God of Death / Arkin Winters's Story

Dialog: #000066
Location: Ballroom

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Hex Code:#0A0A8E
Location: Ballroom

Jason was thrown off the bar and pinned to the ground. He kicked his brother's heavy body off of him and rolled in a dominant position over him. He began punching his face out of pure rage. Forrest grabbed him by his neck and flung him off, Jason went flying back and slammed against the floor. He jumped up to his feet, Forrest casually got to his as well. His eyes turned white and he exploded into his Kitsune form and lunged at his brother.
It had been a while since they had really fought. Of course there were threats and random urges to show dominance between the two, but they were fighting for real this time. And they were both enraged.

Jason bellowed at him as he threw a couple more blows to his brother. Forrest grasped one of his arms and punched Jason's face with his other. Jason unhooked Forrest’s grip and placed a hand on his upper chest and sent an electric shockwave through his body. Jason gained the upper hand, especially due to this new found power. Forrest had been ready to swing again until Jason curled out of his hold and electrocuted him. Surprisingly, this hurt a lot more than Forrest was expecting. Every molecule in his body tingled with a burning sensation. Momentarily the Demon was stunned and Jason was able to heave him into the nearest wall.

Jason chuckled and continued to pummel him again once he was next to Forrest. Forrest grabbed Jason by his fur and rolled himself on top of his brother. He began bashing his face in at an accelerated pace. Jason then lifted his hands up and choked him. Jason flung him off and Forrest slammed into a nearby wall. Jason got to his feet and transformed back into a human and stomped over.

Forrest got up cautiously. He still felt the pulsing in his body from the shock and his body twitched randomly. He stormed back to be face to face with Jason, but he was really drained after the nice frying from his brother.

They were both clearly worn, but Jason was in a frenzy and he grabbed Forrest by the neck before he propped him up against the wall and started hitting him repeatedly. Forrest no longer struggled against him, accepting the anger from Jason and applying it to his mind that it was all his fault.
“You son of bitch!” he yelled “You have no idea! You’re as fucking stubborn as dad was!”

Jason went to throw another fist but this time Forrest was prepared and caught the impact with his left hand. With his right he shoved Jason away. He just wanted the fight to be over. This was killing him inside. He hated when they fought. Forrest shifted back into his human body and his eyes returned to their soft golden state.
Jason's eyes remained white and he kicked his brother in the torso.

Tears began to stream down Jason's face, his eyes returned to their pale blue state. He dropped his defensive stance and hung his head. Forrest stretched out a hand to Jason, but of course his brother ignored it.
“I could have saved her” Jason muttered. A tear fell from Forrest's eye, too. His heart hurt for his brother’s loss and the image of Vitane’s head falling limp repeated in Forrest’s head.
Jason took a large breath and looked up at his sibling with pained eyes “It’s all my fault” he took a step back and brushed a hand through his hair. The room looked even more disastrous than before and the maids had fled off as to not get in the way of their fight. Jason turned on his heel and Forrest was about to outburst and deny his self-accusation until he said “I’m moving out” .

Forrest’s jaw dropped and his eyes filled with even more sorrow. No! He thought. I can’t lose him again! Forrest trotted after Jason, more tears began falling.
”Please!’ He begged, ”Don’t leave me alone.” He then said quietly. His head dropped and his clenched jaw quivered from the acceptance of defeat. He was about to lose it.
Lola was gone and he would never see her again. Vitane was dead and because of it, Jason wanted to leave. But for how long? Not a hundred years again. Forrest needed his brother, much more than he could ever admit.
His mind flashed to the idea of finding the warlock he’d heard so much about. He specialized in death sentences and ways to kill. Momentarily, Forrest pondered locating him and asking for help to die.
The Demon differed from Jason in this way. His entire life Jason had been told he was a mistake and an abomination. It was no wonder suicide repeated in his head so many times. But despite their hardships together and with their father, Forrest had never desired death before. But now the idea clung to him as a newborn baby would to their mother. He needed to die.
He decided quickly that if Jason walked out the door he would immediately begin the search for the warlock.

Jason was heading for the exit when an inky black portal materialized before their eyes stopping both of them from any other thoughts. Where was this portal from? Jason and Forrest observed in confused silence as a crow emerged and soared above them. It was holding something in its beak. Forrest could recognize a ribbon waving by the side of the crow and his brows scrunched in confusion. Was it a letter? Then the bird dropped a scroll in Jason's hands before it flew back into the portal and vanished. Jason lifted the scroll up to his face and glanced back at Forrest with a crooked brow. He analyzed the black ribbon, in white cursive it read To Forrest and Jason.
He ripped off the ribbon and opened the scroll. He muttered to himself the first line. Forrest hurried to be by his brother’s side and Jason met him halfway. Forrest’s eyes bulged when Jason said “It’s in mom’s handwriting.” Forrest gave him a look as if urging him to read it. He cleared his throat and read

“A tainted soul derived from madness
The immortal, the infinite status
A Cave, a world, the shadows wander
Two brothers, they must conquer
Trickery working in favor
From the abyss, emerges a savior
A dark crown, the throne, and an eye that is green
This realm has magic that's never been seen”

Forrest's mind tried to connect parts of the rhymes to logic, but he still came up with more questions.
Who’s crown was it referencing? The God of Death possibly? Or maybe a crown from Hell? He shuddered at that last thought.Who was the savior? Clearly the boys had something to do with this or it wouldn’t be addressed to them. But they couldn’t possibly be saviors, could they? Sin followed them no matter what. They were demons. How could they help anybody?
And who owned this green eye? Only one… He thought. A cyclops? An extra terrestrial? A pirate? He mused over the last thought but he was running out of ideas. Maybe some new species of demon?
”What do you make of this?” He finally asked Jason.

Suddenly there was a flash and a vined gate emerged in the center of the ballroom. Jason dropped his hand to his side and stared at the open door. He recognized the dark realm on the other side. Jason glanced up at his brother and shook his head. Both of the boys seemed to lean away from it instinctively. No way! Forrest thought.
“Oh hell no. I am not walking through that.”
He gave Forrest an uneasy look and crossed his arms “Nope, I’m not going back to that fucking realm. Lola did some fucked up shit to me in there, seriously I’m talking demonic man, like shit dad would do. I stand by what I said, I’m moving out. I think I’ll buy a boat and sail for a year. Yup.” he patted Forrest on the shoulder and walked in front of him.

Forrest carefully stepped back from the portal as Jason spoke. When Jason voiced that the realm was comparable to their father Forrest became overwhelmingly uneasy. For whatever reason, he felt like they needed to go in there. But his instincts were telling him to run like hell.

Forrest grabbed Jason's arm, forcing him to a stop. Jason glanced over at his brother who nodded to the portal. A silhouette appeared in the entrance way. The light was too bright to make out the face until she stepped through fully. “Mom?!”
Ariel gave her boys an annoyed look and waved her arms, a whip appeared in either hand. “How’s it going...” Jason asked cautiously. Forrest froze in place as the whip in his mother’s hand circled around his ankle. He was too bewildered. It wasn’t until she yanked on the weapon and caused the boys to fall that Forrest began reacting.She paced up to them and grabbed them by their ankles and started dragging them. “What the fuck! No no no no” Jason shouted as she dragged them closer and closer to the portal entrance.
Forrest's eyes filled with desperation and anxiety and he urgently tried to grasp onto something but there was nothing in reach. He and Jason were being dragged against their will. He finally cried out, ”Please, mother! Don’t do this!
Jason uneasily leaned up and tried tugging his leg away from her “I don’t remember her being this strong! For fucksakes, I’m not going in there!”
Ariel was cursing under her breath, a few words could be caught such as stubborn idiots and do everything myself followed by a few obscene insults.

Jason twisted himself onto his torso and grew out his kitsune claws and dug into the marble flooring. The flooring shattered between his nails, with all his might, he couldn’t break free and before he knew it, he was clawing at black stained grass. Jason turned over on his back when Ariel let go. She grimaced at her sons and vanished in that moment and the portal closed behind them, leaving them alone in Tenebris.

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Dialog: #6600CC
Location: Tenebris Palace

The humid air, the familiar sense of comfort, home. She lingered at the entrance path of the Tenebris palace. The long and narrow asphalt road that lead up to the castle had little changed since her last visit. Tall onyx trees bordered the path with guards standing in between each few. The deep purple sky above was as breathtaking as she remembered it, with a moon four times the size of earth’s illuminating the realm and billions of stars twinkling in extravagance.
The world brought a calming sense of belonging and restitution. She gazed upon the dark castle in awe, twenty-five years and she was here. She began pacing towards the castle, at first in hurried excitement but with every step the burdening reality of perpetual sorrow from the realm began to slash her heart. She had never felt its overwhelming shade, not to this great extent for her absence and the lingering humanity became a heavy impact. The heartbreak that she had suppressed could no longer be contained. She slowed down in her step until she came to a full stop. She stared at the ground in dismay, what had she done?
An ache tore in her chest and a striking sense of sorrow pressured itself onto her heart. The overwhelming burden of the realm was something she had never felt at such high intensity. Her consistent absence brought upon a sense of misery that she had unintentionally kept locked away. Images of Forrest flashed in her mind, the first time she met him, to their first kiss, their first fight and the first time he told her he loved her. She felt out of breath and black tears streamed down her face as she fell to her knees in agonized defeat. She had lost the only man she had ever been in love with for the sake of immortality, for the sake of returning home and resuming to her duty. She wrapped an arm around ribcage and held on tightly as she wept. His look of disgust towards her, how he claimed she never deserved his love, it was true. She didn’t deserve it, she never deserved him. Thunder crashed from above as black clouds began to form. If she hadn’t been so torn she would have laughed at the dramatic but as the rain beads trickled from the sky, she welcomed the omen. She hung her head and dropped her face in her palms, the black tears staining her pale porcelain skin. “I’m sorry” she whimpered “Oh god, I’m so sorry.”

Her chaotic nature and the frenzy of the potion had prevented her from feeling the sadness and regret. She felt a weight on her shoulders pressing her into the ground, it started to pour. She couldn’t take it, she would never see him again and if she did he would never forgive her. She placed a hand over her heart and gripped at her dress, he had done nothing but love her and she betrayed him. He had asked her to marry him and she let the greed and lust for power shadow it. She reflected back to the night he told her he loved her, how he seemed so nervous and in awe over her. They sat in the dining room, he had just blurted it out. Her heart caught in her throat, what if she had told him then? Would he have understood? Would he have helped her regain her immortal strength, of course not, that would have meant losing her all the same.

She felt a presence settle before her as she continued to weep. A hand brushed along her face and a palm rested at her cheek. The tears continued to stream and a familiar comfort wiped them away. She took a breath and slowly shifted her gaze, she locked her eyes with the God of Death, the silver eyes of Arkin Winters.
She lifted her hand and pressed hers against his. She bowed her head and he turned his palm to towards hers to intertwine their fingers. He stood from his crouch and tugged at her hand encouraging her to get to her feet. She nodded and slowly stood and they made their way to the castle entrance.
Tien stood on the outside of the black iron doors with a dark colored stick in his mouth, toking and blowing out smoke rings as they approached. Lola dropped Arkin’s hand and Tien wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. His energy seemed remorseful as well, he pulled away and gave her a small smile. He took the joint out of his mouth and handed it to her.
The iron doors of the castle crept open and the trio walked into their home, Lola took a large drag of slap to let the agony of her human regrets fade.
The dark entrance hall of the palace was filled with scurrying maids all smiling and welcoming Lola and Tien as they entered. Lola barely reacted to their warming welcomes, the hardship was clouding her feverish mind.
The large hall had two curved staircases leading to an upper floor. It was decorated in colors of silver, black and deep purple. A large black crystal chandelier hung from above. The dragon glass flooring brought a sense of cool comfort to their barefeet. The hall had dual pillars on either side of them with large arches leading into other rooms. Beneath where the staircases met were two arch entrances and in between were lovely navy blue lillies. Although magnificent, it was an area Lola had grown accustom to having grown up in the castle.

She took a final toke of slap and handed the remaining drug to Tien. Lola pulled off her hooded cloak and a maid was quick behind her to catch it as she casually tossed it off her shoulders. The three of them wandered through wide halls without speaking. The moon beamed through the large french windows upon them as they headed for their piano lounge.
They all plopped down on a large red couch. Tien lay down on one end with his head propped up against the arm. Arkin sat on the other side and Lola laid down with her head on Arkin’s lap. The three friends all let out a simultaneous sigh of exasperation. They exchanged looks and burst out laughing. A few minutes crept by of simple bliss until they caught their breaths. Lola could feel the high taking over her body, her surroundings became hazy and dreamlike. The pain and sorrow slowly dissipated as she entered an unnatural euphoric state.
“So Ark, what have you been up to for the last twenty-five years?”

