Chapter 23 - I chose that smile

The intimidation of the Demon King was immense. The group help their own while I stood alone strong.

Mallory let her eye twitch, staring me down from her throne.

“Solve my boredom?” She questioned, perking her head up as she doubted my words. “I will admit, when I heard of your proposition to impregnate the Goddess I was taken aback.”

“Eh?” Elvire let out her confusion, I could feel her strong gaze pierce my back, I ignored it.

“But there’s no more surprises father. There’s nothing to solve, and nothing you can do for me. In fact.” Mallory snapped her finger.

We sat in anticipation. Her sense of authority was strong.

The sounds of chains echoed, not loud in weight, but in quantity.

I froze. My mouth went agape while those behind me sat in pure confusion.

“ONIZUKA!?!?”

Standing before me was a man tethered in chains. They floated around his body, clinging to his arms and legs as they were free from gravities grasp.

“Oh, it’s Tosh.” He gestured an upward motion with his hand.

“WHAT!?” The group shouted in surprise.

Cold metal chains emerged from the below and above, ensnaring us. The group struggled, locked in place.

“Why you!?” Lard reacted aloud.

“It would be wise to stay put, Priest Lard.” Discordia’s cold words pierced.

“Ack!” Elvire felt a cold blade touch her neck.

“When did she get behind us!?” Audrey questioned, all of us were bewildered by her slippery nature as she had the goddess at knife point.

Lard clenched his teeth in frustration.

“Hehehe.” Malloy giggled. “Surprised?”

“I guess I underestimated you.” I smirked. Mallory let her giggling go cold.

I did underestimate her. My brains been trying to figure out how any of this is possible to begin with. Discordia is really Imani but never reincarnated, my dead child is alive and in her teens. I should have asked Elvire when I had the chance but my let myself think emotionally. That was very stupid of me.

“So, Onizuka. How does it feel knowing we had a daughter together?”

“That’s a gross way to put it.” Onizuka twinged.

“Nice try, dad.” Malloy assumed her arrogant posture. “I told him everything.”

“That’s right. You won’t get one over me again. I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to Nirasha!” He let his scowl show. Discordia let out a devious smile.

A grin spanned my face. Malloy's eye twitch.

“Then... Did she tell you Discordia is Imani?”

“Huh?” Onizuka and Discordia both reacted.

“Imani, did you ever tell Onizuka how you loved him?”

“HUH!?!?” Discordia went red as the blade pressed Elvire’s throat, scaring her. Onizuka stared in confusion.

“Don’t let his antics get to you.” Mallory stood, scarring the two. “You plan to have Discordia overreact. And you are fully aware of Onizuka’s impulsive nature.”

Each step she took was strong, her presence as the Demon King intimidated us. Discordia and Onizuka went quiet, but I could see I was on the right track.

“Then how about you, my daughter?”

“Hm?” She glared. “What about me?”

“Do you intend to let this grand moment go to waste? Chaining the climax to your will and simply culling us down?”

Mallory stopped in her tracks, surveying us, the group unable to hide their unease or anger.

“Yes. I don’t care.” She expressed truthfully. “I know you already figured this of me. That I have lived a life without your knowledge. From your perspective I should still be in my mother's womb.”

“Wait! I-”

“I can travel between the realms.”

“Why do you have to spoil things so casually!” I complained, this itch was scratched unenthusiastically. I could feel everyone’s eyes look to me in disapproval.

“I found Discordia in a realm for murderers. Twisted and tortured for her actions.”

“It was very erotic.” Discordia’s sadistic smirk was on full display, Elvire wanted to cry.

“I’ve been looking for answers for a long, long time. When I met her, I figured things out.” Mallory wandered up to me, staring me down despite my height advantage. “I’ve already figured out your power. As long as I don’t cut you down it won’t activate.”

“Oh?” I didn’t put much thought behind my ability from that night, Mallory said more than she needed to. “There must be a reason your familiar with it. Care to spoil?”

Mallory just stared, her nature to blurt out reveals was self-controlled. I can read her perfectly.

“What if I could surprise you with a simple command?”

“Huh?” Mallory let her eye twitch. “I don’t care.”

She readied her hand. The group could feel the oncoming end of our journey.

