Chapter 16
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Don't Forget Me (2)
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Ripe fruit. Rotting corpses. Feces reeking of foul stench. These things share one common trait: they attract flies.
Flies don't care if their prey smells foul or sweet. They only worry about whether they can shove their grotesque snouts in or not. That's what makes them so dangerous. Whatever their legs touch turns into mere maggots.
One day, flies swarmed around the feces scattered on the ground. They circled it for a long time in search of prey before turning their attention to the corpses strewn before the Demon King's Castle. They took flight and landed on the fallen bodies.
Amid the flowing stench, as they offered their mealtime prayers, they happened to notice the plump grapes half-swallowed by the corpses. In an instant, their eyes split into hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, and desire bloomed between the compound eyes.
Now, here's a question. How many victims were there in this incident?
The answer doesn't matter. The important thing is that I'm the only witness.
And in my opinion, there's only one victim, and she's baring her snow-white ass right in front of me.
"Damn, this is gonna be good... Can I go first, Bobby?"
One blowfly fluttered its wings first. Then the fat dung fly licked its lips and nodded.
"Sure. I'm not really into that anyway. That pretty mouth of hers... it's tempting me more."
"That might be tough. What if she bites when you shove it in her mouth?"
"I could put up a barrier or something. And you know how it is—it's hard to bite when something that huge goes in."
"Do whatever. Alright then... Here goes."
Exhausted from orgasming all day, Eli couldn't even resist as she lifted her hips. No contact yet, but thick fluids dripped from her drug-soaked pussy.
"Let's have a taste first."
The blowfly thrust its filthy saliva toward her to suck her blood. It inhaled the hot, fishy pheromone scent, then slowly extended its bright red tongue.
"Hng...?"
The moment the slimy tongue touched her back hole, Eli's ass twitched. Her jet-black hair scattered like the night sky, exposing her pale nape, and it lost control in excitement, burying its face in her ass and licking madly.
"Haa... fuck... slurp... slurp... haa..."
"Mmph... mmph...!"
Saliva and love juices mixed, streaming to the ground, and Eli's reactions grew more intense. Annoyed by her constant hip thrusts avoiding the tongue, the blowfly grabbed her soft flesh with its front legs and slapped one side hard.
"Hnnngh!"
"Stay still, you bitch. I'm eating good here, fuck..."
"Haa... This is... really hard to hold back."
The dung fly, who had just been watching, grabbed its grotesque cock and headed toward Eli's face. It started shaking it rapidly.
"Eli... haa..."
"It's always so disgustingly huge no matter how many times I see it. Won't she choke?"
"Don't talk to me... haa... Eli..."
Unable to even turn her head, Eli stared powerlessly at the cock shaking in front of her as her back hole was sucked. Against her will, strength drained from her waist, and love juices squirted from between her legs.
"Slurp... slurp... mm..."
"Haa... Eli... Eli...!"
Letting out bizarre moans while shaking its cock, it finally couldn't hold back and rubbed the tip on Eli's face. As she retched in agony, it grabbed a handful of her disheveled hair and sighed.
"Can't do it. I can't hold back anymore."
"Slurp... haa... Yeah. I can't hold back either."
Like they'd made a promise, both moved their cocks toward Eli's holes at the same time. Clearly their first time, yet drunk on their own lust, they showed no consideration and shoved the tips straight in.
"Urk... urp..."
Too big. Far too heavy a burden for a virgin. The underwear and gag that should have been her only shield lay discarded on the ground like her lost purity, offering no sympathetic glance.
As the two blades pierced her front and back simultaneously, Eli let out a silent, desperate scream that no one could hear.
"...!!!!!!"
"Ahh fuck... virgin ass is so damn tight. How am I supposed to wait?"
"Right... haa... Not biting as expected, staying nice and obedient."
Probably no strength left to bite. Bobby grabbed Eli's hair like he did Sera's and roughly bobbed her head up and down. Each time her head shook like a doll's, wet sounds echoed from her throat as Rick matched the pace, thrusting his hips. Eli, caught between, gagged and was forced to shake her waist.
