I stepped forward, for once feeling tall as I looked the 5 inches down at the half-Chi'i girl. I had the urge to hug the small, toned girl, but restrained myself as I knew how Nyoka felt about such things. In the moment, I stuttered, absolutely overcome by seeing my greatest creation standing before me. Ny offered a blank expression, hardly seeing reason to look up to me with her burnt, golden gaze. After a time of awkward staring, Nyoka would finally pipe up with her falsely correct common, listening as her Mediterranean accent reached my ears. "...Do you need something? Elsewise, step aside girl."

 

I again would blink, then find my nerve in the midst of our meeting. "I simply wanted to introduce myself: My name is Alexandra. I suppose you wouldn't know me." Nyoka's gaze would fall once again upon me, a blank look still entertaining her features. She opened her mouth to answer in response, but I found myself cutting her off. "And you're Nyoka Maren, the as-titled demon of the Alorian seas. It really, really is a pleasure."

 

Blinking, the Chi'i girl arched an amused brow, "And, pray tell, how do you know who I am?" Her eyes were accusing, somewhat cautious now as she attempted to hide what curiosity had gripped her.

 

Unsure what to say, I gave a nervous smile, "I... I wrote you. I helped to form who you are and who you were. I know everything, from what happened on your ship to your relationship with Flynn Sinclair."

 

Anger would then cross her face, thinking me to be a cheap liar. "And your proof, girl? What do you know about me that none else would? And..." An evil smirk pulled on her lips, looking me over as if I were prey, "If you know me, you know what I'll do if you're wrong."

 

I took a deep breath, my own gaze taking in the old dusty pirate coat that she wore - her father's. No, no... Uzuri and all of the Bloody Maren crew knew about that. What about the bracelet? Darius was there to see it and Uzuri heard her speak to it, so no. What about her murders? Only Flynn would know about most of those and he'd never put her in danger. I gave a nod to Nyoka, pulling a smile to my own face. "Within a single week, you killed about six people. Included in there was Durgak, Lisa, and Gael. You ripped Gael limb from limb while Kivuli controlled you, then rolled his head down the poor chapel's aisle. You were also tortured by Freya Lo upon a lapis table and, in order to be captured, had to be knocked out by nearly five pirates of Malik's crew simultaneously."

 

I watched then, trying to read her expression. She started with confusion, leading into anger and contempt, then suddenly went cold; her eyes blank and emotionless as they fell upon me. I knew that look; I'd best watch my step. "Kivuli, I know that's you... I speak only the truth to you. I swear that."

 

The demon's gaze fell upon me with a degree of curiosity. It seemed to understand almost, but refused to believe just yet. "Tell me, human: where are you from? What do you mean by 'wrote' me?"

 

With another deep breath, I explained it all. I told Kivuli the entire story behind Nyoka's life and Kivuli's existence. I told it how I'd written the demon lore and helped to give it shape and form. I spoke of the misadventures of Nyoka and Flynn and of Flynn's precious item, then went on to talk about Earth and where I was from; about MassiveCraft and being roleplay staff. Finally, I came to telling it of character applications and how it and Nyoka had been created.

 

In cold silence, it took it all in. Though the world around it seemed to crumble, the icy calculations of the demon continued to churn. It couldn't deny that I was there right then, wearing ridiculous clothing and explaining everything. Something inside it made it hesitate in killing me, however. If I were telling the truth, then it would no longer exist upon my death. And so, its hand stayed. Instead, Kivuli closed its eyes, shaking its head. "No matter how far-fetched your tale is, I cannot deny that there could be truth in it. So go back to where you came from, girl, and don't come back. Lead me to accomplish my goals and keep me from death and I will never regret not slaying you."

 

With a turn on its heel, Kivuli walked away, leaving me to stare behind with a smile on my lips. I'd met Nyoka Maren, the demon of the seas; told her about her entire life and exposed my knowledge of her demon; faced the demon itself; and lived. Pride welled in me: she had been exactly who I'd imagined. Now... How would I get home....?