“Don’t you want the unexpected?” I smirked.

Mallory stood in place, glaring into my eyes with both intrigue and boredom.

“I’ll give you two words.” She stated, taking Onizuka and Discordia back with her mercy.

I let my grin span my face.

That’s more than enough.

“Audrey... Relax.”

“Huh?” Everyone went silent. Mallory was confused, unsure of the confidence in my smile.

“Oh.” Layla got the idea, staring down Audrey with intent.

“HAHAHAHA!!!” With Audrey's laughter, her chained arm began to swing madly. She arched the sword behind her.

In an outburst of her ease, she swung the sword over her head, through the chain constraining her arm, and let it slice through my chest.

“Huh?” Mallory was taken aback.

Discordia grinned, her blade craved Elvire’s neck as chaos brewed.

“Too slow.” Lard grabbed Discordia’s shoulder and teleported her to a lower room.

“There!” Discordia instinctively swung her blade as she turned, narrowly missing Lards big belly as he teleported.

“You should have acted before giving Toshiro a chance. I’ll be back.” With a smug salute, Lard left Discordia alone in an empty room.

“Hm.” Mallory watched my body bleed as I was chained up. “You got me. I did not expect that. But...”

Mallory glared to everyone else.

“How many of your friends can I kill before you activate.” With a swipe down of her hand, Blubber’s eyes widen as his life flashed before his eyes. The ground was sliced through. The chains suddenly became loose, hanging empty as the big body disappeared.

Mallory turned to face Lard holding onto Blubber, barely saving him.

“You had the opportunity just now to save two of your friends with a single action. In other words, you can only teleport one person at a time.”

Lard’s eyes widen. Everyone felt true terror as Malloy shifter her hand from a horizontal slice, into a vertical.

“Let’s test how fast you can get everyone.” Mallory moved her hand an inch before she froze once more. “Hm.”

She glared to Layla immediately, Layla’s legs were ready to buckle, the chains holding her rubbed against one another as her body shook. She pushed through her fear.

“You used this power on that girl earlier. You must have to ability to make others relax. No, that must be a wrong interpretation as you used it on Audrey to make her go berserk, while I’m feeling calm.” Mallory’s immediate deduction of the situation kept the others speechless. “This power is not relaxation, but ease. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this composure.”

Mallory’s golden glare turned Layla’s face white, her arm moved once more.

“ACK!!!” Ira wailed as he felt his abdomen get sliced through.

“Hehehe.””

Her strong swipe was stopped in its tracks. Everyone stared as I barely could hold back her strength.

“It’s amazing how one word can redefine a power, isn’t it, daughter?” Our eyes met, Mallory was uncaring to my eyes of pure white. Shadows and golden threads danced around my body, my body split in two by Audrey’s burst of fun floated but still chained.

“It is quite amazing. If I wasn’t so at ease right now you would have no chance in a battle of strength. Well done, but what now?”

I grinned.

I grabbed Mallory. My shadowy body and golden thread had her in my grasp.

“We’ll be right back.” I reassured everyone, only being met with confusion.

The sensation of boundless falling overtook the both of us.

My body stayed together, held by the golden thread as it has done before.

Mallory was in agony.

Her body trembled and fractured, as if her very being was splitting into two.

“What is this!!!” She screamed, echoing into the void.

I embraced her, snapping her from the pain.

“Get off!” She struggled, fighting me as we fell.

“Never! I won’t let go of my precious little girl!”

Mallory twitched, biting and clawing as we fell.

Our vision went white.

The room around us came into view.

Mallory stood stunned, staring at its layout.

“This... This is...”

“Our home.”

I took a seat, settling in at the table.

“Come, get comfortable.” I patted the spot to the side of the table.

“Hehehe....” Mallory chuckled.

I stared blankly.

“AHAHAHA!!! You’re such an idiot, Dad! Do you know what you have done!?”

“I brought you out of the realm that caged you. Giving you freedom to teleport between the realms.”

“What...?” She stood even more surprised, not understanding the situation. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, clearly being forcefully taken out of Layla’s power of ease has shaken her up.

“If you have the power to travel I would aassume you would rather be somewhere else. But considering Elvire was bringing people in to defeat you and how that worlds orb was different. I’m guessing you were trapped in there.”

