"(Y/n)! Glad you could make it."

The door slid open unexpectedly, catching you off guard before you could even scan the entry code. Your hand hovered awkwardly over the scanner as Eve greeted you with a bright smile. You had just arrived. Either it was impeccable timing or Eve had some way of knowing when you'd be here. It was probably the latter.

"Luckily, I haven't been scheduled any operations yet," you said.

"Is this what they call fate? Or maybe a very generous coincidence?" Eve giggled. "Come, come! Look what I've prepared for you!"

Curious at what they meant, you entered the room. The first thing you noticed was a table that had a variety of aesthetically presenting food. And the aroma––you weren't drooling, were you?

"Cool, right?" Eve presented proudly. "Take your time with it! A nutritious breakfast is important! You'll need plenty of energy for the experiment."

Ah. Right, experiment. They weren't going to push your body that hard... right?

"How long did it take you to prepare all of this?" you asked.

"Some of the dishes needed trial and error, but I love experimenting so that wasn't an issue!" Their eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "It's a fun break from the usual experiments I do! I did some research on the kinds of food you like."

"Research?"

You guess you did mention some of your favourite foods in a few interviews.

"Yeah! Who knew the cameras in the cafeterias would be so useful. I always told the chairman we should use the money to invest in the lab's projects, but I guess I should be glad he has more authority than me!" Eve laughed. "I observed what kind of foods you'd usually eat very closely."

What.

"Hm?" Eve tilted their head, leaning over a little to your level. "Is there something wrong?"

... You had a feeling it'd take a very long time to get Eve to understand why their methods were very unconventional (and that was putting it nicely).

"Anyways!" Eve always moved on so quickly, you felt like you needed to catch your breath even though you weren't running. "You should eat before the food gets cold. I'll be in my room. Just send me a text when you're done or have any issues––"

"Do you wanna eat with me?" you interrupted. If you didn't, you'd be swept away by Eve's words and end up not getting your own word in. "I don't think I can finish all of this by myself."

Yes, you were concerned about Eve's intentions and actions. However, there was also no real benefit in acting hostile. For now, you needed to calm your doubts and scepticism and try to make the most of the current situation.

Eve still had a smile on their face, but their voice came out almost hesitant. "You're inviting me to eat with you?"

"Yeah! Unless you're busy, then I can't force you. But I think it'd be a fun opportunity to get closer."

Eve beamed. "This is wonderful! I've never been asked to eat with someone before––I don't think I've ever eaten with company! Ah, let me get another plate and set of utensils. Feel free to take a seat first!"

They hummed an upbeat tune as they disappeared into the kitchen. Meanwhile, you sat down at the dining table and took off your jacket. Everything on the table looked straight out of a pinterest board. Caleb's cookings has unknowingly raised your standards in food, but you were still in awe by this.

I wonder if Caleb and Eve would make good cooking buddies?

"I'm back!" Eve chirped as they settled into the seat across from you. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long! You can eat before me, you know. Your job is far more physically intense and you need all the nutrients you can get."

You found yourself tuning out Eve's words halfway through, distracted by the choice of plate and utensils they brought to the table.

"They're cat themed," you commented.

Eve didn't seem to be affected by the sudden topic change.

"Yes, they are! I think I have the matching set somewhere, I'll be sure to find it before your next visit! When the chairman bought it for me, I thought that the matching pair was useless since I didn't have any friends."

The chairman gifted Eve something?

"Seems like I was wrong! Here you are––or maybe I'm getting ahead of myself?" Eve tilted their head. "(Y/n), are we friends?"

With how sudden the question was, it felt like someone had splashed cold water onto you.

Friends... That was a vague and subjective term. Was Eve like Sara or Jade, people who you could spend comfortable nights with? Were they someone who you could be vulnerable with such as Amias or Caleb? Point each others flaws like Lyle? Trust to watch your back like Cecil? Share a moment of mutual understanding like Elias?

You didn't know if you could consider Eve your friend. It was easy to lie, and they'd probably be happy. But... that dishonestly didn't sit right with you.

"We can be friends," you said. "We're not that close yet. I want to learn more about you."

It would be hard to get them to open up, right? Ah well, worth a shot.

