A/N: I have put bios on my OC's (Viper, Kara, Jakal and Tiama) on DeviantArt. If you want the links to them, message me. The support is much appreciated guys. :) Again, heads up for adult situations...

Night Crawler

Viper grew bored of the palace quickly. The stuffiness, the fawning servants, the cold chills that swept the corridors. She could see the outside world from the windows and wanted to explore it. Whenever she broached the subject however, Shao would clench a fist and refuse her request. The woman would retreat to her room and scowl in a corner of it. She wasn't a child, nor was she petulant. She could leave the palace and not act out, or need to be coddled. She needed to breathe, to be free, not a caged bird, in an ever shrinking cage...

The Emperor eventually gave in, but warned her that he would have someone watching her, and news of what she did and or said would reach his ears soon after. He had her on reigns, even now. She wasn't free, she wouldn't ever be, unless she severed those. She'd have to persuade the man to trust her. She wasn't above using feminine wiles, she had used those before on male servants, observing how some would blush and gulp audibly. And whilst Shao was formidable, powerful, he was a mere man, no? Viper would find a way to wrap him around her fingers, tangling, trapping him, so he couldn't ever break free of her hold.

Viper knew nothing of the world outside, only observing it through the relative seclusion of the palace. She hadn't even been allowed into the garden, which span several hectares. They were gated all around, it wasn't as if she could escape somehow. She wouldn't try that. She may have only been 'alive' for almost four months, but she wasn't a fool. Escaping would lead to her capture, as she did not know where she was, the landscape, nor did she have a map. She had no one to rely on for help, and nowhere to stay if she chose to run.

She wouldn't get very far before the Emperor found her, and had her dragged back to the palace, degraded, in chains, bloodied and bruised. She growled. He'd hurt her enough. Each cut, scrape and bruise only added to the fire in her veins. It boiled her blood, consuming her from the inside out.

If he touched her again, she'd bite him, see how he dealt with her deadly venom as it's toxic tendrils worked their way through his veins. It caused necrosis, it would paralyze his nervous system, and then shut down his organs quickly. A double threat, something the man, no matter his sheer strength and gall would not survive.

She snapped from her thoughts and changed her outfit into something less revealing, choosing something more demure, for her. A simple sleeveless black blouse, and skintight dark grey pants. Short heeled grey boots completed the look. The servant chose to accompany her, watch her knocked on her door. She turned, grabbed a grey leather jacket and left the room.

As she left the palace, she took a deep breathe. The fresh warm breeze felt lovely, the surroundings were awe-inspiring.

Now she was free to roam? Roam she would...

Outworld's marketplace was bustling. All these new sounds and smells hit Viper, who lay down on a wall, and basked in the mid-morning sun. It warmed her skin, bathing it in a golden glow. If she could have stayed outside all day, she would have. She disliked her skin being snow white. She looked sick, barely any red coloured her cheeks. The suns rays felt fantastic on her skin as she reveled in their warmth.

A few casual glances were spared to the various stalls around piqued her interest. Bright fruits, of varying shape and size. They looked enticing. She almost felt like child, wonderment filled her as she took in the vast space around her, all the people rushing somewhere, going about their day. A vivid scarlet apple had her name on it, so she stood up, dusted herself off, and strolled toward the vendor.

She payed for the apple, and bit into it. The crunch of the fruit and explosion of sweet and slightly tangy juice in her mouth made her hiss in delight. The aide stared at her, an eyebrow raised. He looked at the apple, than her, then returned his gaze to the ruby red fruit. Viper smirked, blowing him an overly exaggerated kiss. The man snapped out it, frowning deeply.

Over the months she had been 'awake', Viper wanted to try new things, new foods and the like. She found she loved chicken, and unhealthy foods made her very happy, if not a little tubby. She'd giggle and stuff her face with the pastries on offer, from little iced fondant fancies, to croissants and cinnamon swirls. She'd end up with cream smeared all over her mouth, fingers and clothing. Shao would shake his head at that, almost feeling as if he had to babysit her. He wasn't paternal, he never was, and never would be. Unless Viper grew up, he'd stamp out her childish foolishness by snuffing out her existence...

Though, the rational part of his brain reminded him she was young, still learning, exploring. She almost was a child, thrust into a new world, with no knowledge of what to do, how to act, how to speak. address him specifically. He had considered teaching her how to act proper in court, etiquette and the like, how to conduct oneself in the outside world.

He had a reputation to maintain after all, he could not afford Viper tarnishing that...

"What? You're staring".

The man in front of Viper looked embarrassed.

"Not at all Miss. But, I will be keeping my eye on you".

