Here's part two of Flicker's origins chapter! There would be a slight change up in the updating schedule, so instead of Ostara being updated, I will work on Flicker's origins arc for a bit. Hope you guys will enjoy part two!

Warning: This chapter may contain some religious and other themes that not be suitable for readers under 18-21 (whether it was physically or mentally). Reader discretion is advised.

Chapter 17: Shedding the Light – part 2

I don't have friends; I've just got one. – Sherlock Holmes, BBC Sherlock

It was then he noticed that humans are not the only ones were affected by love. And for once, it had nothing more than to have a certain record number of bedmates. It would seem that there are some exceptions of those who walk within the realm of the gods.

He not only seen it, he felt it as well.

Sensed it would be a more appropriate term.

Once in a while he often found Hades walking alongside with a young spring goddess in the botany gardens, admiring numerous of flowers. He haven't heard even a peep from them, they just walked leisurely in the sun and simply enjoying each other's company. Flicker could have sworn that he saw a smile from that dour Underworld deity's face!

And speaking of Underworld deities…he wasn't the only one affected by this…love.

He had traveled to the Central American Region one time, and come across a rather festive night in the cemeteries. Flicker's translation was a bit rough but from what he remembered it was known as "Day of the Dead". Kinda ironic when you celebrate the dearly departed both day AND night, but details. He remembered sensing a different kind of desire. The desire to be with their loved ones for at least once, whether it was a friend, a family member, or even a lover…

It was a unique form of desire that doesn't involve physical pleasure.

But that wasn't the only thing that he noticed.

Flicker remembered coming across what seemed to be the most unique looking deities- a god and a goddess- he had ever seen. The god somehow resembles a fallen angel that was covered in tar and grime, decorated in sickly green candles. Just looking at him somehow made him feel nauseous in numerous ways, he even felt the urge to take a bath. The goddess with him was interesting as well. Aside from a rather large hat and elegant looking dress- both red and somehow decorated in candles and marigold flowers- she was as thin as a skeleton and her skin seemed to glitter in the candlelit glow. When Flicker took a step closer, he found out that they somehow resembled sugar. That is until he found out that there was a sweet scent to her.

And that wasn't the only thing that he noticed. His flames are reacting the same way as before. From what he was hearing, they seemed to be bickering. Rather playfully, like certain human couples that he had come across. However, he could sense the love and desire that they held for each other.

The desire to be with each other forever…

But they can't.

And yet they cannot live without each other. And like the night air and the bone lady, their love for each other is sweet as sugar.

Flicker let out a snort as he casually leaned against a random tombstone. Honestly, those two are walking contradictions. And he had come across weirder! Like those creepy couple at the northernmost section of this region's Underworld- Mictlan, from what he remembered- while married, from what he heard they had never engaged in anything sexual.

At ALL…

He get that they're death deities and all but seriously!

However the more he thought over his mental list of every couple that he had come across during his travels-divine or otherwise- the more he was feeling this strange sensation deep inside of him. Ever since that day, it was getting stronger and stronger, like a simple hole in a ground forming into an abyss. Flicker tried to ignore it at first, but it was getting impossible to do so thanks to that vague sensation. The only thing that he found out what kept that feeling at bay was the actual act of sex. However, as soon as he had done it, it was only a temporary thing. No matter how much he had done it, it was still not enough for him. Each day, the emptiness was getting worse and worse. It didn't take long for him to actually turn to his Lord for answers. What he received was this.

You must find the one that will serve as a balance to your soul. Then, your flames will be settled.

Admittedly, he was confused at first. But Flicker's time with Eros was enough to have him read between the lines.

The one that will serve as a balance to his soul…that would only mean one thing.

A soulmate…

In a way, it kind of made sense with certain individuals, both of godly and human origins. Despite that there are better looking choices-even some that seemed to be tempting- some couples are together till they are ripe with old age. He had heard one legend concerning about two temple guardians-both of them are a married couple and already old and grey- that loved each other so much, they actually requested the gods to make sure that they die together. And when their time finally came, their bodies transform into trees, an oak and a linden, both of which intertwine together as one and was still standing tall to this day even after the temple was gone.

While Flicker had the solution to his problem, it was easier said than done.

Sunny never gave him one hint but he didn't mind. After all, the challenge of finding out was always the fun part. For him at least, there was so set time limit unlike the soothsayers that were chosen to be mouthpieces for the gods.

So he did what he had done best.

Just keep on traveling until he would finally find his soul mate.

The concept of time was viewed differently by both beings.