After a couple hours of catching up, Lola and Tien sat outside with their legs dangling over the edge of a castle balcony.
They admired the realm and smoked another stick of slap. Tien frowned “It’s bad this time” he noted and took a large drag.
Lola shrugged and took the joint from him “It’s always bad Tien, I’m just never sober enough to realize it.”
He chuckled and shoved his hands into his sweatpants. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the crown.”
Lola grimaced and took another drag, she shrugged “Whatever, damage is done. Lets just never talk about it again.”
He nodded and they gazed in silence upon the quiet and dark world.

She lay in bed staring through the skylight ceiling of her bedroom, gazing upon the realms billions of stars. A set of lips crept up at her neck and nibbled, she let out a small giggle feeling his bare torso pressing against hers. She closed her eyes and brushed her hand along his bicep when his cold lips settled against hers. The high had her in unnatural ecstasy. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into her. A small moan escaped her lips, her heart pounded in lustful awe. His naturally cool body temperature suddenly felt warm as a rush of adrenaline pulsed through her veins. She took in the comfort despite the ache stinging her heart. The high was exhilarating as he grasped her thigh and nibbled her ear.
When he pulled away and looked at her, he frowned in confusion as she gazed upon him through pained eyes, noting that the man she had just made love to was not Forrest but Arkin. She placed a hand on his torso and gently pushed him off of her as she sat up and dangled her feet on the edge of the bed. She pressed her palms into the mattress, the effects of slap finally fading. She gave her head a shake and got to her feet. She grabbed her dress from off the ground and slipped into it. She glanced over at Arkin who watched her carefully as he slipped into his crystal armored pants and his cloak.

The feeling of sorrow was no more, instead she felt a pained realization of betrayal. She turned now to face him fully and questioned in a rather accusing tone “How long have you known that Vitane had my crown?”
Arkin shrugged “You know I don’t get involved in the affairs of my Hunters.”
Lola crossed her arms and glared at him “You get involved in the affairs of me! How long?”
“You just got home, I suggest you cool down at bit. Clearly the burden of this realm and that fucking-”
“HOW LONG?” she yelled.
Arkin grimaced “Since her mother picked it up.”
“Why then? Why did you let me wander for so long and hunt someone that had earned his innocence!”
“I never wanted you to go back there, Lola! I warned you but you insisted. Jason Carson was the furthest thing from innocent. Now, I suggest you back off. This is what happens when you fuck a demon, a few weeks with a fuck-up like that and he's got you all crazy.”
Lola marched up to him and smacked him across the face “Do not talk to me about Forrest!”
Arkin dropped his brows and glared at her. He waved his hand and a set of chains appeared through smoke and cuffed Lola around the wrists. The chains tugged her to the ground and she fell to her knees. Arkin towered over her intimidatingly, a look of discomfort and fear washed over her face. He crouched down in front of her and glared “In case your twenty-five years on earth has made you forget, let me remind you who is in charge around here.”
Lola scoffed and rolled her eyes “What are you going to do to me Ark? Tie me in bed and teach me a lesson.”
Arkin smirked “Nah, instead, I’ll do you one better.” He took a step back and waved his hand “fictum execrantia nomen”
Lola lifted a brow recognizing the spell, it had been one of her torture tactics but she rarely used it. She pondered for a moment trying to figure out what name he could have possibly cursed her mind with. Then an image of Forrest appeared in her head and there was an excruciating slash across her bare back. She let out an agonizing cry and fell on her palms, she started to bleed as it slowly healed only to be replaced by another as Forrest’s name blared in her thoughts. Black tears filled at the corner of her eyes “Arkin, please” she begged.
Arkin took a knee in front of her and lifted her chin with his finger “Consider it a favor, it’ll stop once he’s out of your fucking head.”
He stood up and waved his hand, the chains released and Lola fell back onto her knees. Another cut across her back at the thought of Forrest. Arkin turned on his heel and peered at her over his shoulder “Welcome home, Lola.”

Dialog: #6600CC
Location: Palace Pool

The black tears trickled down her pale face, slash after slash across her back, it would seem the images grew more vivid with every passing memory. With the high having faded, she felt the burden press onto her heart. She felt broken, she was angry and torn all in the same. The curse that Arkin had bestowed upon her made it difficult to suppress thoughts of Forrest. She didn’t want him out of her head, she wanted him here. She breathed falling forward slightly at another cut. His eyes, his beautiful golden eyes that she would never gaze into again. His warmth, his arms around her that she would never get to feel again. The way he spoke, his laugh that she would never get to hear again...another slit, she wept.

She was knelt in a dark room illuminated by something extraordinary. When Arkin earned his crown over a thousand years ago, he gave Lola and Tien, his oldest friends since childhood, each a room that reflected something unique. They could use it for whatever they pleased though it had a specific purpose. For Lola, constant memories of useless information clouded her mind. Over a thousand years of memories would have driven her even more insane if not for the ability to extract and reflect when needed. She used this room as a hall of memories. The space had an invisible flooring, the walls were out of sight and one could argue that the room was in fact another realm. In the middle of the space was a white orb of light and surrounding it was a galaxy. Hundreds of stars, dust and dark matter all circled around this orb. It all seemed so far away and walking beneath it made no difference although, it was all in arms reach. The orb of light symbolized Lola’s mind and the stars were her memories. Anyone who were to walk into the room and touch one the stars would be transported into a significant moment in Lola’s life. They could explore and observe the scene though they could not interact with it.

Lola gazed into one of the stars, she had extracted the moment from her mind so that she could could relive it. She cupped her hand over it and was transported into the extravagant ballroom of the Carson Mansion. Hundreds of familiar faces crowded the area, she herself among them. She watched in awe and pain as her former self danced away with the man she loved so dearly. Forrest seemed so at peace as he gazed upon her and she reciprocated his emotions.

Lola jolted forward into the present at another slash across her back. Tears flooded out of her, she whimpered and let go of the star and it floated above her and aligned with the others in the galaxy.
“Lola” Tien called softly.
She slowly looked over at him as he knelt down in front of her, the orange in his eyes were turning brighter, his high was wearing off. Another cut across her back and she jerked forward, she cried out in agony.
Tien glanced up at the stars above him “You’re not ready for this” he stated.
He reached out and grabbed her hand and they both got to their feet. She wiped away the black stains and whimpered, another cut, “I can’t get him out of my head” she sobbed.

Lola and Tien sat in their usual spot on the edge of the balcony with their legs dangling, they were situated on the tallest tower that overlooked the realm. Tien took a large drag of slap and handed it over to Lola. She frowned and twirled the stick between her fingers, she desired to smoke more than anything but she felt a discomfort and peeked up at Tien. “Does it ever change your perception?”
Tien shook his head “Not since we were kids.”
Lola grimaced “Maybe it’s the human blood running through my veins then.”
Tien slowly turned his head towards her with a crooked brow when a large grin appeared on his face. Lola scrunched up her nose and shoved him “Don’t just read my thoughts and look at me like that!”
He started to chuckle.
“In my defense it’s been years since I’ve been with Arkin and Forrest was - fuck -” there was a cut across her back at the mention of him “he was on my mind.”
Tien’s laugh grew a little louder, Lola rolled her eyes and stuck the joint in her mouth and took a large drag. “Fuck, please don’t ever tell Ark”
Tien boomed with laughter and slapped his knee unable to control his amusement. “So uh nothing at all tipped it off?”
Lola finally giggled and handed him the joint “Honestly, out of anything his eyes were still silver. Forrest - fuck - he looked good with silver eyes, I was really really fucked up.”
Tien took a final haul of his stick and flicked it off the balcony, he blew smoke out of his nose still humored “That’s a kick to his ego” he snickered.
Lola brushed some hair behind her ear and chuckled “I really shouldn’t be smoking this stuff after that. God. Not even a day and I couldn’t even keep my clothes on. I forgot how much this shit makes me go wild. Awe well. At least my mind will wander somewhere else for a bit.”
She sighed and gripped the edge of the balcony as another slash cut across her back. She peered up at Tien “I hate him so much for this.”
Tien shrugged “It’s Arkin” he simply stated.
Lola nodded “I know, and the worse part is I understand the logic behind all of it. As much as I wanted to fight back, I just...with Arkin it’s never worth it. He sees more than any of us could imagine. It would have just made things worse. Besides, I’d rather suffer in pleasure than in pain.”

The euphoric high had fully taken over. She stood now on the roof of the tallest tower of the castle and she hung onto the tip of the pointed roof for support. She gazed upon the realm in joyful excitement, finally feeling the relief that she was home despite that it was heavily influenced by slap. The world seemed more vivid through her hazy violet eyes, dreamlike as though she could step off the roof and float away into the Tenebris sky. She thought of nothing but her sole mission, to jump off the tower and see how long it would take her to heal. She was nervous, her body was no longer accustomed to such an ability. Every bone she’d broken had taken weeks and heavy medication, to be able to recover naturally or to withstand such a fall was thrilling.
She took a breath in anticipation and wiggled her toes as she peeked at the ground below her. She would land in the courtyard, if she was lucky she’d land on a patch of grass but it was mostly concrete.
Her eyes shot up when a crow soared in front of her and danced around the tower. Lola watched the creature for a moment, the desire to fly twitched at her fingers though she knew she could never do it. Finally, she let go of the tower and pushed herself off. At first she watched as the ground became closer before she turned herself over and gazed at the stars as they became more distant. The fall felt eternal in a sense as though her body ticked with the realms everlasting hours. The wind whipped at her back, she felt free and infinite. She extended her arms out to her sides, closed her eyes, ready to crash when instead a set of arms caught her. Her eyes fluttered open to what seemed to be Forrest at first, but she noted the silver and the face became Arkin’s.

“It would take you three weeks to heal from that.”
Lola curled her body back and exasperated “Oh come on Ark, that’s not so bad!”
He set her down on her feet and chuckled “Considering I’m throwing a party for you tonight, it’s bad. I’d rather present you in one piece.”
“Party for me? You mean an excuse for you to snort fairy dust.”
He grinned at her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they started pacing around the courtyard “Since when do I need an excuse for that?”
Lola shrugged and pulled out a slap joint from her dress pocket and lit it. She took a large drag and huffed as she spaced out. Arkin took it from her and took a drag as well.
Lola glanced up at him in surprise “I thought you stopped smoking centuries ago.”
Arkin shrugged “I did, got addicted while you were away though. Things got a little...rough.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“It’s not worth clouding your mind” he simply stated.
Lola grabbed his hand from her shoulder and made him twirl her. He beamed at her as she dropped their intertwined fingers to their side and continued to walk “Well, I missed you too” she chimed and leaned into him.
“I said things got rough, not that I missed you” he teased.
Lola dropped his hand and shoved him “You’re such an jerk!”
Arkin chuckled, he then wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her off her feet. He threw her over his shoulder with ease “Yup!”
Lola kicked her legs awkwardly “Arkin, what the hell? Put me down!” she pounded at his back but he continued to snicker as he walked without saying a word. Lola tried squirming her way from his grasp but he had a tight hold. "What are you doing" she laughed in continued attempt to break free.
Finally, he came to a stop. Lola peeked up and glanced at her surroundings. “Arkin, don’t!” She curled herself into him and closed her eyes as he jumped up and suddenly she was underwater. She felt him let go of her and she swam up to the surface and splashed water at him.
“Why?!” she laughed and brushed some hair from her face.
"Because, I did miss you."
She splashed more water at him and giggled "Lovely, good to know you jackass." She swam over to the edge of the pool, she pushed herself up and sat on the edge. He swam up to her and she kicked some water in his face and he splashed some back at her. They both laughed in childish amusement. He then lifted himself up and sat on the edge next to her. Lola watched him through eyes of admiration at the undoubtable realization that his absence had been a strain. His constant presence in her life was something she was accustomed to. Though at times things were difficult, she couldn't deny the odd sense of comfort, he felt like home. But she grimaced when his face pulsed between his and Forrest’s, and slash cut once again across her back. She nearly fell into the pool it was so excruciating but Arkin placed his hand on her abdomen stopping her from doing so. She looked up at him uneasily but he did not meet her gaze as he stared up at the Tenebris stars. She hated him for this torture but the resentment pointless. She understood Arkin better then anyone with the exception of Tien. The tactic was for her own good, she would never see Forrest again and he had undoubtedly tainted her soul even further in their short time together. She shook her head, wallowing over a lost love was useless no matter how much it hurt. After all, she belonged to Arkin. She had since her two hundredth birthday when she, slightly unwillingly, took the Hunter’s oath. She would be his until her soul was released, though she knew the unfortunate truth. She sighed as she rested her head against Arkin's shoulder, he wrapped his arm around her and she shoved aside all thoughts of sadness when a new high arose.

