Disclaimer: Don't own W.I.T.C.H. yadda yadda yadda.
Well, as promised here's the next chapter. Possibly my quickest update...ever. I think this new rule about not updating or posting a new story until it's completely done is a good idea.
Matt: Dude, why are you torturing me like this?
Shiroi Misa: First of all, not a Dude. Second, it builds character.
Matt: You just like seeing me suffer.
Shiroi Misa: Stop complaining, I'm pairing you with Will.
Matt: Really? She not going to leave me for Caleb, Phobos, or Harry Potter?
Shiroi Misa: Ah...no.
Matt: Alright then, for her I bear it. Now if you'll excuse me, there's still...
The Demon in Me
Chapter 7
Life with Shagon was like an unending nightmare. Most of the time the demon kept me lock in that oversized mask so I couldn't interfere. He only brought me out when he needed to interact with my family or to finish all that useless school work.
I was powerless to stop myself from fooling and hurting the ones I love, and still had to do all that freakin make-up work. If this isn't hell I don't know what is.
The only good part about being stuck within my own mind was that the monster seemed to forget about me. Leaving me alone to my thoughts. I thought of my family, my friends but most of all, Will. It breaks my heart every time Shagon hurts her and taunted her about her missing boyfriend. Part of me wanted her to see through the golden mask and save me, but another part of me was so ashamed at what I had done, that I wasn't sure if I could face her again. I could feel her hatred every time Shagon attacked but I could also see the pain in her eyes.
Oh Will, how I wish I could take that pain away and see your beautiful smile again. It was my love for her that kept me from giving up entirely. I thought back to the first time we met. It was at her surprise birthday party. She may have only been turning 13, but when I saw her standing on the Lair's lawn under that starry sky, I could have sworn I'd seen an angel. Our eyes met and the rest of the world seemed to fade away.
It seemed like forever before I finally found my voice. "Um, hi. My name's Matt. Matt Olsen. You're Will right, the birthday girl?"
She blushed slightly and smiled. "Yeah, that's me. I'd shake your hand but..." She tilted her head indicating the pizzas she was holding.
"Um, here let me help you with those." I said as I gathered up the pizzas in his one hand and gently took a hold of hers. I was a little surprised by my own boldness. It was only meant to be a hand shake but I ended up walking her into the kitchen with the rest of her friends. It felt great, more than great it was like...magic. I tried to keep the conversation going, praying I wouldn't start babbling on like an idiot. "You missed a lot of your own party."
She pushed a loose strand of hair away from her face. "Yeah well, that's what happens when your friends through you a party and don't bother telling you. I had some things I needed to take care of tonight."
"Oh, is that why you dragged them along?"
"Uh, yeah. Otherwise I wouldn't have made it back at all."
"Well I'm glade you came back, I've been meaning to say 'hi' all evening."
"Thanks I..." But before Will could get another word out someone had shouted "PIZZA" and the kitchen turned into a giant feeding frenzy. In all the confusion we lost sight of each other. I only caught a brief glimpse of her as she was leaving with her mother. While I was slightly disappointed I knew I'd see her again. I didn't know what would come of it but it was a risk worth taking.
It was a classic boy meet girl story with a few twists along the way. I liked Will but I wasn't sure she if liked me or not. So when the new girl Sandra asked me to show her around I said yes. I was a bit surprised to see Will at the ski trip even more surprised when she and Sandra started fighting. While I'll admit, it was a bit flattering to have two girls fighting over me, it got out of hand really fast. Will didn't look like she spent a lot of time on skies and I was afraid she'd get hurt but she refused to back down from that stupid race. Later, when the avalanche hit, I was really scared when we couldn't find her right away. Sandra was fine but hurt she her leg. Her lack of concern when Will was missing was a real turn off. Thankfully Will arrived safe and sound saying she got turned around after taking cover from the avalanche. Sandra let her accent slip showing just how fake she really was. Screw the stupid race, they made the bet not me. I looked over at Will who was smiling smugly now that Sandra had announced she was switching schools. "The front of the bus or the back?"
We had a nice conversation on the way back. She told me about her old school and the new friends she had made here in Heatherfeild. I told her about my music and Grandpa's pet shop. We basically got to know each other a little better. I first got the courage to ask her out when she appeared in front of my garage at practic one day. She said she was only there to barrow hedge clipper but that's when I knew she was really there to see me. She told me on the bus ride she lived in an apartment, and most apartments don't have large lawns. After a not-so-subtle kick from Nigel I asked Will to the dance. I took her shout of joy for a yes. She was fashionably late but what an entrance. All in all, it was a great evening.
