"It takes so much energy to lie. I wish people could grasp the sense of freedom and liberation that comes with being honest and genuine."
Jude was driving while Sylas, Vivien and Deyana were all sitting on the backseats of the car. The little girl sat in between the two, and Sylas was showing her words from a small book he had. The little girl could barely read, but she understood some words, while finding it difficult to comprehend others.
He kept explaining to her what certain words mean and everything seemed to go well. Vivien enjoyed listening to their conversation while looking out the window to the beautiful city.
„How about you read me this word, next?", Sylas pointed to one word on page number 87. The little girl spelled the word out.
„It says s..h..i...t!"
Vivien, once hearing her spell the word, intervened. Her gaze went from the window, immediately, to Sylas.
„I think you should consider diversifying your literary repetoire with an alternative book. One which contains fewer swear words."
„Naaah, this one is great. It has all the words I need to teach her. Now... what does this next word say?"
„It says... f...u..."
Vivien took the book from Sylas' hand before the little girl could continue.
„Heeey, she wasn't finished.", Sylas retaliated, trying to get back the small book, but she held it far away from his reach.
„Deyana, he is teaching you words you should never say out loud. Try to forget them."
„I should never say them out loud? But why are they used, what do they mean?"
„They don't mean anything, darling, they're words said with bad intent, and you should never say something malicious for bad intent."
„I was only teaching the child something everybody will grow up to discover in the future. What's so wrong with preparing them for it while they're still young and innocent?"
„Trust me, the child won't miss out on everything you believe to be exceptionally fun in life, Sylas. She will find out everything when the time is right, you don't need to quicken the process.", Jude answered.
„You shut up and drive us, driver."
„I can throw you out of the car in the middle of nowhere. Don't tempt me."
Silence fell upon the four of them. Deyana was enjoying the ride, while Sylas was looking out the window, bored, and Vivien was looking through her messages.
„Vivien, what do you say we listen to some rock music? I promise, it's very child friendly."
„Sure! Go ahead."
Jude pressed buttons to change the radio post, and the sound of rock music started filling the car. The song was very popular, and she started singing along to the words.
Deyana looked confused at Vivien, she wanted to sing along, too, but didn't know the words.
Soon, Sylas joined in on the road trip karaoke and Jude had to listen to them sing. He sometimes took a look at the rear view mirror and observed the both of them as they had fun singing along to the song.
...
They arrived at Elton University in the afternoon. Jude parked the car and got out.
The three of them stepped out of the vehicle and were about to say their goodbies to him before Jude stopped them.
„Read more from ‚The Curse of Althemia', I hope it will help you two out with whatever you need to get rid of the curse. Do you know the book?"
„I have it.", Vivien responded, assuring him.
„Perfect, that means my job here is done. Have a pleasant journey on your way back and be careful so you don't do anything stupid."
Jude walked away, leaving the three to go back to the university. They stepped up the white steps and strolled inside the building. They guided Deyana to the library and took her through that same portal. Then, they asked her to tell them her adress and to give indications to the trail to her home, but the purple light did all the work for them already. It showed itself once again, pointing exactly to the little girl's home in a heartbeat. It seemed like the magic was very fond of Deyana.
The little girl had no idea she teleported to the future and that she possessed supernatural powers. Was she also cursed, would her future also turn out just as terrible as theirs? Those questions were running through Vivien's mind, and she couldn't stop them.
They knocked at the door where the purple light was pointing towards and a tall woman answered. She immediately wrapped her arms tightly around the little girl and thanked the two for their good deed. Deyana turned around and said her goodbies to them, then walked inside the house happily, with no care in the world.
Afterwards, the two made their way to Vivien's house, as always. He insisted her house was on the exact way to his, and that it was no bother to always walk with her all the to her home.
She wondered why Jude wouldn't tell them more about the curse or about Leonard, he seemed to know absolutely everything about how their future would play out. Maybe, their fate was sealed, but they still had a chance to save themselves.
Leonard obtained devices that allowed them to go back into time, or forward, she recalled. Perhaps, she could use them to discover what went wrong, and finally, get rid of the curse once and for all, because it had been gnawing at her mind for way too long.
Once the two arrived at her home, Vivien lifted up her arms and stretched them out, offering Sylas a hug.
She smiled as she waited for him to give in and hug her, the anticipation slowly making her nervousness grow.
Eventually, Sylas stepped forward and hugged her tight, holding her close to him. She was so much shorter than him, he couldn't rest his chin on top of her head or rest his head on her shoulder, but this was enough. He didn't want to ask for more.
„Am I that good of a partner when it comes to missions of such nature? You can be truthful with me, now. Jude and Deyana are no longer present."
„You're the best partner. Don't you worry about it."
Sylas waited for her to let go of the hug first. When she eventually stepped back, he didn't let go completely, still keeping his hands on top of her shoulders.
„You definitely need a bolo tie to wear, because it feels like something's missing from your outfit! Have no fear, I will take action and buy you the best bolo tie, ever. What color do you prefer?"
„Anything except purple, please! Desired would be yellow, like yours! I want us to match!"
„It will be done!", he winked.
He did not pull away. Instead, he positioned himself even closer to her, while still keeping his hand on her shoulders.
„I've got a question for you. I've noticed I anger you a lot sometimes, and most people simply ignore me or cut all ties with me to spare themselves from negative feelings. Why haven't you done the same, yet?"
„Does there necessarily need to be a motive behind why I haven't disappeared on you yet?"
„Usually, there is a reason. Most people want something, they look for favors, the need to be heard or feel appreciated... but you seem content with just being here with me."
„I am content with this."
„Others want more, whereas, you just need... this?"
Sylas let go of her shoulders and cradled her face. His warm hand going over her cheek was an amazing feeling she didn't want to let go of. His eyes went over her face, analyzing every detail, and she couldn't help but smile.
„You're right, though. Sometimes, being content is enough, especially when it is experienced with the right person."
He continued brushing his fingers against the soft skin of her cheek. He then realized what he was doing and took a few steps back, regaining all of his senses.
„I suppose I'm used to most people lying to me, though I also lie a lot to other people. Sometimes, without meaning to. You must lie as well, at times, also without realizing. In other words... if the both of us are liars, does that mean we match?"
„That's the craziest logic I've ever heard!", she laughed.
„Well... sweetheart, call me again whenever you want to hang out. I'll come to haunt you in your sleep if you don't, it's your choice!"
Vivien rolled her eyes at his jokingly threatening words. She waved to him, and the boy waved back at her. Sylas turned around and walked forward to his home.
The girl stepped inside the house and took her shoes off. Luis immediately stepped out of his room like a bullet and asked her what he'd been meaning to find out for so long.
„Where have you been until now? I'm waiting to hear it!"
„I'll tell you tomorrow!"
„But you said you'd let me know when you get back! VIVIEEEN!"
The girl was not in the mood to explain to him about the fact she can travel in time , that she needs to fight green monsters or that she needs to attack a Huldra.
She walked to her room and closed the door behind her.