A/N: I know, I know. I should have posted this last week, but what can I see. Reglar updates are just not for me. And besides, being only one week late can still count as an achievement in my opinion. But yeah, sorry for the dealy. Anyway, let me thank all of you who have read this story, followed, favourited and even reviewed (really your reviews truly make my day even if they consist of only word), so thanks y'all!
One more thing, this is a purely fictional piece,and I in no way intend to offend anyone's beliefs. This story is loosely based on my country's lore, and I'm just having fun with it. Do not take it too seriously. And another thing, there's a bit of descriptive violence in this chapter with mentions of blood and all. It's not much, but it's there, so I just wanted to let you know in case it's not your cup of tea.
Alsoooo, if you want to read me ranting about that fricking amazing piece of art that Disney released yesterday, see the notes at the end.
I stood there for what seemed like an eternity, surrounded by passer-by's who payed little attention to me. I wouldn't have been able to tell what awoke me from my state, but suddenly everything came rushing to me almost knocking me over. I felt the bite of the cold, my empty stomach and the dried tears on my cheeks. I needed to move, to leave that street. It didn't matter where, as long as it was far away from it. And, besides, the guards might return, and I definitely didn't want to be around when that happened.
I turned on my heels, walking without a rush but not stopping for anything either. I felt the wind against my cheeks and only then I realised my face was uncovered. The thought didn't bother me as much as it would have a few days ago. I just…didn't care. It was as if the guards had taken my ability to feel along with Ness, leaving only a living empty shell behind. And, once again, when the thought crossed my mine I couldn't bring myself to even care.
Maybe I could sleep outside that night. Let the snow cover me until I was part of it. Until I was as frozen outside as I was inside. The thought seemed strangely recomforting.
I didn't realise someone was following me until they called out for me. I turned, seeing the world as if it was covered in fog, and saw three tall figures approaching. In all truth, they probably weren't that tall. But I was short, and they looked more menacing than they really were. As they approached, I could see that they were in fact two women and a man. The woman in the middle seemed the one in charge, with a sneer twisting her thin lips and a malicious glint in her eyes. At her right, the other woman had a neutral look on her face but the club in her hands made her intentions very clear. The man stood at the leader's left, looking more like a rabid dog ready to sink his teeth in the flesh of a defenceless rabbit, than a human being.
I knew I should have been afraid, but I just kept feeling numb. Although I could feel I was tired; of running, being afraid and hurting. So I just stood there, waiting.
"We heard about your sister" started the leader "what a pity, hm?"
She paused and stared at me, looking for some kind of reaction. When she found none she continued, although I couldn't tell if that had bothered her or not.
"I mean, she was a great gal, wasn't she Carles?" she asked the man, who nodded vigorously, and I wondered if he had truly listened to the question, or if he simply nodded to everything his boss said.
"I don't have any money" I interrupted them, the tiredness slipping into my voice.
I just wanted to close my eyes and let the snow cover me.
"Oh, we know that" the leader said, and her sneer turned into an all-teeth smirk "that's not why we've come here."
They came closer, but I didn't budge.
"You know, we were wondering what you are going to do now. Without your sister, how are you going to survive, huh? And we started thinking, and Laia here" she pointed at the other woman with her head "said that maybe you'd think about joining the gang streets. Which would definitely make sense. But you see, there's a problem."
She paused once again, and I was completely sure that this time she was actively looking for a reaction from my part. Once again, she got none. I, honestly, hadn't thought about the future.
About what I would do the next morning, or the one after that.
And besides, I had no idea who they were. I knew there were a lot of gangs ruling the streets, everyone knew it, and that the guards turned a blind eye on their activities. That, too, was common knowledge. But there were so many, and due to fights between them, their faces changed constantly. One could simply not keep up with them. And I honestly didn't know what they wanted from me. I literally had nothing left.
"Are you deaf?! Or just stupid?" the leader yelled suddenly, startling me "I'm talking to you!"
"I know" I said, slowly.
I had not expected her outburst, she was unpredictable and that made her dangerous. Slowly but surely, the numbness started to disappear and was substituted by fear. I didn't like the change. My fear would only fuel their cruelty.
