LABYRINTH SHIELD – CHAPTER TEN - SEDUCTION
Hearing a long yawn, I open my eyes slowly to see Rickon's face inches from mine. His eyes are closed, and he's clearly asleep. It's weird being so close to him. I'm so close to him, but I can never touch him. Marvelous, that is.
Deciding to sit up, I remember that we slept outside. It was foolish of me to fall asleep so close to Rickon, and have Alois on my other side.
I sit up and sigh. The sun is rising, illuminating the guild in a delightful orange glow. Alois sits up next to me, but Rickon is still asleep.
"He's kind of adorable when he sleeps," I say, thinking aloud. There's a slight smile on his lips, and his hair falls on his face.
"Probably," Alois says, stretching her arms. "Do you think we should go on a job today?" Alois asks.
"Mhm, maybe," I mumble. "I'll wake Rickon, then we'll see if the others want to do a job."
Turning to the still sleeping Rickon, I gently shake his shoulder (I make sure not to touch his skin). His eyes open and meet mine.
"Morning," he says with a smile.
"Good morning," I say.
"Good morrow to you fine sirs!" Alois loudly exclaims, frightening Rickon and I. Rickon sits up, and I turn to look at Alois. "Hey, no frost!" Alois says in a congratulating way. I look at my feet and see no frost has spread. Maybe I'm finally getting out of that habit.
I stand up and stretch, "Should we go inside?" I ask.
"Sure," Rickon says, standing up. Alois also stands and stretches before we make our way inside.
Nobody seems to be awake yet, so I just choose a table and sit. Alois sits across from me, while Rickon wonders over to the request board.
"What was that about you thinking he's adorable?" Alois asks with a smile, sipping an apple martini. Where in the seven hells did she get that?
"Just thinking aloud," I answer, "Where did you get that martini?"
Alois shivers, and looks around suspiciously. "I felt an increase in magical power," she tells me, looking slightly worried. Concentrating, I realise there has been an increase. A worryingly big increase of magical power.
"Did you feel that?" Rickon asks, walking over to us. I nod, looking around wearily.
"Guys," I mumble, "The doors." All of the doors and windows of the guild have disappeared, replaced by stone and wood. The stairs still remain, but they're the only exit from the main room.
"Why are the doors gone? And windows?" I hear, it's Lucious' questioning voice. I look towards the stairs and see Lucious and Ezrith have come down, fully dressed. They come towards us.
"No idea," Alois sighs, sipping her martini. She doesn't look phase by this. I stand up.
"Okay, which one of you fuck-tards screwed with the guild hall?" Raven growls, also coming down the stairs. Once she's down, they disappear, replaced by a wall. Dark magic is clearly at play here.
Suddenly, a mischievous sounding, irritating voice booms into the room; "You're all here!" It says with great enthusiasm. I think it's male. "We can begin! Welcome, Labyrinth Shield, to my Court of Illusion!"
Sighing, I wonder if this guy realises what he's getting himself into. From what I've seen, attack Labyrinth Shield is a terrible idea.
"This is our Guild Hall," Alois says, sounding kind of annoyed.
"Is it really?" Asks the voice. I blink and the entire scene changes. We're suddenly in a room, about ten by ten meters wide, and it's completely made of stone. Along the wall are wooden torches, lighting the room in a eerie glow. There appears to be no way out.
"Illusion magic," Raven says, sounding rather bored. "Non of this is real."
"So, we're still at the guild hall!" Alois exclaims.
"NO!" The illusionist shouts, "This is my court of illusions."
Before Alois can argue back, I interrupt. Or try to, before hearing a scream.
"Alois, what is it?" Raven asks, urgency in her voice.
Alois looks at us with teary eyes, "He took my martini!" She says, seeming close to sobbing.
"That bastard," Rickon mumbles.
I sigh wearily, wondering what is so special about apple martinis. "What do you want?" I ask, speaking to the illusionist.
"I want to humiliate you," he answers, like it'll actually answer my question, "And torture you, and just have a good time."
"Where is Shalaid?" Ezrith asks, I realise Jack isn't with us either.
"Oh," the illusionist answers, "Jack and Shalaid are fine, as are the other members of your guild," I sigh with relief. Whatever this is, it's gonna get tricky. Jack wouldn't be strong enough. "Now, let the first task begin."
