BXBX NOVEL Chapter 84: Living Ink
They had decided that it was better to increase his monster count as soon as possible.
The parlor itself was tucked away in a narrow alley, the entrance marked only by a small, ornate sign that read "Living Ink." As they approached, Ezra felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. He had heard stories about the tattooing procedure, but now he would experience it firsthand.
Inside, the parlor was dimly lit, the walls adorned with intricate designs and artwork that seemed to move subtly in the low light. The scent of ink and the faint hum of machinery filled the air. Behind the counter stood the artist, a tall, thin vampire with a sharp gaze and steady hands.
"Welcome," the artist said, his voice smooth and welcoming. "What can I do for you today?"
Ezra stepped forward, rolling up his sleeve to reveal his bicep. "I want a chameleon," he said, his voice firm. "The same one for the black zone." He would finally be able to move around without wearing sunglasses every time.
"The usual price." Olivia added.
The artist nodded, turning back to Ezra, his eyes gleaming with interest. "A chameleon, you say? That can be arranged. Do you have the necessary vitality needed for activation?"
"Yes. I do." Ezra could feel the lake of vitality within him. His new soul hadn\'t stopped for a moment, continually creating and pumping vitality within him.
"Very well." The artist gestured. "Please, have a seat."
Ezra sat in the comfortable chair, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. The artist prepared his tools, selecting a dark ink, mixing it with flowing blood and adding his vitality to create a dark red ink that shimmered with an otherworldly glow.
Olivia and Gen watched from nearby, their expressions a mix of curiosity and encouragement. "You can do it." Gen whispered, grinning at him. Ezra rolled his eyes. It wasn\'t as if he was about to start a life-threatening procedure.
The process began, the needle, reinforced with the artist\'s vitality, buzzing as it pierced Ezra\'s skin. The artist worked with incredible skill and care, the design taking shape with fluid, expert movements. Ezra felt the sting of the needle, but he remained still, focusing on the thought of the chameleon and the power it would soon hold.
As the tattoo took form, it became clear that this was no ordinary design. The chameleon seemed to shift and change colors even as it was being inked. The hues ranged from deep greens to bright blues, and even subtle purples and golds. The detail was astounding, each scale meticulously crafted to give the illusion of a living creature.
After what felt like hours, the artist finished. He stepped back, admiring his work. "There you go," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Now, for the final step. Infuse it with your vitality."
Ezra took a deep breath and focused, feeling the surge of energy within him. He channeled a great torrent of his vitality into the tattoo, watching as the colors brightened and the chameleon seemed to come to life. The creature moved, its tiny limbs flexing, its eyes blinking as it adjusted on his skin. He could feel as the creature materialized within him, coiling next to Valaren.
This monster, he didn\'t need to restrain.
"Impressive," Olivia said. "Now, let\'s see what it can do."
Ezra nodded and extended his arm, the chameleon shifting its colors to match his skin tone. He concentrated, willing the creature to activate its powers. A dark mist began to swirl around him, thickening into a black zone that enveloped the room. The familiar sensation of the black zone\'s protective shroud settled over them, cutting off the outside world.
The room darkened, the boundaries of the black zone clear and impenetrable. Ezra felt a rush of satisfaction at the control he had over the new ability. The chameleon had seamlessly integrated with him. Just as it should be.
He quickly gathered a little bit of vitality in his eyes and manifested the color blue over it. He moved to the mirror in the room, taking in his appearance. he now had blue eyes, perfectly matching his dark blue hair.
Olivia stepped forward, a smile playing on her lips. "Congratulations, Ezra. You\'ve done it."
Gen clapped him on the back, her grin wide and approving. "Not bad at all. With the restrictions on your movements gone, we can now show them who\'s boss."
The artist watched with a pleased expression, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "You\'ve got a powerful ally there," he said. "Use it well."
Ezra deactivated the black zone, the dark mist dissipating as the room returned to normal. He looked down at his bicep, the chameleon now a part of him, its colors shifting subtly as if it were alive. He flexed his arm, feeling the creature\'s presence and the connection they shared.
"Thank you," Ezra nodded to the artist.
The artist nodded, his smile genuine. "It\'s my pleasure. Remember, even if you have the same chameleon as everyone else, the bond between you and your tattoo is unique. Nurture it, and it will grow stronger with you."
Olivia paid and they left the parlor. To Ezra, the city seemed different as they walked through it. It\'s probably my imagination but that doesn\'t matter. He glanced at Olivia and Gen by his side. "It\'s time. Let\'s end this."