#the same dark and evil blood that runs in my veins runs in yours

[inaconstantstateofchange]

durge meeting another durge, for @sky-kiss

[risuola]

ENTRY #3 ♡ F. READER X GOJO SATORU // In the oceans so full, all I crave is blue.

contents: arranged marriage!au, slight misogyny — wc. 938

a/n: you voted, I deliver - an entry that might seem slightly out of place, slightly not relevant but it's important to the story, it shows the slow development.

series masterlist

“I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

You sat on an armchair, somewhat tensed despite the comfort of your own home and the soft cushions below you. In front of you sat a man. An arrogant grin plastered onto his objectively handsome features that somehow made you cringe at the sight. His mouth moved, he was speaking, over and over again telling the same story from a different angle and throwing facts at you that didn’t quite make sense, no matter how many times they were replayed.

“It’s an offer,” he spoke again, his pearly white, perfectly straight teeth glimmered in the sharp sunlight that bounced off the glass in the frame containing your wedding picture. “There’s a prestige tied to it, a status much more influential than your current last name could ever provide. I understand Gojo Satoru’s high position in the world of sorcery, but realistically, it doesn’t benefit you the way it should.”

He was talking, confident and loud but you couldn’t help but find him slightly sociopathic. Severely narcissistic. His sharp brown eyes were piercing through you and you could tell that every spasm of his muscles was forced, creating a fake illusion of some twisted version of kindness and gentleness. He moved in a way to appear more approachable, more inviting. You were taking in his form, clad in traditional kimono and hakama bottoms, oddly contrasting with his bleached hair and pierced ears. Thing is, there was nothing inviting about him.

“My marriage is an arrangement made with the thought of the best interest for both mine and my husband’s clan.” Your words flew out of your mouth a little too rough and yet, it was the first time you put a heavy accent onto the word that described who Satoru was to you right now.

“Of course it was,” the man chuckled. Evil. “But you see, Satoru Gojo is an anomaly born for the first time in four hundred years. Probability of you bearing a child that would bring value to his, arguably extinct, clan is relatively low, if not zero. On the other hand, my technique is easily passed down in blood and strong as it is, even without considering the possible Ten Shadows awakening though I believe that the input of your cursed technique makes the chances that much higher.”

“Forgive me my bluntness, Zen’in, but my marriage is finalized and I don’t intend to–“

“You don’t understand, woman,” he snapped, harsh and rough and raised up to his feet a little too eagerly. Realizing that, he took a breath and walked towards the wooden dresser. His greedy hands snatched the picture framed in the constellation of intricate veins and leaves carved into the dark oak and his fingers run across the glass front. “There’s nothing better you can do, than marrying me, one and only rightful heir of the Zen’in clan. Me, Naoya Zen’in, a man above all those weaklings around. I’m a prodigy, a genius. I’m the stronges–“

“I dare to disagree,” you cut the reckless spurt of nonsense leaving his lips. “I do recognize your strength and the values you represent, but as I already told you. My marriage is finalized, I’m married to Satoru Gojo and, with all due respect, you’re not close to being the strongest.” You stood your ground, firmly and with confidence and as you approached the man, you gently took the picture from his hands. “And also, even if I were not tied to Satoru, I wouldn’t allow myself to ever cross paths with a buffoon such as you, Naoya.”

“Clearly, you don’t know your place, do you?” He groaned, lowly and animalistically and it was a split second before his long fingers dug into the fat of your cheeks as he grabbed you by the face. “You know where’s a place of a woman? Three steps behind her husband. On her knees, ready to serve. There’s no other purpose for you than to–“

“I’ll advise you to take your hands off my wife, Zen’in.” Another second and your husband was home, right next to you, appearing out of thin air. His large hand wrapped tightly around Naoya’s forearm and their eyes meeting in a challenge. Despite the ice-cold tension in the air, Gojo’s face was neutral, amused almost. The corner of his lips twitched, lifting up just slightly as his unwavering gaze slowly pierced a crack into the arrogant mask of the guest.

“We’re just talking,” he hissed through his teeth but allowed his fingers to relax, releasing your jaw.

“Actually, it seemed as if you were leaving already,” you added calmly and it didn’t take longer than two minutes until the doors closed and the blonde left, mumbling insults under his breath. You exhaled, deeply, allowing the tension to leave your body as you twisted the locks and it’s just at that moment when you realized how much relief and sense of safety your husband brought.

“Care to explain why was Naoya Zen’in in our house when I was out? I don’t remember that visit being scheduled.” Satoru questioned and you let out a sigh, approaching him. With gentle hands you reached up to where the blindfold hung loosely around his neck and carefully pulled it up to cover the blue of his eyes.

“I’d love to know more than you do, but I don’t,” you replied. “He came uninvited, offered me marriage and didn’t take rejection too well.”

“Offered you marriage?” He scoffed. “The audacity.”

“Doesn’t matter. I said no and he left. Thank you for showing up.”

“I’m fulfilling my duties. That’s all.”

“Of course, you are.”

taglist: @kinny-away, @anan-baban, @lotomber, @netflix-imagines, @kawliflo, @nishloves, @ghostfacefricker6969, @thejujvtsupost, @yozora7154, @cherrycolabarbedwirebedpost

[minkkumaz]

EVIL

there was never truly escape from leehan, his sweet words stringing the perfect crash landing for you to stay with him. but every passing second you could see the imaginary horns growing from his head. it wasn't you that was evil.

❛❛ loving you was lethal, guess that makes me evil ❞

PAIRING kim leehan x fem!reader SETTINGS lovers to exes. toxic leehan. angst no fluff. manipulation. gaslighting. cussing. biting. mentions of blood. WC 1.5k

LEEHAN WAS A MASTER MANIPULATOR. he always possessed the ability to snake his way back into your life, adjusting his scaly grasp around your waist to keep you still in his arms. you remember the way he smiled tenderly at your sobbing face as all of your little tears were wiped away with the pads of his thumbs. each touch against your blushed cheeks dissolved each memory that had formulated him into a bad person, when he existed as nothing more than the love of your life in the aftermath.

it’s all in your head, a phrase you heard often. and maybe he was right when he sucker - punched you with these words, only making you reflect back to the crazy imagination you had as a kid. because that is what you felt like around him, vulnerable and childish, watching him put your thoughts to bed instead of the other way around. 

there were four unanswered calls in his inbox, as you waited impatiently in your shared room with an explosion of butterflies fluttering gracelessly in your stomach. you dialed a fifth time, listening to the sound of ringing be interrupted by the same voice.

your call has been forwarded to an automated voice message system, eight, two… is not available.

being left completely in the dark by leehan was not uncommon behavior, feeling the same familiar rush of frustration flooding through your veins. the silence in the room feels suffocating, amplified by the darkened walls and the faint hum of the ceiling fan above your head.

every sound outside makes you jump, hoping it's him finally coming home. your eyes dart to the clock on the nightstand, watching the minutes crawl by painfully slow. nothing holds your attention more than the itching feeling settling in your throat, pangs of anger mixing in your chest. 

when you finally hear the familiar creak of the front door and the heavy sound of the combat shoes you had just bought your boyfriend, you lack any feeling of relief; just the remaining negative emotions that made you feel like you were going to explode. clenching your hands at the sides of your body, you walk down the hallway to greet his tired expression.

as your eyes land on him fully in all of his glory, leehans eyebrows are furrowed and his lips puffy and red. he stares at you with an unreadable expression, almost as if he didn’t expect to see your figure standing at his feet so late in the night. you reached out to put a hand on his bare arm, lacking the leather jacket he had initially left the house wearing.

“what happened to your jacket?” you mumbled, looking up at him.

“don’t know, probably left it somewhere in my friends house.” he chewed on the inside of his cheek, moving his arm away from you to run a hand through the strands of his dark brown hair.

“is that where you were this whole time that you couldn’t even call me back? i’ve been waiting for you, you know.” you scoff, “and i bought that for you, how could you lose it?”

“please just stop nagging me, i had a long day, okay baby?” he almost rolled his eyes, pushing past you toward the bedroom.

a huff leaves your lips as he bumps your shoulder, “what friend was it anyways, i remember most of them being nice enough to at least let me know.” “you wouldn’t know her.” he says lightly, sending what feels like a rock dropping down into the abyss of your gut.

“her?”

“one of my friends friend, it’s nothing y/n.” he groaned, turning around to look at you. “what? do you want to hear that i cheated on you or something? don’t be conceited.”

his words hit you like a slap in the face, the insinuation burning a hole through your chest. "conceited?" you echo, your voice trembling with the sheer effort to contain yourself. 

the room seems to shrink around you, trapping you in another argument with him. you follow him as he strays away into the bedroom, your breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. leehan flops onto the bed with a dismissive wave of his hand, his casual demeanor only fueling the fire inside your heart. 

“this happens every fucking time leehan i just don’t understand.” tears prick at the corner of your eyes, dripping down the sides of your face the harder you try not to let it.

he doesn’t meet your eyes, instead staring up at the ceiling, as if avoiding your gaze could somehow deflect your accusations. "i told you, i was just at a friend's place. nothing happened."

your hands curl into fists at your sides, knuckles white. "it doesn’t matter if nothing happened, you neglected me like i was nothing. all i do is care yet i can never get it through to you" 

"you’re blowing this out of proportion, y/n, this is all in your head. can we just drop it?" he groans, frustration etched on his face. the dismissiveness in his tone is like a dagger, twisting deeper into your already raw emotions.

"i’m supposed to just drop it? how am i supposed to trust you again when you treat me like this?" 

leehan finally looks at your crying eyes, “you can never be content without breathing down my neck, can you?” he stands up to peer over you, letting his hand creep up to grab your cheeks to squeeze your face together, “it is fucking suffocating.”

“no, i never knew what it meant to be content with you.” you seeth between your teeth, only making him squeeze harder.

“don’t be evil, you’re supposed to be my angel, remember?” he took his lies to the grave, playing pretend with the idea you were a picture perfect doll he could fiddle with.

words died on your tongue with your head titled up to face him, feeling his nails dig into the sides of your face. his look flicked from your tear stained skin and your mouth, leaning in to steal a kiss from you. heat rushed to your brain, instantaneously overwhelmed with his act of aggression on your lips.

before you could even think about it, you bit down as hard as you could on his lower lip. he flinched, immediately pulling away from you whilst the taste of metal snuck on his tongue. leehan was a bitter, corrosive thing that constantly left you standing there, feeling utterly alone, but this time you were ready to let go. the raw taste of blood lingers on your lips as you shove him away, your chest heaving with a mix of fear and defiance. he stares at you, shock and rage mingling in his eyes. he touches his lip, wincing as his fingers come away stained with crimson. the silence between you stretches, thick and suffocating, broken only by the ragged sound of your breathing.

“you need to get out leehan.”

"are you out of your mind?" he spits, his voice low and dangerous. the metallic tang of blood sharpens his tone, "you’re really going to do this?

“loving you was lethal, so i guess that makes me evil.” you stand your ground, “i’m not going to keep being mistreated by you.”

leehan’s eyes narrow, "you don’t know what you’re talking about," he snaps, "you’re the one always overreacting, always making something out of nothing."

“my life feels like nothing with you in it, so pack your shit and leave.”

he steps closer, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "you think you can just kick me out? this is my place too."

your own hands were trembling with the intensity of your emotions. "i can’t keep doing this, leehan. i deserve better than living in constant fear and doubt."

the words hang between you as you watch his chest rising and falling with the effort to contain his own feelings. for a moment, you think he might lash out, try to force you back into submission with the sweet words he always strung around your heart. but then he scoffs before turning away from you.

"fine." he mutters, grabbing a bag from the closet and stuffing his belongings into it with sudden movements, "you want me gone? i’m gone. don’t come crying back to me when you realize how much you need me."

you watch in silence as he packs, your heart pounding in your chest. the room feels too small, too charged with the tension between you. he slams drawers and throws clothes into the bag, each angry movement reinforcing the end of your relationship.

when he finally storms out of the bedroom, his bag slung over his shoulder, he doesn’t look back. the front door flings shut behind him with a final, resounding crash, the sound echoing through the empty apartment. an empty aura swarms the room in an instant, everything feeling too real. 

the only sound that breaks the silence is the gentle, rhythmic hum of the fishtank filter, a soft whisper that fills the space with an odd sense of calmness. you turn your head toward the fishtank, the glow from its interior reflecting on the walls. the water’s surface ripples slightly, a result of the steady bubbles rising from the filter. the sound of the bubbling is like a distant memory, a constant that had once been a comforting backdrop to your shared life with leehan.

but it was never really a life if you weren’t sure what it felt like to live. this time, everything was going to be different.

OMI oh my days its been so long since i have actually sat down and written something. i do have a lot of plans but i've been a little caught up with other things. regardless, i'm actually going to go see the trilogy tour soon! so i plan on releasing some portals inspired fics to help me remember some of the songs, because i have been in such a bonedo rut. it feels like an annual summer thing at this point hehe. also not proofread since this is something i kinda just sprung out!

