Eden's Bio-Anomaly part 8

## Eden's Bio-Anomaly Chapter / part 8

After almost an hour of running, Merus, Himmsworth, and Prism finally stood away, but facing the Gerlo Squares. They were huge. Giant white cubes emanating…nothing. However, they made a loud bee-like buzzing noise.

Merus stared with some skepticism. ”huh, I thought it would of been more.” He said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“It's quality not quantity, my son.” Himmsworth said as he sat.

”I suppose, so what are these squares?” Merus questioned curiously. He looked to Himmsworth, tilting his head.

“These things are supposed to be the hearts of Vermel. His coldness and berserk-like nature. Truly unforgivable, some would even say evil.” Himmsworth explained. Merus looked back to the cubes, somewhat confused about Vermel.

”his hearts? But isn’t the guy like dead?” Merus questioned, dawning back on his time at the church of Nunn where he had learned of this.

“That's what's said, yes.” Himmsworth nodded.

“What do you mean? Vermel isn't real.” Prism said, turning towards the two.

“In actuality Prism, no one is real. Unless you consider what we are to be living.” Himmsworth stated. Prism rolled his eyes and turned back to the Gerlo Squares.

”Huh, I wonder how legends like these form. It is kind of interesting.” Merus questioned. He held his hands, putting them behind his head.

“Legends are born through impressive and admirable feats. Though the best ones are the kind where they live on and can be visited later.” Himmsworth answered. Merus’s eyes widened as he gave a small smile. Himmsworth knew what he was thinking.

Merus shook it off though, turning back to Himmsworth. ”like the squares?” He questioned.

“Not so much the squares as much as the being behind them.” Himmsworth said.

“Pity, Most legends don't ever make sense.” Prism replied

Merus raised an eyebrow, smiling and looked towards Prism. ”Well what legends do you like, Prism?” He asked curiously.

“Fearestmorever and the tale of the unvoiced child.” Himmsworth interrupted. Prism and Merus looked at him.

Prism stared somewhat annoyingly at Himmsworth. “He asked me.” he said.

“Sorry, force of habit.” Himmsworth chuckled slightly.

Merus giggled at the two, then turned to Prism. ”hehe. Well then you can explain what they are Prism.” He softly smiled.

“The tales goes that there once was a child born with no voice. They were bullied relentlessly for it. They didn't ask for it nor asked to be born this way.

So one day they prayed, prayed to any God to give them a voice and the child's wish was granted. However the voice given to them wasn’t the voice they had asked for.

There's a brief summary.” Prism explained. Merus smiled as he listened to the summary. He was deeply interested in this one.

”huh. That does sound like an interesting legend. What about you Himmsworth?” Merus asked, looking towards Himmsworth.

“Injustice and Falklore's story is one of my personal favorites. Just cause I'm a fan of drama and romantic endings. Speaking of which. Would you like to meet someone?” Himmsworth asked as he wrapped him his explanation.

“Oh great.” Prism groaned, rolling his eyes.

Merus’s eyes widened and he gave a wide smile. ”meet someone? Yea! I like meeting people!” He hopped excitedly.

“Probably nobody nice.” Prism said, crossing his arms.

“Come along.” Himmsworth said as he ran closer towards the tree.

Just as Merus was about to run after Himmsworth to follow him, Prism reached out one of his hands onto his shoulder, stopping him. “You sure kid?” He asked.

”I mean Himmsworth wouldn’t put us in any danger! I trust him! Plus we have you if anything goes wrong.” Merus said with a smile. Prism looked towards Himmsworth as he continued to run.

“That cat is still a being. Beings can be manipulative. They like to gain trust and abuse others with it.

Never trust God's boy, they only mean to hurt you.” Prism said. Merus looked back at Himmsworth from afar. He turned back to Prism.

”well I still want to see how this turns out, ya’know? I want to experience some stuff like meeting people. If anything goes wrong you can get me out of there okay?” Merus said. Prism thought for a moment, staring blankly at the tree.

“…yea.” He said as Merus smiled. Prism and Merus quickly followed Himmsworth, catching up to him slowly.

Eventually Prism and Merus made it to Himmsworth. He was sitting in the lap of a dead knight that was slumped against the outside of the large dead tree. His black armor had rusted and he was pretty much nothing but bones and chain mail. “Welcome.” he said.

“Is that who i think it is?” Prism said, examining the body. Merus looked confused.

“Yup, this is the corpse of the once the well known Conduit of Injustice.” Himmsworth nodded. Merus tilted his head, he seemed somewhat disappointed.

”oh, I thought we were going to meet someone alive.” Merus said as he too inspected the body. He remembered back to the options his mother made him choose.

“So this was the guy who was gonna be in the other story Mutha was going to tell?” Merus questioned as he stared at the dead knight.

However, just then, they heard footsteps followed by a feminine voice. “What are all of you doing here?” The woman said.

