A Touch of Clarity

Neku left the training room with Syvis, leading her back out of Midnight Dawn. Darx walked to the wall of the training room, leaned against the cold stone, then slid to the ground.

“Darx, are you okay?” Wendy asked timidly as she approached him.

“I feel so stupid, Wendy.” Darx said, “Like such a sap.”

Wendy sat down next to him, grabbed his arm, held it tight. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Darx.”

“I ignored the signs when we were on that trip. I saw them together, saw the way he looked at her. I chose to trust her. . .”

“You see the good in people, Darx.” Wendy said, reaching out to stroke his hair. “It’s one of your best traits.”

“No, Wendy, I’d see things, evidence of what was really going on, then I’d convince myself it was something else.” Darx pulled his arm free from hers as he stood, started pacing.

“And I did it again." He continued, "We talked about Syvis not freaking out when she was away from Kase, and I refused to even consider that it was because she wasn’t being controlled. I mean, Estella asked me, she was skeptical. She doesn’t know Syvis like I know Syvis, and yet she could see it, enough to try and prepare me for it.”

“Darx, it isn’t your fault.” Wendy looked a little worried as she watched Darx angrily pace the room.

“No wonder Amelia always tried to protect me, no wonder Syvis thought I couldn’t handle the truth. Hell, Cal tried to warn me and I didn’t listen. I didn’t want to hear it, I wanted her to be controlled, I wanted it all to be Kase’s fault. I wanted to imagine I could get her back, have things like they used to be.”

“Come on, Darx.” Wendy said as she walked to him, touched his shoulder. “You wanted to believe in her, that she was a good person. And honestly, Darx, I think you were right.” Darx looked at Wendy, surprise on his face as she continued.

“Look, we all ... we all have our failings, right? Sometimes we do things in the moment because it’s what we think is right, and we are wrong and we hurt someone. Or we are in a situation where something seems like the best choice we have, but only because of the situation. The situation changes and we look back with regret that we didn’t know better.”

Darx smiled weakly at her, he appreciated her trying to help.

“I’m sorry, Darx, I’m no good at this. What I’m saying is Syvis messed up, big time, and she ruined what you two had. But maybe she did so because she couldn’t see any other path at the time.” Wendy put her finger in Darx’s chest. “And you, Darx. You did what you thought was best with the knowledge you had at the time.”

“I was an idiot.” Darx responded.

“You didn’t know better. Now you do Darx.” Wendy took a hold of Darx, her hands on his sides. “You can do better now. That’s what is important. And I think you helped Syvis today. Maybe she’ll find her own path forward now, do better for herself too.”

Darx leaned forward, kissed Wendy on the cheek. “Thank you, Wendy.” Wendy blushed, then punched him in the arm.

“Whatever.” She said, turning away from him. “Are we done with the sappy conversation now?”

Darx laughed. “Yeah. I think so.”

“Come here.” Wendy said, leading him to the bench by the door of the training room. Wendy sat down, scooted back to the wall and had Darx sit in front of her. She wrapped her arms around his middle, her small, perky breasts pushed into his back.

“You’re a good man, Darx.” She said softly. “You’ll be alright.”

Darx leaned back into her, let himself relax. He thought today would be about reclaiming Syvis. Instead that was shattered. He couldn’t even be sure his mom or Amelia were controlled, there was reason to believe they were, but he didn’t have any proof. Syvis had been the obvious starting point, everything was going to flow from there. Now, getting to the point of freeing his mom would be much more complicated. She was Kase’s wife, they needed more than theories to break them up. The law wouldn’t just accept Darx’s word, and even freeing her from control might not work if Kase could take her back.

Darx thought of Amelia changing back in the Hospitaler guild. Telling Darx it was nothing and then she and Kase having sex right there in the room. If Ilene, if his mother was set free, then Kase got her back the judges would take her testimony defending her husband over her testimony when she sided with her son. And that didn’t even cover Kase being a noble or an S-rank. Even if he could prove that Kase was controlling his mother, if it was just one woman who wasn’t incredibly important, they would likely just let it go. Let the S-rank have one woman, better to ignore the rights of one B-rank adventurer than upset an S-rank.

