Hiya, yup late again I know. It's long though, lots of action in this one. Thanks reviewers I love hearing feedback and answering questions. Enjoy. RxR
Note: Yes Stein is Medusa's son. In the same way the Greek gods were all born from Zeus, all of these gods were created by Life. However, Medusa is a slut and a bitch sooo… she doesn't love them into existence. She essentially forces a general in her army to love her and then tainted it to Chaos before some magic god-y ritual and used her powers to make Chaos out of his soul. Yeahhh a lot of thought went into this story.
With Medusa's nod the servants all produce trays with a flourish. The gleaming silver is reflecting candlelight and the cloud of steam that erupts from underneath. I have never smelled anything more delicious in my entire life. There's whole roasted pig, steak, fruits, fresh baked bread, and some dishes I have never and doubt I will ever see again. They even had a bowl of that blue honey stuff we found in the clearing.
While I am drooling all over the table Kid is keeping a close eye Medusa. She is being a rather wonderful host form the look of it. I won't pretend I didn't hear the insults she threw Kid earlier but, as long as he isn't upset neither, am I.
A vine erupts from the tiled floor next to all of the gods and myself. They bloom into life sized flowers that tower over us. Our hostess clears her throat with a cough before motioning to the huge plants.
"This year I have a special surprise in order for our special guest. Your slaves tonight have been hand-picked by myself to what I believe best fits you. Please enjoy your personal attendants." As she finishes the flowers morph back into human form. Thankfully unlike the other servants, these ones are dressed in fine but simple clothes.
I feel my 'servant' drop next to me and bow but I am too curious about most everyone else's. Tsubaki's catches my eye first since she's sitting across from me. The boy is short but muscular and has his hair dyed a blackish blue. It is styled into points except for a few strands where it falls over his blue eyes. It's so easy to see, he looks so much like BlackStar.
I quickly turn to see his reaction only to find him with his fist clenched on the table. The woman is draping her hands on his shoulders. She has long black hair pulled back into a pony tail with deep blue eyes. She is tall and thin with a large chest and a soft look on her face.
It is silent as we all take it in. Even BlackStar is quietly fuming. It is Tsubaki who is first to speak up, voice shaking and threatening tears. "T-thank you Medusa. You have picked well, this is exactly what I could only dream of having."
The man behind her rubs her back and she bends down to hide the tears slowly rolling down her cheeks. BlackStar clenches his teeth before exhaling roughly. "Yes, Medusa… they are really almost perfect."
"Oh excellent! I am so glad to hear that." She smirks towards the two and visually drinks in their pain. I give a lot of credit to them for managing to keep calm. It's not my place but even I want to punch the woman in the face right now.
A hand clenches painfully around mine and I nearly yelp. "What about you Prince? Do you enjoy what I have picked for you?"
My head lulls to the side to look casually but inside I am seething. A small girl with pink hair is sitting on his lap smiling. Her green eyes wide and adorable she seems like someone who is impossible to hate. But, the way she lays on him, with her hands resting on his chest makes me wonder how much trouble I could really get into for killing her.
"I am indifferent."
"Oh Prince," Medusa's tone is mockingly sad. "Why must you be so cold? Kim here was really looking forward to meeting you."
"I do not care." Kid nods his head to the side and the girl, pouting, gets off his lap. I shoot a venomous look at her and she cowers slightly behind his chair. I don't really want to ponder on why am so jealous. I wish I could say it's because he's my friend and I worry but can't pretend to be so blind. The truth I have been avoiding is so obliviously there I cannot ignore it any longer.
"Miss Albarn?"
"Huh?"
"From the way you are staring at her I believe we should have given Kim to you instead." Medusa smiles sweetly…I want to smack it off her face.
"I was just… thinking. Terribly sorry, what were you asking?"
"If you approved of your servant. If not I can always find the Prince another, since he is so indifferent."
"No, that is quite alright. He is fine." I turn to look at him for the first time. I'm not sure what to expect but when I look up I am greeted by a very familiar shock of white hair.
"Yes, it took a while for me to find one so rare. Plenty of my dignitaries were after him but I reserved him for you alone."
"Soul?" My hand shakes as I reach out to touch his cheek, his red eyes locking in mine. He's so grown up, yet I still remain the same.
