An Extra’s POV

~I have incomplete information, so there's the possibility that you will be misguided and act on bias when you inevitably encounter him. I deduced you would eventually figure out that Adrien was here, and responsible for the demise of so many Elves, so I wanted you to witness it yourself and form your thoughts on them before hearing my report on the matter.~

"I don't think that's enough justification, though…" Rey responded to Ater with a harsh tone.

~Perhaps. But, I believe it would be preferable for you to confront Adrien without much of your preconceived notions—especially regarding the boy.~

"Are you telling me to trust him?!"

~No. But… give the opening for that trust.~

"What does that mean?"

~Have you ever sat down and listened to Adrien? Maybe if you did so, and the both of you conversed at length with as minimal biases as possible… the conversation could end up becoming very fruitful.~

"You want me to calmly converse with someone responsible for Mass Genocide?"

~....~

"Answer me, Ater!" Rey raised his voice a little higher than normal, and the calming effect swiftly took over and soothed him.

All of his growing anger and frustration with Ater instantly vanished.

~Master… do you truly believe that there is not a chance in the world that you could ever be in Adrien's position?~

"What?"

~Is there nothing that you would be capable of going to any lengths to accomplish… even if it meant taking the side of Monsters?~

"...." It was now Rey's turn to be silent.

He creased his brow and thought hard about what Ater was implying.

~You killed the members of the Underworld back then because you determined them to be a danger to the United Human Alliance. What if you found out the Elves were the same?~

"But they're not!"

am saying is that Adrien must at least have a reason for

want me to give him the benefit of the doubt and hear him

would be

sighed, his frown slowly dissipating from his

Ater would take such a sympathetic role regarding

way they were, perhaps there were certain things that could push him

Rey

you very

if Adrien is here… doesn't that mean he is aware of my presence in the

don't need to worry about that, Master. I have

"Ah… okay."

**************

on in the Capital, and

it was

was eating at him at

and eliminate all the fatigue that

~Master…~

watched over him as he lay on his bed. Her black, slime-like form stood over him like a guardian angel, observing his every features… almost

slept, and she serenity of the night helped her absorb more of

her, this time would be

~Hey… Emil~

body danced as she screeched, turning back in an instant to glare

behind her. No one else was

~Over here, Emil…~

time, the Symbiote Slime had her attention drawn to the Black Box that still sat on

feature of any kind, her sour

want, Ater?~ She recognized the voice, and she also knew the only

certain it was

~How cold, Emil…~