When Life Takes Hold
Chapter 9 ~ Justice and Anders
Life is life, fight for it.
Everything was like a haze, a thick fog that dulled the senses. Everything seemed so familiar and yet oddly foreign. But it was always like this here in the Fade. Ever changing, forever different. The Fade was home to him and it always would be. He longed to stay in this mystical realm but it was not yet his time to return. He felt that there was still justice to be done in the mortal world and he wasn't quite ready to let go of his mission; to help bring justice for the mages. This time he would do things differently.
Things would no longer be the same as before. They needed to push on and move forward and now it was he that will lead them. It was very different here in the dream realm of the human woman. He had moved through many mages dreams before, almost always just in passing, but sometimes he would stop to watch. He always found human dreams to be perplexing, but Evelyn's dream felt full, too full.
How that was possible he did not know. Justice sensed the demon holding Evelyn in place and the air was thick with the demon's insane desperation and power. Anders had begged Justice to relinquish control, but this was Justices' home, and here he was in control. He had no intention of relinquishing it.
Justice could sense the elf watching him. He'd had very little contact with Tucker outside of the foolishness that went on between him and Anders, yet he could sense the unease that seemed to roll off his companion and this would not do.
"You are in no danger from me, unless you plan on making deals with the demon," Justice said sharply.
"Not planing on it... I just wasn't expecting you." Tucker managed to respond. "Where's Anders?"
"He is here, but this is my realm, and I will be the one to put an end to this abomination."
"Wonderful... meaning?"
"It means young one, what has to be done will be done."
Tucker's eyes narrowed, as he glared back at him. "You're not going to harm her," he growled. "I won't let you!"
Justice waved him away. "Do not presume you know my intentions mortal. If I had wanted Evelyn dead, I would have done so before now."
Tucker shrugged, "I guess. I don't trust you, just so you know."
Justice did not respond. He could feel Anders' frustration, fighting weakly against him, trying to force the spirit to relinquish control. It would not happen. He would not harm Evelyn unless there was no other recourse, but he would also not stand by and watch her become an abomination. Justice moved away from Tucker quickly, the feeling of unease settling within him. Things did not feel right here.
The Fade swirled around them, changing from a small farm hold into a small, dark, stone room, beds stacked crookedly on top of one another. Tucker gasped as the scene changed and shifted. Anders was filled with dread that left Justice feeling on edge. The room was cold, dim and it looked more like a dungeon cell than a sleeping chamber.
Justice had memories of Anders' life in the circle and this room felt worse then those he recalled. Cramped and suffocating, he wondered idly how the mages in this place could survive in such close quarters.
"Why would she come here?" Tucker murmured.
"What is this place?" Justice questioned, glancing about the windowless cell.
"Eve's room in the Circle at Starkhaven, she hated this place..."
"Then this is likely to be where the demon holds her."
A distant shout drew Justice's attention. It was faint, the sound echoing off the drab stone walls. Justice made for the heavy oak door and tried to pull it open, but found it was locked tight. Anger threatened to consume him as he tugged at the door again to no avail.
"I thought Fade spirits were masters of the Fade? Can't you just will the door open?" Tucker grumbled.
"This is Evelyn's dream. She is the only one who can control it and for the moment, the demon that controls her."
"You mean it has her?"
"Perhaps, but until we find her and show her exactly what the demon is, she will be stuck."
"Great..."
Tucker gasped as the door begin to rattle. Justice pulled his hand away, eyeing it warily as the handle twisted and shook.
"Who do you think it is?" Tucker whispered, as he stood slightly behind Justice's glowing form.
"Likely a demon."
"Oh yay, just what I was hoping for."
"Are you making a joke?"
"I'm not making anything spirit, I..."
Something heavy slammed against the door cutting Tucker short. The rattling increased and Anders screamed in Justice's mind to step back from the door, but the spirit did not move. No demon would make him falter.
Another crash and the door slammed open as if a gust of wind had forced it. Blood curdling screams echoing throughout the room made Tucker cover his ears, and sent Anders further back into Justice's mind.