Our first kiss was even more exciting. Grandpa saw how distracted I was at work one day. He may seem a little scatter brained at times but he knows a lot more then he lets on. "I take it there's a special someone on your mind?"
"Well yeah, kind of. I think she likes me but how do you know?" He just smiled.
"The heart wants what the heart wants. If she likes you the way you do, I think she'll find a way to tell you. But she may not do so in words." I sighed.
"So I have to wait for her to make the first move?" He had a small sparkle in his eye.
"Maybe a little encouragement is in order." He disappeared into the back room and reappeared with a small box in his hands. "Girls love getting gifts especially when they're personal." I peeked inside the box and inside was a cute furry dormouse looking up at me with big curious eyes.
"Aw, he's perfect Grandpa. You really think she'll like it? What if she's allergic?"
"Enough stalling my boy, go to her." And so I did. She loved Mr. Huggles and it gave me an excuse to see her again. I was a disappointed when I heard she gave the little guy away and blurted out that I thought she liked me. Next thing I knew she passionately kissed me in a loving embrace.
Shortly after that I fallowed her into Meridian, nearly got eaten by a giant snake, found out my girlfriend was a magical fairy, and try to stop the prince of darkness from taking over the world. Yep, just your typical boy meets girl story. Before Shagon had come to be we had been doing pretty well in our relationship.
Her birthday was coming up again and I wanted to do something special for her. After all, it wasn't just her birthday, it was the anniversary of when we first met. I had been spending a lot of time with my band and Grandpa's pet shop was going through a slow period so I didn't have a lot of money to spend. But as I was listening to the radio one day, I heard a song by Aerosmith that seemed to fit us to a tea. "Don't know what I'm going to do...about this feeling inside. Yes it's true, loneliness took me for a ride. Without your love, I'm nothing but a beggar. Without your love, a dog without a bone." I hummed along as an idea formed in my head.
"You're my Angel, come and save me tonight. You're my Angel, come and make it alright." I'd write a song, just for her. I'd get my band to help and surprise her. It was going to be great. Things don't always go as planed. For one thing, it was suppose to be a surprise.
It was a nice day outside so I decided to practice in the yard. The song was almost finished, I was just working out the minor details. "Winged Angel from above, help me find the Will, the Will to love."
"I like the new song." Came a familiar voice from behind me. I jumped and spun around to see the Angel herself smiling at me. So much for the surprise.
"Awa man, you weren't suppose to hear it until your birthday." Her expression changed to surprise.
"You mean, you're writing me a song for my birthday, just for me." Suddenly I wasn't so sure this was such a good idea. Did she think it was cheesy, or worse, cheep?
"That is so sweet!" She put her hand on mine and all my doubts vanished. "I can't wait to hear the whole thing."
"Oh no, you already ruined the surprise. Now you'll have to wait for your party to hear any more." She pouted but I wasn't giving in.
"Oh well" she said. "I guess this time I can look forward to my birthday." I chuckled.
"Ya, you looked a little put out last year." She smirked as she thought back.
"Well, Cornelia did kind of spring it on me after I said I didn't want a party." She looks back up at me. "But I think I can forgive her. How'd she drag you there anyway?"
"I was in the mall checking out some new music that just came in when I saw her with a guy trying to eat the payphone." She raised an eyebrow.
"Was that Blunk or Caleb?"
"I think it was Caleb. When I asked if he was OK she somehow talked me into helping her set up a surprise party for a friend of hers. Still not sure how she did that."
"Well I'll have to be extra nice to Cornelia for inadvertently setting us up."
"Just be sure so hang around longer this time."
"It's not my fault Cedric broke into City Hall that night."
"Whoa, you mean you weren't getting pizza you fighting super villains."
"Well...we did remember the pizza. Sorry, I guess I'm just use to keeping my W.I.T.C.H. life and personal life separate. But I'm kind of glad you know now. It makes it a little easier to deal with even if I have to worry about you getting in over your head." I was a little pained by her words. Sure I was no match for Nerissa and her Knights but I wasn't totally useless was I? I never said it out loud but that was the moment I first started to doubt myself. The worst part was I was a little mad at Will for saying it first.