"Oh! Right. You're right. I read online that you need to open up in order to establish a friendship! I'll tell you all about me. But in return, you have to tell me about yourself, hm?"

You blinked. Huh. That was easier than you thought.

"It's a deal."

"Perfect! We make a lot of deals, don't we? Well, it's only two but it feels like a special bond exclusive to us."

You chuckled a little, but it felt heavy under the shadow of guilt that hovered over you. Just the other day Eve had casually mentioned experimenting on James; their way of seeing apparitions as mere experiments while you empathised with them was a core clash in values. Yet, you were here smiling and having breakfast with them––a part of you could not bring yourself to outright hate Eve.

"Where should I start? From the very beginning for context? Should I jump straight into the action?" Eve sighed. "Huh, this is difficult! How about you ask me questions instead?"

Damn. If you knew this would happen, you would've brainstormed some juicy questions. There was little time to think as Eve was eagerly waiting for your response. They didn't overtly pressure you to speak, but the intensity of their gaze urged you to.

"If it's okay, can you tell me about your abilities?" you asked, absentmindedly twirling the fork in your hand. "I've always been curious about them. I'm sure you know all about mine."

"Oh, yes! I know a lot about you. You'd be surprised!"

Wait, exactly how much did they––

"Normally, I wouldn't tell anyone about my abilities. And if I happen to, I make sure the person doesn't tell anyone else." Eve laughed. "However! Since I like you so much, I don't mind telling you~ Of course, I'd prefer it if you don't tell anyone else, but I think I'd find it hard to hate you even if you did. Lucky you!"

Should you feel afraid at the hostility in Eve's words at the start or feel oddly flattered by their last sentence? Who knows.

Normally, you'd be able to get some read on someone. Eve was seriously a unique case. It was like trying to hold onto a handful of notes that kept slipping out of your grasps. Every time you reached down to pick them up, more came tumbling in, overwhelming you and leaving no chance to review their contents. That was Eve to you.

"I won't go around telling people sensitive information about you. That's basic human decency," you said. "But why would you find it hard to hate me?"

You knew Eve had an interest towards you thanks to your abilities, but they seemed more attached to you than expected.

"Easy! The short answer is because I admire you. Honestly, I just want to keep you all to myself sometimes. The restraint is pretty hard! I can always keep you in the labs. Though, you'll definitely put up a fight! Not that I mind. In fact, fighting you would be very interesting and would bring in fun data."

Wait, huh.

In the middle of tearing off some bread, you paused. Eve's words reminded you of Shen––didn't he make several comments of caging you up? What was with characters and their possessive comments?

... I hope this doesn't become a trend.

"I know!" Eve clasped their hands together. "Would you like to learn about my childhood––"

"Yes."

Whoops, maybe you said that a little too fast. But getting to know about Eve's past? When you were grasping at scraps of information about them when you were playing the game? Yes please.

Eve seemed deeply amused by your quick response.

"My childhood was pretty simple," they said.

You doubted that.

"I wasn't well liked in the neighbourhood I grew up in. I'd need plenty more fingers to recall the nicknames sent my way!" They giggled. "Oh! One did stand out to me, I was called a sin that shouldn't have existed in the first place."

Holy shit, your doubt was correct. Eve's casual framing of their past made it feel as though they were detached from the horrific nature of it.

"Things got physical." Eve reached out to a fork. "I was always tall, so I was able to withstand it when the kids picked on me. But ..."

SLAM. They stabbed a piece of carrot with sudden force. You flinched. The table trembled slightly under the impact.

"... My childish height meant nothing against adults."

Eve's smile remained as they took a bite of the carrot. They then pushed the plate of vegetables closer to you.

"Have some more! Your health is important. You can eat while you listen to me. I won't get offended."

"Th..." You swallowed a little, praying that your hands weren't shaking when you reached out to the plate. "Thanks."

Your voice was quiet; you didn't want to disrupt the flow of Eve's conversation.

"Are you worried about me? Don't be! I don't feel particularly sad or angry." They glanced at the cuffs of their lab coat, fidgeting with the fabric with the tips of their fingers. "The kids said they were just playing around. And since I was the tallest child, it would've been better if the adults targeted me. Even though my abilities were hated, I guess you can say I was still useful for something."

