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!"

that was the reason. All I am saying is that Adrien must at least have a reason for doing what he is

him the benefit of the

would be

his frown slowly dissipating from

would take such a sympathetic role regarding Adrien. Still… he has

could push him to the edge. When

Rey finally

very

is here… doesn't that mean he is aware of

about that, Master. I

"Ah… okay."

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

was going on in

rollercoaster that it was a chore just to

at him

Rey decided to sleep everything off and eliminate all the fatigue that

~Master…~

on his bed. Her black, slime-like form stood over him like a guardian angel, observing

she serenity of the night helped her absorb more of the

this time would be

~Hey… Emil~

danced as she screeched, turning back in

one behind her. No one

~Over here, Emil…~

came again, and this time, the Symbiote Slime had her attention drawn to the Black

slithered towards it, and while she had no facial feature of any kind,

want, Ater?~ She recognized the voice, and she also knew the only one who could reach

was certain it was

~How cold, Emil…~