Chapter 29: A New Chapter

"Who's your new pall?" asked Okia as she prepared some tea for her guests.

"Meet Alken the Angel." replied Barbados.

"Angel? Wait an Angel!? Isn't this the race that you prophesied to bring about a new age of war?" Okia placed her hand behind her back, preparing for any attack that could happen.

"Yeah, but this one's special. They do not act and don't harbour the same twisted intentions. It's a blank slate."

"I can't help but feel slightly shaken. Does she wish to strike me?" asked Alken while avoiding eye contact.

"Yes. Just don't do any sudden movements and it should be fine."

"I'll tell you what you want to know so that you'll leave me." Okia sounded annoyed as her free time was being eaten up by the number 1 annoyance in the academy.

"How were you able to come back to life?" Barbados asked bluntly.

"Um, didn't I send you on a scavenger hunt for that information?"

"Okia you are literally the only human to have ever done it. Where do you want me to gain that knowledge from?" Okia didn't respond.

"Barbados. I hope you aren't being harsh. It's fine if she doesn't wish to answ-"

"Hush Alken. I wish to know. She sent me on an excruciating study session and I wasn't able to get the answer." Barbados looked at Okia who starred into thin air.

"Sure. I'll tell you. But I first need a gallon of your…blood?" Okia turned back to the same thin air and questioned if she heard that right. "Yes. A gallon of blood."

"Who were you talking to?" the Sinborn asked.

"Blood first. Answers after." Okia dragged a large gallon bucket and handed Barbados a knife with a purple obsidian blade. He did as he was told and explained to Alken the ridiculous demand.

"You aren't going to try to drink it to gain Sinborn powers, right?"

"Just pour some blood."

"Fine." Barbados slashed his arm and a waterfall of rosy iron poured down his arm. As the blood hit the bottom, it vanished. "HEY! Are you trying to dry me out??"

"Just give it a minute, there." Okia pointed at the manifestation of teeth staring into his eyes. There was a strange and familiar sense that radiated from the strange occurrence.

"Oh! Hi De-" Barbados tried to welcome the odd companion, but his throat shut and no noises were formed.

"Now now Barbados. Remember what we established."

"What? You know the Sinborn?" asked Okia, confused.

"You can say that. We've had a few experiences together that were so exhilarating." The voice put emphasis on the adjective.

"Don't make it sound so erotic! We only talked. Now why did you have me pour out a gallon of blood?"

"Simple my dear Sinborn. Equivalent exchange for knowledge." The entity's smile widened, and behind rows of jagged teeth, a small recording device was released.

"What is this?" asked Alken in perfect English. "Wait, I can speak the mortal language. How?"

"My body naturally acts as a translation device." said the deceitful floating face. "That device has the voice recording of me and Okia coming up to a deal while her body was losing consciousness. I'll have it back now." it said as a thin and skinny long arm reached and grabbed the machine.

"So what was this taboo knowledge about?" Barbados asked as his own patience was running out.

"Simple my dear Sinborn. A way to attach a soul to a body. Very mediocre knowledge that she had to gamble with. In the moment of her body being pierced by an enemy's lance, she fell. All she could do was call upon me."

"Thanks for the exposition. So what was the technique that she used?"

"Very simple. She had to crush her own heart, and force all the blood out of her body, whilst replacing it with mana."

"Was that all?"

"No," the mouth said while peeking over at Okia's skeletal figure, "There needed to be a start to the process. A sort of 'click' for the body to regenerate on its own without the need for consciousness. That's what I helped with."

"What about him?" Barbados asked while pointing at the Angel.

"The exact same process. The angelic silver blood left the body slowly, while used mana deposited in its place. The only difference was the spark, which was you using mana to start the regeneration."

"Does that mean that I am able to also use this wonderful substance?"

"Yes. But do be wary of your reliance on it. It is your body's blood after all." A ding rang from the floating mouth. "That's the time. I must make my leave. Farewell." The face collapsed within itself.

"Okia, thank you for the help. If there is any way for me to help you, please just ask." Alken said.

"What did he say Barbados?"

"You can count on him for any future problems."

"Wait. Before you leave. I must tell you something. The way I died and who was the cause behind it." Okia hesitated to speak. "It was Rathna. Her grudge against me grew exponentially and was unable to quell the deep hatred she harboured." Okia talked about her past as the predecessor of Rathna as the Commander of Body. During a lone black night, Rathna had ambushed Okia and she was struck by a blade that increased her sensitivity to pain. She endured a heightened sense of pain that nearly made her break. "Barbados. If you ever go up against that witch, please allow me to join you in ridding the planet of her."

"Heh," Barbados chuckled, "That doesn't sound too bad at all." The two shook hands to celebrate the new goal. All while Alken just nodded blissfully, longing for the ability to understand the language.