Eve set down their utensils, their demeanour serene. With a gentle gesture, they ran their fingers through the strands of their long pink hair. In that short gesture, Eve's eyes were closed. It was hard to grasp what kind of emotions they were experiencing.

"My hair was a mess back then. Now, I make sure I maintain it well. I actually have a pretty extensive hair routine. I can show you if you want. I––oh, wait. I'm getting off track." They chuckled sheepishly. "Fast forward! One day, the chairman found me. He saw potential and took me in."

Eve spread their arms out theatrically with a bright smile, a smile that would've looked cute if it weren't for the nature of the conversation.

"And here I am! I know that if it weren't for my ability he would've walked past my battered body without batting an eye. But I'm not complaining! The chairman gave my abilities a purpose while everyone else rejected it. And it's also a pretty nice bonus not having to be injured everyday!"

... You had no words. While you felt immense sympathy for Eve's tragic past, you couldn't shake off the multitude of questions that surfaced. Eve appeared unfazed, recounting the terrible things that happened to them with a joyful tune attached to their words. How much of that was a facade? Or did they truly feel nothing for their past?

"Researching, experimenting, creating new inventions... " Eve smiled, a subtle curve of their lips. It was unlike their usual expressions. "It's nice to feel needed in a more meaningful way."

This conversation was heavy, but you were starting to see the bigger picture now. Eve's upbringing definitely skewed their moral compass. Experimenting on apparitions and creating weapons was still terrible, but you didn't think they had ill-intent or recognised the moral debate behind their actions. And...

... How did the chairman raise Eve?

"Well, (Y/n)?" Eve poured themself a drink before doing the same to your cup as if they hadn't just unloaded the most gut-wrenching backstory on you. "Any questions?"

There was so much you could ask. Finding a question was a harder task than working up the courage to ask it.

"You said we were similar. I assume it's because we have unconventional abilities relating to apparitions?"

"Yes! Oh, I just realised that I never explained it to you." Eve laughed. "I'll demonstrate. Stand up for me, won't you?"

You trailed after Eve, curiosity piqued, as they led you to a doorway. Eve pushed the doors open, and you found yourself in a small backyard with a view of the city that you weren't used to. Last night, you saw the city from high above. Your room? It was a few stories up. Here, you found yourself at ground level, surrounded by buildings. It was a different feeling. You felt smaller, but more immersed in the world.

"A nice space, right? I come here for fresh air or to exercise. As efficient as it'll be for my work if I just locked myself in my room, I need to take care of my health so I can continue my work for a long time," Eve said. "You know, when I was a kid I'd think these buildings were so large––that I was so small and insignificant. Now, this city's fate is deeply determined by my inventions. Funny how life works."

A gust of wind blew, causing you to shiver a little. Would it kill Anomalous to have warmer weather?

"Oh, you left your jacket back in the room. Here!"

Eve swiftly draped their lab coat over you. Seeing them only in a dress shirt and tie was odd, but strangely attractive. Also, the length of the coat's fabric was another reminder of how tall they were.

"I have the ability to extract the essence of an apparition," Eve said. "I take away someone's sense of preservation and turn it into a substance. In doing so, I was able to even force people to come back as apparitions––I had an accident when I was younger and my neighbourhood wasn't happy."

Eve snapped their fingers. "Oh! You can kind of say I take away people's desire to live and turn it into something tangible. It sounds like a terrible ability, doesn't it? I was naturally gifted in engineering, so these two skills of mine allowed me to create many inventions."

That explained a lot. How James was forcefully brought back, how the weapons were created––Eve was truly the foundation of everything. The person just beside you had the city's fate in the palm of their hands. It served as a chilling reality check, yet seeing Eve's joyous expression whenever they were in your company softened your apprehension.

"(Y/n)?"

Eve's gentle tap on your shoulder jolted you from your thoughts.

"There you are!" They giggled. "Hey, wanna take a guess of when I first heard of you?"

"Um..." You sifted through your memories. "The SF trials?"

"Wrong! It was way before that."

"It was?"

Eve nodded, their smile brimming with childish excitement. "An apparition escaped from the labs and caused quite the ruckus. Do you remember?"

Your eyes widened in realisation. Back when you first met Shen? When he broke out of the labs?

