I'm sorry about this long wait guys! -.- I was going to upload this a few days ago but for some reason I was prevented from logging in. The next chapter is being written straight away and you definitely won't have to wait as long as you did this time around. Anyhoo, I hope you enjoy this next chapter and I apologise for the wait.~
The Shadow Realm, a vast void of space capable of containing creatures consumed by darkness. Without a leader the Realm would perish, allowing every shadow to escape from its walls and be released into the open world.
Within the King's Throne room an ageless immortal slumped heavily against the door. Myra slid down to the floor, her head struggling to lift through the effort of fighting against the reality of what she had done. It was a losing battle though, as her mind was stripped of its ability to judge freely between that which is right and wrong. She could no longer face Chris, because Chris was now a target of the shadows.
And it was all because of her.
With the Shadow King weak from his drainage of power it was now up to Myra to take care of The Realm until he could be returned. Seeing as Pitch was not an organised caretaker who preferred to dwell in his own lair it was up to Myra to take care of the shadows.
Often she would recapture them in the outside world, bringing them back as she saw fit. Lately though, her powers were to be focused on mending the damage any portals that may lead to rouge shadows leaving.
She sat in front of The Throne, feeling too uncomfortable to grace herself upon it, it belonged to someone else after all. A small frown twisted her features as she thought of how Pitch may have reacted to sitting there, like a smug fool to say the least.
"Well, look who's been busy."
The smooth recognisable voice caused shoulders to stiffen automatically, and she quickly dismissed any hint of emotion that her face may have given away. She stood up, stuffing her hands in her jacket pockets casually.
"You have no place here Pitch. I'm taking the King's place until he returns."
"Oh? And as the new 'Queen' your word is law, correct?"
Pitch inched towards her with every word, each rising an octave and being coated in false kindness.
"That's right. You have no idea what these shadows are capable of. The Realm was nearly beyond repair after you had taken control. You have no right to call yourself a King." Myra wished her words had sounded more malicious, but there was something about the presence of the Bogeyman which was unnerving even to her.
This was proven when Pitch's face twisted into a deep scowl; he leant forward as small wisps of sand escaped from his clenched fists.
His voice was low and laced with sadistic intentions. "You forget what I am capable of too. Don't throw aside the fact that I was the one that took you in when The Man in the Moon left you alone."
Myra felt her breath catch for a moment before she recollected herself and stared defiantly at Pitch, not willing to back down.
"What do you want, Pitch?"
His gaze softened instantly, and a gleeful smile arose. Pitch almost danced towards her, placing his hands on Myra's shoulders as he bent down, their foreheads almost touching.
"My Myra, you don't realize how much we are meant for each other. You are strong, and I understand your problems entirely, which is why it is best if you stay with me."
She flinched until his touch, her face paling slightly. The barrier she had mentally created to protect her from his words was slowly cracking, allowing small wisps of emotion to pass through.
"The Guardians can't fix your problems. Neither can Chris or Danny. Only I can, because that's how much I love you."
She tilted her head, her dark eyes wide with utter surprise. "You love me?"
He grinned widely, a gleam in his own golden irises. "Yes! And together we can take revenge on the people who have killed so many of the shadows and nightmares we worked so hard to create."
Confusion would be the strongest emotion Myra felt right now, a part of her understood that what Pitch was saying was wrong, but the rest of her was expressing excitement towards the idea. The side of her she had always fought to keep at bay.
"If you don't," Pitch's smile faded. "I will make sure that the Shadow King will never rise again. He will be nothing but a speck of dust in this world."
His words stung, each taking its own time to engrave itself into her mind. That was it, she couldn't back down now. The threat of the Shadow Kings death, the man she called a father, was the only thing she needed to make up her mind. She could already see the disappointment in both Chris and Danny's eyes. Their faces filled with regret as they discovered that she betrayed them and the trust she had built between them. It was sickening to think about. But what choice did she have?
Giving Pitch a small nod she winced when she felt him kiss her forehead tenderly, lingering too long for her liking.
Pitch laughed. "Now for your first job. You understand how much of an inconvenience the Immortal Children are for our kind don't you?"
Again, she nodded, albeit a little slower this time.
"Then I want you to finish what you started all those years ago. I've already weakened Chris, the child doesn't even realise it yet. Now get rid of her."
