The morning sun bathed the bustling market in a warm golden hue. Vendors called out, each vying for the attention of passersby. Among them, a female beastkin with deer-like features stood behind her stall, her delicate antlers glinting softly in the sunlight. She offered an assortment of fresh vegetables, their vibrant colors a testament to her care. Beside her, a lion beastkin male, towering and broad-shouldered, was selling polished wooden crafts, his clawed hands moving deftly as he shaped a new creation.
A human woman with an apron over her modest attire presented handwoven baskets, her cheerful banter drawing in potential buyers. Nearby, an elderly human man sat on a low stool, his table filled with shining silver trinkets and charms that seemed to sparkle like stars under the morning light. Across the path, a fox beastkin with a mischievous glint in his red eyes offered exotic spices, their tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, while his bushy tail flicked back and forth with every sale.
In the middle of this lively scene, Lizzie, a woman with brown hair tied neatly back and piercing black eyes, stood at her stall. Her green gown and apron marked her as a vendor of fresh produce. She was engaged in an animated conversation with Lily, who looked equally cheerful. Lily, her short brown hair framing her youthful face, wore a flowing off-white tunic cinched at the waist with a simple leather belt.
"How was the meat I gave you last time?" Lizzie asked with a knowing smile, her voice dropping to a whisper as she glanced behind Lily at me.
Lily's cheeks flushed a light pink as she stammered, "No, ma'am, it's not what you're thinking!"
Lizzie chuckled heartily. "Alright, alright, I believe you. What would you like today, then?"
Lily sighed in relief and answered, "The usual, please, ma'am."
Lizzie nodded and began packing up the supplies, all the while casting amused glances at me. I stood silently, my black hair and eyes blending into the subdued tones of my plain linen tunic and worn trousers. My sturdy brown boots bore the marks of travel and labor.
Then, as expected, Ignis spoke up in my mind, his tone laced with irritation.
"Why the hold-up, brat? This is taking too long."
I sighed internally. "Can't you see Lily is getting the supplies?"
"And why did we even bother coming to this kingdom?" Ignis growled. "Changing your name and appearance is annoying. And seriously, Jeffery? Such a pathetic name. It sounds like a peasant who got lost on his way to be executed."
I deadpanned. "Oh? And what name would you suggest, then?"
"Something that strikes fear into the hearts of the weak!" Ignis declared grandly. "Like… 'Dreadfang the Eternal' or 'Oblivion Tyrant!'"
I rolled my eyes. "How old are you, again?"
"What does that matter?" Ignis snapped. "If you must know, I'm ageless, and everyone who dared to learn my age has perished!"
"Uh-huh," I replied dryly. "So you don't actually know."
Ignis bristled. "HOW DARE YOU! I am the great Ignis—dragons have knelt before me, and kingdoms have burned in my wake!"
I smirked. "And yet here you are, trapped in me, forced to listen to me pick out vegetables."
There was a brief silence before Ignis let out a slow exhale, dripping with pure disgust.
"Out of every soul in existence, I got stuck with the most insufferable brat alive. The gods must be mocking me."
"Oh, I'm sure they are," I shot back, amused.
"Mocking me, you worm, not you!" Ignis seethed. "You, on the other hand, should be weeping that a being of my caliber has to tolerate your pathetic existence." His voice took on a cruel edge. "You call yourself Kibo, but the only thing you've ever truly earned is disappointment. Even your fake name, Jeffery, is an insult to mediocrity itself."
That one hit harder than expected.
"Harsh," I muttered.
"Truth hurts, brat. Now, hurry up before I die of secondhand embarrassment."
Lily's voice pulled me back to reality. "Jeffery, we're done!" she said cheerfully, holding up the packed groceries.
"Oh, okay," I replied with a soft smile. "You set?"
Lily nodded, her black eyes shining. "Yes, I am."
The two of us waved at Lizzie, who watched us walk away with a nostalgic smile. "Those children grow up so fast," she muttered under her breath.
As we walked, Lily hummed a soft tune, the shopping bags swinging in rhythm with her steps. "So, where do we go next, Kibo?" she asked, her voice light and playful.
I barely held back a groan. "Lily," I whispered sharply, glancing around. "You can't call me that while we're in the kingdom."
Lily's face turned crimson. "Oh, I'm sorry! I forgot!"
I sighed, shaking my head. "It's fine, Lily. Everyone makes mistakes."
Ignis interjected in my mind, his usual arrogance laced in every word. "Not everyone makes mistakes. I, for one, am proof of that."
I glanced at Lily, who was humming softly to herself, her voice blending with the chatter of the market. She looked so carefree, so light—like the world had never weighed her down. It was a strange contrast to the storm always brewing in my own mind.
"Yeah," I said aloud, before adding in my head, "So, Ignis, what made you turn out like this?"