"Honestly, it wasn't even my fault it happened. It was so unfair for the chairman to pull me out of my research to capture the apparition. Either way, as I was checking the cameras, I saw something––or rather, someone interesting." Eve's eyes met yours. "You."

They were aware of you that far back?

"I didn't think too much of you at the time, but then you did something interesting. I'm sure you could guess what."

Oh yeah, when you used the apparitions around you for strength and to semi heal your wounds. Pretty neat character development moment.

"I was so distracted by you that I let the apparition get away." Eve shrugged. "Whoops, but the chairman wasn't too mad since I had recently made a breakthrough in creating the weapons. Lucky me!"

Uhm??? This was all happening behind the scene and you were only made aware of it now?? So, when you had that pivotal moment of epiphany, when you steeled your resolve and affirmed you were going to take matters into your own hands, Eve was watching?

I feel a little embarrassed.

"I sometimes check the cameras again and replay that moment," Eve added.

I feel VERY embarrassed.

"Ever since then, I've been following your journey. I kept up with every news about you. Despite controversy, you don't falter. You continued to do things your way even if it was unconventional. Even the public's opinion began to change overtime."

Eve paused, taking a slow, deep breath. Leaning against the wall, they cast their gaze upward.

"I wish my younger self had found you. Watching you gave me courage. For once, I was happy and proud of my abilities..."

A soft smile graced Eve's lips. Warmth and sincerity enveloped their tone.

"... Because my abilities were similar to someone as amazing as you."

One sentence. A short one, but it was as if an emotional weight carried for years had finally been expressed with a single breath. You've received compliments before, you've had people said they admired you, you've had emotional moments with people like Caleb and Amias, However, Eve's words just felt... different.

"Eve, you're the foundation of the AEI. You've created gloves that help exorcists, facilities that assist their training––there's a lot to be admired about you."

"Aw, that's sweet of you to say." Eve laughed. They were back to their chipper self. "You know, I've always kept myself hidden because I thought the security and happiness people found in my creations will disappear once they see me."

They fell silent for a moment.

"I was hesitant to show the public my face when I announced the weapons. After the incident with––ahh, what was her name. Rose? Yes, Rose! The flowers really do help with remembering her name. Anyways! I don't think the public fully grasp the situation. The exorcists are already dead, the chairman says it's fine––the weapons will help protect those who are currently living. Even with that stream of logic, some people still give me terrible nicknames!"

Oh, shit. All of this from Eve's perspective never really came across your mind. And after getting insight on their past and the terrible things they have been called, you felt guilty.

"Do you think I'm someone who shouldn't have been born?" Eve asked, their head lulling to the side in thought. "That my abilities––"

"No." Your response was quick. "Obviously not."

Eve blinked, caught off guard.

"You're not lying. I'm not good at reading unfamiliar emotions, but you have that curious spark in your eyes whenever you listen to me. Like a scientist eager to learn more. I've had that expression many times."

You pondered over their words for a moment. "I'll be honest here, I don't agree with your methods for the weapons."

"I see! It makes sense to you, right? You work with apparitions, I turn them into weapons. I don't understand the emotions behind it, but I'm not surprised by your answer," Eve said. "It's fine if you hate me for what I do––just, will you let me still look up to you?"

Their last words caught you off guard.

"... You don't need permission for that," you replied. "And I don't hate you, I just don't agree with some of your actions. There's a difference."

"It's all I'm good for, it's what the chairman needs. It's my purpose. So if you dislike that, I feel like you dislike me."

"There's more to you than that."

"... Is there?" Eve chuckled. "(Y/n), what should I do to be wholly accepted by you?"

Hah. What a situation. There were many things you could say. Stop working for the chairman, stop making weapons, stop experimenting on apparitions...

"..."

You took a deep breath.

"There's nothing I can tell you to do."

"..?"

This was the first time Eve looked completely surprised.

You couldn't understand Eve entirely, but you knew this. Directing someone's actions wouldn't carry the same weight as them coming to their own conclusions. Sure, you can say 'yeah, making weapons is wrong please stop' but would they understand why?

"Sorry if it's not the answer you wanted. You're a human being, not a tool to fulfil my needs," you said. "Your assistance in my endeavours would make my life easier, yeah. But I'd need your values and motives to align with mine. Emphasis on your motives, your purpose. Not for someone else, for you. However, know this."