Viper bit into the apple, it's core now exposed. She peeked inside curiously, seeing little brown pips. The man shook his head.

"Don't eat those, they contain cyanide, a deadly poison".

Viper shrugged. The man rolled his eyes in return.

"Fine, eat them then. Don't blame me if you end up sick. I did warn you".

Slender brown brows raised a smidgen, before the woman decided to accept his warning. She avoided the core as she took two more large bites.

"What's your name? I'd prefer to have one, unless you want me to make up one", she smirked, "It wouldn't be nice, since all you've done is lech at me for over an hour". She glared at him, the intensity of her gaze made the man shiver.

He gulped. "Eren Miss, Eren".

Viper nodded. "It's Viper, chill with the 'Miss', okay?" She grinned at him, the sudden switch of expression caused a jolt of panic in Eren's stomach. She held out a hand.

"Nice to meet you Eren".

Eren took her hand cautiously, his pale blue eyes looking apologetic. "I wasn't leching at you Viper, I wouldn't do that. I'm merely here to observe and keep you safe. The people may be frightened of you".

The woman's mouth pursed. "Frightened?" Lilac eyes flashed, her pupils became thinner. "Of little old me?"

She laughed. "Yes Viper. Many dislike the Emperor and the way he conducts his duties".

Viper giggled. "I can't think why", she mumbled. "Show me around then".

She found a bin and threw the rest of the apple into it. She twirled around and waved her arms. Eren nodded, and turned, walking in the direction of the town square.

Five hours later, as the sun was beginning to set, Eren escorted Viper back to the palace. When they arrived, she placed her offering of food on the table in the main hall. She called a servant and they took it to the kitchen. The Emperor nodded at Eren, the man returning that with a bow. He left and Viper bowed.

"Emperor".

Shao acknowledged her and clicked his neck.

"You look happy".

Shao was surprised by this, though pleased that her demeanor had taken a turn for the better. Having her stomp around like a raging bull took it's toll on his temper. She knew how to fray it, make the nerves sting, that sting would turn into jolts of rage that would spike through his veins. He found himself having to take several deep, calming breaths often when she was round.

It was supper time, and it was late. Shao soon found out why this was. Viper had brought him a thick t-bone steak, and the cooks had to add that to the meal. Viper scurried off to the kitchen, leaving the perplexed royal in her wake.

She helped the servants prepare salads, of both the fruit and vegetable variety, buttered garlic potatoes, thyme infused chicken breasts, a platter of meats and cheeses and bottles of vintage red wine. She and four servants brought the meal to Shao, who drummed his fingers on the desk impatiently. The Emperor raised a brow, seeing Viper with plates of food in her hand. He took off his mask. This took Viper by surprise, she almost dropped his goblet, threatening to spill wine all over him. She regained her composure and shook her head.

When she saw the Emperor's face for the first time, she damned herself when she blushed, almost as red as the deep, dark liquid contained in the goblet in her hands.

She'd thought the man would be all hard edges, cheek and jawbones so sharp, you could cut yourself with them. But, no, not quiet. He did have defined, chiseled cheekbones, distinct, full brows, and a slight ridge in his nose.

It wasn't any of these things that caught her attention however. It was his eyes. Liquid honey pools that seemed to melt her insides.

There was that uncomfortable heat again. It came back when she least expected it too. It bloomed from her stomach, and traveled downwards. She shifted, hoping he hadn't noticed.

He had, and pulled her up on it, literally. The man grabbed the goblet in one hand, and her hand in the other, pulling her toward him.

He resisted a smirk. He knew she hadn't had much attention, and as she was a clone, she hadn't been with anyone. She hadn't been touched.

Come to think of it, neither had he, in a long time. This would be rectified...

One way or another...

He never for a second thought that she wouldn't be his. No other man would touch her...

He chuckled despite himself. Viper tilted her head. His grip had loosened on her arm so she removed it from his grasp. She stepped back and raised a brow.

"Emperor? You're an odd one", a little innocent head tilted made Shao's stomach flutter. This perturbed him. He looked away and growled under his breath.

"Leave us".

The servants bowed and scurried from the room quickly. Shao took the goblet and drank deeply from it, savoring the initial tartness that cut through any harsh words on his tongue. As he swallowed, a sweetness kicked in, strawberries, crisp, pleasant. He gestured at Viper to sit. She did so, but her mind span, her appetite, which felt hearty before began diminishing. Her thoughts wandered...

Us? What the hell does that mean?

She picked up a fork, and prodded a slice of ham on the platter. She picked it up and eat it, chewing methodically.

"Emperor?"

Shao waved a hand, he didn't deign her a look. She looked away, rolled her eyes and sighed.

"What does us mean?"

