Host And The Soul System

8. white lotus tea party

“Here, have some. I brewed it myself” Oz says as he pours me a cup of tea, which he swears replenishes energy so i don't turn it down.

I can feel Reid's eyes watching my every move as we sit down to drink. It's uncomfortable, but i don't comment about it.

“I'm really sorry for thinking you were the old soul, Kara spoke of” I apologise to Oz again. “I just didn't think he'd look so young”

“Ah it's alright. It happens all the time. Just drink up.“ Oz says.

“Reid doesn't go out often, so everyone assumes Oz is the leader of the blue lotus house” Kara says, taking a sip from her tea.

“White lotus house?“ I ask.

“Remember when i said, join a crew. This is what i was talking about.“ She gestures at the whole house.

“The other members are out and about, but the white lotus is the oldest party in Eden Bizarre. We fight together, and everyone has their own role to play” Reid finishes.

“You're the oldest soul in the system and you have more than enough power to keep the hosts out of the lobby so why haven't you killed the hosts and ended the system” I can't help but ask him.

He gives me a knowing smile. “Would you like me to kill… all… the hosts? All of them?“ My heart speeds up at his emphasis on that one word. Is he suspicious of me, too?

“I could. But that is not my role to play.“ he says it like he's assuring me.

“So.. why are you two together? Are you two dating?“ Reid asks. I almost spill out my tea, and Kara has the same reaction.

“We just met, and he's not my type. I'm taking him to the capital to train with Ingrid because he is weak.“ Kara answers before i can, once again being as condescending as possible.

“He doesn't look weak” He says, looking at from above his teacup.

“Yes but that's just physical. His stats are an absolute disappointment. That's why I'm taking him to Ingrid. He'll level up in no time.“ Kara adds

Reid puts down his cup, and his eyes travel from me to Kara and back to me. “Well, if that's what you consider weak, then I would like to see what you'll see as strong”

The tea goes down the wrong route, and I choke on the hot liquid. Oz moves to hand me a glass of water, but he knocks over the whole jar of steaming hot tea, and it spills over my clothes.

“Shit!“ I exclaim, rising to my feet.

“My apologies!“ Oz shouts, handing me a paper towel. I brush it off, but my shirt is completely drenched.

“You can use the bathroom on the second floor. I'll bring you a new shirt” Reid says, and i nod. Anything to get away from him and his questions.

So far, Reid is the most intimidating person I've met, and I've met two hosts. Something about him being around for so long doesn't sit right with me. I walk up the stairs, taking note of all the paintings lined on the wall. I take off my shirt and stare at myself in the mirror.

Why was my hair white? I looked fit and I'm not bragging but I'd say i was quite attractive. The first time i had seen my own reflection was in Ravena's room when i picked up her compact mirror. I reach into the jacket on my pocket and pull out the mirror. I have two days to make it to that place in the capital before the tournament or she'll tell everyone that i am a host then everyone would come after me. There'd be no way to defend myself because Ayra's system powers would conflict with my host powers and eventually it would kill me. I rub my chest still feeling the little traces of energy that was currently being flushed out of me by Spix.

Someone knocks on the door and i open it to see Kara holding a fresh pair of clothes. She looks at me like she's seeing me for the first time, i watch her eyes travel to my bare chest and torso. She realises I'm watching and pushes the clothes into my arms.

“Change and come down. We'll be leaving soon” she says before she leaves.

I put on the black shirt and pants. The next piece of clothing is a cape like the one Reid was wearing. I pick it up and Spix scans the crest embroidered into the fabric. It's a blue flower with gold spirals around it. The fabric is soft and it's well made. Are there more houses? I know Ravena belonged to the same house as Axel. He seemed loyal but Dante didn't have one of these capes.

Did he not belong to a house or was belonging to a house against host protocols.

Elvil house. That must be the name of Ravena's house since she had agreed to meet there. Was she trying to get me to join her house? I have so many questions that i could not ask without the risk of getting exposed. Ravena is the only one who can give me these answers. I have to meet her.

“That is the crest of the blue lotus. Giving only to members of the house of the blue lotus house. There are many more house in Eden Bizarre. Players build strength and status by collaborating with other players to make house. There are over 70 recorded houses in Eden Bizarre. The blue lotus remains the most powerful after Elvil house. I would recommend staying away from them if you don't want to risk getting caught. The Elvil house accepts host and currently has five.“ Spix says and disappears.

I don't put it on and i wear my jacket instead before walking out the bathroom. I almost jump out of my skin when i see Reid waiting at the end of the hall. His eyes are glowing a dim blue which is barely noticeable because of his blue eyes but i don't feel anything strange so i know he's not using his powers on me.

“What the hell?“ I gasp.

“What do you think you're doing?“ He asks me sternly and i think i see an angry glow in his eyes. It's more obvious this time and i know he's going to strike soon.

“I don't know what you're talking about. Oh this?“ I raise the cape to him. “Kara must have given to me by accident.“ i lie to deflect his question. I can tell he does not trust me but i did not want to risk getting in trouble while staying in the house of the oldest soul and most powerful soul in Eden Bizarre

His eyes narrow to slits and he takes the cape from my hand. I can tell he doesn't buy my hoax but i don't wait for him to ask another question. I brush past him to leave but he grips my arm.

“You shouldn't be here. You've got some nerve coming to this place.” he tells me before he lets go and i walk down the steps. I take my seat back at the table and he comes down soon after holding on to the cape.

Kara looks at me with a questioning look then back to Reid. I don't say anything as Oz pours me another glass of tea. I take down the whole cup because my throat is suddenly dry and sore.

Reid takes his seat and there's an awkward silence lingering in the air. I feel his eyes boring into my soul but i try my best to ignore it. I can tell Kara is staring too but right now the mist interesting thing is the floor so i keep staring at it.

What the hell am i doing? Avoid his stares like a coward? I have no idea who i am or who i used to be but i know this isn't me. He can't possibly tell everyone that I'm dangerous, i could kill him. If he attacks me, I'll use Ayra's system powers to defeat him. With that final thought, i raise my head to look at him. He locks eyes with me and, of course i don't expect him to but it catches me surprise when he says.

“Kara, your friend is a host”