Taboo's Chance

Within the citadel of Eden, two beings walked along the street, one in an elegant dress, her long beautiful golden hair flowing behind her as she walked. It was Life. She had her hands interlocked with one another stationed at her lower stomach. She moved with elegance.

The other, what seemed to be a person in a plague doctor mask. They wore a long robe that covered their entire body, yet showed off what seemed to be a feminine physique. As they walked, they strided with their arms to the side. It seemed almost intimidating. It was the Conduit of Extinction, Urien.

The two walked along the streets, people gasping and staring as they walked by. Urien turned their head towards Life who continued to stare forward. “So, this boy, where is he?” Urien asked.

“I’m not too sure. But I had spoken with Knowledge and he told me that the Pope would know. Seems he’s allowed the boy to come back whenever he pleased.” Life said as the two turned right on one of the streets.

“So, we’re heading to the church?” Urien asked to which Life nodded her head.

“Of course. Where else would a Pope be?” Life smiled as they then turned a left on the corner. There it was, the Church of Nunn. Urien looked up at the massive structure, staring at the religious depiction of Nunn with the Being Slayer

Life walked ahead of Urien, waking to the doors. “Urien!” Life called over.

“Hm? Oh, coming!” Urien said, directing their gaze towards Life before sprinting over.

Life waited patiently as Urien made it to the doors, to which Life opened them. They were greeted to a large room, carpet running down the middle of the isle with statues lining the sides of the room, each one resembling the seven spawns of Nunn.

“Impressive.” Urien said as the two conduits made their way to the end of the isle.

“Welcome, Life. It’s good to see you once again.” The Pope said.

“Pope, it is a pleasure.” Life smiled.

“Who is this you brought along? Another Conduit by chance?” The Pope questioned

“This is Urien, Conduit of Extinction. A good friend of mine.” Life said.

“It’s good to meet you sir.” Urien greeted.

“Likewise. Have you both come to praise Nunn?” The Pope asked with curiosity.

“We have not, you see, knowledge had told us that you may know where the…Bio-Conduit may be.” Life said. The Pope stopped in his tracks.

“What is it that you mean?” The Pope said.

“The Conduits already know, Pope. I just wish to talk with the boy, to give him a chance at conduithood. And to give him a chance to show that he’s not what they make him out to be.” Life explained. The Pope slowly nodded his head, smiling at life

“…You remind me so much of Eden.” The Pope smiled. “You’ll find the boy at the castle.” The pope said, which shocked Life.

“The castle?! You mean the royal family's castle?!?” Life exclaimed with shock.

“Yes, You see following the kidnapping of Geri a long while ago, The Knights namely Falklore and Echostar took the boy in for training under the eyes of them and the Princess. He was accepted there quickly.” The Pope explained.

“How many people know?” Urien asked to which the Pope looked to them.

“Just myself, the knights, and the royal family. And I suppose you conduits as well. I’d like it to remain that way.” The Pope answered.

“Understood, I thank you for your time.” Life bowed. “Before we leave, might you know where in the castle?” She questioned.

“Find Helia and you’ll find the boy, the two have grown quite close over the years.” The pope answered.

“Thank you once again.” Life bowed as she and Urien left the church.

“Anytime, life.” The Pope said as the two left.

The two of them exited the church, Urien looked back to the Pope who waved them goodbye as the doors closed. “What a guy.” Urien said.

“He is something alright.” Life smiled as the two looked into the distance to see the royal family’s castle in all of its elegance.

“That’s a pretty big castle, how are we going to find this guy with all of that?” Urien said, staring towards the large castle

“We’ll find him.” Life said as she began to walk forward down the steps. Urien followed closely behind Life as they took a few turns on the street.

Eventually they made it to the castle, being greeted by the gate guards. Urien looked at them. It was the average knightly armor though Urien looked to the swords, replica’s of the Being Slayer.

“What’s your business here?” Asked Gate Guard number #1 asked.

“Personal business. I wish to see the princess.” Life said.