There was nothing physical in the doorway that they could see and the door led to a darkened hall, small fountains of water trickling down the walls.
They began to move cautiously out into the hall. Tucker shuddered at the sight. "I remember it being dark and dingy in the Circle but not this bad," he said, reaching out to touch the walls.
Justice grabbed Tucker's wrist, pulling him back. "Do not trust your eyes mortal. Demons will fool you, trap you inside Evelyn's own nightmare," the spirit warned, releasing Tuckers arm and letting it fall to his side.
"I know that... I did pass my harrowing you know, I'm not a complete idiot.
"So you say."
"Hey!"
Justice turned, ignored him and walked briskly down the dimly lit hall, making Tucker run hastily to catch up.
"Gee, I think I like Anders better," he mumbled.
"Then perhaps you do not wish to make it out of here?" Justice questioned harshly.
"Touchy... even Compassion was never this cranky."
The hallway twisted and became more narrow the further it went. Doors that all looked the same were closed and Justice walked past them as if they were not there.
Anders silence was short lived and to Justice annoyance, he started badgering him again.
"Do you not trust me, Anders?"
"Yes of course I do, it's just that Evelyn would likely listen to me over you."
Justice knew he did not trust him with this, but it did not matter to him. "Do not lie to me, Anders. Have you not learned that we cannot hide things from each other."
"It was worth a try..."
"If you wish for Evelyn to live Anders, you must trust me enough to allow me to do what must be done."
"We'll see about that, I'm not sure if your idea of helping is the same as... Well everyone else."
"What would you have me do, Anders? Just stand back and let a demon take over and destroy everything?" His thoughts were full of unaccustomed turmoil. He did not wish to kill the woman, it was not something he was setting out to do, even though everyone else seemed to think otherwise.
Tucker bumped into Justice, bringing the spirit out of the argument. He glanced at the elf and noticed his eyes seemed distant and glassy, a look of shock on his face. Justice turned his attention back the way they were heading. A figure stood at the end of the hall, staring back at them, a woman.
It was Compassion. Justice felt a brief pang of concern on why this fellow spirit had followed them into the fade. Perhaps they were too late. More than likely this was not Compassion at all, but a demon trying to sway them.
She wore her hair down, dark golden curls that rested on her shoulders. She was not wearing the robes that Justice was used to seeing her in, but a light, simple yellow dress that stopped just above her knees.
She stood staring at them, seemingly confused by their presence. Justice then realized it was Tucker the demon was staring at, and the elf just stood frozen and dumbstruck.
As far as Anders could tell, it was Compassion that stood before them, and yet Compassion had stayed behind. The Fade was far too dangerous for her and yet here she was. There was something about the way she looked at Tucker, even Justice could not deny something was different about this girl. Demons played tricks in the Fade and one had to be careful, but both Anders and Justice had the distinct feeling that this being was not a demon.
"Lucy..." Tuckers voice cracked, his eyes wide and tearful.
The spirit beamed at Tucker, but it was not in the same way Compassion smiled. This was a smile that melted hearts and was truly genuine. The spirit sprinted forward, flinging herself onto Tucker, a joyful squeal escaped her lips. Anders watched in fascination while Justice watched warily, leery of the intentions of this being.
"It is a demon, we cannot let the boy become sucked into this lie."
"Are you sure Justice? I mean... No one knows what happens to a tranquil soul, who's to say it's not..."
"Do not be fooled by it's silver tongue and promises, Anders, you most of all know what a demon like this can do."
"I know, but I also know that a person trapped in the Fade can come to loved ones, who's to say this isn't Evelyn's sister? Just wait before attacking it, just to be safe... I don't think Evelyn would forgive us for destroying her sister's spirit, if it is really her."
"Fine, we shall see."
Tucker's body went rigid, as the girl held on to him as if her very being depended on it. Slowly, the elf relaxed in her embrace, his arms sliding slowly around her waist, holding her tightly against him.
