Ch 35. Growing Trust Issues

Rosanna's P. O. V:

"-anna. Rosanna."

A warm hand squeezed my cheeks amidst my sleepy state. Grumbling incoherently, I swiped at the hand only for my hand to be gripped and fondled painfully.

"Yo-" I cracked an eye open with a husky voice.

"What." I stressed with venom. Does anyone not know it's basic manners to not wake a sleeping person up?

"What?" Kairos mockingly said in a high pitched voice.

Rolling my eyes, I sat up begrudgingly before staring at the white haired man who took a sit on the wooden chair besides me.

"Doctor Osborne will be here in a few minutes to check your condition but before then, I'd like to explain some things to you."

"Yes, I have a question." I spoke before Kairos continued, halting his planned explanation.

"Why was it necessary for you to kiss me to know which affinity I awakened?"

That thought bothered me a lot before my sleep. It was like the withdrawal effect of an addictive substance. Except the desires were toned down.

'Why. Why. Why the fudge did we do that?!?! Omg-- HOW did we do such a thing?! Kairos- nani!'

'Rip. Jael.'

Cocking a brow at my sudden question, Kairos curled his lips in a teasing smile staring at me with a hint of mischief.

"What? You thought I did it because I wanted to have a taste of your oh-so luscious lips?"

My cheeks burned with embarassment but on the inside I also felt partially angry. Who wouldn't-

"Truthfully, yes."

Jaw dropping from his remark, I stared at Kairos with astonishment.

"What-"

"We will get there. But for now, listen." Kairos spread his legs out, leaning his body upon the chair. An elbow was propped upon the handle as he held his chin up with a completely lazy vibe.

His voice was slightly lowered when he said, "I will tell you about my Origin talent seeing as how I know of yours. And consider it an official introduction in being apart of my team. Agreed?"

"Agreed." I nodded. And he continued without hesitation.

"My first Orgin talent is called [Order]. Order has three generalized functions: One being Reversion-- the ability to reverse any form, matter or derived energy into a state before it's current figure. As long as there is a changed history, I can reset the chosen target into it's former figure.

Like how I told you a space rift appeared but I nullified it's growth-- with, Reversion. Whenever it increases, I'd bring it back to where it started. But of course, as that force is the world's origin itself, there was little I could do.

My second skill of [Order] is 'Cease'. I can erase any matter from the existence of time. It's similar to Reversion but unlike Reversion which retains the existence of something, Cease directly erases the existence of the targeted matter. It's like clearing off the written words on a whiteboard with a duster.

And my third skill of [Order] is 'Still'. Simply call it 'time stop'. To put a targeted matter in a time freeze. All these that I've mentioned have certain limitations I cannot go into, yet. But you get the idea, Rosanna?"

"Um, yes." I already know of your skills, dude! Though it is nice to have my memory refreshed.

"So, um... does this have anything to do with the... kiss?" I asked, cringing internally.

Leisurely, Kairos replied. "Order is an Origin grade talent wich quite literally means, It's elements are based off the energies of our creation and the world's creation itself. Not a derived form like the other lower grade talents.

Though [Order] can be used in the various skills I've listed, it's innate properties can be directly projected to achieve other effects.

By channeling Order in it's direct form to your body, I paved a connection to your astral body. A person's Astral body is their truest form more closest to the world's origin.

So using [Order] directly without any skill activated was a simple access to connect to your world. In essence, two energy of the same source coming together from different streams.

And remember-- channeling Order requires my bodily fluids directly entering into your body stream. Through which I used a different talent; [Mind Manipulation] to attach my subconsciousness to your Astral body."

Yup, I have no idea what he's saying. But it seems logical? And I do not want to know the magical science behind whatever thing he said.

"So that was necessary..." I concluded.

"Yes. But I could've simply had you tested personally with a technological device. I'm an Instructor, Rosa. I've lead different students through all these."

I was stunned. "Then why-..."

Kairos smiled. "I wanted a second taste of your lips."

So he tricked me? To kiss me? What? That rhymed?

"You little-"

"Chill, Rosa. Do you think I have a private lab where I can test a person without it being recorded to the higher ups?"

"Oh." That's... Reasonable. But f*cking sh!thead didn't need to make my brain hurt.

"I do."

"Kairos f*cking Athanasius,"

"I like the way you call my name. Do it again."

