Dark Fascination
by Asurahime
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Chapter Thirteen
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Everyone is like roses, destined to travel forever. All belong to a dark pantheon of immortals, as forbidding and majestic as a lunar eclipse. Feathery sable clouds are borne by silver winds across a cobalt canvas. A false crimson moon floats like a vermilion ruby in the veil of midnight, beautifully alone without the company of angel dust. Regions are mere epitaphs across the mirage of the Ocean of Stars, witnesses to the rise and fall of power, ruled by the darkest rose-scented fascination.
This brightly shining Eden runs errant. The songs of angels are replaced by the laments of the damned and the white lines leading to tomorrow are severed by the blades of a cruel angel. There is no differentiation between time and space, for both are powerless against the wrath of the godless. The moonlit land exudes a sleepless beauty as the white flames of change rage through. This is a paradigm of Hell, brilliant with the contrasts of obscurity and diamond-points of intense color. Hell lies between the presence and the utter lack of all light.
Here is no longer Paradise. Is it not beautiful? What is the power of prayer when there is no god? This is far east of Eden where one more angel has fallen, dreaming in power to see the true light of the sun. This is a land ruled by the sophistication of lust and revenge rather than volatile love and empathy. Platinum and silver give muted illumination, false light against injured black wings. Only blind games can be played in the moonlight. Times of revenge run rampant, the strong descend, and the cunning reign.
Stars give guidance, but the bloody moon captivates. Moonflowers grow under that dim light and we are the stone roses who last throughout the ages. Empires rise and kingdoms fall and I have witnessed them all. The flames raze and will not be quenched—as my anger is motivated by power. There are those who fear me and those who curse my name, but they are all shadows of nothing.
All in this region belongs to me. This epitaph is mine to create and dispatch of as I wish. The stone roses who wander away from me will understand that they are only living a fantasy. No amount of prayer will be enough to forever escape the mark of the rose in this banished citadel.
Godless seraphim offer no surrender.
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''So," sneered Severus. "I see that all three of Blaise's Shadows have been destroyed."
The platinum cylinder in the table in the center of the room suddenly blazed with fire the color of moonlight. In the heart of the flames, the image of a man, clad in black robes and with floor-length hair appeared. His crimson eyes shone as bright as the jewels in his rings and the adamantine coronet over his forehead, but his hair reflected no light. Ring Lord Sirius regarded Charm Lord Severus with a mixture of condescension and mockery. "You never were any good at playing fairly with others. I suppose that's why they want to leave you so badly."
''What do you want?" snapped Severus, turning towards the image of his fellow Lord.
''You always were too greedy. I warned you that bad things will come from avarice," rambled Sirius with no forgiveness. "Did you actually think that you could have gotten away with it?"
Throwing out a hand towards the cylinder, needle-thin and razor-sharp blades of crystal tore through the image and embedded themselves on a black pillar, completely shredding an unfortunate black rose. ''It would be a vast improvement if you would learn to shut your mouth. Cease behaving like a petty, narcissistic little child--"
''Narcissistic? Whomever are you referring to, Charm Lord? Who among us has over a hundred mistresses but loves none?"
Severus' black eyes immediately grew as red as Sirius'. The wind of power flowing about him grew stronger, reflecting his rising anger. "Do not presume to know anything about what is going on, Black. I am familiar with the workings of lust, but a creature such as yourself can hardly conceive that in learning lust, it is difficult not to also know the mechanics of love. It is a weak and unstable emotion, but extremely efficient to suit certain purposes."
Sirius laughed humorlessly. "Quite right, of course I don't trust you. You actually expect me to believe that you have fallen? You, who has brought countless under that curse of Fascination? Moreover, the Prince of All Mystics is hardly the choice for your unwanted and unwarranted affections."
''And what makes you think that that is so? You hardly know the mechanics of such an important concept," hissed Severus. "And why are you so interested my progeny, Black?"
''Despite what you may think Snape, turning someone without their consent hardly makes them your descendant. And from what I have heard, this one is giving you quite a bit of trouble. Serves you right, you snide despot." Ring Lord could barely keep his tone from a snarl, his elongated fangs apparent even from the flickering flames.
''My proper behavior, or your assumption of my lack thereof, is hardly anyone's concern but my own, Black. Now begone!" shouted Charm Lord coldly.
