"Announcing Rose Hood, and her plus one."
I did a curtsy, and Dallel did a respectful bow, then we descended the stairs to the gala. I smiled.
I saw Lucifer watching me, the Ruler looked at me with a brow raised, and the Author still glared at me in annoyance.
It was obvious to me that it was a fake body, but it did make sense that despite the contract, he wouldn't show up. After all, why should he reveal his identity?
Then, the music began again.
"So, Author, right?"
"Yes."
"You were turned down?"
"There are none I would bring."
"Got it, got it."
I knew I would likely not get a better chance than this.
"What kind of world is it you live in."
"Peaceful."
"How nice to hear, you should invite me over sometime."
"And ruin the last bastion of peace I have? I'd rather not."
I laughed.
"You are a fun one."
"As are you. Though I do wonder something."
"Oh?"
"Where did your Owner skill come from?"
Of course, the two others looked over. That skill was one of the major calls to my power.
"Well, it was a combination of System Override, System Administrator, and Denial. Not only that, but I also needed the trust of Luma to do it."
"I see, why are you open with it?"
"Because it is impossible for you to receive it, and even if you could, you don't have the other skill required to bring out its full power."
"And how do you know I can't fill the requirements easily?"
"Because I added an extra one to ensure that you couldn't."
"Oh? And what is that?"
"You must be a human named Rose Hood."
His confident smirk turned into a grimace.
"So, it is entirely yours then."
"Indeed, it is."
I filled my cup with punch and sipped some.
"What of you, what's your ability?"
"Something like yours but far stronger."
"Hah, keep your secrets then."
I went towards the bench where Lucifer was chatting with the Ruler.
"I know that you didn't call this party just for fun, so tell me the reason."
"You do not need to know the reason, child."
"Isn't it obvious, Lucy? He wants to size us up and see how much trouble he's potentially in."
"Lucy? Oh well. I understand that, but I am certain that there is another reason."
"If that's so, then why not tell me at least. As of this point, we are allies."
The Ruler sipped his punch, ignoring the thinly veiled message.
"It is not for you to know."
"Hmm, then at least tell us your name."
That caught both of their interest, and the interest of the archangels.
"And why would I do that?"
"You know our names, and that guy over there doesn't want anyone to know even the slightest details about him, so why not tell us your name."
"Does a peasant demand knowledge from a king?"
"No, but the king can ask for information from the lord."
Unlike him, I place myself as higher while still admitting he had control.
"You do not need to know my name."
"Very well."
I relented and sat down on the opposing bench.
"My, sister, it's almost incredible. You are so blunt. Few would dare even speak to him, but you not only did that, but you demanded information. Now you see why I want her stronger?"
The Ruler sighed.
"I will not stand your inane babbling, if you do not wish to be civil, then go home."
I smiled and then walked away without answering.
Lucifer followed me.
"I do believe it is the first time we have spoken face to face."
"Indeed, it is, Sister."
"Why do you call me that?"
"What?"
"Sister, as far as I know we do not have relations."
"Well, sister, its less in relation sister, and more that we are brother and sister in arms. We have similar end goals."
"Then why do you attack me?"
"Quite simple, to awaken you."
"What does that even mean?"
"I'm pretty sure you've already figured it out."
"You want FEAR to evolve."
"Bingo."
"So, it can."
"Of course, it can."
"What will happen when it does?"
"Who knows? All I really know is that when it evolves it will be much higher than what it was before, and perhaps even put you on the level of us."
"Well, then I'll need to do two things for this awakening."
"Oh?"
This was obviously the first he heard of there being a second thing.
"I need to max out system Owner as well."
His eyes widened.
"Incredible, if those two merged… just imagine the power you would hold. You may have a skill matching or even besting our writer friend over there."
"Does he know what will happen?"
"He likely has more idea than I do, but I sincerely doubt he knows everything."
"Why me?"
There it was. The question that I had asked myself several times. The question that I sincerely hoped that someone could finally answer.
"You are unique. FEAR… its different than anything any of us three have seen. But the most unique of all, you had emotions before you were named, despite being only the shard of a soul."
"What do you mean?"
"Peace, for example, would only keep peace, and only got involved originally because Wrath's violence would interrupt her peace. But why does Innocence go and kill a Whilder to protect someone she doesn't know?"
Now that I thought about it, I did actually have some emotional capabilities before I was named. But even so…
"Tessa also was like that."
"No, she wasn't, she favored you and therefore acted to aid you. She did it out of self interest even if she didn't realize, but you had nothing to gain, and certainly everything to lose. Yet, you acted anyways."
"But you were observing me before that."
"Indeed, I've been watching quite a while."
"Why?"
"Now, sister, if I told you everything that just wouldn't be fun."
"I suppose."
Then the slow music came on and Dallel approached.
"Rose, may I have this dance."
I smiled.
"Of course."
I took his hand and we danced.