I blink again, and the room changes. Spreading across the centre of the room is a gate, like in prisons. Ezrith is on one side, away from the rest of us.
"Ezrith!" Lucious gasps, running at the bars. Upon touching one, he shrieks in pain and leaps back.
"Seduction," says the illusionist, sounding like a child who drew a pretty picture. "All of you dweebs have your... Fantasies. Desires. All of you have them few specific people you find to be very, very attractive," I groan in displeasure, and hear Alois and Rickon doing the same. This illusionist sounds a little bit perverted. "Stopping your desire can be hard," he continues, "but pretty damn funny for people watching. Your job is to kill he, or she, who are trying to sleep with you."
"Easy enough," Lucious mutters, I don't think he quite realises what's happening. The people we find attractive are going to try and seduce us. We have to kill them. That's so damn simple!
"Raven," Rickon asks, sounding urgent, "can't you stop this?"
I look at Raven who sighs, "I think we're going to have to play along with this sadist." Rickon looks extremely uncomfortable, but nods.
Ezrith look around, on the other side of the bars. "Is somebody going to..." She asks, before her eyes land on a second Rickon, who is on her side of the bars. I realise it's only illusions that are going to seduce us, so it's not too bad.
"Hello, Ezrith," Illusion-Rickon says. He's leaning against a wall, smirking slightly.
"Oh sweet Jesus," Ezrith gasps, averting her eyes. Illusion-Rickon takes a step towards her, but Ezrith throws a sword straight at him, piercing illusion-Rickon's heart.
"Thank god for that," I hear Rickon mumble.
"Why is that good?" I ask, shocked by how weird this day has become.
"I don't want illusion-me to get naked or anything," Rickon explains. It makes sense.
I look back at Ezrith's half of the room, and am shocked to see a shirtless Natsu standing near her. "Ezrith!" Illusion-Natsu exclaims, as if its a shock to see her, "I'm so glad you're here! I was getting chilly," he says, grinning at her as he takes a step towards her, "I was hoping you could warm me up!"
Ezrith looks shocked, and is blushing slightly. She stumbles backwards, falling and landing on her back.
"That's the spirit!" Illusion-Natsu shouts before lowering himself on top of her.
"Natsu stop!" Ezrith gasps, sounding only slightly pleased about the pink haired mage laying on top of her. Illusion-Natsu leans down, firmly placing his lips on Ezrith's. Her noises of pleasure can be heard from where we are standing, but after a few seconds a dagger is planted firmly through his heart. Illusion-Natsu vanishes.
Ezrith stands up, blushing slightly before the scene changes again. This time, Ezrith is in our side and Lucious is on the other.
"You seemed to enjoy that," I comment.
"Did not," she mumbles, looking down and blushing. I decide not to tell her we heard her moans of pleasure.
I look back into the other side of the room, gasping at what I see. An odd looking guy with long black hair has Lucious pinned against a wall. They are kissing. Aggressively. Lucious isn't even resisting! I think the guy is called Gajeel, he's a Dragon Slayer too.
"You have a boyfriend!" Alois shouts, sounding outraged.
Lucious twists his head to the side so Gajeel is kissing his neck and cheek instead. "He's very strong!" Lucious protests, clearly enjoying Gajeel's kisses. I don't mind him taking so long, it'll put of my seduction.
"Damn it Lucious, kill him!" Alois shouts.
Lucious rolls his eyes at us before turning his head back, letting Illusion-Gajeel kiss his lips again. A few seconds later Gajeel stumbles back, before disappearing.
"What did you do?" I ask, slightly puzzled.
"Flooded his lungs," Lucious says with a shrug, "It was fun while it lasted though!" He says with enthusiasm. I can't help but to wonder how he isn't taking this seriously. I don't have time to ask him because Illusion-Rickon appears, standing in front of Lucious with a look of boredom.
I look at real Rickon, who looks horrified. "Don't you dare kiss that illusion!" Rickon shouts. I manage to see Lucious rolling his eyes before Illusion-Rickon advances. Lucious puts up a finger, putting it on Illusion-Rickon's lips. Like Illusion-Gajeel, he falls to the floor before disappearing a few seconds later.
Unwillingly, I blink again. The scene changes as usual. This time Alois is on the other side, and Lucious is back with us.