Crimson eyes met crimson eyes across the flames, anger flickering within each pair. "You may think that you can control everything, but remember that you cannot. I am one of those you never have, and never will, be able to enthrall."
Severus lifted a hand palm up quickly.
a blue moon falls to pieces
the brilliant world vanishes into darkness
called upon the mark of the rose
the silent sky disappears
the Nightmare begins
PhantasmShot
A white rose blossomed within the heart of the fire, suddenly turning blue. Almost instantly, the moonlight-colored flame grew into a midnight-colored flame instead. Seconds later, the room is plunged up into darkness.
''You simply presume too much, Black. I have no need of traitors and miscreants. You are one. My Assassin is another." Crimson eyes narrowed into sharp shards of ruby. "And then, there is him."
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''Ron, I'm worried." Hermione approached the fire-haired Strategist, resting her hand upon his arm.
Ron glanced down upon the rose-crowned Arch-Princess, confusion running rampant across his features. "What are you worried about, 'Mione? Is Charm Lord attempting to summon you again?"
Hermione shook her head negatively. "For how long are we going to be able to run away? You and I know that we cannot just run forever. Charm Lord's rule is absolute and we have tasted his vengeance first-hand. He is currently toying with us, probably amused at how we continue this futile struggle against him. Lord Severus is not a patient mystic."
''I know that, 'Mione," replied the Strategist, glancing at Harry and Fred. "But do you honestly think that we can just give up? We've gone this far and I don't know about you, but I will see this to the bloody end. And I have a feeling that the end will be quite bloody."
Lowering her lashes, Hermione had the decency to look abashed. "You're right, I can't abandon Harry or you. Especially not right now when the circumstances are most dire. But... we can't be here forever."
Ron gripped Hermione's hand tightly, gently lifting her chin with the other hand and forcing her to look up at him. "Hermione, listen to me. We will be all right. All three of us will be able to get through this alive. I promise you and Harry that. I've lost my family and I couldn't do anything when Snape turned my sister. But I will be damned if I let anything happen to either you or Harry."
Lightly laying a kiss on Ron's cheek, Hermione nodded her head. However, she could not lose the ominous feeling of dread growing deep within her heart.
Fred glanced up at Ron and Hermione, lips uncharacteristically set in a straight line. His eyes were fixed upon a flame color similar to his hair and he promptly frowned, suspicions perked. On the other end of the Ravenclaw, Ron once again heard a low, whistling sound beckoning at him. He turned around and solidly met the Magician's gaze. "Is there something you want, Fred?"
The young magician was silent for a moment before standing up and approaching the Strategist. "You know, I have had suspicions from the beginning. I may be right or I may be wrong, but I have to ask anyway."
Harry also stood up and approached the three. He was joined by Hermione as the two other men faced off. Terry could sense the tension but wisely remained at the pilot's seat and let the others go on with their business. As long as there is no bloodshed within his beloved Ravenclaw, the teal-haired pilot was content.
''Frankly, I have had a strange feeling since I first met you," said Fred, staring down at the shorter red-head. "It is like I have met you before. I can't ignore it anymore because it is driving me crazy. And if I am not mistaken, it is driving you up the walls as well."
''Get to the point," replied Ron bluntly, hating it when people took their time.
There was a pause before Fred continued. "From what I have heard, the three of you were turned by the current Charm Lord. But that means that all three of you used to be human."
All three mystics nodded confirmation.
Fred fixed Ron a pointed look. "I used to have a brother--"
''But isn't he still alive?" asked Harry, green eyes showing his confusion.
The magician shook his head. "Before I was sent off to the Magic Kingdom University, I lived with my parents, three older brothers, George and a younger brother and sister. For some reason unknown until this day, my only sister disappeared. My younger brother disappeared soon after--"
Terry promptly turned on the auto-pilot and rounded upon Fred almost violently. "You never told me about this! Is this one of the reasons why you and George were separated?"
''The main reason why George and I were separated was because we were twins. However, the Elders never told anyone that it was also because it gave either one of us a better chance of survival should whoever took my brother and sister come for the next younger children."
Harry looked out the window at the layers upon layers of clouds as they rapidly descended on a mist-covered region. Broken buildings stood like epitaphs across the wasteland, heroes whose honorable deeds have been forgotten, hidden by crimson and the encompassing presence of unyielding time. Stone and wood lay strewn about like fallen autumn leaves in Kyo, but the stark grey of the region had a severity not present in Kyo. As Kyo is the region of eternal autumn and Luminous the region of eternal light, Wakatu is the region of the eternally forgotten.