Everyone looked at her, Prism and Merus seemed confused. “Who the hell are you?” Prism questioned.

“That's Reia Izo.” Himmsworth answered.

“Who?” Prism asked.

”never heard of them.” Merus said with a shrug.

“She was once the bride of Injustice.” Himmsworth answered. Prism and Merus looked to the dead knight, Injustice, then back to Reia and stared at her blankly.

“I wasn’t aware.” Prism said as Merus felt somewhat awkward.

“Uh, sorry for your loss.” Merus said, tilting his head slightly down.

Reia put down some flowers in her hand and set them down at the Knights feet. “Why would you be? You didn't kill him.” She said, Prism and Himmsworth silently looked at each other then back to the two.

Merus walked towards Reia, kneeling beside her. He had a soft smile. ”I don’t have to be the one responsible to be sorry for someone’s loss.” He said as he looked at the flowers. “oo, those are pretty flowers!”

Reia looked at Merus, she smiled slightly as she turned back to the flowers. “They're my favorite, he picked them for me when he saved me so long ago.” She said, staring at the flowers.

”really? That must have been a really nice moment.” Merus smiled. He finally sat next to her.

“It was, he saved me from those horrible Eden Knights. He put himself between me and them.” Reia said. The mention of Eden knights made Merus feel somewhat awkward.

He quickly shook off the awkwardness. He looked towards the knight. ”Eden knights huh? He must have really liked you!” Merus giggled.

“Yes, he very much did.” Reia said, lowering her eyelids. She continued to stare at the knight with Merus.

“Why do you love him? After all he did?” Prism questioned. Reia looked at him, a slight glint of disgust in her eyes.

“Cause he saved me! He showed just how cruel the "good guys," can be.” Reia answered although Merus didn’t get it.

He looked to Reia confused, then to Prism and Himmsworth. “but what did they do? Why are the good guys cruel?” Merus questioned.

Reia looked at Merus, a saddened expression upon her face. She took a deep breath, then sighed. “...It was a stormy day. We got an alert that the Knights were coming to out town. We were happy to welcome them. Everyone was...but little did we know that some of our town folk were conspiring with some worshipers of the Eldest Son. In response the Pope sent them to our village.

They asked us all to confess, but no one budged. That's when they began butcher every last one of us. Some of us, though, weren't so lucky just to die. Some us...well...I don't want to get into it. Injustice riding with his black horse found us and killed the eden Knights. He saved us....he saved me.” Reia said. She stared at the dead knight, Injustice. She had a sorrowful smile as she had tears flowing down her face. It was a painful memory to revisit.

Merus looked somewhat saddened. Although in a world as cruel is this. It’s something he should have expected. But his childish behavior thought otherwise. He just couldn’t fathom why the good guys could do such a thing. “I don’t know what to say. But I’m truly sorry for what you’ve gone through. You didn’t deserve that…”

Reia glanced back at Merus. “...What is a child doing in these sorrowful lands? Where's your mutha?”

”uhm. She's around. But Himmsworth and Prism here offered to take me on an adventure to explore some of the lands. So we’re here! I’m here to learn about the world!” Merus said. He had a big confident smile as he stood up, arms wide out.

Reia wiped her tears and stood up tall. Her beautiful black dress and rosey red lips smiled at Merus’s. “Well lucky you. I can be helpful. I was born in these lands.”

Merus did a small gasp. “Really?! That’s so cool!” He turned to Himmsworth and Prism. “Can she come?! Can she!” He said, waiting for a yes.

“I don't know how comfortable I am being with the bride to evil itself.” Prism said, reluctant to even be near this woman.

“Wrong woman. She's fine with me. She won't do anything.” Himmsworth reassured. Prism just stared silently.

Merus walked up to Prism. ”it’ll be okay Prism! I promise!” He said.

“Ah, is Prism your father?” Reia said with a raised eyebrow. Himmsworth chuckled

Prism looked dead into her eyes. “Not on your life, woman.”

”hehe! No, buuuut I think he cares for me similar to a son! Or atleast a really good friend!” Merus said with a wide smile.

“Definitely.” Himmsworth nodded in agreement.

“Changing topics.” Prism said only for Merus to gasp with excitement.

”I knew it!” Merus began to giggle to himself excitedly.

Prism sighed. “I hate this damn cat.” Prism thought.

He and Himmsworths eyes locked. “Your mind isn’t safe either, Prism.” Himmsworth said.

“Goddamnit.” Prism groaned.

”hehehe! Okay, okay! I wanna get moving! There’s a lot to explore!” Merus said, getting pumped up. He began to jump in place.

“He’s right, welcome to the friendship club Reia.” Himmsworth said, to which Merus knew exactly where he got that from.

“OOooo Friendship Club” Reia clapped with a smile.

“What? I did not agree to this.” Prism groaned once more.