"Lucy... I..."
"Shhh... Don't ruin the moment silly." she chided him with a small giggle.
Tucker closed his eyes tightly, his head dipping down and kissing the top of her head. Justice felt slightly uncomfortable with this outward show of affection. He could still recall Kristoff's memories and how he would show his wife his love for her, and this display reminded him of that. He could feel the longing from Tucker, not for Lucy, but for the affection the two had for each other.
"I miss you so much Lu, you have no idea..." Tucker whispered.
Lucy pulled back, her smile unwavering. She reached out and ran her fingers through the mop of his black hair before sliding her hand down to cup his cheek.
"I miss you too, Tuck, please don't be sad... "
" Lu... I... I wanted..."
Lucy pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him as she shook her head slowly. "There's no time love. We have to help Evelyn, she's barely hanging on."
Her words snapped Anders to attention as fear twisted in Justice, the emotion was so strong he was unsure if it was Anders' feelings or his own. Even in the Fade this body betrayed him.
"Where is the demon?" He demanded, wondering how much of this feeling was Anders attempting to gain control.
Lucy glanced at Justice. A look of recognition dawned her face, as if seeing him for the first time, "Oh, It's you! You're real this time." Her eyes lit up and her smile became almost mischievous.
Justice had seen that look on Evelyn many times, when Anders' conversations turned into playful banter. This was Evelyn's sister he was almost sure. Why she was here in the fade was a different story though, and he was not about to trust her.
"You are the spirit of the girl called Lucy?" Justice spoke slowly, his glowing eyes transfixed on the woman who looked liked Compassion, yet spoke like Evelyn. Confusion crept into Justice's' hardened expression, did she mean him?
"You... She dreams about you... a lot," she chuckled
"She does?" he questioned, confusion settling in.
"Yes, I thought you were made up. Some figment she used to stop from losing herself. Glad to see I was wrong on that front." she mused. "I'm Lucy, Eva's sister."
"Eva?"
"Evelyn, I always called her Eva, it use to drive her crazy." she smiled, her eyes giving off a distant look.
"I see."
Why would Evelyn dream of him? The spirit could feel Anders' amusement at his turmoil and the mage gently mentioned it was not him Lucy was referring to. The realization left Justice feeling slightly disappointed, something he was not expecting, nor anything he had felt before.
"You like her," Anders teased.
"I never said I did not."
"No no, you 'like' her. Why did I not see it before? All the arguments about how right she is, you've almost agreed with everything she said!"
"That is not true."
"Oh, wait you're right! There was that ONE time... ha, you like a human woman."
An uncomfortable feeling threatened to take over Justice, but he did not wish to argue with Anders about it, nor examine it too closely. It did not matter what kind of feelings he had towards Evelyn, the woman was a danger to them if this demon could not be killed. He would do what he must, regardless of how he or anyone else felt about her. Anders was not happy with Justice proclamation, fighting against the spirit's will.
"Anders, stop this, you cannot take control, not now, not here."
"Justice, please... I just want to."
"I understand, you just have to trust me, Anders."
"I'm not sure if I can."
"I know..."
Lucy grasped Justice by the arm, the warmth of the touch was a shock to him and he quickly pulled away. Demons were cold and hard, this he remembered. This was warm and soft, reminding him of the warmth of the sun. The girl paused, looking up at Justice, confusion and worry etched on her face.
"We have to go," she pleaded. "one of them took her."
"One of them?" Justice voice boomed.
"Yes, the demons. They are all over, being drawn by one and I think it's a little insane." Lucy said, frowning.
"Insane?" Confusion colored Tuckers voice, "I didn't know demons could suffer from insanity."
Lucy shrugged, "I dunno Tuck, I just know what I've heard and seen. The spirits near here are becoming restless and the demons have been gathering... The veil is thin where she is, isn't it?"
"Yes, we made a big mistake." Tucker mumbled.
"I'll say," she grumbled. "The Fade here is filled with very old demons... What were you thinking?" she snapped.