"Oh? Are you trying to be smart with me, huh?" she licked her lips "wrong move my friend."
I hadn't realised they were too close, I had forgotten the fear that had always kept me alive. I had been stupid, and it was too late to fix my carelessness.
Before the words had reached my ears, her fist collided with my stomach. I doubled over, gasping for air, and the pain managed to finally awake my mind. She grabbed me by my hair and pulled my head back, leaving my face completely at her mercy. She bended over me, lips almost brushing my skin as she whispered.
"I only wanted to scare you, but now I think I'm going to take my sweet time with you" her acrid smell ghosted over me "you've taken too much liberties, freak. Walking in the streets as if you were one of us? I don't think so."
She spat on the ground and pulled me closer to her.
"I intended to be nice, but you've tested my patience" she grasped my cheek with her fingers, forcing me to look at her "too bad your sister isn't here to protect you anymore."
She sunk her nails into the tender flesh and dragged them down, slowly. I could feel the trail she was leaving behind and opened my mouth, gasping in pain. Her lips turned up in satisfied smirk, clearly enjoying it. She pulled her hand away, but her grip on my hair remained.
Drops of blood fell down my face, no doubt leaving a red trail behind, and I tasted some of them on my lips.
"That will surely leave a scar, but what's one more right?"
I wasn't able to answer, not that any words would have been able to pass trough the lump in my throat, as I found myself crushed against a wall. I whimpered and slid to the floor, making myself even more vulnerable. I closed my eyes and wished for them to be quick, even though I knew they wouldn't. Their leader had promised me that.
They left me there to die. It sure felt like I was going to. Before they did, though, the leader kneeled beside me and whispered a last warning in my ear.
"Freaks like you need to be taught, I don't make the rules. So, if by any chance you survive tonight, I want you to crawl back to the dirty hole you've come from. And never come out again. Because if you do, I will know. And I will find you and finish what I've started tonight."
I hadn't made anything to show her I had listened her words, but she had seemed satisfied anyway.
Their steps had long since faded away before I dared to make any movement or sound. A whimper fell off my lips and I struggled to breath. I wanted to die, but it seemed like my body refused to. There was too much pain for me to be dead. However, numbness was starting to settle in too, and I could tell it was different from the one I had been feeling before. It was the kind of numbness that made you fell sleep to never wake up again.
"What a pitying sight" said a sudden voice.
It didn't sound friendly, nor particularly hostile, but it made the earth rumble and sent a shiver down my spine. Fearing more pain would come my way, I forced myself to move. I soon found out that it was a bad idea. My whole body screamed in pain and I grunted, feeling as if I was on fire. Despite this, I managed to sit up against the wall behind me.
I panted, my breath coming in small puffs of smoke in the cold air, and squinted to see something. My left eye hurt too much and refused to open, but my right one managed to scan the dark street. It was completely deserted, and I wondered if my weakened mind was starting to hear voices that weren't really there.
"Poor creature" said the voice again and the sudden smell of sulphur filled my nostrils.
I turned to the source of the voice only to find shadows casted by the moonlight. However, as I continued to stare, one of them seemed to separate from the rest and started to solidify. The shadow grew, towering over me, and started to show a distinguishable shape. It was someone tall, with broad shoulders and well-built. But that was all I managed to decipher in the dark.
As if hearing my thoughts, the figure walked towards me. Although all my instincts were screaming at me to run, I knew I wouldn't make it far, so I stayed still. The shadow stepped into a ray of moonlight, showing its form before me.
It was a man. A man that looked more like a beast. He was wearing tall leather boots, dark and expensive-looking pants and a vest that showed off his strong arms. His bicep was bigger than my head. A dark red cape fluttered behind him, hung upon his shoulders, which were covered with the pelt of a strange animal. His hair was long and dark, his chin held high, and…and two yellowish curved horns came out of his forehead. His eyes looked like burning embers and made me squirm instinctively. He crossed his arms over his chest and something long and dark under his cape swung from side to side. It was a tail. A hairy, beast-like tail.
