Seraph and Lara had already made their reports on the incidents before returning to their team's apartments.
All the girls aside for Veronica were in the living room, sitting in silence, trying to figure something out.
"I'm sorry. I was too confident in Lara's team, and I underestimated their mission. If... If I was less ecstatic about everything, none of this might have happened." Seraph apologized about the event.
"No one could've thought that these guys were any stronger than ordinary bandits. It's not your fault. Not entirely. Hell, half of us haven't been trained to fight against bandits. You had too much to do, and too much holding you back." Eleanora said to calm her down.
"How are holding up, Cassidy?" Kazue asked, remembering how Cassidy reacted during the ambush.
"Shaken up. But I can recover. But Ver... I'm not so sure. Her spirit... it took over her body and killed who knows how many people. When she regained control, she instinctively reacted to a threat... it was her first time killing someone. Our first time with anything like that..." Cassidy said, recalling the events.
"Anyone have any ideas to cheer Veronica up?" Sirita asked, rubbing the back of her neck.
The room was silent as they tried to think of something.
"They were bandits. It's not like she needs to feel too guilty about it." Sable said harshly.
"She knows." Aviris quick retorted. "How did you feel when you took your first life?"
The room feel silent again from Aviris' remark.
"I was conflicted. He was a child murderer. He looked... remorseful as the life drained from his face. As if he was begging for forgiveness. I knew he needed to die. To protect more children. But at the same time... I felt terrible." Seraph admitted, balling up her fist.
"That's what she's feeling. It was an immediate life or death situation, her or bandits. I don't think we want her to end up like me." Aviris said, looking down in guilt.
"What do you mean?" Cassidy asked.
Aviris took a deep breath before saying anything.
"In my homeland, I was nothing but a tool. A stronger and more agile than most people there, especially the men. I had an advantage. My eldest brother and father wanted to use that to their advantage... I took my first life at twelve. A high profile politician. I still don't know why he was a target. I was never allowed to ask questions." She started to admit. "I've killed a lot of people for most of my life. The rich, the poor, soldiers, the ill, men, women... and sometimes children..." Aviris choked up at her last few words.
"I grew so cold to death and killing that I felt nothing for it. When my mom was murdered... I felt nothing. It scared me. She and the younger of my two brothers were the only ones kind to me. They washed the blood off me, kept me warm, delicious food..." Aviris took another deep breath as she combed through her memories. "I'm still afraid to this day. The people I love now... I'm afraid to lose them... because I fear I wouldn't feel anything from their deaths. So, please, let her be more human than I am." Aviris finished, before laying down on the couch.
...
Light Weapon Master [Evolvable], Become more proficient with One Handed Weapons. [3/4]: Upgradeable! Challenge: Defeat one hundred (150) opponents with a sword [97/150]
"It's gone up..." Veronica said to herself as sheaid on her bed with an empty feeling.
"My dear, I'm sorry."
"It's fine. You did it to protect me. They were going to kill me anyways. It's just... difficult. Their blood was on my hands, in my hair. It's all too vivid. Tell me, how do you get used to killing?" Veronica said, watching her hand shake.
"You continue to do it. And preferably... you don't. Killing isn't ever supposed to get easier, or comfortable. You only choose to live or die. That's how it's always been. Some people... they're deranged enough to find enjoyment in it. Never, ever, become one of those people." Lilth spoke, trying to brush Veronica's hair with her hand, only to be an incorporeal being.
"I won't. I never will. I hated it." Veronica started to clench her fist, her nails digging into her palm. "I'll have to do it again if she really is after me, won't I...?"
"Potentially a lot more. And she knows I'm here too. You need to get stronger if you want even a chance."
Veronica's hand had started to bleed because of her clenched fist, which she unfurled, Taking a deep breath.
"And I'll need to protect everyone... I love them all." Veronica sighed. "For now... I think I need to see my daughters. And Liafi of course. Then, we both can get to work getting stronger. I need to kill that bitch." Veronica said with spite, getting up from her bed.
Lilith smiled and nodded. "Yeah. We do."