Gramps (Closed)

[VeraC]

Tian Di was in her room, as usual, deep in thought, questioning her existence and her unavoidable fate. She found it hard to hide her emotions, and a blatant display of despair showed on her face.

“...What do I do…?” It felt like she was buried in a whole without possible exit. It was painful.

All of a sudden a knock was heard on her door. She went to open it, and she was suprised. It wasn’t Lao, but rather Vayne. He was an elder of the cult who was the main caretaker of Tian Di as she was growing up.

“Hello my child…” He always wore a mask, but Tian Di could tell he was smiling under it. He was the kindest person she had ever met, and preferred him compared to Lao.

“Grampa!” She rushed in and gave him a great hug, like a daughter to a father. He stroked Tian Di’s hair, and she felt relaxed. All her previous worries were beginning to… fade away.

“I heard you began piloting Granzon... “ His voice was calm, soothing. One wouldn’t think of him as a member of the Volkruss Cult on first meeting.

“It’s been rough…” Tian Di became more somber on mention of it, as Granzon felt like it was the source of many of her problems as of recently.

“It must be rough… But I’m sure you’re doing your best.”

“I am!... but… its not working out. My head’s been spinning ever since I started piloting it. It’s been keeping me up at night and stuff.”

“I see…” Vayne ruffled through her hair, his hand giving off the faintest glow.

“But when you came, I started feeling a lot better!” Tian Di gave another tight hug. “You’re the best grandpa!”

“Hahah… You’ve gotten strong.” He could feel Tian Di really squeezing him. “Say, Lao gave you permission recently to leave the headquarters. How about we go to your favorite restaurant. My treat.”

“Really?!” Tian Di’s eyes lit up, rapidly growing excited at the mention of food. Nonetheless her favorite chinese restaurant.

Vayne nodded. “Brush your teeth and prepare to leave. You need to keep your body in good health.”

“O-kay.” Tian Di turned to her bathroom and spent a few minutes getting ready. She flung her cloak around her body and returned to Vayne, who had been waiting patiently outside her door.

‘Let’s go!” Tian Di grabbed his hand, and happily walked with Vayne.

“...” Vayne had a frown, he never felt good doing what Lao ordered him to do. Especially with Tian Di. Vayne really saw her like a grandchild, and had a familial connection to her, Though Lao only saw him as a tool to keep Tian Di in the palm of Volkruss. He wanted to protect Tian Di, but the word of Volkruss was absolute, and he dared not go against his god. Being a loving father figure was all he could do in his position.

 

[VeraC]

The Great Duck

This had been the second time Tian Di had come personally to this shop, before with Gail, now with Grampa. When the Host at the front saw the two enter the restaurant, he immediately stiffened up, and gave a bow to them.

“Sir Marvis, Ms. Tian Di… Welcome to The Great Duck. Are you eating in today? Shall I prepare you a VIP table?” The Host was caught off guard by their appearance, two bigshots from the Cult coming in unannounced.

“...Please.” Vayne replied.

“Right this way.” The Host grabbed a laminated sheet of paper, the menu, and led the two to a large table, in a secluded part of the shop. He sat them down, and placed the menu on the table.

“The Specials for the night are a spicy Peking Duck roast, and a sweet-and-sour chicken over chow mein.”

“Grampa…” Tian Di looked at Vayne, trying to toss a hint.

“Haha, Of course child.” He smiled. “We will be having the all-you-can-eat course tonight.” He looked at the Host. “...With the Duck and Chicken.”

“Of course, I’ll tell the chefs your request.” The host bowed again. “Help yourself to the buffet, and I will bring the Special plates out as soon as they’re ready.” He excused himself from the table and power-walked to the kitchen to tell the cooks.

The Great Duck was popular in that they offered a la carte specials, worthy of the 3 Michigan star rating, but also had an all-you-can-eat buffet course, full of popular chinese cuisine, of course worthy of 3 stars.

“Go get your food, I shall wait for you to return.”

“Okay!” Tian Di quickly stood up and walked over to the buffet, and began piling food on her plate. It was at times like this that Tian Di showed her true colors, but became quite childlike. It was one of her few soliaces from Volkruss and other problems that plagued her life. After assembling her two mountains of food, she returned to her seat and slammed her plates on the table. Vayne was taken slightly aback at the quantity she returned with, but couldn’t help but give a small laugh.

“You always were a big eater.”

“Aren’t you going to eat too, Grampa?” Tian asked,

“I’m not quite that hungry child, Today is my treat to you.” In actuality, part of his pact to Volkruss, Vayne sacrificed many of a human’s normal desires, including appetite. He was cursed to a life of never being hungry, never being able to enjoy or savor food. Prana supplied by the dark energies gave his body enough sustenance to continue living.

“I’ll dig in then!” Armed with Chopsticks and an empty stomach, Tian Di tackled the mountain of food, starting from the top and working her way down. Her eyes lit up and grinned from ear to ear, feeling as though she would reach nirvana.

Vayne also had an expression of content, seeing another happiness in a way, gave him happiness.

“...Hey Grampa.” Tian Di slowed down her eating and looked to Vayne

“Yes, Child?”

“Would you fight against fate? She asked. “...Or would you accept it?’

“Hmm…” He put his hand to his chin and thought for a brief moment. “We’re all destined for great things… I think it the most commendable thing you could do is fulfill it to best of your ability.” Vayne, satisfied with his answer, nodded his head.

“Completely different…” Tian Di compared Vayne’s thoughts to Gail, failing to find similarities… Though, one thing did hit her. Both of them did talk about not giving up. Her position felt hopeless, like she couldn’t do anything, but that wasn’t the case entirely. She had options... She could be the one. She could be the one heralded as the prophesied girl who will bring Volkruss into the world and bring unto people rapture.

...From across the table, Vayne’s eyes grew with a faint blue hue as he looked at Tian Di in thought.

“...” Vayne’s smile disappeared. “This is for the best. Let your mind be at ease, Child.” He thought to himself.

“I think I understand now.” Tian Di felt content. “Thanks Grampa.”

“Anytime child.” Vayne returned a smile.

Tian Di continued eating her mountains of food, when the specials had arrived. Two of each came, but Vayne offered his to Tian Di. She happily accepted and wolfed them down with the rest of her food. Satisfied, Tian had finished eating and the two left the restaurant, returning to the Cult’s headquarters.

“Thanks for today Grampa!” Tian Di walked alongside Vayne, a small jump to her step. The two returned to her room, and said their goodbyes at the door.

“If you ever need me child, do call for me. I shall come as soon as I can.” Vayne ruffled his hand through Tian Di’s hair again, and offered his goodbye.

“Thanks Grampa! See you soon!” Tian smiled and waved goodbye as Vayne walked off.

_____

Somewhere in the Cult of Volkruss’ Headquarters

“How is the child?” a stern voice questioned.

“...There is no longer a problem.” Vayne replied.

“Good to hear.”

….

I’m sorry little one...