© 2024 minkkumaz, all rights reserved support your writers by reblogging + giving feedback! it is greatly encouraged and appreciated. thank you! → why feedback + reblogging is so important. ~ (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡

[lizzaneia-elizalde]

request for yan!villain Eros: What happens that after the kiss in the garden, mc avoids him like a plague (I wouldn't do that he's hot)

Yandere! Villain x Regressor! AFAB! Villainess! Reader part 2

I'M MAKING THIS A PART 2 OF THE CANNON PLOT BECAUSE HELLO?? THIS IS GOOD (the ask, not my writing LMAOOO)

I'm gonna start answering the recent asks tomorrow after I made my draft for our Theatre play! So be patient please (´∩｡• ᵕ •｡∩`)

Pookie you wouldn't do that to him, would you?? He would literally cry like a baby then burn the whole empire down 🥲

Don't believe me??

:)

This is short, but I wrote everything I can.

Eros sat inside his luxury carriage.

He's in front of your chateau, waiting for you to come outside.

It's been a week since he kissed you, and ever since then, you avoided him like the plague.

At first, Eros thought you were only shy. Maybe heartbroken over the fact that your fiance cheated on you.

But no.

No no no no...

You've been avoiding him and leaving him hanging.

What's that called again back in earth?

"Ah... She fucking ghosted me." Eros whispered to himself, gripping his fist. Even the leather gloves wasn't able to withstand the sheer force of his grip that it slowly ripped, and ripped. And ripped.

His patience was running thin.

He's not playing.

"Ah..." He brushed back his hair. His eyebags dark and deep, he stared at the ceiling, wondering where it went wrong. Then, the waterworks came.

Tears started to slowly drip down his cheeks as his eyes stung. His vision blurry, he lets the tears flow down to his neck or drip to his expensive outfit. He doesn't care. All he feels is the longing he had for so long for you.

He wants to see you, hold you, and care for you.

The memories of you dying in front of his eyes as the bitch who shall not be named blasted her magic straight to your chest.

He remembered how your whole body shook with resistance due to suddenly being hit with an elemental magic that is the opposite of you. Golden veins creeping up to your neck. Your eyes turning white. Your hair frying in the ends. He remembered it all.

He remembered how he was actually the one who insisted on you greeting the fucker (prince) and the bitch (Elysia). He naively thought that a closure was in motion.

He remembered how the guards, along with the prince, ordered for your arrest as a dark magic user. Elysia, smirking under her fan, woed about how the prophecy told her of how dark magic users are evil.

He remembered how he immediately fled from inside, running to your side, and hugging your comatose body. He remembered injecting so much dark mana into you so that you'll live. He remembered encasing the both of you with a barrier that no one can penetrate, and declared war then and there.

He remembered how his company became the sanctuary for dark magic users. He remembered how the top floors are converted to a hospital just to house you.

He remembered the pain, the agonizing, torturous pain he went through in order to achieve revenge on your stead.

He remembered blood. So much blood.

He was not the same anymore.

He remembered burning down the empire to the ground, walking in their blood as he carried your body to the throne.

So much happened, yet it felt like it wasn't enough.

And when he killed your comatose body and himself, and woke up regressed, he knew he had to save you.

He remembered seeing you alive and kicking again. It felt like a dream, crying into his bed, relieved.

Now, he's crying once more.

It's because he remembers everything.

He loves you, so much.

He swore in his last life that this would be his last with you.

The life where you are happy. The life in which you're not dead.

A life where you're not constantly being trampled on. A life where you're lifted up rather than being pulled down.

A life in which you're loved.

He's always been kind of an emotional mess since this life. But can you blame the man? He's been through so much for you.

But he will do it once again.

Not to prove himself.

Absolutely not. He doesn't care about himself.

But if it's for you, he will.

You're his beloved employee.

His love is extreme. He always knew this.

But why wouldn't a man bring the whole world to his beloved's feet?

Are they insecure? Do they think their beloved is not worthy?

Mixed frustrations welled up inside him once more.

He wiped his tears and sighed.

He doesn't want to do this, but if he wants to take revenge for you and offer the world to you, he will.

Hid gaze suddenly turned sharp and cold as he saw the Imperial carriage speeding to your gates. It seems that your... Ex fiance is desperate to get you back.

He once loved this guy as his best friend, but he's your tormentor. And he doesn't forgive tormentors. Your tormentors.

Dark tendrils leaked from the bottom of his well polished shoes, threatening to spike up and kill the prince who was yelling for you in front of the gates. Murderous intent leaking from his body as he cracked his neck and planned for an earlier war.

Heroes can sacrifice their love for the world,

But villains will sacrifice the world for their love.

[acetolightning]

Headcanons of who is the easiest to corrupt to hardest

Four

While he is a calm and collected individual with a heart for heroism, the scars of the Four Sword has left its mark on his soul. Cracks that have never been filled make corruption pretty easy to happen. Hence, his hesitance for dark magic.

The Colors can help keep evil at bay, but having something full in the cracked soul is relieving, no matter how much darkness it contains.

The curiosity Four has with dark magic, even if he hates it, is another reason for his placement. I mean, part of him did betray other parts of himself! That along with the interest that Four likes to claim isn’t there anymore is a breeding ground for dark thoughts and influence.

Hyrule

Having been cursed definitely doesn’t help Hyrule’s placement. Having the blood and curse of Ganon running through your veins means a stronger connection to all dark magic and corruption.

One would think being part fairy would stave off corruption or dark influence and, granted, it does somewhat. However, even the lightest of beings can have evil change their light.

Of course, my headcanon of Hyrule being controlled by Ganon because of evil’s blood also is why he placed very high here.

Wild

Ah, the champion. His was difficult to place, but I did see it in two ways. Right after he woke up, he was very susceptible to malice and darkness, even if it wasn’t able to reach him as easily up on the plateau. Gaining some memories back throughout his adventure did help with a stronger soul.

Resentment from his growing up still stays, causing dark thoughts and corruption to try and make a home within him. Luckily, thinking of the Champions helps keep darker thoughts at bay.

Twilight

Dark crystal and shadow magic. Though shadow magic isn’t exactly the same, it still is a cousin of the more well known dark magic. It takes a significant more amount of dark magic to try to corrupt, as he has dealt with its cousin.

Using shadow magic does mean that when he gets hurt by dark magic, injuries are harder to heal from. The cousins don’t like each other much.

Legend

The man, the myth, the Legend. Having many magical items is a sure way to keep anything related to evil at bay, must I say. While constant adventures for Hylia isn’t something he enjoys, it’s not like he’ll betray his duty….right?

No, nothing to worry about! No matter if he cursed out Hylia when he’s alone, or has thoughts of extreme hatred for destiny and the likes. He’s someone who evil can’t quite get its hands on.

Warriors

This is a guy who knows who he is (does he?) and what he needs to do. Though war is not pretty, Warriors has used his encounter with enemies and evil alike to shape his person. He keeps core values close to his chest, no matter the situation or people involved.

Does this mean perfection? Not quite, no. Fears of failure, death, and obsession have been and perhaps always will be within himself. It’s something that could be used to corrupt the captain, but would be hard to do nevertheless.

Time

Perhaps it’s the influence of the Deity, but it’s almost like a protection from evil stays around his whole body. Being raised by the Great Deku Tree could also be why evil barely attempts to sway his hardened soul. It sees attempts as frustrating at the least and near impossible at the most.

Time is the one who would help his brother in arms more than be the one in need of help. Having to experience the Deity has made him well aware of possession and the feeling of power right under your fingertips.

Wind

Mischievous but kind, Wind has too bright of a soul for evil to even look his way. His love of family and need for adventure keeps influences of the darker variety not even try. It knows that trying to corrupt someone so bright would result in failure.

Though, thoughts of inadequacy brush his mind’s forefront, often with the goal of making him feel weaker than the rest. Sometimes it works, though not for long. After all, he’s the youngest and can already keep up with a lot of the heroes!

Sky

The original, the one to start it all. His love for Sun is as pure as love can be, and he is Hylia’s original chosen. Trying to corrupt him is asking for trouble. He knows his loyalty, his goal, his love.

[twisted-art-wounders]

YGO AU: Breaking the Seal 14

Chapter 14 Realization Still in a gruelling duel against Yugi, Joey must release Hermos the final Legendary Dragon but will it be enough to break Yugi of his mind control?

When the duel had began Yugi was shocked to see his doppelganger before him but before he could say a word the copy had activated the Seal of Orichalcos and everything around Yugi had gone dark. He looked around and saw he was the only person in this dark place. He called out for the Pharaoh and his other friends but no one answered. He ran around the endless void calling for them only for his echos to travel all around with no other responses. Just as he started to panic he heard a familiar voice echo back throughout the dark realm.

“Heh...hello <i>little</i> Yugi...long time no see...” the voice cackled all around him making Yugi sweat. “Did you miss me, little one?”

Yugi stopped in his tracks the moment he heard this new voice, he knew that voice...he could never forget this twisted and demented voice...

“No...it can't be! We- the Pharaoh! He-he beat you!” Yugi looked around scared as the form of the voice's owner finally materialized form the darkness; it was Yami Marik.

With his twisted smile and veins bulging out form his face he looked just as terrifying as he did before; with the Millennium Rod in his hands the glowing eye of wadjt appeared on his forehead. Yugi backed a away form the towering figure, Yami Marik only moved closer and tilted his head slightly watching Yugi like hungry wolf closing in on a lost sheep.

“That's impossible!” Yugi pointed shaking his head “You can't exist anymore! You were banished to shadows by Marik! I have the Millennium Rod!”

Yami Marik merely laughed, his mocking tone echoed all around them as Yugi felt the darkness close in as Yami Marik towered over him bending down at his waist to get a good look at Yugi, studying him for some nefarious purpose.

“Ha! My other half may have dispelled me form his body but I can still exist! I implanted myself within Joey's mind just before my other half managed to gain control again! I had planed on using him as a fail safe in order to get close enough to you so I could enact my revenge! But now I have other plans...” Yami Marik licked his lips again pressing his Millennium Rod under Yugi's chin like a knife pressing against his skin making Yugi wince in pain.

“...Other plans?” he asked frightened of the answer.

“I'm going to take over Joey's body! I'm going to erase his mind fully and implant myself within him! Then I'm going to kill all of your friends one by one...and finally I'll smash your beloved puzzle before I make you <i>swallow</i> each and every piece of it...” Yami Marik leaned in closely sneering before letting out a terrifying laugh again one that made Yugi's blood run cold, he started to shiver in fear.

“No...No! I wont let you do this!” Yugi yelled with tears in his eyes “I'll stop you!”

Yami Marik snapped his head up right before grabbing Yugi by the scruff of his shirt and lifting him off the ground.

“You stop me? You're only a vessel!” he chuckled and tossed Yugi the ground roughly, Yugi skidded on the void floor looking up at Yami Marik as he turned around and started to walked away.

“Sit there and watch you little brat! I'm going to destroy your life the same way you destroyed mine!” Yami Marik continued to walk just as Yugi managed to collect himself enough to stand up straight, as he watched the evil spirit leave Yugi felt his blood start to boil clenching his fists he screams.

“Turn and face me you coward!” Yugi pointed now angerly hissing.

“Running away form a vessel? Looks like you're not as confident as you used to be Marik! If you want to kill Joey or <i>any</i> of my friends then you have to go through me first!”

Yami Marik did stop for a moment twisting his head all the way around like an owl, a horrific sight to behold for Yugi who had a swallow a bit of bile that rose up into his mouth. Yami Marik then turned the rest of his body around to face the small boy, a horrible cracking of his bones could be heard only adding to Yugi's discomfort.

He chuckled raising his arm; a duel disk appeared on it.

“Very well! In order to free Joey's mind you have to beat me in a duel all on your own! No help form your friend the Pharaoh! And if you fail...I'll kill Joey right in front of you.” Yami Marik sneered and held up his Millennium Rod with a flash of light his form changed to match Joey's including his voice.

“Remind you of something? <i>Little Yugi...</i>I figured it's best to look the part since I'm gonna be Joey soon! HA!” Yami Marik disguised as Joey let his tongue hang out of his mouth with a twisted smile.

Yugi shuttered and growled leering at the evil copy. “You're really sick you know that?” Yugi held out his arm as a dual disk appeared on it.

“I'm you're opponent now! Let's duel!”

--

After a long and gruelling duel Joey and Yugi stood against each other; Yugi had Summoned Skull with <b>3000</b> Attack vs Joey's two Skull Servants each with <b>200</b> Defence, he pilfered form Yugi's graveyard last turn.

Yugi still had <b>600 LP</b> while Joey had <b>1200 LP</b>

Yugi had one set card on the field; no doubt away for him to get over Joey's barely defensive wall of monsters and win the game with one final blow. But that wasn't on Joey's mind at the moment, no he was still in disbelief over the revelation that came to light just a moment ago.