“Personal ain’t good enough. What’s your business?” Gate Guard #2 asked.

Life sighed. “Death would say Conduit business, I prefer personal.” She said, to which the two froze.

“Conduit?” Gate Guard #1 said as they looked Life up and down.

“Life! I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you! Please forgive us.” Gate Guard #2 said as the other looked shocked too. They moved to the side, the gate opening as they did.

“You’ll find the Princess in her bedroom.” Said Gate Guard #1. Life bowed to them with a smile.

“Thank you boys, come along Urien.” Life said as she and Urien walked past the gate and into the grounds of the castle. It was filled with people and guards alike.

“Never thought I’d ever be here.” Urien said as they examined the surroundings.

“Being a Conduit has its perks, most of the time.” Life said.

“Yeah. I remember when I was younger and still lived in that home near here, I could see the castle from there, it was so fascinating to look at.” Urien said as they entered the main hall of the castle, inside were many Nobel people, paintings of the king and Queen with their children.

Others were of previous kings and queens, some of Falklore and the other knights with the Royal Family. “Quite the illustrations.” Urien said as they stared at the paintings and photos.

“Indeed.” Life said as they turned down a corridor. They continued to walk down until they eventually got to the Princess’s room. From inside they could hear laughing and the mumbling of talking, until Life knocked onto the door.

It went abruptly quiet inside, with occasional shuffling around until the doorknob turned and opened. “Hello?” Said the Princess as she opened up the door.

“Princess Helia, it is an honor to be in your presence. I am the Conduit of Life, but you can call me Life.” Life smiled. “This is my friend Urien, the Conduit of Extinction.” She said, motioning to Urien who waved.

“Conduits huh. It’s a pleasure to meet you two.” Helia said.

“Likewise.” Urien chimed in.

“So, what are you both doing here? If you’re looking for my father and mother then you’d best be going the other way.” Helia said as Life then shook her head.

“No, no. We’re looking for a boy, the Pope said he may be with you.” Life said as Helia seemed to freeze for a moment.

“Well he isn’t here, so, maybe you should look elsewhere.” Helia said as she began to slowly open the door.

“I know what he is, but do not fear, I simply wish to talk with him.” Life explained.

“Well, as I said he is-“ but before Helia could finish, she was interrupted by a voice behind her.

“I'm right here.” Merus said as he stared down the two conduits.

“May we come in?” Life said. Helia looked to Merus only for him to give the thumbs up. Helia opened the door and moved out of the way as the two Conduits walked in. Helia closed the door behind them.

“So, you’re the Bio-Conduit.” Life said as she examined Merus. He stood tall, almost towering above them. His once white hair now much like his mothers, a void with stars that shined within. His hair growing and collapsing in on itself.

“The one and only.” Merus said as he crossed his arms. “What is it that you want?” He asked as Helia moved to his side.

“Just a talk is all, do not fear, I am unlike Death.” Life said.

“About?” Merus asked.

“Joining us Conduits.” Life said which shocked Merus and Helia. The two looked at each other before looking back.

“Why would I want to? After what Death did all those years ago I’ve pretty much hated you guys.” Merus said to which Life looked sorrowful.

“Yes…I recall that day too. I apologize for his actions, sincerely.” Life said. “But I wish to set things right.” She said, her expression going back to a smile. Merus looked at her, skepticism in his expression.

“How about we chat about this over food.” Merus suggested. Life nodded.

“Sounds good to me.” She said.

“Follow me then.” Helia said as she then left the room, everyone else following behind.

“So, if I may ask, what are you the Bio-Conduit of?” Urien asked, looking at Merus.

“Pre-Eminence. Though if you can’t remember then Superiority is just as fine.” Merus said as Life looked over.

“Sounds like you’re one of the belief types.” Life said.

“Types?” Merus questioned.

“Conduits can be placed into three different categories. Belief, Emotional, and Primordial. It can be self explanatory.” Life said as they then entered a sort of cafe, not many people were there, mainly just the employees behind the counter.