You glanced over to Eve.

"If you hurt those dear to me, I will most definitely hate you."

Will this make your life harder? You didn't know. It was just what felt right in the moment. You couldn't bring yourself to manipulate the conversation to tip the scales in your favour.

It's just who I am as a person, huh? You could imagine Lyle rolling his eyes at you.

Eve let out a breathy chuckle.

"It's a strange answer," they said. "But... It's my favourite."

Favourite? Did Eve ask this question often in the past?

"Well! We've talked enough about me. Now it's your turn. What was your childhood like? Did you have a part time job? What kind of people were your parents––oh! Did you have a childhood game that you liked?"

Ah. A tsunami of questions, very much Eve-like. The atmosphere changed, it was unlikely that the conversation would return to its previous state. You answered Eve's questions, even telling them some of your own insecurities. They were vulnerable with you, it made sense to open yourself up a little to them.

"You wanted to be an author? I'd love to read your stuff one day. I usually read data and statistics, so this will be a nice change of pace!"

You laughed. "I've been busy these days, so I haven't had much time to write."

Eve seemed so happy to learn more about you––it was kinda fuelling your ego. They even brought up games you like to play.

"I'm surprised you know about it," you said.

"You said it in an interview! I haven't played the game myself, but it looks interesting. I still have the magazine, you look really cool in the front cover––"

"Burn it."

God. You let Cecil rope you into a photoshoot. Yes, you looked great. The photographer, makeup artist, designer, etc. worked their magic, but it was a more... promiscuous photoshoot. You didn't hate it, but you wouldn't show it off without feeling embarrassed

Eventually, it was time to move onto the experiment.

"Are you ready?" Eve asked.

You didn't feel as tense for the experiment after learning more about Eve, but you were still a little nervous.

"What's the experiment about?"

"It'll be easier to show you. Are you worried? You shouldn't be! If you're upset with anything, tell me."

If you didn't have breakfast with Eve, those words would've evoked some doubt.

"Alright. I trust you."

"Oh." Eve smiled. "That makes me very happy."

You walked beside Eve. No conversation took place, but it didn't feel awkward. Eve led you to a familiar section of the AEI building. The last time you were here was right before Shen's breakout. Since you didn't have access, you had no choice but to walk past it. Now you were walking in next to the person with the highest authority second to the chairman.

Kind of nerve wrecking.

"Wanna hold my hand? I hear that it reassures people."

You looked at Eve in surprise.

"Uh." Fuck it. Why not? "Sure."

Their eyes sparkled. "Really?"

You weren't surprised that Eve's hands were big considering their abnormally tall height. Their hands had calluses and were a little rough, but it wasn't unpleasant.

"Your hands are warm," Eve said. "Very different from an apparition."

Many doors and many identifications later (along the way, Eve had to let go of your hand to do some administrative stuff), you and Eve arrived at a very intimidating pair of doors.

"Oh! Just a fair warning, people can be full of themselves here," Eve said. "But you're better than all of them, so don't pay them any mind~ I think it's because they've been cooped up in research they've become so grouchy. Gosh, and I tell them the importance of exercise and no one listens!"

You couldn't help but laugh a little at that. Eve smiled.

"Good! Keep that smile. Should we wait for a moment? Or will that make you more nervous? I'm not good at these things, so you need to tell me what you need."

"I'm fine, let's head in."

"Great! Before we enter, give me a few seconds."

Eve drew in a deep breath, their demeanour shifting. Their expression turned colder, lips forming a thin line as they straightened their tie and adjusted their lab coat. Eve noticed your curious look. They smiled, but it was more subdued than usual.

"I need to maintain a level of professionalism; the chairman always reminded me. I was supposed to be like that around you... But I couldn't hold back my enthusiasm. It's easy to act stoic around these people since they don't excite me at all."

The machine scanned Eve's face and the doors parted. Holy shit, it was a big space. It felt like a separate world as opposed to another section of the building. Warm white light bathed the area, walls were adorned with screens displaying data and calculations that hurt your head, and various workstations filled the space.

Conversations were overflowed with jargon, mingling with the sounds of keyboards clacking and papers shuffling. You could feel the high IQ floating in the air. Few noticed your presence and you immediately felt out of place at their judgmental stares. For Eve, however, their eyes lit up.