The half-mystic turned towards Fred. "What were the names of your brother and sister?"
Fred smiled widely but his eyes betrayed his agitation as they landed on Ron. "That's the thing. No one remembers. Because no one tells us anything, all I have been able to find out is that they disappeared over ten years ago."
Glancing at Ron, Harry faltered in what he was about to say. "What does that have anything to do with us? Are you saying that Ron could be him?"
The Strategist's eyes narrowed in frustration. "That can't be."
''And why not?" asked Fred and he and the others were slightly taken aback by brusque tone of the leaf-robed mystic. "I do not remember all that well, but I get this feeling about you. It's like I have known you from before. You can't deny that we have similar features."
''I have been subjugated under the rule of Facinaturu for over a hundred years. That is why," replied Ron.
''In becoming a mystic, one does not only forfeit one's mortal existence, one also forfeits one's mortal memories," added Hermione. "It is not commonly known to others and most mystics do not even notice it. But even if Ron had been related to you in the past, three reasons sever your familial connections."
Harry blinked at Hermione, stunned by the information he did not realize himself. "Three reasons?"
Ron nodded. "Yes. The same blood no longer runs in our veins, something that neither magic nor science will be able to explain. Our memories have been taken away and all we remember is what happened after we are turned. Finally, we no longer exist in the same regions. Those claimed by another, whether by force or not, will be separated by the Ocean of Stars' rule indefinitely."
Turning back to Ron, Harry continued to interrogate her, not quite understanding. "So we just forget everything like that? But that is just stupid!"
''Is it?" asked Hermione. "What is your name?"
Harry continued to stare at her like she was insane. "Harry."
Ron continued. "And your last name?"
''Potter."
''And your parents' names?" quipped Terry as he moved back to the pilot's seat to land the Ravenclaw.
Harry was silent for a time, green eyes unseeing as he tried to remember the answer to the question. He could have sworn that that information is not something that he would forget. But unfortunately for the half-mystic, it was simply not coming to mind. "I—I don't remember."
The Arch-Princess clung on to the Strategist's arm as she gazed worriedly at her Prince. "Frankly, it is surprising that you are still able to retain information such as your last name, Harry. Perhaps it is due being a half-mystic, but with the introduction of mystic blood, we are all destined to forget everything prior to our rebirths. It is another price we did not know we had to pay upon turning."
Fred nodded and fixed a grin on his face once again. However, Harry could see the pain hidden behind the smile. "I have heard of this as well. It is used by Charm Lord as a tool to subjugate those under his power. It is a component in mystic blood which is similar to an extremely potent Obliviate spell."
Ron could not stop himself from clapping a hand on the other red-haired magician's back. "At this point mate, it doesn't really matter whether I used to be your blood brother or not. This whole thing is too bloody jumbled all together that we are probably related anyway."
''We're here, Fred and your highnesses," announced Terry, white teeth sparkling with the interior lights of the airship. "Welcome to Wakatu. Former home region of Viktor Krum before a corporation known as the Death Eaters came and utterly annihilated the place."
''Death Eaters?" asked Harry. "What kind of person would think of such a name?"
Hermione and Ron shared a glance, equally confused as to what the name meant.
The magician noted the door opening and started to get off the Ravenclaw. "Lucius Malfoy of Baccarat would. And if you ask as to why, well, there has to be someone attempting to take over all the regions. Some power-hungry idiot who became insane upon the loss of his son many years ago."
''I see." The half-mystic was the last to climb out of the airship before he turned back to Terry. "Terry, I've been meaning to ask. What on earth are we doing here?"
The amber-eyed pilot smiled. "Well, considering that this place is as you see it, I highly doubt that anyone would be looking for you here."
Hermione's blue eyes grew dark upon the pilot's words, mirrored by both Ron and Harry. They knew that no matter where they run, be it the depths of Hell or Paradise, Charm Lord would be able to find them. As long as the tainted mystic blood ran through their veins, they cannot consider themselves safe. Nothing, not even Lucius Malfoy would be able to parallel the possessiveness present within Severus. If he can spend an eternity chasing after the dream the lost Zero Princess now presents, what is to say that he will stop his search for the three of them while they were still under his command.
