The corrupted temple of time always had such a tense, somber atmosphere about it. It was always so cold to Blue even in the long sleeves of her Black Wings uniform. The chill seeped through the heavy, black fabric. The sound of her knee-high boots thudding against the floor echoed across the hall.
She had never been allowed to see the master before, but her latest acts of treachery on behalf of the Black Wings, having successfully apprehended the Resistance in one of their rescue missions and returning the captive they sought to wrongfully free, had earned the trust and respect of Commander Orchid. And so she sought to face the dark master.
Blue placed a hand on the door to his chamber, but hesitated, stifling an uneasy breath. How should I address him? She wondered. I know he's been sealed up, but surely he can still hear me? It isn't like he's dead, just sleeping. She stopped. But what would Neinheart think if he knew I was here? Would he hate me? Why does he view the dark master with such stupid apprehension? She stared up at the carving on the door; twisted imagery of Rhinne's sacred symbol. Corrupt just like the Black Mage. Even if Neinheart disapproves, I hope the master sees favor in me. She pushed the giant door opened and turned solemnly.
The air in his chamber was different. It remained still and somber, but Blue could feel the darkness tickling her skin and even brushing against her very soul. She relished in it with a wicked grin. She knelt down low before the Black Mage.
The transcendent of light was suspended in air and in time itself with his disfigured hand reaching out, remaining in place of the last curse he hexed. His appearance alone was enough to make Blue tremble.
"Commander," she dared to utter. "I'm honored to be in your presence." He, of course, didn't reply. She gazed up at him with her still very innocent, blue eyes.
His eyes seemed to stare down at her with a menacing glow. A shiver ran up her spine. Come closer, a voice whispered in her ear. She obeyed, silently, knowing exactly where it had come from. She came so close to him that he almost touched her.
"Yes, dark lord?" She asked. Suddenly, a burst of darkness shot out of his hand and into her. She felt it consume and numb her spirit down to the depths of her soul. It chilled her, and she felt the beating of her heart slow until she couldn't feel it. Her chest felt completely hollow as she gasped and fell to her knees.
Within a single second, all the innocence and light that remained of her vanished, but in its place was given to her power. She could feel it coursing through her veins, and she regained her strength. She stood, staring into the eyes of her master. "Thank you," she bowed then turned and left.
As she started towards the exit, she began to feel a burning sensation in her hands- not painfully, but enough to cause her to flinch. She stared down at them and gawked in amazement at the sight. She raised up two hands completely consumed in blue flame, but untouched by its destruction. This is the power I have received, she knew. She smiled and chuckled proudly. If only I could tell Neinheart.
A/N: The one-shots are going to be written out of order, jumping around to different points in time. They will tell a whole story, but for now, they'll just be separate one-shots. Thanks for reading!