Disclaimer: I don't own Magic: The Gathering, only my OCs.
Chapter 13-Tyr
"Now," said Tyr "We should get out of here before the Hunters regroup and start searching for us. The Twisted Abomination I summoned should keep them occupied, but with those damned mana stones, it won't last very long. As I'm sure you've noticed this island is a deathtrap for our kind."
"How do you suggest we leave?" snapped Arrathir "Unless you can Planeswalk, I doubt Charles can manage to Teleport us off the island."
"We appreciate your coming to our rescue," said Khell "However, if you were counting on our help to escape, I'm afraid we're unable to help you."
"Fear not, Keepers," said Tyr "I am more than a mere summoner. Hold onto your stomachs," he warned before the world dropped out from beneath the Keepers. They found themselves once again looking at the immensity of the Multiverse, and that familiar feeling of piddling insignificance crept its way back into their minds when faced by the sheer magnitude of space.
As the Keepers whizzed through the starry void, they all wondered who this man was. Why was a Planeswalker following them around? Hardly anybody knew of the Keepers, save for themselves, Lu Chao and the One. What was his purpose in this story?
The group landed with a rough jolt which knocked Arrathir and Eva to the ground. Charles and Khell, who seemed to have gotten accustomed to this method of transportation managed to keep their balance. As for Tyr, he showed no sign of having felt the impact of their arrival.
Dazed, Eva stood up and looked around. They were on the crest of a small hill overlooking rolling plains. A light breeze blew through the grass, causing the blades to sway gently, creating the illusion they were looking at a sea of grass. In the distance, on the horizon, they could make out the silhouettes of mountains. A few clouds crawled lazily across the blue sky overhead, indifferent to the five people who had just appeared out of thin air.
A few hundred meters away lay a small village, tucked in a valley. It consisted of about twenty or so huts haphazardly clustered on the plain. Children could be seen playing around the village while the adults watched them, performing various tasks and chatting amongst themselves.
"Where are we?" asked Arrathir.
"Otaria," said Tyr "I have connections in the Order. They can help Eva."
"Why?" asked Eva "I feel fine!"
"The arrowhead that hit you left microscopic fragments of mana stone in your bloodstream," said Tyr "Unless we get them removed, you will die."
"Wait a minute!" said Arrathir "How do you know so much about these stones? Come to think of it, what are they?"
"I will explain as we walk," said Tyr as they set off for the village. "Charles, could you cast some illusions to hide Arrathir and Eva's demonic attributes?" Charles nodded and waved his hand, the ears and tails of the two Keepers disappeared.
"It's going to be OK, Eva," said Arrathir, taking the red Keeper's hand to comfort her. "We'll get those stones out of you, I promise."
"Get off me!" shouted Eva, pulling her hand out of Arrathir's grasp. "This is your entire fault!"
Arrathir was shocked by Eva's outburst. Anger began to well up inside him. Was this the thanks he got for putting his life on the line for her? He turned abruptly away from her and followed after Tyr, who was explaining the mystery of the mana stones.
"The Island," said Tyr "As it has come to be called, was originally a harvesting ground for mana stones. These stones act like mana batteries and can store vast quantities of mana within them, making them very practical for summoners. However, they must be fully charged before they can be tapped for mana. They'll absorb mana from the strongest source around them, which is why they weaken mana-users. Summoners used to frequent the island to dispose of empty stones and collect charged stones. However, the Island's inhabitants feared the summoners and eventually grew to know the power of the stones. They noticed certain stones would weaken the summoners and soon came to view the stones as a gift from the Gods to aid them in their struggle against the summoners."
"They began using the stones in their armor and weapons, even going as far as to insert stone fragments into wounds since the mana given off by the stones would accelerate the healing process in humans. Because of the amount of mana given off, those who overused the stones became, as you saw, twisted and deformed."
"So why did the stones in our prison explode when Arrathir attacked them?" asked Khell.