I had heard enough stories to know who he was. I should have been more scared than I really was, and I blamed it on the blood loss. My mind wasn't functioning correctly, which probably explained why I was seeing him in the first place. He wasn't real. He was just a tale made up to scare the children at night.
Right?
He laughed, once again seeming to read my thoughts. He was clearly enjoying my fear and confusion.
"My dear, dear creature" he smiled, white teeth shining in the dark "do not worry. I will not harm you. You've suffered enough."
I gulped, trying to find my words.
"Who…who are you?" I asked feebly.
"You already know who I am, don't you?" his eyes sparkled with amusement "you just need me to confirm your suspicions."
I kept silent, waiting for him to continue. My silence was all the answer he needed.
He opened his arms, his eyes burning ferociously with pride, and his voice thundered in that small street.
"I am the King of Hell, Master of the Seven Deadly Sins, Commander of the Dark Armies, the Fallen Angel…" he bended over me "and a great deal-maker. Which is why I'm here."
"Satanàs" I whispered, my mouth suddenly dry.
"Well, yes" he shrugged "I have many names. It's impossible to keep up with all of them."
"You want to make a deal with me?"
I wondered if it was too late to start praying, but quickly discarded the idea. I'd never done it, never actually believed in a God. He had never done anything for me, so why would He start then? I was doomed in the most literal way possible.
"Exactly" he nodded quickly, and eagerly rubbed his hands together "you seem in need of some friends, and I need someone to make me a favour. We can help each other."
I closed my eyes tiredly.
"Why would you want to be my friend?" I whispered "I have nothing that might interest you."
"My young friend, that is not true."
I opened my eyes -eye- to see him kneeling before me, levelling his stare with mine.
"You and I, we are much alike."
"How so?" I asked in confusion and tried to furrow my brows. The pain soon made me give up.
He looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking.
"There's a heavy guilt in your soul, don't deny it. I can feel it. You blame yourself for your sister imprisonment, and you are right to do. If it wasn't for your recklessness, she'd still by your side."
A single tear rolled down my bruised cheek at his words. Hearing the truth from someone else's lips hurt more than I had expected.
"I understand that pain."
"You do?"
"Yes. When I fell, I didn't do it alone. Every brother and sister that had followed me in my little revolution" he chuckled at the word "were cast away too. I am the only responsible for their demise. I too carry this burden."
His words left me speechless. I…had not expected the events to take that turn.
"I had never thought about it this way" I confessed truthfully.
He dismissed my words with a gesture.
"No one ever does. But I can't blame you for it. My other siblings, the ones who stayed up there, did a really good job."
"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.
The fear was slowly subsiding, probably due to the casual tone of the conversation. We sounded like old friends.
"Us, demons, we are monsters. Creatures of the darkness. We are the cause of everything that's evil in this world. All mortals like you cower at the mere mention of us. "
He held one finger up.
"And I ask you, how do you know that? Very few have actually seen us. You, for example, were afraid of me but had never even met me. Why is that?"
"It's common knowledge" I replied, "all the tales and stories teach you to never trust the Devil."
"Exactly!" he stood up with a sudden burst of energy that broke the night's stillness "since you're young we plague your nightmares. Humans have a lot of imagination, it takes very little to feed it. And my celestial siblings know that and use it to their advantage. They don't want us, the fallen ones, to forget that we lost against them, and they'll force us to carry the burden of our actions for all eternity."
He turned his eyes, directed skywards, towards me and kneeled again.
"You know better than anyone how much rumours can hurt, don't you my dear?"
I nodded, remembering twisted mouths and hateful glares.
"When people look at you, they don't really see you, do they? They can only see this."
His hand neared my face and, with a gentleness I had thought him uncapable of, he caressed the scar that crossed it. That hideous, horrible, monstrous scar that I carried like a curse. It started just above my right eyebrow and went all the way down to my left cheek, twisting and running through the soft skin that was supposed to be there. His fingertips barely touched it, but I felt it burn like red-hot iron.
"Poor, poor creature. You've done nothing to deserve this" he purred softly and, shockingly, I let him comfort me.
Was I that desperate for a loving hand?
"You've suffered enough, young one. But that ends tonight."
"H…How?" I asked, too afraid to hope for his words to be true.
