Being human is hard to define. For the most part, it's the ability to sympathize with anything. It was something that some would say was debilitating for humans, as it caused us to make illogical decisions at times. For others, and by others, I mean the majority of people, believe being sympathetic was the core of being human. It was what separated us from the monsters and animals. In fact, being human isn't a topic that most people broach unless someone does something terrible.

An example of that would be when Avenir unleashed their war machines on Lastation. Certainly, the idea of them being human or not could be put to question after that act. For what kind of human being would willingly wish such harm on their fellow man for an 'experiment'? Most certainly wouldn't, but at the same time, Avenir could be said to have some sort of twisted sense of humanity. I'd rather not think on that topic. As possible as it may be, I don't want to delve anywhere close to those thoughts. That sense of humanity isn't something someone should ever get close to pondering.

I guess what I'm trying to get to say is that being human is a shifting ideal that is very hard to properly define, but there are some basic guidelines to it.

Lines of which, I'm unsure if I fit anymore.

I'm still flesh and blood, but now that I've been made aware of the flow of shares, if I focus, I can see it. Judging by it, it's coming from the Basilicom, which is likely where the sharicite is. Other than that, I don't feel any different, but like Noire said there are more than likely some things that are biologically different about me. Who knows what effect the shares are having on me besides being my literal source of life? Just knowing that this… source? Energy? Power? I'm not sure what to label it but knowing that blood isn't solely keeping me alive anymore feels off.

For all I know, the shares could be slowly changing my body, my very being, into something else. The idea of changing into something special is a nice one, but at the same time unwelcome. I could lose my emotions in that change, lose my ability to sympathize, or lose myself. All were things I very much enjoyed having.

I just don't know. I've just been contemplating this since I woke up from my sleep. I slept long enough until the beginning of the next morning. I'm not even sure when I feel asleep. I just know it was for a long time, but sadly it didn't make me feel better. In fact, now that I think about it, I don't even feel rested exactly. Like… it feels like I'm rested, but not at the same time. It's weird. Ugh. I'm so lost.

Luckily, I don't need to stay at the hospital for long. The nurses came in a little after I woke up and told me I'd be able to leave soon. Since I have no injuries and nothing else seems to be wrong with me, they have no reason to have me stay and as such I'm being let out. Thank goodness, I'd probably go stir crazy from my thoughts if I stayed here.

Noire had paid for my stay, so the only thing left was for me to fill out the proper forms and take my leave. I was told by the staff that my stuff was already sent to my home, so with nothing else in mind, I made my way back home.

The walk back went by as a blur. My mind muddled with thoughts over my current situation. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know that there isn't any reason to be thinking like this, as I really wouldn't have any method to prove any of these thoughts, but it felt that if I didn't pore every single brain cell towards this task I'd collapse.

Before I knew it, I had somehow made my way home through the maelstrom of thoughts. I hadn't spent any time on it, but what am I going to tell my mom? I can't just casually bring up that I'm possibly no longer human. What parent would ever want to hear that from their own child? I'm not even 100% on that, but she'll be able to tell that something is wrong with me so lying isn't an option. Ugh.

I could just walk away. Give myself more time to think about everything. After all, I'm not sure if going home is the smart idea considering my current mental state. I just don't know enough to talk about it.

But it just doesn't feel right to leave my mom in the dark like this.

I'm unsure how long I stood on that front step. It felt like hours, but I eventually decided to at least tell her I was fine, and if she had any questions, I'd do my best to answer them without delving too far into my thoughts.

With a deep breath, I take out my key to unlock the door. Normally this is a simple thing to do, but my mother was apparently awaiting my arrival as she had opened the door before I could finish the simple act. I was hoping for a little more time to gather my thoughts honestly.

"Hey mo-"I'm cut off from saying anything with my mom hugging me tightly.

"Thank goodness you're okay." Ah. Well there's only one way to react to this.

"Yea, I'm home. Sorry for worrying you again mom." I respond as I wrap my arms around her in return, feeling a warmth blossom in my heart at the contact.

After me and mom calmed down from our moment, we settled down at the dining table to talk. Luckily, Noire followed through with giving my mom a story. She told her that I had let out a distress call that Noire had answered, healing and saving me before anything could take a turn for the worse. My mom just asked me how I was feeling after the hospital visit, and why I had gone out there in the first place.