But it was nice to dream. It chased away the nightmares which would otherwise raze through their nightly thoughts. There would be no use of surviving otherwise.
''Oh Terry, the thought is nice, but I don't think that it will ever be enough."
That way, it was not surprising to note the fiery mane of the woman standing before them as they left the Ravenclaw.
"Lord Harry, I was wondering about when I can finally meet you," floated a leonine voice from the figure. The three mystics and Fred looked past the rubble and grey mists to see the red-gold armored figure of Severus' eighty-first princess. Walking forward, Harry's face hardened with both pain and resolve as he noted the girl's drawn sword.
''Ginny..." Ron started forward but was held back by Hermione. Although the blood relation no longer exists, the Strategist can still feel cutting of their ties as painfully as if it was happening once again. His sister has forgotten who he is. Forgotten who she is. Ginny no longer exists aside from her eternal role as Severus' doll.
The Lion Princess stood in front of them, sword drawn and eyes closed. "I was wishing desperately that Lord Harry and yourselves would come to your senses and return to Chateau Aiguille. Why are you fighting the pull of Lord Severus' charisma? Are you not happy as you are? I never wanted it to have to come to this."
Harry almost shook with anger. "Happy? I never wanted any of this either, but it doesn't mean that I will just prostate myself before Snape."
''So you are choosing to fight?" asked Princess Virginia with a tone betraying her disbelief.
''Fred, stay back," ordered the green-eyed half-mystic. "This is not your fight."
The magician looked hesitant. "But--"
However, Harry's tone offered no argument as he turned around and exploited Fascination to full effect. The others, including Virginia, were stunned at the transformation of the young prince. Emerald eyes flashed and raven hair slightly crackled with static as Harry forced as much of his will through the enthrallment. "Now."
Being human, the magician had absolutely no resistance to the unearthly power the other was showing. Fred had not been able to obey the command as the other hoped, for he had met the other's eyes for a mere second before collapsing. Ron and Hermione turned away, ashamed that others had to be involved, as Terry quickly drew Fred back into the Ravenclaw. He met Ron and Hermione's eyes for a brief second, unwilling to meet Harry's at the moment. He had experienced the effect of Fascination before but the current state of his friend prevented him from wanting to experience it again. "Be careful."
Harry faced the Arch-Princess with sad eyes, flanked by both Ron and Hermione. Ron almost looked catatonic with the thought of fighting his own sister. Hermione forced herself to remain quiet so that she would not lash out at Charm Lord's name for putting the in this predicament. Arch-Princesses were not supposed to fight, let alone one another. However, Golden Lion was not the typical princess. "We don't wish to fight. It is just Charm Lord's predisposition to subdue his subjects through force."
Drawing his own sword, the half-mystic met Virginia's crimson eyes as she opened them. "Will you fight then?"
''Yes."
Sighing heavily, Harry raised his sword as Ron and Hermione, with pale faces, drew their hands up to attack the flame-haired Princess. But before anyone can move, Harry whirled around to face his own companions.
enshroud all-encompassing light
playground for the nephilim of old
called upon by the malignant night
true beauty be mine to mold
Fascination
Ron and Hermione's eyes immediately grew blank, enthralled as they met the uncharacteristic vermilion eyes of the Prince of All Mystics. They could clearly see the apology within them, but the resolve and an almost savage passion raged beneath the glassy surface. This was not the same pull from Charm Lord that they had felt from before. Within Harry lies the origins of an even more powerful mystic than Severus. His eyes alone cannot be resisted.
Harry rushed forwards upon finishing the spell, feeling sick to his stomach as he saw his two friends freeze. However, he lowered the point of Asura to the ground as the two sword clashes. Golden Lion jumped back, but Harry fell to his knees in the impact of the two blades, a deep scratch across his cheek from a recoil barrier surrounding Virginia.
''Please understand, I cannot disobey Lord Severus," said the golden princess with painful remorse visible in her crimson-colored eyes. Whether that repentance was for Harry or something else, neither could tell. She stepped forwards and raised a gloved hand to the deep scratches on her adversary's face and sighed in sympathy. Crimson eyes met crimson as Virginia started to feel herself falling for a second time. "My Lord, if I have not already a Sire, I would gladly place myself in your mercy. However, I have already sworn by blood, by life and by the golden adamant of my sword, to follow Lord Severus' will."
