Shadow Slave - One Shots

Sunny sat at the corner of the living room, watching in mild horror as Effie sprawled across the couch, one muscular arm draped over her eyes, the other waving lazily in the air as she spoke.

"I'm just saying, it's unnatural not to know what a water park is. What kind of childhood did you guys even have?"

"A bad one." Sunny deadpanned.

Nephis, sitting across from him, merely tilted her head. "Is it important?"

Kai, perched on the armrest beside Effie, ran a hand through his auburn hair and gave them both a look of exaggerated pity. "Important? Neph, Sunny... it's a rite of passage. The sun on your skin, the wind in your hair as you slide down into the water..." He sighed dreamily. "Pure bliss."

"That," Effie interjected, "and we get to see who's brave enough to tackle the biggest slide. I know Kai's going to chicken out."

Kai scoffed, placing a dramatic hand over his heart. "Effie, please. I have never backed down from a challenge in my life."

"Oh?" Effie grinned, sitting up and cracking her knuckles. "Then I dare you to go down the Abyssal Drop first." 

Sunny squinted. "That name does not sound fun."

Cassie, who had been quietly sipping her tea at the side, smiled. "I heard it has a vertical drop. Almost completely free fall."

Sunny's stomach sank. "...Why would someone build such a thing?"

Effie shrugged. "Because people like to suffer, obviously."

Nephis, having observed the conversation with the same calm demeanor she treated battles, suddenly spoke. "We should go."

Sunny turned to her, baffled. "What?"

"We should experience it," she said simply. "You and I have never been to a water park. It could be... enlightening."

Sunny groaned. "Enlightening is not the word I would use."

Kai smirked. "Scared?"

Sunny crossed his arms. "I fear nothing."

"Mmhmm," Effie hummed. "So that means you're going down the Abyssal Drop too?"

Sunny opened his mouth, then froze.

'Damnation!'

His flaw. He couldn't lie. And if he stayed silent, the pain would build until he had to answer.

A slow smirk spread across Effie's face. Kai leaned in with anticipation. Even Nephis looked faintly interested.

Finally, through gritted teeth, Sunny muttered. "...Yes."

Effie whooped. "That's what I like to hear!"

Cassie chuckled. "This is going to be fun."

Effie leaned back, stretching her arms with an easy smile. "You know, before my Second Nightmare, I never thought I'd get to do something like this."

Sunny raised an eyebrow. "Like what? Go to a water park?"

She shook her head. "No. Walk."

There was a pause. Cassie set her tea down gently.

"Growing up, I couldn't use my legs. But in the Dream Realm, my body worked just fine. When I made it through my Second Nightmare... well, look at me now."

Kai smiled. "And now you can run, fight, and, apparently, bully me into nearly dying on a water slide."

Effie grinned. "Damn right."

Sunny exhaled, glancing at her. "Huh."

Effie nudged him with her foot. "What? Thought you were the only one who came out of the Nightmares looking better?"

Sunny scowled. "I was enjoying my moment, actually."

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Sunny glared at his reflection in the mirror, tugging at the waistband of his swim shorts. He was definitely looking better. More defined, lean muscle lining his frame from years of battle, his scars only adding to the whole hardened warrior aesthetic. He shifted slightly, catching the way the light hit just right.

Of course, the scars on his body giving the whole hardened warrior aesthetic is heavily limited by his height. 

For a fleeting moment, a thought crept in. Would Nephis notice? Would she think he looked good?

He immediately scowled, shaking his head. "The spell am I thinking of? No. Absolutely not."

Still, the thought lingered stubbornly as he pulled on a shirt. Not that it mattered. Kai was going to outshine them all, as always. That damned auburn-haired menace had the nerve to look like he belonged on the cover of some pre-apocalypse fashion magazine. Doesn't help the fact that he was an idol that the Nephis freaked out over.

It was infuriating.

Sunny exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. '

This is fine. It's just a pointless trip to some ridiculous water torture facility. I've survived much worse.'

He squared his shoulders and turned away from the mirror, determined to endure whatever madness awaited him.

