Chapter 21: Symbiote
A blue tentacle emerged from King Angus's neck, morphing and shifting colors. The tentacle molded itself until a second head of King Angus formed. The blue tendrils showed texture like that of skin, perfectly replicating The King's head. It reminded Hiro of the special effects he'd seen in sci-fi films back on Earth. Hiro had heard of symbiotes ever since meeting Rebecca, but this was the first time he saw one with his own eyes.
"I sense other beings in this room," the second head said, its voice deeper and more authoritative.
"King Angus's Symbiote, Lord Malus. Marissa greets you," Marissa said, bowing deeply.
"Hm? What do you mean by that, Malus?" King Angus's voice took on a note of suspicion.
"Marissa, what is that inside your stomach?" Lord Malus asked, his gaze narrowing as he scanned her.
Marissa's eyes widened. "Ah! This is my symbiote. I've named it Hiro." She motioned to her stomach, trying to coax Hiro out, but he didn't respond immediately. Marissa tilted her head in confusion and tried again. This time, Hiro meekly slithered out onto her hand.
"Hm? How did you acquire this symbiote? Did those girls sell it to you?" King Angus frowned, his gaze hardening.
"No, Your Majesty. They didn't sell it to me," Marissa explained quickly. "This symbiote came to me on its own."
"Stealing a symbiote is considered taboo..." the King frowned, his tone darkening.
"No, Your Majesty, I didn't steal it," Marissa interrupted. "There was another symbiote inside Rebecca, and it chose me instead."
"Hm? How could she host more than one symbiote?" King Angus asked, clearly perplexed.