Standing back up, Harry lifted Asura once again. "Then why can Hermione and Ron leave? I don't understand you mystics at all." He swung his sword in a rapid side-cut but just as soon as it was parried, he reversed the angle of the weapon and scored a trail against the girl's armor and swordarm.
Virginia momentarily closed her eyes before opening them again, rushing forward at blinding speed, thrusting her sword towards the junction of Harry's shoulder. Twisting quickly, Harry barely managed to avoid the attack for while his shoulder was spared, the ribbon holding his hair now lay in tatters on the floor. It was then in the middle of the battle that the Arch-Princess noticed the weapon being held by her half-mystic Prince. "I should have noticed it earlier. Asura."
Slightly grimacing, Harry drew his sword in a vertical slash, clipping the edge of the blade with Virginia's own sword, both drawing crimson sparks from live steel and flowing magic. "My sword?"
''Yes. Artisan Marcus made Asura for you, didn't he?" asked the other as she jumped back and slashed her sword upward, forming a wheel of fire before her. Igniting it like a match, the fiery circle rushed towards the half-mystic. "Asura. The sentient crimson sword named after the fabled god of destruction. Just as Asura is your weapon, I am Lord Severus'. He has entrusted me with his well-being like he has no other. The flames of rebellion have begun to raze our lands and I cannot just stay back and let it burn."
''Don't compare my sword with yourself!" shouted Harry just as he parried the attack and immediately riposte. "You're alive aren't you? No one should have the power to control the life of someone else."
''You are wrong..." whispered Golden Lion, blocking and backing away slightly at the intensity of the half-mystic's words. "And Lord Severus is wrong. You are too confused to be caught up in the terrible game being played in this life."
Stunned at the retreat of the other, Harry dropped Asura, still warm from his fingers and the clashing of blades. "Princess Virginia..."
''But I cannot betray Lord Severus!" whispered the Arch-Princess harshly, tears finally forming in her eyes as she took a momentary glance at Harry and her frozen former brother. She then kissed the blade of her sword reverently before holding it horizontally before her and throwing the steel blade towards the unarmed half-mystic.
Harry's crimson eyes widened as mystic static started to sparkle across his hair. Black slowly grew to a dark green shade, fanning around his face in an unseen wind. It was a terrifying but magnificent sight. However, nothing was stopping the blade from its given path.
''You still fight like a bloody amateur."
Raven-black wings suddenly appeared in the half-mystic's peripheral vision. A long, silver blade knocked the Golden Lion from its set path, right back at the stunned Arch-Princess. Draco....?
''GINNY! Move!"
Virginia, unable to move, could only watch as her own sword buried itself into her own shoulder, blue blood leaving dark trails against the gold of her armor. Her hair, once as crimson as flame became soaked in the liquid, turning a black color as the crimson and blue mixed. "How..."
Quicksilver eyes glared darkly at the Arch-Princess as a long, silver sword pointed itself towards her. "Touch him again and I'll make sure that you will never be able to pick up a sword again, Lion."
Virginia's face grew icy as she glared at the new mystic, but they softened as soon as they landed upon the frozen half-mystic, Strategist and fellow Arch-Princess. "Lord Harry, I think I am starting to understand why you are going against Lord Severus. Unfortunately, I do not have that luxury. If you continue to fight against him, I will have no choice but to raise my own sword against you."
Draco hissed back, holding Harry from behind with a grip more powerful than steel and covered his mouth with a gloved hand to keep his charge from replying. "You are pathetic, Lion Princess. You continue to preach your duty when you clearly know what Charm Lord is doing. What he has done to you and your former brother."
At those words, Ron shook off the cloak of Fascination and stood up. "Ginny? Is the ferret right? Can you actually remember anything?"
Virginia looked at the mystic with painful slowness. But in that time, she managed to school her features. Of course she can remember her brother. Even if she can't remember anything else of her past, there is no possible force currently existing which could make her forget about her only anchor. He had been the only one who followed her in her turning. The only one who had managed to find her in the dark expanse of mysticism which entrapped her. She can never forget. But... "No. I don't remember anything. All he has given to me is the gift of eternal life and a reason to be in this world." Not all endings can be beautiful.
The Strategist fell, looking heartbroken as Hermione supported him up from the ground. "Ginny..."