I didn't bring up my misgivings for continuing to be a hunter, and of course I didn't bring the share situation up either. I'm not exactly sure how I feel on both fronts yet. The shares because I didn't have enough information to talk about, I'd have to meet with Noire again to try to understand this more. The hunter part is probably something my mom would be more than happy to stop, so she wouldn't really be much of help in that department.

My mom gave me a half hour long lecture for my rash actions and to be thankful to the Goddess for saving my life again. After another bone crushing hug, my mother demanded me to go rest and that she'd wake me up for dinner.

Now in the confines of my room, I'm left to my thoughts once again. Of course, they went straight to thinking of I was still human or not.

I mean, I still feel emotions just fine, if my encounter with my mom is anything to go by. Hunger is still a thing (should go eat something soon), pain and anything that made me function as a human is all in order (a quick pinch confirmed that). Just how much does having shares in my body change me? Noire said that it was just acting as life support and that was it. I don't feel that share link (temp name) unless I really focus on it. With enough time focusing, I can feel two other links to me with it, and a third one, but that's only if I REALLY focus. The two that easier to get a grasp on is the what I can assume is the Sharicite and Noire. The third I'd just have to guess is Uni. Which makes sense, I guess? Noire has been the CPU of Lastation for years, so I'd imagine she would have a strong link(?) with the Sharicite, thus giving me the ability to feel her easier. The stronger one being the Sharicite, since it's you know. Making sure I live. The last having to be Uni since she's the only other Goddess around, and the weak link being a result of her being a candidate?

I could feel the gears in my brain slow with all the brain power being used up. I feel a headache coming.

At least though, I don't feel any different. There isn't any boost to my senses, my strength hasn't increased, and I don't feel any magic coursing through me. Albeit a little saddened by that, I can't help but feel relieved. It means I'm still me. Maybe Noire was right in saying that the shares merely act as a form of life support. It does put my on edge thinking about just much my life depends on these shares though.

I really can't accept this, can I? For all it's worth, I should be dead. I had no way of killing that second wolf before it did me in. I know for sure that I blacked out. So how? Just how am I alive? Not that I'm grateful but still. Unless those shares gave me some secret power, I should be dead. I'd like to know just what that power is so I can control it.

Heaving a groan, I roll over in my bed and grab my now charged phone.

Somehow, my phone had survived the battle between the wolves. Just a couple of scratches. My armor on the other hand didn't. The armor was in complete disrepair. If I wanted to continue being a hunter, I'd have to get a new set of armor. Only thing is, I wasn't sure if I wanted to. In order to avoid going along that line of thought, I had kept the armor in the box. Out of sight out of mind kind of thing. I still wasn't sure about my position as a hunter, and I didn't really want to think about it yet.

Phone in hand, I turn it on and was bombarded by a multitude of notifications. Nearly all of them from my mother, missed calls and missed messages. Man, I really worried her.

A feeling of guilt and shame shower over me. I didn't tell my mother everything, and I'm withholding a lot of information from her. Granted it's for good reason, but I can't help these feelings. She has every right to know after all.

Swiping my finger to rid my phone of the notifications, I notice that a recent notification isn't from my mom, but from Uni.

I haven't spoken or interacted with Uni much since the dinner at the Basilicom. According to Noire, she's been rather busy and hasn't had much free time. It's a shame considering she seemed to be a rather nice person from what little I've gathered of her. She's also Noire's sister, it'd be good to be on good terms with the sister. Granted I did save her life, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're automatically buddy-buddy.

"Hey Adam. I know it's been a while since we've talked, not that it bothers me, but I just wanted to ask if you're feeling alright. Noire told me about what happened to you and I just wanted to ask. I'm not worried or anything so take your time to answer…but don't take forever alright!? I'll be really mad if you ignore me."

Tsundere antics aside, I can't ignore a message like that, now can I?

"Hey Uni, I'm doing okay now, thank you for asking. How's everything going with you?"

Now, what to do for the day? I kinda want to just sleep the rest of the day away. Not sure if I can though. My head is still swirling from the changes in my life

*BZZT BZZT*

Well, this is familiar.

"That's great to hear! N-not like I was worried about you, but it's still great to hear you're okay." I wonder if being a tsundere is family thing, or a Lastation Goddess thing. "Well, since you're feeling okay, you must be able to go out right?" Huh? "So, you're coming out with me and that's final. Come to the Basilicom in in half an hour or else!"