I looked around the clean apartment. The baby crib was gone, the garbage removed, and the presence of a crying woman vacant made me feel better.

“What are you planning?” She asked, her eyes showed her confusion.

“Nothing. No tricks...” I expressed with no lie. I looked to the clean bed, made and well kept. “I realized after our encounter that... Well... You lived a life without structure. And with the confusion of two souls... I can only imagine what your mind was going through...”

Mallory listened, her eyes glaring down onto me.

“I don’t know what drove you to kidnap Onizuka... I don’t know why you sparred your mother... And I don’t know why you let me live when we first met...” I admitted these truths, I couldn’t think of a single reason. “But I do know this... You’re not some emotionless monster who craves the end... You’re just like me... Wanting something more.”

I smiled, being only greeted by her pressure.

“If you want to go and do as you please across the realms than do it. I give my support as your father... But, if there's any part of you that wants to feel whole... Well...” I patted the empty spot to my side once more. Mallory let her eyes speak.

“Hm.” With a murmur, she wandered over, sitting calmly onto the ground.

We sat in silence, anticipating a new arrival. Mallory’s posture was calm but disciplined. Sitting on her knees and staring off into the distance, her golden eyes brimming. Time dragged on.

What is taking her so long.

The unlocking of her front door caught our attention.

“Finally.” I groaned, the door swung open.

“Uh...” A male appeared, staring dumbfounded as we stared back.

Eh? Are we in the wrong apartment!?

I internally panicked, the man turned in confusion. “Uh... Nirasha. Baby... There are people in your apartment.”

“Huh Oh it maybe relatives of mine, let me-”

Nirasha froze, staring at me and Mallory who were sat comfortably.

“Uh... Hello...” I felt awkward, I didn’t expect her to bring a man over.

Mallory stared, I couldn’t read her current emotion.

“I’m not... I’m not going crazy am I...?” Nirasha Questioned.

“Baby, who are these two?” The man asked.

“S- Sorry to barge in but... Could we have a moment with Nirasha alone... We have a lot to discuss...” I stuttered. I could sense a shift in Mallory’s posture before returning to discipline.

“Uh... Baby... Let's continue our date tomorrow. I’ll text you later.”

Nirasha rushed him out, ignoring his questions as she shut the door.

She leaned against the door, watching as she took deep breaths.

“So...” She turned, facing us. “Who wants food?”

The aroma of masterful cooking filled the air. My mouth drooled, excited to eat another one of her meals.

Mallory sat in perfect stillness. Her eyes would dart and glance to the kitchen. Nirasha would also take a glance, unsure of reality.

“Eat up.” She laid the plates down. I immediately took in the smell.

“Oh, how I missed this.” I chomped down gracefully, scarfing the food as I savored the flavor.

Mallory just stared, not knowing how to handle the meal.

“Is... Is the meal okay..." Nirasha asked cautiously.

“Yes...” Mallory was conflicted. “It’s just... I’ve never had a homemade meal before...”

I kept eating, afraid I would never get a chance to have this again. “Seconds!” I handed the plate over.

“Uh... Yes... You always had room for more.” She smiled while reminiscing, getting another plate ready.

I looked over to Malloy’s untouched plate. “Are you going to eat that?”

I could feel her glare. “Yes.” She moved the plate out of my reach, staring at my hungry eyes. She took a bite.

“Hmm!” Her face lit up, a reflection shined in her eyes as she looked to the meal. She scarfed it down.

I felt sad by the lack of food, but glad to see her with enjoyment.

“Seconds please.” I stared in bewilderment as the speed of which she ate.

Nirasha glanced over, satisfied. “We have plenty more.”

Dinner was amazing. We ate till our stomachs couldn’t handle it anymore, Mallory had a deep look of satisfaction etched into her face, fighting to stay composed.

“Pfft.” Mallory glared at me before I could laugh more, scaring me silent.

“I hope the meal was satisfactory.” Nirasha shared.

“The meal was quite good.” Mallory underplayed her enjoyment.

“I was scared I wouldn’t get such a grand meal ever again.” I stated with a belch.

“So... Why are you both in cosplay...?” Nirasha asked her first question.

