Chapter 52 Trust and Envy

Hallway of the penthouse Early-February 2208

It was an awkward moment walking out of the dining room after what had occurred a few minutes ago. They are in the hallway that has a tapestry of showing men and women in constant state of battle and war with one another with weapons like a monument epic. It is different as they pass each tapestry show from a different era like it is telling a story about the past. Esai notices this tapestry is well preserved that wool does not have a tear nor holes to speak of for it is pristine. Isaac is invested with all this stuff he have love for history because he often frets back on Earth that they do not get a definitive history back on Earth because most people in Divide States are ashamed of their past which why they intentionally archived and never release to the public for only selective few can see it if they understand of the importance of preserving it and protect it from being eased existence for much was lost.

Abel and Leo do not care much about this tapestry for they find it creepy when there was one image that shows a creature devouring the victims into its mouth in such a grotesque manner. Leo had to comment on it "Yuck, it's like seeing from a bad horror film that monsters munching people like jelly!" Leo shook his head with disgust and Abel agreed with him.

"These creatures that you all are seeing on tapestry are called Demons; they used to be tormentors to the Factions since the dawn of men and women came to be. They had been a problem for ages."Sarah spoked while they were walking.

"Demons!?"Isaac nearly burst out laughing.

Sarah stops in her tracks and turns seriously at Isaac like that had offended her which put Isaac on the spot for her reprimand. The group was stunned by her look for it and told the story in itself while Sarah challenged Isaac "I suppose you lived a comfortable life to make such laughter?" Isaac felt her ire while not understanding what he did wrong had to defend himself "I only laughed because it is an outdated notion of superstition that is a make believe to bring fear to children and adults from misbehaving which is not warrant for to be offended. After all it is fiction and does not exist."Isaac sounded reasonable in front of everyone.

"Just because you have not seen it does not mean it is not there. I know of these things because I have seen them. The only reason they are not prevalent is because they had their numbers reduced to near extinction nearly two thousand years ago." Sarah turns away to resume leading them to their room leaving Isaac baffled about what just happened.

Esai knew evil spirits do exist, sometimes called demons for they are opposite of an angel as he asked out of curiosity "You said demons existed since men and women came to be. What causes near extinction for these demons for they will always be around as long as evil continues in the heart of the people." Esai is walking next to Sarah.

"True demons will always be around for they know how to survive, there was something that came out worse than them. Normally you would think the Factions would have something to do with that however, we could only keep them at bay cause the demon's number was immense, cunning, and as well powerful." Sarah conducts details to Esai.

"What could be worse than a demon? Also saying 'humans are the worst' is overused for people who are nihilistic." Esai resents that notion as he believes there are good in people.

"It is something not to take lightly for it would bring nightmares which I want to avoid tonight for now it is something that eats spirits indiscriminately which I will not go into further detail. Here we are." Sarah finished as she opened the door to the room.

"Something that eats spirits indiscriminately…"Esai had a terrible thought about that to himself.

There they see the view of a large bedroom that has four king size beds that are neatly made that place the wall in row across one another. While the ceiling rounded dome and walls filled with picture frames there also was furniture around each corner as there was a large window that is openable that gives a clear view of the outside of the city. Isaac saw there was more tapestry to study as they all entered. Isaac was trying to get his mind off Rinora's presence as he asked, pointing to these unique insignias.

"What is this about, Sarah and what are these four symbols?" Isaac turns to Sarah for answers.

"These symbols are insignia for each Faction:Spirit Sensitives, Darkbringer, Lenios, and Observers." Sarah explains.

"What is that angelic spiral symbol?" Esai asks, pointing.

"That insignia is a Spirit Sensitive that represents nobility, respect, dignity, and the valiants.They are the oldest Faction of the civilization in Edom. They are known to use light based spiritual abilities as well neutral spiritual abilities, oh nearly forgot they also use dawn spiritual abilities." Sarah gave the description of the Spirit Sensitives.

Then Isaac points at the other insignia that has four triangular like compasses with a circle in the center while having four pendulums on the left and right also pertaining to four pendulums facing downward "What is this thing?" Sarah examines for a moment then explains "This is the insignia of the Observers.They are mysterious people they are hidden and keen watchers. That represents vigilance, stoic, and unforgiving. They use neutral spiritual energy and twilight energy for their preferential uses." Sarah sat down because she knew she was going to be teaching them.

Leo wanted to know what this symbol is over here that has a circle that has an upside down hammer that has two pendulums on left and right and also has three pendulums on the top. Sarah warmly smiled with this insignia "Ah, this is the insignia for the Lenios they have the power of creation. They are known to be free spirited, hard workers, and known to have a good sense of humor." Isaac, Abel, Somu, and Esai stare at Leo blinking their eyes for this is an odd coincidence.