Well…I wanted a distraction, but I guess this serves as a better idea for a distraction than anything I was about to do. Although I did want to get some progress on some of my RPGs… Ah well. Spending time with a friend is a good way to pass time too, not like I've got much of a choice anyway.

Not wanting to displease the junior Goddess, I swiftly changed into an open short sleeved black flannel with a white t-shirt and blue pants. Sending her a message that I'd be there shortly, I make my way downstairs.

"Hmm? Where are you going so suddenly, didn't I tell you to rest?" To be met by my mother who's rightfully mad at my being awake. She had moved herself to the single couch near the front door, book in hand.

"Sorry mom, I just feel really restless after being locked up in the hospital and I just want to walk around."

"Oh? Well, you DID just come out of the hospital. I suppose you wouldn't be tired…just don't leave the city okay? Not for a while at least." There it is. Another reason not to continue as hunter. I wish I could give it up right now for my mother, but still…

"I won't mom, in fact, I'm going to go meet up with Lady Uni right now." My mother's face shifted from downcast to surprise quickly at my words. "Really? Did she invite you out or did you?"

"Oh uh, she did. I'm just as surprised as you are." Really, I am.

My mom calms down and a smile graces her face, "Well, if you're with her, nothing can possibly go wrong. Go along and have fun. Just don't do anything to embarrass yourself in front of our Candidate." She should be more worried about the Candidate not embarrassing herself than me.

"Of course, I won't do anything to embarrass myself mom. Have a little more confidence in me." Really, she should be worrying about Uni more than me.

"Well, you go have fun and don't do anything too strenuous young man." She turns back to her book and moves her hand in a shooing gesture.

"Right, see you mom." Now I just have to hope I don't get to the Basilicom late. I don't want to face the wrath of an angry tsundere.

"You're late!"

I'm late.

As any person who angered a girl would do and a Goddess at that, I assumed proper apology giving form and got as low to the ground as I could bowing. "I'm really sorry Uni, I spent longer talking to my mom on the way out than I thought."

"J-just what are you doing!? Get up! You're embarrassing me by doing that in public." Ah. Just can't win, can I? At least she doesn't seem so upset now.

Picking my head up from its downed state I can see that she's fidgeting and has a fierce blush on her face, anger mostly gone. When I first came, she looked like she was about to send me back to the hospital, so this is good progress. I think I'm getting used to being around tsun.

"I really am sorry Uni; I didn't mean to be late." I say getting back up and dusting myself off.

Uni crosses her arms and fixes me with a glare. "It's fine Adam. You made it in the end and that's what counts." Her glare seemingly intensifies. "Just don't do it again! I thought you almost forgot about me…" Another sentence I feel like I shouldn't have heard. I really am getting used to being around tsun.

"Of course. So uh, where are we going?" I'm fine with going just about anywhere really right now. Well. Except maybe the mall. I've been there too many times lately.

"Oh! Well, there's this cute little café that I've been dying to go to, and I figured that it'd be the perfect place to celebrate your release from the hospital." Well. Color me surprised, I fully expected her to bring us to the mall. Guess not every girl constantly wants to go there. Although she's obviously nervous of my answer since she's fidgeting as she waits for my response.

"That sounds perfect Uni, you ready to go?"

Her face visibly brightens at my acceptance before she puts herself in front of me, "Of course, let's get going!"

It wasn't a long walk from the Basilicom to the café apparently since we're there in less than ten minutes. We arrive and find a comfy window seat. One good thing about not being widely known yet like Noire is that we don't have people constantly gawking at us. Although we did get a couple of subtle stares as we made our way in. Some people even gave me the look. As nice it would be to date Goddess, I don't think I'll be the one to do it. They'd change their minds if they knew who it was that I'm with…

The café is pretty nice. The selection of drinks, meals, and deserts are befitting of a café that would deem a return visit to explore the menu. The décor is nice, and the staff are friendly. Really, Uni bought us somewhere that I'd likely never know about. The only issue I have with this current situation is the lack of conversation between me and my companion.

From the end of conversation at the Basilicom to now, we haven't said a single word to each other. Well that's not entirely true. We were able to form small talk every now and again, but it's obvious that we're not comfortable with each other yet. It can't be helped really; this is our first time being together like this after all. The dinner from so long ago was the last time we spoke really. Since then, I've only contacted her sister, we may as well be strangers!