No, he needed to show them that Kase could control other women, that he was a real threat. If Syvis couldn’t provide that, then Darx would need the other woman Kase had controlled. He would need to find Amelia.

“Hey, at least now you should be alright seeing Syvis when her parents arrive, right?” Darx had been focused on his thoughts, hadn’t been listening to Wendy.

“Seven days.” Darx said. “I have to impress them in seven days. How the hell am I supposed to convince the S-rank Dark Elf King, his A-rank wife and their S-rank Cleric that a B-rank adventurer is going to turn the tide of the war?”

“You’ve got Zrephian blood, right? Isn’t that what this is all about? Can’t you just show them your eyes?” Wendy asked.

“I think it will take more than that to convince them to join the war, and to commit to it before the Beast-kind arrive.”

“So what would impress them? You using Zrephian relics?” Wendy asked, resting her chin on his shoulder.

“Maybe?” Darx answered. He looked to his ring, a Zrephian relic. If he could use some runes like he did in the caves, maybe that would convince them?

“I also think I should work on a spell. Zrephians were incredible mages. I should practice a strong spell, something impressive. Show off my magic a bit.” Darx said then lifted his hand. He was in the training room he could. . . Or maybe he couldn’t. Darx had tried to summon his water, he was going to try his [Water Lance] but nothing happened.

“What are you doing?” Wendy asked as Darx moved his hand around in front of him.

“I can’t summon my. . . Wait, I’m an idiot.” Darx said as he realized the issue.

“You can’t what?” Wendy asked.

“I tried to cast a spell.” Darx admitted.

Wendy laughed. “Seriously?”

“Yeah, I forgot about your [Null Field] for a moment.” He said.

“Hmmm. . . maybe you were distracted?” She asked, her leg rubbing against his lightly.

“No, just thinking.” Darx responded obliviously.

Wendy sighed, then let go of him. “Here, get up, do what you were going to do.” She pushed him gently and he stood. Darx summoned his water and turned it into a lance. Darx tried to push more mana into it, boost its power. When he felt it was as strong as he could get it he then threw it against the wall of the room. It left a wet mark on the reinforced stone walls.

“I don’t think that will do much to impress them.” Darx said, thinking. “Syvis can cast more impressive spells than that.”

“Well, that’s not all you can do. I mean, you have [Triple Slash], and [Dual Wield] right? You used those when we were training at the castle.” Wendy pointed out.

“Yeah.” Darx answered.

“And you have two types of magic. Spellswords don’t get two magic elements and mages don’t get [Dual Wield] or [Triple Slash]. You are special right there,” Wendy said, touching his arm as she spoke. “You break the rules.”

Darx nodded thoughtfully. Wendy was right, he shouldn’t have both Air and Water magic with his combat abilities, and summoning was a mage-only ability as well. But even those rule-breaking abilities paled in comparison to his strangest ability, his [Goddess’s Gift of Mastery]. Maybe he could convince them by showing them that ability? Copy some of their S-rank cleric’s magic and cast those spells. He could copy some rare combat abilities and show those off too.

Or. . .

Darx’s thought was interrupted by Neku coming into the room. “Darx, your mother, she’s here.”

Darx mindlessly followed Neku through Midnight Dawn. His breath was ragged as his feet moved on their own. Darx felt like his chest was collapsing, the pressure in his head unbearable as they walked up towards the entrance, towards the common area. Darx wasn’t ready to see his mother, not after what just happened with Syvis. But here he was, walking towards the tavern where she was waiting. Neku was talking, advising him on how to talk to his mother, how to probe to see if she was under the effects of mind control. Darx could barely respond. Inside his head all he could think was what if she isn’t controlled? What if his mother is just like Syvis? What if all of this is in his head? What is all of it is a fantasy he concocted because he couldn’t handle the truth? What if they really are lost to him? His feet felt heavy. Darx couldn't move. He couldn't. . .