Yugi believed him to be Marik Ishtar; a former enemy they had faced not too long ago in Battle City. But he was far away now living his life as best he could after the events of the tournament. No longer did he carry the Millennium Rod or his thirst for vengeance against Yugi and Pharaoh. Yet here Yugi insisted the person he was dueling against was Marik and not Joey.

“Yugi thinks Joey is... Marik?” Tea asked

“Is that what Yugi is seeing right now?” Tristan asked as well.

Yami nodded “Yes I'm sure of it...” He then looked up to Raphael and glared to him shouting “Is this some kind of sick joke to you people!?”

Raphael only grinned down at them and responded “Maybe it is. Why not keep watching and see...”

Joey swallowed hard as he finally came to grips with the situation at hand. If he didn't break the spell over Yugi he'd lose not only his soul but lose his best friend as well. But he didn't know what he should do; he did have one card in his hand that could help... fanning out the other cards in his hand he could see the face of familiar purple robed magician, the signature card of Yugi's deck, Dark Magician.

Joey had drawn the card during his turn when he used “Roll of Fate” it was the fourth card he pulled the one that pulsed when he drew it. Before he and Yami Yugi were shocked with the revelation it was in his deck, not knowing how it happened but the longer Joey thought about it was when it finally hit him how it could have happened.

Back on the air plane while Yugi and him were playing Duel Monsters to pass the time, Yugi had just defeated him for the 10th time in a row when lunch was being served. Joey excitedly got up from the lounge chair area they had dubbed as their dueling zone. He slipped and fell to the ground his cards scattered behind him, he got up quickly and started to gather his cards. Yugi was holding his Dark Magician at the time and when he saw Joey fall he got up quickly to help him pick up his cards; not realizing he accidentally added Dark Magician to Joey's deck when he handed it back over to him. Yugi must not have noticed since Joey mentioned he could smell the food was burgers and that was enough to distract Yugi from checking his deck again. Something he normally didn't do but in this case he had so much on his mind already it was far form it.

This same conclusion was also reached by Yami Yugi after he checked his deck once he realized the Dark Magician had made it's way to Joey's hand. In his mindscape Yami looked back over to Yugi who was still in his doll like state, the Seal of Orichalcos on his forehead burning brightly keeping their connection to each other broken. His heart was heavy as he watched his still dull eyes, unblinking just focused on nothing but what was forward. From Yugi's perspective all he saw was a twisted Joey he needed to defeat at all costs, not his friend but an enemy disguised as his friend.

Yami once again left the mindscape and returned to the reality at hand, he watched Joey intensely. He could see Dark Magician in his hand, ready and waiting to be summoned, Yami then closed his eyes and thought

//I know somehow you came to Joey because he needs you. So please old friend, help him to awaken our Partner's heart.//

Yugi became more impatient and shouted “Will you just draw already! Stop stalling! I'm sick of this game and I'm ready to end it!” Yugi was shaking from anger as he yelled more the darkness entered his mouth looking like he had smoking breath. Even more shadows began to emit from his body swallowing him and embedding his body into them. Everyone witnessed it and gasped watching Yugi become consumed in the shadows.

Joey was sweating as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, he opened them again and looked at the deck in his duel disk; it would all come down to this final draw, if he didn't get something good he'd lose everything...

//Come on deck I need something! Anything! I need a miracle...//

Suddenly his deck started to glow a brilliant white light; not only his deck but Yami Yugi's was as well, Yami looked down and pulled out his Timeaus card. Just like before in the limo it was glowing again the white light soon enveloped both Yami and Joey at the same time. Meanwhile at the same time over the skies Kaiba was in his jet when he too saw his duel disk glow, pulling out his Critas card he too found it to be glowing and before he could even ask why he was swallowed in the white light as well.

Yami and Joey found themselves teleported into the Duel Monsters world inside of the castle that held the crystallized statues of the Legendary Dragons; two of which had been released prior to their arrival but one still remained. Joey was confused at first to see such a massive crystal statue with a sword sticking out of it's foot, but Yami assured Joey he was the one meant to remove the sword and release the final dragon.

Joey was hesitant at first as he looked at the hilt of the blade but he felt something was calling to him, so he reached out and grabbed the handle when he did he felt a wave of energy run through him. He quickly grabbed the handle with both hands and pulled until the sword came lose.

“OMG Yug...I think I might be the next King of England...” Joey blinked as he saw the dragon come to life before his eyes, shattering it's crystal prison with a mighty roar. Joey again looked up at the beast with awe, then it came to him

“I...I know your name! It's... Hermos!”

Once Joey spoke the dragon's name everything was bathed in the white light again, and in an instant he found himself back in the real world once more. He blinked a few times before darting his head to the side to look over at Yami Yugi who watched him sternly. He knew Joey was the one the final duelist to release the dragon.

Raphael had noticed the Orichalcos stone around his neck had also started to react to whatever happened to Joey just now, he continued to watch intently waiting to see what he would draw next.

Yugi hissed as he watched Joey once again not draw his card and yelled out “What are you waiting for! Make your move!”

Joey looked at Yugi then back down at his deck finally he drew his card, in his hands was the card of the dragon he'd just set free; The Claw of Hermos.

//No way! Its the dragon I just released! Hermos!//

“Okay you asked for it! You're about to meet my new friend Hermos!” Joey yelled.

Yami Yugi smiled as he saw the card now, he knew Joey was chosen and now he stood a chance of winning this duel and freeing Yugi from the evil power of the Orichalcos.

“So did he draw something good or not?” Tristan asked and Yami responded.

“He has just what he needs to turn things around.”

--

Mai looked at his hand then to his face, he genuinely did look like he wanted to help her. Could he help her? Was this card just that powerful? Could she be the world's greatest duelist if she accepted his help?In the back of her mind all she saw was Marik's horrible face as he laughed at her pain, her becoming swallowed up by the sand, drowning in her sorrow. She never wanted to feel that way ever again! She looked at his hand then slowly her own hand started to raise up her fingers inching slowly towards his own.

Suddenly his Orichalcos stone on his ring started to glow as if it was reacting to something,Valon looked at his ring then got up and turned around to head to the balcony's edge. Looking down he saw the duel was still on going and Joey was still in the game.

He growled looking at Yami Yugi and hissed “Interfering again?! Wheeler should be cooked by now!”

Mai had finally snapped out of her daze long enough to hear Joey's voice echo through out her mind. That's when she remembered; Joey had no magic...he was hardly a perfect duelist but somehow he still managed to get to the finals in Battle City...even without a god card. That means if even someone like him can become so strong...what was stopping her?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Valon returning, kneeling back to her and offering his hand again.

“What do you say Mai? Will you let me help you?”

Mai was silent as she looked at his hand, finally she brought her hand to his and took it allowing him to help her back on her feet. She paused for a moment before pulling his arm towards her and in a swift movement that caught him by surprise, she managed to pull him over her shoulder lifting him enough off the ground to spin and send him flying over the baloney's edge. Valon had seconds to react by grabbing onto the balcony's ledge and holding on as best he could.

Valon looked up at her in shock and yelled “What the hell are you doing?!”

Mai glared at him “Listen up asshole! I'm not interested in joining you're little cult, so why don't you go soak you're head!” She then lifted up her leg high enough over the ledge just above his fingers before bringing down the full force of her foot in sandal heels on top of them.

Valon screamed as he let go of the balcony and dropped a good 20 ft down, luckily for him a water feature was just below and broke his fall. Everyone was too preoccupied with the duel to even notice him scream and splash into the water. Mai huffed and kept running towards the next set of stairs that would lead her to the next floor of the building and hopefully to a security room.

Valon watched her leave, spitting out some water, he could only say “What a woman...” he grinned before falling back into the water.

--

Joey looked at his newly drawn card; with the 'Claw of Hermos' on his side he was hoping now he could finally end this duel and save Yugi with it's power. When the card spoke it's name to him he knew what he had to do in order to utilize it's power. But he had a problem he needed Dark Magician to help pull off his plan, would this card obey him? Did he have any right to use a stolen card even if by accident this was still Yugi's monster after all...

“Joey!” Yami Yugi yelled out to him causing Joey to look back at him again, he didn't need to ask the question since Yami's smile and gentle nod gave him the answer he needed.

Joey smiled to him and nodded before looking back at the Dark Magician card again. Closing his eyes he spoke to the card mentally

//I know you're Yugi's card...But right now I need your help to save my best friend! Please fight with me...For Yugi's sake.//

Joey opened his eyes started his turn;

“I sacrifice both of my Skull Servants to summon an old pal of yours Yugi!”

With Joey's declaration the two Skull Servants vanished and in their place a magic circle appeared below and rising up form the circle came the purple robed spellcaster. His arms folded with his signature teal staff in hand, his form towering and stern as he floated on the field in front of Yugi.

“Say hello to Dark Magician!”

Everyone outside of Yami Yugi was shocked with his appearance on Joey's side of the field; Tea and Tristan both asked how it could have happened. It was Yugi's card after all, did he give it to him before the duel somehow? Rex and Weevil were surprised too how could Joey be able to use Yugi's signature card.

“Yugi... how did you-” Tea looked down to Yami Yugi who folded his arms and closed his eyes now.

“I didn't...but if it did end up in his deck it wasn't a coincidence...it was fate.” Yami opened his eyes again to watch Yugi's reaction.

Yugi himself was frozen in place; he couldn't believe his best card was in the hands of a villain and even worse it was going to be used against him. Dark Magician looked down at Yugi his deep blue eyes holding a great deal of sadness in them as he looked down upon his master.

Yugi started to shake as his eyes started to blur, he held his head trying to focus but the world started to spin around him now. He felt the pull of anger hit him again as he glared over at Joey.

“Y-you have got a lot of nerve using him against me...” he growled

“Yugi, can't you see how much pain Dark Magician has in facing you? He doesn't wanna fight you either! But this is the only way to save you... ” Joey looked up at Dark Magician, he looked back at him and gave him a nod.

“I'm gonna give it my all here Yugi! I'll pull you back form the darkness!”

Joey continued with his main phase one; from his hand he activated the spell card “Instant Fusion” allowing him to bypass the summoning conditions for a fusion monster in his hand. He summons his Flame Swordsman to the field, his own signature monster.

With Dark Magician <b>(2500)</b> and Flame Swordsman <b>(1800)</b> on the field it still wouldn't be enough to take down Yugi's boosted Summoned Skull <b>(3000)</b>.

Yugi grinned “It wont be enough...Dark Magician is a powerful card but to truly bring out it's power you need magic cards that work best for him. And you don't play spell casters so any cards you have wont work with him!”

“Don't count on it Yug. I got a card that will do the trick right here!”

Joey showed off his new magic card “Claw of Hermos”; Raphael stayed stone faced as he watched everyone else react with surprise. He felt he underestimated Joey since he was able to release a legendary dragon he truly was a worthy soul worth taking.

“See 'Claw of Hermos' can fuse with one monster on my field and become an equip card for my monsters!”

Joey grinned as he activated his spell card; the red dragon entered the field with a roar resting behind Flame Swordsman, opening its mouth it pulled the flaming warrior into it as they both fused together they became an entirely new object; A red coloured staff similar to the staff Dark Magician carried but with a red dragon head at the top of the staff. In it's mouth a blue orb rested.

“This is Slamandra Staff! And I equip it to Dark Magician!”

Dark Magician picks up the staff and his Attack points increase instantly form <b>2500-->3200.</b>

“That's not all! Thanks to the special effect of my staff not only does Dark Magician gain <b>700</b> attack points if he destroys a monster in battle half of your monsters attacks points are dealt to you as damage! ”

“This means Joey can win this duel with one attack!” Tea was excited but now also scared. “But if he does...”

“But Yugi has a face down card too. This duel is down to the wire now...But I'm sure Joey's dragon Hermos will be the key to saving them.” Yami said watching the card on Yugi's field, he knew it had to be a trap card...perhaps Mirror Force? It's what he would have played right now.

Yugi was shocked to see it; how could the dragons be working for someone so evil? Was he wrong? Were the dragons really a force for evil and not good? Or... or was he wrong? Yugi held his head again as his mind started to swim in confusion and questions started to leak out.

“W-w-what's happening?” Yugi mumbled.

Joey watched and could see Yugi was starting to stumble a bit, maybe the dragons power was working, maybe Yugi was finally starting to wake up.

“Yugi? I know you're still in there... I'll free you I swear!” Joey shouted.

Yugi looked back up at him his eyes were becoming watery and his vision was blurring more, the shadows started to slowly leave him now as he started to regain focus.

“J-Joey...” Yugi said weakly reaching out to him.

--

Back at the temple Dartz sat in front of his alter dressed in his white robes as the light of the temples candles danced around him. His medallion in his hands as the light of Yugi's soul brightly shined hovering over it, he was watching the duel unfold and pulling the strings as he did. The green glowing light of the Orichalcos's aura surrounding Yugi's soul.

Dartz grinned as he watched Yugi's mind become clouded with darkness thanks to tarot cards hidden in his soul, they were feeding off of his fear of facing the evil Marik again, powering the Orichalcos shard in his ear making him stronger. All was going to plan until he felt the light of the dragons power awaken and begin to pull at the curtain being held up by Dartz's actions. He could feel Yugi's mind and soul were starting to resist his pull, he hissed gripping his medallion harder.

