elaborate further, her attention solely on Frost now. “Hmhm... More importantly – That place represents somewhere far from here. A place where thoughts conglomerate. And that place... is where Stars may only tread.”
“And the Impuritas think they can do all that when not even that Iscario fucker can’t deal with a Corrupted to save his life?” Cer made Frost smile with those words. “Who the hell does he think he is?”
“A Star.” Galia answered simply.
Frost peered past the torn fabric only to be met with a herculean wall of...
... nothing.
Nothing existed beyond this point.
It was a darkness that consumed everything. The same kind that prevented adults from entering the Escape.
But it did not gnaw at her.
Rather, it was welcoming.
The sea of blackness was a void without stars. In that place she became the only star, her eyes twinkling – the light beginning their voyage into the unknown.
The reason Frost could enter this space was because she is the very incarnation – the physical embodiment – of the Captured Star.
“He’s the kind of guy that only a mother can love.” Ber shrugged.
Michaela silently laughed at her comment as Frost was dragged back in. Suddenly, Michaela’s eyes widened. Her smile turned into one of shock.
“Is something the matter? Don’t tell me my face melted off or something.” Frost said, pointing at her face as she wondered why the Arbiter had such a strange look on her face.
“... Nostalgia. It comes at times most unexpected.” She said, her expression then turning into one of longing. “I always thought it was a shame that your hair couldn’t be white. It’d suit you well.”
“You think so? I think having white hair would’ve made it even harder of me. Honestly. Actually...” Frost trailed off, fiddling with her hair. “If it was white, then do you think Iscario would’ve tried to imprison me –?”
The air became heavy all of a sudden. Michaela’s hold over the oceans wavered. An incredible amount of Nex radiated from her body, as did an overbearing pressure that nearly caused Frost’s body to shut down.
The ears of the Triplets folded. Galia also froze in place. It was as though Michaela demanded the world to stop.
“... If that were the case, then history would have played very differently.”
She turned her back to them. It was clear that she did not want to entertain the thought any longer. Frost had never seen Michaela so furious before. Even when she fought her as the Crowned, Michaela had never made such a dark face.
... did I say something wrong?
“Unknown... It is for the best that we leave this topic alone. The Book of the Price of Paradise will reveal all in time. And she will have to confront whatever demon it is haunting her.”
Yeah... I should apologize as soon as I can.
As soon as the apologetic thought came to her – the tip of a warm, fluffy tail brushed her cheek.
“It’s because you remind me too much of ‘Her’ that I am like this, Frost. That vagrant child who reached for a Star like myself and pulled my hideous form out of my cocoon. They are not you. Neither are you them. That much is certain.”
The Arbiter now shouldered her own weapon – the False Price of Paradise.
“I must find them. I truly wish I could leave the Nexus to do it myself. Neither do I enjoy the idea of leaving this task to you. But my pride has always been the blade that has repeatedly killed this heart. Hence why I will announce my request at my humble Council tomorrow. Just before you depart.”
The Arbiter then patted Frost’s head with her lone tail before retracting it. All seven tails rose over her shoulder like an extension of her blade of light.
“You already know it Frost. I want you to find my true Price of Paradise.”