---

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Dialog: #000066
Location: SW Tenebris

Jason lunged towards the portal but it disappeared in an instant. He rolled on the grey sands of the Tenebris beach and gazed in frustration at the familiar purple sky. He had seen it’s magnificent stars only a couple times during his imprisonment, each time through the windows of a palace tower. Although they were breathtaking, they emitted a rather bizarre energy, an odd mixture of divinity and evil.
He slowly sat up and dug his palms into the warm sand, for such an eerie realm this place was surprisingly humid. Aside from the sapphire waves crashing next to him, the realm was as peaceful as he remembered. It was as though all residents of the realm were soundly asleep and any movement would disturb the odd tranquility.

He brushed a hand through his hair and shook his head. “Fucksakes. Fucking bird. Fucking scroll” he stated bitterly and got to his feet. He brushed sand off of himself and stared at the empty space where the portal was with the realization that his mother had dragged him here. He glanced over at Forrest feeling perplexed, their mom was dead, he was sure of it. He concluded that her apparition was an illusion from the realm. It was merely a trick to get them here, though aside from the dragging she lacked conviction, not that she even bothered to explain. He shook his head with the desire to shove all thoughts of her out of mind but the burdening sorrow of the realm forbid it.

Images from his youth fluttered through his head. He felt a tare at his heart and gripped his torso in surprise. He found himself encompassed by a very specific memory. He felt his former anger, his rage and lack of control. He saw his mother’s face, pleading and begging for him to calm down but the demon he withheld was frenzied. Since Sapphire’s passing he had lost all angelic control of his temper and had gone on a rampage. Not even his mother’s pained face of plea could stop him from the horrifying act of burning her alive.

He dropped to his knees as black tears began streaming down his face, of all his regrets the realm decided to mock him with his most burdening. He watched once more as she became engulfed in flame, her misery...the murder. She fell to her demise and at the time he had not even flinched. What was going through his head for him to feel no remorse for the lost of his mother? She was a woman who loved her sons more than anything and he had no sense of grief at the time for doing what he’d done. Though she was tortured by the flames he recalls sensing a kind of understanding from her, something he had never been able to comprehend, this frustrated him. It was as though she wanted to die, despite her pleas for him to calm down she accepted her fate as though she had been expecting it. He didn’t even try to save her, it was like he was locked into place, shocked by his own doing and feeling any compassion fading. Why she had been there that day during his latest arson never made sense, she didn’t have to die but he also didn’t have to kill her. He had gone berserk, a hate so unimaginable. He had never let himself lose control like that ever again until it came to the assassination of his father, even then he was more logical.

His father, all the beatings and the torment. Being told he was a worthless abomination, a spitting image of his mother’s bloodline. He was a failure, a disappointment to his father’s expectations since the moment he was born. The desire to kill himself surfaced again. His life had just been a hollow shell of misfortunes. The beast he referred to as dad had a point, he was nothing. An insignificant speck that he could never dust away. A man who rebelled for the sake of pissing everyone off. Weak...useless. He couldn’t even save Sapphire from his wrath. The most innocent and pure being, he loved her so dearly but he had failed her and their unborn child...The last shred of happiness ripped from him as she was torn in half before his eyes.

His world had taken a dark turn that day, the divinity in his life shattered and the suppression of evil arose. An undeniable truth was confirmed, he never deserved any good, fate had never been kind nor was he worthy of its generosity.

He was damned from the start. He recalls all the torture Lola had caused him, the misery she had inflicted to cleanse. As the years went on, she grew ever more frustrated. It seemed as though the black ink on his soul would never be removed, in fact it became darker. Though she deemed he had regained his innocence, he saw the look in her eyes, he would never be purified.

When he had returned to earth he felt the sorrowed burden of Tenebris lift but anger swept him again. The supernatural war had begun and he quickly returned to his old habits of arson and murder. It was so easy to fall into old habits, the satisfaction from another’s pain was exhilarating and besides, he could never be saved. Demon’s blood pulsed through his veins, though he was not one on the surface, his soul was wretched.

Like everything else in his life, it was no wonder he lost her so easily...

Vitane.

A ringing sounded in his ears. He sat back on his knees and stared up at the stars through his black stained eyes. With all his might he had done everything to push her away, to hide his feelings of true desire towards her. All because she was a human. He refused to let himself love the most exhilarating beauty he had ever met. She had made him feel alive, beyond lustful enjoyment that he had not recognized until this moment. She was so unique and tortured. He wanted nothing more than to protect her and he failed at the simplest task. His time with her had been cut short, he had not enjoyed it to the extent he should have all because of fear and anxiety.

He didn’t save her. Once more, he let his dark fate rip away another love.

The bloodlust of the hunter’s had clouded his judgement so greatly. He saw the way his brother looked at the redhead, no way could he have stopped her. He should have just gone after Lola. Lola. He ripped the sand in frustrated anger. He had stopped her before, she had been a human, he could have stopped her again but he was too late. He saw Vitane’s body go limp before his eyes, the image replayed a dozen times over, each occurrence more agonizing. He hung his head and squeezed his eyes trying with all his might to brush it away.

Finally, he growled and shook his head. He felt broken and dead inside but he knew it was just the atmosphere of the realm. He needed to get home, once again, fight his way out for he refused to die in this godforsaken world.

He wiped his face and took a deep breath. He stared at the watch on his wrist and analyzed the seconds ticking by as an eternity of torment flooded before his eyes. Tenebris had the tendency to make one feel as though its effects were everlasting, though realistically only a couple of minutes had passed. He focused on the hands of the clock as he allowed the images filter through, letting himself suffer through all the wrongdoings of his past until they momentarily faded.

A slight relief washed over him though he still felt sad. At least the visions had stopped. He glanced over at Forrest and got to his feet. He brushed a hand through his hair and walked up to his brother. He extended his arm out and pulled him up. He sighed and glanced around “I fucking hate this place” he muttered “Be prepared, it’s a realm of sorrowed torment or as Lola would say, "a place to cleanse." It’s the gateway between Heaven and Hell. Pleasant, I know.”
He crossed his arms and shook his head “We need to get out of here. I don’t know who dragged us in but I sure as hell hope it wasn’t actually mom. If her spirit has lingered around here for that long, fuck. Where do we even go from here? Do we sit and wait for the portal to reopen or try and solve the riddles from that fucking scroll. I mean Two brothers, they must conquer” he reiterated “That can’t be us, fuck Forrest, we’re no heroes, we’re damned beasts. Maybe Death wants a word with us, kill us personally, he rules this realm you know.”

A sudden loud roar broke the silent barrier of the realm, Jason jumped in startlement and his head shot towards the smoky abyss in the distance when a silver dragon emerged. He followed it with his eyes as it soared above them. It’s scales were mystical, the creature seemed at peace and he couldn’t help but gawk at it. He had never seen such a magical creature before, it’s beauty was breathtaking and by no means was it menacing. The beast twirled in the sky as it headed for the grey mountains where it disappeared among thick black clouds. He stared at the empty space in momentary wonderment and then observed the realm. He had never actually been anywhere outside the palace. His resentment towards the world slightly faded as he gazed upon it’s enchanting beauty. The forest nearby was filled with black trees, they swayed peacefully with the warm breeze. Although eerie in any other context it appeared inviting despite the silent whispers that seemed to flood from it. In the distance he could make out a black tower of the Tenebris palace. It was so tall that it could no doubt be seen at any location in the realm. A flock of crows emerged from the forest and danced in the sky, a shudder went down his spine. A murder perhaps? It was odd that he found enjoyment in the omen, this place brought an odd feeling of home and belonging. He shook his head, he hated the thought. Home? He scoffed.

He exchanged a look with Forrest and shrugged “So, what now Demon?”

Dialog: #6600CC
Location: Palace Bar

“Why the hell did we teleport back here?” Lola complained as her and Tien shuffled their way through the woods. They returned from a hunt, Tien carried an unconscious fairy over his shoulder and Lola dragged an unconscious werewolf by a black rope she had tied around his ankles. Tien turned on his heel to face her and shrugged as he continued to walk backwards.

The tip of Lola's ears twitched when she heard some light breathing. She paused mid step and glanced up. Through a break in the trees she could make out two figures sitting on branches. She pierced her eyes as she observed them, she could have sworn that the being closest to the ground was Forrest. A sudden slash ripped at her back and she fell on all fours. She cursed under her breath and sighed exasperatedly. Tien strided towards her, he extended his arm and helped her up. “He was nearly out of my mind. Fuck, I’m barely even high.”
Tien pulled out a slap stick and continued to walk. Lola glimpsed up again but then shook her head, his presence in this realm would be impossible. She continued to drag the werewolf and paced next to Tien, he passed her the joint and she took a large huff. She flicked the stick to the ground and they continued walking in prolonged silence. They were nearly on the outskirts of the forest when Tien said “Demons be damned, Demons be saved. Black wings of their own, their bloodline gave.”
Lola gave him a weird look “Ookkkaaayyy, what are you on?” she laughed. Tien simply grinned and proceeded forward.

"Lola!" Crisp and sudden, his voice echoed through the silent realm. Lola came to an abrupt halt and turned on her heel in the direction of his call. She felt a lump in her throat, was it truly him? She mumbled “Forrest?” She jolted forward, another slit across her back. She peered over at Tien, he seemed oblivious as he carried on. She grunted, slap was known to cause hallucinations. Nonetheless, she waited for a moment in hopes that she would hear him again but when all she heard was silence, she let out another exasperated sigh and continued onward.

They walked until they reached a circle of trees. Tien kicked one of the trunks, the ground shifted in the center and a set of stairs presented itself. They carried their victims down the stairs, the door closed quickly behind them. They reached the palace dungeon where they placed their creatures in individual empty cells. “See you in a bit” Lola stated and she skipped up the dungeon stairs into another part of the castle.

Arkin leaned on the doorframe of Lola’s bedroom, he admired her as she slipped into her outfit. She peeked over at him and nodded for him to come forward. He strided behind her and zipped up the dress, she turned on her heel to face him. “Too bright?” she questioned and grimaced.
Arkin brushed some hair behind her ear “Nah, you're perfect. Ready?”
She smiled up at him and nodded. He took her hand and they made their way through the castle exchanging a stick of slap.

They arrived at the palace bar which was already populated with hundreds of familiar friendly faces. The music blared from the DJ booth and though the night was young the room already reeked of alcohol. The music paused for a moment and the minotaur DJ that always hosted these events spoke in the microphone ”There she is! Everyone give a warm welcome to our crazy redhead, Llllooollllaaaa!” Lola grinned as her friends cheered, the room resumed with the music blaring even wilder.

The bar flashed for a moment between the ballroom of the Carson mansion and Lola jolted at an excruciating cut across her back. Arkin held her firmly at his side so she didn’t fall forward at the sudden hit. She shook her head and cursed under her breath. Arkin beamed at her and squeezed her shoulder “Come on, Chaos, let’s get fucked up.”
Lola glanced up at him and smiled weakly. She grabbed his hand from her shoulder and they made their way through the crowd. Individuals would stop them at nearly every step to give Lola a personal welcome and a big hug.

Tien shuffled through the party and huffed once he reached Lola and Arkin. He handed her a glass of Dragon’s fire alcohol and they cheered. Lola downed it without hesitation, it burned her throat and she coughed. “My God, I forgot how strong that shit is” she wheezed and giggled. Arkin took the glass from her and set it on a tray of a passing butler. He took her hand and they made their way to the bar. When they reached the counter Arkin signaled three to the vampire bartender. Tien and Arkin stood on either side of Lola as the mixologist laid out nine shot glasses. He poured three different alcohols, a shot of Siren’s Sea, Leprechaun’s Luck and Kappa’s Kurse. Lola grabbed the shot of Kappa’s Kurse and glanced over at Tien then Arkin “Bottom’s up” she cheered, they clung their glasses and downed the liquid. They did the same with the following two shots, Lola winced after each one. They all burned her throat in a different way, she scrunched up her nose and hiccuped. She turned her back to the bar and leaned with her elbows propped up on the counter to observe the party. She peeked back when the bartender laid out three more shots, one for each of them.
Lola gave Arkin a look “Just tequila” he grinned.
Lola laughed “Oh, like that’s any better!”
He brushed her hair aside and sprinkled some salt on the dip of her neck. She looked over at Tien, staring at him blankly as Arkin licked the salt from her body and downed his shot. Lola glanced back over at him and gave him a small smile. She took her beverage and said “I prefer to drink it straight.” She cheered with Tien and they slammed back the alcohol.