”you did when you came into my life! Hehe. Friendship club!!!!” Merus exclaimed as he ran and jumped in circles. He laughed childishly as he did so.

“You can thank your witch of a mother.” Prism said. Merus stopped.

“You know what? When we go home I’m gonna thank her for that exact thing!” Merus said with a large smile. Himmsworth chuckled.

“You're such a lovely child, you remind me a lot of my own.” Reia smiled

Prism rolled his eyes. “Can we move on now.” He said floating away.

”then they must have had good parents! That’s how I turned out!” Merus looked at Prism with a wide grin. He ran towards Prism’s direction, arms out. “FRIENDSHIP CLUUBBB!!” He shouted in joy.

“Stop before I turn your mouth into a zipper and shut it.” Prism said.

Merus looked down in disappointment. “Aw.”

“So where do you want to go first?” Reia asked.

“Good question.” Himmsworth said. Merus looked towards them with a shrug.

“I don’t know, this is my first time here.” He said moving towards them.

“Then follow me. There's a town not so far away.” Reia said but as she was about to start walking Prism stopped her.

“I’ll teleport us there.” Prism said.

Reia shook her head. “What? No way. The best way to travel here is by foot.” She said as she started walking

Prism stared at her silently, floating behind her while Merus and Himmsworth followed on foot.

Prism stared at her silently, floating behind her while Merus and Himmsworth followed on foot. They traveled for a short time, taking in the beauty of the Twisted lands.

Merus looked ahead to Reia with a smile. He was always so excited to meet people. Yet curiously quickly came back as he ran to her side. “Hey! So what’s it like living here?” Merus asked, patiently awaiting and answer.

“Well its not the worst ever. Being a underer. Has its perks. You don't have to worry about constant Light for one, the stars of the ceiling above us give us enough light.

However we do have abominations and lots of ghosts and ghouls.” Reia answered. Merus looked up the stars on the ceiling with a smile but turned his head back.

"What's an abomination?" Merus questioned curiously.

“An abomination transcends being a monster kiddo. It is to be chaos incarnate, to be a hideous ugly creature that finds enjoyment in the suffering of all living things.” Himmsworth chimed in. Merus and Reia looked back at Himmsworth.

“Smart kitty.” Reia smiled, glancing back in the direction they were walking.

“oh hehe, thanks.” Himmsworth smiled.

“Oh my god.” Prism groaned inside his thoughts.

As they walked, Merus stretched his arms out above his head. He could feel the heat off of his hair. He lowered his arms back down. “Soooo how long until we get to this town?” Merus wondered.

“It'll only be an hour long walk. 30 minutes if you feel like running kiddo.” Reia answered, looking at Merus.

“Indeed” Himmsworth said. Prism continued to be silent, floating in the back of the line.

"I don't think I'm a fast runner yet. but i don't mind it! this view is really pretty!" Merus smiled softly, looking at the pretty fauna around the area.

“That's the spirit. Good job young one.” Reia smiled, ruffling his hair. Merus giggled as she did so.

He looked back at Reia. “So you said you had a child right? What are they like?” He asked.

“Oh I did. Well during our journeys togther I offered myself to bear the child of Injustice. Unfortunately, He would pass long before he would ever see his child.

He's my son, I love him with everything I have.” Reia said. Prism moved his head up upon hearing those words.

“Wait, you have the child of Injustice. Did-“ although before Prism could finish, Reia spoke.

“It's too soon to know.” Reia said. Prism looked at Himmsworth although he didn’t continue to say anything.

”that’s pretty cool! I bet you make a great Mutha!” Merus assured. Reia chuckled.

“I hope so.” Reia said.

”I like to think anyone could be a good parent! You just gotta do your best!” Merus exclaimed.

Reia pat Merus on the head once again. “Your mother raised you very well.” She smiled.

“More like we did.” Himmsworth chimed in.

”hey! Mutha helped too! It was a group effort.” Merus replied instantly.

“True.” Himmsworth agreed.

Merus gave a small childish giggle. “buuut I do try to raise myself well too!” He said.

Reia gave a sigh. “Unfortunately children are forced to resort to this nowadays. You're lucky to have a mother who is even willing to breastfeed let alone look after you.” She said, it felt saddening to even think about.

”really? That is pretty sad.” Merus said looking down at the flowers they just passed by.

”Maybe one day things will get better! You never know!” Merus cheerfully smiled.

“Yes, hopefully.” Reia said as Himmsworth stayed quiet.

“Ah it would seem we're here.” Reia said as they then saw a town filled with underers and other humanoid figures walking around the town. Large black spires could be seen in the background.

”woah this is pretty cool!” Merus said excitedly. He was so impressed by how they’ve been doing.

“It’s crazy people can actually live down here.” Prism said, looking around at everything.

“It's not that crazy. Much more peaceful than being up there.”