"Don't be silly my child." I shake my head and look at Medusa. She is playing with the braid that is trickling down the front of her dress. "Your childhood friend is still back on earth. I just figured you would enjoy someone similar."
As I look closer I breathe out, in relief and sadness. This is not Soul. He is close, the same red eyes and white hair, but his smile is gentle not cocky. His posture is straight and formal not relaxed. And the teeth that made him an outcast, and drove me to be his friend are in a prefect, white, and normal row. "How did you…"
"I looked into your life pool* and saw how much you loved this boy. I thought it would be a nice chance for you to spend the night in his company."
"That is very thoughtful of you." Suddenly I am sickened by the man in front of me. He is so close to my old friend, so close to another chance at goodbye. But it is a lie, just like everything else in this horrid place. I want to go back to the Death Kingdom, they made be surrounded in decay and lifelessness but at least those living have hearts.
"Yes well enough talk. Let us enjoy this amazing meal shall we?" The man lifts the silver tray, a blank look on his face to reveal food that is not so appetizing anymore.
As Tsubaki takes the last delicate bite of her desert, Medusa claps her hands together. In a flash of green light all the trays and dishes disappear. The guests rise in a thunderous applause. Some of the guest had not even finished their food but they don't seem to mind one bit. They just clap with the rest of them.
I lean over to whisper in Kid's ear.
"Why are they all clapping? She practically tore their meal away from them before they finished." My voice can't be heard from under the echoing applause. It's deafening and shows no sign of lightening up any time soon.
"They are addicts and this," He gestures to the area around us. "is their fix. They feed of her energy, the pure power of life. Anyone could wield it and they would have legions of followers at their feet in spite of their behavior. The way she treats her servants is a perfect example of this."
It's a struggle to keep from glaring at the woman. She is basking in the adoration of her followers knowing full well they have no choice. It's being said too much but I don't care. She. Is. A. Bitch.
"Well with the formalities over and done with. Let the dancing begin." She sways her hand to the left and the table shoots up from the floor. A few of the guest fall backwards and crack their head on the marble. One woman is even bleeding a good amount of blood.
I grit my teeth as Medusa looks lazily at the woman before flicking her finger. Her body flies through the air and into the wall with a crunch. Servants then drag the corpse away with little ceremony. I have to grip Kid's hand to keep from exploding in anger.
The thought of her poor husband instantly cools me. He must be devastated with her gone. I wish I could help him.
My eyes scan the room and flash when they finally find him. He is holding on to a servant on one of the chair on the sides of the room. Her legs are forced apart as he roughly shoves his fingers in and out with no mercy despite the girls tears.
I expect outrage, anger, hatred! But, all the other patrons in their proper and high class clothing do nothing. Some even watch for the pleasure of it. As he moves to adjust his pants I am spun quickly around.
"A lady should not view such a heinous act." My servant is holding my hand softly in his palm. His tall figure is bent down into a low bow. The smile on his face looks plastic and fake, just like mine.
"And what about the lady who is being subjected to it?" He breaths out and blinks his eyes slowly. Peaking over my shoulder he winces slightly. I only notice from the small muscle twitch in his hand.
"We are what we are. Shall we retire to another part of the ball room? It seems this section has forgotten their manners." I don't want to go with the man but somehow, I had lost Kid…again. I really need to get him a bell or something.
I nod and he takes my arm to lead me away. I can't help but take a look back, just to make sure she is okay. I wish I hadn't. The woman is laying broken and bruised on the floor. No one helps her, the only assistance she gets it a kick to the ribs when someone passes by or when another man comes to pick her up again.
I unfold my fan and hide my face. No one can see me cry. These people lost their humanity long ago.
His cold hand touches my cheek. I start and nearly drop my fan in the process. I glare at him but he is too entranced by the tear, just like Kid was.
"What is this? Did you spill water on yourself?" He holds it up to the light before it lazily rolls off this finger and drips to the floor. "You are leaking… shall I guide you into infirmary, my lady?"
"What no I-…" I pause while he stares at me intently. It's so heartbreaking to see the robotic way he moves and thinks. It's like a tragic ending to a story where the puppet doesn't become a real boy. He just stays a wooden doll.
