Blue Shadows: The Chronicles of Mike 3

Blue Shadows: The Chronicles of Mike 3

Chapter 1: The Light Behind the eyes...

Waking up the next day, I was surprised by the stillness. No chaos. No fighting. Just calm. I lay in silence, sandwiched between Yugamai and Neko, listening to the soft rhythm of their breathing. Peace felt... strange. Fragile.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake anyone, and started breakfast. But of course, Yuki, Yoru, and Mikey stirred anyway. I've always wondered—am I more than just raw power? It took me years to even ask that question. I hope Mikey discovers the answer for himself. Maybe he'll even surpass me.

Even as the embodiment of strength, I feel... weak. Ever since the Corruption, it's like my power resists me. Maybe he was right. Maybe he can corrupt everything—concepts, emotions, even me.

I jumped when Yugamai tapped my shoulder. "Mike?" she murmured groggily, hugging me from behind and pressing a kiss to my cheek.

"I don't know how long I have left," I whispered. "But I want you to know... you're the best person I've ever known. I've never loved someone so deeply."

Before she could respond, Neko sauntered in. "Ouch?" she teased. I rushed to her and kissed her lips, feeling that old warmth between us. We've come a long way. I used to think those simpler days—just her and me—were the best. But now? I'm surrounded by love.

Still, sometimes I wonder... Did Yugamai fall for me to save herself? After all, she turned on her friends in a heartbeat. She even killed Neko once—out of jealousy. Yet here we are, side by side. I love them both... but something inside me still feels hollow.

"Maiku?" Yugamai chirped suddenly, pressing a playful kiss to my lips. Neko hugged me from behind. Odd—wasn't I just facing the bedroom? When did Neko leave? Did I imagine waking up next to her? My mind felt blurry.

As I ruffled Neko's hair, Yugamai leaned into my line of sight, stealing a kiss. Her lips locked with mine, tongue aggressive and unrelenting. When she pulled away, a long strand of saliva bridged the distance between us.

"Take the day off?" she asked sweetly, pinching my cheek. "You work too much. Just one day, please?"

Her smile was infectious—too perfect. Was it some kind of power? I couldn't tell. All I knew was that only she, Neko, and maybe Vesper could calm the storm inside me.

I wondered... did my diamond-like skin ever make them uncomfortable? That thought lingered as the day drifted by, calm and uneventful. But I knew better than to believe peace would last. Something always comes next.

The next morning, I woke again beside Yugamai—but Neko was gone. That usually meant she was up to something... enticing. Neko often roped Vesper into her ideas, especially ones I was too lazy to entertain. Vesper usually resisted, but Neko's persuasive nature always won. Out of love, Vesper gave in. And to protect her, I decided to be more present—for both of them.

I debated going out to patrol the planet but decided to find them first. I wandered through the ruins of Ekim's old city and eventually found them scavenging an abandoned store. Vesper sprinted toward me, wrapped her arms around me, and kissed me—her smile eerily similar to Yugamai's. I've always sensed something yandere-like about her... she desires me, perhaps too deeply, but hides a fear I can't name.

Neko was thrilled when I shared my plans. Her joy nearly gave everything away, though I think Vesper already knew. I took Neko home, and we laid in bed together. She leaned over, eyes gleaming.

"Mike? Can we do it?" she asked softly.

I nodded. Our lips met, our clothes began to fall away—then the air shifted. Something dark crept in. The room distorted.