“Really?” Merus tilted his head slightly.

“Yes, there aren't many kingdoms down here as there is just farmlands and towns.” Reia answered, Himmsworth nodded his head.

“It is true.” he said.

”Wow, that is more peaceful! This is really cool.” Merus looked to the black spires most would see in the background. He pointed to those.

“What are those pillar thingy’s” He asked curiously

“Those? Those are the dark spires. I can't answer too much, but I know that they keep the void away from us.” Reia answered. Merus felt a small shiver.

”oooh, that sounds scary. So what is the void? I thought I heard it somewhere.” Merus questioned.

“a dark place where even the blackest of darkness. It spreads like a fungus. Best to stay away from it.” Himmsworth said. Merus continued to stare as at the pillars.

”oh. Noted.” Merus said. He turned his attention back into the town. “so what do you guys normally do here?”

“Come along and I'll show you, little one.” Reia said as she started towards the town. Prism narrowed his eyes.

“We still trusting this woman?” Prism said, skeptical of her kindness.

“She is fine, boy. Relax your mind. otherwise you may produce more colors.” Himmsworth said as he quickly caught up to Reia. Merus gave a small giggle as Prism rolled his eyes.

“funny....very funny.” Prism said as he and Merus began to catch up with the two.

As they approached the town, Merus skipped to the front of the group, excited to have finally made it. “Be careful, you don't know if anyone here is dangerous, son.” Himmsworth warned. Merus walked backwards, facing Himmsworth.

“But you do.” Prism said, staring at Himmsworth.

Himmsworth turned his head to face Prism. “Let the boy live a little.” He said.

“The cat is right.” Reia assured.

”okay! I’ll make sure to be on my best behavior and keep to myself!” Merus said excitedly as he spun forward and continued to skip forward.

They made it to the town. It was lively, people walking around, talking and greeting each other. Merchandise being sold and many vendors. Merus seemed excited, wanting to explore. ”this place is really cool! This is where you live?!” he smiled widely.

“Yes, my son is here too. I'm sure you'd make great friends.” Reia said. Merus quickly spun around, a big smile upon his face.

”I like making friends! That would be really fun!” Merus said excitedly with a giggle shortly afterwards.

“These people are so lively for living below the capital.” Prism said, looking around the town. His eyes followed everything.

“Indeed.” Himmsworth agreed with a nod.

“Come on, let's go check out the church real quick.” Reia said, leading the group to a large church. Merus, on the way, was wondering what the differences between the two churches were. Either way, he was deeply interested and excited.

The church was surprisingly another Church of Nunn, however, Nunn was wrapped around the 1st Knight. Merus stared in awe at the statue.

“Such a wonderful monument.” Himmsworth said as he sat, looking up at the statue.

“Sometimes I forget that this world is so religious.” Prism said as his eyes diverged from the statue.

”That's a really cool statue! It looks amazing!” Merus stared at the statue with awe. He found the religions interesting.

“What does that knight even mean for this? I know Falklore is in these, but what about this one?” Prism asked curiously.

With a lick onto his paw and a rub onto Himmsworths head, he stretched. “Icarus is one of the closest ones to Nunn possible.” He answered.

“The legends don't do him justice.” Reia said, putting her hands onto her hips as she stared at the Statue of Nunn and 1st Knight.

”legends? What legends do they have?” Merus questioned, a hint of curiosity in their tone.

“Icarus has much surrounding him, he once fought with The one In Red and came up victorious. Though it was just a simple match.

He has traveled all the lands of Eden and beyond. He tasted every food and slept with just about every woman you could think of.” Himmsworth answered. However Merus seemed somewhat dissatisfied from it.

”huh. Yea your right that doesn’t really give him a lot of justice. It does sound cool though!” Merus said.

“He has many more. But for now I'm too hungry to say.” Himmsworth said as he stood.

Prism turned towards Himmsworth. “Dont you already know what all foods taste like?” He questioned with an eyebrow raised.

“Knowing and eating are not the same.” Himmsworth said.

Merus nodded in agreement. “Yea! I could go for some food, I didn’t eat much earlier.” He said with a smile.

“Agreed. Dinner at my home then.” Reia saidz she began to lead them through the town towards where she lived.

Prism didn’t seem so enthusiastic about it. “Has to be some sort of assisnation attempt.” Prism suspected.

Himmsworth rolled his eyes. “Would you relax” he groaned.

”it’s okay Prism I think we’ll be A-Okay! Plus I think I need some actual food and not that yucky stuff they made at the restaurant.” Merus said. Prism lowered his eyes in confusion.

“What?” He questioned.

“Forget about it.” Himmsworth said

They entered her home. It was nice, small and cozy, there were a few heads of some random creatures around the place, but other than that. A nice home.

”This is a nice house!” Merus said with excitement.

Reia smiled at the compliment. “Thank you, my son is likley still at school. So he might not be back for a while.

