For Raine, the morning began with the sound of a running tap.

Waking up was a strange ordeal. Usually, it was a gradual process, often accompanied by procrastination and a reluctance to get out of bed. But today, it was a pleasure to see that Nikolay had done all the first few steps for him. Judging from the water dripping from Nikorai’s hair, they had recently gotten out of the shower.

Raine quietly watched as Nikolay completed what was left of his morning routine. He didn’t say anything, as to not break the concentration that Nikolay directed to his tasks. If he was being honest with himself, it was partially because he wasn’t too keen on doing any of the chores. The lingering grogginess from sleep still clung to the corners of his mind like cobwebs. Eventually, though, he realised that he would have to announce his presence at some point.

Very kind of you to get ready in the early hours of the morning.

And here I was hoping that you were going to shut up for a day, Nikolay said in disappointment. You were doing so well.

You knew I was awake?

It’s hard to ignore you, in the same way that it’s hard to ignore a fly in the room.

Excuse me?

Nikolay stepped out of the bathroom and let out a yawn. It’s true. You’re always buzzing away in your corner of Nikorai’s brain.

This came as a surprise to him. Raine had never thought about how his own mental presence presented itself. He just assumed that it was the same as Nikolay’s: somewhat akin to a rock, just passively sitting in their brain. It was actually kind of embarrassing to hear that Nikolay was constantly aware of him. Now, the need to block his presence had never felt more urgent, if it wasn’t already a pressing matter from the unwilling transparency it granted.

Silence lapsed between them again as Nikolay performed a few stretches. It was intriguing to see the extent to which Nikolay ensured every joint was cracked. Raine likened his actions to a cat, meticulously self-grooming themselves to perfection. Upon further inspection, he realised that most of Nikolay’s actions resembled a feline. Well, Raine had always wanted a pet cat. Maybe there was some hope for the future, after all.

Speaking of the future...

Thank you, Nikolay.

What for? Nikolay grumbled, seemingly pissed that Raine had started another conversation with him.

Last night.

He didn’t bother elaborating, given that only one thing really happened between them.

It’d be annoying to have to deal with a sobbing sulk for the entire night, was the half-hearted excuse.

Were you a therapist in your past life?

Quite the opposite.

What does that even mean? Is there such a thing as an anti-therapist?

Nikolay sighed and pinched the bridge of their nose. I regret entertaining this conversation.

With on-brand ruthless efficiency, Nikolay packed all of their belongings in mere seconds. There was some complaining about the unorganised state of the bags’ contents, but it was overruled in favour of leaving the motel as soon as possible.

The motel was much quieter in the early morning, to neither of their surprise. Either everyone was suffering from a severe hangover, or still knocked out cold from the previous night. Thanks to the oddly inverted atmosphere of the motel, they were able to make their way down to the reception without much problem.

Sitting behind the counter was a slumped figure, their open mouth drooling over the paperwork in front of them. She looked young — somewhere in her mid teens — though she was almost as tall as Nikorai. The reason she was manning the reception to a shitty motel was unfathomable. Though, an unlit cigarette haphazardly dangling out of her mouth gave some clues.

Raine was about to suggest that they leave the keys on the counter and walk out, but Nikolay reached over the counter and roughly shook the girl’s shoulder.

Let the girl sleep, you heartless monster. Not everybody is a morning person like you.

Looks like she won’t be waking up anytime soon, anyway.

Nikolay was right. Despite his unrelenting attempts, the girl seemed too deep in slumber to notice.

God, if you shake her any harder, we’ll be wanted for physical assault.

Eventually, Nikolay gave up and withdrew his arm. Raine let out a relieved sigh. He was glad to see that the bastard had it in him to concede-

WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??

Nikolay had taken the nearby call bell, walked around the counter, and held the bell right next to the girl’s ear.

If this doesn’t work, I’ll stop trying.

AND IF IT DOES?!

I’m not a wuss like you are. I’ll own up to it.