Ginny turned towards the Prince of All Mystics once again. She pulled out Golden Lion from her shoulder, causing more blood to pour out of the wound even as it started to heal. Sheathing her sword, she stood up, clutching her shoulder tightly enough to have blue blood run down her gloved hands. "But I cannot fight you right now. I am still uncertain of what to make of these instances. I do not know what to do or what to say, but Lord Severus is my sanctuary. That cannot be changed. But please, take care of yourselves."
Harry finally managed to remove Draco's hand from his mouth, his eyes reverting back to their normal emerald shade. "But didn't you come to kill me? Snape will be furious if he finds out that you are letting us go."
Ginny shook her head, sparing her Prince a loving glance. "I would gladly take whatever punishment Lord Severus gives me. Meeting you is enough for me." With that, she disappeared.
''Virginia," whispered Ron as his former sister disappeared from their battlefield.
Draco glared at the Strategist even as he kept a vice-like grip on the half-mystic prince. "Even your memory is faulty, weasel."
''What are you doing here, Draco?" asked Hermione as she and Ron stood up. "How did you escape from Lord Severus?"
The glare deepened. "Don't ask questions if you don't want me to answer with another question. That is all you are going to get from me." He then turned towards the red-haired magician standing before the airship. "He has all the answers to your questions. As him. I have more important things to do."
Pure black wings covered a surprised half-mystic, hiding both him and his captor from view. Both Draco and Harry disappeared moments later. The others did not have a chance to object before the two were gone.
So they turned towards the stunned magician. "Fred holds the answers?"
The magician did look a lot like both Ron and Ginny.
''Are you sure you don't remember the names of your brother and sister?"
Fred's blue eyes widened but remained unseeing. "I remember. It's faint and I may be wrong, but I remember my brother and sister."
The verdant-robed Strategist clasped the man's forearms with fingers white with tension. Blue eyes stared into the same exact shade of blue, forcing life and awareness back into those mirrors. "Fred?"
''Ronald," whispered the magician from the Magic Kingdom. "And Ginevra. Those were the names of my siblings."
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Grey walls, cracked by a strong, unknown force, surrounded him. Mists, like clouds from the Ocean of Stars and as fine as a spider's thread streamed through the scenery. It was as cold as a tomb, but the two figures standing in the middle of all the rubble contrasted with the deathly aura of the setting.
''Why did you--" Harry started to speak, but he was not given the chance to even finish his sentence.
The half-mystic's back hit the wall hard as he was shoved against it. His right arm was immobilized by a black-gloved hand as another hand slammed itself right next to his head. The impact of the hand upon stone was so forceful that minute cracks formed on the foundation.
Steel-grey eyes bored into green, burning with anxiety, anger, relief and the underlying promise of violence. Draco lifted his prey's chin with his free hand, slightly staining the white skin with the blue blood not easily seen against onyx fabric. "Do you have any idea of how difficult is had been to catch you? If I hadn't know any better, I would think that I was the one you were avoiding."
Harry had felt anger, pure and unadulterated, towards Charm Lord. He felt affection as sweet as honey and warm as a flame from Hermione and Ron. From the Black Wing, the half-mystic felt the first true hints of fear.
He well understands what Charm Lord, Hermione and Ron want from him. The former, absolute obedience, the others, love. However, Draco's motivation remains a complete mystery. And if Harry was honest with himself, he would much prefer never knowing.
Unfortunately, he was starting to perceive an inkling of what the platinum-haired mystic was after.
Possession was an important aspect in understanding Charm Lord. In that sense, Draco had inherited that same sense of desire.
And now he desires what is most forbidden.
Harry's posture tense further, thin lips paling even more in his growing distress.
Draco noted the rigid tenseness the other was projecting like waves. He could not suppress the dark smirk starting to form on his lips. Harry was actually scared of him—no—
Harry was beyond terrified.
''You can't stop me," whispered Draco harshly. "You won't allow yourself to stop me, little prince. I have waited for far too long. Charm Lord will never be able to own you again."
Sharp fangs fastened themselves on the sides of Harry's neck, tearing almost savagely. Blood poured amethyst streams from the wound, staining both the pale skin and crimson robes darkly.
''What are you--" started the raven-haired boy. It was then that he realized why he had reason to fear the Messenger.
No matter how strongly Fascination affects others, Draco was not falling. He refused himself the weakness of falling.