"Urgh... hng... ughk..."
It must hurt so much. Enough to want to die. Yet not a single tear fell from Eli's eyes. She just shook her head and ass emotionlessly. If only she'd sobbed honestly like the other girls and vented her feelings, my heart might have eased. But even that strength was gone, tightening my chest in knots.
"Huaa... Feels like I'm gonna cum soon. If I cum inside, will we get caught?"
"Of course... ngh...! Better cum outside and wipe it off."
"Got it. I'll try... ugh fuck...!"
"Hng...! Hnnngh...!"
They sped up. Gagging sounds grew louder as the cock slipped in and out of her throat, and each thrust into her ass made her pussy swell red and soak wetter. As if begging me for attention too. A lewd scent wafted from her flushed face drooling desperately.
"Hey, Eli! Lift your hips. Hubby's gonna give you a big load."
"Ooh... yeah... perfect now. Wish the throat squeezed more...!"
"Hng... hng... hnnngh..."
Crossing voices. Endless pleasure and pain stabbing front and back. Amid emotions intense enough to shatter her mind, Eli seemed to vaguely foresee her fate and squeezed her eyes shut. Soon, a vulgar sucking sound like air escaping a vacuum rang out, and white semen erupted like a waterfall.
"Augh...! Ugh... fuck...!"
"Haaa...! Eli...! Haa...!"
"Ah... ah..."
As the two cocks pulled out, Eli collapsed with a splat, and they sprayed steaming semen over her. Competing over who could shoot more, they sighed deeply, saw the dawn brightening, and hastily pulled up their pants.
"Alright. Clean up quick and bounce."
"What if they notice?"
"Scared now, Bobby? Think positive. If they don't notice... every night party's on."
Rick grinned wickedly, and Bobby nodded dumbly. The immoral duo shook their shitty heads and slunk into the shadows like cockroach spawn avoiding the sun.
All that remained was Eli, ravaged body and soul, wandering in the afterglow of ejaculation.
"Uh... mmph..."
Gagged again, Eli gazed endlessly at me. As if begging for a single word. As if pleading for the stone to awaken and do something.
I stared blankly at the sky. The sunlight caressed my forehead.
Sleepiness naturally washed over me. But strangely, my eyes wouldn't close.
No—precisely, they wouldn't close.
I couldn't let even my last remaining sense be taken while closed. If, just if a miracle happened and the petrification broke while I slept, doing nothing—would there be anything more unjust?
Forcing my drooping eyes open, I shook my consciousness. Wake up. Wake up, you idiot.
Darkness descends. I pinch my mind. Wake up. Wake up.
Even if it's just one second, wake up. If you don't want everything taken.
"Alright. Eli. Shall we start today too?"
My vision finally cleared as sunlight poured in, and for a brief moment, I felt exhilarated. But it didn't last.
"Hng... hng..."
Eli was naked again. Legs held by Leo, ass to the sky, all holes exposed. Above her, Leo's filthy cock dangled.
"Rules are simple, Eli. I'll rub mine on your pussy, so if you want it in, just lift your hips. If you refuse... I'll drop a few of these. Then give you another chance. Easy, right?"
In his hand, a vial. Filled with that familiar liquid. No reaction, so he grabbed his dog-cock head and tapped her pussy.
"Answer me, Eli."
"Mmph...!"
Only after the moan escaped did he smile satisfied, lifting the vial. Slowly tilting it toward her pussy. Seeing that, Eli thrashed in horror.
"Hnnngh!?"
"Oh, forgot to say—that counts too, Eli. Practice round."
"Hng? Hnn... hnnngh!"
The first drop hit, and Eli shuddered violently. But perfectly restrained, she couldn't thrash hard. Seeing her toes curl in agony, I wanted to close my eyes.
"Come on, Eli. Real start now?"
Leo gripped her writhing legs tight, sliding the tip toward her insides. As the glans touched her entrance, Eli shook her head wildly, moaning in pain.
