Chapter 7: Dark's Covenant

{Rui's Point of View }

(Floor 0: Dark's Domain)

I woke up to pitch black, my body being dragged by my ankle. I did my best to see what was dragging me, what I found was a black metal tentacle. The floor and walls are made from black marble with holes revealing a black void. The tentacle pulled viciously until a teal transparent shield came into sight. The tentacle let go and disappeared, letting me stand.

I looked at the shield, "Where am I?"

A dark voice answered me, "Exactly where you belong."

I looked through the shield to see a small room with a shirt man in it. He looked like me... almost except he was older with multiple vicious scars covering his torso and arms. His eyes looked empty yet angry with black instead of white and deep crimson red as his eye color. His pale skin looked strained from all the scars with sweatpants covered in cuts.

I needed to know, "Who are you?"

He looked at me, "Who do you think I am?"

I tilted my head in confusion, "How am I supposed to know?"

He smirked, "Well, you are the one holding my sweater and babdana, aren't you?"

I flinched, "You're that Dark guy?"

Dark grinned, "Yes, however, who I am is kind of complicated."

Something tugged in my chest, like I somehow was happy to see this stranger, "Why are you trapped in here?"

Dark frowned, "It's my own fault, let me explain. Do you know about the alternate universes?"

I raised a brow, "That's some real sci-fi shit man. Do I look like I watch Star Trek?"

Dark looked at me with a smirk, "Would you be if I said yes?"

I crossed my arms, "Get to the point."

Dark stood up, "My birth happened long before you in another time. You were a prince, raised by your father, and fell in love with your Gardevoir servant. Then... a lot of horrible things happened caused by a girl named Mary. Eventually you fell into despair, losing both your eye sight and your love. The burning hatred within you created me, your alter ego. I was cruel, merciless, destiny defying. I caused many horrible things to happen. I even refused to die, becoming a nobody named Darx in the process. I almost destroyed that universe... but I failed. The hatred didn't stop there, I decided to use my power to infect every universe I'm connected to indirectly. I never got far enough to destroy one yet, then again, I wouldn't really know."

I didn't really believe him, honestly, I just didn't want to believe him, "The Gardevoir... what was her name?"

Dark gave me a searching stare before closing his eyes, "Her name was Silvia... here... I'll give you a fond memory... your memory."

-My Unwanted life, before they died-

I started waking up, hearing the cute snoring of a baby Ralts, "Aw... she looks so peaceful."

I gently hugged my daughter, kissing her head. She snuggled into me, sighing happily. I heard a door open, watching my mate walk in. Silvia looked so happy to see us like this.

She tip toed over to me and sat on the bed, "Hi Rui." She smiled at me.

I turned to look at her, "Hello lovely."

Silvia gently pat my head before draping her leg over me and laid on top, "Hee hee, how did you sleep?"

I blushed, caressing her cheek, "I always sleep well with my family."

I gave her a gentle smile, staring into her eyes, "I love you Rui."

I kissed her, "I love you too sweetheart."

She blushed hard, knowing what I was going to do next, "Rui, not when she's asleep."

I grinned naughtily, rubbing her heart, "I can't hear you," I whispered in her ear, "It's too dark in here."

She moaned as I licked her neck, "Mm, but it's not dark and that doesn't affect sound that much."

I smiled, nuzzling her neck, "You remembered."

Silvia nuzzles my head, "Of course I did."

I pulled back, "Silvia..."

Silvia smiled, "Yes love?"

I love the sparkle in her eyes, "You're beautiful."

Silvia kissed me, "I know."

I blushed, looking at Alivia, "I'm still pretty bad at this."

Silvia pat my head, kissing my neck, "Yes but we're together and... I want to be with you forever."

I looked at her, hugging her tightly, "Do you really?"

Silvia nodded, "Rui, no matter what happens, no matter who we face, I will always be there to heal you, to protect you, just as you protect us. When this is all over, we'll come back here and spend the rest of our lives together right?"

I kissed her hard, hugging her tightly as the memory faded.

-Back to Purgatory-

I blinked, looking at the blue shield as a tear appeared but quickly disappeared, "That was... nice."

Dark nodded, "Do you understand now?"

I looked down sadly, "I do."

Dark crossed his arms, "You died... so did Silvia and your daughter."

I flinched, "Is... there anyway to change that?"

Dark shook his head, "No. I'm sorry."

I eyed him suspiciously, "Are you going to use me to destroy everything?"

Dark shook his head no, "When I came to this universe, I turned into a microchip."

I raised an eyebrow in disbelief, "Out of all things, a microchip?"

He nodded, "I couldn't exist outside this game as a being of power. This universe has no powers, no gods, only technology."

I still find this hard to believe, "What happened?"

Dark tapped his elbow, "The head programmer is using me to create this game. My power is able to sustain the entire game while keeping me lock in here powerless."

I frowned, "Then how did I get here? How are you of any help to me?"