"We were trying to find a safe place away from the Templars." Tucker sighed.
"Oh and there's no safer place then a demon infested mountain, how silly of me to think that's worse..." Lucy said rolling her eyes at them both.
Before either could respond, Lucy threw her hands up in the air, huffing with annoyance and charged down the darkened dreary halls. Tucker gave Justice a sour look before taking off after her, leaving him to gather his thoughts. This was not going the way he had expected, all the feelings that pulled him in different directions. Evelyn, Lucy, Tucker, even Anders constant struggle for dominance left the spirit slightly bewildered. He even felt Vengeance toying at the edges of his thoughts. He had hoped that the demon within him had been sated with the chantry's destruction. It had been quiet these many months. He was wrong, he shouldn't have hoped.
"We gotta go Justice, please hurry." Anders emotions were both panicked and pleading, the need to join them was overwhelming.
"I am sorry, Anders." It was all he could say as he followed after the others, he hoped they weren't too late, but something told him they were. His strides, long and swift, taking no time to catch up to the others.
The wet tunnels seemed to ooze with clear fluid. Justice watched as Tucker shuttered, moving closer to Lucy. The spirit of the girl slipping her hand into the elf's, he squeezed it tightly and Justice found himself jealous of this affection. Not of them, but what they had, what they felt and what Anders was feeling for Evelyn.
Anders emotions were so much stronger then what he felt with Kristoff. The dead host had memories, a ghost of feelings he did not understand. But Anders, he was alive and so were the feelings, some he's never understood and was unsure he wanted too.
"If there is a way, Anders, I think it best we separate, if it can be done.."
"You don't want me to be your host anymore? What about the mages? I don't think I can do this without you."
"These feelings Anders, your feelings. They are too much, too strong. They are what corrupted me, turning Vengeance loose. I still feel it looming, so must you. What if next time it is something worse then Vengeance that corrupts me? I may not be able to stop it next time."
"There is something worse than Vengeance?"
"There is always something worse Anders, that is my point."
"Oh, I didn't realize."
A terrified scream emanated from a heavy metal doors at the end of the narrow hall, breaking Justices' thoughts. They all froze, stirring emotions reaching their peek, fear for them, for her. Evelyn was there behind the doors, the spirit knew and whatever was behind those doors, they would need to be prepared for.
Justice did not hold back. He charged at the door, a blast of energy burst through out from him. Heavy oak doors flew off the hinges. The crash made Tucker flinch and Lucy squeak from behind him.
Torch light emanated from within the room. Justice stepped briskly inside, taking in everything before him. A gasp from behind him. Tucker, he knew. Taking him a moment to realize what was happening before him, Anders' panic and rage flared to life. This time, Justice felt his hold slipping.
Bodies were scattered around the room, while others hung on meat hooks, some dangled by chains that were tied tightly around the wrists, while sharp silver hooks protruded from the chests of the others. Justice knew some of the bodies, people from the camp, even the mangled body of Tucker hung dangling, naked skin half peeled from his flesh. And then they spotted her. Evelyn.
She was there, on her knees in the middle of the room, her head slumped forward. Her body slouched in a dark blue dress that Justice did not recognize. It was worn, thin and torn, and stained in blood. Her hand had been bound tightly behind her back. Her red hair had been darkened and soaked with blood. It was stuck to her face making it hard to see her green eyes that stared blankly at a mangled body that lay outstretched before her. Resting against her knees she stared at it, unmoving. It was not just any body, but the body of Anders. A surge of fear, anger and panic filled him at the sight of her kneeling there at his mangled side. Justice could no longer tell if the emotions he was feeling were his own or if they belonged to Anders.
Anders screamed within his mind, withing and fighting. Everything was becoming a jumble of memories, thoughts and feelings. Kirstoff's and now Anders, they have become too much.