Lola was already feeling woozy, the music pumped loudly in her ears. She took an uneasy step forward and giggled. Arkin grabbed her arm to steady her and she beamed back at him “Clearly, I’m not used to this anymore.” He smirked at her and they made their way towards a booth. They scooted in, Adrian and Keaira came to join them. Lola sat on the edge of the booth so that she could hug and greet all those who came to welcome her home. Her words began to slur as the minutes ticked on. Her sight was hazy but she felt perky and energetic. A butler came by and set a tray of fairy dust down on the table. Lola passed it to Arkin who was sitting next to her. Arkin gave her a look and handed it back. Lola hesitated, she was already so blitzed from slap and the alcohol. Arkin nudged her arm with his elbow, she rolled her eyes and leaned her head down. Arkin took a hold of her hair as she snorted a line. She craned her neck back, she closed her eyes and gave her head a shake taking in the sweet pleasure. Arkin took the tray from her and everyone at the table followed suit, each snorting a line of dust.

The effects of the fairy dust were almost immediate. Lola felt completely wired and she started talking excitedly unable to control her mouth as she spoke. Everyone else was in a similar state, laughing along and talking hyperly. Lola bounced up and down in her seat, her pupils completely dilated. She tuned into Arkin who spoke in energetic excitement when a butler came by to drop off more alcoholic beverages.
“And these girls were just threatening Lola. I mean all three of them were psychotic. Lola’s just standing there giving them this face.” Arkin mimicked Lola’s unimpressed expression, he resembled her considerably. “She waves her hand and just fucking extracts theirs soul and tosses them to me. Their bodies fall limp, she just glances over at me and goes ‘Did you know fairies have jealousy issues’ Classic.”
Lola laughed “Oh come on Ark, you wanna tell a soul sucking story I got a better one for you." Lola took her Dwarven beer and chugged about half of it. She hiccuped setting the glass down and continued "Okay so get this, Arkin and I are like what, one-twenty-three and one-twenty-six? Anyways, we snuck into Immortuos, the Realm of the Undead, highly forbidden. We’re at this bar, absolutely fucking ripped. This guy comes up to me, says he recognizes me from a different realm. Tries this whole sweet talking, clearly wants to take me home. I say no, he starts to get aggressive. I turn off my allure and he keeps trying to pursue me. I keep telling him to fuck off. Finally, Arkin who was off flirting with some barmaid swings by. He’s slurring his words telling this guy to piss off or else he’ll smash his face. This guy scoffs and starts threatening Arkin, then he proceeds to grab my arm and pulls me towards him. No hesitation, Arkin just grabs this guy by the back of the head and smashes his face into the counter. A bar fight breaks out, over a dozen people get involved. End result, Arkin and I extracted-
“Three hundred souls!”
“Don’t exaggerate, it was fifty-two”
Arkin laughed “Completely illegal nonetheless” he noted and kissed her on the cheek.
Lola giggled and sipped her Dwarven beer “Remember the beating we got?”
Arkin groaned “Man, my dad was so pissed at us for going to that realm!”
“And the mess we caused”
“We were tortured for a month after that. On top of it all, he had to sign a peace treaty with the king of the realm. Lola and I were banned from visiting until we were five hundred.”
“How did you guys even extract the souls if neither of you were Hunters” Adrian asked skeptically.
Lola lifted a brow and replied as if the answer was obvious “How do you think we got in the realm? We stole one of the gems.”
“You didn’t go with them?” Keaira nudged Tien.
“Nah, Tien used to tare up the realms with us but Ariel was too good of an influence on him!”
“That, and I didn’t care for the beatings” he chuckled and took a large drag of slap.

Lola leaned over Arkin and grabbed the stick from Tien and took a puff. Arkin settled his arm around Lola and a butler came by with another set of shots. Arkin grabbed one off the tray and casually dropped it between Lola's breasts. “Mind your manners, love.” He grabbed the glass with his mouth and threw his head back as he downed it. He slammed the glass on the table “Never” he grinned and kissed her hard on the lips. Lola leaned back in attempt to break free, the upper half of her body completely off the booth. Arkin leaned with her keeping a firm hold on the small of her back. She placed a hand on his torso and awkwardly turned her head. "Arkin" she mumbled and nudged. He hovered above her and crooked his brow as he noted her discomfort. They sat up and Lola recomposed herself. She exchanged a look with Tien, she knew all too well that he was reading her anguished mind. She turned away slightly, she shifted her gaze towards the party and took a sip of her beer. Arkin moved his hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, Lola glanced over at him. Her mouth twitched slightly as they locked eyes, through the haze of drugs she felt uneasy.

A flash of memories filtered in her mind.
At first it was a simple yet blissful image, Forrest taking her hand and kissing the back of it.
Then she saw herself propped up naked on top of Forrest, grinning at him and he at her. She leaned forward and touched the tip of his nose with her own “I could stay here forever” she whispered.
Another, they sat in his shower, his arm around her as they cuddled close. The ceiling of the shower was all rain jets which gently soaked them. Lola leaned closer into him and closed her eyes, she indulged in his comfort.

Arkin grimaced when her face became grieved and she jolted into him, another slit on her back. She could feel him exasperate as he averted his gaze, sipped his drink and looked away.
The room had become warped, the mixture of drugs gave Lola a weightless feeling. A butler came by and placed another tray of fairy dust in front of her. She snuffed up a line without hesitation to wash away her sorrowed discomfort. A sudden pulse of adrenaline and rush of excitement tickled her veins. Numerous friends filtered by to give her a hug and welcome her home. It was in that moment that she realized how lonely she had been, how much she had longed. The thought of Forrest crept up again, of course a large gash exploded on her back. He had fulfilled the loneliness, with him she didn’t need the drugs, the false love or the hundreds of familiar faces. Just him, that was enough. The high he gave her was something incomparable to the substances of Tenebris and to the way she felt about anything, really. Though in this moment she was content and hyper, it was unnatural. Admittedly, she felt lost and hollow. Through her plastered state she smiled, she buried the ache in her chest as she accepted her former reality, this world was not what it used to be. For the comfort of home was no longer enough, her world ultimately felt like nothing without him.

---

---

Dialog: #000066
Location: SW Tenebris

Jason shoved his hands in his pockets and groaned. The shredded pants he wore, which were his only article of clothing, were empty. He had left his cigarettes in his jacket pocket of his suit, he grimaced “Yea, I don’t have any.”

There was a loud crash above and Jason craned his neck towards the sky. The black clouds from the mountains had crept overhead and suddenly they were rained on by lime colored drops. One landed on his cheek and sizzled. Jason clasped a hand over his face “Mother fucker.” His skin tore beneath his palm, he retracted it and observed; His hand had also burned from wiping the drop.
”Get to the trees!” Forrest urged. Another splatter landed on his bare shoulder and ate away at his skin. Black blood boiled on the spot and he began to hurry. He felt Forrest shove him ahead as he strided quickly for shelter. “Fucksakes, Forrest, I’m going!”
He plopped down under a tree and grimaced, the clouds literally dissipated the moment they took cover. Forrest ran to his side and concerningly observed him. Jason shoved him by his shoulder, he felt uncomfortable by his closeness “I’m good, I’m good” he reassured. He brushed a hand through his hair and cursed under his breath. He observed his shoulder, there was a large gash covered by hardened blood. It healed but very slowly, he grunted, his face probably didn’t look much better. He gave Forrest an uneasy look and grimaced.

“You realize we have to solve this ludicrous prophecy-crap now, right? We can’t just leave when we’re already here. This thing was delivered to us by mother! That alone should make you want to figure out what the hell is going on here. I want to know why the fuck it suggests us in this thing and what exactly all of this means. The part about the world with new magic? Clearly it was implying this deranged realm.”
Jason’s face became skeptical as he pierced his eyes at his brother “Forrest, as far as I’m concerned, that wasn’t mom, okay? That was some sort of bullshit illusion from the realm to drag us in here. Clearly they’re trying to mess with our heads and obviously it-” He broke off when a group of hybrid snake-rabbits bounced from behind a set of trees. Jason met Forrest’s uneasy gaze and tensed up as the creatures approached. He slowly stood as Forrest did and watched when his brother attempted to conjure his fire. He braced himself but the result left Forrest looking slightly foolish. He wanted to snicker at his struggle, but he was overwhelmed with a feeling of concern.
Forrest then proceeded to pursue his shadow manipulation, Jason watched him carefully and grimaced when the result was the same. He opened his palm and concentrated in attempt to conjure his own fire or even lightning but neither presented itself.
He felt slightly panicked and clenched his fist at the horrid realization. He was not only stuck in this realm but he didn’t have his magic either. He peered over at Forrest when he whispered ”It looks like we’re powerless here….. Are we mortal?”
Jason dropped his hands and furrowed his brows. He gave his head a shake and mumbled “Fucksakes. We’re so fucked.” He brushed a hand through his hair, he was peeved and concluded “There is no prophecy, they brought us here to kill us.”

Jason crossed his arms and observed the hybrids. They had broken out into a fight amongst themselves. He scoffed at the ridiculousness, but he was quick to follow Forrest’s actions when he started up a tree. He climbed up the black Oak closes to him, continuing until there was a break in the trees and he could see the realm. He sat with his back to the trunk and dangled one leg over the edge of the branch as he observed in silence at the mournful world.
A crow soared in front of him and landed on the tip of the branch. Jason lifted a single brow “I don’t suppose you open a portal?” The bird squawked at him, it inched closer, tilting its head in odd curiosity before it fled. Jason grunted and leaned his head back against the trunk and watched the stars. He couldn’t understand how there were residents in the realm. Never had he been one for emotions but this realm seemed to amplify all that he had suppressed. His heart ached for matters that he usually brushed off. He sighed in irritation and closed his eyes, he longed to wake up in his room when he opened them again.

A couple hours passed and the sound of rustling below had Jason open his eyes. He grumbled to himself at the realization that he was still in Tenebris. He glanced over, he lost balance and slid off the branch. He caught himself with one arm and dangled for a moment “holy fuck.” . His heart raced in panic, he swung his other arm to grab hold of the branch. He pulled himself up and sat with both his legs dangling on one side. He caught his breath after a moment and peeked through the clearing, he could make out two individuals; one had white hair with grey streaks, he carried a body on his shoulder. The other was dragging an unconscious werewolf, he could see the red hair so vividly. He sighed irritably and shook his head, he recognized the duo almost immediately. He thought it best to stay in place, the last thing he wanted was to get captured. He refocused his attention to the Tenebris stars and waited patiently for Forrest to wake up.

When he saw Forrest descend, Jason did the same. He landed on the balls of his feet next to his brother. His legs bent awkwardly and he winced, his body could no longer handle falling from such heights. He grimaced, he hated feeling weak.
Forrest spoke in odd excitement ”Jason, I just remembered something really important that could be a clue!”
Jason crooked his brow and crossed his arms “Oh wonderful, what is it Shaggy?” he responded sarcastically. Then he could hear Tien speaking so clearly in the distance “Demons be damned, Demons be saved. Black wings of their own, their bloodline gave.” Jason scoffed and glanced over at Forrest, “Is everyone here crazy?” He huffed and was about to ask a sarcastic question but Forrest’s eyes darted off when Lola responded. “Forrest” he said calmly “Think carefully.” But his concern was ineffective, his brother had already bolted towards the redhead. Jason groaned “Yeah okay, great idea Forrest! Fucksakes.” He shook his head and brushed a hand through his hair “Yup, follow her all you want. Go to the castle. Fantastic idea.” He continued ranting as if Forrest was still standing in front of him “Let’s solve this riddle Jace, oh shit wait a second is that Lola. Holy hell it’s almost as if she lives in this fucking realm. No kidding, who would have thought. Yeah well you can go after that lunatic and I’m going to go, in this direction! Far away from their bullshit. So have fun, Demon! Fucksakes.” He began walking north, he shoved his hands in his pockets and grumbled to himself in frustration. He craved a cigarette more than anything, the addiction was gnawing at him.