Dark pointed at me, "You came here by yourself. Your fear, your hatred, they guided you here through my items."

I looked aside, "I... I was scared but I not hate filled!"

Dark held a hand towards me, "Calm down. No one can harm you here. What Silvia did to you is normal, don't worry about it."

I scoffed, "She raped me!"

Dark yelled back, "So what!? She always does that! It's a part of Gardevoir culture! Don't take it so personally!"

I flinched, looking down, "I'm sorry."

Dark shrugged, "Apologies aren't necessary."

I sighed, "What... should I do about her?"

Dark rolled his eyes, "Did you like her?"

I nodded, "..."

Dark shook his head, "It's okay to still like her Rui. Evil or not, she probably cares about you deep down."

I did a mock laugh, "She always does... I think..."

Dark became serious, "Now for the real reason you're here."

I was confused, "What's the real reason?"

Dark closed his eyes, opening his arms, "It is time for you to join my Covenant."

I raised a brow, "Why should I join your Covenant?"

Dark began to grin, giving me an evil look, "I can give you perks guilds can only dream of, solo exp boosts, better loot drops, acceleration in rank development and, best of all, the location of my sweatpants and sword."

I was intrigued, "Your sweatpants and Sword?"

Dark nodded, "I'm powerless, but that doesn't mean I can't pass on my power. I always watch you Rui, you went on your own from the start, you solo bosses like a monster. I'll be trapped here forever but you, you can be freed and use the same power that traps the players, in order to free everyone."

I admit... this sounded good but... "What would I lose by siding with you?"

Dark's body seemed to darken, "My power... is a curse." He punched the shield but ended up being thrown back, "But... urk... it's easily controlled by desire and hate. Control that hate and my power is yours. It's that simple."

I scratched my chin in thought, "There has to be more to it, do you know why they made this game?"

Dark reverted to normal, "Only time will tell."

I began pacing, "Okay, what should I do? Silvia will be interfering with my levrling."

Dark laid on the ground, "You must wear my sweater and bandana once you join my covenant. Take up my persona and be the darkness that guides them through the light. Only you can do that and gain the remaining pieces."

I couldn't open my inventory, "I can't..."

Dark gently placed his hand on the shield, "Silvia has her mark on you, place your hand on the shield to complete the covenant contract."

I did as he asked and placed my hand, "What now?"

I noticed black markings began to glow on my arm, they quickly dispersed, leaving a small black dot on my forearm. I looked at it before the sweater and bandana appeared on my body with my sword strapped over my shoulder again. My health bar began to fill again and a small black dot existed under my health bar. I looked at Dark to see he was gone and the room disappeared.

-Floor 1 (Town of Beginnings)-

I appeared in the middle of the town, the exact spot the creator of this world told us what happened. The sweater and Bandana concealed me upper body in a cloak of shadows. My name was listed as deceased, running a chill up my spine. Suddenly, my menu blinked with a notification.

I opened it, earning a message, "As the sole member of the Dark Covenant, it is up to you to destroy evil orange/red guilds for additional bonuses. Would you like to start now?"

I suddenly felt myself smiling, "Oh my... a chance to punish thoa that choose to hurt or kill? How could I possibly resist."

The sudden feeling of bloodless I felt was uncharacteristic of me... ia this a part of the curse Dark spoke of? Am I going to become a monster? How can I control it if I have to feel desire and hate all the time? Naturally, those feelings cause people to lose their minds, was joining willingly a wrong choice? Am I strong enough to control such fabled powers... Silvia... will I get access to more of those kind memories of her if I go along with Dark? Only time will tell.

-Floor 25 (Forest of Despair)-

{Silvia's Point of View}

I walked into my village, wondering where my prey had run off to. My mark isn't working anymore and he was teleported... right? I'll know my answer at the ancient glyph inside my village. Most of my people are the fairy varisnt, living calm and peaceful lives. My kind are developed to keep them safe by creating a deep fear of Gardevoir within players. I enjoyed it, but I wanted a mate and I couldn't bring Rui here... I don't know what to do...

On my way, a Zoroark was waiting for me, "Silvia, there you are."

I looked at him, "Temah, how are you?"

Temah walked with me, "The higher ups are getting there. Soon, the plan may be executed."

I smiled, "That's wonderful news."

Temah glanced at me, "What of the boy?"

I feigned ignorance, "What boy?"

Temah chuckled, "The boy you love to visit in the hospital."

I shrugged, "I have no idea who you're talking about."

Temah smirked, "You know, he's getting pretty pissed off at you for your visits. You forget, our master has eyes and ears everywhere, even in the human world."

I didn't care, "So what? I like the kid. Who cares?"

Temah looked up, "You know... we've been working really hard, it'd be a real shame if it all went to waste."

I looked at him, "Just get to the point."

Temah smiled, "The boy's brother is suspicious of you. You really need to be careful with your illusions. You may be able to copy it, but you're not the best at it."

