Author Note: I kinda ducked up in the last chapter during the beginning. Mordret was questioning Sunny if he got anything from killing the Winter Beast and Sunny said no. Which is a lie. Which is impossible. This is one of the bigger mess ups I've had and I appreciate the people who pointed it out doing so in such a kind and respectful manner (you're all awesome btw).
In any case, here is the new cannon for how that scene went.
Sunny replies "Yes, I got a Memory" Mordret presses on if it is any good. Sunny replies "I think it can be, but I don't know how to go about using it." Which is true, he has to brainstorm for a bit to come up with some ideas. Mordret offers to help him with it and since it's an offer (not a question) Sunny hard turns him down. Since Mordret is kinda freaked due to the sheer power of the [Siege Souviner], he does not push any further. Though he does note that he can use his Reflection to find out what the Memory is if Sunny ever pulls it out.
Hope that clears things up, now onto some shenanigans.
Flying in the sky of the Dream Realm was quite different from in Antarctica. The stars painted a beautiful tapestry high above, and the moon's light brightly illuminated the world, mixing in the clouds to create enchanting hazes.
Of course, Gehrman did not see much of this, for he had formed a sphere of blood around himself in order to protect his fancy new clothes and combed hair.
It was not hard to find Dire Fang once he reached Ravenheart. His [Sixth Sense] could pick out even weak presences, so someone as daunting as Dire Fang was easy to pick out. However, it was a bit overshadowed.
Gehrman's brows furrowed briefly as he took in Ravenheart, it was exactly as he remembered it, the slanted Great Citadel surrounding the Jade Palace and framed by a monstrous dormant volcano.
However, now that his Attribute and senses were enhanced to an absurd degree due to Transcendence, he managed to get a glimpse of the true horror behind Ravenheart.
She's…everywhere.
Though the corpses that made up Ki Song were not out on the streets, the large winding tunnels were filled with puppets. There had to be close to one hundred thousand of them, and that was just what he could sense. There was no doubt deeper caverns that held more protections that impeded his Attribute.
The sheer scale of the Supreme was staggering.
It was also a good reminder that Ki Song, Anvil, and that mysterious third Sovereign were not just Superemes, they were Supremes whose Domains had expanded and to a great degree. Not only that, their control of their powers far surpassed what anything he had seen so far.
However, Gehrman liked to think that his own use of his Aspect was efficient and genius enough to rival the Sovereigns, he still didn't, and in fact, couldn't have as much experience as them in that regard.
Can't be worrying about that right now, Gehrman thought.
He then unceremoniously fell down to the city below. Dire Fang was waiting outside the Jade Palace. Halting his fall at the last moment by pulling the blood in his body upward, it looked as though Gehrman had simply appeared beside him.
Anyone walking by would likely think that he had just appeared from the Waking World. . Gehrman gave a sidelong glance to Dire Fang. The Saint was giving him a sidelong glance that seemed entirely banal.
Then, he nodded and gestured forward.
At the same time two Blood Sisters came out to fetch him. They both bowed to Dire Fang and Gehrman, and he responded in kind by greeting them by their names.
Similar to Alice from before, they appeared unnerved by it.
I'm just trying to be polite, isn't remembering names socially acceptable?
He didn't pay it any mind and waved goodbye to Dire Fang.
The man simply gave him a nod back, and then he disappeared, back to the Waking World.
As they walked Gehrman tried to make conversation, but the Awakened did not appear very willing to make small talk.
Eventually, Gehrman gave up and just enjoyed the scenery. The Jade Palace had been built by a god, after all.
Not one of the 6 main deities that held Divine Lineages, but one of the 7 Daemons.
These were beings whose unique abilities allowed them to face those 6 main gods in direct combat. In fact, it was the war between Daemons and the Gods that caused the Dream Realm to be a wasteland, the clash was simply that ruinous.
Of course, not much was known about the Daemons, at least to the public. Sunny seemed to have a very deep well of knowledge, as he had once revealed that he also had a Divine Lineage, but instead of a God, it was of the oldest Daemon. The one called Weaver, Demon of Fate.
This was a "Forbidden Lineage" and one of the secrets that Gehrman had long vowed to take to his grave.
In any case, the Jade Palace was created by the Demon of Dread. It was now dyed black from volcanic ash, but had once apparently been sublimely white, and in truth had been made specifically for a mortal the god once favored known as the Jade Queen.
This was all that was known to the historians and scholars, but Gehrman suspected Ki Song had uncovered many more secrets that she had elected not to share about the past of the Dream Realm.