I might be hyperaware of social situations, but it is so much worse to be not aware of them at all. Like you are.

Hmph. At least I get things done.

In the worst way possible.

Despite Raine’s attempts to direct all of his discontent towards Nikolay, the bell was, unfortunately, still rung. Multiple times, might he add. The harsh sound of ringing metal ricocheted off the thin plaster walls, adding to the cacophony.

Whether it was for better or for worse, the girl finally moved in response to the piercing sound. She cracked one eyelid open, then another. Her sluggish awakening disturbed stacks of paper, sending an avalanche of documents falling towards her feet. The girl blearily lifted her head toward Nikorai, a tangled mess of red hair covering most of her face.

“Whaddya wa-” she sprang up in alarm, knocking over her chair and dropping her cigarette in the process. “Who the fuck are you?”

Unfazed, Nikolay replied, “A customer. I’m here to turn in my key.”

As he spoke, Lysandra discreetly swept the cigarette off the desk towards the pile of papers on the floor.

She crossed her arms. “No offence, but you’re not the type of person to come around here. Y’sure you didn’t stumble in here on accident?”

“Yes. In fact, I was the most mentally sound in the room when I walked into this motel,” Nikolay said calmly, holding out their room key.

The girl ignored Nikorai’s outstretched hand and leaned closer to them. “Aye, now that I take a better look at you... You’re not even from here, are you? Get on the wrong ship or something?”

She guffawed at her own joke, but the sentiment wasn’t shared by Nikolay. Instead, he internally made a sound of disapproval which only Raine could hear.

Something wrong?

I knew something was off, but now it’s dawned on me.

Raine’s curious reaction prompted him to elaborate, but Nikolay chose to ignore it for now.

“I’m quite certain that I’m supposed to be here. Now, I’d like to check out as soon as possible,” he said in a blunt tone.

“Mhmm...” the girl hummed doubtfully. “Look, there’s a horse stable nearby. Just take two lefts and a right. Say that Lysandra sent ya. And if y’ever need help, just come back here.”

She grabbed the key from Nikolay’s hands and shoved it back into a random drawer.

“Thank you, Lysandra. I’ll be sure to keep it in mind.”

As they left, Raine could’ve sworn that the girl eyed the silver compass hanging off the side of their bag, but it must’ve been a trick of the eye.

Once they were outside, the morning air seemed much more refreshing. Now that they were alone, Raine could finally ask his pressing question.

What was the revelation that hit you earlier?

I assume that you’re aware of the concept of magic in this world.

Woah, slow down, Raine groaned at the implication of more information. Magic? I only heard about the prophecy and the fact that gods exist. There’s still a lot that you haven’t told me.

Nikolay frowned. In that case, I’ll start from the beginning.

All human beings have three fundamental aspects: the Spirit, Mind, and Body. The Spirit is the part of us that originates from the gods, and some people can harness energy from their Spirit — this energy is magic.

The Mind and Body should be self-explanatory, I hope. Your personality, dreams, memories, and everything else in your consciousness counts as your Mind. And I suppose the Body is much less personal than the other aspects, considering our situation as of late.

Huh. So, the reason you had an epiphany was...?

We must seem like outsiders because of our blatant lack of magic. Kosira is known for having a significant amount of naturally occurring magic, as well as having several sorcerer bloodlines established here.

Oh, it wasn’t because you were being weird and off-putting! Good to know.

I think my conversational skills are like a politician’s compared to yours.

Come on, let me have a small win, Raine playfully whined. It’s tough being the back seater.

If that’s the case, then we can switch.

Wait, huh? I-

On three, Nikolay cut in. Three.

Wh-

Nikolay’s quickly retreating consciousness prevented Raine from finishing his exclamation.

In their sudden and impromptu switch-over, Raine stumbled over an invisible object in their path. He narrowly avoided a fall by grabbing the nearby lamppost.

Could’ve given me a bit more warning! Raine hissed.

I said on three, didn’t I?

...Bastard.

(Part 2 of this chapter is released simultaneously)