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Disappointment.
This was the word that described the most precisely what Aera was feeling at the moment. None of her many and varied imaginings of the day she saw her father again included him melting away and transforming into one of the most diabolical and foul beings in the existence of the universe.
None.
"You don't seem happy to see me." JB commented sardonically, casually adjusting the elegant watch on his wrist.
Is anyone ever, was what Aera wanted to reply, but her lips wouldn't move.
He slipped a hand in his pocket, the other clutching tightly onto the hawk-shaped handle of his cane as always, a sly smirk dancing on his deadly lips.
Aera felt oddly left down, like a child someone had promised to buy a gift but had ended up not keeping their promise. Whilst pretending to be her father, JB had been dangling these visions in front of her like candy in front of a baby, just to lure her into some false sense of security and trust. Like a snake luring its victim to its lair. She felt deceived. Betrayed. Played.
But most of all, she felt foolish.
The reason JB had managed to use her foolishness against her was because she still kept some imaginary hope that she'd be reunited with her father one day. All this time she'd been living with the useless thought that he was out there somewhere; he was just waiting for the right time to appear and come to her rescue while she was in distress like the old tale told.
But that was nonsense created by her silly brain. Better stop letting this false hope haunt her. Better strip herself of all of the lies she soothed herself with and face the truth.
No one was coming to save her.
Not her father. Not Jimin. No one.
And that was it.
She raised her mournful gaze to meet JB's triumphant one. He was thriving right now, relishing in witnessing her process how it was all one enormous lie.
"What do you want exactly?" Aera asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. Ultimately, JB was one giant enigma. He didn't seem to cherish anything or hold anything dear. Nothing mattered to him. He had no weak spot. It seemed like all he took pleasure in was humiliating and torturing others. Was bloodlust and suffering all he wanted?
"To be friends." He gave her a coy smile.
"Why should I be friends with you?" she scowled. Honestly, being friends with JB was the last thing Aera wanted in this life.
"Because friends share everything," JB said in a singsongy voice, toying with the cane as he flipped it carelessly. Then in one swift motion, he caught it with his other hand and pointed it straight at her. "And I want you to share your Powers with me."