Sarah continues with more information "They use neutral spiritual energy and can also use light or dark as well." Sarah finished her explanation about the Lenios. Abel asks about the last symbol that looks like the inverse version of the Spirit Sensitive. Somu turns her face away at that insignia uncomfortably. Sarah notices this as well even Esai recognizes it when he utters "Darkbringer.''Sarah could see that these two had a terrible encounter with them as she spoke with consideration "Yes you are correct that is an insignia of the Darkbringers. Warmongering people and envious people. That it represents tenacious, fierceness, and dominance. They can use neutral spiritual energy, and shadow energy, darkness energy, and demonic energy." Esai and his friend had just learned about the Factions.

Isaac, Abel, and Leo inadvertently dispels the veil to a certain degree as the veil was like fog that is thick in their minds has lessened. However, their memories about what happened prior three months before meeting Esai are still blocked.

"Lesson time is over, it is time for bed and Somu got a room for you that you sleep in for I don't want any funny business happening here so come with me." Sarah went to grab Somu's hand.

"NO!" Somu panicked as moves away from Sarah swiftly to clench tightly on Esai's arm.

"YOWCH!" Esai yowls in pain.

Isaac, Abel, and Leo were put off by Somu's behavior, "Somu let go of Esai's arm!" Isaac is annoyed with Somu.

"Dang, girl you clinging as a Koala bear to a tree branch that's about to snap to pieces!" Leo points out Somu's crazy grip upon Esai's arm.

Somu shook her head as she hugged tightly on Esai's arm "No I will not be separated again if I let go he will disappear!"Somu eyes twitch with fear.

Esai realizes what she is talking about. It is the time when they fought Tani Dark before he got thrown into space "Somu look I am not going anywhere." Esai grits his teeth as he hears his muscles crackling pop noise upon his arm in agony while filled with calm demeanor to put her at ease.

Somu heard him as she loosen her grip on Esai's arm as Sarah took an opportunity to place her hand upon Somu's shoulder "It is alright no one is going to take him away."Sarah reassures telepathically to release tension from Somu's body however, this was major mistake that set off a reminder of what Tani done her when she control her through her mind through the veil. Somu turns hostile against Sarah as she round kicks, but Sarah blocked with ease as a breeze of wind from the force is felt by everyone.

"I AM GOING TO KILL HER!"Somu threatens as she backs away from her.

"Somu no!" Esai stood before her with arms open.

Somu turns confused by Esai's actions which distracts her with precision Sarah did karate chop to the back of Somu's neck swiftly.Somu' eyes rolls up and loses consciousness as Sarah carries her in arms. Sarah apologized for what she had to do.

"She was not well in mind and I did not desire to harm her." Sarah held Somu apologizing.

Esai expressed his concern about Somu while Sarah smiled sadly and told Esai "It is very rare to see someone with compassion." As she walked away with Somu it was an awkward evening.

The boys went to their beds as Isaac made some harsh remark toward Somu "Did you see how she reacted? She went ballistic like she was going to lose Esai like he was going to disappear as she kicked the hostess like an ill-tempered child while threatening to kill her as if someone was out to get her.What deranged psycho!" Leo even made a joke about it "She is a lunatic that finally cracked in the coconut that splits its juice!"Leo leers.

"She deserved to be in juvie or even better a mental asylum!" Abel suggested.

Esai showed his displeasure by being stern to them "Hey, I am not sure if you all did not know that Somu had suffered greatly!" Esai's face angrily contorts.

Isaac, Abel, and Leo were surprised by Esai's stern voice. They all went to sleep while Esai could not help feeling sad for what had happened to Somu.

"Somu....I pray that whatever has happened to you in the last few months must be lonely. Be of good cheer, I am not going anywhere." Esai gradually sleeps to rest his mind and body.

***

The next morning as the sunlight shines upon Esai's face as wakes, setting up seeing the brightness of the sun while stretching his arms out. Esai's friends are snoring seeing that they are not exactly morning people. Esai went to see if Somu is as he walked out to the hallway where there are vases with flowers that have arches as well as the Spirit Sensitive designs with hall lights. While he was spiritually sensing Somu had seen Lucy who was cleaning the area quickly dusting off with a feather duster. with such speed and grace that she finished in a minute that she brushes her short black hair as she opens her crimson pink eyes to behold a boy before her.