“No! I'm so close! Don't resist the pull child! Finish him! Finish him now!”

Dartz poured more Orichalcos power into his medallion adding more power to the green aura around Yugi's soul.

--

Valon had limped his way back up onto the balcony holding his now injured arm and soaking wet form his fall, Raphael looked over at his fellow swordsman and raised a brow.

“I guess she said 'no'.”

Valon huffed and rubbed his injured arm again “I'll change her mind...” he looked out at the duel before him and noticed Dark Magician out on the field holding a new staff.

“Did he release the dragon?” Valon looked up at Raphael who only nodded in response making Valon growl again “This ain't good...”

“But now he's in a dilemma...If he attacks he can win but the vessel also has a face down card and it could be the key card for him to win. Either way it's a loss for them.” Raphael spoke quite directly.

“Well guess we'll see just how worthy a duelist Wheeler is then.” Valon glared down at Joey.

Yugi felt the pulse of more power wash over him again making him scream and hold his head in pain, he looked forward again and saw Yami Marik back in his true form and laughing at him.

“It's over! Once I attack you Joey dies!” The appropriation laughed again making Yugi shutter in rage.

“I'll stop you! I'll stop you for good!” Yugi shouted.

Joey paused for a moment and he started to think; if he did attack Yugi there was a chance his face down card would negate his attack or redirect it. If he loses this duel... Joey closed his eyes tightly, in his mind he could see Yugi across form him like before. But now he felt the weight of the hand cuffs on his leg. The pressure and fear of knowing this may be his last move that they'd both be dragged down to their deaths...but even with that fear pulsing in his mind Yugi still fought. He still pulled through and won Joey's heart back.

Joey opened his eyes and looked at Yugi again he was pulsing with darkness and rage. His heart was sinking again thinking this was exactly what Yugi faced, how he felt... Then it hit him, he knew what had to be done, it would be a gamble but this was his only shot.

Breathing in then out slowly Joey pointed and said

“I use Dark Magician to attack your Summoned Skull!”

Dark Magician with his new staff in hand raised it above his head, the glowing gem of the staff emitting a bright and powerful light as the fiery serpent come to life and roared before directing its power at the Summoned Skull ready to destroy it.

Everyone watched as the magician's attack was ready to make contact with the skeletal demon; with <b>3200 vs 3000</b> attack points between them the demon was sure to fall. On top of the damage Yugi would face if the attack was successful he'd also take on half of the damage of his monster's attack as well, the duel would be over with Joey as the victor.

With the attack declared Yugi activates his set trap card, “Dark Spirit of the Silent”; when his opponent declares an attack this card would negate it, then he could select another monster his opponent controls, so that monster attacks instead.

“I activate Dark Spirit of the Silent! Your attack is negated! And on top of that I can choose what monster is attacked!” Yugi smirked as he brought up his free hand and pointed at Joey “It's over...”

“Wait!” Joey shouted making Yugi pause mid sentence so he continued “You wanted to say one last thing to me right?”

Yugi looked flabbergasted at this sudden intrusion but he couldn't help but listen to him now. “W-what?”

Joey had a gentle smile on his face “You wanted to say how much our friendship means to you, how I taught you that you're not alone and gave you courage...You're not fighting alone Yug, you never have been...we're all here for you and I know deep down inside you're fighting to save me...”

Yugi was shaking as he heard those words, those oh so familiar words bringing up a bitter sweet memory form deep inside of his mind. His eyes started to soften as he felt his heart was beating harder; the pain of that memory, the pain of fighting for Joey's soul but the joy and happiness he felt when he won it back...Yugi could feel the darkness inside of him starting to reseed, the shadows around him in the void started to vanish.

Joey noticed the shadows starting to disappear and leave Yugi's form, it gave him courage and hope his plan was working. So he continued rubbing the sides of his eyes were tears started to form.

“Truth is you already did save me; Back when we first met when I used to bully you I said I was gonna teach you how to be a 'man'. But turns out you taught me what being a man really means, it's not about being able to knock someone out or being the toughest guy in the room. It's about standing up for what you believe in, facing the odds no matter how scared or out matched you may be. And defending what really matters to you no matter what, you taught me all that and I'll always be grateful to you for it... ”

Inside the mindscape the other Yugi's eyes started to water up as he started to whimper, losing his doll like state he was finally starting to wake up. He started to see the world was changing back to normal and evil Marik/Joey was melting away and fading back into the real Joey and real world.

Yami Yugi noticed and looked back at Joey //Yes! Joey it's working! Keep going!//

Up on the balcony both Raphael and Valon couldn't believe this emotional speech was causing such an upheaval in the duel, Yugi was one attack away form an instant win and he was hesitating! Why? How could Joey have the power to influence Yugi's heart to such an extent.

Joey rubbed his eyes one last time before he continued speaking

“Because...Because...”

“I...love you.” Tears flooded down his cheeks as Yugi finished the sentence.

With those 3 words the Seal Orichalcos started to flicker and weaken. It was like he'd just woken up form a deep sleep as Yugi's eyes finally adjusted and the full realization set in for him as to where he was. Yugi held his head and shook it a few times; he blinked once twice three times as he looked around to see he was back in the lobby again. His attention fell on Joey, the confusion started to show on his face as he asked.

“J-Joey? What's going on?” Yugi looked down at his arm and saw the strange duel disk on it then looked back to Joey whose Duel disk was active too.

“W-why are we dueling?” Then Yugi noticed the Seal of Orichalcos around them and jumped back a bit frightened.

“The Seal of Orichalcos!? Wha- No...” Yugi covered his mouth looking up at Joey in fear.

“...Am I? Did I use it?” He whimpered out.

“Yugi! It's okay man! Those creeps were tricking you into dueling me!” Joey pointed up at the men on the balcony who still didn't look very impressed with the current circumstances.

Yugi looked up at them then down at his duel disk again, then over to Dark Magician and once more his eyes fell on the Seal. He knew what would be fall them if either of them lost and it was something Yugi didn't want to happen.

“No!” He yelled defiantly. Yugi rubbed his eyes and glared down at the seal, he clenched his fists tightly and tried to concentrate.

Opening his hands he brought his arms up to his chest; he started to pull his arms apart almost like pushing open a siding door as he did he could feel the same power that flowed into him the first time he encountered the seal. The same roar of power coursing through his veins giving him a great deal of strength. Yugi was sweating and panting as he continued to push, Joey and others all watched as Yugi's actions started to effect the Seal.

<b><i>“...I...I don't want....to fight you...”</i></b>

The shard of the Orichalcos stone dangling from his ear lobe started to flicker matching the seal's actions it too was flickering. Back on the balcony both of the swordsmen could only watch with wide eyes as the seal started to finally crack; starting from the top and slowly working it's way down and spreading across the dome that housed the two duelists below.

<i><b>“Anymore!”</b></i>

Just like crackling glass the Seal of Orichalcos shattered raining the green energy shards down before vanishing upon impact with the ground, a blast of energy shot out pushing everyone below back knocking them all off their feet. Yami, Tea and Tristan all were thrown back into the steel gates covering the windows, Joey was tossed not too far away the same as Yugi. While up top on the balcony Raphael and Valon had to brace themselves, even though they didn't receive the full impact of the blast from below they still had some blow back they had to look away form.

When the dust finally settled Joey got up first and looked in front of him, there he saw the copy of Yugi face first on the ground. Gathering his strength Joey ran towards Yugi at top speed, getting down on his knees he held Yugi up in his arms turning him around to face him.

“Yugi! Yugi wake up!” Joey shouted scared his friend was hurt by the blast, he shook him slightly after receiving no intimidate response.

Yugi's eyes slowly opened but staying only half lidded, his eyes seemed to be back to normal with no reddish glow around them and symbol of the Orichcalcos vanished form his forehead.

“J-Joey...you did it...” Yugi looked up into Joey's brown eyes and smiled weakly.

Joey returned the smile much wider and pulled Yugi into an embrace, holding onto him tightly never wanting to let him go again.

“Yug! You're okay!” Joey beamed as tears streamed down his face.

Yami and others soon got up and finding Joey embracing Yugi they all followed suit and gathered around them, Tea had tears in her eyes she had to wipe away on her sleeve while Tristan was balling his eyes out in happiness. Yami looked down at the sight with a look of relief in his eyes, glancing over at the ghostly image of his partner that stood beside him. Yugi watched as well his eyes were just as watery as everyone else, feeling of satisfaction and peace finally returning to him.

//I knew you could do it Joey...// Yugi thought.

Joey had done it, just as he promised he'd gotten Yugi's soul back...now he just had to return it to his body.

“It's gonna be okay Yug, We'll get your soul back into your body asap!” Joey turned his head looking over at Yami Yugi who nodded and held out his arms ready to take Yugi into them, their task was almost complete.

But above them the two swordsmen had other plans; Valon glared down at the sight and gritted his teeth, his good hand that rested on the railing gripping it in frustration. Raphael ever the stone wall of emotions glared down at the sight as well but his focus was on the Pharaoh. Valon finally having enough of this hugfest decided to properly bring it to an end. With a sneer on his face he let go of the railing and held his hand out his fingers at the ready he called out.

“Oi Kids!”

His voice caused everyone to stop and look back up at the men again, Yami and Joey in particular were on their last nerve with Valon's antics at this point.

“Hate to break up such a sweet reunion but the 'Free Trial' is <i>over!</i>”

With those final lines he snapped his fingers, as he did the shard of the Orichalcos in Yugi's ear started to glow. The Yugi in Joey's arms jolted and started to shake as his whole body started to glow in the same green light. Yugi looked up at Joey with tears in his eyes as his body started to disintegrate before him, starting at his fingers then working it's way inward he let out a scream of agony as it did.

All anyone could do was watch in terror as Yugi finally disappeared leaving nothing but the single shard floating in his place, they all screamed out in horror at the sight as the shard quickly darted upward and landed in Valon's hands.

Valon sneered down and chuckled holding the shard between his fingers.

“Sorry folks! Looks like ya have to purchase the full version!”

Joey's eyes were wide after witnessing Yugi's 'death' before him, his arms were shaking as his hands clenched into fists. White hot rage boiling in his blood, the need for violence pulsing through his mind as he gritted his teeth. Joey stood up quickly and snapped his attention upwards to Valon, his brown eyes making contact with Valon's blue eyes, blood lust had taken over Joey in way he only felt when he was fighting back in his gang days.

“You're fucking <b><i>DEAD!</i></b>” Joey shouted before sprinting for the staircase.

Everyone shouted at Joey trying to get him to stop but nothing was reaching him, his full focus was on reaching Raphael and Valon. He wasn't gonna duel them, oh no he was going to <b>kill</b> them! They could hear Joey's stamping foot steps as they clanged against the metal staircase and echoed in the hallway, he was getting closer and closer with each stomp. Like a locomotive he was unstoppable at this point and while Valon was more then ready for a fight Raphael had enough.

Taking off his necklace holding it up in he air, he looked down at Yami Yugi and shouted.

“We're done for now Nameless Pharaoh but I'll be back for your soul next!”

And with that the stone of Orichalcos's started to glow and a blinding green light enveloped the lobby causing everyone, including Joey to cover their eyes, by the time the light was gone so were the two men. Joey finally reached the landing only to see nothing of the men was left, he panted looking around before he dropped to his knees and screamed out in frustration.

[vampire-chokehold]

read on AO3 DRAMATIS PERSONAE (in order of appearance)

PATRINA        archmage, lover, returned KASIMIR        brother and murderer of Patrina CHORUS       of vampire spawns STRAHD       the Devil of Barovia RAHADIN     loyal dog, traitor to the dusk elves

SETTING: The play is set in Castle Ravenloft’s catacombs, in Barovia. Patrina has been dead for more than four hundread years. It is the middle of the night. Kasimir has succumbed to the guilt and has broght back his sister from the undead.

PATRINA All men of Barovia are deserving of death.

Don’t look at me like that. You brought me back to life,  but your hands are stained with the same blood that runs through your veins. Dare you believe that forgiveness bears your name? That by a good deed your sins will be pardoned? Are you not, too, my brother, my murderer? Are you not he who put an end to my days by throwing the first stone that buried me, that stole my last breath from my lips?

You couldn’t stomach that I was better than you,  that your sister, a woman, was exceptional. Anger consumed you,  envy made a home between your ribs and, under my shadow, you planned my death. Over my body, you shed tears— but not for me, but because you had lost everything. Tell me, you treacherous rat, was it worth it? Do not answer me— no! I will never again believe in your words for they are as hollow as my sunken chest.

Brother, you were never on my side. When I was born, your eyes burned guilt into my skin. How could I, a baby, be so unworthy when I couldn't even utter a word, let alone lie or sin? Not even once did you hold me in your arms, not even once did you speak to me with love! Brother, what did I ever do to you? Was it being born a woman? Between my legs, the original sin— my breasts and mouth, temptation. And on my shoulders? The weight of an accursed race to redeem.