''You're mine now," hissed the midnight-blue armored mystic. "There is nothing else you can do to escape me." With a soft growl, Draco forced his lips upon the other, free hand grasping at the crimson hair ribbon and tugging it free from the nape of Harry's neck.
Raven hair spilled across his fingers, meshing with platinum strands of hair. Draco growled and took the younger boy into a brutal, desperate kiss. His tongue forced its way into Harry's mouth and lapped at him. The boy whimpered, struggling to escape but unable to do so as the wall and the other's hard body constricted all movement. Draco pulled him closer as the half-mystic's eyes closed, becoming submissive at the onslaught of intense feelings.
Suddenly, Harry felt indescribable pain and his green eyes opened to stare into narrowed, relentless mercury. The sweet, coppery taste of mystic blood filled their mouths and he guessed it was from his attacker's sharp fangs. The taste was erotic in itself and it alarmed Harry when he found it stimulating. He clung tightly to Draco, his white-gloved hands clutching at the material at the other man's back. However, Harry was instinctively careful of not harming the raven wings. He feared how the other would react if he accidentally wrenched one off.
Draco pulled away panting, licking at the side of his prey's lips as a line of purple streamed out. He smirked, noticing the disheveled state of the other. It was as if Harry didn't know whether to be aroused or panicked at his predicament and was stuck in limbo between the two.
''I have been wanting to do that since I first saw you," hissed the black-pinioned mystic, eyes almost frenzied with need as he grasped the other's hair tightly, baring the pale throat.
Harry was half-delirious and that made him slightly reckless. "Are you talking about the kiss or the awakening of your vampiric tendencies upon my person?"
''Do you have any idea of the control I have to have in stopping myself from taking you at this moment?" shouted Draco rhetorically. He licked at Harry's jawline languidly as if savoring the taste of the boy's skin. It did not taste of sweetness but of silver, raw vanilla and tainted blood. "I should make you suffer for what you have put me through."
The mystic drew cold fingers down Harry's neck, as if willing the blood to start flowing once more. Each touch froze like ice and set him aflame at the same time. Losing his control on reality, Harry didn't notice his eyes begin to burn crimson.
However, Draco did. With one last kiss on Harry's collarbone, he ceased his actions at once. He did not appear to be angry, just disappointed. "Calm down, I'm not going to do anything else for now."
But Harry was not snapping out of his trance. Beads of sweat ran down his temple and his hair started to crackle with the mystic energy once again. At this time, Draco appeared to be more foe than ally, and the fear was bringing forth the dormant energy lying within the Prince of All Mystics.
''Harry?"
''Don't... just... get away from me!" screamed the delirious half-mystic.
Draco did not realize until later that this was the first case of mystical backfire. The rejection of a recipient's enthrallment through Fascination would cause the effects to reverse upon the caster.
So the blonde man did the only thing he could do. Raising his right hand, Draco brought it down hard upon Harry's cheek, causing the other to jolt back to consciousness at the impact.
''I...." started Harry, raising a hand to his throbbing face even as the pain started to ebb.
Unfortunately, Draco did not have the chance to interject a sarcastic comment, for at that time, another violent force knocked him off his feet and sent him against a stone wall.
''Bloody hell! You are an animalistic brute, weasel!!" Draco snarled to the figure who had punched him hard enough to cause even more cracks against the wall. "What did you do that for?"
Hermione was turning blue-white with anger. She is supposed to be a normal, compassionate, clever Arch-Princess, but seeing the Messenger hitting her Prince caused the less attractive side of the girl to manifest itself. "You bastard! What gave you the right to hit Harry like that, Draco? If anything, Ron should have used more force in hitting you! Then everyone would be happy that you would have gone through that wall instead of just against it!"
Ron raised his fist once again, as if getting ready for another punch. If Hermione was angry, then Ron was beyond furious as a magenta-white energy sword formed in his fist. "Don't you touch him again, ferret."
''I see that your vocabulary hasn't grown any, weasel," drawled Draco in reply, but his eyes flashed his rage. "And if you want to know before you start hitting me again, I was trying to revive the little prince."
The Strategist and Arch-Princess gaped at the other mystic before turning towards Harry. Harry was standing up with a solemn expression on his face. "Don't hurt him. He's not lying. It may have been his fault, but he hasn't lied."
A smirk decorated Draco's face as he stood up and brushed himself off. However, the cold look remained in his eyes as he glanced at the Arch-Princess and Strategist. He did notice the miserable look on the Strategist's face and reminded himself to make note of it. "Now that you have finished beating up on me, I have something to report to all of you."