"Hnnngh...! Hng... hnghngh...!"
"I know it hurts, so why resist, Eli? It'll feel good once it's in."
"Mmph... mmph... mmph..."
Her pussy lips instinctively clenched, slightly embracing the tip. But Eli strained not to lift her hips, scraping the ground with her bound hands.
"So stubborn. Don't want cock? Then take your medicine."
"Hng...! Hnnngh!"
"Resisting's useless. Oh, Sera. Clean the tip while I drop more? Got some drug on it."
"Huh? Y-yeah... slurp... haa..."
He poured more drug inside her, casually turning. While Eli writhed in pleasure, he grabbed Sera's head and bobbed it.
"Gulp... glurk..."
"That's it. Your technique's improving daily, Sera. Teach Eli once she behaves."
"Puhaa... Yeah... thanks..."
"Good. Cock's clean now—restart, Eli?"
"Hold on. Leo."
As Leo approached Eli shaking his dick again, Sera suddenly stopped him. Leo frowned, annoyed at the interruption.
"What, Sera?"
Called by name, a tiny spark of hope lit in Eli's eyes. Maybe Sera would end this madness. But I knew better—no such convenient miracle.
And as expected, after slight hesitation, Sera said something to plunge Eli into despair.
"Eli's weaker on the inner thighs. Rub there a bit with fingers, and she melts right away."
"Really?"
Leo grinned meaningfully at Eli. She stared at Sera in shocked eyes instead of meeting his.
"Mmm...! Mmmph...!"
"Yeah. That'd work better."
"Let's try."
He licked his lips, pressing his cock to her inner thigh. Then swept up the thigh line like sweeping the floor with a broom.
"Hnnnnghhh!!!"
Immediate reaction. A moan like a scream, and juices squirted like a fountain. Leo grinned satisfied, petting Sera's head.
"Yes! Friends know weaknesses, huh Sera? Good girl. Lots of love tonight."
"Yeah. Thanks."
He hummed, turning back to Eli. I looked away to Sera instead.
Coincidence or fate, she stared at me too. Her eyes, meeting after so long, were hollow and blurry. Sera gazed long, shook her head, muttering to herself.
"Stupid Eli..."
Trailing off, lips twitching, she turned to Leo. Didn't finish, but the omitted words were obvious.
Give up. It'll be easier.
That unheard word echoed in my head, blurring my vision. No. Don't fall asleep again. I desperately clung to consciousness. But a doubt crept in.
Why... was I trying so hard to stay awake?
I couldn't understand the doubt. Of course. To save Eli. I nodded dumbly, gritting my teeth, shoving my head into the depths of consciousness.
Thus, I strained to dream nightmares, throwing a tantrum like a baby. The result of such effort? Another nightmare.
"Ugh fuck. Her mouth skills are insane too. How's yours, Bobby?"
"Haa... Always thought ass wasn't my thing, but nope."
Eyes opened to night again. Witnessing those two violating Eli once more.
"Glurk... hng..."
Eli dangled limply, rocking front to back with their motions. Suddenly, a small snowball hit her hair, falling with a plop. Tracing its path, Nadia giggled, kicking snow.
"Pfft... Serves you right, Eli. Acting all high and mighty."
"Mmph... mm..."
She threw another, hitting Eli's cheek. Cold snow splashed Rick's thigh, but he didn't anger—instead mocked Eli.
"Yeah. Strutting like she's special. Well, found her role. Party's public toilet."
"Don't say that. Starting to like Eli. Right, Eli? Used to call it useless, now my proud cock's driving you crazy?"
"Hng... mmph..."
Eli just rocked limply. Like a doll. Or as Rick said, a filthy toilet.
Toilet...
...
"Hoo... Ah, gonna cum already. Fuck, too bad."
"Round two today? How's your stamina?"
"Yeah, let's. Pump it up."
"Hehe. Lucky you, Eli. Face looks total slut."
...
Ah...