"Get your brain checked!" I threw the little pillow at his face which spotted a cocky smirk.

He caught it, unfortunately, with a chuckle and threw it somewhere across the room.

"I would love to apologize but I'd do it again if given the chance."

"Pretend to not be a rogue?"

"Raised, breed and identify as one."

I chucked the other pillow at his face but as expected, he caught it. Then placed it on his laps with a half smile.

"Anyways, I need to explain your new awakened Talent to you. [Chaos], is it?"

I nodded, deliberately ignoring further conversations about Kairos' roguish act. Eating a maiden's lips with a scheme- how despicable. And I don't even want to know why he did such.

No, I'm just not willing to understand. I'm afraid I might get my hopes up if I do. But knowing Kairos, it could be sexual appeal and no more. Though I'm dissatisfied at what he did. Or am I really? No, I'm not.

My kiss with him was as mind-blowing and awesome like I read in the novels. Even beyond what I imagined to be true in reality. It wasn't a bad experience... And it didn't hurt.

But of course, only If I take away the slight emotional attachment my fragile heart was developing. That, I didn't like one bit. I know it will hurt me sometime soon.

"Chaos has three recorded skills. Somewhat of an opposite to [Order]. The first skill of Chaos is [Acceleration]. Unlike Reversal, it pushes a form, matter or energy through a multitude of future timelines thereby causing the 'death' of it's target. Or in the case with energy, it merely increases the growth speed or force of the energy.

Second skill is [Annihilation]. The ability to gather unstable Aether and send it to a targeted thing, effectively obliterating said thing from existence.

And the third noted skill is [Turbulence]. This is the ability to place significant invisible pressure upon a target. Destroying the target into pieces or if it's on living creatures, breaking their bones to powdered substance. It can be used as a torture method, too.

Think of it as a strong gravitational pull towards the depths of earth but your bones are too weak to penetrate the ground and go deeper. Wonderful, is it?"

"I'm over- powered." I said with awe.

Kairos merely stared at me with a half fake half real smile. I just know. Don't ask me how I do, I just do.

"Hungry?" He asked, sitting upright.

"YES. Got some chocolates?" I sounded like a starved gremlin. Though I didn't know how one would like, I felt my voice and tone earlier would be a good representative.

Shockingly, I've gone this long without my chocolate bars. Can I live anymore? Is there light at the end of the tunnel or am I unknowingly walking deeper into the abyss?

"Osborne and a maid will be here in a second."

Before I could ask how he knew, and figure out why he knew, the door opened and I saw two familiar faces.

Dr. Osborne walked in with a light grin and an expressionless blue haired maid followed in tow.

"Glad to see the Prince and his girlfriend are hale and hearty! Rosanna, is it?"

The old man commented before walking towards the edge of the room in a bubbly pace. He looked so carefree and had the aura of a small child.

"Yes, Rosanna. And no, not Kairos' girlfriend. Or friend. " I responded, eyeing the old man curiously as he placed his small white box atop the metal table.

Then Doctor Osborne opened the box and began filling up a syringe with pale blue and dark purple liquid.

'I cannot be the one receiving that.'

One thing was certain, I would run. Doctor Osborne wasn't by any means here to prick my skin, was he? If he was... He wouldn't find a Rosa whose skin he should impale.

Getting distracted by the movement in the corner, I turned my stare to the blue haired maid who quickly and perfectly, arranged my meal on the stool near my bed.

It was a light meal combination of porridge and a variety of fruits. I take it, it would be unwise to open up my belly with heavy food after surviving on goodness knows what for hours. In a life and death situation.

"Your food, Miss." The maid bowed, saying in a delicate voice.

Her blue hair coming down her front and framing her cute features in an extremely adorable way. And her black and white outfit reminded me of those cute anime characters.

As the president of the 'Weak-at-the-sight-of-all-things-cute', I almost embraced this lovely creature.

Almost.

Her stare at me when she rose was anything but lovely. But the way her lashes dropped quickly to a docile look was contrasting to the first direct gaze I received.

The maid had a dark gleam in her eyes when she earlier stared at me. The split second of hate to docile made one feel totally uncomfortable.

Was that hidden hate I sensed? What is that dark aura you portrayed?

Girl, did I hurt you in my last life? You weren't this way when you sent me through the portal last time... Okay, you were slightly standoffish but I'm feeling murder urge.