"There is nothing to fear. It is just a tad bit hot in here. It is how my body cools." I fan myself for extra emphasis as he processes the information. Just like a little robot he comes to a conclusion and nods.
"In that case, please allow me to escort you to the balcony for some fresh air." We weave through the crowd going mostly unnoticed to my surprise. Every time we pause someone recognizes me and they immediately part, but not to the same extreme as Kid or BlackStar. The only see me when I am standing right in front of their faces. Something finally feels normal again.
We break through the wall of people and by the end of it I am ready for some air. My dress is light a cool but the sheer mass of people was sweltering. The few couples on the veranda quickly disappear just leaving me with this stranger in a stark white suit.
"I hope this will help you recover more, my lady. Your reaction seems to have intensified." I nod and stride to the overhang. As sad smile graces my face when I realize how much the kingdom reminds me of home. Sure the lights and sounds are different, but the same concept is alive. Always busy, always moving, yet never boring.
"It is quite beautiful, no?" I tilt my head to the side and stare at the man. Looking closer it is so easy to see Soul in him. The way he rest one hand on the marble and the other in his pocket, the look in his eyes that he is thinking, even the way he breathes is so familiar. Maybe I am just going crazy but can you blame me?
"It is. It reminds me of where I lived…you know, back on Earth."
"Did you enjoy it there?" His head cocks to the side and I chuckle under my breath. Returning my gaze to the city I trace the veins of color in the marble with my finger. It's ice cold, like everything else around here.
"Yes, it was called Death City. I had a great school, a great family, great friends…"
"I am envious of such a life." I focus down of a well lit street corner. An old woman sells a lily to a couple at dinner. The man kisses the petals before giving it to the woman.
"Was your life not similar?" The couple gets up and leaves, walking into the night. The lily lady smiles and moves on.
"I do not remember my life." He leans down so both arms are crossed and rest on the stone. He stares straight forward into the red moon.
"Nothing?"
"I do not need it here. All it holds are sins that are better left forgotten." I need to ask. It's bothering me too much. It's too, similar.
"Do you remember your name?" He thinks for a moment before nodding slowly.
"I was called Wes. That is all I know."
"Do you miss not knowing about your life?"
"Sometimes. Mostly I try not to think about it. It is simply too troublesome to dwell on." She shrugs his shoulder like it's not a huge deal to him.
"But what about your friends and family. Don't you want to know what happened to them?" My voice is cracking from its serious tone. I try to prevent it but curiosity leaks out. There is still too much I don't know about this place.
"I do not remember them. I do not even know if I had them. But that is the way life is we cannot change it. We are what we are."
"You say that a lot." He chuckles darkly while staring into his hands.
"It is what keeps me moving. That is why I say it." It a quiet for a few minutes but I can't take my eyes off him. He's too broken to see how shattered he is.
"You remind me of someone. A lot like you." He looks up, the fake smile in place again.
"Who?"
"An old friend of mine." I step closer staring into those eyes, just begging to see into them. But, when I do, they are so dead I'm sure even he is ready for this all to end.
"His name was Soul. Did you know him? You look enough alike to be brothers in fact." He stands straight again.
"I am afraid not. As I said I know nothing of my past life. We should go in. It is getting cool." He moves away but something in his eyes flashes. I grab his wrist to stop him. He's lying.
"He was a wonder musician. Amazing piano player. All he did was play music and that's how he lived. I have never seen anyone do happy. Are you sure you don't know anything about him?"
"I-I don't recall." I rest my fingertips on his forehead.
"Do you want to?" I am not sure what I am doing or saying. I have no control over what my body is doing, or more so, my soul.
"I-…yes. I feel so lost, so empty."
"Then remember." There is a small glow at the point where our skins touch and a low hum. Nothing dramatic but the change in his soul is remarkable. He moves more freely with more life.
"I-I…. Mom….Dad…Wait- I remember Soul!" I start out of my trance a regain my body back. I feel slightly woozy before shaking my head back and forth.
"I remember… I remember-"before he can finish his eyes roll to the back of his skull. His body spasms as it falls to the ground. For a moment there is nothing but silence until the screams of agony start. I look desperately around for help.
I run inside instantly grabbing the first person I see. It is a duchess I think and when I touch her she starts. She turns with a raised hand.
"You filthy heathen!" When her eyes recognize me there is a look of pure fear.
