goddessserena0

[goddessserena0]

You begin the fight by forming a bow with your energy and firing off a couple of arrows. Chaldra creates two daggers and begins closing the distance on Luciana.

Luciana summons her sword, blocks your arrows, and clashes with Chaldra.

"You know, I've been waiting for a chance to have a true battle with you." Chaldra says.

"Heh, glad to see you've finally come into yourself Chaldra."

Chaldra backs off before dashing around Luciana as you fire off more arrows at her. Luciana dodges the arrows and Chaldra's attack, allowing her a chance to strike Chaldra. Chaldra responds by changing to a sword and blocking Luciana's attack, but getting thrown back in the process.

"Chaldra!" You call out as you fire a barrage of arrows at Luciana to distract her.

Luciana blocks and dodges the arrows as Chaldra recovers. "Thanks for the cover partner." They change their sword into a large hammer and dash toward Luciana.

While they close the distance your change your bow into a whip and use it to bind Luciana. Opening her up for a strike from Chaldra, who takes her hammer and slams it into Luciana. This sends her flying across the field before catching herself and quickly getting back to her feet.

"Damn, that was actually a good hit you two. Your teamwork has improved immensely."

She begins clutching her arm that took the hit.

"You've also gotten a lot stronger Chaldra. You could probably give Astrom a run for his money with your arm."

She readies herself for the next onslaught.

[goddessserena0]

Time passes and you and Chaldra return to training. It is weird at first for the both of you considering that you had been working with the same body up to this point. Luckily the both of you seem to take to the new situation quickly.

You both have the weaponsmith capability but the range between you too is quite different.

Chaldra prefers more up close in your face weapons. Things like knives, sword, rapiers and such. While you prefer more tactical weapons like bows, whips, and chakrams.

Despite your different preferences in weapons you both are able to work together very well. You find ways to weave attacks between each others in order to overwhelm your opponents.

Chaldra is the first to figure out some of your more unique abilities. You and Chaldra are able to summon a star, gold for you and red for Chaldra at a point within a certain distance. You can then warp to said star and launch attacks from there.

After years of training and mastering your abilities Luciana issues the two of you your final challenge.

"Defeat me and I'll consider your training complete."

You can Chaldra look at each other and nod before looking back to Luciana.

"Hope you're ready to finally see our training come to an end." Chaldra says. They had become more outspoken as the years.

"This will be the day when we finally beat you." You add on to Chaldra's statement.

A smirk crosses Luciana's face.

"Well then, let's see what the two of you can truly do."

[goddessserena0]

After your refreshing lunch at the ramen shop, you and Chaldra continue exploring around the city. You find more out of the way restaurants and some stores that sell some strange items. None of them interest either of you however.

During you exploration you notice the gate to Ertos. You want to visit again sometime, it seemed interesting.

Chaldra takes notice of you stopping and looks to the gate as well.

"Lets go back at some point Frisken."

You look at Chaldra, "You really want to?"

"Yeah, I do."

They pause.

"Actually, I want to go to more than Ertos, I want to go throughout all of creation and experience everything there is to experience. I want to travel to different worlds, meet many different kinds of people."

You smile, "That sounds great Chaldra."

"And I want to do it all with you by my side."

You are taken by surprise at that, you really weren't expecting that at all.

"Me? Why me?"

"Because you're my partner of course, and I can't do anything without my partner."

You smile at them again, "Yeah, partners."

[goddessserena0]

The two of you spend the day exploring different areas of the city, visiting the different corps and learning how the different spirits live and get along.

You learn about the different small feuds that happen between corps, especially the fire and water corps. You are glad that things aren't a full blown civil war.

You also find the archives, a massive library of any and every book you could imagine. The amount of knowledge that could be found here was seemingly infinite. The keeper of the archives Aurora was also very nice. You liked her.

You and Chaldra find a few other restaurants that seem interesting. One of the being a ramen shop, where they only serve ramen. You found the idea cool and convince Chaldra to get some lunch there.

"Seriously Frisken? You want to get lunch here of all places?"

"Yeah, why not, it's different, plus it could be some really good food."

They sigh, "Very well, I just hope it doesn't disappoint."

You both enter and find a seat. You both order and bowl and soon after receive a large bowl of ramen. You excitedly dig in and find it to be really delicious.