Esai wanted to ask something from Lucy "Excuse me...I…" Esai hesitated as memories of Tani Dark haunt him. Lucy dryly commented "You are afraid of me." Esai tries to save face "What do you mean?"Lucy lowers her eyes "Your shadow is stirring with fright."Lucy sounded offended.

Esai wanted to apologize, which is a first for Lucy, "Forgive me it is just that I had a terrible experience with Darkbringers." Esai lowers his head down as Lucy softens her expression "It's alright Kinzuma, I wouldn't blame you for your reaction toward me, After all being a Darkbringer has a terrible reputation." Esai lifts up his head to face her "Lucy you remind me of the Shadow Tribe. When you said 'Your shadow is stirring with fright' they are good people and had good interaction with them and they taught me Shadow Shifting." Lucy is intrigued by this as she walks closer to him.

"Meeting the Shadow Tribe is rare, especially those who practice the old ways. I can teach you more if you like?"Esai could see Lucy is nicer with him as he saw her light shine with his spiritual senses. Esai replied warmly "I would like that very much, but I have been meaning to ask. Do you know where Somu is?" Lucy frowns as she was not at liberty to say "The young girl with green hair...she is not here for she is with my master speaking somewhere private." Esai was perplexed by her sudden secrecy.

Something is amiss as he thanked Lucy while Esai and walked to use his Spiritual Sensing to look for Somu's spiritual presence. Esai's spiritual senses felt a wave of strong contention. There he follows the feeling of the presence which he rushes to find a room that leads him to a dome that has training room design.Somu and Sarah stood across from one another as if it was a contentious argument.

Somu is practically screaming angrily at Sarah, "DON'T YOU EVER TOUCH MY MIND AGAIN!" Somu scowls.

Sarah being calm yet at the same time stern "If you are so adamant that you have nothing to hide then give me a reason to not assume you are a spy for Taru Ven then?" Sarah accused.

Somu loses it when she hears that name, "HOW DARE YOU! YOU SELF-RIGHTEOUS SKANK!"Somu throws a punch at Sarah's face. In that instance she blocks it with her palm.Sarah's eyes glint with a warning "Don't do that again." as the force of the punch made a breeze. Somu is tired of this, "STOP LOOKING DOWN ON ME!"Somu charges up a spiritual energy as her hand is glowing sharply which had hauntingly eerie similarities to Tani who they had fought. Somu uses her glowing hand to do palm hand thrust. Sarah glace at Somu's knife hand just evades it as a crest line crosses horizontally.

Sarah sidekicks Somu's stomach as Somu pushes back to the wall. The wall did not break. It was sturdy as Somu stumbled to the floor but recovered quickly. Somu vanishes while Sarah stands her ground. Somu uses an electrical field as she touches the floor with her hands and shouts "Dark spiritual electricity!" a spark of purple electricity flows instantaneously to a certain range of thirty feet wide radius. Sarah saw Esai in the room standing there recklessly with a look astounded at what was happening. She turned into a refraction of light and grabbed Esai out of the harm's way. As flashing purple electricity lit up the room a loud crackling before dissipating to the air. Sarah stood before the same spot before with Esai as they rematerialized their bodies to a solid form as the light rays disappeared.

Sarah glanced at Somu as she directly told her about her contradiction, "Somu you claim that you did not desire for anyone to take away Esai? Here you are lacking self-awareness and did not notice him, you were about to electrocute him." Somu's eyes widened with realization as that stung her as she fell to her knees in defeat. Esai was speechless the entire duration of this as Sarah released him and nearly stumbled to the ground for he was deep in thought "WHAT HAPPENED TO SOMU!? WHY WAS SHE REPLICATING EXACTLY THE TECHNIQUES AS TANI DARK!?"Esai was in complete dismay.

Lucy teleported in front of Sarah while bowing in apology "Forgive me my lady for not stopping him." Sarah nods at her accepting her apology.

Somu sees that Sarah is not only strong, but she in her view that Sarah is very close with Esai that enrages her with strong jealousy to the point of intense envy. There was an unexpected flash impulse from inside Somu's soul like there was a second heart as Somu's consciousness slipped away. Sarah's, Lucy's and Esai's Spiritual Senses are going crazy with danger. Somu's skin is oozing a shadowy yellow part of her limbs. Esai fell to his knees as he felt something familiar that he did not want to feel.

"M-my heart is anguished! Impetus horrors making my soul faint…"Esai clench his chest such an excruciating weight of abhorrent presence.

"Lucy leaves immediately, it is not safe." Sarah orders with an unusual calmness.

"What about the boy?"Lucy looks at Esai who is experiencing pain from this presence that is eminenting from Somu.