“Uh...” Looking us over, we do appear to be in medieval costumes, though not as extravagant as the town’s people. “We uh...”

“We’re from another world.” Mallory was right to the point, not caring to prolong anymore.

“What she said.” I played off her.

“Okay... And Tosh...”

“It’s Toshiro.” I corrected.

“Am I... Am I seeing things?” She was concerned for her own wellbeing.

“You are not, mother. We are both here.”

“M- Mother? I think I’m a little too young to be your mother.” Nirasha chuckled, bringing her eyes onto me and only gaining concern as I averted my eyes.

“This is pointless. You are merely wasting the inevitable, Father.”

“Eh?” Nirasha now looked to me with even more confusion, one that pained my very heart.

“Will you stop doing that!? You're going to give your mother and I heart attacks.”

“Mother and I....? Toshiro?” Nirasha glared at me now too, her eyes demanding answers. I put my hands up in defense.

Mallory sighed. “If you truly are giving me the choice father. Then I will do as I planned. I will tear the realms apart, dismantle reincarnation itself and live in true peace.”

Her eyes told me this was no lie. She had made her plan.

“Very well... I hope for the best.” I nodded, giving her my support.

She nodded back, there was another shift to her eyes, one that almost brought a tear to my eye. She stood ready to leave.

“Wait!” With a sudden embrace, Mallory was caught completely off guard.

“W- W- W- What are you doing, Mother!?” Mallory stuttered, unprepared for this event.

“At least-" Nirasha let out a small cry. She sniffed her runny nose while buried in Mallory’s shoulder. “At least let me have this one moment with my daughter.”

With her mother’s embrace, Mallory stood motionless, her eyes widen and trembling.

I stood up, taking Nirasha’s lead. Mallory was frozen, now caught in our trap.

“I’m so sorry, Mallory. I’m sorry I wasn’t a good mother to you.” She let out tears. “I never thought I would see you so grown up!”

“I’m sorry too. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me most.” I too let out my emotion, my mouth trembled as I let out my words.

Mallory didn’t know how to react. Standing in complete shock in our family hug. Her hands shook, twitching as her face shifted and conflicted.

In one tight squeeze, Mallory gave in. “Mommy! Daddy!”

Her words cried and tears swelled from her face, screaming as she let out her inner emotions long buried over years of isolation. We stood together as a family, letting our deepest traumas free, lifting our chains of burden.

With a wipe of her tear, Nirasha took a step back.

“I’m so happy I got to see you two... So very happy.” She let her expression reflect. Mallory wiped her tears, showing her vulnerability as a sad teenage girl.

“Oh... It’s that smile I’ve forgotten.”

“Huh?” Both looked to me.

Oh, I thought that aloud?

“The day we met, you smiled just like this, Narisha. That’s what made me choose you. I was so wrapped up with the day to day I’ve forgotten how much you glow when you smile.” I shared.

Nirasha blushed, caught off guard by my sudden confession.

“I... I always loved how you noticed those things.” She fidgeted with her fingers. “After you were gone, I didn’t know what to do, and after Onizuka died I was left all alone.”

I glanced at Mallory. She averted from my gaze with a guilt.

“I’m sorry I tainted our home, Tosh...” She looked down in shame.

I looked down as well.

“It’s fine. I’m sorry I left you in that state. I know how much you hate trash and bugs.”

“Oh, is that why there are centipedes in here?” Mallory stared at one of the corners now having a question on her mind answered.

Nirasha squirmed. "Where!?”

She rushed into my arms, cowering in my chest.

This is nostalgic. She would always rush to my side over the smallest of spiders. Bugs have always been attracted to her, especially centipedes.

“Wait.”

“Hm?” Both were confused.

I looked down to the tear eyed woman in my embrace. I felt an itch that transcended reincarnation itself.

“What are you doing, dad?” Mallory questioned as I grabbed her hand.

“Tosh?” Nirasha’s face met me with worry.

I met them both with a smile, one mischievous, crafted smile.

“AAAHHHHHH!!!”

The two screamed, unprepared for an endless fall into the void.

My body was whole, not a single thread or loose body part lingered. Mallory stared at herself. Split as two separate bodies.

Golden.

The third person with us glowed as a solid light. We three fell as a family, I embraced the endless void with open arms.