''What is it?" asked Hermione, clearly less angry but no less suspicious.
''Blaise attacked Cedric."
All suspicion was immediately erased from Hermione and Ron's faces. "Did he disappear?"
Draco shook his head. "No, but Cedric is very weak when Blaise was done with him. From what I had heard, the Black Knight is now delirious and half out of his mind. He is also almost completely drained of his mystic energy while Blaise's mystical signature practically rolled off in waves from him. With Cedric's blood, the bastard's power has increased. The very fact that he was able to even hold a candle to our resident madman says quite a lot about him before. And now..."
''He's nearly unstoppable," said Ron in amazement.
''That's not the worst part." Draco scowled in annoyance.
Harry removed his hand from his face, surprised that the pain was completely gone. If there was one thing worth keeping in being a mystic, the extremely fast healing rates would be at the top of the list. But now... Blaise. The second mystic who had "killed" him. The one who helped him escape from Chateau Aiguille. The one who had sent those Shadows after them. A man of contradictions. Lord Severus' General. "What is the worst part, then?"
Steel eyes fixated themselves upon green, all former playfulness burned away by a seriousness not characteristic of Draco. "Blaise is next."
Hermione gasped, growing paler than before. She has heard of how Blaise helped Charm Lord subjugate all of Facinaturu to his will. Later, he had even threatened to dethrone Lord Severus but failed. However, both he and Charm Lord had suffered much in the battle. How will he be now, now that he had absorbed the power of the most powerful knight in the regions? Cedric was half-mad, but he was far from incompetent. "Charm Lord has allowed this? And he has sent him after us?"
Draco sighed in exasperation and shook his head. "You're not thinking, Hermione. Do you actually think that even Snape would endorse this? He wants his progeny back alive and his, not as the plaything of another power-hungry traitor. Besides, with Cedric as his most powerful and 'faithful' knight, why would he choose to send a proven betrayer? No, Blaise had done this himself."
''Thank you for the information Draco. I suppose we're going to have to be extra careful now."
''What are you talking about?" asked Draco in an insulted manner. His harsh tone lessened as he glanced at the rose-crowned princess. He still had to tell them about the prophecy but he didn't have a good feeling about it. "I'm staying with you."
''WHAT!?" shouted the Strategist, Arch-Princess and half-mystic.
The look on the other's eyes was predatory as he smiled at the three, especially in the direction of a certain crimson-robed half-mystic. His fingers twitched as he saw the untamed state of Harry's hair, still missing the ribbon in his hand. "You three don't actually think that you'll be able to stand up against the Hunter Knight without my help, do you? Prince Charming there still fights like an amateur and you two weren't much better."
Ron was about to interject something, but Draco had quickly cut him off. "Besides, there is another piece of information I have to tell you."
The three shared a glance before turning back towards Draco. "Information? From who?"
Draco scowled, remembering Seamus, but he decided to degrade the Assassin later in a more bloody, lasting way. "From Seamus, who received his information directly from Blaise.
A rose's verdant leaves contrasts with its brilliant petals.
Without bright color, only the leaves, thorns and branches remain.
They are not endless, for deception only lasts as long as a timed seduction.
All will fall to flames and the leaves, despite its serrated edges, is quite vulnerable.
''And that is what he said."
Ron's eyebrows almost shot to his hairline in surprise. "That proves it. Our resident mad man has officially lost his mind. What could he be thinking?!"
''That's what I said, but he insisted that this be delivered to you."
Harry shook his head in contemplation. "If that's so, then there has to be something significant about it."
''So Cedric is mad," whispered the cerulean-eyed girl. "But if he is so mad, then why have everything he has said come true?"
The three men turned back to stare at Hermione, realization flashing before two of them. "The turning of the Prince of All Mystics."
Hermione nodded. "Exactly."
Uncertainty filled Harry's eyes. "What are the three of you talking about?"
''The affliction of madness can allow for the most terrifying prophecy."
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to be continued...
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Disclaimers:
Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling and SaGa Frontier belongs to SquareSoft. I hold no claim on anything.
Notes:
-There's your Draco, people. He'll always be with them now.
-Thank you for your reviews from the bottom of my heart. And especially thank you to Yana5, who had sent me the e-mail which triggered my completion of this chapter.