It's a familiar feeling when your sibling drops in his plates when you're halfway through rinsing everybody else's.

Or when your mother looks for every possibly used item to make you wash when you're the one doing the dishes. As the 'innately talented female' at doing house choirs.

Days I feel adopted and days where I feel like divorcing one less sibling-- which, by the way, is an effective way to reduce electricity bills for your family! Thumbs up, hair flip, glitter- sparkle.

And as for being adopted... I can proudly say that's why I'm the only sane one in this family.

"Thanks..." I said to Blue Hair.

Thinking if I should make Kairos taste the food first before I eat it. Just if, just if. One can never be too careful in a world with legal degenerates.

I crawled to the edge of the bed and sat before the food. Letting my barefoot legs touch the cool floor, each by the sides of the stool.

Blue Hair stood by my side with a straight posture and calm expression. A perfectly indifferent expression on her face.

Maybe I was seeing- no. Instincts first. That was too real to be a figment of my imagination. Remember the last time I thought I was seeing things? Yes, I got isekai'd. Not this time. No surprise situations!

"Kairos, you hungry?" I asked as I reached towards the spoon. I was quite thirsty but opted for food before water. 

"No." I heard his reply from the sides.

"You sure? The food tastes good." Although I have yet to taste it.

"There's no poison, Rosa." I could hear the laughter in his tone.

I let out a wry chuckle. Before braving myself to take a scoop of the porridge. My eyes widened. 

'Yummy, yummy, yummy!'

'More, mummy!' My worms and taste buds screamed in agreement. The porridge was oh-so good. Ahhhh, my sweet tooth is about to become happily dead tooth. 

The person who made this either tried to increase my sugar level, energy level, or knew of my innate calling to sweetness. Or it's an advanced world where sweets have lower sugar levels! Yayyyy. Not sure how that works but yayyyyyy!

Amazingly though, the porridge was not overwhelmed by the taste of sugar. It was all in a perfect, yet extra sweet blend. The creamy milk taste was obvious along with a hint of certain small sliced fruits.

I had taken in quite a few hasty spoon fulls before Doctor Osborne walked towards me.

"Rosanna, dear. I'll need you to keep still for a bit." He said, arriving close with a tray of medical tools in hand.

I dropped the spoon filled porridge slowly, keeping a heavy stare on the tray which I better saw in close sight. There were two large syringes there.

But I wasn't having any of it. Literally and figuratively.

"For...?" I kept a poker look, staring intently at those sharp pointed killers.

"It won't hurt as much as you think." The old man gave a friendly smile.

"Either this or possibly relive those moments of pain."

I winced at the still painful memory before nodding reluctantly.

The maid lifted the stool and set it aside while Doctor Osborne placed his tray on the bed.

In a few seconds, she was back with a stool for Mr. Osborne to sit on. Positioned adjacent me, the old man sat on the stool then stretched his hand out for me to take.

As I held unto his warm hand, he straightened my hand out and began doing all the necessary procedure to find my veins and inject me with unknown stuff.

'Hey. Was I trusting too easily?'

Not like I'd have a choice if they truly wanted to force me.

Picking up the first syringe, Osborne slowly and steadily brought it up my chosen, unlucky vein.

I looked away like I always do in these situations. And I felt a light prick on my skin, then as usual-- that slithering pain and uncomfortable invasion. Followed by awful stinging and hot searing heat-

I released a moan of pain and withheld the urge to snatch my hand back knowing it would most likely cause more pain.

Biting my lips, I used my right hand to clench at the sheets, feeling my body begin to tremble as perspiration leaked out my body.

Soon enough, the pain stopped and I didn't register when the syringe was pulled out until I felt a cool thing on my skin. Looking down, I saw a damp white cotton pressed lightly on my torn skin.

Letting my hand drop limply when I held the cotton myself, Dr. Osborne pulled out the second syringe and I almost fainted at the larger quantity of it.

'It wouldn't hurt that much', he said. Never would I believe you again.

Doctors giving me trust issues!

"Don't worry, this one is less painful." Osborne said with a twinkling smile like that of an encouraging grandparent.

And I did trust him again. With hope that he wouldn't lie so unabashedly. With hope that he was an honest old man.

But he wasn't.

And I wish I understood the hidden meaning.