Her birthday came and went. I never got to sing her, her special song. Nerissa had me and the other knights hard at work training, while Will celebrated her 14th birthday. Well, maybe celebrated was the wrong word. Part of me wishes she wasn't thinking about her missing boyfriend, but another part of me hopes that she at least gave me a thought.
I sighed. I think I've been stuck in Shagon's head too long. It's getting harder and harder to separate our thoughts. Sometimes, just sometimes, it feels like he's winning the battle for our soul. I haven't been able to take back control since the train yard incident. I've been having to sit back and watch as he used my body to destroy the things I care about. The attack on Kandrakar was awful. Try as I might, I couldn't break free from that horrible prison Shagon sealed me in. Even as he led the attack on the infinite dimension I wore myself out trying to stop him. In the end it did no good. Kandrakar was lost and Halinor was enthralled just like Cassidy and me, and I couldn't stop myself, I mean, stop him.
The Knights had a small victory party after the fall of Kandrakar. After all it isn't everyday you topple an ancient sanctuary of the light. Shagon was quit pleased with himself. Ember even got a little drunk on some wine Tridart had slipped in. She though it would be a good idea to tease the Dark Angel of Malice. It was her first and only time she ever got drunk. She slunked up to Shagon and threw an arm around his shoulder.
"Hey, for a victory party you don't seem very happy." She glanced again at his golden mask. "Then again it's hard to tell anything with you since you always have that mask on." Shagon removed Ember's arm and stood up.
"I like my enemy unaware of my intentions as well."
"Yeah, but you're among comrades here." She said with a slight hiccup. What's wrong, are you disfigured or something under there." He didn't respond and if she was sober she would have picked up on the bad vibes he was giving off right then. "Come on you can't be that ugly under that mask, let's have a peek."
She reached up as if to snatch the mask from his face but the demon was quicker. He grabber her hand and bore down on it mercilessly. She yelped as she tried to pull her hand free but Shagon held it stead fast. "No one…" He said in a deep voice dripping with venom. "EVER sees my face." He pulled her closer so that she was facing him directly. "Not even in death. Am I understood?" He gave her hand another tight squeeze.
She winched but didn't cry out this time. "Yeah, I get." she said through gritted teeth. He finally let her go and walk off.
"Just be sure to remember that." If Ember didn't love pain and misery she might have taken it personally. But she got the hint just the same. Shagon's mask was the line you just didn't cross with that bastard. He wouldn't be so nice next time, comrade or not. It seemed like the mask was a type of barrier. As long as he wore it he could pretend that I was just a parasite to control and not the other half of his own dark soul. I didn't even know what he looked like under there I'm not even sure he did. Maybe it was the one thing he was afraid of…himself.
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While it may have been a fear he didn't make it his weakness. My futile attempts to use it to my advantage were even less successful than Ember's. It didn't seem like anything could stop Shagon or his mistress, but I was desperately hoping that Kadma had the power and the strength to keep them at bay. But once again she was corrupted by that evil witch. Nerissa was just one ex-guardian away from completing her collection. I couldn't stand the thought of Nerissa getting her hands on Mrs. Lin. But the demon never gave me any control unless he needed me, or my identity at least, and even then he was always the one in control. That ring she gave him did a very good job of keeping me in check.
The girls had the idea of placing Yan Lin at the school cafeteria, in plain sight. It was a good idea except for the fact that Shagon was still using my identity to spy on the Guardians. Nerissa had given orders for Shagon to keep constant tabs on Yan Lin and if the opportunity presented itself, to snatch her up and bring her to Mt Thanos.
Right now, all of the girls where currently in class leaving no one to protect Hay Lin's grandmother. Shagon excused himself from fifth period math class to use the rest room but instead he stuck down to the cafeteria hoping to catch Yan Lin off guard. Luckily Hay Lin spotted "Matt" outside lurking around and went to confront him. It was almost funny how she got him in trouble with principal Knickerbocker, if I didn't have to deal with the angry woman myself. Shagon kindly let me explain why we weren't in class and why we were protesting against her beloved school.
"So, Mr. Olsen. I'm still waiting for your explanation." The one good thing about being stuck inside your own head is that you have a lot of time to think. I used what little control I had over my own body to look ashamed.
