Three Days Until the Attack on Bilgewater

—Remind me again why you're the one who has to keep an eye on me, you little shrivel?—Fate walked ahead, keeping his hands in his pockets. —And why do I have to go meet the Cursed One and Miss Fortune?—It seemed as though he was talking to himself.

In reality, it was different. A closer look would reveal a small bat sitting on the brim of his hat. It held a piece of cookie in its tiny paws and was nibbling on it. It licked its little fingers as it finished the treat. Sara's baked goods were so delicious!

Hearing the Master of Cards' question, the bat shuffled on the hat's brim. It leaned out to look the man straight in the eye and provide an answer to his pressing question.

—Because someone needs to watch over the tavern.—The bat wiggled its nose. —The business won't run itself!— it reminded the Master of Cards. —Besides, remember, I'm not just any bat!— It puffed out its chest proudly, being careful not to fall off the hat. —I'm magical, so if that nasty lady tries to kiss you or scare you again, I'll show her what I'm capable of!—it replied combatively. —Why do you have to meet with the Cursed One and Miss Fortune? You dabble in ancient magic, so I'm not surprised they chose you... hey!— The creature squeaked. —Let go of me!

—Listen here, Winged Gossip, because I'm not repeating myself.— Fate said, grabbing the bat by the scruff of its neck. —I don't need a babysitter, especially not one who yaps worse than the neighbor's dog. That's one. Two, those two nasty schemers got me into this mess on purpose, didn't they?— He narrowed his eyes, looking at the bat.

—Don't you mess with me, you Tarot Scoundrel!—The bat began flapping its tiny paws clenched into fists. —You know what I'm capable of, so watch out!—The creature remained combative. —Even so, what's wrong with that, since apparently... you've taken a liking to the Cursed One?— It sent a sly grin toward the Master of Cards.

Fate growled at it, placing the bat back on the hat, feeling his growing irritation with everyone around him.

—I swear, one more comment like that, and I'll turn you into soup, you spiteful bat.—Fate nervously shoved his hands into his pants pockets. —You're as nasty as Sara.

—Blll!— Otto stuck out his tongue at the Card Master, stretching the skin under its eye. —Oh, yes, I am, and I'm just fine with it! Hmm?— Otto leaned its front paws against the hat's brim, pushing it more firmly onto the Master of Cards' head.

—What are you doing, you little shrivel?—Fate growled and lifted the hat that had nearly fallen over his eyes.

—I sense a demonic aura.—Otto twitched his nose again. He leaned forward so that Fate could see him.—Over there!—The bat pointed a tiny finger at a couple standing nearby.

The gambler observed the people who seemed to be arguing rather than talking. Fate's golden eyes carefully examined the man first. His rich attire was completely out of place in Bilgewater. The golden trim on the cuffs, collar, and cloak suggested he was someone of high status. The gemstones embedded in the fabric that reflected the morning sun begged for attention. However, what caught the Master of Cards' eye the most were the protruding ears. Even though they were partially hidden behind dark hair, their tips were still visible. A few gold hoop earrings adorned parts of the man's ears.

—I don't want you kissing anyone without my permission, understand?— The man threatened the woman with his finger. —Remember, you belong to me and only me.—There was a hint of irritation in his voice.

—And isn't it the case...—The woman's tone seemed strangely familiar to Tobias. —...that you're just jealous, Talatsu?— She tapped her finger against her interlocutor's chest.

—I beg your pardon!—Talatsu straightened up. —Demons do not feel jealousy!— The demon was offended by the woman's words. —Especially not towards a wench like you, who can't be a bit feminine even for a moment.

—Sure, just keep telling yourself that, jealous demon.—The woman spread her arms out to the sides. —The great Talatsu, one of the first demons, doesn't show jealousy, so clear. I can see that.— The woman crossed her arms over her chest. —Pfft! I'd rather be a wench with no trace of femininity than a pampered doll with hay for a brain.