"Remember what I said about my deal? About us helping each other?"
I nodded.
"Good" he put his fingers under my chin, lifting my face gently "your pain is my pain, and I wish for it to end as much as you do, but there's only so much I can do. I must work under the cover of the night, and that limits my powers. But with you by my side, we'll be unstoppable."
"What do you have in mind?" I whispered, lost in his burning gaze.
"I believe you have heard of the Ice Queen of Arendelle?"
"Yes" I answered quickly.
How could anyone forget about what happened two summers ago? Arendelle might have been far from Sinera, but news travelled fast. Specially if they were about an eternal winter in the middle of summer. Since then, many had wondered about the Ice Queen. Some said she was a witch, while others affirmed she was a Saint sent from Heaven to bring peace to Earth. I had never really cared about the rumours, there were plenty of other things to occupy my mind with.
"Then I'm sure you've heard the rumours surrounding her," his voice changed, acquiring a more mocking tone "some think she's going to solve all of their problems. Just like that."
He huffed with disdain, clearly showing his thoughts on the matter.
"And if mortals see that one of them is capable of such feats, then who will come to me for help, huh?" he was becoming more agitated as he spoke, his hand falling to his side and balling in a fist "and if less people believe in me, I'll lose the little power I have in this world. Who knows, maybe I'll even disappear altogether!"
He finished the sentence with a roar, and I instinctively recoiled.
"Is that even possible?" I whimpered, fear tainting my voice.
His eyes snapped to my direction, two burning embers in the dark of the night, and quickly relaxed his stance. He took a deep breath and regained the control over his emotions.
"It could" he half-shrugged, his voice flat, and added with irony "wouldn't that make my angelic siblings happy."
"And you think I could somehow prevent it from happening?" I asked shocked.
"You think very little of yourself dear," he said with a smile "you're more powerful than you believe."
"I honestly doubt it," I answered bluntly.
I was weak. The state I found myself in was the prove of that.
"Let me explain what I have in mind," he offered "when I finish, you'll understand."
"Fine."
Listening to him a bit more wouldn't make any difference anyway.
"I need you to go to Arendelle, and befriend the Queen…"
"What?!"
He didn't look quite happy about the interruption, but I couldn't care less. If that was his brilliant plan, then I wouldn't waste any more time listening to it.
"How am I supposed to-"
"Have a little faith, hm?" he chuckled, but his eyes weren't showing any bit of humour "and let me finish. I'm not known for my infinite patience."
I huffed but shut my mouth.
"Use your circumstances, learn to manipulate those around you. It's rather easy when you try it, believe me. And, on the other hand, the young princess is very…malleable. Win her trust, and you'll have a clear path to the Queen."
"And then?"
"Then, you steal her powers."
He made a gesture with his hand, and the shadows surrounding him obeyed. They wrapped around his palm, like thick dirty smog. When they moved away and returned to their former state, a silver chain was hanging from his fingers. On its end, a small blue stone reflected the moonlight.
"With this," he stared at the necklace with an ambitious glint on his eyes and a satisfied smirk.
"How does it work?"
"Well, for starters you'll have to wear it. Pretty little thing, isn't it? I bet you'll look magnificent with it."
The compliment hurt more than I'd expected. Nobody had called me that before, and I knew it was a lie. The only way I'd look "magnificent" would be with a bag hiding my face, and not even then. My body was only skin and bones, and my breasts were barely there. Nobody would spare a second glance even if I wore the Royal Jewels.
"Once you have it, the Queen will have to surrender her powers voluntarily to you. Then, they will be kept in here," he pointed at the stone "and you'll be able to use them for a day. After that time, the necklace will disappear."
"Her powers?" I stared at my small and calloused hands, trying to imagine them as powerful and capable to do anything I commanded them to.
"Exactly. Imagine that. You could do anything you wanted. Like getting far away from here, with your sister. Isn't that what you wish for?"
It didn't take much for me to picture what his words were saying. Ness and me, running away to somewhere warm, and safe. Where we'd never go hungry again, or sick. She'd have her violin again, and she'd play it day and night, chasing away any nightmares of the past. And we would be together, forever.