To the humans' perspective, it was long and tedious, those who lived long enough beyond their 100th birthday was able to see the advancement of the civilizations and technology before their eventual death. But to those who still mingle amongst their former believers- even if it was at the back of their minds- it was merely a blink of an eye.

At least that was what Flicker thought as he leisurely strolled down the streets of Paris.

Desire was abundant at this day and age.

Especially when it comes with the public executions…

And they say that those who never fit that status quo are the disgusting ones.

Carnage is one of the things that somehow get most of the humans hot and bothered. He didn't know how or why but it somehow did. Maybe it was because of the fact that even the kindest person would be the blood thirstiest or something along the lines. Either way, he had seen some pretty nasty and surprisingly creative methods to kill people. The simplest ones were the most popular among the masses, namely decapitation, hanging, and burning. Flicker actually seen one person actually played with himself in his own home after watching a woman had her head chopped off on a rainy day. He also noticed that children often take delight in the execution, it was one of the things that they look forward to as much as birthdays and holidays. He assumed that it was because of the fact that they get to get out of school early, and take joy along with their families and friends. Even going as far as making toys and create their own execution on their spare time. It was amazing how much cruelty that even something as innocent as a child can be capable of.

He also noticed that Desire was stronger at night.

It was a perfect feeding time for certain night creatures. He had seen some succubi-and an occasional incubus- pass themselves off as prostitutes. And once in a while he often came across a blood drinker feeding off a homeless person during his travels, which is quite clever. Just like the Romanis, there are undesirables that people of all classes are more than willing turn a blind eye to. After all, who would mourn for a nameless bum?

Flicker noticed that his flames were getting stronger as soon as he reached to the upper-middle class district. He ran each building with his eyes, continuing his stroll before propelling himself upwards into the sky a bit before doing an impressive backflip and landed lightly upon a random rooftop, feeling the rough wood against his bare feet. Flicker let out a calculating hum as he flexed his toes a bit.

Hmm…I should try these shoe things sometime. He thought to himself before making his way across the tiled rooftops, basking in the Desire that laced within the night air.

The flame spirit took an intake of breath and exhale, savoring the scent. He could almost taste the sweetness of milk and honey upon his tongue. Just the way he liked it…

In the middle of his leisure stroll, he stopped in his tracks. Then a smile grew on his face as he took time to sense it. Oh, this is his favorite type. The "Ones in Denial and Had to Keep up Good Appearances" type. Flicker wasted no time as he sat down upon the rooftop and zeroed in his attention on the sorry sap of the night.

Across the street from him seemed to be a priest of some sort, not too high in the ranks but yet at the same time not low enough to be a rookie. He was living rather comfortably, but it might be that inheritance thing or something. He was in a kneeling position, praying before a crucifix that was surrounded by candles. There was a small beaded rosary clasped within his hands, the only words he could make out are "O Father, forgive me" and "Please take this sin away from me." Obviously praying to be forgiven and live his life free of sin.

Of course, it would never work.

No matter how many times he prayed, he would still have that Desire. Not to mention that he had been watching him since this morning. This guy was like clockwork. He gets up in the morning, had his usual breakfast of porridge, said his prayers, and went to care for the church, mostly for advising confessions of the common folk of Paris. The mass service is on Sundays.

Of course he does his errands, like any other normal person. And like any other normal person, he was hiding some object of Desire from the public. Well, hidden from humans, but not from Flicker himself. He had been watching the priest closely. He had seen the way he stared at that one certain girl.

From her confession to coming across her on one errand run.

Even though there is some sort of familiar acquaintance between them, Flicker could tell that he wanted the girl. He desired her…he wanted to show the people that this girl was his and his alone, even if he wanted to kiss her full on the mouth and fondle her body. But he cannot.

No matter how much he wanted to, he just can't.

It was not just the fact that she was old enough to be his daughter, but she was also married. To a man that was older than her nonetheless; about a few years give or take. The girl was unremarkable by his standards, even though she was blossoming into womanhood. But for some reason, the Preacher couldn't get the girl out of his head, or waking up in a middle of the night, panting as if he had run for miles, drenched with sweat, and dealing with a certain surprise underneath the sheets.

Not to mention he had to take care of that surprise while panting the girl's name.

And here he is tonight, on his knees in prayer to his Lord, asking for forgiveness for something that his kind deemed taboo even though it was as natural as eating and sleeping. Honestly, this is a whole new form of people watching.

As he watched the man praying, Flicker somehow sensed something creeping up behind him.

Or rather…someone…

This is new, someone trying to get the jump at him.

Well, why spoil the fun?

…who was he kidding? Spoiling any form of fun is also his hobby!

"That man over there is a priest."