He wandered through the forest for a while until he came across a clearing. The opening looked upon a field of black lily’s. He stared at the landscape, the smell was intoxicating and inviting. He crouched down and analyzed one of the flowers, although colorless it was magnificent. “Huh” he mumbled and picked the flower, it dripped with black goop as he grazed it with his finger. A large grin appeared on his face when he noted that this plant was slap. He had seen all the Hunter’s smoking a black stick, for each visit, Lola was rarely without. He recalls seeing the shift in her mood, from glum to unnaturally elated. He had heard much about this drug, the residents of Tenebris were notorious for using it. He knew of ways to consume the flower, from smoking, to injection, to drops and to eating. Jason glanced around at his surroundings What’s the worse that could happen? he thought. He stuck the flower in his mouth and chewed; The taste was surprising, a mixture of his two favorite flavors, chocolate and coffee cake. He swallowed the substance and felt as though the liquid was sticking to his throat. He coughed in his hand and black ooze painted his palm. He winced and swallowed again uneasily. He stared at the ground ahead for a long moment until the discomfort eased. He glanced around at his surroundings, he let out a heavy sigh and began wandering through the field. He walked until he was in the middle of the area and lied down in the bed of flowers with his arms behind his head. He gazed up at the Tenebris stars in awe awaiting for the effects of slap to take over.

At first it felt odd, his body became immobile but ultimately he felt weightless. The sorrowed burden seemed to clear its shade as the minutes ticked on. There was a tingle in his finger tips and suddenly the realm seemed much brighter. The stars more vivid, the purple sky radiating in beauty. It was as though he could hear everything, from silent whispers creeping from the forest behind him to the roar of a crowd having the time of their life. His eyes became glazed, the blue turning a darker shade until they became black. He suddenly remembered his happiest moments and for the first time in his life he was encompassed by euphoria. He saw him and his brother reuniting after a hundred years apart at Woodstock. The vision so vivid in his mind, it was in that moment that all the burden and hardships seemed to vanish, being reunited with his blood. They drank, they snorted fairy dust and wooed all sorts of women. They partied and bonded like never before, both having emerged from dark places it was odd that they were so at ease. No matter the hardships, it was as though fate was finally smiling upon them. He recalls sharing a joint, he and Forrest laughed for hours catching up and sharing stories of their adventures. Jason started to chuckle at the memory, a blissful unnatural high taking over his body. He slowly sat up, finding energy in his bones. He glanced around, the flowers were vivid in color, shades of blue, purple, green and pink. He picked one and analyzed it curiously. He glanced back at the forest, the trees were a bright evergreen, the realm seemed so colorful and alive. The warm breeze was comforting and he felt infinite.

Maybe time stood still or maybe it zoomed by, he couldn’t tell for it seemed irrelevant. He felt at ease and his vision was hazy. The world around him seemed to pulse, he admired in blissful silence. But there was a break in the calm when a whisper said his name. He glanced around in mild confusion, the wind called in a familiar voice. He rested on his palms, listening intently as he waited to hear it again. Minutes passed of continued silence, he was sure it had been a hallucination. He lied back in the flowers, only to bolt upright once more when his name was once again called. He pierced his eyes, searching. His name was being repeated, it was sorrowed and there was a hint of betrayal. He slowly got to his feet and glanced around. He felt woozy and brushed a hand through his hair trying to shake off the delusion, though the voice grew louder. He felt like he was dreaming and part of him screamed to break free but he couldn’t wake up. Then, in the distance he could make out a silhouette, walking at a steady pace but quickly approaching. A whip shot before his eyes and wrapped around his leg. He was thrown into the air, he flew across the field and slammed onto the ground. He stared up at the Tenebris sky breathing heavily. Dark clouds formed above, a sudden crash of thunder and bolts of lightning targeted him. He rolled a few times dodging each blow but the last strike nicked his right leg. He jolted and let out a breath of torment. He uneasily shuffled to his feet and put his weight on his left leg. His eyes were wide as he searched for the individual who was attacking him. Then, from behind, the whip wrapped around his torso and threw him to the ground. “Come on” he shouted, his blood pumped with fury. He jumped on the balls of his feet, his leg bent forward awkwardly, he had already forgotten about the electrocution. He gave his head a shake in disbelief, he couldn’t brush off the dreamlike daze despite his adrenaline pumping. Out of nowhere the black whip was heading right for him. He caught it with his hand and wrapped it around his arm, he felt a tug but pulled with great force. The tension of the whip eased but only for a moment. A strong pull and his shoulder was dislocated. He fell forward onto the ground and let out an agonized cry. He propped himself up on his one arm, his heart raced heavily as black sweat beads formed on his forehead. A sudden kick to his ribcage and he was flat on his back. The moon became shadowed as a familiar creature looked down on him. He questioned his reality, her presence was impossible. Ariel grimaced at him, her face became stern and she took a step back. “Get up” she commanded.

Dialog: #6600CC
Location: Dining Hall

Dialog: #737373
Location: Labyrinth

With the fairy dust settling in her system again, Lola was animated in her motions, her eyes were wide and she continued to bounce in her seat. She and Arkin exchanged a look when Ian so rudely interrupted their conversation. Lola wiped her nose of the fairy dust and ignored his greeting, she didn’t care much for Ian. He was an asshole and she didn’t bother wasting her time conversing with such an egotistical mind.

Arkin on the other hand actually liked Ian, despite his arrogance he made him a Hunter for a reason. He sipped his Dwarven beer and listened to the vampire converse with Tien. It never ceased to amaze him how Tien could get along with everyone, especially someone like Ian.

“Hate him,” then Ian pointed to Lola, “Fuck her...I mean I could fuck her but, eh, I’ve got a woman waiting at home. Plus I don’t want the god’s throw away hoes.” Ian boomed with laughter and Tien laughed along with him. Lola gritted her teeth and glared at him, Arkin chuckled and gave his head a nod. An unseen force lifted Ian from the booth and launched him up. He slammed against the ceiling and plummetted onto their table. Ian propped himself up and he roared with laughter once more.
Lola leaned forward their faces a few inches apart “For the record I would never fuck you-”
“She once said the same thing to Ark” Tien interjected and snickered. Arkin who was drinking his beer nearly spat it out as he burst out laughing. He slammed his beer down on the table and coughed in his knuckles. He placed his hand on the side of Tien’s head and playfully shoved it as they continued to laugh. Lola sank back in her seat and groaned “I hate...all of you” she complained “And Tien, you will pay for that comment.”
He shrugged “Probably.”
She shifted her eyes between Ian and Tien, she giggled and finished off her beer. She gently placed the empty glass on the table and got to her feet “I loathe when you two are together. He brings out the little shit in you, Tien.” she stated with a laugh before she turned away and walked off into the party.

Arkin crooked his brow and watched Lola disappear through the crowd. He sipped his beer and got to his feet. “Always a pleasure, Ian” Arkin toasted with a chuckle and downed the remaining beverage.
He strided up to Lola who had run into Eli and Riley Kingsley. She gave them both a big hug and bounced in excitement “You came!” she cheered.
“Only stopping by, I can see you’re wired. Thank you, Arkin, for always getting her fucked up.” Eli flatly stated.
“Honestly after all these years do you expect anything less from me?” he chuckled.
Eli sighed and wrapped his arm around Lola’s shoulder and they walked over to a vacant table and sat down. He leaned forward and spoke as clearly as he could over the blaring music. “After your exit at the Carson’s-”
Lola winced and pressed into the table as a slash cut across her back, she did her best to remain steady so Eli wouldn’t ask questions. He seemed oblivious to her momentary discomfort “Ri and I went to find your human parent’s. As requested we gave them oblitus, leaving no trace of you in their lives.”
Lola frowned but then smiled gratuitously “Thank you, Eli. I really appreciate it.”
“I know. Now take care of yourself. I’ve basically raised you twice, I don’t need a third.”
Lola laughed “Raise, that is a big statement, more like kept an eye on me between your hunts and reckless partying with Jason.”
Eli chuckled “Hey now, that was in the later years, I still had to raise Riley. Admittedly he was less of a handful than you.” Lola grinned and brushed some hair behind her ear. Eli got to his feet and Lola did the same. He wrapped his arms around her for a hug and kissed her gently on the forehead. “I’ll see you around, Ruby.”

Arkin watched with Riley as Lola and Eli set off to find a table. He glanced over at the wizard “Do you have it?” he asked.
Riley pulled out a small vial from his jean pockets and handed it to him. Arkin analyzed the blue liquid and grinned devilishly as he swirled the mixture. “Forrest Carson” he stated, the solvent illuminated for a moment. He beamed at Riley and shoved the vial in his pocket. They shook hands and Arkin headed for the bar to order a couple drinks.

Lola skipped over to Riley and they caught up briefly. She apologized to him for having been so moody and ignorant, he laughed it off stating that he blames her humanity and that it was inevitable. They hugged goodbye and she wasn’t alone for long, Arkin was at her side again with two beers in hand.
He handed one to her and they clung their glasses. At first they each took a sip, but eyed each other. As the seconds ticked on they began chugging competitively. Lola averted her gaze to her drink, struggling to keep up, Arkin was done within a moment. She finished the last drop and wiped her mouth “In my defense” she hiccuped “I’ve barely drank in twenty-five years.” She swayed drunkenly, Arkin placed his arm around her shoulder to steady her and chuckled “Excuses, excuses” he teased.
She beamed up at him, and fell against his torso. Something suddenly felt different. It was like a burden of sorrow had been lifted, though it wasn’t from the realms shade. In it’s place was this unexplainable void, it was a familiar feeling though through her drunken haze she couldn’t make sense of it. She glanced up at Arkin and analyzed his face, it was blank as stared back at her. Did she forget something? That seemed unusual, impossible actually. She grimaced and averted gaze out towards the party. It was so lively here, everyone around her was having such a wonderful time. Then it dawned on her, she had been homesick! Of course, that had to be it. She missed being at Arkin’s side, her Hunter’s quests and most of all these wild gatherings. No. She shook her head, that wasn’t it. Sure she was homesick but the feeling was as though her heart and mind were missing a piece, a slight ache as though she had forgotten a loved one. She grimaced, love, she had never known such a thing, solely comfort and the lies she’d tell herself everytime she got in bed with whomever. The closest she’d ever gotten was Arkin and sure he wasn’t the worse company. He was one of her best friend after all, her life long companion but never had this odd feeling presented itself. It was almost as though she had known true love. She brushed some hair behind her pointed ear and finally just shrugged, it was probably the drugs making her all delusional.

Arkin watched her carefully, the effects of oblitus were taking over he assumed. It was for the best, he was Demon, a wretched spawn from the flames of Infernum.The spawn of Syxx, the bastard who tore his family apart, possessed his beloved, killed his parents and stole his sister. He hated him and he hated his sons all the same. Abominations, that’s what they were. A stain on their bloodline that needed to be eliminated. A memory that she didn’t need burdening her wild mind. After all, this was his realm, his home and he was determined to protect every inch of it and every being who resided. He wasn’t about to let some Demon brothers be his downfall and he wasn’t about to let one of them take her. Since the moment she had been home she was wallowing, something he had rarely ever seen. She had always been so animated and cheerful,he didn’t deserve her tears, let alone her. He had no regret, and rightfully so. Her face became dazed as though she had never known pain. She smiled up at him finally, her eyes were clouded in a drunken haze. He had missed the wild nights with her.

“Would you like to dance?” Lola asked sweetly. Arkin grinned at her “Of course” he responded. She grabbed his hand off her shoulder and they walked to the center of the dancefloor. They were pressed against each other grinding to the rough beat of the music. Lola wrapped her arms around his neck, she was in blissful intoxication. The adrenaline of familiar lust rushing through her as they danced.

The tempo changed and a song from Earth started to play, Summertime by My Chemical Romance. They broke apart slightly and Arkin twirled her. She fell easily into him, they danced in very sensual manner, slow and to the beat of the music. You could see the comfort in their movements, centuries of experience. Lola was feeling herself blackout as she indulged in his every touch and every motion. She was completely wasted and whether or not she was dancing gracefully was questionable in her perception.
Though Arkin could see she was belligerent, she was nonetheless as rhythmic as if she were sober. Lola always had a way to keep her composure on the outside when it came to dancing, though she never personally believed it. It was habit really, repeating similar steps through the centuries made it easy while intoxicated.
“So you never told me, what was your favorite part about Terra?”
Lola pondered briefly and smiled up at him “Aging again, the shift as I got older. The adrenaline of mortality with Death lingering at your doorstep.”
He grinned and exhaled humoredly through his nostrils, he had missed her quirky responses. “And losing your ‘virginity?’
Lola giggled “Same old Ark. Well if I must stroke your ego, it wasn’t as good as my first time.”
Arkin crookedly grinned at her and cockily responded “You’ll never have it better than me, babe.”
Lola shrugged and beamed back at him “Unfair advantage, who can compete with a God?”

He grabbed her thigh, lifting it at his side and dipped her. He held her steadily and kissed gently on the lips. Suddenly, she found herself in his bed. It was always so easy with Arkin, she couldn’t deny the lustful passion between them, every time was an odd rush of adrenaline. He pressed his tequila coated lips against hers and she pulled him into her. He grinded and kissed down neck, she closed her eyes allowing herself to indulge in the ecstasy.