Ignis immediately bristled. "Brat, don't push your luck. You wouldn't understand the burdens of my greatness."
I laughed under my breath. "Oh, my apologies, oh wise one. I didn't mean to 'push your buttons.' Though I'm starting to think you've got more buttons than you care to admit."
Ignis huffed. "And here I thought you were finally growing some sense.Listen closely, boy: what happened wasn't a mistake. Your mother was a crazy witch. A menace to all."
I raised an eyebrow, my mental voice laced with sarcasm. "Oh, here we go again. The 'crazy witch' story. Is she the only witch in the world you've ever met? Or do you just enjoy labeling her the worst?"
Ignis growled, his tone sharp and unwavering. "Of course she was the worst! She wasn't just any witch; she was known far and wide as the Crazy Witch. The title wasn't just for show."
"You don't say," I muttered dryly. "A title like that does sound impressive… in a terrifying sort of way." I paused, the weight of my own words settling in. "Still, if you're calling her crazy, I doubt you're lying about it. You're not exactly known for sugarcoating the truth."
Ignis gave a satisfied grunt. "You'd better believe it, brat."
A beat of silence passed between us before curiosity got the better of me. "Aside from my mother, though, have there been any other witches you'd call powerful? Ones who could actually hold their own?"
Ignis let out a low, thoughtful grumble. "Hmm… there are two who come to mind. Both stand leagues above the rest."
That got my attention. "Oh? And who might they be?"
Ignis exhaled slowly, as if savoring the moment before revealing his knowledge. "Patience, brat. They are the Supreme Witch… and one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Lust."
I blinked. "Lust? She's a witch?!"
Ignis scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "Yes, of course. What did you think she was? A simple enchantress with parlor tricks? Tsk, your naivety knows no bounds."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "I don't know… I guess I pictured someone… normal? You know, just a person with magic."
Ignis let out a harsh laugh. "Normal? You absolute fool. Lust is anything but normal. Her power is as seductive as it is destructive. A whisper from her can turn even the strongest into a mindless puppet. She doesn't just control magic—she bends will itself. You'd do well to stay far away from her, though knowing you, trouble will come knocking regardless."
I muttered under my breath, "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
"Oh, don't be mistaken," Ignis sneered. "It's not confidence. It's the painful realization that you're an idiot with a death wish."
I rolled my eyes. "And yet, here you are, stuck in me. That must be a real tragedy for you."
Ignis ignored me, his voice taking on a rare seriousness. "As for the Supreme Witch, she is beyond comparison. A force of nature, her magic bends the very fabric of reality. Were it not for her peculiar sense of neutrality, the world as you know it would likely cease to exist."
I frowned. "Sounds… ominous. But hey, if she's neutral, that's a good thing, right?"
Ignis hesitated. Just for a second. That pause told me more than any answer he could've given.
"Neutrality is a double-edged sword," he finally said, his voice lower than before. "She doesn't destroy without reason—but she doesn't protect without it, either. She exists beyond concepts of good and evil. If you ever cross paths with her, tread carefully, brat."
His words lingered in my mind, heavier than I expected. I didn't reply. There wasn't anything to say.
Lily suddenly stopped walking, and I felt her mood shift. That light, carefree energy she had just moments ago was gone. Her humming faded into silence.
I immediately noticed the change. My eyes followed her line of sight.
"What's wrong, Lily?' I asked, concern lacing my voice, as I followed her line of sight.
Across the market, a man gripped a young girl's arm. His messy purple hair and cold gray eyes matched his nasty attitude.
"Pay for what those beggars stole from my store!" he snapped.
The girl held her ground. "I told you, I don't have anything. Can't you just leave those hungry kids alone?"
Two children trembled nearby—a boy clinging to his little sister, who was already crying.
"That looks bad," I thought.
"Don't get involved," Ignis muttered. "You're always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."
"I wasn't planning to," I shot back. "But Lily..."
I turned—
She was gone.
"Wait, where is Lily?" My voice rose in alarm.
I looked back, and my stomach sank. Lily was already between them, arms crossed, staring the man down like he wasn't twice her size.
"Why are you holding her like that?" she asked, firm and steady.
The man sneered, tightening his grip. "And who the hell are you supposed to be? Mind your own business, little girl."
"This is bad," I muttered.
"Pathetic," Ignis sighed. "You can't even keep an eye on your 'lover.' Truly pathetic."
"She's not my lover!" I snapped internally.
"Call her what you want, but if you don't act fast, she's going to stir up even more trouble. And knowing you, I'm sure you'll find a way to make it worse."
My jaw tightened. People were already watching. I clenched my fists. "How did I even let this happen? I was right beside her—"
The man barked at Lily, irritated. "Listen, girl, this isn't your concern. This thief needs to pay, and if you don't back off, you'll be next."