I turn to Rickon. "Are you okay?" I ask, worried about him. It's weird seeing him unnerved, especially considering how brave he always seems.
"Fine," he mumbles wearily, "I just don't want to you guys to see my... Well, desires or whatever," He answers, "I'm also worried my magic won't work well under the pressure," he tells me with a sigh.
I pull a dagger from my belt, and hand it to him, "They don't seem to put up a fight, just stab them with this," I tell him. He accepts the dagger with a grateful smile.
Turning back to Alois, I gasp at what I see. An illusion of myself has it's hands on either side of Alois' head, trapping her against a wall.
"Damien!" She gasps, looking at me. Not illusion me. Damn, this is freaky.
"Just kill it," I say urgently, worried it'll take its clothes off or something. Or you know, the rest of it's clothes... "It's not actually me," I tell her.
Illusion-me leans forward to Alois' ear, whispering loud enough for all of us to hear, "Do you wanna build a snowman?" It asks in a husky voice. That is seriously creepy!
"Kill it!" I shout urgently. Alois shrieks, probably because of the creepy comment and puts her hand against illusion-me's chest. Her hand flares up, and I catch the scent of burning flesh before illusion-me disappears along with the smell. "Powerful illusions," I mutter. I spare a glance around the room. Ezrith and Lucious lean against a wall, paying attention to Alois but looking embarrassed. Rickon looks nervous, and is clutching my dagger so hard his knuckles are white. Raven looks furious, but remains quiet. I turn my attention back to Alois.
In the room with her is a sheepish looking man. He is tall, probably my height and very lanky. He has black hair and dark blue eyes. His skin is almost as pale as mine.
"Alois," he says shyly, looking at her.
"Ciel!" Alois gasps, her voice thick with emotion. This is the Ciel she told me about. The one she lost. I find myself wondering what it's like, never knowing if your loved one is alive or not. I know Daniel died. I saw it happen. I was able to grieve, knowing I could one day move on. How would Alois have felt? All this time not knowing whether to grieve or not. Not knowing whether to move on or not.
"I'm sorry, Alois," he tells her, "I'm sorry for leaving you."
Suddenly, Alois swiftly moves towards him, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. "I missed you, Ciel!" She sobs into his chest. He puts his arms around her. I look down, knowing it is wrong to intrude on her moment with him. She loved him, and now she has to kill him. Or an illusion of him. But to those who want something badly enough, even a painting can seem like the real thing.
"Alois," Ciel says slowly, "We can be together. Right now. Forever," He tells her. "I..." His words are so thick with emotion, even I'm starting to believe he's real. "I'm in love with you, Alois," He says, drawing back from the hug. They stand at arms length.
Alois looks at him with a sorrowful gaze, "We may be together one day," she says quietly, "but not quite yet," She tells him. Alois gently places a hand on his throat before standing on her tip-toes and planting a kiss on his lips. They stand there kissing for mere seconds before she burns his neck and he disappears from her life. Maybe forever.
A heartbreaking, echoing sob echoes through the room. "I love you."
Once more, the scene changes. Alois is back with us, with Rickon on the other side.
I turn to Alois, but see her facing Raven. "Raven, I'm sorry!" Alois says, as if begging.
"Save it," Raven says, slightly maliciously. She turns and walks to the other side of the room.
"Alois," I begin, "I'm so sorry."
She smiles at me, wiping away a tear. "It's fine. I just need a minute." I nod, wishing there was more I could do. Instead of trying to comfort her sooner, I turn to Rickon. Illusion-Alois is in the room with him. She is slowly moving down the straps of her dress. Thankfully, Rickon plunges my dagger into Alois' heart.
He looks at Alois, "Sorry," he mumbles. He looks terrified. I'm not sure why.
Behind Rickon appears a guy. He has long blonde hair that hangs over his seemingly sculptured face. He wears a white shirt, and trousers. Now I see why Rickon was afraid! I don't think he wanted to know that he's bisexual.
I check my calculations, and it seems obvious that he is bisexual. One boy and one girl in his seduction room. That definitely spells out bi! Everyone has had two people so far. Ezrith had Rickon and Natsu. Lucious had Gajeel and Rickon. Alois had me and Ciel. Rickon now has Alois and whoever this guy is. So far they've all had one person from the guild, and somebody outside. I think I'll get Rickon and Gray in my room. Daniel, if the illusionist knows about him.