"The stones do have a certain capacity," said Tyr "If a charged stone is placed next to a powerful mana source, it will attempt to continue absorbing mana, eventually overcharging and exploding. This is also why we must get Eva treated as soon as possible. The fragments of stones in her bloodstream will soon overcharge and explode. If one of them explodes next to a vital organ, it will be fatal. Even if the explosion does not damage her vitals, she will most likely die of internal bleeding."
"I'm still wondering how I managed to conjure the strength to not only break out of our prison but also to continue fighting for several minutes afterwards," said Arrathir.
"Your demon provided you with the energy to escape," said Tyr "As for your burst of energy after you broke out…" he pulled down Arrathir's collar to reveal a red scar on his collarbone. "You've got a fragment of mana stone inside you that's feeding you mana. Once it is exhausted, it will have to be removed, but until then, you will experience a significant boost in your mana."
"So these stones can sap a summoner of their power or boost it greatly," said Charles "There must be some disadvantage to using them to increase one's power."
"Prolonged use can lead to an addiction to the rush of mana," admitted Tyr "As well, the increase in mana flowing through the brain can lean to mental…instability."
"You mean madness?" asked Khell.
"Yes," said Tyr "However, as you can see, I myself have two stones in my arm," he pulled down his sleeve to reveal two jagged red scars on his forearm. "Do I look like a madman to you?" he asked with a slight grin. "The extraction process is rather painful," he continued, rolling down his sleeve "So there is no need to remove Arrathir's stone while it poses no risk. As well, you may find the extra mana useful," he told Arrathir.
They had now reached the village. People gazed fearfully as they passed. Many parents brought their young ones inside. "Come along now, Kraer," Arrathir heard a man say, ushering a young woman indoors.
"Arrathir?" said Eva, falling into step beside the Keeper of Black Mana. Arrathir merely glared at her and continued walking. "I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier on and on the Island," said Eva "I've been having these mood swings lately, and I have no idea what made me go off the handle like that. All that stuff I said about us being through…I didn't mean it. I'm really sorry. Do you think we can just forget about it?"
"You threw me away like garbage, Eva," snapped Arrathir "Now you expect me to take you back? It is going to take a lot more than that to regain the trust you shattered." Arrathir quickened his pace, surging ahead of Eva.
That was harsh.
Don't tell me you didn't think she deserved it.
You know you're dying to take her back.
…Yes, but I want her to try. Maybe that'll teach her to improve her attitude.
You know, Arrathir, when I told you to stand up to Eva, I didn't mean in ways that would hurt her.
Well, maybe she deserves to be hurt a little. After all, how many times has she hurt me? Maybe she'll see things from my point of view.
This despite your oath never to hurt her?
Hey, screw you, Chikuro. I've been busting my ass trying to make our relationship work, and all I've gotten in return is abuse. Sure, Eva might be happy with the way things are, but what about me? What about what I want?
Now you're starting to sound like a real ghell
I put a lot into this relationship; isn't it about time I got something out of it?
You mean besides Eva offering herself to you?
Chikuro, that subject is closed.
Arrathir shut off his mind-like and stormed angrily after the others. Meanwhile, Eva was having a similar conversation with herself.
(Can't say I didn't deserve that.)
(Your red mana makes you more irritable, Eva. You can't be blamed for all your mood swings. Arrathir has a point; you need to control your temper, but don't take the full blame for what happened.)
(I haven't exactly been trying. What if this is a sign, Ruu? What if Arrathir and I are such polar opposites that even though we're soul mates, we'll never be able to have a successful relationship?)
(True love conquers all, Eva. I'm sure you'll work things out.)
They arrived at a small hut near the outskirts of the village. Tyr called out through the door and a minute later, a man dressed in Daru armor stepped out of the hut. He was short, well under six feet and his face was tired and sullen.
"Ashten," said Tyr, bowing to the man "We come in need of your aid."
"Tyr," spat the man "I told you never to come back here."
"I wouldn't dream of it," said Tyr "However, this is an emergency. The girl," he indicated Eva "Has been contaminated by mana stones."