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The sleek transport vehicle pulled up with a quiet hum, its doors sliding open to reveal a spacious interior.

Kai, ever the gentleman, gestured grandly. "After you, oh fearless leader," he teased, directing his words toward Nephis.

She stepped in without hesitation, completely ignoring his antics. Effie followed, practically bouncing with anticipation, while Cassie moved with her usual calm grace. Kai slid in after them, flashing a dazzling grin at the attendant.

Sunny, lingering at the entrance, exhaled through his nose.

This is fine. It's just transportation.

He stepped inside and immediately regretted it.

The interior was… unnecessarily luxurious. Cushioned seats, ambient lighting, even a refreshment station. Kai, of course, made himself right at home, lounging like he belonged in a pre-apocalypse advertisement for elite travel.

Effie stretched out her legs with a satisfied sigh. "Not bad. We should travel like this more often."

Sunny muttered, "We usually travel for survival."

Kai waved a hand. "Details, details."

Nephis, seated across from Sunny, studied him for a moment before speaking. "You don't like water parks." It wasn't a question.

Sunny hesitated. "...I don't like unnecessary risks."

Effie let out a bark of laughter. "Says the guy who fought eldritch horrors in the depths of the Dream Realm."

Sunny scowled. "That was necessary."

Cassie tilted her head. "And this isn't?"

Sunny narrowed his eyes. "...No."

Kai smirked. "You're just mad you have to go down the Abyssal Drop."

Sunny's jaw tightened.

Effie grinned, nudging his knee with her foot. "Oh, don't worry, Sunny. If you scream, we'll pretend we didn't hear it."

Sunny closed his eyes. He was going to kill them all.

Despite it, he still didn't mind the company.

The transport hummed to life, speeding toward their destination. Outside the window, the city gradually gave way to open stretches of land, the artificial structures of the water park appearing in the distance.

Cassie smiled. "We're almost there."

How would she know that? Sunny thought inwardly.

He slumped further into his seat, staring at the looming slides in the distance.

Survived the Dream Realm and the Second Nightmare. Nothing like this can scare me....Probably.

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The transport glided to a smooth stop at the entrance of the water park, its sleek doors sliding open with a quiet hiss. A burst of chlorine-filled air greeted them, along with the distant sound of rushing water and delighted screams.

Effie hopped out first, inhaling deeply. "Smells like fun and bad decisions."

Kai followed, stretching languidly. "Ahh, this is going to be perfect."

Cassie adjusted her hat, stepping out carefully. "I hope they have a quiet area."

Nephis stepped out next, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she regarded the massive slides in the distance. "It's… larger than I expected."

Sunny remained in the transport a moment longer, staring out at the towering monstrosity that was Abyssal Drop. The structure loomed over the park like some ancient beast, its near-vertical slide looking more like a death sentence than an amusement.

'This is ridiculous.'

Effie poked her head back inside. "Come on, coward."

Sunny let out a slow breath and stepped out onto the pavement, the heat instantly settling over him. He squinted against the sun.

Kai clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome to paradise, Sunny."

Sunny shoved his hand off. "I hope you drown."

Kai just laughed. Even without his flaw, Kai knew it was a lie.

They made their way toward the entrance, where a large digital board displayed the park's many attractions. Aside from the nightmare-inducing Abyssal Drop, there were more relaxed wave pools, lazy rivers, and twisting slides of varying intensity.

Effie grinned, eyes scanning the options. "Alright, first order of business—"

Nephis turned to Sunny. "Should we start with something small… if you want?"

Sunny's eye twitched. The fact that she had to phrase it like that made it all the more infuriating. He crossed his arms, glancing at the board.

"Small sounds good," Cassie added.

Kai sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But only as a warm-up. We are still doing the big one."

Effie nudged Sunny. "You know, if you get scared, you can always cling to Neph."

Sunny nearly choked on air. "The hell is that supposed to mean?!"

Effie smirked. "Nothing, nothing."

Nephis, as always, was unfazed. However, noticed by no one, a tinge of red formed at her ear. "We should change first."

Sunny, still recovering, turned sharply away. "Right. Changing."