—Don't you sass me, or we'll start talking.— He growled at the woman. —And I warn you, if that human whale gets close to you again, or you to him, I swear...— Talatsu wiggled his nose, then turned towards Twisted Fate and Otto, who had been standing there for a while, listening to their conversation.

The demon's sharp features deepened as his face twisted into a snarl of hatred when his red eyes fell on the Master of Cards.

—You!—He growled at the gambler, his nails turning into sharp claws as he pointed at Twisted Fate. —That's you Saehera kissed yesterday!

Fate didn't know what to do and stood frozen, feeling a wave of heat from fear wash over his entire body. He looked around for an escape from the enraged demon. He took a step back with the intention of fleeing but was grabbed by the hem of his clothing by Talatsu. The demon leaned in towards him, their noses nearly touching.

—Get close to Saehera again, and I'll cut off that empty head of yours, and your soul will serve in my palace for eternity.— Talatsu jerked the Master of Cards.

—Talatsu!—The Cursed One raised her voice at the demon, who was glaring at Twisted Fate with hatred. —Stop it immediately!—She grabbed her companion's forearm. —Please.—She pleaded.

—Grrr!—The demon pushed the Card Master with such force that he fell on his backside on the ground.

Otto, sitting on the gambler's hat, had to grab onto the brim to avoid falling.

—Don't come near Saehera again, or you'll bitterly regret it, human.—Talatsu's voice now resembled the tolling of a bell mixed with the blast of cannons.

Tobias felt chills running through his body as the demon spoke to him in such a tone. Even his sore backside didn't bother him as much as it did a moment ago.

Fate watched the departing figures and could have sworn the Cursed One sent him an apologetic glance.

—Why is it always me?!— He pounded his fist on the sidewalk, sitting on the ground.—She kissed me, not the other way around!—He shouted at the departing demon. —I didn't ask for this!— He began shaking his fist at Talatsu, but when the demon gave him a terrifying look and revealed his true face, Fate pulled down his hat to cover his frightened expression.

—And then you wonder why you always get the short end of the stick...— Otto smacked his lips and crossed his paws over his chest, making a funny face.

—Go away, you shrivel.—Fate felt not so much embarrassed but something entirely different. The thought of the kiss with the Cursed One made his cheeks flush red like a fresh tomato.

—Fate?—Otto leaned in as the Master of Cards' hat slid down. —What's wrong with you?— He asked. —Are you going to get up, or are you going to sit here like an idiot in the middle of the sidewalk?

Fate didn't respond, just grumbled, then got up.

—Nothing.—He dusted off his pants and the lower part of his cloak. —Let's just go, okay?

—You're acting strangely...—Otto scratched his head.

—You dumb bat!—Fate snapped at the creature and waved his hand dismissively. —A moment ago that damned demon threatened me, and you say I'm acting strangely. I wonder why?

—But you don't have to get all worked up!—Otto puffed out his cheeks, making him look more like a flying hamster with stuffed cheeks than a bat. —I'm worried about you, showing concern, and what do you do?

—Ugh...—-Fate rubbed his neck with his hand, grimacing. —Alright, sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you. You're not to blame.—He looked back at where the Cursed One and her demon companion Talatsu had been a moment ago. —Do you think they're involved or something?

—Okay... I accept your apology.—Otto showed grace towards the Master of Cards. —But!—He began, raising a paw. —Only this time!— He shifted his gaze to the same spot where the Master of Cards was looking. —How should I know?

—Nothing, just thinking...—Fate grumbled, unable to shake his thoughts about the Cursed One.

Otto pondered for a moment, then leaned in again, holding the brim of the Master of Cards' hat.

—And why are you grinning so much, you little shrivel?— Fate turned his head to the right, trying to avoid looking anywhere.

—Nothing.—Otto kept smiling. —Absolutely nothing.— He already knew why Tobias Felix was behaving this way, but decided to keep it to himself.