Justice stared at her as she sobbed, but she was no longer Evelyn before him, blood soaked and beaten, but Aura, her blonde hair caked with filth. The rage from Kristoff's memories flooded him, his fears for his wife, the feelings Justice himself felt for her. What if this was her. What if it was her blood that was spilled. The spirit had promised to protect her. He made promises to a dead man to bring justice to him, to keep her safe and even that he could not fully accomplish.
Anders struggle to take hold was at its peak now, and even though the spirit knew that everything within this hellish nightmare was controlled by the demons of this realm, he could feel Vengeance writhed inside his thoughts and Justice had begun to allow himself to surrender to the mages will. Justice lost himself to a feeling of uselessness, a foreign emotion to him. It wrapped itself around him and consumed him.
Anders fought the spirit with all that he had, even if it destroyed them both. He had to get to her. There was no more standing by, no more half measures. He was a healer and Evelyn was suffering. He had come to realize his feelings for her had grown over the recent weeks. This damn demon needed to die so she could live. She had to live. He did not want to lose her.
Anders dropped to his knees, searing pain pierced his skull. Grabbing at his head a blood curling scream echoed through his ears. They were his own screams, the chaos was overwhelming. Justice finally let go, falling back into the pits of his own mind. He could hear Tucker's voice yelling, but could not make out the words. His eyes were tightly closed. Then he felt someone gently touch his shoulders.
"Anders?" Tucker whispered, "Are you alright?"
He tried to answer but his entire body felt like it had been made of lead. He was trying to nod when Lucy's voice cut through his mind and brought everything to focus.
"Tucker! Look out!" Lucy screamed.
"Oh fuck, not him," Tucker cursed, as he yanked Anders' by the shoulder, pulling him back across the floor.
Anders eyes darted around the room. Small bright lights behind his eyes made it hard to focus, but he was able to make out a figure moving fast towards him. A sword of mercy was etched on the chest of the silver armor. The mage tried to scramble back as the figure came into focus.
"Templar..." Anders croaked, in a failed attempt to get his feet under him.
"Not just any Templar," Tucker growled, pulled Anders by the arm, even harder, "We need to move our asses now, get up!"
" I... I'm trying."
"You picked a fine time to come back." Tucker spat.
"I'm sorry, next time, I'll let Justice run the show."
"Will you two shut up and move!" Lucy shouted, shoving Tucker out of the way before pulling Anders to his feet.
The Templar's eyes were like blackened pits as he glared at them, his face splattered with droplets of blood. His demonic smirk sent a icy chill through Anders. This was the Templar, the one Evelyn told him about, Ser Ramsey, the one who turned Lucy tranquil and the one who...
Lucy lunged at the demon, Tucker grabbed at her arm trying to hold her back. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" Tucker snapped.
"If you didn't already realized Tucker, I'm already dead." she snarled, yanking her arm away from his grasp, "What are you, scared? Why are you even here Tucker, if you're not going to help."
"I am going to help, I'm just not going to fling myself at a damn demon Lucy, I would like to come out of this with all of us still alive. Marker's balls! Am I the only one with an ounce of sense here?"
"Tucker, this isn't even the demon causing trouble for Evelyn. This thing is just one of many that fought it's way through. Don't you get it? If we don't do something now, Evelyn will be dead and you along with her."
"Lu, I... can't you come back, you're body, it's still there, Compassion..."
"No I can't. I'm sorry,. I was... there. It's like being trapped inside yourself, when Compassion took over, it was like being forced out. I was plunged into the Fade. Here I can feel, I am myself again. I could never go back to that. I'm okay Tuck, this place it isn't so bad."
"I miss you Lucy, I miss you so much it hurts, I see Compassion and.. I keep thinking that one day, it will be you again, and we can be together again like before, but better because we won't be trapped in the circle, we will be free."
Lucy closed her eyes, shaking her head slowly. "I am so sorry Tuck, I truly am. I wish for that too, I really do. I promise you this, I will wait for you... when your time comes, I will be here waiting. It's all I can offer."
"Okay, if that's all I get, then I'll will look forward to that day." he said softly.
"You have to live Tucker, I need you to live a full life. Time moves different here, but I promise, after you've lived, I will be here and we can be together alright?"