So feel free to explore. Just not too much. Hehe.” she chuckled. Reia went to the kitchen as Prism teleported onto a chair. Himmsworth jumped up onto the couch and laid down.

”okay thank you!!” Merus exclaimed with a smile of joy. He wandered around the house with glee and curiosity, eventually finding his way back to Prism and Himmsworth.

“This place is so cool! Don’t you guys agree?” he giggled.

“It’s just a house, you live in a castle.” Prism said.

“Let him have some fun.” Himmsworth cut in. Prism rolled his eyes in response.

“Do you boys like sushi?” Reia asked from the kitchen.

”I’ve never had it! What’s sushi?” Merus questioned.

“Chopped up Raw fish.” Himmsworth answered.

“Such trivial food...I'll take some.” Prism said.

Reia poked her head out from the kitchen. “Are you allergic?” She asked.

Himmsworth shook his head. “He’s not.” He answered for Merus.

“Alright then, hope you like Isuo Calamari.” Reia said as she went back in.

”okay!” Merus exclaimed as he looked at Himmsworth. “what’s being allergic?” He questioned curiously.

“It's to be unable to digest, touch or be around certain elements or combinations of them.” Himmsworth answered.

“Don't eat something that makes you feel yucky.” Prism said, cutting into the conversation.

”oh, do I have any allergies?” Merus asked, a bit worried.

“No.” Himmsworth said.

“Lucky you, you're above the 40% that exist.” Prism said.

”oh that’s good!” Merus giggled. He had a wide smile.

“So, Merus. What do you think so far? Of all of this?” Prism asked, staring at Merus as he awaited his answer. It took Merus a moment to collect his thoughts but he knew, he had the smile that could tell anything.

”I really enjoy it! I’ve been having a lot of fun and I really appreciate you taking me to these places!” Merus continued to smile widely. He gave a small chuckle as he did so. Prism stayed quiet.

“We appreciate you too.” Himmsworth said. Merus then sat down next to Himmsworth on the couch. Himmsworth then jumped onto Merus’s lap, laying down. He began to pet Himmsworth. They could smell the food from the kitchen.

Merus leaned his head back on the couch, looking towards the kitchen. “That smells good!” Merus said excitedly.

“Must be nice to have such mundane senses.” Prism said. Himmsworth looked at Prism.

“It is.” He replied as just then Reia had leaned her head out of the kitchen once more.

“You boys ready?” She asked

“Yes!” Himmsworth said, jumping off of Merus’s lap and rushing over.

“Yea!” Merus said excitedly as he got up and ran to the table. He took a seat.

Reia came out with some sushi like dishes, she set them down as she sat down at the table as well.

Prism immediately replaced his famous eye that was in the front of his face with a large brush toothed mouth with 8 rows. He began to eat away at the food.

Himmsworth got on the floor to eat from his plate.

Reia, however, put her hands together and started praying.

Merus looked at Prism then Himmsworth. He turned his head towards Reia before he even touched his food. He tilted his head in curiosity before picking up a sushi roll and eating it. “This is really good!”

Reia kept praying as everyone ate a bit longer. Merus looked at Reia. He continued to tilt his head. “Were we supposed to pray?” He questioned.

Reia finished her prayers. “Do you have a god you pray to?”

”oh, uhh, I did pray to Eden once does that count?” Merus asked. He was unsure of how religion all worked.

“That's good, but having a god above you is nice to have in general.

Who do you pray to at night?” Reia asked. Merus stopped eating to think. He truly didn’t know, although he was so young he didn’t really understand.

”oh, I guess none. I’ve never really prayed before consistently, just that once.” Merus answered.

“Would you like to have someone to pray to?” Reia asked. Prism raised his head from his food.

“Don’t.” He said.

Merus looked at Prism, then back at Reia. “I don’t know. I feel like I’m too young to really choose. Maybe when I’m older!” He smiled.

“Agreed.” Nodded Himmsworth. “Godly worship is meant for the adults.” He said.

”yea! And I still got like…” Merus counted on his fingers, from 7 to around 20 “13 years to go! So I don’t have to worry about that for a while.”

“Thats a good boy, yea you do.” Himmsworth cut in.

Merus smiled. “Oh! By the way, you have a lovely home!” Merus exclaimed

“Thank you! Me and Inny built it together.” Reia said. She began to reflect on that day.

”Well I think you both did a great job!” Merus smiled. “What did you two do together?” He asked curiously.

“Oh, so many to think about. Which should I go over.”

she drank some tea as she thought

“Well we once helped make some people a home, we helped our son learn to do certain things such as writing and learning to talk to others.

There are so many.” Reia answered. Himmsworth sat up from his food, finishing it and stretched.

”I’m willing to listen! I like listening to stories!” Merus happily bounced in his seat.