However, while the outside was stained, the insides remained quite bright, and the upkeep done on the Palace allowed it to return to a semblance of its former glory.
Eventually, they stopped before a door.
This was not the parlor that had been used to greet him previously, nor was it the throne room.
Instead, it was an altogether different venue.
Gehrman whistled as he entered, the two Blood Sisters staying behind at the door.
This was a strange place. Not quite a restaurant, not quite a dining room, but somewhere in between.
There was plenty of space and furnishing of all immaculate age and quality. It gave the impression it was a place where small gatherings of people relaxed and had drinks.
Jeweled chandeliers reflected the glittering moonlight about, casting a graceful and refined presence upon the place.
Then, Gehrman saw her.
Out on the balcony, illuminated by the starry night, Seishan looked beautiful. She always looked beautiful, of course. However this felt different. Perhaps it was the effort that she had clearly put in.
Any Ascended could do nothing to their appearance and appear like a supermodel, so they never really did the more classical beauty routines that mundane humans did.
However, Seishan had done so, eye liner and lipstick enhanced her already enchanting appearance to that of a goddess. Her striking features grew more pronounced, however, that was not what was causing issues for Gehrman.
Instead, it was that damn dress. This was not her normal red dress. He had thought that outfit was one that accentuated her figure, but it appeared that it was in actuality woefully understated.
This sheer dress was made of thin material that clung to her curves like a second's skin. A decent amount of her cleavage was shown, and a high slit on the dress revealed a sliver of her upper thigh. Furthermore, simple high heels that seemed carved from the night itself adorned her feet, making her even more legs seem even longer.
Gehrman had to consciously control his muscles in order to not gawk at her. Still, his walk forward underwent an awkward pause as he took her in.
Her sharp eyes took note of it, and they seemed to be appraising him in kind.
Fortunately, she also seemed a bit lost in thought, so hopefully she wouldn't notice his less than chivalrous gaze.
Gehrman wordlessly made his way to the chair across from her and looked out over the balcony where Ravenheart sprawled below.
"A nice view," Gehrman said, automatically searching to shift his thoughts away from more carnal things.
"I agree," Seishan said.
Gehrman nearly relaxed, glad that she had also moved off from whatever electric feeling was suddenly permeating through the air.
Unfortunately, he was wrong.
Because when she agreed with him about the view, she was not looking out at the cityscape, but instead staring directly at him.
Gehrman schooled his thoughts and smiled warmly.
"You seem different today."
"Different in a bad way?" she asked coyly.
Gehrman's smile strained.
There was no clean response to that.
"Not necessarily bad," Gehrman said. "Just a bit…out of character."
Seishan studied him for a moment, then let her eyes slip to the side, toward the hall.
"My sisters have been excitable as of late. When I told them of my plan to hold a private dinner with you, they got a bit carried away," she sighed, a hint of humour in her voice. "You have no idea how many tries it took to get the makeup down. Many attempts were made before Bin got it right."
Gehrman blinked.
"The makeup?"
Seishan smiled, her lips suddenly attracting his eyes.
"Of course, what else would you be referring to?"
She is fucking playing with me! Good gods I am just getting embarrassed out here. If this keeps up my heart is gonna collapse. Gehrman internally panicked as his warm expression remained unperturbed.
"I was referring to this, actually," Gehrman gestured to the outfit he was currently wearing. "I know my standard dress is a bit archaic, but if you had wanted something more modern you could have just asked."
Now it was Seishan's turn to pause.
"I do not find your normal dress unpleasant by any means, I simply imagined this attire would be more suitable for tonight."
Gehrman considered her response, looking for openings to make her feel as embarrassed as she made him. This was quite the battle he had found himself in, and he had no intention to lose.
"It is nice, I will admit. What were you hoping to receive in return for giving me such an ensemble?"
"Nothing," Seishan said.
Gehrman let her stew in that 'nothing' for a bit before he shook his head. After a few moments he spoke in a casual voice.
"What brought on such a romantic night?"
"...Nothing in particular. I simply wanted to do something like this," Seishan said. Then, leaning ever so slightly forward, she spoke in a voice that was almost a whisper "Do you find such a thing unpleasant?"
"I don't mind it, but the whole seducing me thing is kind of unpleasant."
Seishan froze instantly, even her breathing halted.
Gehrman let his smile dim a bit.
"Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying myself here. However, it feels more like a manipulation tactic than anything. All the other times we talked it was much more mundane, this feels like you're deliberately manufacturing the most romantic and sensual atmosphere possible."
Seishan leaned back in her chair, her eyes losing a bit of their shine.
"That is quite hurtful, you know." She let her eyes trail back to his, pinning him with her gaze. "I am doing this because I want to, not because it was suggested or ordered." Seishan paused briefly. "I…feel like over the past few years, though our relationship has been odd, we have become…friends."
Gehrman blinked, surprised at the simple word.
Due to the sincerity dripping from her voice, Gehrman took time to consider this.
All the times they talked, every time they confided with each other, even just being around each other.
"We are friends," Gehrman decided. When he said it, it was with such certainty that it surprised even him.
Seishan's face showed no indication that this made her feel any sort of way, but the presence she exuded seemed to stutter a little bit.
"I mentioned it before, that Legacy marriages are purely political, that there is often nothing romantic or loving about them. They are simply contracts."
"I recall."
"But I don't… I don't want that."
Gehrman was suddenly utterly still as he processed genuine emotion crossing Seishan's face.
"It wasn't until just yesterday that I realized that. My sisters have been acting a bit childish lately, giving into nostalgic dreams about royal weddings and letting their passion fuel them. It was a reminder, one that I think I needed. My sisters and I have been granted supreme privilege in this life. As such it has been my opinion that asking, or even wanting, for more was the height of foolishness."
Seishan's straightened, appearing in that moment not unlike her mother, the poised queen of Ravenheart.
"However, one thing that I see time and time again when meeting you is that you always want more, even when you do have everything you could want. In the Forgotten Shore you could have stayed hidden and safe in your Workshop, but you went out and hunted. You could have lived the easy life and done nothing in the Dream Realm when you were Ascended. Now, in Antarctica, you could just wipe everything out by yourself, but you made a nightmare contraption to make sure that everyone else was not only kept safe, but also still benefiting."
She grew more and more exasperated with each example. Even so, a smile played on her lips.
"Gehrman, you are a greedy man. Yet you are also the most content man I know. Because you have no regrets…Truthfully Gehrman, I am a bit envious of you. Not because of what you have, but because of who you are. So, if you don't mind, I'll be taking a page out of your book and just doing something I want, that way, I'll have one less regret."
Gehrman was quiet for a long time. Their eyes were locked on each other, and neither blinked.
"What will it be then? What is that 'something' you want?" Gehrman asked. Now it was his term to be coy, but he kept things serious so as to not ruin the moment.
Seishan looked down a bit, nervousness on her face for perhaps the first time in her life.
"I want to marry someone I love."
Gehrman had to use his Aspect. The blood rushing to his cheeks would have created the most overwhelming blush if he did not.
"You…" Gehrman could not finish the sentence, it took everything he had just to get that one word out.
"We are friends, Gehrman," Seishan said. "In truth, besides the love for my sisters, I am unfamiliar with the concept. I do not know what it is to love a man. Though I do think that if I were to, it would be with you."
Several noises of uncertainty and embarrassment exited Gehrman's mouth. A couple of nervous chuckles, some "ummm"s and more nonsensical sounds that convey his frazzled state.
"Thats, uh, really… I don't think I'm…worthy?" He managed to spit out.
Then, in that moment something incredible happened.
Seisahn looked at him, her features lightened, and then she laughed.
It was a really, really nice sound.
Gehrman had never heard it before. He wondered if anyone had ever heard it before.
For a moment, he pretended that no one had. That this moment, that sound, was something that belonged only to him.
Is this love or attraction?
Old Gehrman's obsession with Maria was all he really had to go off of, but that wasn't really love. That wasn't really anything like what he felt at that moment either.
He couldn't deny the physical attraction, one would have to be totally removed from the ability to feel attraction in order to not feel some type of way towards Seishan.
Yet he felt more than just that.
She was a friend and he found her to be very attractive. Did that make it love?
In hindsight, it was a bit odd that Seishan put her heart and deepest thoughts out there and all either of them could do was be nervously confused.
"I guess, what I mean to say is that I don't really understand love either. I may have a bunch of memories, but none of them included a healthy relationship with a woman. I don't really know how to go about doing this."
Seishan's smile lingered.
"You're willing to give it a shot though?"
"I'd be the dumbest man in the world if I didn't," Gehrman chuckled.
At that point neither of them were beaming or had broad smiles. Seishan especially was not one to be outwardly expressive very often, instead remaining cordial at all times. Only Gehrman and her sisters could bring out a different side of her.