Tucker nodded solemnly, "Alright, I promise."
"Aww, isn't that sickening, true love unrequited, what do you think, little mage?" The demon, turning his attention back to Anders, waiting for a response.
Anger flared up through him, he could feel the heat of fire dancing across his palms. It was purely on instinct, and was easy even in the Fade. He needed to get to Evelyn and if that meant going through this piece of shit demon, then so be it.
"What are you doing, Anders?" Tucker squealled, fear was heavy in his voice.
"I will not let this demon hurt her anymore," Anders growled.
"Have you lost your mind? You can't fight him like this!" Tucker spat. "Dream or not, this is suicide."
Anders ignored the elf, letting the fire build up within him. The demon Templar faltered, watching the mage with intense fascination. Anders felt the familiar strain, the icy pull of his mana being drained. Anger twisting into fear as he watched the demon dispel his spell with a twist of his hand.
"Awww, what's wrong little mage? Not so big and brave without your magic?" the Templar sneered.
"Shit." Anders cursed, stumbling back as the demon pressed forward.
Laughing, Ser Ramsey grabbed a hold of the collar of his shirt, yanking him up helplessly, leaving his feet dangling off the floor. Anders kicked and twisted in the Templar's grasp. "Not so brave now, are you?"
"Fuck you!" Anders grunted. He started to regret fighting Justice for control. He was wrong. He was so blind to the fact that the spirit had been right all along. But now Justice was conflicted and withdrawn, Anders could hardly feel him. Whatever had happened back there his friend was not in any shape to be of help anymore.
"So brave. I like the strong ones, the ones with fight in them," Ser Ramsey chuckled, his eyes glancing up at Tucker and Lucy, both staring wearily back at him. "I think I like this form, you mages seem to respond so well too it."
Roughly, the demon forced Anders to the ground next to Evelyn and his doppelganger. Turning his head, he looked at her as she sat motionless, blood dripping from the end of her nose, as her gaze stayed fixed to the other Anders' mulled corpse.
"Eve, it's going to be alright, we're going to stop this." he groaned. The demon bellowed a condescending laugh. He could see Evelyn's body stiffen, though he wasn't sure if it was his words or the demons laugh that caused the slight reaction.
"I am so very glad you joined us, little mage. You see, I think you can accomplish for me that which I could not."
"I will not help any demon, I will kill you myself!"
"Ah such a shame, but you see I do not need you to do anything, you have already done it just by being here." The demon purred. "You see, she can tell no matter how close I get to replicating you, I can never quite fool her but now that you are here. I won't need to try again, do I girl?"
Evelyn's eyes fluttered, giving him a side long glance, tears welled up in her eyes, Anders' heart sank, he wanted to reach out to her, to comfort her, but her green eyes were full of sorrow and regret.
"Why didn't you listen?" She whispered, "Why couldn't you just let me go?"
"Evelyn I..."
Evelyn cried out as Ser Ramsey's gauntlet hand struck her hard in the side of her face. The sound was a sickening thud that echoed in his ears. Rage consumed him. This time Justice took notice, coming forth into his thoughts again and Vengeance echoed the fire within him. He struggled to gather his feet. The shouts of Lucy and Tucker were farther away now, muffled. He could not see them nor could he see what was happening. Growls filled the room, it was everywhere. The demon Templar cursed, tossing Anders to the side like a rag doll.
"Fool!" He hissed at Evelyn. "I offer you a way out, and you deny even that?" The demon stands before her, forcing her to met his gaze. "Now it's all but too late. One last time, take the offer now, mage. I will be the one to kill your love, but it will be the other that kills you and when it is finished with you, there will be nothing left for your friends to save."
"N..No!" Evelyn snarled, "I will not be threatened or bullied. I welcome death, I am tired of fighting. I grow sick of everyone looking to me to save them when I cannot even save myself." She sobbed, softly.