"I will take care of him, I can't take care of two at once.Especially when you do not know how to deal with this thing." Sarah glaces at Lucy.

"I will go." Lucy understood vanished from the room.

Sarah summons her spiritual weapon in the form of the unique lance. Somu has eyes full of jealousy as glares at Sarah. As the room was trembling with fear of this ever roaming presence that it was no longer a presence of a Spirit Sensitive girl.Sarah felt some of her spiritual energy slowly getting drained as her talents, skills, beauty, individuality, and relationship felt slowly tear from Somu's shadow presence.

Sarah had to silence her emotions as her knowledge of this thing would eat her to death even her own spirit. Sarah had to move to kill her without malice. As she thrust her weapon against Somu's chest. Somu's yellow shadowy substance moves with instantaneous speed to protect her as it meshes like an overlay shadow. Her spiritual weapon's tip became brittle the moment it made contact with Somu's shadow. Sarah had to try again because she cannot waste time. Somu went to attack as the air stirred a sharp harrowing sceam. Horizontal cuts towards Sarah. Quickly Sarah pulls back without having an emotional reaction which is difficult without feeling anxious.

Every moment she wastes is like giving life to this thing. Somu's eyes desire everything that Sarah has. Sarah cannot think about killing because if she slips up it is over for it can absorb her negative energy.Somu vanishes as this time difficult to sense for her Spiritual Sensing is distorted by this thing. Sarah precisely stabs her shoulder to cause a blood spurt however, Somu did wince but it did not bother her as much. Somu kicks against Sarah's stomach as it forces her to fly against the wall. Sarah's natural spiritual barrier significantly weakened which caused injuries Sarah must have broken some ribs causing sharp pain however, she had to ignore it.

It is difficult because it hurts to breathe as she thrust her spiritual weapon again. Somu dodges Sarah's lance thrust as there was a swoosh through the air. Somu's presence is overwhelming, growing stronger as the fight progresses; the yellow shadow is engulfing her body while Sarah's emotions of fear are surfacing. Sarah had to flow light energy that started glowing bright blue which caused Esai to snap out of it. Esai could not believe what was occurring but he had to stop them. His spirit is literally afraid whatever that presence was although he could not sense Sarah but can see her.

Sarah chants as her lance is getting brighter "May light be the soul of my essence as I pray that it reaches its mark…" The lance becomes so bright it hurts to look at as Sarah finishes throwing her lance at Somu, "Bluelight Obliterate!''Bright flash of Bluelight engulfs the room as the lance hits Somu directly. It was disorienting as Esai regained his senses gradually. Sarah looks exhausted as she breathes sharply like she had not been breathing for a long time. Esai had thought Sarah killed Somu.

Esai had to walk carefully as his eyes returned back to normal and went to find if there were ashes left of Somu to pay his respects for the funeral by putting in the ash jar. Against what he previously believed, see that Somu remains intact and alive although, unconscious, there is no more that shadowy yellow on her anymore. Even that terrifying presence is no longer there anymore as there was peace in the room, there was no more screeching from inanimate objects and living things are in harmony.

Sarah grabs her spiritual weapon and mutters under her breath, "She's still alive…" As Sarah walks to stab Somu's chest. Esai had to step in to stop her from killing her, "Stop, she is not evil!" Sarah glares at Esai like crazy "Esai Kinzuma whether you are misguided or insane? She cannot live." Esai could not deny what he had seen, regardless of telling Sarah "Somu had suffered greatly, I can't excuse what she did to you. If you could give me a chance to guide her back the way she needs to be."Sarah was silent for a moment as Esai anxiously awaited her answer.

Sarah's spiritual weapon dematerialized as she sighs, "If you can guide her back where she is supposed to be then I will allow it once. A warning as you may know, that if she steps out of line I will kill her without any consideration." Sarah glares at Esai with warning after that she carries Somu in her arms as Esai follows behind.

---

There is a room where Somu lies in bed resting from the fight.While Esai is sitting on the chair waiting for her as Sarah is outside the door. Somu's eyes gradually open and wearily stares at Esai "What...happened to me?" Esai imagined that being in that state she might not recall the fight. As Somu lay there tired and fatigued, breathing weakly waiting for his response.

"Honestly Somu you lost control in the fight and Sarah won that fight." Esai plainly told her.

Somu clicks her tongue in bitterness. Esai can see her delicate mood as he reflects for a moment before telling her what happened "Somu, I don't know what happened to you after I got thrown in space. I never got the chance to thank you for saving my life." Somu's eyes widened with surprise as she was not expecting it.

Somu turns her head briefly before turning back toward Esai again blushing "You are welcome." Somu softly spoke.