"I know it's hard to believe but this is all just a misunderstanding." She raised a eye-brow at my statement. I was going to have to make this sound believable. "I did go to the bathroom but on by way back I thought I saw a fellow student outside. I went out to tell him to go back to class but he imitated my voice to get me in trouble while he slipped away." I could tell she was only half believing my story. She may have let me slide if I hadn't disappeared for almost a week earlier in the year without a reasonable explanation. It didn't help that I had been acting odd since then. I have a feeling my parents told her to keep an eye on me. She cleared her throat as she considered my story.
"Well, it should be easy enough to prove your story then. All you have to do is name the student who was outside of class." 'Damn!' I thought to myself. There was of course no kid missing to back me up. Still, since learning about Will and the other Guardians I was becoming pretty good at thinking on my feet.
"Oh, the kid doesn't go to Sheffield. He's from another school." I knew it was a stretch at best but it was all I could think of. I half expected her to laugh in my face. But instead she kept asking questions.
"Well then what school does he go to then?" I just looked down at my shoes not meeting her eye. "And what might this boy's name be?" Again I couldn't meet her eyes. She stood up from behind her desk and walked over to me. "Matthew, are you coverings for someone again?" My head shot up. So my parents did tell her about my fake story. I didn't know whether I should go with it or not though. She took my surprise as a yes. "Matt, you've never been a troubled student before but this friend you're trying to protect is only leading you down a dangerous path. I wish you would talk to someone about this before you get in to deep." I sighed, 'It's to late for that' I thought to myself. 'I'm already in Hell.' Somewhere in the back of my mind I could hear the demon snickering.
"It... it wasn't him."
"Then why won't you name him?" I couldn't think of a straight answer.
"I... I just don't want to get him in trouble." The principal sighed.
"Matthew you are going to be the one in trouble for something he has done. How is that fair to you?" I couldn't think of a response. I was just so tired of all this lying and deceiving that I wanted to scream. So I kept my mouth shut knowing the consequences. Let the demon suffer in detention for a bit. My reputation was already ruined anyway. "Then I have no choice but to send you off to detention. You might want take this time to think about this so-called friendships you have with this delinquent. A true friend wouldn't let you take a fall for something he did."
But, that was the problem wasn't it. No matter how much I want to deny it, no matter how much I wanted for this all to be a bad dream, this was all me. And it's my fault I'm too weak to stop him. 'Finally, you're starting to get the picture.' Shagon sounded pissed as we took our seat in the back of the detention room. I'll bet he's mad about being stuck in detention and away from his precious mistress. 'You know, maybe I should just keep you locked up permanently. You seem to be getting more useless everyday.' It wasn't the first time he's made this kinds of threat, but he's been letting me out less and less lately. One of these days he's going to fallow through on his threat. He's getting impatient and I'm running out of time.
'Fine.' I said to him mentally, 'Let's see you deal with all the teachers, my friends and family. You can barely keep up appearances even with my help.' The demon just chuckled.
'Soon enough that wouldn't be a problem, now will it?'
I tired to suppress a shutter. 'And what's that suppose to mean?'
'Surly you don't think "Matt Olsen" is going to be needed once my Mistress defeats the guardians.'
'That'll never happen! Will and the others will beat you and the old hag.' He only laughed harder at my reaction.
'You think that love will conquer all. You do, don't you. Awa, isn't that cute. Take a good look at us Matty boy. Your hatred is a thousand times stronger than your so-called love. Do you really think Will's going to ever look at you the same way again after all you've done?' I shuttered, he always knew that was my biggest fear. That Will would reject me even if, I mean WHEN I was free from Shagon. The demon chuckled. 'What, no snappy comeback? Just like I thought. Now shut up and finish that damn homework while we're stuck in here. I've got better things to do.'
Once again he gave me some control over my own brain and body. Enough to do a couple of math problems but not enough to yell across the room and call for help. I was mad, but being mad and hating him was getting me nowhere. I was only feeding him, making him stronger. I casually felt around for him in my mind, but he wasn't paying much attention. Good. Maybe I couldn't scream out for help but maybe I could leave a clue. Wreck 55 was in desperate need of song lyrics. They had several new songs but it was usually left up to me to write the lyrics for them. I doubted I could ever get Shagon to let me sing "Will to Love" but maybe I could still tell Will about what I'm going through. I'll have to deal with the trig homework later, I needed to take this chance while I still had it. It was one of the easiest and most painful songs I had ever written. "The Demon in Me" flew from pen to paper in no time at all. I had to watch myself, anything too obvious would send up a red flag and he would destroy the song before I could blink. As soon as it was done I shoved it in my math book. If I could just get it to someone in the band maybe we could play it somewhere where Will could hear it. It was a shot in the dark but it was better than sitting around doing nothing.