Chaldra is more cautious than you and takes their time with their first bite. However, you can see their demeanor change after that first bite and they begin eating it happily.

By the time you both are finished, you feel satisfied with the meal you just had.

"We really need to come back here again Chaldra."

"I actually agree, this was far better than I would have thought."

You are looking forward to your next visit to the shop.

[goddessserena0]

By the time you and Chaldra finish breakfast, Riza is still not awake.

"This is a bit weird, isn't it Chaldra?"

They take a drink of their tea, "What is weird Frisken?"

"The fact that Riza isn't awake yet, she's usually up by now."

"Well, the fact that Astrom has been back for longer than what is supposedly his norm, she is probably enjoying what she can with him."

"Hmm, I guess that makes sense. So, are there any places you want to go today?"

"Hmm, I hadn't really thought about it, I figured we could just wing it today. Just kind of walk around the city a bit and just explore."

"Didn't we do that once before?"

"Perhaps, but now, we both get to fully experience everything."

"Yeah, I guess you got a point there."

Chaldra finishes their breakfast soon after and leaves a note for Riza, telling her that they are out in the city and will be back later. After that, the two of you head off into the city.

[goddessserena0]

The night is quiet as you actually manage to sleep without any weird dreams this time. You felt as if something was watching you all night but you simply brushed it off.

The next morning arrives and you are the first of the two to awaken again. Instead of waiting for Chaldra to wake up, however, you decide to get up and get ready for the day.

By the time you have finished dressing and everything, Chaldra is awake.

"Good morning Chaldra."

They yawn, "Morning Frisken, ugh, do I have to get out of bed? It's so warm and cozy, I just want to stay in it all day."

You chuckle, "I don't think Riza would appreciate you lazing about all day like that."

"And why not? It's my life, my body, I can choose what to do with it, can't I?"

"I mean sure, but, staying in bed too long can cause physical problems Chaldra. Things like bed sores for starters, trust me, they are not pretty."

A memory of you helping your mother take care of your bedridden grandmother fills your mind and you shudder.

Chaldra lets out a groan and sits up, "Fine, fine, I'll get up."

"You know, I never took you for the lazy type Chaldra."

They glare at you, "Shut up Frisken."

You chuckle and leave the room, heading off for breakfast. You make yourself a plate of yesterday's breakfast and head for the table. By the time you are half way done with your plate, Chaldra finally comes out of the room. They still look tired.

"Geez Chaldra, you look like you barely slept last night."

They shoot another glare at you, "Unlike you, I am not a morning person. I cannot be at my peak the moment I awake, you freak."

You laugh, "I can't help that I'm a morning person."

They grumble, "I am also not used to actually sleeping. You forget that as a spirit I did not need sleep. I am still getting used to need it."

They make their plate and sit down, making a cup of tea that Riza has available.

"Tea huh?"

"Yea Frisken, tea, I do not think Miss Riza would appreciate me drinking coffee. Not that I would go for it anyway, tea is all I really need in the morning."

"Well, then you enjoy your tea Chaldra."

[goddessserena0]

The two of you manage to finish the book in time before the both of you to head off to bed. You happily head off to get ready for bed alongside Chaldra.

Once in bed, you end up staring at the ceiling again for a bit.

"Hey Chaldra, today was a great day."

"Yes, it was, I actually got to feel like a normal person again."

"What do you mean, feel like a normal person?"

"Come now Frisken, it should be obvious. I am not a spirit, I am actually here. I do not have to possess your body to speak to others or touch things. I can do things on my own. Talk to who I want, do what I want, go where I want. I have freedom again."

They extend their hand to the ceiling and close their hand into a fist, before letting it fall to their side.

"And I have you to thank for that Frisken. If I had become attached to anyone else, I doubt they would have done for me what you have. I'm glad to have you as a partner."

They smile at you and you can't help but smile back.

Their smile was always so pretty.

[goddessserena0]

You both return home rather quickly and Riza is waiting with dinner made. Astrom is also here still, a bit to your surprise. He was usually gone by now you thought.

"Hello Miss Riza," Chaldra says, "Thank you for allowing us to go alone. I promise we will have more chances to go out with you in the future."

"It's alright Chaldra, I'm just glad that the two of you are home and happy. Come, I made dinner already so go ahead and help yourselves."