First time since petrified, breath choked. Like something crushed my airway. Wondering why, I looked up to an old question staring back.
Why keep watching?
Told you. To save Eli.
Yeah? What can you do? Useless stone can't twitch a finger.
It cackled, flipping me off. I yelled back in rage.
Shut your trap, fucker. Don't know that. Might break free any second.
Yeah?
It lowered hand, tilting head.
Then why not block that too?
...What?
"Huh. What's this."
Rick's sudden voice pulled me to reality. He eyed my body closely. Maybe a change? Hope flickered—then he pointed at my ring finger glinting in moonlight.
"New ring. Seen it, Bobby?"
"No? No idea."
No fuck no.
"Pure gold? Worth a bit."
"Oh, pretty. Fine craftsmanship. Top quality."
"Knight knows jewels... Anyway, mine now. I found it."
No. No. Not that.
He reached. I desperately willed my finger. Not this. Eli gave it to me. Proof of love. No way, fucker. Absolutely not. No need whole body. Just finger. Please. Please!
But the ring slipped off easily. Cold touch passed each knuckle as I focused will there. Suddenly, a crack—something breaking. Yes. Yes, move. Please please move...
Plop.
"Nice. Mine now."
What might've been a miracle ended simply. Rick felt the heavy weight in his palm, jiggling excitedly.
"Whew. Jackpot. Let's go?"
"Yeah. Leo said he'd include us tomorrow—gonna be fun."
"Ah... wait, Rick. Too fast..."
They vanished emptily. I stared blankly at my bare finger.
Loser.
Couldn't do shit after all.
"...Hng... hngph..."
Turning, Eli gazed at me. Did she see? This pathetic sight.
"...Mm... mmph... mmm..."
Her lips twitched like trying to say something. But I lacked courage to face her, lowering gaze. Then that voice spoke again.
Saw? Save what? Couldn't even keep a ring.
...
Just close eyes. Stop struggling, rest easy. That's your job?
You useless stone fuck.
...
Yeah.
Guess I'm just a stone.
Thinking back, vowing to save Eli was selfish—begging her to endure. Not knowing when I'd break free. Maybe never. What gall made me say that?
This way, just Eli suffers.
Maybe we should give up on each other.
First doubt about everything. I shook head to dispel it.
No. I'll break free soon. Eli's enduring too. Just try harder. Do what I can.
Though I had no idea what that was.
...
I closed eyes briefly. No more bad things now. Fell asleep thinking that. Can't get worse. No worse...
"Aaaaaaaaaaagh!"
Eli's scream tore my eardrums again. I screamed silently each time.
"Haaang... haaang... haaaaaang!"
Agony mixed pleasure. Men laughed uproariously watching her.
"Eli's got energy left. Huh?"
"Yeah. Cries so loud."
"Filthy bitch. Likes my fingers that much?"
Regretting unheard moans, they made a device to force her mouth open, clamping it on. She poured out raw agony.
"Hngk... hngk... haaaang!"
"Tightens so good... real ass-feeling pussy bitch."
Rick fingered her rear, shaking wildly. Probing, rubbing, stirring—Eli wailed senseless from the flashy technique.
"Haa... Quite the show."
"Thanks for the view, Leo. Sera, lick harder?"
"Yes... mister..."
Beside Leo and Bobby, Nadia and Sera served fully. Tits clamping cocks, mouths on tips—every method to please the men.
"Haaang... haaang... hngaaaang...!"
"Don't cry so loud, Eli. Luca's listening next door. Not sure if he can hear, but he'd be sad if he did."
"Right. Fuck, how you holding up like this. Total slut rag. Actually enjoying it, Eli?"
"Maybe... ugh... Leo. Can't hold anymore."
"Yeah? Let's go then?"
Bobby couldn't hold, so Leo shoved Nadia and Sera aside roughly, advancing. Rubbing glans madly by hand, he aimed like an arrow at Eli.
"Watch, Bobby. Hitting left nipple."
"Right one's mine. Bet?"