The four of them sat down, a waiter coming to their table.

“What may you four have?” The waiter asked.

“I’ll take some coffee.” Urien said.

“Tea please.” Life said.

“I’ll take some tea too.” Helia said.

“I’ll have some water.” Merus said. The waiter wrote it all down and bowed before leaving the four to themselves.

“You didn’t sound too surprised that we came.” Life said.

“Himmsworth told me not to worry about my next interaction with you guys. I trust in his advice. Plus I knew you would have come for me eventually. The only part I’m surprised about is how long it took.” Merus said.

“We haven’t come to kill you or any of that. It’s simply a talk, and I keep my word.” Life assured. Soon the waiter brought over the drinks, resting them on the table.

“So you’ve come to ask me to join your little group?” Merus asked as he took a sip of his water.

“I’d put it more to prove yourself worthy of living. The others don’t believe you are, but I’d like to give you the chance to be.” Life explained.

“I suppose the others didn’t put you up to this either.” Merus said as Life shook her head, putting down her tea. Urien lifted their plague doctor mask, drinking their coffee as they did so.

That’s when the waiter came back, they all ordered their food and the waiter left once more.

“So, Pre-Eminence.” Life said.

“Just call me Merus.” Merus interrupted.

“Merus. What do you think?” Life asked.

Merus leaned back in his chair. He was thinking to himself. That’s when their food came, Urien had gotten a slice of pizza, Helia got a donut, Merus got an apple fritter and life didn’t get anything.

The group ate their meals, and quickly too. Life looked to Merus, awaiting an answer.

“…mind if me and the princess excuse ourselves momentarily?” Merus asked.

“Take as much time as you need, we’ll be here.” Life said as Merus and Helia stood up, walking to the corner of the room.

“What do you think?” Merus asked, to which Helia smiled.

“I think you should do it!” Helia said. “Just think of the good that could come from something like this!” Helia said as Merus looked to Life and Urien who were talking together.

“I don’t know. It just feels off. Ya’know?” Merus said as he continued to stare.

“What about Prism, the knights, Eden, you! It’s not something I want to leave behind.” Merus continued.

“Hey, it’s not like we’re going anywhere. You can always visit. This could be your chance to prove to them, to everyone, that you’re better than what they’ve been calling you.” Helia said.

“Yeah, but first I’d have to be accepted into it by them. If I’m not then what happens next? She’s not the one who gets to decide.” Merus said as he looked at life.

“What do you mean?” Helia asked.

“Himmsworth told me when I was younger that Death, Destruction, and Darkness would have to accept me first before I go on to prove my worth. The way I see it, it’s stacked against me.” Merus said.

“Have some faith. I know you can do it.” Helia said, taking his hands into hers. “You could at least try.”

He looked at her hands, they felt warm. He closed his eyes and sighed. “Alright.” He said as he looked over to Life and Urien. He and the Princess walked back to the table.

They stood next to it, to which Life and Urien stood up. “So, what is your answer?” Life asked.

“I’ll do it, but I have some demands.” Merus said.

“Which are?” Life asked.

“I won’t be doing it anytime soon. I wish to continue my training and journey here. Next, Prism, don’t go after him for what he did at the toy store. He didn’t deserve that. And lastly, don’t send any conduits after me or my family.” Merus said. Life smiled and nodded.

“Of course, you’re only 17, spend your youth however you’d like. For Disorder, I can try my best. He does so much for Eden I’m sure the others would understand. And I’ll try my best for that last one too.” Life agreed.

Merus held out his hand, to which Life shook it. “You’re definitely the better ones.” He said with a smile.

“I try.” Life laughed. “Mind if we stay a bit, I’d like to see what else the castle has to offer.” She asked.

“Of course. Anything you’d like to see first?” Helia asked.

“Do you by chance have a garden?” Life smiled as Helia nodded. The four of them began to make their way to the garden. As they walked, Helia and Life were in front, talking with each other while Merus and Urien walked behind them.