"What about that one?" The demon pointed at Anders' crumpled body, "I have seen your desires, pet. I know what you truly want, and you want him." he purred, kneeling down beside her. His metal fingers grazing lightly over the now bruised flesh. Although a dream, it was real enough to be effective. "I will spare them all, and you can be with your mage. All I am asking is for you to let me in. I just dream about seeing the waking world again. I wish to feel as you feel, nothing more. And you shall get what you have wanted from the moment that mage opened his eyes.
"Don't do it Eve, we'll find another way, please..." Anders pleaded, his body ached as he tried to convince his mind that none of it was real. His body lay in the waking world, but his mind would not accept it. He crawled his way to her, pushing her hair from her face, her eyes locked on his own.
"Anders, I'm sorry I wasn't what you thought I would be."
"What? You crazy woman, how would you know what I wanted, you never asked." he smiled down at her, attempting to ignore the demon's low growls.
The sound within the room grew louder as the room began to vibrate around them. The Templar hissed, "It's now or never dear, life with me or a slow, painful death."
Something in her expression changed, as she stared into Anders eyes giving him renewed hope like a fire being lit inside him. She smirked at him, turning to face the mock Templar.
"Fuck you!" She hissed, forcing herself to sit up, spitting in the demons face.
"Fool! Such a waste of flesh," It groaned, turning away from them.
The sounds within the room were deafening, the growls grew more intense. Anders could now see Lucy and Tucker were backed into a corner, as the dead doppelgangers fought to reach them. Ser Ramsey glanced around, a look of panic in his expression.
"Shit." He cursed, as the room around them began to shake.
Anders surged forward and covered his body over Evelyn's as stone and rubble began to fall all around them. He could feel the air around them become hot and rancid. A war waged within his mind. Justice, Vengeance and his own all fighting for sanity. So many thoughts, so many doubts. Evelyn struggled beneath him, her hands still bound, she kicked at him with her legs.
"Let me up, damn it." she threatened.
"Evelyn, stop it. I'm trying too...uh!"
Pain shot through his ribs as her foot connected with his side. He grunted, rolling off of her. He was really getting sick of how real everything in the Fade had become. He watched her roll onto her back, there was something in her eyes as she looked at him. It was like something sparked her into action. He wasn't sure if it had to do with him being there, even thought he liked the idea. The fact she was fighting now, for whatever the reason, he was grateful.
"My hands, Anders, help me... argg!"
Anders pulled at the shackles around her wrists, trying hard to stay focused on everything around him. The demon growled and seethed, as it now scurried around the room like a trapped rat. Quickly Anders was able to loosen the bindings. With Evelyn free, they scrambled to their feet, she dashed toward Tucker and Lucy. Bodies of the dead doppelgangers laid spread, and unmoving around them once more. Evelyn flung herself into her sisters arms, the young spirit yelped and grabbed hold of her sister for dear life.
"Lucy I..."
"Shh, no time, Eva, and I understand. There's no need to explain yourself." Lucy cooed, pulling her sister back. Standing like this, Anders could see how much more they looked like sisters and even though Compassion is in Lucy's body, the expressions and mannerisms made all the difference.
"This coming from a girl who use to cry herself to sleep when anyone looked at her the wrong way." Evelyn chuckled.
"I've grown wise in my old age," she giggled.
"Old age is it? I would have sai..."
The rumbling in the room subsided, a high pitched wail broke Anders' focus on the siblings. A large black mass of pure liquid, dragged itself slowly along the floor. The demon grasped Ser Ramsey tightly in its hand. Anders pressed himself firmly against the wall, his stomach began to turn as the black demon squeezed the Templar, the sound of bone and metal cracking, as Ser Ramsey's scream grew louder, more intense. The creatures head reminded Anders of the high dragon that Hawke had killed a few years ago, its body slick with viscous fluid that dripped off it. The rancid stench had become overpowering. The demon groaned, opening its massive jaws wide, jagged rotting teeth jutted from its gaping mouth as it reached up, tossing the demon Templar inside. Jaws clamping down, a piercing muffled cry echoed out before silence.
