A/N: Kilobyte came and whispered snatches of this in my ear when I was in bed last night, and luckily I remembered it. He refused to tell me who he 'she' was, however. :) Also, my attempt at a darker-toned fic. I think I failed miserably. You'll have to put up with any mistakes, my Beta Reader in on holiday.

It's not all about the hunt for me; I like to toy with my prey. The Knights may be physically strong, but that would be of no help if they were psychologically weak. All three had come to the Carnival again, not satisfied with being defeated once, and I took the opportunity to play my game.

Lightning came into view, probably seeking me out from the rest of the Evils, although what he could ever have done to me is questionable. The key part of my game raced past in chase of an enemy, and I reached out and grabbed her. My tentacles slipping from the shadows and catching her off guard. She had no time to protest before she was bound to me hand and foot. Lightning stopped where he was, still too afraid of me to take any action. Weak.

It was night, and I had chosen a dark and shadowy corner in which to toy with them. There was no risk of anyone seeing except for the one I wanted to, and I began to play.

I unraveled some of the tentacle that was wrapped around her throat, trailing the very tip over her lips. She tried to shift her head to the side, but I tightened my hold on her, until she realised there was no escape. Lightning stiffened, finally sensing what I planned to do. He began to call her name, distracting her for the small amount of time I needed. I pulled her closer, forcing her lips against mine, squeezing her even more tightly. I waited a moment, drawing out the kiss, before draining her energy through her lips. She struggled at first, pushing against my hold, trying to shift her mouth from mine, but her slight form slackened as her life force was drained away. Her mouth was soft, but her eyes were wild, and filled with some sort of passion. I felt the intensity of her hatred, but I didn't thrive off it as I normally do.

I shifted my gaze to Lightning, watching from his corner with an expression of shock, anger, and yes, jealousy. I knew I had chosen the right woman, the one he loved.

I didn't destroy her, my games take time, but I stopped draining her energy, allowing my lips to linger a little longer over hers before pulling away. I threw her limp and almost lifeless form at Lightning, the impact knocking them both to the ground. He helped her to her feet, supporting her, and both of them glared defiantly at me as I left. Undoubtedly they didn't discuss the 'incident' there, equally sure is that they didn't talk about it later, even if Lightning had tried. She was the type to seek her own revenge, when it suited her.

When the battle had ended and all the Evils returned to their hiding places to rest, I walked the silent midway, thinking about what had happened. I had enjoyed that game, perhaps more than I should have, and I would enjoy watching the effects of it. But I hadn't enjoyed punishing her as much as I wanted to. Punishing her for always being there, in the back of my mind. Teasing me with unwanted emotions, tempting me to touch her, to need her. Want is a sign of weakness, and I will never be weak. My kiss had been slow and deliberate, too slow. I had wanted her to kiss back, had been giving her the opportunity to, but she had spurned me, thinking instead of the man behind her. He was too cowardly to move in my presence, but still he commanded her heart. My thoughts on that night quickly turned from the certainty of victory, to the question of whom my game had cost the most.

Sparx and Lady I. have a lot in common, really . . . ;P

Please review; I love feedback, but don't bother asking me who'she' is, I don't know!