"How did this happen?" asked Ashten, his eyes snapping to Eva.
"It is a long story," said Tyr "However, time is short. Will you help her?"
Ashten appeared torn between his hatred of Tyr and his commitment as a cleric to help those in need to healing.
"You may stay until she is cured," he finally said "As soon as she is better, you are to leave and never return."
"We are most grateful," said Tyr. Ashten merely frowned and motioned to Eva to follow him.
"That was Ashten," said Tyr as the cleric walked away with Eva "He's the self-appointed head cleric of this village. We've had a few run-ins over the year. Suffice to say we do not get along very well."
Ashten led Eva to another hut that contained a low bed and several shelves crammed full of bottles and boxes.
"This is our infirmary," said Ashten "You'll stay here for the duration of your treatments. Your problem can be cured easily enough, but it will take time." He went over to one of the shelves and rummaged around for a bit before pulling out a small flask. "Drink this," he said, handing Eva the flask "It is essentially a liquid Disenchant to destroy the stones inside you."
"Couldn't you just cast Disenchant on me to destroy them?" asked Eva.
"That would be rather dangerous," said Ashten "The spell would cause the stones to explode, which would be just as bad as if they overcharged. This potion has two purposes: first, to block the flow of mana to the stones to prevent further charging and second, to slowly erode away at the stones until their size no longer poses a threat. Now drink up."
Eva uncorked the flask and took a sip. She immediately gagged on the bitterness of the potion.
"You'll need to drink all of it," said Ashten. Bracing herself, Eva swallowed the rest of the fowl liquid, grimacing in disgust as it trickled down her gullet.
"How long will this take to work?" asked Eva after she'd finished the flask.
"At least three days," said Ashten "You'll need to rest in order for the medicine to properly work."
Eva's face fell. "Three days?" she said "Will I be able to see my friends?"
"Of course," said Ashten "Shall I send them in?"
Eva hesitated. She knew Arrathir well enough to know he'd need a while to cool off after their argument. "No," she finally said, sitting on the bed.
"Here," said Ashten, handing her a cup of sweet-smelling tea. "This will help you sleep."
Eva gratefully accepted the cup and took a cautious sip; unlike the pervious remedy, the tea was pleasant to the pallet. She lied down on the bed and soon found sleep overtaking her.
Nightfall found the Keepers huddled up around a fire, staring into the dancing flames as they wrapped blankets tightly around their bodies to ward off the cool night air.
"Mind if I join you?" asked Tyr, taking a seat beside Arrathir.
"Tyr, we thank you for your help," said Khell "However, there are still a few things we need to know; questions that need answering."
"Fine," said Tyr "What troubles you?"
"How did you find out about us?" asked Khell "And why have you been following us?"
"I have known about the Keepers for a long time," said Tyr "I made it my life's goal to attempt to find them. When I sensed a change in the black mana of the Multiverse, I knew the Keeper of Black Mana had been awakened and I set out to find him and the others. Unfortunately, Lu Chao found you before I did. I've been following you because I wanted to make sure Lu Chao didn't betray you. I suspected he was only a pawn working for a greater force, but after he sent you to the Island, I'm sure there's more to this than what we know."
"I knew it," said Arrathir "He's plotting against us! I told you he was trying to kill us!"
"In light of what happened on the Island," said Charles "I agree with Arrathir." Khell nodded in approval.
"So what do we do now?" asked Arrathir.
"We find Lu Chao," said Tyr "I do not know where he is or what he is planning, but better to act than to wait for him to strike. We should get some rest. You've had a hard day."
The village had no extra huts and none of the families would accept to share their home with the Keepers, so they had to sleep outside, but by now they were used to it. Arrathir was having trouble sleeping. They were near the infirmary and the night breeze carried Eva's scent to him. The thought that he could have her at any moment but chose to deny himself this pleasure upset him. After all, they loved each other, so shouldn't it be natural they have sex? The more he thought about it, the more he realized he was the one at fault here. Maybe if he'd accepted Eva's proposal to mate things might have turned out differently. Sighing, he rolled over and closed his eyes, trying to find sleep.