The blonde guy is advancing on Rickon, who is awkwardly moving backwards. He keeps sparing glances at us. Looking embarrassed. I can't help but to wonder who the guy is.
"Finally, I found you Rickon," the blonde man says, advancing forward. Surprising me, Rickon rushes forward, plunging his dagger deep into the guys heart.
I'm surprised he did it so quickly, and I kind of wish he hadn't. I blink, finding myself on the other side of the room.
Another surprise comes my way when I turn around, noticing Illusion-Rickon resting against a wall. Thankfully, he is fully clothed. For now.
I groan as he stands up, dreading having to kill him. It may just be an illusion, but it seems real. It's like killing again. But unlike the last times I killed, this won't be fun.
"Damien!" Illusion-Rickon says enthusiastically, "I expected to see you here!" He tells me with a grin as he lazily walks towards me. I will my hand to get my dagger from my belt, but simply can't bring myself to do it.
"Why's that then?" I ask, knowing the real Rickon is watching this.
With a grin, Illusion-Rickon grabs the bottom of his T-Shirt and lifts it over his head, revealing his toned body. "You can't resist me," he says, his voice strangely husky.
Rolling my eyes, I draw my dagger, closing the distance between us as I speak. "Oh yes, with that egotistical attitude and-" still speaking, I aim the dagger at his heart. Illusion-Rickon ceases my wrist, closing the short distance between our faces. It's so sudden, his lips against mine. My first kiss since Daniel. Too bad it's with a damn illusion.
I pull away, releasing my hand from his grasp. This time, without hesitation, I stab the dagger into his chest. Illusion-Rickon vanishes.
I look towards the other section. Lucious, Ezrith and Raven sit against a wall. Thankfully, I don't think they're paying any attention. Rickon is looking down at the floor, he probably now thinks I want to sleep with him. Alois is looking at me, as if wanting to help me.
"Is it really you?" I hear from behind me. A voice I recognize instantly. Deeper than my own, but maybe not as deep as Rickon. I always found his voice comforting, and even now, it feels as familiar as the dagger in my hand.
I spin around, feeling a force on my body as I do so. Illusion-Daniel hugs me tightly, and I can't help but to hug him back. He feels familiar. Everything about him seems right.
I pull back, coming eye to eye with him. He's still a little taller, but that doesn't stop me from taking in every detail of him. His fantastical, ice blue eyes. His fluffy, snow white hair. Just this morning I was waking up in the training grounds, and now I'm staring into Daniels eyes.
"Daniel," I whisper, unsure of what else to say. We're standing close, so it only makes sense to kiss him. I had done this so many times, but never had it felt so good. I run my hand up his back, and into his hair whilst my other hand presses against his chest. In this long awaited moment I forget everything. I forget all the demons, and the fact that he is a mere illusion. I forget that the real Daniel is dead, with next to no chance of ever returning. I forget that Rickon and Alois are watching me. I forget the illusionist who holds us like puppets.
Suddenly, Daniel pulls away and my eyes slowly open. He moves away, leaving my hands to fall beside my sides.
"We can't be together right now, Damien," he says longingly, "but we will be together soon," he says in a promising voice.
"How?" I ask, truly believing it is him. He wants to be with me.
Daniel sighs, running a hand through his hair. "You have to die," he says quietly.
Looking at the corner of my eye, I see Rickon and Alois. Alois looks somewhat regretful, whilst Rickon looks sad. They both watch my every move.
"I can't leave them," I say, "But we will still be together," I tell him, feeling confident about it.
"How?" Daniel asks. I feel my eyes watering, and furiously blink away tears.
"I'll find a way," I promise, "I will find a way to be with you." Daniel smiles and nods, and I notice he is disappearing. His hands are disappearing, along with his legs. It's spreading quickly.
"We don't have long," Daniel whispers. "I love you," he tells me, leaning down and kissing me once more.
Seconds later, he is gone and I find myself back in the other section.
"Where is he?" I demand, almost shouting.
The voice of the trickster echoes through, "Oh, well," he says, I hear the smile in his voice, "That was a lot of fun as it was, and besides, I'm sure you ll get another chance to kill him," he says.
With that comment, I slowly walk to a corner and slide down the wall. I bury my head in my knees, closing my eyes and desperately trying to remember that last kiss. But like all good things, it is already leaving me.