A man approached Eve, holding a clipboard. "Is it alright if you check these documents?"

Eve barely acknowledged the person and quickly flipped through the papers. With a flippant nod and no words, they handed it back.

"Yes! Thank you so much!" The man narrowed his eyes on you. "Is that the test subject?"

Wow. Okay. Fuck you.

"(Y/n) is a guest," Eve said.

The man didn't seem enthusiastic. Eve noticed that. They stepped closer to the man.

And grabbed him by the collar.

"Was my voice too quiet?" Eve tilted their head, a frown on their lips. "Why are you giving her that look?"

A grown man was reduced to a trembling child. Hell, you weren't even the one Eve was talking to and even you felt a chill.

"I-I..."

Eve let go of him. "Leave. Get back to work."

The man bowed before scrambling back to his desk. Eve turned to you.

And all of a sudden, they cupped your cheeks.

???

"Pft." Eve laughed. "No need to look so tense, (Y/n)."

Everyone was shocked by Eve's behaviour. Pens dropped, typing stopped, papers fell––it was almost comedic. From the absurdity of it all, you could not help but laugh.

"Oh! You're laughing. Looks like I did something good. Great!" Eve let go of you. "You see how everyone's afraid of me? If anyone's giving you a hard time, just tell me. I'll deal with them easily. Using my authority to help you feels pretty good, so don't hesitate."

After that, Eve led you to the area where the experiment would take place. An enclosed space surrounded by glass.

"I'll be observing outside," Eve said. "Is that alright? Do you want me to give you a communication device? Or maybe I should just stay here with you––"

"Eve, it's fine. Thank you."

"Alright. I'll have some snacks prepared for you after this!"

Oh, that does sound nice.

Once Eve left, an unfamiliar woman entered.

"Wear this."

It was a device that had what looked to be sensors across its surface.

"What is it?"

"Do you need to know? We supply information, you use our inventions."

You rolled your eyes. "You don't need to be so uptight about it."

Her expression twisted in frustration. "You—"

"What's taking so long? Is there an issue?"

The woman froze up and you just managed to hide your satisfied grin. You saw Eve entering the room, you just didn't say anything because you wanted to see the woman's face when she got caught. Yes, you were petty.

"Ah!" Eve snatched the device off the woman's hands. "These are used to track your movements, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and all kinds of fun data."

"Ohh, I see."

You knew this was an experiment, but being treated like a lab rat didn't feel that great.

"If you don't like it," Eve said. "You don't have to wear it."

"What?!" The woman exclaimed, voice thick in disbelief. "I'm sorry, but this is––"

"Shut up." Eve's gaze became sharp when they stared down at the woman, causing her to grow pale. "(Y/n) is not a tool, stop treating her like one."

Eve's animosity was quick to melt when they turned their attention back to you.

"You know what, you don't have to wear this."

"Are you sure?" you asked. "I did agree to an experiment."

"It's fine! The data I'm interested in doesn't need this flimsy thing."

After a few minutes, everything was prepared. You could see Eve behind the glass. There were researchers beside them, but their attention was all on you. So many eyes on you, eyes that saw you as a lab rat and nothing more. For Eve, however, you didn't get that same feeling.

Eve's voice was heard through the speakers. "Are you ready, (Y/n)?"

You nodded. At that, apparitions flooded the room. You couldn't see them, but you felt them. Your resistance has grown considerably, so their attempts at a possession hardly mattered. Eventually, you felt their presence disappear.

Then it was replaced by something far more foreboding, one that made your heart sink. It was a familiar feeling, a feeling you experienced a while ago during the speciality force trials.

You were well prepared for the confronting appearances of the apparitions, but that didn't stop you from wincing at the sight.

The apparitions were disfigured shapes––some had hollowed eyes while others had unsettlingly small pupils––disturbingly large mouths with razor sharp teeth, and an expression frozen in pain. The apparitions back in the city would be a pale variations of silhouettes enshrouded in mists. Their appearances were blurry and vague, but these apparitions were horrifyingly detailed and were dark and murky in colour.