The girl whimpered, struggling. Her hood slipped, showing golden-blonde hair and ember eyes full of fear.
Lily's hands balled into fists. "They're just kids! And you're taking it out on her? You're disgusting!"
His face twisted in rage. "Disgusting? Listen here, you little—"
I didn't let him finish. "That's enough."
His glare snapped to me. "And who are you? Another busybody who doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut?"
I kept my voice calm. "Let her go. Now."
"Finally, some spine, brat," Ignis chuckled. "Let's see how far you can take this without making a fool of yourself."
I ignored him. The man yanked the girl closer. "And if I don't? What are you gonna do about it, huh?"
Lily stood her ground. The kids huddled together, shaking.
My fists curled.
"Ignis," I thought, "if this goes south, I might need your help."
"Oh, now you want my help?" He laughed. "You better hope you don't regret this, brat."
I stepped forward, my voice low. "You really don't want to find out."
.
.
.
[Stage lights brighten, revealing a simple yet cozy village market scene. Stalls with fresh produce and handmade goods are scattered around. Lily stands at the center, humming softly as she examines a basket of ripe apples. Kibo enters from stage left, looking a little worn but relaxed. The audience can hear Ignis's voice in Kibo's mind, harsh and mocking.]
Ignis (voice-over, scoffing): "Look at you, playing the doting little housewife. I didn't know you had it in you, brat. Or is it just because your precious Lily's around? Pathetic."
Kibo (grinning and ignoring Ignis): Lily, did you find everything you needed?
Lily (smiling brightly): Yep! Just a few more vegetables, and we'll be good to go!
Ignis (voice-over, sneering): "Great. More boring shopping. Just what I wanted—a front-row seat to your domestic disaster. Are you really this whipped, or are you just hopelessly stupid?"
Kibo (under his breath, smirking): Shut up, Ignis.
Lily (tilting her head, curious): Hm? Did you say something, Kibo?
Kibo (softly, giving her a reassuring smile): Nothing. Just thinking about how lucky I am to have someone like you around.
Lily (blushing slightly, fiddling with the hem of her tunic): Oh... Kibo, you're always so sweet.
Ignis (voice-over, gagging): "Sweet? More like nauseating. You're lucky she doesn't know what a useless sack of meat you really are."
Kibo (rolling his eyes): You know, for an all-powerful being, you sure do whine a lot.
Ignis (voice-over, growling): "Maybe if your pathetic excuse for a life wasn't so infuriating, I wouldn't have to listen to this insipid flirting!"
Lily (still oblivious, smiling): I'm glad you're here with me, Kibo. It always feels safer when you're around.
Kibo (heart softening, voice gentle): I'll always be here for you, Lily. No matter what.
Ignis (voice-over, disgusted): "gods, I'm drowning in your pathetic devotion. Just kiss her and get it over with—at least that way, I won't have to listen to your awkward pining anymore."
Kibo (blushing a bit, muttering): I'll kiss her when I'm damn well ready.
Lily (startled, glancing up): Huh?
Kibo (coughing, quickly covering up): I-I mean, let's get these vegetables before they're all gone.
[Lily giggles softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.]
Lily: You're acting weird today.
Kibo (scratching the back of his neck): Just... making sure you're happy.
Ignis (voice-over, sinister tone): "Pathetic. You're lucky she's too innocent to see through your bumbling mess. If I had a body, I'd be cringing right now."
[Stage lights dim as Lily hums and Kibo follows her, looking both flustered and content. A spotlight follows them as they walk off stage.]
[Spotlight shifts to center stage where Ignis's dark silhouette appears, voice dripping with disdain.]
Ignis: "You lot still here? Tch. Don't tell me you're actually interested in this idiot's pathetic excuse for a life. You must be as brain-dead as he is if you think he's worth rooting for. Let me give you some advice—find something better to do with your time.
You came here for a story, didn't you? Some grand tale of courage and glory? Ha! Don't make me laugh. This brat can barely walk straight without tripping over his own stupidity. If you're expecting a hero, you're even more hopeless than he is. But hey, stick around if you like watching trainwrecks—this one's bound to crash and burn eventually.
And don't even get me started on that girl. You think she's the light in his miserable life? Please. She's just a distraction—a pitiful excuse to pretend like he's worth a damn. Pathetic. It's like watching a worm try to impress a falcon. If you've got the stomach for it, go ahead and keep reading. I'll be right here, witnessing this farce unravel.
But don't come crying to me when it all goes to hell. I'll just laugh at you like I laugh at him.
[Ignis lets out a low, rumbling chuckle, dripping with pure contempt.]
Ignis: "You're wasting your time on this brat. But hey... I suppose fools attract other fools. Go on. Stay if you dare."
[Stage lights fade to black as Ignis's cruel laughter echoes in the darkness.]