Ian McKinley's Story

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.