Shadow Slave/// Oldest Dream

Icarus sat on the porch, the baby cradled gently in his arms. Her small hand grasped his finger, her black hair, soft and shiny in the moonlight, tickling his skin. He couldn't help but smile at her peaceful face, the simplicity of the moment wrapping around him like warmth. The world outside, with all its chaos, seemed distant in this tiny bubble of calm.

He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for just a moment before a sudden jarring noise from the TV startled him. He looked up, hearing the reporter's voice crackle through the speakers.

"Another gate opened. 43 people lost their lives in the incident... Gates are starting to appear more frequently... Numbers are growing across the world-"

He turned away from the screen without a second thought, his gaze rising to the moon. He hadn't realized it, but a single tear had escaped his eye, falling silently down his cheek. His face remained emotionless, but the sadness was there, lingering just beneath the surface.

"I wonder… Will you experience such a sadness too?" he whispered, his voice barely a murmur, as if the question itself would break the fragile peace of the night. "I hope not… It's too painful."

A noise from behind him snapped his focus back to the present. His father's voice, heavy and sharp, cut through the air like a warning.

"If you dare touch my children... I'm going to butcher you!!!"

Icarus instinctively pulled the baby closer, his instincts taking over. His heart raced, and his protective urge flared.

"Dad! What's wrong?" he asked, his voice trembling with both confusion and fear.

His father's expression was grim, his fists clenched in an attempt to control the rage brewing inside him. But what caught Icarus off guard wasn't just the anger in his father's eyes—it was the man standing beside him. That sickening smile. The unsettling, almost too calm demeanor.

He knew him. He knew that man.

Asterion.

The world seemed to slow down, the gravity of the situation pressing heavily on Icarus's chest. His eyes flicked to the child behind Asterion. Someone he knew, too.

Uncertainty flooded his mind. Fear and anxiety overcoming reason for a moment.

"W-what's happening?... Uncle Aster?" Icarus managed to ask, his voice low, barely audible.

His father's gaze hardened, fury flashing in his eyes, but before he could speak, Asterion's voice slithered through the air, dripping with malice and mockery.

"You can choose," Asterion's voice was almost playful, a twisted amusement dancing in his eyes. "Your son or your daughter... It's up to you. But personally, I'd prefer to take little Icarus. Such a fascinating child… So wise, so intelligent for one so young. Don't you agree?"

Icarus was barely five years old, but in that moment, he understood far more than he should have. His small frame held an eerie calm, an unnerving clarity that made it seem like his age was a mere illusion. The mention of Mordret, rumors about Anvil's son, the ominous weight of the situation—it all clicked in his young mind.

Asterion's grin widened as he turned his gaze to Icarus. "Or perhaps he can choose... Will you?"

The words hung in the air, heavy with anticipation. But Icarus didn't hesitate. His eyes, cold and focused, met Asterion's with a defiance that shouldn't have belonged to a child his age.

"No," Icarus said, his voice unwavering, each word sharp as a blade. "I'll follow you, but you won't touch her. That's my final offer. Take it or leave it."

His father's face twisted in disbelief, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. His anger was palpable, but Icarus wasn't backing down. The calmness in his tone only seemed to provoke the fury in his father further.

"Boy!" His father roared, voice full of authority. "Who gave you the right to decide-"

Icarus cut him off with a gaze that could freeze fire. "Can you guarantee you'll always be here to protect us? You may have the power to defeat him here and now, but what if he escapes? What if he comes back when you're not around? You couldn't protect mom… So, what makes you think you can protect us?"

The words stung like an accusation, and his father faltered, the weight of Icarus's words sinking into him. Confusion, sorrow, and guilt all churned behind his father's eyes, and Icarus knew he had made his choice.

He turned his back on his father, walking calmly toward Asterion. His steps were steady, his expression blank, but his heart was a storm. he was afraid, full of doubts and worries, not knowing if he made right decision. All he could do was to stand next to Mordret.

Asterion chuckled softly, his hands coming to rest on the shoulders of the two boys. His eyes glinted with something dark, something pleased.

"Then it's settled," Asterion said, his voice laced with malicious delight. "We take the leaves. Farewell, old friend. No worries, your child will be fine. After all-"

___

"Klaus… Klaus!? Klaus?!"

Icarus slowly opened his eyes, his expression as cold and blank as ever. His gaze was distant, the remnants of an unpleasant dream still clinging to him. What a shitty dream…

"I heard you, Anna. Stop assaulting my ears."

Anna, a young woman in her twenties with brown hair and piercing green eyes, sighed heavily. She placed a thick stack of papers on his desk with an air of irritation. As his assistant, she was the one to handle the tedious tasks he didn't have the patience for—mostly paperwork and the mundane details of running his life.

"Listen, you've got a job. The government's asking you to investigate… well, it's practically a suicide mission, so let's just forget about it."

Icarus raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corner of his lips as he grabbed the papers from the desk.

"Hmmm… Now this is really suicide. They want me to go to Europe? Are they trying to get me killed? That's the death zone, Anna. What, are they trying to see how long it takes before I'm dead? Those mad cunts…"

Anna, her expression one of disbelief mixed with anger, nodded in frustrated agreement.

"I know, right? Those bastards…" She spat out the words like they were poison. "Tch… Anyway, Klaus, forget it. I already sent a message to decline the offer."

Icarus chuckled darkly and shook his head.

"No need for that. I'm accepting."

Anna's eyes widened, and she nearly exploded in disbelief. She swung her fist at him, stopping just an inch away from his face, an invisible force halting it mid-air. Her hand trembled, but she held her ground.

"Are you crazy?! It's a lost cause, Klaus! Europe is gone! It's nothing but a graveyard now! Are you seriously considering this madness?"