Lola was propped up on top of Arkin, sobriety was slowly kicking in as she gaze upon him. She frowned and lifted a hand to his cheek “You’re sad” she whispered.
Arkin exhaled through his nostrils and shrugged “Have you forgotten what this realm does to you, Chaos?”
Lola shook her head “No Ark, it’s not Tenebris. Look I don’t know if we’ll ever talk about it, maybe now is as good of a time as any...we parted on a really bad note...mind you, I don’t think that’s it either. ”
Arkin shifted and Lola rolled off of him as he sat up against the headboard. Lola readjusted herself, she sat on top of his legs with hers curled back on either side. He brushed some hair behind her pointed ear and averted his eyes, he was formulating a response in his mind. He had so much to say, so much he longed to tell her. The secrets were eating him from the inside, though he knew he couldn’t breathe a word. He was nervous, the Tenebris prophecy and Lola’s were coming to life. If he didn’t play his cards right, he would lose it all. Lola furrowed her brows at his sudden look of distress “Arkin.” He shifted his gaze and locked it with hers “I haven't felt like myself lately I guess. Nothing to worry about, really. It’s just Tenebris wasn’t the same without you.”
Lola’s mouth curled up into a half-smile, she leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. He lifted a hand to the small of her back and held her there for a long moment. She pulled away and breathed, resting her forehead against his temple.
She then leaned away from him and shrugged her shoulder “It’s you and me, right?”
Arkin beamed at her “Always”

After a significant time had flown, Lola had fallen asleep in his bed. He was never one for sleep, in fact he hadn’t rested in nearly a millennium, he didn’t need it. In fact, simple meditation was the key to cure his fatigue. He walked over to his closet and slipped into his suit. The day ahead would be eventful no doubt. With his sister having carelessly invited those nuisances, he had work to do. He walked over to the bed and gently pulled the covers over Lola’s shoulder. She hummed in bliss as she curled beneath the blankets, she looked so at peace when she slept. He let himself be encompassed by black smoke and he appeared in his labyrinth.

Though she seemed peaceful, Lola was very stressed. She spent her dreams searching and searching out of frustration for something she’d forgotten. It was significant no doubt, how could she not remember it? The gap in her mind was causing a migraine and finally her eyes fluttered open. She squinted as she gazed out of Arkin’s bedroom window, the feeling of constant night was odd to readjust to. She was thankful for the lack of a hangover, being immortal had it’s perks.
When she sat up in the bed and leaned back against the headboard, something was seriously wrong. She brushed her hand along the covers and grimaced, where had she been just a couple nights ago? She had still been on earth, but with whom? Had she been in her home? That didn’t seem right. She exasperated and shook her head “It’s just slap Lo, clearly it’s making you delusional.” She muttered and got to her feet. She slipped into her dress from the previous night and sauntered over to her bedroom. She took a much needed hot shower, she indulged in the water. Her skin was feeling very dry lately, it was weird having to stay consistently hydrated again. After a good while she stepped out and wrapped a towel around herself. She dried her hair and tied it up into a neat ponytail. She got dressed and headed to the dining hall for breakfast. The room was magnificent, like most in the castle the ceiling was made of glass to allow the natural light of the large moon illuminate the area. The walls were mostly french windows of two stories high, draped in thick maroon curtains tucked neatly at the sides.The table was filled with the Hunter’s that had come for the party, all chatting away and indulging in their meals. Lola plopped down in her usual spot across from Tien and a plate of food was set in front of her. She took a bite and noticed that Tien was eyeing her curiously as he took a haul of slap. “What?” Lola questioned. She could feel him in his mind, maybe he sensed the void and was confused.
Tien shook his head “Nothing” he smiled genuinely, though she could sense the falsehood in his words. She didn’t bother pursuing it, like when they were kids. Tien was always selective on the information he shared and at the end of the day, it was always for the better.

He conjured a stick of slap and ignited it with his lighter. He propped himself with his shoulder against the wall and took a large drag as he patiently waited. He liked slap. He had been very addicted to it in his youth but when he lost a bet against Lola he leaned off for a few centuries. He saw no need to smoke it but things took a dark path when she had left the realm. He grimaced and analyzed the stick in his hand. It was a stupid addiction, a happy stick as Lola once referred to it. Though he couldn’t deny, it was euphoric. As if all was at ease in the world, just how he liked it. Suddenly, Forrest came into view. Arkin grinned and took another haul of his joint, oh how he loved watching the Demon bastard struggle.
“Hello Forrest, are you enjoying my realm?” Arkin blandly greeted. Forrest came to a halt, he seemed surprised and infuriated by Arkin. He started for him but Arkin simply chuckled and waved his hand, a collared chained appeared through a cloud of smoke and latched itself around Forrest’s neck. It pulled him back causing the beast to fall onto the ground. He grinned devilishly at his agony, but furrowed his brows at the realization that Forrest had healed from all his previous wounds. "I see you met my twin.” he stated and took a final drag of his blunt and tossed the butt to the ground. “Ariel is always looking after her babies, even when they're a fucking abomination to our bloodline.” He turned and leaned with his back against the wall, he kicked his feet up and sat casually in the air, his feet pressed against the wall in front of him. He conjured a smokey ball with his shadow manipulation and tossed it up and down in his hand. “I mean, considering everything your prick father did to my family, I never understood why she didn’t just annihilate you and Jason. Pathetic. Oh how she begged for me to take care of you, yeah, like that was ever going to happen. I’ll tell you though, it didn’t go without complications especially with my lovely redhead. She has a soft spot for Demon’s, odd how she’s always enjoyed the torment.” He dropped to his feet, the ball of smoke evaporated and he casually strolled over to Forrest with his hands in his pockets. The Demon was standing now and Arkin stood about a foot away from him. He grinned crookedly as usual with a dimple formed on his left cheek. “I’d formally introduce myself, you know names and all but I’m sure you’ll hear it moaned soon enough. Tell me Forrest, are you hoping to see her again? Are you rushing for answers and understanding? Must be frustrating, you know, falling so hard for a woman that will never be yours.” He conjured another slap joint and stuck it in his mouth. He listened intently to the Demon, though not really caring to what he had to say. Finally, he gave him one last malicious grin and said “Anyways, this has been fun but I have other arrangements to attend. Maybe I’ll fuck your almost fiance again before my next meeting” he winked at him and chuckled “I’ll see you later, Demon.” He turned on his heel and waved his hand for the chained collar to release. Just as he vanished in his cloud of smoke, in his place emerged a shadowed replica of Jason with a look of bloodlust in his eyes.




Dialog: #000066
Location: Tenebris Bar

Jason cautiously got to his feet, his eyes were locked on his mother’s stern expression. He felt weak to say the least, he could sense his body healing at a gradual pace, the same extent he felt in his previous visit to the realm. He stood uneasily on his lightning struck leg and his arm hung uncomfortably at his side from being dislocated. He winced at her and brushed a hand through his hair. “Conjure your sword.”
Jason crooked his brow and shook his head “No way, not until you tell me what the hell is going on.” She jerked her hand and whipped his leg, he jolted forward and nearly lost his balance. It stung greatly and the hit left a bloodied mark “We don’t have time for this. Conjure it!” she demanded. Jason growled at her and waved his hand to summon his samurai but it didn’t appear. He stared at his palm and focused, he was growing ever more frustrated and he longed for more slap to make the agony vanish. Though it would probably be useless, he was still in a dreamlike haze and eating another flower would possibly make this into a greater nightmare.
“Bastard, he’s robbed you of everything. We’ll have to start small.” Ariel stated and waved her hands, her whips disappeared into a cloud of smoke.
Jason crooked his brow and attempted to cross his arms only to recall that his dominant was immobile, he cringed and bitterly responded “Oh so there is a purpose to you kicking my ass.”
“He doesn’t feel pain and neither should you. You must rebuild yourself, earn your strength. Good thing too, you and your brother were born much too powerful.”
“Yea sure, whatever you say. Well I’m relieved to be honest, here I thought you were just resentful.”
Ariel crooked her brow, their expressions nearly mimicking one another’s “No Jason, you’re my baby boy and I could never hold a grudge against you. Granted, I heard prophecies of your downfall but never did I imagine you would be sadistic enough to burn me alive. It’s always pained me to see you grow into your father but I expect nothing less considering, Wrath pulses through your veins.” Jason’s mouth twitched at the insult. To be compared to his father of all people was the greatest insult, especially coming from the woman who raised him. As much as he wanted to rampage for the comment, he didn’t blame her. He had done awful things and he deserved the torment.
“Enough talk. We have much work to do and so little time.” she stated. She walked up to him and Jason took an uneasy step back away from her. She scowled and grabbed his good arm to gently pull him towards her. It was weird feeling her touch again, Ariel always had a way to bring comfort even in the most hateful moment. “You will need to learn absorption. It is the only way to regain your power.” She touched his limp shoulder, he winced uncomfortably and he wanted to pull away but she had a tight hold on him. “Breathe, Jason” she calmly stated. His eyes finally soften towards her and his brows unmeshed from their furrow. Her palm felt cold against his skin, lifeless which confirmed his suspicion, she wasn’t truly here and if she was, she was merely a spirit. He felt pained, never had he felt a sliver of remorse for what he had done to her. But seeing her again, the way she was so forgiving for his greatest sin...he couldn’t comprehend why, this frustrated him. There was glow beneath her palm “Breathe” she reiterated. Jason took a deep breath, he felt his heart slow down. Her touch seemed to trigger something within him and suddenly his shoulder lifted into place, the pain on his leg vanished. She gave him a small smile “Pain will be frequent here, but you can recover. You must during the next storm, endure the rain, feel it’s burn upon your skin. Breathe, do not panic. Absorb the lightning, take in it’s vulnerability. Much like your healing, you can harness it.”
Jason listened intently but he had so many questions, she took a step back from him. He followed her with a step forward, he wanted to reach out but she sighed and glanced back to the castle. “Why and how are you here?”
She grimaced and peered back at him “We will meet again my boy.” She bowed her head and closed her eyes, there was a sudden flash of light and a moment later, she was gone.
Jason immediately dropped to his knees in dismay. He glanced around at the flowers contemplating eating another as he felt his high getting weaker. Had the delusion been caused by their power he wondered. He took a lily and sniffed it. There was an odd tingle in his system as though he desired the plant greatly, like a craving.

Suddenly, black clouds stormed overhead and he craned his neck towards the sky. His eyes widened, he wanted to panic but he attempted with all his might to remain calm at the advice of his mother or whoever the fuck that was, obviously still skeptical by her presence. He braced himself as the green drops started raining down on him. They kissed his skin, it burned like hell. He closed his eyes and winced as he sat back on his knees. It was agonizing, they were falling rapidly as though they were mocking him for his foolishness. With every drop, his skin receded, it smoked and bubbled leaving gash after gash. He was covered in his own blood, he was shaking but he refused to move from his spot, too determined to defeat the pain. Then, there was a crash overhead, his eyes fluttered open just as a bolt of lightning blasted onto him. He shot up into the air and slammed hard onto the ground. The strike had hit his torso. He propped himself up and breathed heavily “Fuck this” he growled and hurriedly got to his feet. He headed for the trees, longing to retreat. He ran as quickly as he could but another crash sounded and a blast hit him in the back, he plummeted on all fours. He let out an agonized cry and convulsed. He was weakening, his skin barely healing from the rain and his body was stiff from the lightning. His eyes were closing from weariness and fell on his back. He couldn’t fight this, he was powerless here. The delusion was trying to convince him otherwise. He gazed up at the darkened sky for a long moment before he couldn’t keep his eyes opened anymore. He had lost this battle. But an echo of encouragement was convincing him otherwise, he could hear his mother’s voice ringing in his ears. She was telling him to relax, to breathe and indulge in the discomfort. It was odd advice, who could possibly enjoy torture? His fingers twitched at his sides, he was shaking rather uncontrollably but the adrenaline of survival suddenly kicked in. He was in this realm for a reason and he wasn’t about to let this world defeat him. He took a breath, he calmed his feverish heart with every passing second. A wave of agony screamed in his mind, his downfalls once more being repeated with brutal images of his past. Black tears streamed down his face as he tried with all his heart to push the visions aside.
He forced himself out of the panic, he breathed again slowly. “Succumb to the torment” he mumbled to himself. There was another crash above, Jason’s eyes fluttered open and he furrowed his brows. He extended his arm out towards the sky and took a deep breath. A strike of lightning trickled from the clouds, he breathed deeply and it crashed right into his palm. He jumped onto his feet, the bolt was being absorbed into his hand. His eyes glistened with wild satisfaction. His scars from the rain healed immediately and the blood vanished. The lightning electrified in a pulse down his arm and he could feel it dancing within his veins. The storm overhead ceased. Jason grinned, a triumphant feeling vibrating in his bones. His brow twitched excitedly and shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced around at his surroundings.