Darx saw Neku turn, felt her hands as she grabbed his face.

“Snap out of it Darx." Neku scolded. "I know you’re hurting, but your mother is in there and if she’s controlled we need to know.”

His hands moved to hers, his eyes finding hers. Tears threatened to escape his eyes. Darx mouthed his reply. “I can’t.” He couldn't even get the words out. His chest felt like it was going to collapse. His breaths were short and hard

Neku pulled his head to hers, kissed him fast and hard. “Darx, you’ve been through a hell of a lot, and right now it feels like you are breaking, that you can’t go on.” Darx nodded, it was all he could do. Neku continued, her voice softer, her touch supportive. “But you are stronger than this. You might not see that now, but it’s true. I know it, Wendy knows it. Somewhere inside her your mother knows it. Those Demons and their king, Zaine, they know it Darx. Trust us, believe in yourself, you can do this.”

Darx closed his eyes, thought of Zaine, powerless, imprisoned, scared. She didn’t know her name and yet she fought for him, saved him from the dark energy inside him. If she could do that for him, he could do this for his mother.

“Thanks, Neku.” Darx managed as he regained control of himself. Neku hugged him, kissed his neck.

“Oh Goddess, Darx, you scared me.” She cried. He could feel her tears soaking through his shirt.

“Neku, you are going to get me crying.” He replied.

She pulled off of him, wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry, Darx.” She said with a weak laugh.

Darx kissed her, lightly, affectionately. “Seriously, thank you.”

Neku met his eyes, her face turning pink. Suddenly she looked away. “Your mother, she’s waiting, Darx.” She said, her voice suddenly cool and detached. Darx just smiled and walked into the tavern.

Darx saw her immediately. Standing by the bar, shifting her weight, her hand tapping the bar counter silently. It was a rare thing to see his mother that nervous, but Darx knew the signs. She looked around and their eyes met. She turned to face him, her fingers clenching, her mouth tight. Darx moved towards her.

“Mother.” He said as he approached her.

“Darx,” she said, timidly. She looked scared to approach him, and after what had happened the last time they talked, he understood why.

“I’m sorry mom,” he said, moving to her. “I was in such a bad place the last few times we saw each other; I’m a bit better now.”

“I’m so happy to hear that Darx.” She said. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

“I’m okay mom, really.” He walked up to her and gave her a hug. Just seeing her helped Darx, changed his thought process. He wasn’t sure if she was being controlled by Kase or just manipulated by him or what, but he would need to be on better terms with her if he was going to help her. And he was going to help her.

Ilene wiped her eyes, pushing back her tears. “The things they say about you Darx, that you are the return of the bloodline of the kings, the heir to Zrephia. They are preaching about you in the churches, people are flocking to it, it’s crazy.” She looked at him, the concerned look only a mother could give. “Are you okay with all this, are they pushing you or making you do things?”

“No mom, they really believe it.”

“But how could that be? Your father and I, there’s no Zrephian blood in your background.”

“And yet it is true, Ilene.” It was Neku. “Darx’s eyes, his unique card, his ability to see and activate Zrephian runes, Imris herself saving him, returning him to us. Is that not enough evidence?”

Darx sighed. It was hard to make a case that Neku was wrong. No matter how much Darx wished he was just a normal adventurer, he was connected to Zrephia and the Goddess.

Ilene looked at him seriously. “I’ve heard rumors about the church, Darx. How they treat people. Then you were with them and they wouldn’t let me see you, or even tell you I was there.” She took a breath. “I want you to know I’m always here for you, Darx, and if you need to get away you have a place with us.”

“Mom, I will not go to Kase’s home. One of the reasons I am with the church is to protect myself from your husband.”

“Oh Darx, Kase wouldn’t. . .”

He cut her off. “Do you remember the last conversation we had before I was attacked, mother? Do you remember him saying it was the last time anyone would stop him from killing me?”

