Veronica: eyes widening You THINK you KNOW ME, don't you? How?
I was at the gym when I saw this girl wearing a typeset hairdo, and something about her just stood out to me. So I started observing her, and I noticed that she would always be working out at the same time that I was there, and that she was always looking at me. After a few weeks of this, I noticed that she was always looking at me with a certain intensity, as if she was trying to send me a message. So, I decided to approach her one day after her workout. 'Hey, I've seen you staring at me for a while now. What's your deal?' I asked her. She looked startled when I spoke to her, and she tried to act nonchalant. 'Oh, uh, I mean no harm. I've just been working out here for a while, and I guess you just looked like someone I know.' 'Is that so?' I said, even though I knew she was lying. 'Well, if you see someone you know, you should talk to them. What's your name?' 'My name is Veronica,' she replied. 'And yours?' 'I'm Legendga.' 'Well, Legendga, it's nice to meet you, and I'm sorry if I made
Veronica: Oh, uh, I mean no harm. I've just been working out here for a while, and I guess you just looked like someone I know. Is that so? I'm Legendga, and I'm here to tell you the truth. If you want to know the truth, come with me...to my home. There, I will reveal everything. But you have to promise not to try to stop me once you know the truth. Do you agree? Legendga: I'll go with you, but only because I'm curious. What's the worst that could happen, right? Well, let's see what you got, Veronica...
They get in a car and drive to Veronica's house.
Veronica drives them to her house, which is a large, imposing structure with dark, mysterious decor. When they arrive, Veronica leads Legendga inside and locks the door behind them. She gestures for Legendga to sit on a plush sofa, and then takes a seat across from him. She looks him dead in the eye and speaks in a low, commanding voice Veronica: Legendga, do you really want to know the truth about me? Are you sure you can handle it?
Yes I can handle it! Tell me your secrets!
Veronica: Very well, Legendga. Prepare yourself... As it turns out, I am not entirely human. Long ago, I made a pact with a powerful demon, and in return for my loyalty and service, he granted me immense power and a long, undying life. However, there is a catch... Every few years, I must sacrifice a human soul to keep my own soul alive. If I fail to do so, I will be consumed by darkness and become a servant of the demon forever.
Wow...but I have a question. If you need to kill every few years, how are you able to do the things that normal people can do, like work out, garden, and practice yoga?
Verona: That's a great question, Legendga. You see, whenever I need to perform one of these tasks, I simply enter into a trance-like state. During this time, my body becomes paralyzed and my mind is free to do whatever it wants. It's almost like my soul leaves my body, and I can do whatever I want without any consequences. For example, when I'm gardening, my body will move on its own, but I can control it like a puppet. It's a very strange feeling, but it allows me to live a double life, so to speak.
Now I know why I always felt like there was something strange about you. What is your soul like? Is it dark and demonic, or is it pure and angelic?
Verona: My soul is neither pure nor demonic. It's a mix of both, like a seesaw that's constantly in motion. I've spent thousands of years perfecting my soul, trying to make it as good as I can. But every time I think I've succeeded, something comes along and throws me off balance. It's a never-ending battle, but it's one I must fight every day.
I can relate to that...I have been struggling with my own inner demons for a long while now. What does your husband think about your soul? Does he like the fact that your soul is constantly in battle with itself?
Verona: Actually, I don't have a husband. I've never been married before. But I have had many lovers throughout my long life. Some have loved me for my power and beauty, while others have loved me for who I truly am. None have been able to handle the truth about my soul, and they've all eventually run away.
Hmm, interesting...well, now that I'm finished with that question, let me ask you this. Now that I know you're a thousand-year-old demon with a duality in your soul, I'm wondering how I managed to see through your disguise. Did you at some point give up your powers to become more "normal"? Or did you take a vow to not use your powers on people anymore?
Verona: Actually, Legendga, you're quite sharp to have seen through my disguise. I actually did give up my powers for a time, about 30 years ago.
Interesting...did giving up your powers have anything to do with meeting me?
Verona: You could say that. You see, when I first met you, I was intrigued by your strength and determination.
So you're saying that I was strong and determined 30 years ago too? What exactly happened 30 years ago?
Verona: Let me explain. 30 years ago, I was living a very different life. I was a powerful sorceress, and I used my magic to try and control people's minds. I wanted to rule the world, and I thought that by manipulating the minds of others, I could make it happen. But I was wrong.
I can understand that...I also tried to control people's minds, but through fear. But in my case, it backfired on me big time, and I ended up being controlled by my own fear.
Verona: Yes, I remember that. We were quite the power couple, weren't we? But our reign didn't last long.
Yeah, it didn't. The reason why it didn't last is because of something that I did. Something that ended up saving you from being controlled by your own fear.
Verona: You may not realize it, Legendga, but what you did all those years ago changed my life forever. You see, when I was under the control of my own fear, I was forced to do things that I didn't want to do.
Verona: Like killing innocent people. Every time I wanted something, my mind would come up with a new, twisted desire.
And I remember that day like it was yesterday...I was in my apartment, and I felt this dark presence trying to control me. I had to fight with all of my strength to stop myself from doing something terrible.
Verona: Yes, I remember that day too. I could feel your struggle, even though you were miles away. You see, when you fought against the darkness, you were sending out a powerful signal, almost like a beacon calling out to me. And that's when I realized that you might be the one to help me defeat my own demons.
So that's why you gave up your powers? Because you realized that you could be the one to help me defeat my own demons?
Verona: Yes, Legendga. Giving up my powers was the hardest thing I've ever done, but it was also the best decision I've ever made.
Well, thank you for helping me out that day...even though it seems like I put you through a lot of hardship.
Verona: Don't worry about it, Legendga. I've been through much worse than a little hardship. Besides, helping you find peace is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.
How old were you when you decided to give up your powers?
Verona: I was 547 years old when I made the decision to give up my powers. I had already achieved everything I could with them, and I was ready to face a new challenge.