“Too much sometimes.” Prism said, cutting in. Himmsworth then jumped into Merus’s lap and sat.

Reia chuckled. “heheh, not too many kids like you anymore.

Merus turned his head to Prism. “Hey! Stories teach you more about the world no matter if it's true or false! And it’s interesting listening to other people's tales!” he smiled, turning back to Reia.

“Like I said! I want to learn more about the world and see the wonders here!” He continued.

“hehe, that's good to hear. The stories of others is so special. They often don't think so, but everyone's story is special.

Yet people don't even realize that.” Reia said. Merus nodded as she talked.

“Stories are precious, they can even link to others too.” Said Himmsworth. He began to knead on Merus’s leg.

“yea! I fully agree! Stories always have that meaning that interests me a lot!” Merus exclaimed. He leaned back in his chair.

“Oh yes, truly.” Reia agreed.

“What story do you hope to make one day, Merus?” Himmsworth said. Everyone looked at Merus. He looked up in thought.

Merus took a moment to really think. His answer? He didn’t really know. “I’m not too sure. I want to inspire people! I wanna do good so that people don’t judge me for me!” He said, he gained a small smirk.

“Well I believe in you Merus. You seem like a very bright young man!” Reia clapped with a smile.

“Likewise.” Himmsworth said.

Merus gave a wide smile along with a small giggle. “I had a lot of help from da-… Himmsworth and Prism.” He said. Merus’s face got a bit red in embarrassment.

“Awww, I appreciate young lad.” Himmsworth said.

“I didn't really do anything...thanks though.” Prism responded.

“I'm glad to see.” Reia said. She put her elbows on the table, holding her head as she looked at Merus.

Merus quickly shook out of the embarrassment then turned his chair to Prism. “you did a lot! You just don’t know! Hehe.” He chuckled.

“Hmp.” Prism grunted as he looked away

“He's just embarrassed.” Himmsworth said with a smile.

“SHUT IT CAT!” Prism shouted which made Merus laugh. Reia smiled.

”hehe!” Merus smiled. “it’s okay Prism.” He giggled as he pet Himmsworth.

“Ah yes, that's puuurfect.” Himmsworth stretched as Merus continued to pet him.

Reia looked at Himmsworth with an interested look. “I'm curious. What is that cat? He talks and such. He's clearly very smart.” She questioned.

“Too smart for his own good.” Prism said.

”His names Himmsworth! I don’t know what he is but he is really smart!” Merus said, picking up Himmsworth slightly. He continued to pet him.

“I’m all-knowing.” Himmsworth answered.

“hmp.” Prism just stared.

“NO WAY! What do you know? How far does your knowledge go!?” Reia asked in anticipation. She sort of stood up in awe.

“Everywhere. I could tell you anything.” Himmsworth answered.

”hehe! Yea! Like…uhhhh…what’s the meaning of life?” Merus asked, testing his limits.

“Meaning of life? Do you want the objective Or subjective answer?” Questioned Himmsworth as he looked at Merus.

”uhhhhh objective?” Said Merus with a hesitant tone leaving his mouth.

“The meaning of life, the meaning of life is the source of your very being. It is to be one with yourself ultimately. To understand your place, yet to have enjoy it.

Rather you be an ant or a god. It is to find total and absolute bliss in any way. It is to be at one with your most worst and best self. To be true, is to be happy. To be happy is to be true.

Be true to yourself and you will have found meaning to your life.” Himmsworth said. His answer shocked everyone including Prism. Reia simply stared in disbelief.

”Very inspirational.” Merus nodded his head with a smile. “I like the answer! I think I’ll try to strive towards that.”

“Great to hear.” Himmsworth replied.

“Wow, that's...just wow.” Reia said, still stunned. The answer had completely blanked her mind.

“OK my turn. What Conduits are there that we don't know about?” Prism questioned. Merus looked to Prism, his distaste for the conduits immediately changed his expression.

“...There's many, but to give a short list. There is Gratitude, Absence, Choice and Hope.” Himmsworth answered.

Only one name stuck out to him in there. “hope?” prism thought.

“Wow, so many. Are those even documented?” Reia asked in a curious tone.

Himmsworth shook his head. “No, none of them are.” He said.

”How come?” Merus said, slightly interested now.

“They choose a life away from destiny, away from authority and religion.” Himmsworth said.

“That's fair.” Reia said, leaning back into her seat.

”sounds pleasant. And already better than most of the conduits.” Merus said. Himmsworth looked at Merus with a reassuring look.

“Not all Conduits are vile. You just haven't met the good ones yet.” Replied Himmsworth. Merus looked down without a word. He was thinking.

“What good ones?” Prism cut in.

“Ya’know good ones. Like you.” Himmsworth said, looking towards Prism. Prism looked away from Himmsworth

”…I guess you're right.” Merus sighed heavily.

“You just need time. Time is key my boy.” Himmsworth said, patting Merus’s leg.