Myra could feel herself crumbling, to do what he asked was one thing, but to take advantage of the bond she had built with Chris was cruel. Pitch slithered his way back into the shadows, smirking at his work.
When he left, she felt her knees buckle and she sank to the floor in shame.
"…..Dammit."
I slid my body out of the bath, rubbing at myself furiously with a towel before wrapping it around myself quickly and collecting my clothes from the floor. My mums pounding finally stopped when I opened the door and shot past her, my arm hid under my laundry.
"Chris!" I heard her shout before I pushed my door closed and jumped onto my bed.
"It's nothing mum. Just thought I saw something." I hoped she would take the excuse and just leave it.
Mumbling was heard and then an echoed from the staircase. I sighed with relief that was quickly replaced by panic when I unwrapped my arm from my clothing, panicked breathes escaping me as I inspected the grey flesh. Shedding the towel onto the floor I checked myself for any further changes as I got dressed, pulling out a black glove and shoving it onto my hand for safe measure. I yanked the sleeve of my shirt down over it and ran my fingers through my wet hair.
"Okay. Nothing else is grey." I confirmed to myself. "What's happening to me?"
You're becoming one with us.
I stumbled back at the voice, flames lighting up clumsily and without hesitation.
Just look, you're changing so much already.
Biting down on my lip to withhold my scream I stared desperately at my right hand, watching as black flames mingled with the usual bright blue ones. A slight whimper escaped me, the fire shrinking when I created a fist to trap it. I grasped my coat and used my elbow to push down the handle of my balcony door. The trust in my flames was dwindling; I jumped off of the elevated platform, only using my flames to soften the impact. Once contact was made I tore off down the street at full speed, my breathe deepening with each few strides.
Danny's house was my destination, and within a few minutes it was in sight. By the time I reached the door I was gasping for air, my cheeks flushed red. Unexpectedly, the door opened, and a fairly surprised pyjama clad person stared down at me in utter astonishment. Danny's mum specifically.
I raised a hand, giving her a small grin. "H-Hey Julie." I breathed, a small coughing fit taking over that prevented me from finishing the greeting.
"Dear Chris! What's the matter sweetheart? Did you run all the way here?"
"…Something like that, yeah."
She ushered me in, clumsily placing her coffee down as she rubbed slow circles into my back. Julie was like a second mum to me, and I had to smile at her nightgown that was filled with adorable love hearts and chicks.
"Danny! Quick, Chris is here."
A shifting was heard from upstairs along with the sound of someone falling heavily. I shook my head as Danny almost tumbled down the stairs in his matching pyjamas. I used to tease him about it when I first began staying over until I realised they were amazingly comfy.
"Chris. Hey. Whoa, are you okay?"
"Depends, really freaking out right now though, need to talk to you in private."
I felt a pang of sympathy for Julie but this was a matter which I did not wish to burden her with.
"Ah. Okay. Mum, can you make Chris some hot chocolate please? We'll be in my room."
She exchanged glances between us. "Okay. I'll bring it up for you." Her fingers threaded through my hair. "I just hope everything's okay sweetheart."
I stood straight, giving her a sincere smile. "I'm fine Julie, please don't worry."
Danny grabbed my hand and yanked me upstairs, tripping on a few steps in his haste. I ran past him, closing and locking the door as soon as he walked in.
"Okay, you're scaring me now Chris."
Wordlessly I ran my fingers hesitantly over the fabric over my hand and peeled it off, cringing in expectation at his response. Holding my hand up I saw his eyes run over my grey flesh, a crease forming in his brow.
"What is that?" His tone was breathless, his gaze darting from my hand to my face.
"I have no idea. I've never seen anything like this."
"Well we have to tell the others."
"NO!"
He froze, his emerald eyes piercing through me, looking for reasoning.
"We can't tell the others. They have enough to worry about. We'll figure something out on our own. Please, I'm begging you. Do not tell them anything."
The stiffness in his shoulders loosened and he let them droop, taking another fleeting glance at my exposed hand.
"Then you'll need something more convincing than a mitten."
I hope you liked this one. ^^ As I said the next one should be up soon and it will be longer. Thank you for reading!
I own nothing except my OC's
Myra belongs to my Waifu.