"Ada-"

"Un-"

…Well that failed.

"So ho-"

"Do yo-"

…

Oh Goddess. Please, someone help us. Wait. There IS a Goddess here…

Man. This is so embarrassing. Maybe it's one of the special abilities of the Goddesses of Lastation to fluster anyone they're with? It would certainly explain how they're able to throw my emotions off so easily.

"How about you go first Uni?" I'll let her take the reins this time. She seems to at least be able to talk easier than Noire when we first met.

The flustered expression she held during our awkward expression thankfully vanished with my words and she gained a serious one. "Oh well. I just wanted to ask how you're feeling." Huh. That's sort of a weird question to ask. Especially since she already asked in text. Guess she wants an in-depth answer?

"Well, I feel perfectly fine. I somehow was able to get out of that situation with no wounds bu-"

"That's not what I meant Adam." Eh? "I was talking about the uh…you know. The Shares." Oh. That's what she means.

"Well. I don't really feel anything different. Nothing that feels off or weird. I feel normal really." That's right. I feel absolutely normal. Nothing is different about me. Nothing.

Aside from the fact that I'm having a constant mental battle of being human or not. I mean, nothing HAS changed to me psychologically at least. I can still feel emotions and be hungry. I don't suddenly have any special abilities out of nowhere. I don't hear any crazy voices that tell me to do anything. Well. I do have this weird Goddess Link. I'm still not sure how to properly define it, but other than that one, nothing is different.

"Are you sure about that Adam? You don't feel any different at all? Not in the least bit?" Her eyes…they've gained this intensity I've never felt. It's not the kind that makes you feel scared, but it's warm. It's concerning, she's worried. Wait. When did her hand find mine?

"I…don't know. I just…" Somehow someway, just from her words, her actions and her eyes, it caused me to spill everything. I'm exactly sure what about her made me spill out all my concerns at her but I did. I told her about my fears of being human or not, my indecision of continuing my hunter career, and just how lost and confused I felt. I may have cried a little somewhere in the middle of all that, but I'm not sure. All throughout my little breakdown she held my hand and simply listened.

"I'm uh. Sorry for that, that was rather embarrassing." Really. It was. I'd have my hand on my check trying to cover my embarrassment or something right now if it wasn't being held. Which I'm slowly starting to realize is really warm and soft. Not to mention a Goddesses hand!

"It's okay, do you feel any better?" How am I supposed to feel better after spewing my guts out like that! But even so…

"I do. I do feel better." Somehow, I do feel better. I hadn't entirely realized it, but the issue was slowly starting to bore down on my mind after I left the hospital. Like. Really, it was starting to eat at me, but just talking about it somehow made me feel better.

"Great." Her hand leaves my own and she suddenly goes red in the cheeks. Probably realized how embarrassing it was to be holding my hand. "My sister taught me a while ago that talking about your problems out loud can make you feel better, so I figured it'd help you too."

"Thanks, but uh. How did you know?" Her face suddenly goes blank before saying, "My sister, duh. She told me that you didn't look so good after what she told you at the hospital and it got me wor- I-I mean it got my sister worried! So, I wanted to talk to you so she wouldn't be so worried. That's right!" Heh, even now she can't be truthful. Man, tsunderes really are a handful.

"Well, thank you Uni. I just… it's confusing you know? Does having these shares make me something different now? Does it ma- w-what are you doing!?" Somehow, without me noticing, she had come to my side of the booth and put her hand on my chest. Does she not realize we're in a public place!?

I'm not quite sure what she's doing, but she put her hand on my chest and has her eyes closed. I'm not sure why, but I get the feeling that I shouldn't try to disturb her right now. Even if I can see the cashier snickering at us. Wait! What happen to our order?

"Hmm, just like we thought." As quickly as those words left her, she left my side of the booth and returned to her own. "What do you mean nothing seems different, just what were you doing?"

"Oh! Sorry, I should have asked." At least she has the sense to get embarrassed. "I was just checking what the shares were doing in your body, and it seems just like what my sister said; they're just a life support. In fact, it seems that most of them have left you now that you don't need them. I know my sister said some things that might have scared you, but we both thought that the shares have probably left you by now. After all, shares aren't meant to stay within humans." Oh. I had thought that…

"A-adam!? Are you okay? Did I say something wrong, why are you crying?" I'm crying? A hand reaches my eye and indeed, my cheeks are wet. "I'm sorry Uni, you didn't say anything wrong. In fact, I think you said the best thing I could have heard right now." That's right. Share energy is a sort of godly energy, it has no business staying with a normal human like me. Human. Clearing up my eyes, I see Uni is clearly still worried about me. Can't blame her really. I did just suddenly cry from her words.