“So, you’re Extinction?” Merus said, trying to strike up a conversation.

“Sure am.” Urien said. “But you can just call me Urien.”

“Got to say, you’re not what I would have expected.” Merus said. Urien chuckled, looking at the star boy.

“I could say the same about you.” Urien said. Eventually they made their way to the Garden, it was big and beautiful. Many flowers like roses and lilies lined the roof and walls.

“How beautiful.” Life said as she looked at the flowers.

“We’ve had it for as long as I remember. It’s one of my favorite places to come to.” Helia smiled as she walked next to life.

Urien stayed away from the flowers, not wanting to accidentally destroy them. Though they admired the flowers from afar.

“Might I add to this collection?” Life smiled as she then created some plant life, making beautiful daisy’s.

“Woah, that’s amazing!” Helia said.

“You can make plants?” Merus questioned as he walked over.

“I embody all life, plants are part of that too, they live, just like us.” Life said as she looked at her marvelous creation.

“Do you have any favorite flowers?” Life asked, turning to Helia.

“Oh I absolutely love daisies and roses. They’re my favorites by far.” Helia smiled.

“Huh.” Merus said as he then got an idea, he whispered into Life’s ears. She lit up like a light bulb and giggled as Urien and Helia looked at them confused.

Life clasped her hands and within seconds a whitish yellow flower was created in her hands. Merus then took it and imbued his power of superiority into it, making it the most precious and superior flower to ever bloom.

Merus held the flower in his fingers, moving over to Helia. “For you, my Princess.” Merus said as Helia’s face grew to a bright red.

“MERUS!!!” She said, covering her face in pure embarrassment. Merus, Life, and Urien laughed together as Helia slowly took the flower and held it to her chest.

“It’s beautiful though.” Helia said with a laugh. Merus then took it and put it in her golden hair.

“There, now, let’s move onto the next place.” Merus said.

“Yes, let’s.” Helia said as she and Merus moved on.

“How cute.” Life said, adoring the two.

Urien stared at Merus. “Did you feel that?” They asked turning to Life.

“I did indeed. The boy’s power is immense, like it was growing rapidly.” Life said as the two moved behind.

“It was crazy. Almost makes me want to test it out.” Urien said.

“Why not ask?” Life asked. Urien looked to the two ahead, unsure of going up.

“Dunno, I don’t want to seem rude for asking for a fight.” Urien whispered.

“Don’t be worried over that. I’m sure he’d be fine with a small duel between you too.” Life assured. Urien looked back to the two before jogging up to them.

“Do you guys have a training grounds here?” Urien asked.

“Indeed we do. We have a special one where Falklore trains Merus at, would you like to see?” Helia asked.

“Yeah, that sounds like it’d be cool to see.” Urien said as Helia smiled, leading the three towards the training grounds.

It was big, really big. It had many different environments, from a forest to a river, it even had a small village in the corner of it. “Woah.” Urien said as they entered.

“So amazing.” Life said as she looked around.

“Yes, it’s perfect for all types of training, though a pain to set up after parts of it is destroyed, hehe.” Helia chuckled. Merus looked to the forest part of it, it was his most favorite part.

“It’s really impressive.” Urien said as they looked towards Merus. “How about we test that strength of yours?” Urien asked.

Merus looked at them, he looked Urien up and down. “Slim, they’d be pretty fast.” Merus thought. He smirked. “Yeah, sure. Let’s see what you can do.” Merus said as he walked towards the arena.

Life and Helia looked at each other. “Is this a good idea?” Helia asked.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’ll be remarkable to watch something like this.” Life said as the two began to walk to the sidelines.

Urien and Merus stood in the middle of the arena, staring each other down. Both having a smirk upon their face. “Ground rules. We’ll hold back. If that does nothing we’ll go all out. Next, weapons are allowed. Besides that, anything goes, besides killing each other.” Merus said.

“I agree to these terms.” Urien said, their head going down but their eyes deadlocked on Merus.

“Who do you think will win?” Helia asked, turning her head to Life.

