Chapter 27: Greatest Lie

Third Person's POV

"You're wrong, Astra. You're more than just a normal person because you're an Aisling," Armann replied. Astra's expression showed confusion,

"Aisling?" Astra asked, her confusion written all over her face. She only knew about Dark Aislings, not just the term 'Aislings'.

"Yes. The term Aisling is given upon newcomers like yourself," Armann explained.

"What do you mean?" Astra inquired again.

"In simple terms, Dark Aislings start from being an Aisling. However, they are labeled as Dark due to how they use the ability they possess. This name is given to them because of the similar paths they end... Early death in exchange for their misuse of their ability," Armann elaborated.

"But how did I become an Aisling?" Astra questioned once more.

"Have you ever experienced frequent deja vu? Like seeing an event before it happens but not knowing where?" the Armann questioned.

"Yes, why? Isn't it normal for us humans to experience that?" Astra asked.

"Correction. I'm not a human, specifically not a normal human!" Armann said with a slight edge to his tone, feeling slightly offended by Astra's reference to him as a human.

The classification of normal humans over superhumans is different, so Armann reacted accordingly.

"I'm sorry," Astra murmured softly, her voice tinged with remorse as she sensed the weight of her mistake settle upon her.

"Apology accepted. While indeed, you're correct. While it's common for ordinary humans to experience occasional deja vu, for us superhumans, it's a manifestation of our heightened connection to the realms. Our abilities grant us insight beyond the ordinary," he elaborated, shedding light on their unique gifts and how they set them apart from ordinary beings.

"But that reason alone isn't enough to conclude that I am indeed an Aisling," Astra doubted.

"You're right, but you have another ability that identifies you apart from everyone else," Armann said in suspense. "You're special because you can see the future not only of events in the world but also of people," he added.

"But I haven't done that yet. Never as I remember," Astra replied, recalling if she had ever seen any forebodings in her dreams before.

"Not yet because you can't remember it," Armann replied, his voice carrying a grave undertone as he gently explained the mysteries of her mind.

Upon hearing Armann's words, memories suddenly emerged from the clusters of Astra's thoughts.

Due to her lifestyle, Astra had grown accustomed and forgotten that she had dissociation. This was due to the loss of specific memories because of trauma.

At first, her aunt kept her condition hidden from her, but when Astra entered high school, she began to realize the things she was slowly forgetting. She didn't know what she was doing except for the dreams that ran through her mind, disconnecting her from reality.

Astra gradually began to understand everything, but there were still many questions running through her mind.

"When you were young, you saw your mother's death in your dreams. Your father found out about it, so he tried to stop it, but their lives were the price," Armann said.

Astra slumped in her seat. She couldn't fully grasp what had happened back then. She felt the veins pulsating in her head, causing it to ache. She instinctively reached for her head and closed her eyes.

"No!" she exclaimed. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. "Is it my fault that they're gone?" she said questioning herself, her voice trembling with tears.

"Don't cry. It's not your fault," Armann comforted her, gently patting Astra's back.

But the idea from Astra's head only led to the conclusion of her being the reason why they both died when she was young.

"No, it's all on me. If what you're saying about my abilities is true! If it weren't for my visions, my parents would still be alive," she exclaimed, her voice trembling with sorrow before she collapsed into tears. "I'm a monster. I'm terrifying," she added, her words choked with emotion as she grappled with the situation overwhelming her.

Armann didn't leave Astra's side. He just sat there quietly, gazing into the distance. Only the sound of her sobbing filling the room. Armann felt sorry for Astra's situation, but there was nothing he could do. It was the Elder's command to him.

Several minutes passed, and Astra's sobs gradually subsided, replaced only by the sound of her sniffles.

As Armann gazed into the distance, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. He felt a mix of uncertainty, concern, and determination swirling inside him like a turbulent storm. With a heavy heart, he decided to speak, hoping to shatter the uneasy quiet that enveloped them, like a thick fog obscuring the path ahead.