It was a spring night, the first time I learnt that one could see with other eyes; that love is written with fingertips on tingling skin; that lips can conjure the most powerful of spells and shoot with their kisses the sharpest of arrows; that hunger is not only hushed with food, nor thirst with the water from the rivers.

You didn't waste time hating him as much as you hated me. As soon as he uttered his name, I saw, written all over your face,  the desire to end him— as if you weren't a coward, as if you were born for something more than living under my wing. If only you had accepted your fate.

In the fire of your future, neither bravery nor excellence burned, and glory only crossed your path when you ended me. My death was your greatest sin, but also your finest work. And now, I too want to taste salvation. With the edge of this knife, brother, I will cut your throat, spill your blood, avenge my death and that of all my sisters.

KASIMIR Patrina, my sister! You have returned to me like swallows to spring, bringing with you memories of a life full of regret. Patrina, ghost of my nights, ceaseless hiss! You tormented me in life as well as in death, your voice an echo in my gut every time darkness embraced me. You asked me to bring you back to this land that never wanted us, that made us slaves to a monster whom you thought deserving of your love. For what? To seek revenge? When the metal sinks into my flesh, do you believe you'll find rest then? When my blood stains your hands, do you think it will end the agony of your existence?

Your death only brought misery to this sullen land. Now I know, the evil I awakened when the stones rained down upon your body. Your corpse, still warm under a river of blood— the blood of all your sisters. He killed them! That monster you called love! He killed them all— mothers and daughters, and suddenly, a silence fell in which I could only hear your screams.

Don't be mistaken, sister. Your heart holds the mercy I never knew. Forgive me, forgive me! Can't you see me, on my knees, repentant? Your knife at my throat, and this sorrowful plea on my lips. I have paid dearly for my transgressions, my flesh is not untouched by punishment. Can't you see me, on my knees, repentant?

PATRINA You speak of mercy with the lightness befitting a man. I wish you had felt the same when our gazes met in that clearing! Didn't you hear my pleas? Didn't you see my lips moving, tears overflowing in my eyes? Didn't you even feel pity for your sister?

Tell me, my brother: Why should I save you? Do you believe you deserve to live, even breathe the same breath as I?

You look at me like the lamb looks at the wolf and you think I can't see through those eyes. That you are wicked, that you always have been. And if I weren't your sister, would you have flayed my flesh? Would you have made me an example of dishonour?

KASIMIR If only you weren't my sister! I wish you hadn't been my sister. Then I wouldn't have wanted to protect you. I would have let that monster take you, make you his forever. PATRINA Protect me? You confuse violence for love, brother. And you speak of me as a puppet trapped by fate. But I loved that man whom you call a monster. KASIMIR Loved?  Will you kill him too?

PATRINA All men of Barovia are deserving of death.

KASIMIR Where is the love then?

PATRINA Where was the love when you murdered me?

KASIMIR Your death was an act of love.

PATRINA I will grant you your last words, brother. You can ask for my forgiveness, though to you I’ll never give it.

KASIMIR Patrina, you are both serpent and apple! If I'm to die by your hands, let it be with pride.

PATRINA So be it.

[Enter the CHORUS. ]

CHORUS Patrina! What have you done, child?

PATRINA I have killed my brother.

CHORUS And for what?

PATRINA All men of Barovia are deserving of death.

CHORUS Are you worthy of plunging the blade into their flesh? Are you, child, the embodiment of justice? How different are you from him when you've avenged the deaths of your sisters with the blood of your own blood?

PATRINA I am not like my brother.

CHORUS No, you are worse.

PATRINA Is vengeance a greater sin than it is silence? Should I have consumed myself in my agony, forever crying out for love?

CHORUS You speak of love, Patrina, as if you've ever known it. As if this crusade is in its name.

[Enter RAHADIN and STRAHD.]

STRAHD Patrina, is it really you? Is this mirage reality?

PATRINA The Devil Strahd, once again before me.

RAHADIN Do not listen to her, my Lord, she will ensnare you with her siren's whisper.

STRAHD Kasimir, you weak man, you couldn't bear the burden of guilt on your shoulders. I knew this day would come, when your sister would return and with this knife, kill you.

Patrina, old love, have you come for me too? Does the same fate await me as your foolish brother?

PATRINA Do not even speak my name— those lips are stained with the blood of my sisters! Empty promises and an insatiable hunger between your sharp teeth, nothing more.

I have engraved in my memory the recollection of my past life, as crystalline as the waters of this land. Do not try to deceive me again with your velvet words. I know who you truly are, Strahd von Zarovich!

You placed glory in my hands and snatched it away with the same cruelty which deemed you eternal king of this land.

On your lips, I read words I had never heard before. On my skin, you painted a future so bright that it blinded the rest of my days with poisoned hope. You didn't kill me, but your silence has always made you an accomplice.

Did you weep for me when your wolves my desecrated body— more of the dirt than mine— to your castle they took?

RAHADIN Dare you speak of betrayal, wench? I should have killed your brother too, his body rotting next to yours, so you couldn't return from the dead like a plague amongst the living: venomous and deadly.

STRAHD Didn't I love you, Patrina, with all my heart?

On your skin, I traced constellations. On your heart, I placed my darkest secrets. On your lips, I shed tears for my bitter existence.

And you say I didn't love you? That I deceived you? Am I not the one who lived in the lie of your love?

You have forgotten who you are, Patrina. You never loved me.

PATRINA I can't believe you. I don't want to believe you! You let my brother stone me— each lash coloring my skin purple and vermillion. You let your dog kill my sisters— they, who were not guilty of my foolish and naive innocence!

Why? Oh why?

You made me a prisoner in your castle, abandoned me to my fate, condemned forever to yearn for revenge. If you loved me so much, oh why, Strahd— why didn't you save me from myself?

STRAHD I would have given you eternal life if that night hadn't been your end. If only I had reached you sooner!

PATRINA You're trying to deceive me.

STRAHD That spring, Patrina, not only roses bloomed in my garden, but also hope in my heart. I had not yet known love— forever craving the warmth of another body, of other lips. War had made a cruel man out of me, I know. My calloused hands were unworthy of the softness I longed for. if death bore my name, could I be deserving of love, of forgiveness?

Then I saw you. Your hair flowing freely, and your skin gleaming dark like a secret yet to be discovered. A strand fell over your eyes, and I wanted to push it away like a desperate child. Capricious, an imposing curiosity. You looked at me as if I were a question for which only you had the answer. You turned around, and I followed you, enchanted. I walked behind you, chacing the trail of your perfume.

Oh how beautiful you were! How beautiful you still are.

You led me to your tent, and at the entrance, you looked back at me. With an invitation on your lips, you let me in— my heart, for the first time racing trapped in my throat.

You were never a woman of time. Always two steps ahead, you waited for no one. What you wanted, you took. And in that moment, I thought that you wanted me because you held my face in your hands— without even knowing my name, and you kissed me with the fervent passion of a sword piercing flesh.

From that moment on, I only dreamed of your breath on my skin. And while I wanted to devour you, your lips murmured spells and words of magic that— oh how I wished, had been words of love for me!

Your love was a window to the abyss. It was like gazing into a void so vast that you felt it would swallow you whole. Everything I gave you disappeared into your darkness. In your eyes, I could only see my reflection and on the other side, the hunger for power consuming you.

Patrina, don't you know? You and I are the same.

PATRINA We were not,  and will never be.

STRAHD Oh but that’s where you’re wrong. Patrina, don’t you remember? We walked for days. Sometimes in utter silence, you ruminating and me, as always, waiting. At the top of the mountain, the amber was a sun in the clearest of skies. The snow embraced the temple with its icy arms, and our footsteps drew an uncertain future behind us. You took my hand in yours, we ran breathlessly. I had never seen your eyes so lively and hungry. How I loathed that hunger was not for me.

That temple hid the most obscure of secrets, even darker than mine. The voices, oh the voices! They whispered into my heart, Patrina, but I didn’t want to listen to them because they spoke of you, of the truth behind your love.

PATRINA And what truth might that be?

STRAHD That is of no importance now, old love. You’ve come back and now nothing is standing in our way.

PATRINA Do you think me a fool? Could I ever trust that mouth which only knows how to lie? Do you really think I came back for you? You speak of treason as if your loyalty doesn’t bear a price, as if your love for me  was ever unconditional. It never was, I know!

You longed for greatness as much as I— don’t fool yourself. You do not fool me! Under the bright orange of the amber, there I saw in your eyes the same desperation that haunted my very being.

And when I died? Tell me, Strahd— did you weep for me? DID YOU WEEP?

RAHADIN Do not come any closer, viper! No one remembers your name— after four hundred years trapped in the darkness of this castle,  no one even knows who you are.

PATRINA And you, who are you? Loyal dog of yet to be honed teeth. If I kill you here and now— do you think your master will even lament your loss? I can hear the screams of my sisters— they yet linger to your skin. Still you smell of warm blood. Tell me, traitor— how does it feel to slaughter the sheep of your flock? Do you feel more wolf— less of a treacherous dog?        None of this is yours.

RAHADIN Gladly I massacred the dusk elves and cursed their future with my scimitar. Oh the sweet stench of their guts and the metal together in the most macabre poem ever to be written in this land! The only thing I do regret is not making a coat out of your skin, wench.

Loyal dog you call me? That I am— you wouldn’t know what loyalty is, the sense of duty, the most purest submission one has to offer with their own life.

Patrina. From the lowest of scum, one can never make a queen.

PATRINA Rahadin! I curse your sole existence! May the Gods damn you forever to roam in the shadows. May the Gods grant you no rest,  neither in this life nor in the next. Die, Rahadin! Die by my hands,  as my brother did! I will savour your death as the hungry the rotten fruit.

RAHADIN [To STRAHD. ] Will you let her kill me?

STRAHD Are you not deserving of a pardon?

RAHADIN Will you let her kill me? Ah!—

CHORUS In silence, I’ve watched closely. Is vengeance the way, child? Two men have been killed— same knife, different wounds. The blood— alike.

Oh Patrina! What have you done?

PATRINA Don’t you see? I said: All men of Barovia are deserving of death. And I always keep my word. I will carve my rage into their flesh and my name on their lips will forever remain until the end of time. Forget me, you say? I am Patrina, cursed daughter!

[To STRAHD. ] When I end you, will you speak my name one last time? I’ve always loved how it sounded on your tongue.

CHORUS Child, you don’t know what you’re saying. Only men die by the blade. But he’s no ordinary man, no— he is something else.

PATRINA Oh but I know. The heart still, the lungs hollow in the chest— eternity as an unbreakable thread! The promise of immortality, the biggest of lies ever said.

STRAHD Oh Patrina, enchantress of my nights, I would have given you all if only your brother— Kasimir, you poor excuse of a man— if only you wouldn’t have taken her from me!

PATRINA I hold your face in my hands and I remember the first time I tasted your lips,  the first time I felt your warmth under my fingertips. Was happiness not written for us in our wretched destiny? How I loved you, Strahd— but how I loved the life that was taken from me!

Oh the pain and sorrow that caves my chest in!

STRAHD But we can finish what we started. Perhaps kindness can blossom amongst the mist.

PATRINA Kindness is a choice we make. One I don't want to take. I will only find solace when you turn to dust; when this stake, driven into your chest, puts an end to your days.

STRAHD Do you believe you can kill me? Bury the stake, right here. Let's do it together, Patrina.

PATRINA Let me go. Don't touch me! You won't deceive me again.

STRAHD Kill me, Patrina, infernal punishment! Do you think I won't return? Do you think my torment will end with you?

CHORUS Listen to him, child. The curse cannot be broken.

PATRINA Even if you return, I will know. Even if you return, I will have consumed my revenge. Nothing matters anymore, for I am alone and cursed.

Any last words?

STRAHD I loved you. I still love you.

PATRINA Your love is not honest enough to save you. Now, close your eyes.

STRAHD Patrina!—

CHORUS He is not dead, child. He will return.

PATRINA But I won't be here, no—

CHORUS Patrina!

Cursed child, dead. What have you done?

[Three bodies lay on the cold stone floor of Castle Raveloft, their blood a river of red. Of the other, only dust remains.]

[crossdressingdeath]

Jaheira: Dark dreams? Jaheira: I think I can guess. Visions of blood on your hands. The blood in your veins, perhaps. Jaheira: For all the gifts Bhaal's children inherit - a peaceful night's sleep is not among them. Kyvir: How could you possibly know? Jaheira: I've slept beside a Bhaalspawn before. I know the signs - the dreams, the urges... the power. Jaheira: And so I come to ask: what did it take for you to earn that Slayer-skin you hide so well? Kyvir: Innocent blood. As innocent as my own: I have no control over when my body kills. Jaheira: I have spent my life fighting your father in whatever form he chose to take. By rights, I should cut you down here. Jaheira: But that would be a mercy. One you have not earned. Jaheira: You are twice-tainted, yes. But whatever you have done - you might yet serve the good. Jaheira: Whatever its source, the Slayer form is a weapon like any other. And if you mean to master it, I know where you must go. Jaheira: To face the other of your kind - Orin. So long as the other lives, neither of you can claim your full power. Kyvir: And what will become of me, if I beat her? Jaheira: Show daddy dear that you alone choose your fate. You are a child of Bhaal - but that need not be all that you are. Jaheira: And when you stand against him, you will not stand alone. Kyvir: What if I slip out of control again? You will kill me? Jaheira: You will be protected. Even from yourself. Jaheira: For now, rest. Sleep escapes me, so I might as well take the watch. Narrator: *You rest with the knowledge that you are being watched over. Or indeed, guarded.*

The plot thickens! I love how Jaheira confronts you about being Bhaalspawn the same night you remember it, it's like she was waiting.