It seemed like an eternity but detention finally let out. Shagon once again took control and started out of the room.
"Hey Matt!" Shagon cursed to himself as Nigel came up to us. I felt a little control coming back. 'I don't have time to waste with this pest. Get rid of him quickly or so help me I will.' This was my golden opportunity but I had to make it work and I had to make it fast. I wasn't going to get another chance.
"Hey Nigel, what's up?"
"What's up with you? You just up and disappeared for almost a week and you've been avoiding me and the guys ever since. You know your mom must have call me a dozen times trying to find you. Something about Hollywood and a strange note. Seriously man, what's going on?"
'Great.' I thought to myself. 'I should have guessed Mom would try and get a hold of my friends. Now what do I do?' Nigel folded his arms across his chest.
"You know we missed a gig while you were away. The owner of the club was pissed, you can bet we'll never be invited back there again." His anger seemed to dissipate and turned into concern. "Look Matt, I've known you a long time and you don't just disappear without a trace without telling anyone." He put a hand on my shoulder. "There are a lot of roomers going around man. Some people are saying you got involved with a gang or something."
'Dude, if you only knew how close you are.'
"I don't know what to believe man but I figured I'd let you have a chance to tell me the truth. I swear I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to but you don't have to deal with it alone." I really hated lying to everyone. All of this deception was just tearing me in two, literally. But I didn't have time to dwell, the demon was getting anxious.
"Look Nigel I can't explain right now. Lets just say I got involved with some...questionable people. Honestly it's better not knowing to much right now."
"Questionable people? What exactly happed? Are they still around? I overheard Knickerbocker telling one of the teachers to keep an eye out for anyone suspicions on the school grounds." I started rubbing my head, this was getting way out of hand real fast but unfortunately I couldn't stick around.
"Sorry man I have to get going. But before I do..." I fished out the finished version of the song and shoved it into Nigel confused hands. "You know that song we were trying to write lyrics for, well I got a little inspired during detention. I'll met you for rehearsal on Saturday, my place. See ya!" I hurried off putting as much distance between myself and the red-head as possible. Right on queue Shagon took back full control. I couldn't say I was surprised when I was grabbed roughly by the arm within the regents of my mind.
Shagon's eye started to glow as he painfully tighten his grip. "What did you give him?" He said venom dripping from his voice.
I tried to act as innocent as possible. "What do you mean? It's just some song lyrics, like I said." I could tell I was in for a rough night. Even with that expressionless mask it was pretty easy to see he was pissed.
"And just what did you write about? I'm betting it's not about flowers and rainbows." I was tired of being afraid. In defiance I flashed him a peace sign.
"Peace out dude." The next thing I knew I saw a bright flash of green and went flying. I struggled to my feet trying not to show any weakness. "Feelin' Groovy." I think I went a bit too far that time. I don't even remember him blasting me I just woke up blinking green dots out of my eyes. He had locked me back in that horrible prison. What was it going to take to end all this? I had a lot of time to think about how to deal with Shagon and my situation and came to a conclusion. I couldn't wait for Will to save me I was going to have to put an end to this. One way or another.
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That brat was starting to get cocky. I still don't know what he slipped that kid but he's figured out how to keep me out his thoughts. Some of them anyway. It couldn't have been anything that reviled I've taken over his body I made sure he couldn't. But if he's managed to hide his thoughts maybe he found a way to slip out a message. I'd have to worry about that later. Right now the school was practically empty, the perfect time for a Yan-Lin hunt. I used my ring to contact my mistress as soon as I had found my target. The Guardians were all with her but I had a plan.
In an empty class room I was met by the other knights still disguised at Matt. I hated them seeing me in this weak body but it was vital to my plan. Tridart raised an eyebrow but kept his mouth shut. Ever faithful Kor took one sniff and was imiditally by my side. Ember on the other hand looked like she was holding back a laugh.