You and Chaldra sit down, this time it's tacos. Hard shells, soft shells, many kinds of cheese, toppings, and everything is there. You were impressed with everything that she had prepared.

Astrom has a few of his own, some hard shell, some soft but he was slowly eating them. He waved at the two of you as you sat down and began making your plates.

You go for the hard shells, you always did love the crunch when you bit into them. Chaldra goes for the soft shells, though they packed their's full of different veggies. When they were done, it was like more veggie than meat, but who are you to tell them how to eat.

You each have a great many tacos, leaving you both satisfied by the end. You both decide to relax in the living room and read for a a bit. You grab the book you were last on and both go to sit in the large chair you used before. It was a bit snug but you both fit.

You both enjoy this time together very much.

[goddessserena0]

Chaldra tells Riza that they want to go to a place with just you and them. She seems a bit sad but agrees to let the two of you go off on your own. Chaldra hugs Riza and the two for you head out.

"Where did you want to go just the two of us Chaldra?" You ask them while you walk.

"It's a surprise." They say while holding a finger to their lips.

They move quickly through the city, knowing exactly where they want to go. Though, you start to recognize the area, getting an idea of just where they plan to go.

Soon the gardens come into view and you can't help but chuckle a bit.

"Of course you wanted to come here Chaldra."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just that you really like this place, so it makes sense that you would want to come here with your own body."

"Oh, well, you do know me very well then. That is correct though."

Chaldra rushes inside, excited to get to work. Once inside they immediately get to work on the plants. You stay near them, offering your help where they need it by grabbing various tools and other items.

Chaldra spends hours and hours in the gardens simply tending to the various plants there and learning more about them. You find it nice to see Chaldra so happy after everything and you can't help but smile at them.

Eventually, it gets late enough and the both of you head home for the night. Chaldra looks fulfilled with what they spent their day doing.

[goddessserena0]

By the time Chaldra has their fill at the market, you end up carrying so many bags you barely have the hand space or strength to carry them all.

"Why did I end up being the bag carrier?" You ask.

"Because I asked you to, and I need my hands free for more things." Chaldra replies.

You sigh, agreeing to the whole thing if it means you get to see Chaldra happy. You probably should tell them about your feelings for them, but decide it's probably still best if you don't.

After the market, the three of you head to Korsa's sweet shop. You had a feeling Chaldra would want to go here, they always did have a powerful sweet tooth.

"Welcome," Korsa says before realizing who it is, "Oh, hey Riza, Frisken, and Chaldra. Nice to see you here, let me guess, Chaldra dragged you here to get some sweets."

Chaldra smiles.

"But of course, I would not want sweets from any other shop but yours Korsa. You have the best sweets in all of Spiritan."

Korsa chuckles, "Well, aren't you the little flatterer. Alright, come and pick out what you want."

Chaldra practically warps to the counters with how fast they moved and began ordering almost everything in the place. You would have found it hard to believe that one person could eat that much sweets, but you knew Chaldra. They are a glutton when it comes to sweets.

When Chaldra had finally chosen what they want, they had a massive bag filled with mostly chocolate. Their eyes were practically shining as they looked at the bag of sweets. You know where this was going to lead later.

After leaving Korsa's shop, they head back to Riza's home to drop of what they have to make the rest of the day easier on everyone. You deposit the bags from the market into your room, while Chaldra stores their bag of sweets in the fridge.

You return to the living room, ready to head out once again.

[goddessserena0]

With breakfast finished you, Chaldra and Riza all head out. Astrom heads off to take care of a few things. Chaldra seems very excited.

"I don't think I've ever seen you this excited Chaldra." You say.

"Of course I'm excited, the first time you came here I was unable to do as I please. There were so many things I wanted to see for myself and now I finally have that chance."

You smile at them, "I'm just glad to see you happy Chaldra."

Chaldra looks a bit surprised at you saying that and smiles themselves.

"Thank you Frisken, this is all because of you after all."

Riza smiles as the two of you converse.

Arriving at the market, Chaldra wastes no time in heading off to the different stalls. Finding so many interesting things, it becomes hard for you and Riza to keep up with them.

They buy various items; books, figures, gardening tools, and some small decorative items.

"Wow Chaldra, that is quite the selection you have." You say, teasing a bit.