Before he left the area Jason had grabbed a few lilies for future use. He wandered now in the town of Tenebris, it was surprisingly lovely. The tudor houses were in even distance apart, they became closer together like townhomes the further he walked into the town. The shops were in similar style, all conjoined. To his surprise the town was quite populated with numerous passersby chatting away, most had slap sticks in their mouths. They seemed pleasant in the somber world and all at ease. No one paid mind to him as he sauntered through, he thought it odd in a sense but he was thankful for the moment of peace.He stopped outside of a clothing shop and grimaced at his half naked torso. He didn’t have any money on him but he truly needed something to wear. He peered through the window and a saw lovely shopkeeper, a fallen angel, sitting on a stool as she read her novel. Jason grinned and brushed a hand through his hair. He walked into the store and casually wandered, admiring the articles of clothing. The girl was quick at his side Hello she greeted. Jason smiled at her with a crooked brow. “Lovely shop you have here, though you make it quite dazzling.”
The angel’s cheeks flushed and she averted her gaze It’s my husband’s” she said in a shy voice. Jason reached out and twirled a lock of her blonde hair. He then leaned with his shoulder against a nearby wall “Is that so? And where is your husband now?” She peeked up at him, her brow twitched up and there was a sudden look of lust gleaming in her black eyes.

The perks of being a Kitsune or just simply good looking, he didn’t care. Sex as always, got him what he wanted and oh how he loved fucking strangers, especially married ones. He stood from her bed and she lay there in awe, admiring him. He glanced back at her and grinned “Thanks for the lovely time. If you don’t mind, I will show myself out.” She didn’t even get a chance to respond as he was quickly out the door with his ragged pants. He walked down the stairs where the shop was located. He grabbed himself a fresh outfit from one of the hangers in the shop and slipped into it. He grinned at himself in the full length mirror and jumped over the counter where he propped open the till and stole some cash. He shoved it into his pockets and casually walked out whistling. He tossed his shredded pants into a nearby trashcan and sauntered down the road until he came across a bar. He walked in and glanced down at this watch for the time, though it probably didn’t matter at this point. The bar was quite full with only a few vacant seats. Jason situated himself at the counter and signaled for a drink. He hand the barkeep a five dollar bill and in exchange he was given a Dwarven beer. He propped his elbows onto the counter, he swirled the beverage in his glass and sipped his drink.

Dialog: #6600CC
Location: Laboratory

Mocking whispers as they fluttered by, the stars in her galaxy were rotating in an obscure fashion. It wasn’t the drugs nor was it an illusion, she had most certainly forgotten something. Worse of all, she had extracted it for later observation and in its place where a star once twinkled was a black hole. What the hell was the purpose of a hall of memories if it didn’t retain even the most significant? Had she poisoned her own mind or enchanted it to forget? If so, why didn’t she leave herself a note stating not to worry and that it was for the best. She huffed in frustration, the only person who may know would be Tien. But if she did this to herself, he would never reveal it. Lola grimaced and finally turned on her heel away from the pestering void. She paced over to the door only to be launched off her feet. One of her memories blasted her onto her back, she breathed heavily and stared up at it with wide eyes. The star was black and threatening as it hovered a couple inches above her face. Lola slowly lifted her hand and touched it.

She was encompassed by the horrid past. Where the star floated now hovered the most frightening creature she had ever encountered. It was slender, black like the shadows, he had no face, just a mouth with sharp jagged teeth. It caressed her face with one of its seven fingers. It hissed as it breathed and her eyes were locked in petrification. She lay on black marble flooring, the walls were out of sight and her surroundings uninhabited. The atmosphere was the coldest she had ever felt, even the Snow Realm known as Nix couldn’t compare to this eerie sensation. They had entered a forbidden realm, their recklessness had made them fearless...and foolish.
“The eternal King’s son” she heard another creature hiss and managed to turn her head to see Arkin lying next to her. His eyes were fixated on the beast in terror. The critter lingered above him with a finger to his heart. Lola wanted to reach out and comfort him as he had done for her. Her agony was over, the demon’s had already slashed her soul with a curse. She stared at Arkin now through pained eyes of guilt, she was too stunned to move. The beast hovered above him like a floating shadow. It swayed as it spoke in its venomous hiss.

A tainted soul derived from madness
The immortal, the infinite status
A Cave, a world, the shadows wander
Two brothers, they must conquer
Trickery working in favor
From the abyss, emerges a savior
A dark crown, the throne, and an eye that is green
This realm has magic that's never been seen

She bolted upright into the present, the dark memory had realigned itself with the other stars. Lola slowly got to her feet, she was breathing unsteadily. She stared up at her galaxy for a long moment, it was a memory from her life that haunted her deeply but why would it present itself today? She shuddered, goosebumps rose on her arms and she finally hurried off in terror. As she exited her hall, she saw Tien walking out of his at the same time. He grimaced at her and pulled out a slap stick from his sweat pants pocket.

“Tell me, what have I missed in the last twenty-five years? He’s different. He’s worse than he used to be, his curse has mocked him since the moment we returned from Maledictum. Is his prophecy coming to life?” Lola questioned. They sat in their usual spot with their legs dangling over the tower balcony. Tien took a large toke of his joint and handed it off to Lola. He cleared his throat, she could sense his hesitation on the subject.
“When you left, Arkin went mad. Granted he’s been that way for centuries but it got bad, Red. I worry your return was a little too late, you should have seen him. Arkin has never been one to rage but he was convinced you’d never come home. That you’d rather die... no matter, you’re here now but he’s nervous, the curse is awakening.”
Lola grimaced and took a haul of the blunt.

They glanced behind them when the balcony door crept open and Arkin stepped through. He seemed flustered as though he had just been through an argument. He plopped down next to Lola and Tien reached in front of her to hand him the slap joint. He took the stick, Lola and Tien watched him carefully as he took a large haul and blew out in exasperation. He glanced over at them with a crook brow and tossed the blunt over the balcony. Lola leaned into him for comfort and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. The three friends sat in prolonged silence awaiting for the high to take over.

After several minutes, Lola started to giggle, the haze of slap was making her giddy. “If a creature speaks to you frantically in their native tongue, something you cannot understand, would you kiss them or slap them in response?”
Tien and Arkin exchanged a look of humoured curiosity and eyed her to continue. Lola glanced over at both of them with a smile. She looked out into the realm as she said “You would slap them and if they got mad, you would quickly kiss them before they could do anything else.”
Arkin burst out laughing and breathed out “What?”
Tien chuckled and shook his head “You’re so fucking weird” he muttered.
Lola shoved him playfully with her elbow “The power of love, you hold your breath when you are kissed thus causing a daze of confusion, much like when you are slapped unexpectedly.”
“Your point in all this?” Arkin questioned through his chortle.
“My point, dear, is which is more powerful, love or fear?”
Tien and Arkin replied simultaneous though their responses were different.
“Love.”
“Fear.”
Lola breathed through her nostrils humored by their replies. “And the tie-breaker?” Tien questioned.
Lola shrugged “Lust is a powerful demon” she simply stated.

She sauntered down to the dungeon carelessly dragging her werewolf victim across the ground. She had just returned from her latest cleansing session which for him did not go so well. His agonizing cries were like music to her ears, she had missed their torment. At the end of the day he should be grateful. With every sin suffered, his purity would earn him light which would go well in court, for he would get a chance at Heaven. She paused outside an empty cell and took a haul of slap in blissful silence. She twirled the stick between her fingers and sighed. She nudged the door open and slid the unconscious body into the cell. “Until later my dear” she chimed.
She skipped down the dungeon hall observing each occupied cell and debated on her next casualty. She wasn’t paying attention to where she was going and nor did she feel she had to, she was presumably the only one roaming free.
But to her surprise, she crashed into a stranger just as she turned a corner. Lola stumbled back a couple steps startled by his intrusion. She slowly looked up at him, her neck craned back to meet his gaze. He was so tall, she felt like a child standing in front of him. His golden eyes gave her an odd sense of deja vu and the way he looked at her now was in awe and confusion. He lifted a hand up to her cheek as if he was in disbelief. Lola’s eyes widened and she brushed off his hand. She stared at him through furrowed brows and contemplated her actions. How did he get in here? Did someone forget to lock his cell? It must have been Keaira, she was notorious for leaving them unlocked. Lola shrugged and through her violet smoke she conjured a poisoned dagger and without hesitation she stabbed him in his waist. She watched as he became drowsy and collapsed to the ground. She grabbed onto his leg, they were encompassed by purple smoke and were transported to her laboratory.

Her lab resided in one of the palace towers. She was the only one in the castle who ever used it aside from her childhood when Eli would teach her ways of alchemy and Noel, the old King, taught her forms of cleansing. The lab was well equipped, it was large and circular. Half of the wall was populated with tall shelves that cut off when the roof angled into a glass domed enclosure. The shelves contained vials, books and five picture frames scattered on different shelves containing fond memories that she could admire while she worked.

One image was of her as a child with her mother and father, it was the only picture she had of her real parents. They all looked so happy, a perfect family portrait and the start to a cruel beginning. Another image was of her and Eli, Lola was around the age of fourteen when it was taken. They were in the laboratory, each holding a beaker, she recalls their names being called out and they both glanced back with grins just as the image was captured. The third picture was of her and Ariel. They sat on the edge of the pool, something they did often together with their feet in the water. Tien had taken this picture, it was candid. The girls, both over the age of a hundred, beamed at each other deep in conversation. The fourth image was of her and Tien. They sat on wooden logs next to each other midway into exchanging a slap joint as they always did. It was a perfect symbol of their relationship, casual, simple and carefree. The last image was of Lola and Arkin. It was her favorite picture of the two of them, it was sensual reflecting the nature of their relationship. It was from an erotic photoshoot they had done together a few decades ago. They both sat up, she on top of him with her thighs on either side of his body. He was shirtless wearing only boxer briefs. She wore a dark purple, satin lingerie dress, the strap dangling off her shoulder. He had a hand on the small of her back and the other on her opposite cheek as to not hide her face in the image. Lola’s one hand was on his waist and the other around his neck. Their faces were about an inch apart, he stared at her lips in lustful desire and she stared at his eyes. There was always something eerie in the way she looked at him, as though she was captivated in the moment in an unnatural but longing passion.

The edge of the shelves also ended where a curved counter began taking up about a quarter of the space. The large surface area had beakers, mortar and pestle, retort, calcinator and other sorts of alchemy equipment. The remaining area was a wall of plants, all unique and in bunches of about a hundred different varieties, specimens from several realms. In the center of the room was an operating table, one could assume it was a lounge chair but the straps dangling at the sides suggested otherwise.

She tossed the stranger onto her operating table as if he was weightless and strapped him into place. She grabbed a pair of shears and cut off his pants and removed his undergarments. She placed a linen over his lower abdomen to his upper thigh. She paced over to a drawer and grabbed a syringe filled with white liquid. She tapped on the barrel and pressed on the plunger to test a couple drops. She walked back over to the stranger, she wrapped an elastic band around his forearm to extract some veins and inserted the needle. He looked as though he had been through an ordeal but with the serum, his body suddenly healed fully of its scars and his hygiene improved as though he had just showered. She removed the band and the needle, she tossed both materials into a nearby trash bin. She stood over him now and observed him curiously. Why did he look so familiar? She gently traced the tattoo’s on his arm with her finger, she bit her lower lip as she pondered in prolonged confusion. She gave her head a shake, slap was making her delusional again. Though she couldn’t help but stare at his peaceful expression, there was a sense of longing within her but why would she yearn for a stranger?