I assume the bit about Jaheira having slept beside a Bhaalspawn before is a reference to the Throne of Bhaal DLC from BG2? Something from one of the earlier games, anyway. So, y'know, not gonna get into it. I'll probably have more to say when I actually play the earlier games, but for now I'm gonna leave it at... that's probably a reference, that's cool. And of course Karlach also brings up that Jaheira was involved in the Bhaalspawn Crisis when you first meet her, so there's also an explanation here for people who haven't played the first two games as to why Jaheira would have personal experience with them. I wonder if they partially brought Jaheira (or at least a member of the BG2 cast) back because she had that personal experience with Bhaalspawn that would allow her to call Durge out? It would be a bit of a missed opportunity if no one in the group could recognize Durge for what they are, after all.

That aside, it's interesting to me that Jaheira considers killing Durge a mercy. I suspect that's also context I'm missing from having started with the third game, but if it's important and not just her own opinion on the Bhaalspawn I'm sure it'll come up here. I'm also fascinated by how she decides they haven't "earned" that "mercy" yet; if they haven't earned it because they've been a naughty little murderer (which Kyvir has), then she's not killing them when they've proved themselves to be actively dangerous, which seems odd.

It's also very good that while Jaheira clearly isn't exactly comfortable with the idea of adventuring with a Bhaalspawn—especially since in this run Kyvir's killed enough to earn the Slayer form—she also has a certain degree of sympathy for them. She thinks they're dangerous and possibly outright evil, but she also clearly thinks that they are capable of choosing their own path instead of just being loyal to their father! She probably will try to kill them if they don't turn on their father and choose to help him with his apocalyptic plans, but if they instead choose to fight for the future of Faerûn against their father she and the rest of the group will have their back, even if it means fighting Bhaal himself. She also doesn't tell the group about Durge being Bhaalspawn; you can do it yourself, but it doesn't look like Jaheira has any intention of spilling the beans at least at this point. It's really very kind of her to leave that up to them, although it remains to be seen how long she'll keep quiet about it.

And it's interesting that she's also encouraging them to claim the Slayer's full power; I don't know if the Slayer comes up in any of the games she's in (don't tell me), but it doesn't necessarily seem wise to encourage someone who's already so tied to Bhaal and who clearly has at least some desire to please him hardwired into them from their past, whatever the details of that past are, to go after more power from him. But hey, she knows more about the Bhaalspawn than I do, maybe it's fine. I mean, the Slayer's power will definitely come in handy, provided Durge can keep it under control; maybe she's decided that the risks associated with a Bhaalspawn actively seeking out their father's power while they're fighting Bhaal are worth the reward of having a Slayer with all Bhaal's available power behind it on their side. It's also very interesting that that's how it works; Bhaal can't or won't grant full power to any of his children if there's more than one alive? I guess that might explain why he went from sending a whole army of his children in to do his bidding to having two known children and setting one to kill the other.

Also: don't think I missed how Jaheira doesn't actually give a straight answer when Durge asks if she'll kill them if they slip again. Killing them could be covered under protecting them from themselves, if protecting them from themselves includes protecting them from the atrocities they could commit if they lose control.

[v-e-l-v-e-t-g-o-l-d-m-i-n-e]

Lestat and his constant protectiveness/worry over Louis in the books

I saw Gabrielle break through the side door before the car hit the ground. And she and I were both rolling over on the grassy slope as the car capsized and exploded with a deafening roar." Louis!" I shouted. I scrambled towards the blaze. I would have gone right into it after him: But the glass of the back portal splintered as he came through it. He hit the embankment just as I reached him. And with my cape I beat at his smoking garments, Gabrielle ripping off her jacket to do the same. - The Vampire Lestat

What was she doing? Assessing their power? Looking from one to the other, and then back to me. A stranger looking down from some lofty height. And so now the fire comes, Lestat. Don’t dare to look at Gabrielle or Louis, lest she turn it that way. Die first, like a coward, and then you don’t have to see them die. - The Queen of the Damned

“Ah, Louis, forgive me.” The dark neglected hallway. I shuddered. “I came here because I was so concerned . . . about you.” “No need,” he said considerately. “It was just a little pilgrimage I had to make.” I touched his face with my fingers; so warm from the kill. “She’s not here, Louis,” I said. “It was something Jesse imagined.” “Yes, so it seems,” he said. “We live forever; but they don’t come back.” - The Queen of the Damned

"All right," he said despairingly. "I hope you discover the man's seduced you with a pack of lies, that all he wants is the Dark Blood, and that you send him straight to hell. Once more, let me warn you, if I see him, if he threatens me, I shall kill him. I haven't your strength. I depend upon my anonymity, that my little memoir, as you always call it, was so very far removed from the world of this century that no one took it as fact." "I won't let him harm you, Louis," I said. I turned and threw an evil glance at him. "I would never ever have let anyone harm you." And with this I left. Of course, this was an accusation, and he felt the keen edge of it, I'd seen that to my satisfaction, before I turned again and went out. - The Tale of the Body Thief

Oh, yes, I had asked for it, as mortals so often declare. And I had done this despicable thing of letting loose the Body Thief with my powers. True. Guilty again of spectacular blunders and experiments. But had I ever dreamed of what it would truly mean to be stripped utterly of my powers and on the outside looking in? The others knew; they must know. And they had let Marius come to render the judgment, to let me know that for what I had done, I was cast out! But Louis, my beautiful Louis, how could he have spurned me! I would have defied heaven to help Louis! I had so counted upon Louis, I had so counted upon waking this night with the old blood running powerful and true in my veins. - The Tale of the Body Thief

I thought then of Louis's rejection, and that I would very soon see him again, and an evil satisfaction rilled me. Ah, he would be so very surprised. Then a little fear came over me. How would I forgive him? How would I keep my precious temper from exploding like a great wanton flame? - The Tale of the Body Thief

No scent of a mortal signaled an intruder. In fact, I knew the step that was approaching. I had heard it so many times in my life both mortal and preternatural. Yet I didn't dare to believe in such a rescue from my misery, until the unheralded figure appeared in the courtyard, his velvet coat dusty, his yellow hair tangled, his violet eyes looking at once to the grim and appalling visage of Louis: It was Lestat. With an awkward step, as though his body, so long unused, revolted against him, he made his way closer to Merrick, who turned her tearstained face to him as if she too were seeing a Savior come in answer to her directionless prayers. - Merrick

Lestat seemed to be considering these things. How could he not? Once, he himself had gone into the sunlight in a distant desert place, and, having been burnt again and again, without release, he came back. His skin was still golden from this hurtful and terrible disaster. He would carry that imprint of the sun's power for many years to come. Straightaway, he stepped in front of Merrick, and as both of us watched, he knelt down beside the coffin, and he moved very close to the figure, and then he drew back. With his fingers, quite as delicately as she had done it, he touched the blackened hands, and he left no mark. Slowly, lightly, he touched the forehead, and once more, he left no mark. He drew back, kneeling up, and, lifting his right hand to his mouth, he gashed his wrist with his own teeth before either Merrick or I knew what he meant to do. At once a thick stream of blood poured down onto the perfectly molded face of the figure in the coffin, and as the vein sought to heal itself, again Lestat gashed it and let the blood flow. - Merrick

“Come now, enough of these ‘things,’ ” he said with a tone of remarkable weariness. “New Orleans waits. Louis waits. And if he hasn’t come down to New Orleans as you asked, I say we go to New York and get him.” He had mentioned Louis countless times in the last six months, but the strange thing was, I didn’t trust him with all these mentions of how I needed Louis, and ought to write to Louis, and ought to pick up one of the many telephones around me and call Louis. I had some deep fear that he was in fact jealous of Louis, but I was ashamed of that feeling. Now he was saying, Let’s go, let’s find Louis. [...] This troubled me, and I wasn’t sure quite why. What if he suddenly wanted to hurt Louis? What if he became jealous of Louis—of my affection for Louis? “Nonsense, go to him,” he said. Calm voice. Manly voice. “Am I jealous of your son, Viktor? Am I jealous of your beloved daughter, Rose? You need Louis and you know it, and he’s ready now to surrender. - Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis

And so it was done. Louis was putting on his jacket and scarf. I was unhappy. I watched him pulling on his gloves. I couldn’t imagine how this could end productively or happily. I didn’t want Louis to be humiliated, but what could Fareed and Seth say to talk of the silver cord? If they became impatient and short with him, I’d be furious. - Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis

I knew that the monster had other resources. We all do, the clever ones, who don’t wish to move through eternity like tramps. He had gold and jewels in hiding places. He had wealth undreamt of and unrecorded. And dwellings perhaps of which no one knew. And now he had taken my Louis, my helpless Louis. Penetrated our most fortified refuge, and taken Louis away. [...] Again, I was not thinking. I was merely knowing—and knowing that Louis, Louis the most vulnerable of us all, was in the grip of that monster—or already dead. - Blood Communion

“In all these centuries,” said Cyril, “never have we known one whom we could see as our champion. You can’t really know, boss, just what you are now to the others. You think you know, but you don’t, and that’s why I’ll be right outside your door again sleeping in the passage, sleeping here so nothing and no one can get at you or hurt you—as long as I live and breathe.” Then I was alone in the chilling darkness—with the villain Armand despised, and the son who had not protected his mother, and the lover who had never protected Louis from himself or others, and the miserable pupil of Marius who had so misjudged Rhoshamandes that now Marius was dead. - Blood Communion

[novembermurray]

Someone on Tumblr (I can’t find again) posted how they didn’t think the Paladin class mades no sense for a Durge. Where did they get that oath? How do they remember it if they remember nothing? Why did they commit to the oath?

Well, here’s the backstory for how my Durge got his oath.

--

The Paladin came to my temple in unadorned battle scarred armor with a mundane greatsword of tarnished steel. Its bright sharpened edge was already wet with crimson when he forced his way inside. He cut down acolytes and veteran assassins alike, carved a path into the unholy heart of my Father’s sanctum. There the Death’s Heads descended on him from all sides as he stood upon the dais of the Murder God. He cut each down with a mad grin, a euphoria in their deaths that could rival my own dark delights. 

“More!” He cried, wavering on his feet atop the alter. His own blood running down the scratches of his armor to join that of his victims. His healing power long since spent. “Give me more!”

I looked down at him from the upper walkways and signed for my followers to stay back.

His sharp eyes caught the commanding motion of my hand, or perhaps he followed the eyes of my flock as they looked to me for orders.  

“Send me your worst, servant of vile murder!” He demanded, raising the point of his blade at me. His exhausted arm trembled under its weight. “Let me cull all your wicked kind!”

I descended the stairs slowly while the followers of Bhaal looked on. I studied the insane gleam in his eyes as I approached. Over his chest-plate was the tabard of a paladin but under it was the emaciated body of a leper. His cheeks were hollow and eyes sunken with sickness or curse. Still the toothy grin of bloodied teeth and the light in his eyes was full of life. He was at home in this bloodied battlefield, surrounded by death. I could not help but feel a stirring of admiration for one who would fight so viciously to the very end, and such beautiful brutality he fought with. 

“Wantonly you mete out death," I told him. "You might have served my unholy Father well in another life."

He chuckled with dark amusement and said:

“I know. I was born to be a killer, just like you. But when I saw my wickedness, rather than embrace it, I swore the oath of vengeance. If fate has cursed me to a wretched thing, let me be the wretched thing that monsters dread.” 

I shook my head and grinned at his foolishness. “Perhaps you were born to be a killer, but we are not the same. You could not dream of eclipsing what I was born to be.”

My feet touched the central platform, and the paladin lunged from the dais at me with his blade held high. I served my lord Father well that day with his death. The temple of Bhaal was painted in his blood as I lay to rest that night turning over in my hands a souvenir. Among the Paladin’s belongings I found a book, barely as large as my palm, tattered and stained. On the fraying cloth pages were the tenets of his oath:

Be the Dread of Monsters.

Fight the Greater Evil.

Grant no Mercy to the Wicked.

Persevere by Any Means Necessary.

For Restitution will be Demanded in Failure.

Something in my wretched heart beat in time with the tempo of those words. I had no need of oaths; my very existence was a promise to my Father. I had no need of these tenets, when his commandments sang in my veins in waking and dreams alike. But I kept the book anyway.