"Sorry Uni, that was pretty embarrassing. I guess I just got wrapped up in the whirl of emotions." I really did. It shocked me to just hear that word come from her, Human. "But thank you, I feel a lot better right now." I still have a lot of questions I'd like answered, but for now I feel immensely better.

Uni smiles at my words and breathes a sigh of relief. "That's good. I thought I made you upset instead of cheering you up." An opening!

"So, you were worried for me then." My words cause her cheeks to flare up before she stands up and points at me angrily. "I t-told you that I wasn't! Why would I waste my worries on you of all people! You should be happy that I'm even spending my time with you."

"I am happy. Thank you for inviting me out Uni." I say with the widest smile I can pull and hopefully giving off as much gratitude as possible. It seems to work since she falters and sits back down in a huff mumbling, "I wasn't worried." I really am getting used to being around tsunderes.

"So uh, it's been a while. Do you think our orders are gonna come anytime soon?" I say in an attempt to change the conversation. We haven't even put in our food orders now that I think about it.

Uni doesn't answer me, instead she looks straight at the waitress by the register and gives her a thumbs up. The waitress, upon seeing Uni's gesture, ducks into the kitchen quickly before coming back out with plates of food and our drinks.

"When did you..."

"I figured we'd take a while, and you weren't really paying attention since we were being awkward. I just took the initiative and put in our orders ahead of time and told them to hold off until I gave the okay." Uni gives a smirk. "I hope you like turkey."

Our food and drinks quickly placed in front of us, the waitress informing us to call her if we need anything before winking at me and taking her leave.

"Well? Go ahead and eat! I promise you it's great." Uni is already going at her sandwich, fully engrossed in her food while I'm just blankly staring at her.

At this point, I'm not sure which is scarier. Women or Goddesses.

As I munch on my own sandwich, I come with two thoughts.

One: This sandwich is really good.

Two: Women in any form are scary.

? POV

There he is again, with one of them. I wonder if he's even thought about me today. If even a single brain cell's energy was spent on me. He must have at least had a passing thought on my proposition. But I have no idea. He didn't spend much time at home, I fully expected him to sleep the day away, but then he suddenly came out and met with her.

I really don't like them. I shouldn't be worried but I am. I feel they're going to take him away from me somehow. They may not mean to, but I can feel it. He's been talking to them more than me, in person and text. He's willing to lie and blow me off in favor of them. He thinks I don't know what's going on, but I do.

He's going to replace me.

He may not mean to, but this relationship with them is going to cause him to. After all, he left me alone that time. Ah, I can feel the emotions I felt that day as if it was yesterday. The sadness, anger, hatred, and rejection. It was disgusting. It's all their fault.

I can't exactly blame him for his actions of late though. I haven't exactly been a friend lately; he must be attracted to the idea of new friends more than anything else. It's alright though, after he agrees to my proposition, he'll realize it'll be for his own good to be married to me. Once we marry, I won't have to worry about anyone breaking us apart ever again. No floozy twin tailed Goddess or flat loli Goddess to ever worry about ever again.

All I need to do is wait and everything will be perfect.

A/N: Well this toke longer than it should have to come out. Apologies, but I got really caught up writing Uni for some reason. Like, for weeks .-.

It was pretty bad lmao. But we're past that now obviously! Now I have some news for everyone! This story should end in the next 5-6 chapters. I never planned or thought The Tempered Bond would be as long as it turned out, but it did and soon we'll be at the end. Pretty exciting. At the end I'll be asking you all a rather important question, so look forward to that!

For now, I'd actually like to ask all of you something; what kind of HDN fanfic are you currently reading? Since I've started writing The Tempred Bond, I've completely stopped reading HDN fanfic and the very few times that I've gone to look up for one, I haven't found a single one that interested me. So I figured why not ask you guys? PM me or something what your currently reading if you have the chance. Thank you ahead of time!

Thank you for all the reviews, follows, and favorites. They are all very much appreciated.

As always, thank you for reading and have a good morning/afternoon/evening and night.