Before Noon, Bilgewater, Port Area

The meeting with the Cursed One was rather brief but quite to the point. Everyone agreed to a training session and skills check later in the afternoon. So, the Card Master and Otto still had some time to themselves.

—It's hot!—Fate tilted his head back.

—And what did you expect?—Otto sat beside the Card Master on the bench they had taken a few minutes ago.

—It's summer.—The bat sipped orange juice through a straw, holding the paper container in his paws.

—Do you have to be so unpleasant, you little shrivel?—Tobias closed his eyes, frowning.

—You're complaining about things that are perfectly normal at this time of year.—The bat explained, waving his tiny feet. —Bilgewater is so beautiful.—He admired the sight of the ships floating in the distance. —Especially at this time of year.

—Go away, Otto.—Fate didn't open his eyes, enjoying the sounds of the surroundings and the sea breeze brushing his cheeks.—And yes, it is beautiful.—he replied, taking a deep breath and then exhaling. —I wonder what Sara and Graves are up to, do you think?— He opened his eyes, looking at the lazily drifting clouds in the sky.

—No idea.—Otto took another sip of his orange juice.—They're probably serving tavern guests, because what else could they be doing at this time?— He licked his lips. —This juice is so good!— He extended his paw with the empty container towards the Master of Cards. —Will you buy me another one?— He asked. —Please, I'll tell Sara to pay you back later.

—Don't know what you mean, no idea?— Fate turned his head and looked at the bat. —You can get off the bench.—There was a hint of humor in his voice.

Otto might have been an annoying little shrivel at times, but Fate had grown fond of him in his own twisted way. The bat knew how to cheer him up in various ways, even by teasing him like an old buddy, even though they had known each other for just a few years. It had been since he met Sara, about three or four years ago? Or maybe five?

—Does it taste good?—Fate turned his head towards Otto, and seeing the bat nod, he smiled. —Forget it.—The Master of Cards reached for the hat lying to his right and put it on his head. —I won't regret spending money on such a cute little creature like you.— He adjusted the headgear. —Even if you sometimes annoy me to no end.— He turned his head towards his conversational partner, but instead saw the face of the Cursed One.

Her narrow pupils were fixed on the face of the Master of Cards, who, after a moment, leapt off the bench as if scalded, tripping over his own legs, and fell onto the sidewalk.

—...—In shock, he couldn't say anything, so he just pointed at Saehera, who was partially emerging from the shadow cast by the building they were sitting near with Otto.

The woman covered her mouth with her right hand, trying to stifle her laughter.

—That wasn't funny at all!—Fate threw a stone he found on the sidewalk at her. —You almost gave me a heart attack!— He huffed in displeasure, looking away.

—Oh, but it was.—Saehera no longer hid the fact that the Master of Cards' reaction made her want to laugh.

—You wicked wench.—Fate was offended by her behavior.

—Anger doesn't suit beauty, Fate.—Saehera stepped out of the shadow, standing near the bench. Her pupils returned to their normal round shape.

Otto watched the exchange between Saehera and the Card Master with keen interest. He still held the empty orange juice container in his paws.

—He's not exactly suffering from anger affecting his looks.—He said pointedly towards Twisted Fate.

—Otto!— Fate looked at the bat. —You treacherous little fiend!

—Oh? Am I lying?—Otto was enjoying himself, messing with the Master of Cards. —You've got such a forbidden face, it can't get any more forbidden.— He stuck his tongue out at the gambler.

—You damn bat!—Fate got up from the sidewalk. —When I catch you, you'll see!

—I'm not a bat!— the bat exclaimed.—I object to that!—Otto turned his head away like an offended lady. —I come from a race of magical bats that practice magic and can assume a battle form to defend those important to us.— He explained proudly, puffing out his chest. —So, that means I'm not just any bat and I should be very offended by that insult.

