A Bargain of Power

Leegna sat on the edge of the rooftop, staring at the city below, his mind still reeling from the encounter with the Time Guardians. His right hand throbbed, the faint afterglow of the glove still lingering on his skin. He clenched his fist, trying to make sense of everything. The Guardians, Enzok's disappearance, the letter—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle he couldn't quite fit together.

As if sensing his frustration, a familiar voice slithered into his thoughts.

-You're troubled, boy.

Leegna stiffened, recognizing the cold, ethereal tone of Yuj. He had grown used to the creature's presence over the years, though it never failed to unsettle him. "What do you want, Yuj?" he muttered, his eyes scanning the shadows for the faint flicker of the creature's form.

-Yuj materialized beside him, a shape half-formed in the darkness, his voice dripping with false concern. I only wish to help you. The Twelve Guardians are dangerous, and if you continue down this path alone, you will not survive.

Leegna's hand tightened on the edge of the roof. "You think I don't know that? They almost killed me today." His right eye flickered, a dull blue light pulsing from within as he remembered the power that surged through him during the fight.

Exactly, Yuj purred, circling around him. But I can offer you more than just survival. You have the power to destroy them—if you choose to use it.

Leegna's heart skipped a beat. "Destroy them? What are you talking about?"

Yuj's form shifted, his eyes glowing with a predatory gleam. The contract we made, boy—it's not just to protect you. I gave you the ability to perceive the weaknesses of celestial beings. The Twelve Guardians are not invincible. You've seen it yourself, haven't you? The way they flinched when you struck?

Leegna's mind raced. He had felt it—something different when he touched the Guardians. For a brief moment, they seemed vulnerable. "You mean I can—"

Yes, Yuj interrupted, his voice a whisper of temptation. With my help, you can tear them down. Dethrone them. And together, we can rid this world of their tyranny.

Leegna's breath caught in his throat. The idea was intoxicating—finally being able to fight back, to stand against the beings that controlled everything. But something gnawed at him, a whisper of doubt. "Why? Why are you helping me?"

Yuj paused, his form shifting in the shadows. Because I know what it's like to be under their thumb, he said, his voice a low growl. They have rules. Chains that bind even beings like me. But you... you are free. You can do what I cannot.

Leegna frowned. "What do you mean?"

Yuj's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. I cannot harm them directly. It's one of the rules they've set. But through you, I can achieve what I desire. Think of it as a partnership, boy. I help you, and in return, you help me. His voice turned silky. Isn't that what you want? To break free from their control?

-Leegna stared at him, a chill running down his spine. He wanted to trust Yuj—needed to, if he was going to survive—but something about the creature's words felt off. He wasn't telling him everything.

"Why can't you harm them?"

Yuj's form flickered, a brief flash of irritation crossing his face before he composed himself. It's... complicated, he said, his voice smooth once more. The Twelve Guardians are bound by certain laws, rules that even beings like myself must obey. But you, Leegna—you are outside those rules. That is why you are so important to me.

Leegna's blue eye pulsed again, a reminder of the power coursing through him. He didn't know if he could trust Yuj, but one thing was clear—he needed this power if he was going to survive the coming battles.

"I'll think about it," Leegna muttered, standing up and turning away from the creature.

Good, Yuj whispered, his voice trailing off like smoke in the wind. But don't take too long. Time is not on your side, boy.

-As Yuj's presence faded, Leegna stood alone on the rooftop, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. He knew he needed Yuj's power, but at what cost? And why couldn't Yuj fight the Guardians himself?

He would have to keep his wits about him. Yuj may be helping him—for now—but Leegna could feel the web of deception closing in around him