Icarus shrugged nonchalantly, lighting up a cigarette as he leaned back in his chair.

"Fuck it. I'm doing it. But if they want me to walk into a death trap, they'd better give me something in return. Am I clear? They can give me information on a certain man, or they can go fuck themselves. That's my offer."

Anna sighed heavily, exasperated, as she slumped down in the chair opposite him. The tension was thick, but she knew better than to argue further.

"Fine… Who's this man?"

Icarus exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, his face obscured by the haze as his voice turned low and serious.

"His name is Jacob. He's someone I need to find."

Anna nodded without further comment, but as she turned to leave, she kicked the door in annoyance, the sound echoing down the hallway. Icarus, now alone, sat in silence, his mind drifting back to the strange vision that had haunted his sleep.

No man ever steps in the same river twice… For it's not the same river, and he's not the same man.

A bitter smile touched his lips. What a nasty dream…

___

Klaus appeared in front of the house as though he'd just materialized out of thin air. The house wasn't that of an unreasonably wealthy person, but rather someone who had more than enough. The homes in this district were all modestly sized, rarely exceeding two or three stories. The ground itself rose and fell in artificial tiers, each street existing on its own wide terrace. When the snow finally melted, lush lawns and vibrant greenery revealed themselves, giving the entire district a charming, garden-like feel.

His sharp eyes immediately began to assess the house: the spelltech used in its construction, the materials, the energy flows. Everything was laid bare for him with just a glance. He barely noticed as a young woman approached the door, her hesitant steps unmistakable in the stillness of the early afternoon. She was beautiful—ethereal, even—with pale, golden hair and crystal blue eyes, her features so perfect they could've been crafted by the gods themselves.

"May I ask... What are you doing here, Mr. Klaus?"

Klaus tilted his head, his expression shifting to one of mock offense, taking a step forward like a man with no patience for nonsense. His hands casually tucked into his pockets.

"Ehhh? What? Can't I stand in the street? Do you own the streets, huh? Huuuh? Why don't you answer?"

Cassia regarded him with a look of total indifference, as if this entire exchange was beneath her. Her gaze was cool, unimpressed.

"Let's stop this nonsense and answer me truthfully... Or I'll be forced to take drastic measures."

Klaus let out a melodious laugh, his voice smooth as silk.

"No worries, darling. I'm not here to cause trouble... Maybe just a little."

Cassia's patience was wearing thin, and her eyes narrowed. She was about to issue another command when a feminine voice from inside the house interrupted her.

"Who's this charming young man, dear?"

Cassia's mother appeared, stepping into the doorway with a warm smile. She looked strikingly similar to her daughter, though Cassia's beauty was the kind that made her mother's look quaint in comparison. As her eyes landed on Klaus, they widened in surprise.

Klaus, without missing a beat, flashed a polite smile and bowed his head.

"Ah, apologies, where are my manners? I'm Klaus, my beautiful lady. I'm sorry for not announcing myself earlier. I've come to take your bewitchingly beautiful daughter out on a date."

Cassia's jaw nearly hit the floor. Was he serious? He was practically kidnapping her! But her heart sank as she realized there was no way out. She couldn't just fight him off; his power was palpable. He had some form of space manipulation. That wasn't low-tier stuff. It was clear: she could either go along with it or be dragged along. And she had a feeling that if Klaus wanted to, he'd make sure she came with him one way or another. She nodded, doing her best to play along, though her stomach twisted in knots.

Her mother, however, seemed entirely at ease, beaming with happiness.

"Well... Good luck, and have fun, dear."

Cassia's mind was spinning. Am I really that miserable, mom? The thought stung as she walked toward Klaus. He'd teleported in front of her with a smooth, confident motion. Taking her hand, he kissed it lightly, and Cassia's mother watched in awe.

Klaus chuckled softly, giving her a wink. "Don't worry, my lovely lady. I'll steal her away for a few hours and return her... Probably."

With a wink, he disappeared, taking Cassia with him. They reappeared miles away in an instant.

Cassia dropped the act. The warmth in her expression evaporated, replaced by a steely determination. She reached for her rapier, the Quiet Dancer, ready to summon it at any moment.

"What do you want? What's the meaning of this? Do you think you can just do whatever you want without consequences?!"

Klaus flashed her an amused grin, unfazed by her sudden hostility.

"Actually, yes. But you don't need to be on your guard. I won't harm you or your parents."

Cassia wasn't buying it. She raised an eyebrow, her grip tightening on the hilt of her blade.

"Then what do you want?"

Klaus took his time, giving her an amused, almost playful smile.

"I really fancy you. Is it so hard to believe?"

Cassia blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. He... likes her? Was this some kind of joke? Her appearance, maybe? But there was something more that nagged at her—a sense of profound wrongness. He didn't appear in her visions. She couldn't read his runes. Hell, she couldn't even feel his aura. Every awakened person had a certain presence, a feeling that came with their power. But Klaus... he radiated nothing. A blank void. And that made him terrifying.

But what if... What if someone like him could change fate? If he becomes my ally...

"Fine... I'll play along. But I'm really tempted to slit your throat. Not exactly the mood for a date, huh?"

Klaus smirked, tilting his head in amusement.

"Isn't the point of this to get to know each other? Anyway, after you, my lady."

Cassia gave him a deadpan look. Asking a blind person to lead the way? Is he mocking me now?

Klaus burst out laughing, nearly doubling over.

"Pfthhhahahahhahahhahahah... Sorry... Kekekhahahahahahaha... I'm really sorry... Ahh... Phew... Ahem... Apologies."

Cassia stood there, a mix of frustration and disbelief in her eyes. The situation was bizarre, but Klaus was genuinely enjoying himself.