"Hit, I'll creampie Eli once."
"Deal... ngh...!"
Soon, semen jetted competitively from below. As declared, hot loads splatted precisely on her tits amid cheers and laughter. Rick complained watching.
"Hey, you guys hogging fun. Switch, Leo. Looks good."
"Yeah? Or eat first then? Getting hungry."
"Sure. Eli? Must be hungry."
"Filled her mouth with cum earlier, fine."
The villains departing looked cheerful. Leaving her bound, Rick tossed a line midway.
"Hey Leo. Poke with arrows for more fun? Bobby heals if hurt. Possible?"
"Yes. Of course."
"Don't bullshit, idiots. Shut up and eat."
"Yeah. Got it. Absolutely not."
"Yes, absolutely not."
Rick and Bobby exchanged lecherous glances, fading away. Soon, only Eli's low moans echoed.
"Ah... aaa... ah..."
Her lower body's fluids dripped mixed. Lacking courage to look at Eli, I averted eyes.
"Aaa... ah... aaaa..."
Moans turned to sobs. Knowing regret, I looked— a tear dropped from her eye.
"Aaaaa... aaaaa...!"
She squeezed eyes shut like refusing tears. But once started, they wouldn't stop.
"Aaaaa... aa...!"
Ah. Eli.
Ahh... ah...
Her cries lingered in ears. Like whining mosquitoes, parasitic worms burrowing brain, echoing.
"Aaaaa..."
Eli finally opened eyes, tears flowing, staring blankly ahead. No light in her hazy pupils. Not just light—will, promise, hope. Nothing left. Having seen such eyes so often, I knew the coming future.
She too would break eventually. Unable to endure pain, submit.
Ah... aaa... ah...
Mind shattering. Days denying sleep, fatigue crushed with despair.
Why did I start resisting sleep? Can't remember reason. Scared to sleep when seal breaks? Dumb. Everyone knows it won't.
Then fuck why? Awake, just watch them cum on her again. Night, Rick and Bobby rape crueler. Nadia mocks, Sera exposes weaknesses, targeting vulnerabilities. Eli eaten away, meets fated end.
Yes. Predestined fate.
"Aa... ah... aaa..."
Sobs again. Someone stop it. Please.
"Aa... ha... aaa..."
Stop? Why? Eli enduring for you. Why stop? Can you even? Who are you?
Hero? Luca? Eli's husband? Lorenheim villager? Useless. Retarded fuck?
Searching answers, my rigid finger caught eye. Bare and empty. Then I found truth.
No. I'm a stone. Useless stone.
Devouring Eli's life pointlessly. Useless stone.
Last hope raised head. No Luca. Will break free soon. You believed. Hope ever optimistic fool. Just endure little longer. Save Eli soon.
First cynical reply to hope. Yeah? Then move. Finger, even tip.
All strength to fingertip. Nothing. Laughter burst.
Haha... Break free? Save her?
Bullshit.
You're just fucking useless stone shit!!!
"Ahh. Good meal. Start again?"
"Aa... aaaa..."
...
Nightmare returns. Prepared to close eyes.
That night, Bobby and Rick poked Eli's ass with arrows. Blood poured like she'd die, but Bobby said fine.
Next day, Leo poured drug straight into Eli's mouth. She rolled eyes in agony. That night, Bobby and Rick came with arrows again.
And next day...
...
Next day, nothing. Not nothing happened—I didn't watch. Eyes closed, waiting fate end all.
As Leo said. Too much for me. Hero title, Nadia mentor, Sera friend. And Eli.
...
Wanted to protect Eli above all. But overreach. Stone can't protect self, let alone others.
Stripped stone's final wish: Eli walk out unscathed. Forget me quick, live happily somehow.
Yes.
Even by Leo's side. Her happy.
Greedy village youth's wish boiled to one: She who gave excessive love lives happy. Praying that, closed eyes. Awakening, all over.
Exactly one week later, I opened eyes again.