The irregular apparition; this was the one that had a nasty way of possessing the host. Uhm. What?? Eve had them captive in the AEI building?! It emerged, phasing through the wall. It looked the same as it did back in the SF trials, or maybe even worse. The apparition was standing right before you, there was no space to run and no exorcist to rely on.

...

Huh.

But... You swore they used to look a lot more intimidating.

The irregular apparition dashed towards you, ready to possess you.

Slow.

You dodged it with ease, your body moving on instinct as your mind wandered. If Eve could take the essence of apparitions, you supposed it wasn't too far off assuming they can manipulate some aspects of it––it explained the presence of irregular and abnormal apparitions.

...Were these souls tormented by Eve?

They probably were, and you really didn't want to think that Eve had bad intentions.

You dodged another attack from the irregular apparition. Evading alone wouldn't do you any good. This was an experiment for Eve, but you could use this opportunity to further understand your abilities.

Now... how to deal with it. You'd already discovered a method for 'exorcising' apparitions a while ago that you never used.

"Follow your instincts," Alastor said. "I'm guessing your ability has strong ties to your emotional connection with apparitions. How do you feel about the irregular apparition right now?"

"I..."

You tried to understand the irregular apparition, but that backfired on you. Was that saying that there are some people who could never be understood? Then, why did the book let you capture it?

Maybe, the book didn't work like with Alastor and the others because the irregular apparition rejected your sympathy?

"If that's the case..." You mumbled. "Then, I can't force you to open up to me. I won't be involving myself with you anymore."

You allowed your emotions to guide you, pouring it into the pen. You flipped to a new page and began writing. When you finished, the irregular apparition dissolved into a blue light before completely disappearing.

"Guess I do have exorcism abilities now!" you chirped, closing the book. "Albeit, a little more complicated than the norm."

Your abilities to write the stories of others––it needed understanding and empathy. It also needed the apparition's willingness to cooperate with you. You were reminded of James. His story ended there, he didn't see a need in continuing it––thus, your book was useless.

This book, this ability... it helped you continue an apparition's story and keep them alive or...

You glanced at the irregular apparition. You felt pity instead of fear. Some stories needed to end, especially when the apparition was living in a state that was painful and abnormal.

... Or, you could choose to forcefully end a story.

You summoned your book and pen and began writing. The words flowed smoothly, gliding across the page like glass. You managed to capture the irregular apparition within the confines of your book and...

... As expected, the page turned black.

You tore out the paper and it turned into dust, falling out of your grasp.

"That's the end of your story," you whispered. "I hope you can rest easy now."

You stopped and turned to Eve and the researchers.

"Is that all––"

Your words caught in your throat when you saw Eve smiling from ear to ear. The researcher's were awe-stricken at the sight of their intimidating superior looking so expressive.

"Amazing! I've never seen you do this before!" Eve leaned in closer. Any further and they'd bump their head against the glass. "I don't think I've seen anyone handle an apparition so beautifully! The emotions in your expression... Ah, I'll have to replay this in my free time."

It was times like this you were reminded about Eve's more eccentric side.

"I wonder... What would happen if you brought out your companions?" Eve asked. "I want to see you when you're most passionate, most empathetic. I have to––"

"No."

The apparition children have a history being experimented on. You'd fight tooth and nail to avoid them experiencing something similar again.

Your blatant rejection plunged the room into an oppressive silence. The glares from the researchers were more telling than any verbal insult. Everyone looked ready to outright murder you, as if you had broken some unspoken law speaking to Eve that way.

All I said was no damn.

"... I see," Eve said. "Why not?"

"Personal reasons."

That seemed to tick the researchers off.

"How dare you speak to them that way!"

"You're being incredibly selfish! We need this data to––"

You tuned them out. These researchers really didn't respect you, huh? Your patience was growing thin. As your frustrations grew, you felt the beginnings of a storm on the tips of your fingers. Seemed like your emotions brought out Alastor.

Let's just destroy this entire place. That'll shut them up.

Tempting, but I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble.

Tch.

But that doesn't mean we can't destroy a few other things.

You slammed your foot onto the ground, causing it to fracture at the heavy impact. The researchers flinched and backed off.

"I already said no." You glared at them. "Either continue to run the experiment on me or I'm done here."

A/n: Whew, Eve is a hard character to write. Just a note, they are an unreliable narrator, so keep that in mind ;)