”yea…” Merus said, petting Himmsworth. He thought about it. “I guess Passion wasn’t too bad…” he thought.

“What else can we ask him?” Reia wondered, she began to think of questions.

“Anything I guess.” Prism shrugged.

“Oh goodness.” Himmsworth chuckled.

”hehe. Ooh! I have one! I always wanted to know, why did Mutha choose Merus? Was it like a random name or cause it just sounds really cool!” Merus exclaimed, awaiting an answer.

“Was her brother's name.” Himmsworth answered.

Merus’s eyes lit up with excitement. ”she had a brother?! That’s really cool!” He exclaimed with a smile.

“Yup.” Himmsworth nodded.

Prism stared at the door before getting up from his seat. “I think I'm going to go outside.” He said floating away as Prism and Merus continued to rest.

“Ok...what is it like being all knowing?” Reia asked with a hint of curiosity in her tone.

“Dreadful.” Himmsworth answered.

”It must be really overwhelming, knowing everything I mean. How do you deal with it?” Merus questioned.

“I sleep.” Himmsworth said

“All the time?” Reia asked.

“No, sometimes people distract me. That's why I like to be a people person.” Himmsworth said

“And I am very happy that you are! You’re really fun to talk to!” Merus said, petting Himmsworths fur.

“hehe, thanks Merus. I appreciate it, really.” Himmsworth chuckled

”No problem!” Merus smiled, “I ran out of questions.” He said. Reia chuckled in response.

Himmsworth sat up with a stretch. “Well, I think I'll go ahead and take a quick Cat nap.” Himmsworth said, jumping off of Merus’s lap.

”Okay!” Merus smiked once more, patting Himmsworth’s head. “have a good nap then!” He said.

Reia turned her head towards Merus. “Will you rest too?” She asked.

”I guess I can too. Although I don’t know where I’d sleep.” Merus replied.

“You can sleep in my son's room. Follow me.” Reia walked towards the stairs of her home and walked up them. Merus smiled as he got up from his seat as he and Himmsworth followed up the stairs.

Reia led them to her son's room and opened the door. As Merus entered he saw many toys, a computer and even a big bed. He even saw a little sword and shield. “Feel free to get comfortable.” She said.

”woah! This is really cool!! Thank you so much!” Merus childishly giggled happily.

“I'll be downstairs if you need anything.” Himmsworth ran in and jumped on the bed and curled himself up. Reia left with a smile, closing the door behind her.

“Perfect.” Himmsworth said getting comfortable.

Merus smiled and stretched his arms out before flopping onto the bed. “todays been really cool!”

“Agreed. Very educational.” Himmsworth agreed with a nod.

”Yea! I learned a lot!” He smiled. Merus moved around on the bed, finding a good spot to lay down. As he did, he just stared at the ceiling.

”where do you think Prism went?” Merus questioned as he continued to stare.

“He went to see if any conduits were nearby.

Conduits are...fascinating. the diversity of their ranks...quite.” Himmsworth replied

”That makes sense.” Merus said. His eyes never got off of the ceiling. He moved his hands to the back of his head.

“I do hope that he doesn’t get into trouble with some then.” He continued. Himmsworth lifted his head and looked at Merus.

“What's on your mind?” Himmsworth asked, wanting to be polite as he already knew what Merus was thinking.

”Just reflecting I guess, I don’t know.” Merus shrugged.

“On what may I ask?” Himmsworth asked.

”On today in general, maybe a bit about what you said earlier with the Conduits too.” Merus said.

“oh?” Himmsworth tilted his head curiously.

”Like, today was a really cool day! We got to see a lot of places and got to meet Reia! She’s really nice. And for the Conduits, I guess I have been just marking them down as bad because of one guy…I just don’t know how to really say it though.” Merus said. His eyes lowered but continued staring up.

Himmsworth got up and moved over to Merus, laying down. “Your concerns aren't all wrong. Conduits can be very...themselves. you just won't know your family until you meet them all.” He said with reassurance.

”yea…I mean I guess O’Brien was okay. A bit harsh but he didn’t really care.” Merus said, remembering back to the Church. His opinion on O’Brien was complicated.

“Perhaps you'll get another chance soon.” Said Himmsworth.

”…Maybe. So what are the runaway conduits like?” Merus asked, sitting up in curiosity.

“They aren't like the ones you meet following that regular ones.

These rouge conduits don't operate on the same levels as others do. They are entirely alone, yet funtion well without their fellow conduits.

As you should know. Conduits get a slight boost when around their own. These rouges found a way around it.

Rouge conduits are dangerous, unlikely to trust another conduit and usually work alone.” Himmsworth answered. Merus found himself interested in the topic slightly. It was something that always confused him, he disliked conduits yet always found them interesting.

”they get a boost when they’re around on their own? Guess I’m exempted from that. So how do they find these workarounds?” Merus questioned.