"Quiet Frisken, I have a lot of time to make up for."

You can't help but chuckle at them a bit.

[goddessserena0]

Chaldra looks over to Astrom at one point during the meal an asks.

"Mister Astrom, what are you reading?"

He looks up from the book at Chaldra, "Hm? Oh, I'm just reading up on weaponsmiths."

"Weaonsmiths? You mean like what Frisken and I were?"

"Are, just because you've split doesn't mean that changes what you are. You both are incredibly powerful and I'm sure will make an excellent team."

You notice Chaldra look away and blush a bit at the compliment, you can't help but smile as well.

"Thank you Mister Astrom, I appreciate your kind words." Chaldra replies.

"Look Chaldra, I get that you were raised to be formal and stuff but, cool it with the Mister Astrom thing, just call me Astrom please."

"Apologies, it was never my intention to make you upset."

Astrom sighs, "We need to get you talking like a normal person."

"Astrom, that's rude," Riza scolds, "They can talk however they want to talk."

"Yeah, you're right, sorry Chaldra."

"No offense taken, I know that my manner of speech is strange. I will work on shaping it to fit more with the modern ways."

"Don't worry about it Chaldra, the way you speak makes you special. You don't have to change unless you want to." Riza says.

"Thank you Miss Riza, I will remember that."

Breakfast is soon finished.

[goddessserena0]

Chaldra wakes up some time later. You aren't sure how long you laid there awake but you decide to not think about it.

"Good morning Chaldra." You say.

They sit up, yawn, and stretch before looking at you.

"Good morning Frisken, did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, what about you?"

"Well, for my first official nights sleep it was pleasant. No nightmares or anything of the sort."

"I'm glad to hear that Chaldra, you ready to get some food, together?"

You smiled at together, and Chaldra returned your smile.

"Yeah, I am, lets get ready."

The two of you rather quickly get ready. Chaldra noticing that Riza had already gotten a wardrobe for them ready.

"Miss Riza is so kind." They say.

"Yeah, she really is."

When the two of you finish getting ready you both head for the kitchen. Riza is busy making a large breakfast, most of it already being out on the table. Astrom is there as well, reading some kind of book.

"Good morning you two, did you sleep well?" Riza asks.

"Yes we did Miss Riza, thank you for the clothes as well." Chaldra says.

"Oh, of course dear. I did my best to pick out things I thought you would like. If you want, we can head to the market today so you can pick out some of your own."

"I would love to go to the market Miss Riza, thank you."

You and Chaldra begin making plates and devouring the food. It tastes great as always, Astrom also eats but much slower than you and Chaldra.

[goddessserena0]

You wake up later, having a vague recollection of the dream. You look over at Chaldra's bed to find them still asleep. Seems they really were tired last night.

You lay there in the bed, staring up at the smiling when bits of the dream run through your head.

Chaldra leaving a void in your soul, your selfish desires to keep them connected to you, and that thing moving in.

You look over at Chaldra again and feel a strange sense of longing toward them. You don't want to admit it but, you seem to miss what you had in a small way. This isn't something you would ever tell Chaldra but, you can't deny that maybe that dark you was right.

But are you really that selfish? Would you ever want to reverse what you've done? Destroy this new body that Chaldra has and graft them onto your soul. You shake your head vigorously, no, you would never do that. You came to this world to get Chaldra a new body, and now you have finally done that. You should be happy, you should be proud.

And yet, there is a small part of you that isn't. A small part of you that wants things back how they were. You hate it, but you can't exactly deny its existence.

Are you really that selfish of a person?

You look over at Chaldra sleeping peacefully in the bed next to you and another thought crosses your mind. One that you had been suppressing for a while now.

Chaldra is actually kind of cute.

You would never admit this to them, they were too proud to accept something like that. But, you can't help but find their mannerisms and the way they talk to be endearing. You love just sitting and listening to them talk, their voice always seeming to brighten your mood on even the darkest of days.

They always had a way of guiding you through situations. Even with ones involving diplomacy, they seemed to be able to guide you to the best path. You really appreciated Chaldra, not only for what they did for you but also for being there for you. For being one of the only people to understand what was happening to you.

Thinking about it now, maybe you even had feelings for...

No, it's best to leave those thoughts buried...

Chaldra would never accept it.