---

Dialog: #737373
Location: Throne Room

Arkin was leaning against the wall of a hallway flirting with a Nymph from Cantata. She was visiting the realm for the party and had tagged along with one of her Hunter friends. Arkin grinned crookedly at her as they spoke and typical of Arkin, she was now on his lips. He leaned into her and he pulled her closely to him as they made out for a brief moment until Arkin felt a presence passing by. He glanced up from her and politely said If you'll excuse me. he kissed her again before he turned away. He paced up next to Ariel and grasped the back of her neck tightly.
Walk with me Ari he stated in a low voice and forced her in his direction. She tensed beneath his hold but made no attempt to breakfree. They walked into a small ballroom and Arkin unnecessarily shoved her ahead causing her to fall on all fours. He closed the doors behind him and started to pace as he glared at her through furrowed brows. “Are you done yet?” he spat.
Ariel slowly got to her feet and brushed herself off, she scowled at him but did not respond. He closed the gap between them, Ariel took a few steps away from him but she was pinned to the wall and he towered over her.
“You let them into my realm”
“It’s theirs!”
He growled and backhanded her, she lost balance and stumbled to the side with a hand clasped on her cheek. He turned on his heel away from her and paced again “After everything I’ve done for you!” he howled.
“Done for me?” Ariel scoffed and recomposed herself “Everything you’ve ever done has been for your own personal gain dear brother.”
Arkin stopped in his step and glared at her “You are starting a war”
“No, just fighting a battle. You started this war years ago.”
“All I have ever done is protect you!”
“Protect me?! Arkin, I am dead.”
“Because of his fucking child! You are bewitched by Wrath, permanently poisoned by his madness. I have kept you here so you could cleanse, gain repentance and you mock me by inviting those abominations! You are trying to rob me of everything, give the one bastard my throne and the other my love.”
Ariel leaned against the wall and crossed her arms “I am robbing you of nothing, your wretched soul has brought you here. You could have done great things with your throne but instead all you crave is power. As for your love...you lost her eons ago, long before he ever came into her life. You know it as well as me, these things were never yours to begin with. They were granted to you temporarily.”
“You are mocking me of my curse”
“Then break it, you’ve had centuries to do so and yet you lather in its darkness. The adrenaline of war pulses through your veins, your downfall is your own doing!”
Arkin waved his hand, Ariel was suddenly in his hold with his hand around her neck. He squeezed, his eyes turned black with rage. “You’re done here, dear sister” he spat and with a little more force she erupted into a wisp. He stared at the orb in his palm for a long moment before he closed his fist and she evaporated.

After his much need slap session with his best mates, Arkin sat in his meeting room with Lola to his left and Tien to his right. They were accompanied by five of his Hunter’s from the Realm of Aquarius. There was a three dimensional holographic projection of the water realm floating in the center of the table. Arkin exasperated and waved his hand to disperse the image. He sat back in his chair and analyzed their faces “Remind me, how long have you been hunting together?” They all exchanged looks and seemed nervous to reply, Arkin gestured his hand insistently.
The merman in the center cleared his throat “Nearly a century” he responded.
Arkin crooked his brow and reexamined each one of their faces more carefully “And yet the rogue’s in the realm have multiplied. How odd, Queen Sirena is quite concerned. Aquarius hasn’t experienced war in-”
“Six hundred and twelve years” Lola interjected.
Arkin gave his head a nod “Therefore, I could claim that you are all lacking. However, I don’t believe that is the case. You see friends, nothing brings a group closer together or further apart than the threat of one's demise. Something you have all come very close too in your time together. It changes the way we wander, doesn’t it? Makes us more fearful to know that we have vulnerabilities.”
He caught one of the Hunter’s averting their gaze, he grinned crookedly and casually waved his hand. The ruby gem ripped out of the Hunter’s necklace and into Arkin’s hand. He crushed the gem in his palm as easily as if it were putty. The being let out an agonised cry and combust into thin air. Arkin hovered his closed fist over the table and let the sand remains trickle down onto the surface. He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms “Not all your friends are allies” he simply stated.
The Hunter’s all peered uneasily at each other and one even gulped out of fear.
“He was breeding rogues” Tien explained “Greed is a beast that cannot be tamed once it is unleashed.”
Arkin waved “You are dismissed.”
The remaining four Hunter’s nodded graciously and evaporated in their clouds of smoke. Arkin glanced over at Lola who was eyeing the ashes curiously. “How do you always know?” she questioned.
Arkin shrugged “The deceitful are made to fall.”

Arkin paced around his throne room smoking a slap joint to dissolve his frustrations. It had been a heavy day already and the demon was quickly approaching his palace. He worried for Lola to see him again, what if oblitus wasn’t strong enough? He was taking a risk to say the least but it was the final torment before his demise. Besides, what better way to torture someone than have their love hand it to them personally? A guard walked into the room, he lingered in the doorway and cleared his throat. Arkin stopped pacing to face him and gestured him forward. “The Kitsune has arrived, my King”
Arkin nodded “Bring him in”
A very drowsy Jason entered the room at the hand of two guards. He was shoved to the ground and fell at Arkin’s feet. Arkin sauntered over to his throne and took his seat. He set an elbow on one of the arms and rested his thumb beneath his chin with a finger over his mouth. “Welcome, Jason” Arkin unenthusiastically greeted.

---

Dialog: #000066
Location: Throne Room

He was enjoying the peace, sipping his beer and staring blankly ahead until he found himself spun around. If anything, it felt like a gentle smack on his face though he could sense her attempted force. He blinked a couple times staring at the ground next to him before he slowly averted his gaze to meet Vitane’s raging expression. He brushed a hand through his hair and let out an exasperated sigh, slap sure knew how to fuck with his mind. He leaned back with an elbow propped up on the counter behind him and he grabbed his beer chugging about half of it. He looked Vitane up and down, he gestured and simply stated “That dress does not flatter you.” He set his glass on the bar and crossed his arms as he analyzed her with a crooked brow. He wasn’t sure how to handle her illusion, he had questions, several, such as why was she here and so furious with him? Her anger he could assume, was the result of numerous things, he was a trainwreck of mistakes after all. He didn’t know where to begin, part of him wanted to pull her in and relish her apparition but Tenebris was an unkind realm and he refused to trust any of its good fortunes. Surely she wasn’t one of them, she was here to torment him. Remind him of his wrongful doings, another gift from Death to mock him of his failures. He was completely zoned out as he stared at her, she was beautiful. He had missed gazing into her green eyes and in their short time together she had left an imprint on his heart. He felt relieved in a sense to see her here though she didn’t deserve to wander this hellish place if she truly were dead. He reached his hand out to touch hers, she felt cold and surreal. He observed her pale skin, he pondered what to say and what to do. Apologize? Kiss her? He sighed reminding himself that he was in Tenebris, this was just another delusion to make him feel sorrowed for her lost. He scoffed at his thoughts, he was tired of letting the burden shade his momentary enjoyment. “Go ahead, state your piece, make me cry and be on your way” he flatly stated.
Surely he didn’t have much time with her either before she would vanish without explanation. She wasn’t truly here after all. He dropped her hand and lifted his own to his cheek, he brushed it along where she had slapped him. Finally, he recrossed his arms and stared at her under furrowed brows. He shrugged
“What a wicked high, not sure yet if I regret eating that flower. I mean at least you’re not as forceful as my mother’s delusion. It seems my purpose in this realm however is to get scolded and beaten by my demised loved ones. Interesting form of mockery or tactic, whatever you want to call it.”
He turned away from her slightly in annoyance and grabbed his beer again and sipped the remaining liquid.

The door rang to announce a new arrival, Jason paid no mind until the stranger plopped in the now vacant stool next to him and referred to Vitane as a smurf. Jason’s mouth curled up into a humored grin, he had never thought of that one before. He glanced over at the newcomer when he spoke to him directly “She your's or do I have a chance?” Jason glanced back over at Vitane, a realization of her realism clicked in his mind. He shifted his gaze between Ian and Vitane, “Wait a second.” He jumped onto his feet and closed the gap between them completely. He took her face his hands, he was dumbfound as he stared at her. I mean, she did feel real. Sure she had some dark circles around her eyes and she was cold. He felt at a lost for words and dropped his hands. He fell back down onto the stool with his jaw unhinged as he stared at her with wide eyes. He peered over at Ian and pulled out the black lily from his pocket, he held it in his palm to show him “Are you high as well or is she actually here?” he questioned. He could tell the stranger was completely drunk but what did that matter? If Vitane was truly in front of him why could this newcomer see her as well? Clearly she was a ghost, left here in spite of him or to torture her for whatever reason. He grimaced and gave his head a shake from his bewilderment. “Vitane” he breathed in awe “I thought I’d never see you again.”

The door sounded again, a shudder trickled down his spine. Jason slowly glanced over to see two guards pacing quickly towards him. He bolted up from his seat and stood defensively in front of Vitane. As if that would accomplish anything the guard spat. He had no time to react when suddenly Vitane was pulled away through a bright light. The guard closed the gap between he and Jason. Jason raised his hand to the man’s torso and sent a shock through his body. The guard collapsed to the ground and the other was quick in front of him. He grabbed Jason’s arm, twisted it behind his back and stabbed him in his abdomen with his sword. A growl escaped Jason’s lips, the pain was excruciating even with his ability to heal. He was shoved against the counter and his head was pinned down on the bar. He tried to break free but he could sense another individual assisting the guard in cuffing him. They propped him up and he shouldered one in the jaw. Suddenly, a needle punctured his neck and he was injected with black serum. He felt woozy, his sight grew dazed and he became limp.

He was fully conscious as they dragged him across the realm but he was immobile. He hung his head and his legs dragged behind him. The guards made crude remarks towards him and talked proudly of themselves. He glared through heavy eyes, where were they taking him? To the dungeons? To be tortured again? To be killed? He peeked up slightly through strands of hair and could see the castle through his clouded vision. He wanted to groan, fucksakes he thought bitterly.

The entrance door of the castle was propped open and he was now gliding across the dragon glass flooring. They transported him beneath the arch of the conjoined staircase, through a narrow hall and finally he found himself in the throne room. They shoved him forward and he stumbled flat to the ground. The floor felt cool beneath his cheek and he could sense a presence hovering above him. He heard a door close from behind, he blinked a few times searching for strength. His muscles felt flimsy and out of his control but he was able now to prop himself to sit on the back of his legs. He observed the stranger through groggy eyes as he took his place at his throne and welcomed him.
“In...” he muttered.
“Speak up Jason” the stranger demanded aggressively, his voice was surprisingly low and intimidating.
“In my defense” Jason nearly shouted, he couldn’t feel his lips move and was startled by his own voice. He uneasily cleared his throat and continued to speak “I didn’t want to come here. To this realm, I mean.”
The King chuckled in mockery at him and asked “Then why are you here?”
‘Dragged...against my will, seems to be the theme…” he muttered and trailed off as his eyes wandered across the room. There were large windows to the left side of him draped in deep golden curtains all tucked neatly with black tassels. The throne was on a navy carpeted platform of three steps, it was large in height and unique in detail. The throne was silver, the cushion was black and within the silver metal were designs of skulls and bones. To his left were four portraits in which one in particular caught his heavy eyes. It was his mother, she was youthful in appearance and there was an unfamiliar innocence gleaming in her eyes. She looked beautiful but what the hell was her painting doing here? His eyes shifted to the one next to hers, it was of another woman. She had immortal youth, her violet eyes were captivating and her facial features mimicked that of Ariel. He observed the two remaining portraits slowly piecing together an unexpected realization. His brow crooked and he gazed up at Arkin “Since when” he mumbled and cleared his throat again, speaking seemed increasingly more difficult Since when does mom have a brother?”
Arkin smirked “Precisely thirteen minutes after she was born.”
Jason eyed him in slight disbelief but goosebumps rose on his arms, what the dark elf had spoken made sense to him now. He was part Fallen and not only did his mom have a twin but he was the God of Death. He felt as though he was gaping stupidly and attempted to close his mouth. He couldn’t tell whether or not he was drooling at this point but the haze grew evermore controlling.
“Arkin, is my name” he introduced.
Jason shrugged uneasily “I don’t care” he muttered. “What-what did you do to Vitane? Why is she in this realm...she should...she-she should be in” he breathed “Heaven”
“She spent the last few months of her life clinging to a Demon. Do you truly think her soul is pure?” Arkin retorted.
Jason’s head hung against his will, he forced it up uneasily and locked his gaze with Arkin “Yes” he breathed in almost pleading tone.
Arkin grinned at him crookedly, a look of malice gleamed in his eyes. “If you’re sure. Maybe I should send her to Lola first, to be certain”
Jason felt raged and he growled “Don’t you fucking hurt her” he spat. His heart felt like it was erupting out of his chest at the adrenaline but it was brief. He had tensed up and furrowed his brows but dropped back on his knees in weakened defeat.
“Careful, Demon”
Jason grimaced, the way he called him Demon was venomous and distasteful. It sounded harsh and he understood now slightly why Forrest was always bothered by it.
“Don’t worry, I have special plans for her. Besides, Lola is preoccupied with your brother at the moment. Which reminds me” Arkin whistled and a guard came back in. He got to his feet and gestured towards Jason, the guard strided up to the Kitsune and grabbed onto his arm “Take him to the colosseum dungeon, I could use some entertainment.”
Jason attempted to nudge away from the guard but his effort was useless. He was completely drowsy now, his sight grew blurred. He felt himself being pulled and a moment later he fell into unconsciousness.