I thought of it when I met Enver Gortash, Chosen of my Father’s ancient enemy and would-be-Tyrant of legend-worthy ambition. ‘Fight the Greater Evil’ the words whispered in the back of my mind when I looked at the mangled still-breathing creatures of his experiments, the hollow eyes of his subjugated followers, and list of debtors twisted in his machinations. Is not a perfect finite murder the lesser evil compared to the unending pain, the starving existence under Tyranny. 

‘Grant no Mercy to the Wicked’ my mind chanted as we watched Isobel Thorm rise from her grave and the merciful light of hope spark in her father’s eyes. A foul creature such as Ketheric Thorm, traitorous man of capricious faith, did not deserve ‘hope’ or ‘mercy’ or ‘salvation’. I longed to tear the sweet cleric's throat out before Ketheric, see the devastation he deserved consume what remained of the man.

‘Persevere by Any Means Necessary’ I told myself as I stood in the festering depths of Moonrise towers, at the brine pool where the newly crowned Elder Brain - the Absolute - pulsed just below the liquid’s surface. Nothing but divine purpose, even a divinity as horrific as my legacy owned, could make the abomination we created justified. How terrible is this world that such lengths are necessary to cleanse it? But it must be cleansed, for Father, for Bhaal,... for myself… for an end… that I might rest…in the silence... silence, oh how I have craved it… Yes, by any means necessary.

‘For Restitution will be Demanded in Failure’ was my last thought as the blade pierced my skull and I felt the wriggling of something burrowing through the wound. ‘Failure’ my fractured mind echoed, as my sister Orin’s grin loomed in my darkening sight. ‘Restitution’ it said, as the pod closed around me. ‘Restitution, restitution, restitution,’ what was left of me repeated as I beat against the wall heedless of my own pain. The word lost all meaning and context as I thrashed. Still it repeated as my skin split, blood gushed, bones shattered… broken… wrecked… wretched… ruined…

When I awoke on the crashing nautiloid hurtling toward my fate, I had nothing in my head but a headache, a name, and the overwhelming urge to kill, kill, kill kill killkillkill…

But that book was in my pocket. 

And something inside my wretched heart beat in time with the tempo of those tenets. 

‘Be the Dread of Monsters’ my mind said. 

Yes, I answered, I will be their Dread. 

The monsters that ruined me would regret what they had done. The urges inside me might be evil, but I might point them like a blade at worse things. They must be evil, because I see their actions reflected through a lens of horror and terror in the eyes of my companions by the grace of the illithid worm’s psionics. The urge inside me is evil, but the evil that broke me must be worse. 

I will end it, I so swear.

I was the Dark Urge. 

The Dark Urge lives in me still.

But now I am reforged.

Now I am Dread.

[slifarianhawk]

Resident Evil: Archangel

Chapter 2: tests

I woke up in a dark room and my arms were bound to the wall I couldn't stand and I couldn't see. After a while I started to hear footsteps coming my way then they stopped, after a few seconds they opened the door to the room I'm in. the light from outside the blinded me for a few moments, when my vision cleared Wesker was standing in the doorway. When I saw him I hoped my contacts didn't fall out or Wesker would recognize me instantly and would kill me.

"So you're the little fly that's been buzzing around." He asked menacingly.

"Tsk you should know, heh you're like a little black cockroach." I chuckled feeling a slap across my face.

"How dare you mock a god like myself?" He said darkly.

I snorted, "A god you say, don't make me laugh. Hell I bet you wouldn't even be able to walk without out those viruses pumping through your veins."

"Let's see if you're still talking after three months of experimentation." He chuckled.

I laughed in his face, "experiments those don't frighten me, torture is child play, and I went through hell and back in my training."

"So you think this is a game, then let's play a game" he looked at the guards, "take her to the first room, and let's see how long you last."

The two majini hit me with their stun rods. My already aching body felt each jolt like a fire searing through my muscles. My head sank for a moment as they latched a shackle around my neck. They chained my arms and legs together, preventing me from escaping as they unshackled me from the wall. Roughly pulling on the chains they dragged me into the brightly lit hallway. My eyes barely able to adjust before being thrown into another room.

My body hit the floor with a thud. They threw me in a long room at first I couldn't see a damn thing but I heard metal scrape against the cement floor. The room smelt like blood and rust. I blinked a few times trying to get my eyes to adjust; however, as soon as I did the room lights flashed on. I did not like what I saw. A man stood in the room with barbed wire wrapped around what looked like a burlap sack over his head. This wasn't what made me nervous though, in his hands was a Chainsaw covered in blood.

"Let's see how well you go up against some of our pets." A voice rang through the speakers in the ceiling. It was Wesker, he was watching. As the man started the Chainsaw he howled a terrifying scream as he ran toward me. I leapt into action, dodging to the left. He quickly turned around, the Chainsaw scraping against the floor. I glanced around the room, there was barely anything in my vicinity, and the only thing there was a mirror. It was most likely one way glass. He was watching me. I wasn't in my gear so my equipment is out of the question. I dodged to the right as the crazed B.O.W. swung the power tool down. This was bad move on my part. I had backed myself into a corner.

"Shit..." I muttered.

I knew in the back of my mind he was laughing sadistically at the sight. I growled, that thought made my blood boil. In my moment of rage I didn't notice the majini charge at me. With only a second to spare I twisted my body. The chainsaw slammed into the wall. While the B.O.W was trying to recover I grabbed his wrist and twisted it shattering the bone. He let out a wail of pain as it clutched its now broken hand. In the second he grabbed his wrist, I slammed the monsters head into the chainsaw leaving a massive gash on its forehead stunning it. With a wild smirk I ripped the chainsaw from the wall.

"Heh too easy." I said running through its head with its weapon. A few moments later gas started spraying out the wall. I ran over to the door and tried to open it but the door wouldn't budge. I couldn't leave the room so I held my breath for as long as I could. A minute later I breathed in the gas and the toxins in the air made me pass out.

I awoke feeling my body being dragged. I shifted my eyes up seeing the same two majini from before. I was being dragged by the collar of my shirt. I shifted my arms grabbing the knife was in the lefts ones boot. I rolled my eyes. It was my black knife that was a piece of my gear. It was a gift from my student. I closed my eyes and sighed.

~~~~~flash back~~~~~

"This will be your charge agent 748." Vladimir said, "She'll be your responsibility."

"Hello my name Alistar Lancaster, I look forward to learning from you." The young agent said.

"The pleasure is all mine," I waited till Vladimir was out of the room and I stepped up to her and leaned into her ear, "My name is Tabitha Wesker, call me T and trust me you made the biggest mistake of your life coming to Umbrella."

"I'm not here for money, my reasons are personal." She said.

"Seems we are kindred spirits then." I smirked and walked away with her.

When we were far enough from where Surgei she asked me something,"so why did he call you agent not by your actual name?".

At this I stopped and stared straight at her. Taking a moment to check that we were away from any cameras I sighed and in a hushed voice spoke who I was, "My full name is Tabitha Redfield- Wesker. I'm the former wife of Albert Wesker and eldest sister in the Redfield family, both enemies of Umbrella. After the Arkley Mansion Incendent Umbrella proceeded to "see if I was like my husband". To them I'm nothing more than a test subject and a tool to be used as they see fit. This doesn't stop me from my true objective, to take back what they stole from me."

She stared at me with an inquiring voice, "What did they steal from you?".

Sorrow filled my gaze but not a single tear spilled, "the better question is what is left that they want to take."

~~~~~end of flashback~~~~~

After a moment I was thrown into another room this time I terrified by what I saw in the room... 'fuck my life' was all i thought. A ten foot cloaked monster stood over me, in its hands was a massive axe.

A dark chuckle rang through out the room again. His voice was sounding a slightly enticed tone, "it seems we have to increase the difficulty a bit, but I assure you by the end of these next few tests you will be suffering."

With a growl i spoke,"we shall see about that!".

[brass-woman]

Arwen: "Why do you fear the past? You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate."

Aragorn: "The same blood flows in my veins. The same weakness."

Arwen: "Your time will come. You will face the same evil. And you will defeat it."

Arwen: [in Elvish] "The Shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you... not over me."

The evil which Isildur faced was Sauron, yes, but also the ring. Isildur's failure took place after the war. He had a chance to destroy the ring, but the ring subverted his will and he took the ring for himself.

After the ring overpowers Boromir in Amon Hen, and Frodo flees, invisible, we get this passage from the books, and for the first (and, in the books, only) time, we hear the VOICE of the RING:

-------------------

"He [Frodo] seemed to be in a world of mist in which there were only shadows: The Ring was upon him. [...] And suddenly he felt the Eye. There was an eye in the Dark Tower that did not sleep. He knew that it had become aware of his gaze. A fierce eager will was there. It leaped towards him; almost like a finger he felt it, searching for him. Very soon it would nail him down, know just exactly where he was. Amon Lhaw it touched. It glanced upon Tol Brandir - he threw himself from the seat, crouching, covering his head with his grey hood.        He heard himself crying out: Never, never! Or was it: Verily I come, I come to you? He could not tell. Then a flash from some other point of power there came to his mind another thought: Take it off! Take it off! Fool, take it off! Take off the Ring!       The two powers strove in him. For a moment, perfectly balanced between their piercing points, he writhed, tormented..."

[The Fellowship of the Ring, Book 2, Chapter 10, The Breaking of the Fellowship]

-------------------

The Ring: "Verily I come, I come to you."

That's the ring. And I think the second voice is Gandalf, who Frodo thought was dead:

Gandalf: "Fool, take it off! Take off the Ring!"

Anyway, Sauron is WATCHING now. The stone chair where this scene takes place is called the Seat of Seeing, and it's a kind of scrying chair, but, much like the Palantir (the seeing stone from later in the story), the Seat of Seeing also makes you visible to farseeing eyes. Frodo's mind was exposed, in plain sight up there on the stone platform.

He escapes, and runs into Aragorn. Aragorn is panicking. He doesn't know what happened, but he suspects. "Frodo?" he says.

Frodo: "It has taken Boromir"

Aragorn, with venom and vengeance in his voice: "Where is the Ring?"

Frodo: "Stay away!"

Aragorn: "Frodo. I swore to protect you."

Frodo: "Can you protect me from yourself?"

[holding out the ring]

Frodo: "Would you destroy it?"

Now, Aragorn faces that evil, the same evil Isildur faced and failed to overcome. Would you destroy it? How many times did Aragorn lie awake at night and himself the same thing? Until now, I don't think he knew the answer. But as Frodo holds out the Ring, Aragorn hears the ring whispering his name. It knows him. It knows him well. It's practically a family heirloom. From a certain point of view, it should be his...

He can't answer Frodo. Instead:

Aragorn: [closing Frodo's hand around the ring] "I would have gone with you to the end, into the very fires of Mordor."

He couldn't destroy it. He knows that now. He got Frodo this far, but he cannot take him all the way. In the end, he would take the ring, just like Isildur. Aragorn's great triumph is that he lays aside his ego, his pride, and his plans, and lets Frodo go, lets the Ring go.

Remember Arwen, in Rivendell?

Arwen: "Your time will come. You will face the same evil [as Isildur]. And you will defeat it."

Arwen: [in Elvish] "The Shadow does not hold sway yet. Not over you... not over me."

Well, Aragorn can't destroy the Ring, but he can let it go, and that's enough as it turns out. He doesn't have to single-handedly repair the mistakes of Isildur—he can't. But he's able to support Frodo, and when the time comes, he gets out of the way.

There was no glory in this moment, but it changed the course of history.

You are Isildur’s heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate. The same blood flows in my veins. The same weakness.

[theguildedtypewriter]

“I may not measure up to you physically, but I’ve eaten men twice your size, and Radiance-blessed blood runs through my veins." "Keep talking like that, Witchling, and we’ll have a great time.” NEW PARTS COMING SOON! Love monster romance? Fae romance? Why Choose? Dark fantasy? Get all the current & future parts of His Black Alchemy for just $1 a month as a Patron! Orcs, Fae, magic, SPICE, MM romance, Why Choose, MFM, ancient evils, arranged marriages, fated mates, second-chance romance, & sad backstories! Sheyrah I've had it up to here dealing with the King's endless obsession with pitting the fae alchemists of Hiviba against each other. I've already lost the love of my life to the Orc Kingdom Gukar when he defected, and now I'm just supposed to be his sharpened tool to create a tenuous peace? I'm not his child or relative, but I'm just supposed to marry the Gukarian King's alchemist like it's nothing. We've constantly battled, albeit mentally, about who's the better practitioner, and I'm to wed him in three days.  Sindren The fae captain of the guard in an orc kingdom has little in the way of friends. I've never been treated the same as a less-than-magical member of the Folk, but the Orc Dynasty has perfected the art of burying emotions that don't serve you. In three days, I'm on a new assignment as the sole protector of the renowned Black Alchemist. In three days, I'll see her again.  Zelig I had little choice but to accept my fate when the Emperor informed me I would be marrying Hiviba's fae Alchemist. We've constantly sparred over the years, and the infuriating Witchling is now supposed to be my Chosen. In three days, I'll see her face for the first time. The thought of spelling her into silence on the spot is more than tempting.  The fate of the kingdoms will change as a riptide of chaos roars through the planes, threatening to destroy the Radiance that gives life to magic. #academicrivals #bookstagram #secondchanceromance #arrangedmarriage #darkromance #adultfantasy #spicybooks #authorsofinstagram #faeromance #orcromance #darkfantasy #monsterromance #magic (at The Forgotten Realms) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnNgWA4v3kt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thepinkcaffe]

Aki's cigarettes_

aki x female!reader

1k+ words

Tw: reader is depressed, mention of death and suicidal topics.