"Nyx was the very first to be called a Dark Aisling. She was once a prophetess in ancient times, one of the earliest superhumans to live on earth. Due to her malicious prophecies, which led to the deaths of many, she was imprisoned but managed to escape and hide in a distant land. However, her hiding didn't last long as she was eventually discovered by humans and sentenced to death," Armann recounted, steering the conversation in a different direction. Astra listened quietly to his words like a child laying on her bed while her parents were reading a story book for her to fall asleep.

"After many years, she returned seeking vengeance. She aims to disrupt the balance of peace and subject humans to their worst nightmares," he added.

"But why is she after me?" Astra asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"It's not you who the Nyx want, but the ability you possess," Armann replied.

"But aren't we both Aislings? At least in her early year," Astra questioned.

"Indeed, you're right, and that's also how we see it. That's also the reason why Nyx's actions are a great mystery to us," Armann responded.

"Who are 'we'?" Astra inquired, talking about the 'we' that Armann said.

"We, the Armanns. We are the ones who carry dreams to their rightful destination to balance the world," he replied.

Astra fell silent for a moment, contemplating the situation.

"Can I really trust you?" Astra nervously asked.

A wave of apprehension washed over him, catching him off guard by the unexpected question. His heart raced and thought about how to address Astra's inquiry.

Armann paused, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. He felt a knot of tension tightening in his chest, knowing that the answer he was about to give would shape the course of their journey. A pang of guilt runs at him as he grapples with the weight of the lie he was about to tell. Despite his inner conflict, he displays a reassuring smile on his face, masking his lie.

"Yes. Don't worry, you're safe with me. We'll take you to a secure place, and just like my mission before, I'll protect you no matter what happens. Furthermore, your aunt is also under our care," Armann assured with a reassuring gaze.

Armann knew that his deceit was not right, and a hint of anxiety crept into his expression, but he had no choice but to follow the orders from above.

Astra, on the other hand, was overjoyed at the lie she just heard. Her heart felt at ease, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Really? My aunt is with you?" Astra asked excitedly.

"Yes, and don't worry because she's in good condition," Armann replied.

Astra smiled happily, grateful for the news about her aunt. She wiped away her tears and composed herself. Looking directly at Armann, she met his gaze. Despite Armann being slightly taller, Astra held her head up high as she looked into his eyes.

"I entrust my life to you," Astra said.

Armann smiled awkwardly in response to her words.

"Now, what do we do?" Astra asked, looking forward to what's waiting ahead of them.

"I will take you to the safest place. There, you won't be approached by the Reaper or even by Nyx," Armann replied.

They sat together for a few minutes in silence before Astra bid farewell to their dwelling. She approached their house where she stood earlier.

"Aunt Morph, I'm not afraid anymore because I know the truth. I will finally see you. Wait for me," Astra said before leaving the place with Armann's car.

They returned to Armann's house to rest, and decided the next morning, they would head to the headquarters.

The night passed with Astra sleeping soundly, her gentle snores filling the room as she slept comfortably in her bed. In the adjacent room, however, it was the opposite.

Armann couldn't sleep due to a sense of unease. Aside from Astra's snoring, he can't help but think deeply.

He was sitting upright in his bed, facing the window. Despite the city's beautiful view at night, Armann couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. He couldn't help but think about what happened earlier.

Armann's mind was torn in different directions. Uncertainty, he questioned the validity of his decisions. Yet, he found reasons in the knowledge that his actions were driven by a greater purpose — the well-being of the many and the harmony of the world. Despite the inner debate, he pressed on, guided by a sense of duty that outweighed his personal doubts.

The night passed in self stress for Armann, sleep was hard for him as he grappled with his conflicting thoughts. Meanwhile, Astra slumbered peacefully, unaware of the internal struggle her companion faced.

~ To be Continued ~