“They were just born a bit different, though some have been said to devour child conduits.” Himmsworth answered. However, it made Merus slightly uncomfortable.

”…oh. That’s a bit uh, weird.” Merus said in an uncomfortable tone.

“Heheheh, thats not weird. Devouring of the innocent and young is quite common.

Unfortunately.” Himmsworth said as he licked his paw.

”it still seems weird, even if it is common. But, uh, I’ve been meaning to ask this but I’ve never really gotten the chance…what’s the difference between me and normal conduits?” Merus asked hesitantly.

“You were created by someone, they weren't. You weren't chosen.” Himmsworth said. The answer seemed obvious yet Merus thought there’d be more.

”Is that the only difference?” Merus asked.

“It's the only one they care about, but no.” Himmsworth answered.

”huh…all of this conduit stuff is gonna be confusing when I’m older isn’t it?” Merus sighed.

“You'll pick it up, the traditions are what's gonna really get you. Especially when you're 300 years old.” Himmsworth said.

”I gotta do traditions?” Merus questioned in a confused tone.

“Your future will be bright if you give them a chance, my son. Sometimes to best your enemies, you must work with those who may not always have your best interest at heart.” Himmsworth said in a reassuring tone. However, Merus wasn’t quite sure.

”hmm I suppose. But like what traditions would I have to do?” he asked curiously.

"You'll have to have the big three agree to get you in first. Then you'll need to do trials to prove your worth and finally, you'll need to have done something of great significance." Himmsworth explained

”the big three agree? What’s that?” Merus asked.

“The first conduits, Death, Destruction and Darkness. You have to be accepted by them.” Himmsworth said.

However, Merus’s eyes squinted at the word of Death. “Yea, I’m not too sure about that.” He said.

“You'll have to swallow the pill eventually. You won't like everyone You'll work for.” Himmsworth said. Merus flopped his body back down.

Merus began to groan which then turned into a sigh. “okay. Yea, that is gonna be a pain.” He said.

”just like, I don’t know Himmsworth. Working with them? Taking on their traditions? I’m taboo for them, that’s a bit weird. And what would Prism think? They don’t like him either! I could never turn my back on him!” Merus said, he began to think of many scenarios within his head.

“Prism would understand. Unlike him, you aren't allowed to live no matter what. You must prove your value more than he ever will.

Prism isn't the type to care about something so...infinitesimal.” Himmsworth said. Merus crossed his arms

”but I care! And I know he cares about me. I don’t want to just leave Prism to go off and do that stuff.” Merus exclaimed. He took a deep breath then let out another sigh.

“I understand.” Himmsworth said

”…maybe we should talk about that with Prism when I get older.” Merus said.

“Mayhaps.” Himmsworth replied.

The two sat in silence for a few moments before Merus began to speak up. “When do you think Prism will be back?” He asked.

“Not any time soon. Seems he's met up with a friend of his. Well, friend is stretching.” Himmsworth said. Merus instantly sat up with a smile on his face.

“Oo! Who’s his friend?!” Merus exclaimed with a curiosity in his tone.

“The Scribe.” Himmsworth answered.

”Who's the scribe?” Merus asked

“He guards the void down below this place.” Answered Himmsworth.

”oh, like that Thum guy?” Merus questioned.

“Yes.” Himmsworth nodded.

Merus gasped with excitement, either from Prism actually having a friend or just from the idea that popped into his head. ”That's really cool! Do you think we’ll meet the Scribe too?” He wondered.

“Unwise, he'd kill you on sight.” Himmsworth said. Merus’s expression quickly dropped.

”…oh.” Merus sighed. “alright…maybe  we could meet someone who wouldn’t want to kill me?”

“There’s quite a big few around here, yes.” Himmsworth said with a small little yawn.

”That'd be nice. What do you think Mutha’s doing right now?” Merus asked.

“She's currently remapping the cosmic stars.” Himmsworth said which made Merus sit up once again with interest.

”woah really?! That sounds really cool!” Merus said with a little excitement.

“It is, God's doing they're jobs is usually quite the  sight.” Himmsworth nodded in agreement.

”I hope I can do that someday! I’d really like to see Mutha do her work too!” Merus said, snuggling himself under the covers.

“Maybe she'd even teach you.” Himmsworth replied.

”you think so?! That would be awesome!” Merus giggled as he thought about it.

“Yes it would be. Especially if you master it well.” Said Himmsworth as he gave another yawn. Merus quickly did so after.

”maybe when we go back I could ask her if I can do it!” Merus said, laying his head back down.

“Of course, now let’s get some sleep.” He then laid down and proceeded to go to sleep

“Okay, goodnight!” Merus said with a warm smile. It was weird, being away from his mother. Often he would sleep in her hair but this time he rested in a bed. It was nice. He closed his eyes and drifted into sleep.