“Hard to say. Extinction versus Superiority. Primordial versus Belief.” Life said as she looked at the two from afar.

“So, what do those mean? Primordial and Belief.” Helia asked.

“Primordial Conduits are like the fundamental conduits of existence, or conduits that don’t fit into the other two categories. They’re limited in power by the abstract concept they embody. So Extinction is only limited in power by Extinction. Which by itself is pretty powerful.” Life explained. Helia looked at her curiously.

“And what about beliefs?” She asked.

“Belief conduits aren’t usually limited by the concept they embody, rather the mind. Merus is only limited to what he believes he can do or rather how superior he is to others. It’s powerful, but only in the right mindset.” Life said. Helia turned to the two who stood still for what felt like hours.

Merus stared at them, his arms crossed. “Not attacking first, must be trying to see what I’ll do first.” He thought. Merus smirked.

“Let’s put on a show!” He exclaimed as he raised his arms, summoning a cosmic bow to his hands to which he aimed at Urien, firing star arrows at them by the second.

Urien quickly dodged, almost disappearing from the spot. “Just like I thought.” Merus said as they suddenly looked behind himself, there, Urien came flying in, their robe flapping as they did. The hood slipped off as they almost tackled Merus to the ground only for him to dodge it last second.

“You’ve trained well on that Conduit of yours.” Merus said as he dodged yet another attack from Urien.

“Doing it for all your life will do that for you.” Urien said as they punched the ground, making it crack from the sheer force of their fist. That’s when Merus held his arm out, stopping Urien in their tracks.

“What the?!” Urien looked around confused.

“You’re pretty powerful alright, truly. That punch looked like it could have shattered realities. What are you, 14? 15? It’s impressive.” Merus said as he then threw her into the forest area.

“It’s exciting to watch.” Life smiled.

“It is indeed. GO MERUS!!” Helia cheered on. Merus looked towards her, giving her a wink and a thumbs up.

“You got this Urien!” Life clapped on.

Merus then jumped into the forest, its darkness embracing him. Urien stood on the forest floor, looking around for Merus. Merus landed on the branches of a tree, looking down upon Urien.

Merus smirked as he compressed the cosmos around him into a miniature sun to which he then threw towards Urien. Urien saw the light from the sun coming closer only for it to be too late. As Urien tried to dodge out of the way, Merus widened his hand, which made the star expand while engulfed Urien only for them to send out a pulse, making the Sun and the tree’s die around them.

“Uh oh.” Merus thought as he looked to the Sun that began dying, collapsing in on itself. Trees began to get sucked into the sun as it began to turn into a blackhole.

Merus quickly jumped down, moving his hand over the blackhole which stopped its effect of sucking things in. “That was cl-“ just then Urien came from the forest, kicking Merus in the stomach sending him flying into the village section of the arena.

Merus sat up, feeling his stomach. It wasn’t in much pain, but it felt like it was burning. “Ow, fuck.” He said holding his stomach. Merus stood up only to see Urien coming at him and fast too.

As Urien came in for another kick, Merus dodged backwards to which he would then step to the side then back again, then to the opposite. As he did so he went fast, fast enough that he left an afterimage behind.

“What the-“ Urien thought to themself. They didn’t know what to say. Merus continued to sidestep, getting closer to Urien in the process only for him to just suddenly disappear. Urien looked around, up, down, left, right, behind, but couldn’t see where Merus was.

That’s when Merus came bursting out of one of the houses, completely surprising Urien as he punched them to the ground, leaving small cracks in it as he did so.

“That was such a cheap move!” Urien exclaimed as they jumped up.

“I’m just using the environment to my advantage. Remember I’m being trained by Eden’s best. If not, you would have gotten me from the beginning.” Merus said as Urien gripped their fist.

“So, was that enough for you?” Merus asked only for Urien to throw a sudden punch at him. Merus was sent flying back, catching himself on the ground.

He smiled. “And you say I’m using cheap moves!” Merus chuckled.