"Is that really you Shagon?" I smirked. Let her have a quick laugh. She won't be laughing when I tell her the plan. "Is that what you really look like? No wonder you never take off your mask in front of us."
"So glad you find this amusing." I waved my ring and a moment later the other knights were glamoured as the boy. Kor looked confused, Tridart actually looked amused, but Ember just looked angry.
"What did you do that for? Can't take a joke?" It was kind of funny hearing her speak with Olsen's voice.
"If you would be silent for a moment I'll tell you how we're going to use these glamours to capture Yan Yin." She folded her arms but finally shut up. I used the ring again to show them a map of the school. "This is where the Guardians are watching her. Will thought she saw me leave so they'll try to move her soon. You three will met them here, here, and here. By cutting off all their exits we'll force them here, the school gym, where Nerissa will be waiting."
Tridart chuckled. "I love it. Cornered prey." Ember was still sulking but listening.
"When we get to the gym concentrating on the Guardians. Our Mistress will handle old Yannie." I dropped the glamoured map and turned towards my charges. "Any Questions?" I was looking at Ember at the time. It looked like she wanted to say something but thought better of it. "Good. Let's move."
The plan of course, worked perfectly. The fools didn't know where I was until we had them surrounded in the gym. I was even able to shoot the heart out of Will's hand giving us a fantastic advantage. Unfortunately Hay Lin panicked and dragged her grandmother through a portal which started an endless chase from world to world. As relentless as we were to catch them, they were just as relentless as trying to escape. I was ready to tear something apart in frustration when my mistress told us to wait at the entrances to Mt. Thanos. I don't know what was more frustrating. The fact that Nerissa was now doing the job I should have been able to finish, or the Guardians. We were fighting a loosing battle and worse yet, Hay Lin managed to get into the cave and rescued Yan Lin.
After the battle the knights and I had to face the music. My once fearsome troops were practically cowering behind me. At least Ember was keeping her mouth shut this time. The last time she questioned Nerissa she wound up unconscious for a full day. I bowed before her and the others fallowed suit. "We beg your forgiveness Mistress. Give us another chance, we'll bring Yan-Lin back to you, without the Guardian to interfere." She didn't answer for a moment instead she just stared at her seal.
The tension was becoming unbearable I almost wished she would just lash out, almost. "It was a good plan but loosing my quarry has cost me precious time and energy. But I have another plan already set in motion.
"Shagon, use your human identity to keep a close watch on Yan Lin and make sure she knows she's being watched at all times. But, do not try to grab her unless I tell you to do so. You are not to blow your cover under any circumstance. Am I understood?" I was a strange set of orders but I knew better than to question them.
"Yes, my Mistress." Suddenly I felt a bolt of lighting surging through me. It must have only been a few moment but it felt like an eternity. Finally I was released still shaking and panting. I could see the other knights keeping there distance.
"That was just to remind you that I will not accept failure again." She reached down and gently touched my chin to make sure I was facing her directly. "I trust there will be no more problems. Will there, Dear Heart?"
"No," I said to her. "There will be no more problems."
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This was probably the first time I was grateful to be stuck in that prison. While I had no control over this body what so every, I couldn't feel the harsh punishment Nerissa was lavishing on Shagon. This was getting serious. He was probably going to keep me locked up as much as possible now. Maybe for good. He was unusually silent on our way home, he seemed distracted. Well, I was tired of being silent and submissive. No matter what I did he just keep pushing me down so why make it any easier for him?
"I guess things didn't exactly go according to your great plan." I knew he could hear me but he chose not to respond. "Looks like Nerissa's not to happy with her favorite general. Tell me, how long do you think you have until she tosses you to the curb."
He snarled and finally responded. "Shut up! My mistress created me herself. She would never just...discard her general."
"Yeah, like her Knights of Vengeance? Didn't take long for her to abandon them, did it? Face it, she'll just find some other lackey once you're no good to her."
"They were different, they were weak and disloyal. I'd never disobey my Mistress and I'll be by her side when she conquers all." I was starting to get an insight look on how Nerissa was controlling him.
"You're fooling yourself you know. It looked more like she wanted Caleb for that job. Even now she's only giving you orders and not telling you and of the details to her plans. What do you think she wants the old Guardians for, a tea party?"
"Keep deluding yourself boy. She's the one who gave me this endless supply of power, she doesn't give anything to people she doesn't trust."