I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh, "It's fine. The plan will be completed within the year as long as the players continue up the floors."

Temah suddenly says, "You need to stop killing them now."

I flinched, "What? Why now?"

Temah shook his head, "If you keep killing top players, they'll give up. They need hope."

I stopped walking, crossing my arms and tapping my elbow in thought, "Hm... you know what? That's fine. I have other things to do and being a wanderer found in secret bars can be fun."

Temah nodded, "Then it's agreed. Now, I must go. I need to awaken floor 38's boss."

I waved goodbye, "Good luck."

Temah teleported away with a telwportation crystal, leaving me to go to my village's sacred glyph unhindered. The giant crystal is 6 meters tall with a rugged cylinder complex. Bumps and cracks make the glyph uneven in many places from its radius of 67 centimeters. Many white markings and drawings are scattered all along the blue texture. The white turned black when it glowed upon my approached.

A whisper along the wind asked, "Who are you searching for?"

I asked, "The one that I am destined with, the one I own and must keep."

The whisper chuckled, "He is dead."

I flinched, "That must be false."

The whisper giggled, "I am never wrong little one."

I clenched my hands, "Who killed him?"

The whisper said, "He was last with you, therefore you have killed him."

I shook my head, "I was keeping him safe! He's too reckless! He almost died against some of those bosses and I needed to keep him safe!"

A gentle laughter met my ear, "For someone who claims love, you have a funny way to show it misguided Gardevoir. Molestation, kidnapping, torture, must I go on?"

I turned my head away angrily, "Tsk, it's in my programming, don't you dare judge me too. I wanted to be normal but instead, I'm this."

The laughter grew louder, "You feel guilty, you feel guilty, you feel guilty, you feel guilty."

I closed my eyes, "Stop it."

It rang in my ears, "You feel guilty, you feel guilty, you feel guilty."

I blocked my ears, "Stop it!"

It somehow grew louder and louder, "You feel guilty, you feel guilty, you feel guilty!"

I attacked the glyph with an ice punch, "Shut up!"

It didn't leave a scratch at all as an immortal object tag came up, "Goodbye guilty one."

I turned away instantly, "Tsk, I'm not guilty!"

I teleported away.

-Floor 13 (Soles Town)-

{Jay's Point of view}

I was staring at my friends list in horror, looking at Rui's name with deceased next to it. I couldn't believe it... Rui... how can he be dead? I know he was kidnapped but... dead!? No... no..!

Anthony and Derek came into the room, saying, "Please tell me my friends list is glitched."

I shook my head, "No... it can't be... Rui's gone."

Derek turned around, gripping his hair, "I... that bastard... that stuborn intelligent bastard..."

Anthony was crying, "He was our best friend! I've seen others die, but I never thought he'd be one of the game's victims. How are we going to escape now?"

I stared at Rui's name before getting, "By training. From here on out, we're going to fucking destroy this game. Rui has always out leveled us, but that's because he worked his ass off every day. We can work just as hard with less odds of hazards. There's three of us, we play smart and nothing can kill us."

Derek turned towards me, "You're right."

I flinched, "I am?"

Derek nodded, patting Anthony's back, "The best way to honor our friend, is to work hard and beat the hell out of this game."

I nodded, "Damn right, actually, I have a great idea on how."

Anthony looked at me, "How?"

Derek rolled his eyes, "Let me get the popcorn and a camera, we need to document Jay's one great moment."

I sighed, "Fuck you Derek. Anyways, I say we finally make a guild."

Anthony raised a brow, "Didn't we do that already?"

I shook my head, "No. This time we'll make a huge guild in honor of Rui. Everyone he's helped is bound to join and help us defeat these bosses."

Derek scratched his chin, "You know what? Let's ride this wave. I am on this 100% now, what should we name this guild?"

I smiled, "We'll name it Murloc's followers!"

Derek gave me a blank look, "Did I say 100%? I meant 2."

I was flabbergasted, "What's wrong with it?"

Derek crossed his arms, looking at me in concern, "That name sucks man. I know our boy murloc liked to rampage, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't like a large following."

I laughed, "Rui is pretty conceited at times."

Derek raised a brow, "No he's not. Rui has never been conceited. He's too busy being a depressed child."

Anthony agreed with Derek, "Yeah... he's not really the type to want fame."

I was stubborn, "I'm naming it Murloc's followers. I don't give a fuck what you two say."

Derek chuckled, whispering to Anthony, "Now who's conceited."

Anthony whispered back, "I'm pretty sure he's retardedly conceded."

Derek chuckled, "Damn, I didn't think you'd have a burn in you."

I ignored both of them, working on making the guild immediately.

(For now, I may be shifting perspective to a brand new character in the next chapter but no promises. I hope you guys enjoyed and I have half of a chapter for a new story almost done. I won't say which one it is though. Sorry for the wait. Hope you enjoy and review please. :)