“Yeah, whatever!” Urien said as they ran in for a punch, only for it to be blocked. Urien continued to punch their way through, each time getting blocked by Merus. They could see the smirk upon his face. Urien quickly ducked down, sweeping Merus off his feet almost instantly.

“Woah!” He said in shock as Urien grabbed his collared shirt before he could land onto the ground.

“You impress me, superiority.” Urien smirked from behind their mask.

“Likewise, Extinction.” Merus replied as Urien pulled him back onto his feet. “We’ll call it a tie for now.”

“Heh, sure. Man, I was hoping to go all out.” Urien said, putting their hood back on their head.

“If holding back like that could shatter realities, I could only imagine how powerful you’d be at full strength.” Merus said as the two began walking back to Life and Helia.

“Maybe one day you’ll find out.” Urien said.

“Splendid battle, it was wonderful to watch.” Life said as she clasped her hands.

“Indeed.” Helia said with a smile. She turned to Life. “Is there anything else that you two may be interested in seeing?” She asked

Life looked at Urien who shook their head before turning back to Helia. “I believe not, I had a wonderful time here though. But now we must return back to the Conduit camp. I wouldn’t want Death to get worried.” Life smiled.

“I understand. I wish you a safe journey back.” Helia said as the two embraced. Life motioned to Urien to come and they did so, following Life.

Helia turned to Merus. “I can’t believe you did that in front of people!” She said, jokingly punching his arm.

“Hehe, I couldn’t resist.” Merus said as Helia’s face glew a bright red as she touched the flower that lay within her hair.

Life and Urien soon exited the castle, walking down to the gates, to which the gate guards wished them a safe trip back as the gate closed.

Eventually they would arrive in the twisted lands once again, coming upon the Conduit Camp. As Life and Urien entered they saw Death staring at the two as they walked closer.

“Are you okay?” Death asked, seemingly in a worry.

“I’m just fine, you needn't worry.” Life said with a bright smile.

“And the boy?” Death questioned.

“Amazing, very well mannered, he’s a charming young boy.” Life said. Death looked to Urien who just stood there quiet.

He looked back to Life with a sigh. “What did the boy say?” He asked.

“He accepted the offer! Though he had a few demands.” Life said, to which Death grumbled.

“He isn’t in the position to be making demands.” Death said

“Oh please, they were nothing but simple tasks.” Life said to which she could tell Death rolled his eyes.

“Which were?” Death asked.

“That him and his family be left alone which includes Disorder, and that when he feels he is ready he’ll be joining us.” Life explained. Death raised what would have been an eyebrow.

“I don’t know about this.” He said with some annoyance in his tone.

“Trust in time, when it comes, it’ll do everyone wonders.” Life said. “And if you cannot trust in time, then trust in me.” She continued.

Death looked at her for a moment, silence filled the air. He took a sigh. “If that thing ever joins. It’ll be YOUR responsibility.” He said.

“Then I’ll take that responsibility. Give him a chance, for me.” Life said. Death looked at her before walking away. Urien stared at Death as he did so.

“That guy doesn’t trust anybody huh.” Urien said, crossing their arms.

“Don’t blame him. It’s the world that molded him like this. At one point he would have turned his head to something like this. But time changes people. And he’s been here since the beginning.” Life said as the two just continued to look at Death, his menacing aura fading from their surroundings as he entered his tent.

“I’m going to go check up on my father, I’ll see you later Life.” Urien said as the two embraced in a hug.

“Goodbye Urien.” Life smiled as she and Urien then parted ways. Life walked to Death’s tent, opening it.

“Mind if I come in?” Life asked to which Death looked at her and nodded.

“How did the abomination attack go?” Life said as she sat down next to him.

“It went fine, though a town unfortunately didn’t survive.” Death said. Life looked slightly sorrowful but shook it off.

“It’s okay, at least they were stopped from destroying more. You did the best you could.” Life said, leaning her head onto Death’s shoulders.

“Yeah…” Death said as he stared forward.