"I am terribly sorry Lady Albarn. I did not know it was you please forgive me." She bows low and I yank her back up by the collar if her ridiculously frilly dress.
"Look, I don't have time for this! Don't you hear that man screaming? "
"Ah yes, I see you enjoy the more…delicate ones. I personally had a bid in for him before the Queen requested him. Isn't cutting into the unmarked skin lovely?" I jump back from the woman.
"What the fuck? Aren't you paying attention? He is going to die! We need to get help!"
"Oh, hush child no need to shout. Medusa will get you another one. You only need to ask. You can even have a grab at one of the room servants, they are all beautiful tonight." And with that she turned back to her group without another word.
"WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!" I shout but again no one shows any sign they've heard. I run back onto the balcony where the man still lies. I fall to my knees beside him and watch his slow breath.
"Wes? Talk to me Wes…I command you?"
"Well you're pretty shitty at giving commands then." His eyes open slowly and a familiar half smirk twitches onto his face.
"You're alright! What happened?" I grab his hand on impulse.
"The Black. It never wanted me to remember. But you made me. I remember who I am, who I was. I can be free now."
"That's right! You can come back to Death kingdom with me and Kid. I know it isn't that great but you can be whoever you want to be there."
"Thank you…my queen." A sharp black spike erupts out of his chest and sprays blood all over the surrounding area. It speckles the white marble like raindrops on a side walk. The spike retracts leaving a gaping hole in his chest.
"You were sweating? That was a good cover, very entertaining." Slow claps echo the balcony. The chatter from inside has dulled as if everyone moved further away. The steps sound like dynamite in the silence. "You truly are a great actress…or should I say liar?"
He steps into my vision and I look up in horror. The memories of the Black flash back to me. The man the white Lab coat is staring down at me a mad smirk on his face. The thin wire framed glasses he wears are cracked through the lens. Stitching criss crosses over his face, overlapping one another. He smiles and a row of the stitches pop away like broken rubber bands. A filet of skin droops off his face revealing the muscle underneath. It is only connected by a bottom row of sutures.
"Oh terribly sorry about that. I don't smile much. But you, you have me in stitches! Get it!" The man pulls back wildly as more of the strings pop off. He is literally coming apart at the seams. Suddenly the wild laughter stops and he stares at me.
"How good to see you again Maka. I fear we have started on the wrong foot." The man holds out a scared hand. I grimace at it before slapping it away and standing on my own. "I am the God of Chaos, you may call me Stein. I am the monster who you humans wrote about."
"The one who dies alone in the cold artic. How fitting." Wes lies prone on the floor with his face a mask of horror and pain. The boy did not even die with a smile on his face.
"Oh, Maka you are so cold to me… they make such funny faces in the last moments of death don't they? Once rigamortes sets in it will be stuck that way forever. It's almost got me laughing again." He covers his mouth with one hand and giggle while the other pushes his skin back on his face.
"You are a sick man. What did he ever do to you?" Stein's dilated pupils shake back and forth rapidly as his giggles slowly subside.
"You act like I need a reason? He was just a servant, a nobody. He was more use to me dying than he would ever be living." He finally gets a grasp on reality and begins to calm down.
"What are you even doing out here?" I spit venom at him but he doesn't seem to notice or care.
"Why I am here for you, my dear. As I said," he suddenly materializes before me in a flash. I never got the chance to see him move. Before I can react there is a hand grasping my throat. "you will make a lovely experiment. And the best part, there is no one here to save you this time."
He lifts me up as he crushes my throat. I claw at his hand in a desperate attempt to have him release me. I peak in the doors hoping someone will notice me but everyone is out of sight. I say something but it only comes out as gurgles.
"I'm sorry sweet heart, what was that?" I drop my hand and feel it brush against something hard on my thigh. The dagger!
I reach through the slit in my dress and rip it out of the leather casing. Flipping it over in my hand I drive it into Stein's stomach. He drops me and I roll out of reach as he howls in pain.
"I said I don't need saving." I flick the remaining blood off the knife before grasping it firmly.
"Oh, so you want to play? Alright then, let's have some fun!"
Lifepool: kind of like a memory book of the best and worst moment in someones life. Medusa uses it for bribery and blackmail. Bitch.