********************

The group stepped through the entrance gates after changing. The humid scent of chlorine and sunscreen filled the air. The sound of rushing water, excited laughter, and the occasional shriek from the towering slides echoed around them.

Sunny squinted at the massive pools stretching out before them.

'Water. So much water.'

His fingers twitched at his sides.

Effie inhaled deeply, hands on her hips. "Ahh, smell that? That's the scent of victory."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "You mean overpriced concessions and chemically treated water?"

She shrugged. "Same thing."

Nephis turned to the group. "We should start at the open pool."

Sunny frowned. Should? Not we could? Damn it.

"Sounds good to me," Cassie said with a small smile.

Effie grinned and threw an arm over Sunny's shoulder, steering him toward the large pool area. "Come on, Devil of Antarctica. Let's see if you're as graceful in water as you are on land."

Sunny stiffened but let himself be dragged forward. His legs felt heavier the closer they got.

The pool was massive, with crystal-clear water that deceptively deepened toward the center. People splashed around, some floating, others diving beneath the surface like it was fun.

Sunny exhaled sharply. He could swim. Technically. But it wasn't something he enjoyed. Water was unpredictable. Treacherous, even.

The others waded in without hesitation.

Kai stretched lazily before diving forward in a smooth motion, disappearing beneath the surface before popping up with a shake of his hair, the sun catching on droplets that clung to his skin.

A few nearby onlookers actually sighed dreamily.

Sunny scoffed at the sight. Unbelievable.

Cassie slipped into the water with Nephis's help, tilting her head as if listening to the ripples. Nephis stepped forward, walking in with slow, measured steps until she was waist-deep, her silver hair floating around her.

Sunny stood at the edge, arms crossed. "This is unnecessary."

Effie, already waist-deep, smirked. "Oh? You look like you're thinking really hard about stepping in."

He scoffed for possibly the 16th time today. "I'm not scared."

"Good," Effie said, before casually scooping up a handful of water and splashing it directly at his chest.

He froze as cold water hit his skin, trickling down his torso.

He looked at Effie slowly.

She grinned. "Oops."

Kai chuckled. "That wasn't very nice."

Effie shrugged, her grin widening. "What's he gonna do about it? Not like he's coming in."

Oh. Oh, she thought he wouldn't retaliate?

Sunny exhaled sharply, stepped forward, then slipped.

The world tilted.

For a split second, he was airborne, and then—

Splash!

'Cold.'

Water closed around Sunny like a vice, swallowing the air, the light, everything. He kicked instinctively, breaking the surface with a sharp gasp. He wasn't drowning—he knew he wasn't drowning—but for half a second, his pulse thundered in his ears like he was back in a nightmare, caught in the grasp of something he couldn't fight.

Effie howled with laughter.

"Oh no!" she cackled. "The great Devil of Antarctica has fallen!"

Cassie stifled a giggle behind her hand. Even Kai, floating effortlessly nearby, smirked.

"That was graceful."

Sunny scowled, slicking his wet hair back. "I will end you."

Effie grinned, treading water easily. "Try it."

Sunny lunged, sending a wave of water toward her. Effie yelped, shielding herself.

"Oh, it's on now!"

Before he could react, a second splash hit him, from the side. Sunny sputtered, turning sharply toward Cassie, who was looking suspiciously innocent.

"You too?" he accused.

Cassie smiled sweetly. "It was an accident."

Sunny narrowed his eyes. "Liar."

Effie took advantage of his distraction, cupping both hands and drenching him with another splash.

"Enough!" Sunny roared, slamming both hands into the water. A massive wave shot outward, knocking Effie off balance and sending ripples across the pool. She resurfaced, coughing out laughter.

"Okay, okay! Truce!"

Sunny glared but relented, treading water. His heart was still beating too fast, but at least he wasn't sinking. Despite it all, he had a smile on his face.

A shadow shifted nearby.

Nephis.

She was watching him, standing where the water just barely reached her ribs, silver hair glistening with moisture. She hadn't laughed like the others. She hadn't joined in the splashing. Instead, she studied him, expression unreadable.

"You're tense," she observed.