Still, the young man and woman sat across the table and smiled at each other, nervous and unsure of themselves.
Yet at the same time they were content. There would be no regrets.
…
The date went on long into the night. They shared a meal like usual, and then things took a turn.
They walked around the Jade Palace. Seishan regaled Gehrman with stories about her youth, growing up in this place with her sisters and all the trouble they got into.
It was incredibly humanizing to hear such things from the Princess of Song.
There was also a serenity to everything, as Seishan spontaneously stopped and ducked into a room to show something off, there was a genuine feeling that spread between them.
Their bond grew stronger and stronger.
Eventually, they made their way to the East side of the Palace which had undergone a transformation for the wedding ceremony that would be taking place in just one week.
That baffled Gehrman a bit. The day was happening a lot sooner than he expected.
Eventually, they stopped before Seishahn's door and the awkwardness returned.
Neither of them said anything for a while. Not willing or knowing how to make a "move" as Beastmaster had so eloquently put it before.
So instead they simply stood, not exactly looking at each other, but not looking away either.
"So…was the original plan to, you know, bed me?"
Seishan controlled her nerves and let out a soft chuckle.
"I had planned out the route our walk took us to lead us to this spot, but I always planned on just letting the mood dictate what followed."
"What do you think the mood is?" Gehrman asked cautiously.
Seishan finally looked at him, and a look of nervousness appeared on her features.
"I'm happy. I am also a bit scared and lost. I went into this with the same mentality I do with everything. Maintain decorum and confidence, but you have a habit of not letting me keep up such appearances." Seishan shook her head. "So, in exchange for that, how about you tell me what the mood is. What do you want to do?"
A lot of things, Gehrman thought.
Though at the same time he wouldn't deny that he was also paralyzed by fear. Fear of messing up, doing something wrong and being laughed at, these were irrational fears but it wouldn't be fear if it was rational.
So instead, he found a middle ground.
"I would like to kiss you," he said with solemn modesty.
The corners of Seishan's mouth twitched with amusement.
"Very formal of you," she said.
"Of course, it is up to you, I don't want to–"
And then her lips were on his.
It was so very gentle. It was also very different from what he had expected. Her lips were so much softer than he had thought. Surprisingly smooth as well.
His eyes closed and he focused on the sensation.
It didn't take a lot of effort, it swallowed up his entire world.
She had wrapped an arm around the back of his neck and pulled him in. Gehrman hadn't even realized that she had done so.
For the first time that he could remember, he felt vulnerable.
He also felt really damn good.
It was hard to explain, why the simple sensation made him so elated, why it brought his mind a semblance of bliss.
In the back of his mind, he noted that this was absurd, it was just a kiss.
Gehrman's first kiss, technically, but still just a kiss. It was as innocent as such actions could get, and yet the reaction he felt was anything but.
He gently returned the pressure that she gave him with his own, suddenly self conscious about himself and his own lips.
However, that didn't really stick in his mind.
It couldn't. All thoughts were simply eviscerated by the action Seishan had taken.
After a few seconds, they split apart.
Gehrman's face was beet red, he hadn't used his Aspect this time to stop himself. Fortunately, Seishan also seemed to have a similar affliction, though the blush was much more muted beneath her sublime grey skin.
"I don't mind," she whispered.
Gehrman just stared at her dumbly.
"Huh?"
She took a step back, then turned to enter her room.
"I don't mind giving my fiance a kiss."
And with that, she left him at the door.
That was for the best. Even if Gehrman's desires were now heavily stoked, he didn't want to move too fast.
Then again, they were getting married in a week so he wasn't sure if that still applied.
"Weirdest love confessions ever," Gehrman muttered as he pulled on his tether, returning to the Waking World.
In truth, neither had confessed love. They were both floundering, trying to figure out what the word even meant.
There was something nice about that.
Gehrman was suddenly filled with new determination. Seishan was right, he was a guy who didn't leave any regrets. That meant that he was going to make sure to do this wedding thing right.
It was a once and a lifetime opportunity after all.
Gehrman appeared in his room in Fort Balmuth and immediately went to the computer to do research.
He searched for a whole hour straight, making sure he familiarized himself with the traditions and the history behind the ceremony.
One thing especially caught his attention though.
In the dim room, a truly dastardly plot started to form in Gehrman's head. One that would bring great chaos, calamity, and tomfoolery.
"A Bachelor Party…could be fun."