"Give you? May I remind you that she used that power to force ME to become you. And now you can't get enough of it. But that's all you really are to her, and addict she can control." Suddenly I found myself ripped from my prison and once again face to face with my inner demon.
"You pathetic little child! Just because you were too weak to recognize a true taste of power when you were given a change doesn't mean that I'm not the stronger part for accepting it!"
"If by power you mean a life of enslavement, then yeah, don't know what I was thinking."
"Matt? Is that you." It was my Mom. Shagon practically shoved me back into my old body never letting me go completely.
"Yeah Mom, I'm home." Her arms were folded across her chest. She looked mad, frustrated, and sad all at the same time.
"I got a call from the principle at work today. Something about you skipping classes and possibly seeing that boy again?" I closed my eyes, Shagon never liked to deal with my folks and for that I was grateful. But lately the only time I ever saw them was when I was in trouble or explaining my absents. I never though I'd miss a simple chat over coffee at breakfast or talking about my music or school life. Everything important in my life was always right in front of me and I could never touch it.
"I thought it was him it turns out it was someone else." She rubbed her head and sighed.
"I really wish I could believe you Matt, I really do. But it's like you've been replaced by some evil twin or something. You never use to be so mysterious, you avoid me as well as your friends, and I can never get a straight answer out of you." Her face was getting red and she looked like she was on the verge of tears. "I don't know what's wrong with you and don't tell me it's nothing!" I couldn't bear to watch as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "I just don't know how to help you." I couldn't take seeing the pain I was causing.
"Mom, I'm...I'm sorry." I ran up to my room and quickly closed the door. I turned around and sank to the ground.
"That was just pathetic." Said the demon as he took full control once more. "What's the point of letting you out if you're just going to run away. Maybe I don't need you as much as I thought. I could pull off 'Matt Olsen' without your interference."
This was it. It was either stand my ground or forever be imprisoned within my own mind. As he moved to grab me I moved away. He laughed at my defiance.
"Oh what's this now? Haven't we been through this enough? You always loose in the end." I knew what I had to do, it wasn't pretty but it was the only way.
"I'm not going back there. I'm never going back into that prison of yours again."
"And just how are you going to stop me?" I learned from watching him. This was my head and if I concentrated hard enough I could manifest what ever I wanted, like he did the Mage Ring. I was able to conjure a knife blade in my hand but that only made him laugh harder.
"You really think you can stop me with that little thing?" I steadied my hand and positioned the blade... "What are you doing?!" ...at my own chest. "You don't have the-"
I forced the blade in about half an inch before the pain stopped me. I looked up and saw my hunch was right. Shagon was bleeding in the same spot I placed the knife. The demon placed a hand over the wound. It wasn't large but he was shocked that I would be willing to go this far. He stared at his hands and then at me.
"What the hell are you playing at?" He said in an angry tone with just a hint of fear.
"I've had it with your threats, I've had it with you hurting the people I love and I've had it with YOU!" I shouted as I pushed the knife in a little further. Shagon staggered for a moment before regaining his composure.
"You fool! You'll destroy us both." The blood was now saturating my shirt and I was feeling a little dizzy.
"That's the idea." And for the first time since this nightmare started I was the one in control. "You always said I was too weak to take advantage of power when it was presented to me, well this time I have the power!" I pushed it in a little more, it was getting harder to keep my hand steady. "And I chose to use it." The pain was increasing with every passing moment my only consolation was knowing he felt it too and knew I was serious. Shagon didn't say anything for a few moment calculating his next move.
"And how are your parents going to feel when they find their only son dead in his room from an apparent suicide? How is Will going to feel when she learns her beloved took his own life. And how is killing us going to stop Nerissa from hunting down Yan Lin? What difference can you make dead?" I blinked, I was really getting woozy now. Were those his thoughts or mine? Did it really matter? "I don't want to die Olsen, and that means you don't want to either."
"I'll do it. I will!"
"I'm well aware of how serious you are." He looked down at his normally green vest now drenched in crimson. "And I'm willing to negotiate."
"Alright you want to live, I want my LIFE BACK!"
"Not going to happen Olsen, I'd rather be dead." I was about to push the knife fully in... "Wait! While I won't give you back your body, I can still give you something you value just as much." I stopped the knife.
"I'm listening."
