Hussaini's Personal Logs || The Memory Shard

[Chrysalis]

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I see myself, in my metal shell, flying through the Sigma mists. The same paths I traversed uncounted times, but this time, I'm not alone. Next to me, sits a tiny creature, she's quiet, yet her eyes burn with inquisitiveness the likes of which I never saw before. A miracle. Thrax brought it to me, he called it a gift, he called it mine. I don't know whether I should shower him with money and favors, or strangle him at first opportunity, so that no one ever learns. I'll consider both options carefully, but for now, I must make sure she's safe, I must make sure no harm can come to this piece of me.

I see myself again, at our new center of power on Malta, my own fortress rising from the ground, the bastion from which I'll project my own dreams on Maltese society. The place where I'll keep her hidden, keep her safe. Enemies are everywhere, and they would love nothing more than to use this against me. A conundrum. By accepting to care for her, I deliberately weaken myself, leave my position open to attack. Yet I can no more abandon her now, than I could abandon my arm, or any other part of my being. My hand is forced, I will do what I must.

I see her, in the unfinished courtyard, running and playing, seemingly blissful. Perhaps the Cardamine in the air does her some good. I wonder about her nature, indeed, she seems entirely human, but looks can be deceiving. I know that better than anyone. I retrieved a single strand of hair from her head, and some saliva, as she slept during our trip. I'll have someone examine the samples, someone who can be trusted? No, someone I can afford to kill afterward.

I'll keep her secret, I'll keep her safe, like I keep myself safe, for she is after all, a part of me.

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