That day, vision unusually bright. Morning, but mind clear like deep sleep. Stared distantly at sunlight, feeling long-lost warmth.
Thud. Thud.
Footsteps approached. One. No, two. Total six. Different shadows, nearing me.
Leo first. Refreshed, even cheerful. Saw me, pointed, greeted warmly.
"Ah, there you are. Luca."
"Right here. Hey, watch it. Teeth hit."
"Sorry... haa... slurp slurp..."
Following, Rick and Nadia. Rick hands-pocketed, delinquent strut. Nadia face in his pants, sucking nonstop. Hard while walking; she got nape-slapped for mistakes but kept bobbing.
"Sera. We're lagging. Hurry."
"...Yes."
Next, Bobby and Sera. Not touching, but Sera's trembling legs hinted last night's deeds. Pitiful stagger, glanced back.
"Hurry. Eli."
...
Eli.
Realized six footsteps meant, inhaled deeply.
"...Got it."
Low, calm voice like waves. Raised head to beloved voice's owner—Eli walked sun-backed, eyes met.
No longer bound or stumbling drugged. Walking precisely, clearly toward me.
"Come here, Eli."
Leo urged. She nodded, called his name.
"Yeah. Leo."
Forced smile-like, passed halted party. Sera avoided eyes, Bobby licked lips, drooled, wiped hastily. Nadia looked up mid-suck, mocked; Rick slapped ass, whistled.
Passing all, stopped by Leo. He pulled hesitant lowered hand.
"Closer."
"Yeah."
Short reply, pressed to his side. Leo arm over shoulder, eyed me. Scratched head awkwardly, opened casually like nothing.
"Well, that's how it is."
His arm slid to her chest. No resistance till nipple rub over clothes.
Thus met fated day.
Once vaguely imagined scene. Thought it'd enrage. Instead, calm, thoughts vanished. Yes. I'm stone. Natural. Can't cling to corpse forever...
...
Self-consolation failed miserably. Realized not calm—ground to sand dust.
Long ago stripped humanity, now knew my place.
"Anyway, came cuz Eli wanted see your face before leaving. Don't feel bad. Always above your station. Right?"
"Yes. Leo."
"Morning kiss then? For memory."
"Yeah. Do it."
No hesitation in reply. Blinked lovingly, turned head. Leo slowly leaned. Not fast nor slow time passed, smack—lips met.
"Slurp... haa..."
"Mm... mmph..."
Tongues, lips mixed; clear saliva dripped. Sun-parched earth greedily swallowed.
Lips parted, Leo licked hers regretfully, petted hair lovingly. Accepting touch head-low, she raised at pause.
"Say goodbye, Eli. Lots to say. Take time."
"No. Back soon, Leo."
Genuine smile. Slight eye crinkle, signature eye-smile—my powdered heart crumbled finer.
Steadied till smile faded, stepped to me. Thud thud. Clear steps pounding my heart.
Finally before me, clasped hands. Called name strangely, like first time.
"Luca."
I raised head. Faced her.
Her face unchanged. Black-haired Eli. Muddy Eli. Sun-gilded face pierced hardened heart like sudden dandelion.
"...Hi. Luca."
Hi. Eli.
Endless gaze lacked prior smile. Even squinted at sunlight through hair. If voice reached, I'd beg.
Eli. At least smile for me last.
"...Hic..."
But she bit lip at words. Crinkled brows wrinkled irreversibly, bitten lip quivered. Cloudy face like pre-rain sky—I shook head.
No. Don't cry Eli.
"...Hngk..."
Lips passed, frail shoulders shook. Gripped fists, nails dug palms, blood seeped. Trembling long, burst into sobs.
"Hngk... hk..."
Don't cry Eli.
"Hk... hngk... hngaaa..."
You ugly when cry. Show pretty face last.
"Hngaaa... hk... hngk... hnghk..."
Crying like old days. Childlike. Grown now.
"Aa... hngaaa... ah... ah... hngk... aaa..."
Please Eli...
My fault. Don't cry.