—So, you're a very useful companion in arms, right?— Saehera placed her hand on the bat's head and gently petted him, being careful not to hurt the little creature.

—Of course!—Otto was pleased that someone was stroking his ego.

But only after a moment did he realize who was petting him. He cast a terrified glance at the Cursed One.

—Relax, I won't hurt you, sweet little bat.—She said with a smile, continuing to pet her small conversational partner.

Fate watched this scene attentively. Yesterday and at the meeting, she had seemed like a completely different person from how she appeared now. He didn't understand it, as she didn't look like someone who could kill without a second thought. Additionally, she wasn't wearing armor, just simple clothing—a brown vest, matching fabric pants, and a red sash wrapped around her hips. Part of the fabric hung at the back, some at the front, where colorful, round crystals could be seen. Her outfit was completed with leather boots and bracers, forming a cohesive look.

Saehera noticed the gaze directed at her. She sighed loudly but didn't stop petting Otto.

—Promise me you won't fall in love with me.— She didn't even look at the Master of Cards, although she was addressing him.

—What kind of silly promise requests are these?—Fate raised an eyebrow.

—Promise.—The woman insisted, her tone firm and unyielding.

—Oh, come on!—He spread his arms to the sides, not understanding this absurd request, in his opinion. —How can I promise you something I have no control over?

—Promise me, please...—The Cursed One's expression darkened, but she continued her petting, and the bat didn't protest against the affection.—...because... if you fall in love with me, you'll suffer, and it would be a shame...—She gave a faint smile and scratched Otto behind the ear. —...for such a nice guy as you.— She added with evident sadness in her voice.

Fate looked at her from under his hat. He wondered if she had lost her mind asking him for such a thing. How could someone be expected to keep such a promise? After all, one didn't control their feelings! But he had to admit that being called a nice guy did stroke his ego. He scratched his nose, feeling slightly embarrassed by her words.

Saehera gave Otto a warmer glance, saying nothing more. She scratched him one last time, then moved away from the bench and approached the puzzled, frowning Master of Cards. He softened as soon as their gazes met.

They looked at each other for a moment until Saehera touched his left cheek. She gently stroked him. Fate had the impression that he saw sadness and concern on her face, which didn't fit with the frightening image he knew from all the stories and what he had witnessed yesterday.

—Oh, there you are!—A voice reached all three of them. —You made me search for you for a long time.

—Oh, sorry.—The woman withdrew her hand from the Master of Cards' cheek. She gave him a gentle but sincere smile. She patted his chest and then patted him on the back before moving away from Fate. He wanted to stop her, but he let it go. He felt he shouldn't do it, but the pang in his heart was unbearable.

—Is everything okay?—Otto perched on the Master of Cards' shoulder. He watched as Saehera walked away with Zed, then turned his gaze to Tobias. —Fate?— He scrutinized the man's face and behavior. —It'll be alright, you'll see.— The bat placed a paw on the Master of Cards' cheek. —You'll see.

—Thank you, Otto.—Fate smiled at the bat and scratched his head with his finger. —So, do you still want that orange juice?

—Yes!—Pleased with the affection, Otto smiled from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, Fate's gaze shifted to the departing figures. He sighed loudly, wondering what this was all about. Why was the Cursed One so concerned about him? After all, they didn't even know each other well; they were still strangers, just getting to know one another... It was too much for the Card Master. He shook his head and looked at the freighter passing by.

Before Saehera disappeared from the Card Master's view with Zed, she turned her head slightly to look at him intently. She wondered what Fate would do if he knew how important he was to her? Would he treat her the same way? She quickly chased away these thoughts, for she was not allowed to love the Card Master. She was not allowed to let him get close to her, but she felt that it wouldn't be that easy. And that was what she feared—that if he became attached to her and became someone just for her, and they crossed that one, single boundary, she would lose him, just as she lost Ankãedu. Someone who was not only her friend but a lover she couldn't protect, even though she was so close...