"A demon eating a demon, and here I thought I'd seen everything." Tucker mumbled.
"I wonder if that could be considered cannibalism." Lucy mused.
"Well I have always wanted to see the bastard die a horrible death. I guess this will have to do." Evelyn retorted.
"Death by giant slobbering demon. I'm not sure it could get much worse then that, love." Anders said, he went ridged as the words escaped his lips, his hand slapping loudly across his mouth.
Hoping it slipped by unnoticed, he risked a glance. Tuckers eyes boggled at him and Lucy fought back a smirk, of course he couldn't be so lucky to let the slip by. Evelyn didn't hide her mischievous grin. Even here, he could feel his face grow flush "I.. I... mean, I'm."
Stretching up onto her toes, she kissed him lightly on the cheek, "I know, me too." she whisper softly. "Now let's deal with this demon, I'm not getting any younger."
"What made you change your mind? I mean a few minutes ago, you were ready to throw your life away? Not that I'm complaining, I'm glad you're fighting back. I just wonder..."
"I realized, Anders, that somethings are worth fighting for, that and I now want to see how this turns out," she grinned back up at him.
"Turns out?" He grinned.
"Do I really have to spell it out for you?"
"Yes, it would be nice to know just in case I'm wrong."
"You're not."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, very sure."
"Sure of what?"
"Anders... this really isn't the time or place."
"Alright, alright, but when we get out of here, you owe me some answers."
"IF we get out of here, I'll give you whatever you want."
"Whatever I want, huh? I like the sound of that."
"Will you two give it a rest? As amusing as this is, when big, bad and ugly is finished with his dinner, I don't think I want to be next on his list for dessert." Tucker growled.
"Don't be jealous, Tuck, be happy for them," Lucy scolded.
"I'm not jealous, I just don't think now is the time."
"You look pretty jealous to me." Lucy said pointedly.
"I'm not, maybe I was once, but now... it's different..."
"Oh, Tucker I ..."
The sound of grinding metal grated on Anders nerves. The massive beast pawed at its mouth as if trying to dislodge bits of Templar from his teeth. Evelyn grimaced at the sound.
"What kind of demon is that?" Evelyn asked, "I've never seen one like it before, looks more animal than demon."
"I have no clue, maybe it isn't really a demon? Maybe some sort of... uh, I really don't know... maybe this isn't its true form?" Anders voice cracked, as the large creature turned it's rotting head towards the group. Dark grotesque eyes stared down at them, a low growl filled the room.
"We do not hide our true selves, child," The demon hissed, its voice echoed through their minds as it pressed itself lower, as if to get a better view.
"Oh shit..."
A/N: I LIVE! I am so very sorry for taking so long to update, with an unexpected and tragic death of a family member. And many other things so much has happened and I have had little time to work. I hope this is the end of the long waited updates, I expect more updates more often. I've been working on some new Fic's some are purely funny, Mia the Mage, and I have a new story in the works that will hopefully be out very soon.
Thank you all so much for sticking by me. I am so very thankful for my readers, reviewers and lurkers your support means so very much too me. I love hearing from you all and your reviews and kind words keep me going. I thank and love you all. :)
Big HUGE and ENORMOUS thank you to my best friend and sister Jinx1983 for guest betaing this chapter, you have no idea my sweet how much your friendship and support has meant to me. Our endless chats and funny banters have kept me going this far, and I look forward to a life time more. ;) You are a strong and amazing woman dear and I thank you for everything. Everyone should check out her fic World Spins Madly On. Amazing story.
And for my other big huge thank you to falllenangelz, who also worked till the wee hours of the morning going through this chapter with me. I thank your nagging and pushing me to finish writing has really kept me going. Thank you my dear.
I also what to thank RandomWittering, and ArcturasB my two main beta's. Can't wait to get back into the grove again ladies, no more two month waits for chapters. At least I hope. ;) Thank you both for everything you have done for me thus far. I didn't want to leave you two out of the thanks. Love ya both.