[goddessserena0]

You open your eyes to find yourself back in that same empty black void from before. You aren't sure how you got here or even when, but you have a bad feeling.

You begin to walk around the void, trying to find any of the usual objects that dot the void. You find nothing, the void is empty and devoid of anything.

You find yourself becoming increasingly confused and panicked.

What the hell happened? How did you get here? Are you alone, did Chaldra come with you? Did you Reset or something? Did you die?

All of these question filling your head as your legs continue to carry you forward. Unobstructed, undeterred, and unwavering.

Until eventually, the sight of something breaks your from your thoughts and you stop walking. It's a figure, a human as far as you can tell. Is it Chaldra? Or is it someone else entirely, either way it's something and you begin running towards it.

As you grow closer you realize that the figure looks like you, this causes your run to turn to a jog, then back to a walk as you grow near them.

"H-hello?" You say to the figure.

The figure turns their head slightly toward you before turning around completely. It was the dark version of you from the mindscape.

"Well hello there partner. It's been a bit since we saw each other. Have you been keeping well?" A sinister smile was on their face as they spoke.

"You, what the hell did you do? Why the hell am I back here? Where's Chaldra?"

They laugh, "I didn't do anything except call you into this place. This is the place where I reside within you."

"Oh yeah, well, what even is this then?"

Their smile grew even more sinister, "The hole that Chaldra left in your soul."

You freeze at that answer, that can't be right. "You're lying, that doesn't make any sense. How could Chaldra leave a void like this in my soul?"

"You two had been together for years, why wouldn't they leave a void. You felt it didn't you, when Chaldra was first removed from you. You felt a bit emptier, you felt a desire to have them back."

"No! Of course I-"

"Do not lie to yourself, I know you better than you do. I felt it all, every last little bit of guilt you tried to hide from yourself. You felt the hole being made in your soul and you wanted it filled again. Well, I'm here to fill it for you."

You could feel anger beginning to build.

"I don't want you, I don't need you. Go away and leave me alone, you don't belong here and I will never accept you."

They laugh, "I'll be here once you finally see things my way. Farewell for now, partner."

Their laugh fills the air as they vanish and you find yourself alone again.

[goddessserena0]

It takes longer to get ready since you both have to do it now, but you don't mind. You find it nice to have Chaldra here to do this with.

You are the last one done and when you get to the bedroom you find two beds side by side with Chaldra sitting on one, a smile on their face.

"Look Frisken, my own bed."

You smile back at them, "Yeah, it is Chaldra. We finally get to sleep in the same room together."

"Yeah, it's hard to believe that this is all happening. I had resolved myself to being a ghost for the rest of existence."

You take Chaldra's hand, "Well, you're here now, and you're a real solid person. You don't have to worry about any of that ever again, I promise."

They hug you, "Thank you Frisken, for everything."

You hug them back, "Of course Chaldra."

Chaldra lets go and yawns, "Well, I'm gonna get some sleep now. Good night Frisken."

"Good night Chaldra."

You both settle in for bed, and drift off to sleep.

[goddessserena0]

You and Chaldra run all the way to Riza's house, being completely out of breath by the time you reach it.

"Looks like I won Frisken." Chaldra says between breaths.

"Seriously, you get a body again and one of the first things you want to do is a race?" You reply.

"I haven't been able to do things like this in a very long time. Give me a bit of break here."

You chuckle, "It just seems a bit childish for you Chaldra."

They blush a bit, "I can act childish if I want to."

You laugh, "Yeah, of course Chaldra."

They don't respond and open the door.

"Miss Riza, we are home," They call out as they enter.

She comes running into the room, letting out a gasp as she sees the two of you. She runs over and hugs you both.

"Oh, I am so happy to see you two, I was beginning to worry that something had happened." She looks over Chaldra, "It is wonderful to see you Chaldra, I'm so happy that you managed to get a body all your own."

"Thank you Miss Riza, I'm so glad that I can actually exist all on my own now."

Chaldra lets out a yawn.

"Oh, I guess I'm tired, it's been a while since I've actually felt tired myself instead of through Frisken."

"Well, I took the liberty of rearranging your room so the two of you have your own beds. Why don't you two get ready for bed and we can have a celebration for this tomorrow."

"That sounds wonderful Miss Riza, I look forward to it."

You both head off to get ready for bed.