Sunny exhaled sharply. "I'm fine."

Nephis didn't look convinced. Slowly, she extended a hand toward him—not quite offering, not quite reaching.

"Stay close."

Stay close?

For a moment, he considered arguing. He didn't need help. He was fine.

…But his body moved before his mind could catch up, treading just a little closer, until the water around him felt less like an enemy and more like just another battlefield.

Nephis didn't smile, but there was something in her gaze, something steady, like an anchor in shifting tides.

Effie, of course, ruined the moment.

"Awwww," she drawled, grinning. "Look at you two, all cute and trusting—"

Sunny turned and splashed directly at her face.

Effie barely had a second to react before a wave of water hit her square in the face. She sputtered, blinking rapidly as droplets dripped from her hair and chin.

Sunny straightened, shaking his wet bangs out of his eyes with a satisfied smirk. "Oops," he echoed mockingly.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then Effie wiped the water from her face, grinning wide.

"Oh, it's on, coward."

Before Sunny could react, she cupped her hands and sent an even bigger splash right at him.

Sunny raised an arm too late—the water smacked against his chest and face, making him stumble back slightly. He coughed, glaring at her.

"You're dead."

Effie laughed and waded back, already preparing another attack.

"What, don't like a little water, Devil of Antarctica?"

Without hesitation, Sunny retaliated, sending a fierce splash in her direction. Effie yelped and ducked, the water missing her by inches.

Kai, lounging nearby, watched with mild amusement.

"Ah, a battle for dominance."

Cassie, safely sitting by the edge, smiled. "Should we stop them?"

Nephis, standing waist-deep in the water, simply tilted her head. "I don't think we can."

Effie and Sunny were fully locked in combat now, launching water at each other in rapid succession. Other swimmers had started giving them space, wary of getting caught in the crossfire.

Sunny lunged forward, ready to end this nonsense, only for Effie to take a page out of his book and fake a retreat.

The moment he moved, she turned back, hands scooping up as much water as she could before throwing all of it at his face.

If Sunny wasn't drenched before, he would be now.

He froze, water dripping from his entire upper body, strands of black hair plastered to his eyes.

Effie threw her head back, laughing. "Oh, that was beautiful!"

Sunny inhaled deeply, tilting his head back.

"Effie."

Something about his tone made her pause.

"...Yeah?"

He took a slow step forward.

Her grin faltered. "...Sunny?"

Another step.

"...Wait, hold on—"

With alarming speed, he surged forward. Effie turned to flee, but it was too late.

Sunny grabbed her by the arm and yanked—

And then he threw them both into the deeper part of the pool.

Effie shrieked midair. "SUNNY, YOU ABSOLUTE BAS—"

SPLASH.

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The water erupted around them.

When Effie surfaced, coughing and pushing her wet hair out of her face, she found Sunny already floating beside her, looking as smug as ever.

She pointed an accusing finger at him. "You-!"

He cut her off with a shrug. "You started it."

Kai, from the shallows, let out a low whistle. "Damn. Didn't think you had it in you."

Effie narrowed her eyes, but instead of yelling, she just smirked.

"Alright, alright. That was fair. But don't think this is over, Sunless."

Sunny rolled his shoulders. "It already is."

She grinned. "We'll see."

Meanwhile, Cassie let out a small chuckle. "They're like children."

Nephis, standing nearby, watched the whole thing unfold in silence. She exhaled lightly, shaking her head. Then, her gaze shifted to Sunny—how his normally guarded expression had loosened just a fraction, his sharp eyes carrying something close to amusement.

She took a step forward.

"Sunny."

He turned toward her, still floating effortlessly. "What?"

Nephis, without hesitation, brought both hands up—

And splashed him directly in the face.

A perfect hit.

Sunny jerked back, completely caught off guard. He wiped his face slowly, blinking at her in disbelief.

"...Did you just—"

Nephis met his gaze with a neutral expression. "Oops."

For a long moment, Sunny just stared at her.

Then, to everyone's shock, he grinned.

"Alright, White Flame. You want war?"

Nephis simply lifted her hands again. "If you want."

And just like that, the real battle began.