Esai briefly smiles while scratching his spiky hair with his fingers for a second. "Somu, I will help you as well as support you as you would have done the same for me.It will be tough as long as you don't step out of line." Somu is annoyed but she understands.

"Go and rest, you have not had a decent rest from your traveling and reflect upon what you want to do from here on and out."Esai told Somu to rest in bed as he said goodbye to her.

Esai leaves the room as Sarah walks beside him "You didn't tell her that she almost harmed you? Why?" Sarah stares curiously at Esai.

"She made a lot of mistakes. I can see it in her heart. She regrets it. She is envious and jealous of everyone which is why she envied you."Sarah stopped turning abruptly toward Esai, "Esai how did you know that?" Esai was going to explain but he stopped himself from saying it.

"Not many can read minds let alone one can read a heart so clearly." Sarah maintains eye contact with Esai.

They both stood in the hallway as there was an utmost matter between them. Esai was warned by the Holy Spirit who he can trust by who he revealed himself to. Esai can read Sarah's spiritual presence much deeply thanks to his Messenger's Instrument. Examining Sarah's spiritual presence is stern and strong yet, she is kind, cheerful, and warm despite her heaviness in her past. Esai thought the heaviness that he described is her sins. Sarah did not warrant any distrust, especially her hospitality and actions are true to her character. Esai had made his decision to tell her when he was about to tell her.

Sarah stops him from saying by putting up her hand to stop, "Esai I am honored by your trust in me."Sarah felt relieved by this.

"Come follow me to my office where we can speak privately, so no prying eyes nor eavesdropping upon our conversation."Sarah motions her hand to follow as they walk to her office.

There was a door that Sarah opened seamlessly without a creaking sound. What Esai observed walking in the office room:that is open view windows there are two bookshelves that are ten meter apart while having a high tech office desk near an open window view. Sarah takes her office seat and invites Esai to take a guest chair as they are facing one another.

"Esai, are you the Messenger?"Sarah intently stares at Esai.

Seeing that Sarah can be trusted as he spoke sincerely, "Yes I am the Messenger."Esai bows his head.

Sarah felt very honored as she replied "Yes, I can tell by your spiritual presence that it shines greatly, quite honestly too boldly."Sarah worried.

"What do you mean by too boldly?"Esai asks.

"I don't know if anyone taught you how to conceal your spiritual presence. Your spiritual light can attract good people or bad people. I am mostly concerned about you attracting bad people." Sarah once again expresses her concern.

"I did not have proper training. I sort of teleport to a different part of the galaxy before I could have an opportunity."Esai turns his head with embarrassment.

Sarah raised her eyebrow in confusion or a hint of amusement. Sarah placed her hand out like going to offer something, "Sounds like you are going to need a teacher?"Sarah smiles profusely.

Esai could not help but smile back. Esai agrees to be trained by her and Lucy. After they worked out the details they left Sarah's office to go eat breakfast. The maids had served an unexpected plate that was full of empanadas that were nearly stacked in columns.

Esai recognizes it and grabs one empanada as he shouts "Itadakimasu!" took a bite on the tip for freshly cooked shredded chicken as he savored it. Isaac,Abel,and Leo tried the empanadas and they might have liked it. Esai often wonders how they know exactly what they have been desiring.

"Would it be alright with you Sarah that I take cooking lessons with one of your maids?"Esai turns toward Lucy.

"You may learn from one of my servants." Sarah gave him permission.

"It will be my pleasure to teach young Kinzuma how to cook young Kinzuma." Lucy bow her down respectfully to Esai.

"Hey, how come he got the prettiest maid to teach him!?" Leo complains.

Sarah told the group "You all can learn from my servants for cooking, which is essential in life." Isaac and Abel were not as enthusiastic because they know the work that comes along with it. Esai is eager to learn about cooking as Leo is just excited to be around a beautiful woman.To sum up about that Lucy is impressed with Esai's dedication to cooking skills. Leo is just as hopeless because he did not pay attention to Tiffany which she "accidently" let her hand slip when there is red hand mark on Leo's face. As for Isaac and Abel seem to have talent for this, but for Tracy it is expected.

Somu had remained in her room to rest because her body is sore from what happened this morning. When she had entered that form that creature was slowly affecting Somu's soul because it was devouring her spiritual energy. Somu felt some pain however, Esai's spiritual light sent the creature back to the dark corners of the spiritual space. Somu cried with fear for this, not something she had ever experienced before. She curls her legs up into fetal positions into despair as she feels to sink deep until a light pulls her out like a hand. Somu was rendered speechless by this vision…