"Hope."
"I think you've lost too much blood."
"We make a pact, here and now. The one with the strongest will, will take control permanently. And the looser will forever be banished to the furthest regent of our mind never to be seen or heard from again." It sounded too good to be true. I should just finish this right now but I couldn't make my hand move. Hope, possibly the cruelest thing to ever come out of Pandora's box. I didn't know what to do, but I knew one thing. I wanted to go home. I wanted to see my mother without tears in her eyes and I wanted to see Will's pretty little smile and not that look of hatred I've come accustom to these past few weeks. But most of all, I wanted to live.
"Alright, but some ground rules first. I want you to destroy that prison and make this a fair fight. And don't try to make another one or anything like it. The Mage Ring is Nerissa's not yours, use it and the deal is off. I get free range of our mind and if I'm strong enough to take control over this body I will." Shagon growled but had little choice but to accept.
"I'll agree to those terms ONLY if you swear not to pull another stunt like this again." Nodding I painfully extracted the knife as the demon used the Mage Ring to destroy that accursed prison cell. Both of us were still weak and panting from a lack of blood. It may have only been in our minds but what ever happened in here, happened in real life. "We both need time to recover. In the mean time I'll be nice enough to give you a few minute in our body. Now go clean yourself up."
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I woke up from my spot on the floor to find myself drenched in my own blood. Panicking I yanked my shirt off to get to the open wound. But the wound was gone. I was confused, where did all of this blood come from? Or did the wound just heal itself? I hid the stained shirts under my bed and quickly slipped out to the bathroom. I was still a bit dizzy so I just cleaned off the dried blood instead of a full shower. I didn't want to slip or something. After that I went back to my room to lay down. I wasn't proud of the fact that I almost took my own life, but I was thankful I was able to fight back. There could be no more doubts, the strongest would win and I refused to give in.
I was nearly asleep when there was a knock on my door. "Matt, it's Mom I'm coming in." And with that she came in with a determined look on her face. "Matt you're coming to dinner and after that we're going to talk-oh my Lord you look pale." Quickly switching to concern as she saw I was in bed at such an early hour. She knelt down and felt my forehead. "You don't feel warm but maybe I should call a doctor."
"I'm OK Mom I'm just a little tired." She sighed, I guess I ready did look sick if she was going to hold off on her lecture.
"Alright we'll talk later, but we will be talking end of discussion. Would like some soup before you go to bed?"
The thought of food made my stomach turn. I didn't think it was possible to go so long without food. Whatever Nerissa had done to me it made me only able to feed on hate. My body no longer tolerated the real thing. "I ate before I got home so I'm good." She started to look frustrated again.
"Honestly I can't remember ever seeing you eat anything since you came back." She looked me over but could see I wasn't loosing weight so she let it slide. "Get some rest honey." She kissed me on the head and headed for the door.
"Oh, and please check your voice mail. Nigel's been trying to get a hold of you all afternoon." As soon as she left I did just that.
"Hey Matt, dude are you OK? You looked like there was someone chasing you earlier. Anyway, I read that new song of your, it rocks! I overheard Irma talking about a "Battle of the Band" contest coming up and if we play "The Demon in Me" we're sure to win." I felt Shagon's anger rising as he heard the song title. "Are we still on for Saturday? You've gotta start answering your phone man, half the time you just seem to vanish and I have no way to get a hold of you. If I don't see you this week me and the guys will be over Saturday. See you then."
After I hung up Shagon took full control back and he wasn't happy. "Think you're being cute with that little song of your? Well it's clear you can't be trusted. You want your life back then you'll have to take control back. I don't need to let you out to pass for you anymore." I doubted that but he was angry enough to try and when he messed up he would have no choice but to depend on me. Suddenly he blasted me halfway across our mind plain. "That was for trying to sneak out a message. Get some sleep child." I gave in to sleep but not because he said so. I would need my rest for the upcoming battle. Giving into my anger and hate would only make him stronger.
I had to admit the truth, it was a selfish wish that I'd asked for. I was given power but lost myself. I was going to have to focus on Will, my love, my heart. Because even if Shagon thought it was foolish, I believed from deep within my soul that love truly does concur all.
to be continued...
Next time: The Will to Love
That's right Shagon and Matt face off for the ultimate control over Matt's self. Expect battles, music, and a long over do makeup kiss.