Defying Power's Grasp

“It was different this time, not the usual blackness. I was conscious for all of it. I watched my body tearing off limbs, and using methods I would never resort to.” Xentros hung his head. He normally didn’t like putting his problems on the shoulders of other people. The exception was for the two most important influences in his life, however. Vexus and Sheila sat by listening to Xentros recount the events of their battle not but two hours ago.

“Do you know if this means it is getting better or worse?” Sheila said with optimism. The look of pure defeat that showed on her best friend’s face, and she immediately felt regret for asking such a question. In the years he has had the curse anytime something new happened with it, it was only negative, or coupled with an extremely negative effect.

Xentros tried to hide his disappointment, and so he did the only thing he could think of at the moment.

“Well, at least now I can say I’ve had an inner body experience.”

He tried to joke.

The false enthusiasm in his voice was evident to those present. They tried to smile for his benefit, but they all knew it meant nothing in the long run. Vexus came up with an idea he to try and establish a baseline of what the curse could do. “Why don’t we fight. You and me, to see how long you can go before the curse starts to affect you?”

Sheila immediately jumped in on the idea. “Yeah! It’s perfect. Spar in a contained area and go until you collapse or start to feel yourself losing control.”

Xentros mulled the idea over in his head multiple times before he gave his answer. “What if I can’t stop it in time? What if wins and tries to harm you, dad? I don’t think I could live with myself after that.”

“Don’t worry about me. The Zentavions are a hearty stalk, I’ll be able to handle you until you stop it.” Vexus stood up and dusted off his robes. “I need to change into my armor. Meet me in the inner courtyard, and we’ll battle there.” Vexus hugged his now-standing son and walked off towards his quarters.

Xentros turned towards Sheila after watching his father retreat. He went to speak before Sheila cut him off abruptly. “Don’t even say it. You’re going to be fine. You won’t let it win, and you’ll be able to learn more about it so we can hopefully find a cure.” Sheila watched as Xentros’ frown slowly turned into an extremely faint smile.

“You know just what to say. What would I do without you.” Xentros walked towards Sheila prepared to give her a hug.

“You’d probably be very bored, sir.” Sheila saluted and waited for his response. It was worth it, as he gave her a deflated look.

“We’ve been over this countless times. I’m not someone you need to call sir. I’m just like you.” Xentros knew the mistake he had made the moment the words left his mouth.

“Ooooooh, does that mean I’m royalty? I’d be able to buy that nice new chest piece I saw on our last trip to Severaun! And the coil to match my bow. Who am I kidding, I could get the whole outfit!” Sheila continued on like this for a few minutes before Xentros could finally interrupt her.

“I’d much rather let you be the royal one. I believe you’d make a better ruler than I would.” Xentros tried directing her away from her jibing rant.

Sheila raised her eyebrow for a moment. A gesture lost on Xentros, as she had her back to him. She continued in her same jovial, taunting nature as she spoke again. “Hmm. kind of sounded like an offer to me. Did I get it right, you want to make me a royal?” She turned around at the end of her question. She had the look of an innocent child pleading with their parent to let them play outside longer. After a few moments of stunned silence from her friend, she dropped the facade and began again. “In all seriousness, there was something I wanted to talk to you about, Xentros.” She waited for him to reclaim his composure and give her his full attention.

“Here goes nothing.” She thought to herself.