On the third evening since the Keepers' arrival in the village, Eva awoke feeling strange. It was a peculiar feeling in her loins, a sort of burning sensation. She could feel an incredible desire welling up in her loins, longing to be quenched. Finally, she realized what it was: she was in heat.
As she struggled to come to terms with her predicament, the door to the hut opened and Ashten's assistant, Kyp, entered. He was a young man, only a few years older than Eva and the first time she'd seen him, he had struck her as quite handsome. Desire flared up in her and she had the sudden urge to jump of Kyp and…she shook her head. No, she couldn't; Arrathir was the one she loved. However, the urge remained, growing stronger by the second.
"How are you doing, Eva?" asked Kyp in a cheerful voice. He was very friendly and Eva had quickly come to like him.
"Fine…" gasped Eva "Please leave me."
"Are you sure?" asked Kyp "You don't sound so good."
"Please, Kyp," said Eva "Leave now!" She knew that she couldn't hold on for very long. Her body was screaming for release and there was a very capable male nearby.
"I'm here to help, Eva. What's wrong?"
"You can help me by getting the fuck out!" yelled Eva.
"I'm going to give you something to help you relax," said Kyp, undaunted by Eva's outburst.
As Kyp approached her bed, Eva felt herself weakening. Her desire was overpowering her mind and casting away her inhibitions. Her primal instincts were taking over and the only thing she could think about was the male before her. He could satisfy her needs and slake her lust.
"Eva?" asked Kyp, gently touching her shoulder. With a wild cry, Eva sprung from her bed and tackled the cleric.
Arrathir was brutally awoken by Khell shaking him.
"Wake up!" he said "It's Eva!"
Arrathir sprung up, his fatigue forgotten. "What happened?" he asked.
"She attacked Kyp," said Khell "She went into heat and tried to mate him."
"Did she?" growled Arrathir. The thought of Eva with another male made his blood boil. She was his and he'd be damned if he let another male lay a hand on her.
"No," said Khell "Kyp was able to Pacify her, but that was only a temporary measure. Eva's heat won't just go away. Arrathir, you have to mate her."
"What?"
"It is that or keep her restrained every month during her heat cycle," said Khell "This would be a major inconvenience. As well, it would be cruel to Eva since without being mated, she will gradually become more and more feral."
"You want me to have sex with Eva?" asked Arrathir.
"For both your sakes," said Charles "Do it. The sexual tension between the two of you is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Take her as your mate already."
"I don't know," said Arrathir "I mean, she's not in her normal state of mind right now, so that could be rape."
"She needs this, Arrathir," said Khell "The only way for her to feel better is to be mated."
"I'm not sure about this," said Arrathir.
"Look," said Charles, exasperated "She's suffering right now. She needs a male and I think both of you would prefer if that male was you. If you don't do this for her, then you're not worthy of having her."
"All right," said Arrathir, taking a deep breath. "I'll do it for Eva." Walking up to the hut, he entered, his heart beating madly in his chest.
The moment he entered, the door slammed shut behind him, leaving in him in the dark. His nose was immediately overpowered by the scent of Eva's estrus. It permeated every inch of the hut and was so thick he could almost see it in the air. It made him light-headed and he suddenly didn't feel so reluctant with the idea of mating Eva. In fact, he was beginning to like it. As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he saw a dark shape heading very quickly for him. Before he could react, he was tackled by Eva who straddled him.
She stared lustily at Arrathir and licked her lips in anticipation. She was completely nude and Arrathir's eyes roamed over her form. As Eva began tearing at his clothes, Arrathir's frightened expression shifted into a wide grin and his eyes flashed red.
"Mine," he growled, pulling Eva to him.
To be continued…
Author's Note: I'll leave the rest up to your imaginations, ya little perverts!
Until next time...