It sounded too good to be true. And besides, some details weren't exactly adding up.
"You said that the Queen must surrender her powers to me. Why would she do that?"
His eyes glistened with malice.
"Present yourself as a caring and true friend and give her the love she so desperately yearns. You'll have her in your pocket in no time, believe me," he probably saw me doubting his words and quickly added, "the Queen and the Princess have just reconciliated after being apart for a long time, and are still adjusting to each other. They both have been terribly hurt, but their hearts are still desperate and naive. Believe me, they will welcome you with open arms."
I mulled over his words, weighing my options. He did sound sincere, and his plan actually made some kind of sense. Furthermore, he had spent quite some time speaking with me and if his intentions were to hurt me, he had already had a lot of opportunities to do so.
And after all, it was probably my only chance to get Ness out of the dungeon. I would do anything for her.
"I'll do it" I firmly said.
"Good" he purred with satisfaction, showing me all of his teeth in a wide grin, "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me."
I took a deep breath and winced when my ribs complained. I could barely walk, could barely breath, but that didn't matter. I was going to go to bloody Arendelle, befriend the stupid Princess and make the fucking Queen give me her powers. I didn't care what it would take, it didn't matter. Ness had always been there for me, and I had let her down. It was time to fix my mistakes.
"Oh, one more thing," his voice interrupted my thoughts "once you obtain her powers, you'll have to do me that little tiny favour I told you about."
Of course there was a catch. There always was.
"Hmm?"
"Kill her."
I stared at him, wondering if I had heard him correctly. His only response was to stare back, and I took that as his answer. I…had never taken a life. There had been times when I almost did it, to protect me and my sister, but it had never come to that. I wasn't sure if I even had what it took to do it.
Still, it wasn't much of a price, was it? I had expected him to ask for money, to try to trick me, or even…ask for my soul. Wasn't that what he was supposed to do? A life seemed like an achievable feat, even for me. The Queen's life, for my sister's. Sounded fair.
"Why?" I asked curiously, although my decision was already made.
"She could try to get her powers back," he shrugged and gave me an almost caring look, "don't worry my dear, once you strip her of her powers she'll be at her most vulnerable. It will be very easy, I promise. Almost merciful, if you ask me."
I nodded slowly. She was only a Queen, ruling a country that had nothing to say in the matter. Just like in Sinera. The King had taken my sister, and I was sure this Queen would be as ruthless as him. All monarchs were the same. I owed her nothing.
"I'll steal her powers and then I'll kill her," I finally announced.
"Wonderful!" he clasped his hands together, "now that we are on the same page, let's discuss the details, shall we?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I obviously don't expect you to finish the job immediately, so I'll give you some time. Hmmm, how does six months sound?"
"Six months?!" I croaked "my sister doesn't have that time!"
I suddenly panicked. What if I was too late?
"Take it easy, my creature," he held up his hands in a calming gesture "I will take care of your sister during the time you're away."
"You will?" I asked, too afraid to hope.
"Of course, I have to keep my end of the deal too," he chuckled darkly "what kind of monster would I be if I didn't?"
I slumped back against the wall, relieved. I had earned my sister a few more months, and then I'd free her for real.
"Six months, yeah. I can manage."
"Great! I have to warn you though, if you don't kill the Queen in that time, our deal will be immediately cancelled. Meaning that you'll be on your own again, and your sister will lose my protection."
It made sense.
"I understand."
"In that case, there's only one thing left to do."
He held up his hand to me. Gathering as much strength as I could, I lifted my hand and shook his. The movement made me growl in pain, but I tried to ignore it.
"Good luck," he whispered and squeezed my hand.
His burning eyes were the last thing I saw before everything turned black.
A/N: Thanks for reading! Hope you liked it, even if it's just a little bit. And now to the important things. THAT TEASER. I LOVED EVERY SINGLE SECOND. NEW HAIRSTYLES FOR EVERYONE? Sure thing. A DARKER TONE? I'm heare for it. NEW CHARACTERS? Most definetely. AN EPIC FANTASY STORY STARRING ONE OF MY FAVOURITE MOVIE TROPES? Hell yeah. Disney, bring it on.