"Us? Myself and you".

Viper squinted. "There seemed to be an inflection there".

Shao's look became furious, his gaze making her shiver.

"There was none", he changed the subject quickly, "Pass the potatoes".

Viper reached out to grab the plate, only to be halted by a large hand on her shoulder.

"No, use your abilities".

Viper moved the plate with her mind and smiled at the small accomplishment. She wished to take some for herself, but knew that until the Emperor had taken his fill, she'd have to wait. This got on her nerves, fraying the ends slightly.

But, the splits had begun to spread, and some days Viper found herself at the end of her tether. She had to leave the room and find somewhere quiet. Not her room, she would only destroy things in there. It would look like someone had let a hoard of Tarkatan warriors in there, and shut the door...

Only, without the blood...

"The gift, the meal", he paused, "Are you trying to butter me up?"

Viper didn't understand.

"Butter you up? How odd/ Why would I do that?"

Shao could have cursed...

"Flatter me. You are trying to flatter me, aren't you, little one?"

The woman hissed. Her eyes widened, and she covered her mouth. She hadn't meant to voice her frustration.

Shao wasn't born yesterday, nor was he deaf. He knew he had struck a chord, though it was a bum note.

"Speak".

He commanded, voice booming. Viper panicked and shook her head. She really didn't wish to be hit again, she'd had enough of that, taken enough damage.

A mere squeak came from her lips. Shao sighed and took a knife, carving up some chicken. To Viper's surprise, he put on the slicee her plate.

"Take what you want and go to your room".

Viper blinked, and held her breath until he put the knife down.

"Okay".

Her heart felt as if it were in her mouth as she picked some grapes, prosciutto, potatoes, some bread, butter, and cheese before putting them on her plate. She levitated a goblet and with her free hand picked up a small carafe.

She stood, gracefully bowed to the Emperor, then skulked off with her meal, into the darkness...

After finishing her meal, Viper placed the plate on her bed, careful to avoid getting crumbs on the sheet. She walked over to her mirror, stripped, and pushed her stomach out. She wasn't pleased with what she saw. Her body was small, nothing striking or interesting. After eating, she looked like she was expecting. She couldn't imagine having a child. The mere thought turned her green at the gills. She sighed, feeling something new flow through her body. She wasn't quite sure what it was, but she knew it wasn't pleasant.

A knock on her door made her think about redressing, but she couldn't be bothered. She uttered a 'come in' and smiled when she saw it was Arielle.

The woman in question turned once she saw the clone naked.

"Sorry Miss! I thought yo'd be clothed".

Viper frowned.

"Why would I be?" She pointed at the clothes on the floor. "They were uncomfortable after I ate, so I took them off. Besides, haven't you seen another woman naked before? I'm not that bad, am I?"

Arielle felt that was a trick question. If she said anything that made it look like she didn't like the view...

Well, she'd heard what the woman had done to some of the guards, and she shivered, it trickled painfully down her spine.

Poison, slicing limbs off, they would sputter blood everywhere. The young maid would almost wretch as she had to clean up the mess.

Every time Viper made a mess, she would have to clean it.

She coughed, paling considerably.

"Not at all Miss". She looked at the older woman and tried to give a convincing nod of approval. Viper took that and hummed.

"Are you okay? Not about to puke on my floor are you?" Viper walked around Arielle and felt that feeling pull at her again, the one she had in the mirror prior to the woman coming into the room. Arielle was short but curvy. A nipped in waist flared out to rather wide hips. Her chest was the perfect size, neither small, not big. Viper realised what she felt, it simmered away in her gut, souring her mood.

Jealousy.

She was jealous that she didn't look like that. She growled and walked in front of the young woman.

"If I looked like you, I'd be happier. Don't get me wrong, I have almost all that I want here. If it wasn't so damn stuffy in the palace, I'd be happier".

Arielle felt her heart thud, it hurt a little, and this gradually increased.

"Like me Miss?"

Viper felt a grin pull at her mouth. She was so innocent and sweet, Viper was not. She was bitter, nasty, likely tasting caustic, sour.

"Aw, look at you. You look terrified. You don't need to be. You're just so pretty, that's all". She waved a hand. "You can leave now".

Arielle gulped, took the clothes from the floor, and scurried out the door, almost bumping into Shao. She apologised and almost ran away from him and the room.

Viper turned, unaware that her door was still closing.

Unaware that Shao was there, standing in the corridor.

Unaware that he had seen her, naked.

She didn't hear the growl that emanated from his throat either.

He'd heard Viper speaking to Arielle and was not amused.

Viper was his. She would be his.

He sucked in a sharp breath. He need to calm himself, lest he begin acting irrational...