 You woke up to an empty bed. 

The room was enguIft in the calming darkness of the night, the gentle summer breeze - let in by the open balcony doors - caressed your face and subtly moved the end of the long white curtains. 

You made your way towards it.

Aki was there, sitting on a chair in the corner of the balcony, cigarette in hand. Even though he didn’t think of himself as attractive you couldn’t help but think he was the most beautiful person you ever laid eyes upon. The black shadow that was his hair, free  from its usual updo framed his face gently complimenting his sharp features. His body was elegant, and moved with grace and fluidity, he never seemed awkward nor out of place. Noticing your presence, his focus shifted from the skylain of the sleeping city to you. “Why aren’t you sleeping?” “I could ask you the same thing.”

You took a seat on his lap, his arm caging you automatically to his body. You felt the cold tip of his nose rub against the nape of your exposed neck, searching for your scent, that seemed to calm him down way faster than any cigarette could. His soft lips pressed a gentle kiss on your skin. You cherished every little gesture, the gentle ways by which he treated you, never failed to make you feel appreciated, and wanted, silencing that stagnant sadness that never seemed to leave you. Honestly speaking, before meeting him you feIt like your soul was already dead and you were just waiting for your body to catch on. You didn't really find pleasure in living, it felt boring and alienating, death in your head was a gift...no, a privilege that you wanted to benefit from soon. Sometimes the desire to end it all took over your brain and the darkest of thoughts turned into fantasies of liberation and freedom,

And then you met him.

You never felt more alive, and you truly believe that the first time ever blood started pumping through your veins was when yours and Aki paths of tragedy met. 

You knew it was not meant to last forever, but in that moment his heart was biting, his skin was warm, his body was there for you to touch, he was alive and that was enough.

But you couldn’t help but feel scared of him leaving you behind.

You couldn’t phantom having to go back to living the way you did before, not after knowing what it felt like to truly exist in peace.

When you were apart, and his presence couldn't soothe you to a peaceful sleep, nightmares took over. You couldn't really picture clear depictions of his death, but in the jungle of screaming voices, running  figures appeared in a blur, nothing felt clear or defined, it was chaos. Devils didn't need to show themselves for their evil to be felt. And in your spirit, soul and mind, the only thing that was clear was the feeling of his absence. Even though those nightmares weren't real, the excruciating pain and fear  you felt when you woke up was. 

"Aki…" the build up of sadness in your throat was getting unbearable, making your voice sound groggy. "Let me go first ". 

He took a moment to look at you. Eyebrows furrowed beyond possible, ingraining deep wrinkles on his forehead. His body went rigid under you, but his arms held on to you tighter. A thick silence that you didn't know how to describe descended upon the both of you. He had Power and Denji by his side now.

There was a small part of you that was jealous and hated not being the sole source of his happiness and content, sharing his affection at the beginning felt uncomfortable, but in the world that you both lived in there was no place to arvest that kind of selfish emotions towards the ones you loved, not when you had selfish requests like that.

“Aki, everyday I wake up, and it hurts. But I’m happy because you are the first thing I see when I open my eyes.”  Your eyes were glossy, and tiers ready to fall, as you caressed his face.  “You have people who love you, and need you. You have things to look forward to. But I…beside you, I have nobody, and it’s okay. Aki I desired death for so long. But if you leave before me not even death could grant me refuge from the hurt of a life without you. Aki, let me find my peace.”

The cigarette that fell from his fingers long ago stayed put as the last flicker of fire consumed the paper and turned everything into ashes. You felt bad, but for the sake of your flickering sanity, you couldn’t keep it to yourself.

“Don’t hate me Aki, please.”

His eyes were low, he hadn’t been able to look you in the face for a while now, but his grip got progressively stronger, bruising, fingernails breaking into your skin. It hurt, it did but you welcomed that kind of physical pain, in some weird way it felt calming.

“I could never hate you Y/n.”

You kept staring at him as he turned his head to look in the distance.

“Sometimes I wonder what it would be like if we were different people and lived a different life. Maybe we would have met at school, or at a part-time job in a cafeteria. I wouldn’t smoke, and you would smile more. I’d ask you out, we would date and maybe break-up a couple of times, then...then I’d want to marry you, so you could be mine even by law. I want to see what we’d look like in twenty, thirty years, you’ll still be beautiful that I’m sure. There are so many things I want to do with you, and for you but I’ll never be able to do. So if there’s something that I can do, I’ll do it because I love you.

[vvo1d1ing]

While I have my own opinions that aren't in any way constructive to this post, there are things I need to point out and slightly play the Devil's Advocate because I feel like so many Astarion fans haven't read much upon DnD/Forgotten Realms vampires. I apologize for how long this is;

Larian had to ignore the fact that for Astarion's Act 3 plot to even work is that Vampires (in general, meaning lesser vampires/vampire spawn, greater vampires/true vampires/vampire lords, etc. etc.) DO NOT posses souls. Cazadorz whole ritual actually shouldn't fucking work because he isn't sacrificing living being, he is sacrificing undead. The souls of the undead have long been claimed by whatever god they used to worship when they were alive or went to the City of Judgment if they were faithless so there isn't actually anything to sacrifice!

So no, you aren't sacrificing seven thousand people or souls, you're sacrificing seven thousand walking corpses with Cazadors parasitic blood running through their veins. Yes that sounds cruel, but it's lore factual to the fact that vampires of all kind are undead beings. When you kill a zombie or a skeleton in DnD, you haven't killed a person, you killed an animated dead. Same goes for vampires.

I personally always choose to Ascend him because I love evil characters but I wouldn't choose that option if Larian went the smart route of simply giving the option of Astarion becoming a normal-no special-not vampire lord-vampire because he then would've simply gained more powers naturally with age. And like, that would've been the best of all options because for that he'd only need to drink Cazadors blood (and then kill him because seriously fuck Cazador, he is so pathetic and that would free the rest of the spawn) and he wouldn't be a spawn for the rest of his life which literally makes him be stuck in endless hunger and unable to live his life normally for eternity or until someone pity kills him.

And to explain why I mention this; The reason Strahd Von Zarovich is a difficult encounter to deal with in DnD is that besides him being a Dark Lord which gives him lots of cool abilities, is the fact that he is an Ancient Vampire! He has had 400+ years to master his vampiric skills, to hone his powers. Astarion should have the same option because if he just went from Vampire Spawn to Vampire, he would be able to do much of the same shit Strahd does! Not to mention, in Van Richten's Guide to Vampires, it's mentioned that after a minute, a Spawn (in book called Fledgling) would immediately die of direct sunlight. On the other hand, Ancient Vampires like Strahd could go for a whole hour before dying from direct sunlight once this period of immunity is over. Patriarch Vampires can even go a whole day in the sun as if they were a living person.

This kind of option would be the literal best for Astarion and I'm so fucking sad and pissed that Larian will never do this because of the very forced "do you end the cycle of abuse or do you want your friend to become a megalomaniac" storyline that simply isn't actually as simple as that!

My thoughts on the whole “I can fix him” discourse

Convincing Astarion not to ascend was not Tav’s “I can fix him” pet project. In fact we didn’t fix anything? It was about seeing him and not agreeing with his desperate need to try to disassociate himself and thinking of himself as weak and pathetic. We did not fix him, we kept him as he was, believing he can fix himself in a better way. Most importantly, we didn’t allow the person we love commit mass murder for his own benefit.

By ascension, you affirm his own view of himself that he’s pathetic, weak, needs to change. And it’s kinda interesting to say the least that sacrificing 7000 people to the devil gets swept under the rug like it’s nothing just because you saw the ritual as an opportunity to improve his situation. So in fact it’s you who “fixed” him…and trapped him in a vicious cycle of power struggle.

[runner-owen]

Runner Owen - What It Means to Want

Fledgling Vampire!Reader checks in on Locke Hepatica as he lays in restless, fevered sleep...

TW: Dark themes, ask to tag 947 words

[had to include a gif of Locke's faceclaim this time]

Through the peephole, you stare into the room. The humans have no idea you’re here, just on the other side of this wall, watching. A fire burns in the hearth, lighting the darkened, transformed sick room. The maid paces between the abandoned chairs, hand over her mouth, her shadow stretching out over the walls. The matriarch, Mother Majors, sits in a chair by the bedside, her hands clasped together, her beautiful, aged face lined with dread, eyes closed, deep brown skin ashen.

And there he is, on the bed. Locke Hepatica sleeps, his face twisting with pain. He is even more pale, sweat prickling at his forehead. But he is breathing, the covers moving with his chest. He will live. 

You tell yourself that again. He will live. This is far from the worst curse-sickness your elders could have given him.

When Mother Majors finishes her prayer, she stands. The maid turns, her eyes bright with her anxiety in the firelight. You cannot hear their conversation, they whisper as if afraid to wake him. Their steps are creeping quiet on the floor. The maid looks back at the bed as she turns to close the door. But she closes the door regardless.

The storm howls. You open the secret door.

Your feet are silent on the floor. Locke breathes, his eyelids fluttering in his sleep. You still have a human heart, and it beats with the pain in your soul. He doesn't move as you sit in the spot Mother Majors had moments before. You sit, and he doesn't move at all.

I'm sorry, you think. This is my fault. If I hadn't scared you off your mount…

Your thoughts drift, your eyes tracing over his face. He is very handsome, but in his restless sleep, he seems older than you thought he was. Was it physical pain that kept his eyes closed tight? Was it physical pain that made his fists clench and unclench?

A secretive man, Locke Hepatica is. You've overheard snatches of his conversations. His wife is dead, but he loves and grieves her still after all these years. How long ago did she die? How long were they married? What was her name? Why did they fall in love? So many questions and the answers are sealed in the locked box of his heart. 

His lips are parted, your gaze lingers. There is no movement. Your eyes trace down. Down his jaw, to his neck.

Beneath the sweat slick skin of his neck, the blood twitches in his veins.

Your mouth waters.

At this stage of your birth, you don't need to drink blood. You are not quite fully dead yet. But something stirs. Your eyes are locked on the thick, visible vein. You can't look away. Your tongue slips from your mouth, tracing over your lips.

This isn't something you're prepared for. Reds told you before, during your lessons, that you would learn again what it meant to want. A different kind of want, different than hunger or thirst, but alike at the same time. A cousin, he'd called it.

You are the grandchild of a bitter union. The human's goddess, and her enemy, captor, and husband, the nameless evil god. From them were the five clan gods spawned. From them, vampires were created. The sacred blood you drank from the Scarred Man's goblet, the blood that now runs through you, a direct line to a cruel marriage. Within you, a direct line to an evil, evil man.

Wanting, a cousin of hunger and thirst. Wanting, a dark mirror of lust.

We are not bound by the evil of our ancestors, you were told. We can choose as he did. We are not bound by the helplessness of our ancestors, you were told. We can say no.

Do you want to say no?

Something hot rests upon your hand. You jolt. Your eyes snap down, a hand is on your own. Your eyes snap up, the neck - his face - his eyes -

They are open. Locke looks at you, eyes open, eyes tired. And he is smiling.

You are frozen in place. His hand moves up, his shaking arm raising. He cups your cheek, and that little heart of yours quakes like a lost baby bird.

He mumbles your name. You lean closer.

"It's alright," he says. "I know what you need. My wrist is fine."

The words don't register, your mind fumbling, stumbling, over them. But he shifts his hand. His wrist presses against your lips. Your thoughts stop. The veins within them pound with blood.

You could.

You could.

You…

You raise your hand, and pull his wrist down from your face. Between his fingers, you entwine your own.

"No," you say. "Not like this."

Not when you're sick, you think. Not when you're captive. Not when your eyes are so hazy, not when you probably think this is another dream. That's not who I am, you think. That's not who I'll ever be.

With your free hand, you brush the dark hair from his forehead. He looks at you, frowning, eyes blurry. Does he understand? Can he even hear you?

But he smiles again. His eyes close.

"Kind," he mumbles. You lean toward to hear him better. "Not," his words are slurring, you can't understand. "I am," he says.  "You are…"

Locke exhales. His fingers squeeze yours and relax. His chest rises, his chest falls. His smile remains.

You stay there for a while, watching his face. Feeling the warmth in his fingers. When you stand, you place his limp hand beside him on the bed, and leave as quiet as you came.

Behind your back, he watches you go.

[reblogs, comments and asks adored. follow this blog for more of the Runner Owen series]