“I’m sure that’s not what he said, Darx.” Ilene replied, her voice agitated.

“And the night of the attack, he was delighted when I found him and Syvis together, told me I’d fallen into his plan, Syvis had to stop him from killing me then.”

“No, Darx, that can’t be right. . .” Ilene was practically shaking.

“Okay," Darx said, throwing his hands up. "maybe I misread things.” Darx stated. “But let me ask you a question, mom. Have I ever lied to you? Am I a person you can’t trust?”

“No Darx, you've always been honest with me, even when it got you into trouble.” She answered.

“And Kase, before you fell in love with him, did you consider him a trustworthy person, mother?”

“Darx, so much has changed between then and now.” She stated, making excuses for Kase.

Darx took a deep breath, **** down his rising anger. “Okay, mom, I’m listening, what has changed?”

“He helped me look for you, even after the rest stopped, he stayed, paid for so much, searched for you, then when it had been too long, he helped me with my grief.” Darx could see the feeling in her eyes, see how much his disappearance had affected her.

“And you trust him?” Darx asked.

“I love him Darx.” She responded.

Darx laughed. “That’s not the same thing.”

“It. . . it has to be Darx.” Ilene answered. “I have to trust him. He’s my husband.”

Darx looked to Neku, that could be mind control, or it could be misplaced loyalty brought about by Kase manipulating her when she was grieving. Neku's face confirmed what Darx feared. He needed to go farther. He needed to bring up things he'd rather not.

“And what about Syvis?” He asked.

“What about her?”

“Kase and Syvis mom,” Darx said, his voice shaking. “Did you know he was having sex with her?” It came out like an accusation.

“What? Why would you say that, Darx?” She asked like she was shocked, but her eyes, they told a different story.

“Because it’s true.” Darx said, letting some of his feelings show. “Because I saw them with my own eyes, because seeing that nearly broke me mom, and Kase planned it. He told me he did.”

“That. . . that’s not how it was.” She answered, her face emotionless, but tears were forming in the corner of her eyes.

“So you do know about them.” Darx stated.

“Darx. . .”

“You blindly support him because he’s your husband.” Darx was angry, but holding back. It isn’t her fault, he told himself. “Even while he mocks your vows and cheats on you with my girlfriend. He betrayed your marriage to hurt me, and you support him.”

Ilene looked confused, but tears were flowing down her cheeks.

“He wouldn’t do that Darx, there has to be some mistake.” She said.

Neku put her hand on Darx’s shoulder, she subtly nodded when he looked her way.

Darx looked back at his mother, her words and expression said she trusted Kase, didn’t believe her son, but her eyes, and her tears. . . they told a very different story. That was it. That was the proof they were looking for. It was what he had hoped to find out, but now, seeing it? It broke Darx's heart. “You’re right mom, there must be some explanation, I’m sorry.” Darx stepped to her, held her. She stood rigid, but he could feel her tears on his shoulder.

“I. . . I should go Darx.” She said, her voice cracking.

“Okay,” Darx let go of her, but he touched her chin, lifted her face with his finger, made her look him in the eye. “I love you mom. I’m going to save you.”

She looked at him, her face a mixture of feelings. “I, I love you too, Darx.” She said, then turned and walked away.

“Shit, Darx.” Neku said as the door closed behind Ilene. “Whatever he’s done to her it’s strong, stronger than the Priest’s control, and it runs deep.” Neku said.

“I’m going to kill Kase, Neku.” Darx said as his feelings overwhelmed him. “I’m going to find a way, and I’m going to kill him.”

Neku pulled him too her, held him as he cried. “You’ll have my help Darx. I’m with you no matter what.”

Darx cried for only a few moments, but when he pulled himself together, he was emotionally drained. It was still morning, but he’d done so much, dealt with so much already. Neku led him to a bench and sat him down. Darx rested his head in his hands, thought about what to do now. He needed to think, make smart moves. His next steps would need to be carefully planned. But there was so much he needed to do. . .