Eli sobbed long. Tears scattered sorrowfully, chillingly heavy. Parched earth couldn't bear; tears pooled unsunk.
"Eli."
Leo's voice from behind; trembling shoulders grabbed, forced swallow sobs. Red eyes gazed closer.
Brows still held tiny droplets. Suppressed hiccups, calmed, arms dropped limp. Lips quivered open—I closed eyes.
"Sorry. Luca."
Two words. Last breath tickled nose. No mint from Eli's lips.
Thick coffee scent.
Fine Eli.
Alive, that's enough.
I'm... fine.
Lie to self mixed her sorry, faded to unconsciousness.
Thus slowly sank to sleep, perfect stone.
Then, her added word shook dozing stone's mind.
"...Eli."
Why call own name? Thought, gave up. Imagination. Leo calling Eli.
"Seta. Artani. Verum."
...
...Huh.
Familiar somewhere.
Heard before.
"Erengati. Ruta."
Meaningless words poured, strange deja vu. Where heard? Why remembered nonsense.
"Eli. Seta. Artani. Verum. Erengati. Ruta."
Chanting again, memory flashed. Yes. Similar words before. Before petrification curse. Yes. That time.
First line like this.
Luca.
Yes. Luca.
Started with.
Luca.
That was...
Realizing all, hastily raised gaze. Too late.
Eli smiled at me. Signature eye-smile, then lips moved adding words. Before grasping meaning, her face twisted in pain.
"Ah... aaa... aaaa...!"
"Wha... what's wrong, Eli!"
"Ughk... aaaaaagh!"
Eli couldn't hold, screamed agony. Goosebumps whole body, head burned hot. Stronger than ever, reached arm desperately, gazed pleadingly.
Watched her throat open in pain slowly turn stone.
"A.... aaa... aaaaagh!"
"Eli!"
No. No. No.
"Ahk...! Gk...! Uweeek...!"
Gravel spat from mouth. Gazed hardening lower body, raised head.
No. Eli.
Eli faced me directly, head quivering. Petrification from toes climbed neck to jaw.
No. Can't be. Lie.
"Ah... ah..."
Please. Last hope. Gave up all. Possessing her, living together, even seeing her live.
"Ah..."
No Eli. Please don't. Cancel now. I'm really fine. I...!
"..."
Last reach to her. Arm still unmoving.
Only after her pupils hardened stone-like, belated Leo scooped her. But not Eli.
Once Eli. Now stone like me.
"Eli? Eli! This can't be..."
"What? What happened?"
"Eli's fucking turning stone! Petrifying! Bobby! Sera!"
"No way! How possible..."
"Don't know how, just fix it! Sera!"
"G-g-going!"
"Eli. Eli! Damn it, Eli!"
"How... Did she chant spell just now? How still knew..."
"Fuck, Eli was by Luca then, obvious idiot!"
"But knowing spell how..."
"Maybe curse activates knowing chant. We know nothing. Or... cuz Eli. Possible."
"But... fuck! Sera! Undo it!"
"...Too late, Leo."
"Too late what!"
"Not breathing."
"What? How know..."
"Finger under nose if clueless. Probably inside first. Stronger magic, weaker resistance. Worse than Luca."
"But... but...!"
"What happened?"
"Shut before I kill you, Rick! Bobby! Sera! Try something!"
"But Leo... I..."
"Too late. Leo."
"Stop saying late and...!"
"Eli's dead."
"..."
"..."
"Ha... fuck..."
"..."
"...Waste."
"Yeah... Leo what."
"All shut up."
"..."
"Gonna take something."
Dialogue faded, unheard. Nerves fixed on fallen Eli.
From stone eyes, unshed tears sand-flowed. Like cliff crumbling seaside, her form slowly dissolved—I repeated her name.
Eli.
Eli.
Eli.
But no return. Flower bloomed stone cracks, died within—like her trapped in Luca-stone, became stone, faded.
Mind hazy, one phrase circled. Her last attempted words. Lip-shape transmitted, softly echoed.