He could almost see his supposed creeper stopped in his tracks behind him, Flicker couldn't help but smile to himself at this. Oh, this is going to be fun.

"That guy desired a young woman was already married, to a guy three times her age, if my math is correct." He continued before letting out a chuckle, still keeping his watch on the Priest. "I could feel it from here. He wanted to throw her down and have his way with her when he had a chance. Even going as far as wanted to do it in the middle of the street, with her husband watching among the crowd." Then he smirked as he reached to the finale. "And you wanna know the best part? The girl was barely 15."

Then Flicker felt a flux of power surge a bit behind him, no doubt some form of protection. That was when he reached to the point that he could barely hold character and laugh.

"I'm kidding…I'm just trying to make a conversation, that's all." He chortled. He then stood up from his seat and turned around, fully curious on what his Creeper look like.

Standing before him was a rather tall, thin, and literally dark man. From what he could see thanks to his flames and the light of the moon, his skin tone has a dull grey shade to it. His eyes have a strange color combination of gold with specks of silver. His dark hair was slicked back into sharp looking spikes at the end. His choice of clothing has a simple but yet regal taste in a style of a black robe, the only things stood out are golden belt and some sort of necklace. The sight almost reminded him of an aristocratic version of a cardinal. He looked rather stiff, but that was probably the fact that there was something about this guy that screams out old. Not old-old like an old man who always complain about his bones and being hard of hearing. Old as in ancient, been around since before…well, ever.

But minor detail…first thing's first, introductions.

"The name's Flicker, nice to meet ya, friend."

The latter seemed to be hesitant to accept his hand, probably because of the fact that he was on fire before. It was understandable, considering he is a fire spirit after all. After what seemed to be a long moment, the older spirit finally reached out and took his hand.

"Pitch Black," he simply spoke, his voice had a rather refined and yet posh accent.

That was the night that Flicker first met Pitch Black, the Nightmare King…but most well-known by his other title.

The Boogeyman.

He learned a thing or two about his new companion, other than the fact that Pitch is ancient. Flicker found out that he feed off of fear from humanity, age doesn't seem to matter. Along with the fact that he seemed to be the one who have inspired the twins, Phobos and Deimos, a while back. Fear seemed to be universal, from the rational to irrational. He had seen it first hand on Pitch's skills as he practically lurked in the shadows to the point on becoming one with the shadows. He had to admit, it was pretty impressive on how he could take on a silhouette of an individual's greatest fear. Some are mundane, some are spectacular, and there are other weird ones as well.

Like that one knight that shrieked (no really, shrieked) and ran off at the sight of a shadowed rabbit.

But that's only from the rare occasions when he and Pitch ran into each other. In some odd way, it almost reminded him of his time with Eros. They share small chats before simply parting ways. Though most of it was just Flicker blurting out some dirty little secrets that he could dish out from what he was sensing. He enjoyed the way that the latter tried to keep composure despite the obvious hints of him being flustered. His absolute favorite was the time when he and Pitch received invites by Samhain, a small pumpkin-headed imp that he came across in the Celtic lands a while back. He remembered the rush of pleasure from the she-werewolves as they rip off their flesh to reveal their true selves, all the while feasting upon their latest batch of victims. He was sure that Pitch could sense the fear from the victims, all the while being rather uncomfortable. Samhain was a different matter, since he always wore that burlap sack mask over his head. He remembered the sight of him being embarrassed as the taller spirit watched the feasting gore fest of a pack of she-werewolves.

He gone as far as to call him a stuck-up prude since then, even when reporting what is the latest human's sick pleasure. In good jest of course, he was not that of an idiot to actually go out and make someone his enemy. Luckily for him, Pitch seemed to be a good sport. He just let his playful banter roll over him with grace. Despite their rare encounters, Flicker does enjoy his company. And he was pretty sure that Pitch felt the same way, even if he screamed out pompous, aloof, and acted like he always had a stick up his ass.

The years have passed, and everything around them are different and yet the same. Ideas and thinking that were once rejected are slowly becoming accepted as technology are slowly but surely advanced forward. And as for Flicker…he was the one who ran into Pitch this time around.

What he saw was the side of him that he had never seen before.

It was during winter time, in what seemed to be a colonial village. He was sitting out in the open as the villagers gone out their nightly duties from gathering last minute batch of firewood for their hearth or making sure that their animals are secured in the farms. What was stranger was the fact that he was practically sitting upon a bench with his face buried in his hands, not even bothering to do his fear thing. Not to mention…looking so…

…So vulnerable.

That was the closest thing to describe it.

Not knowing what else to do, Flicker just strode up to the elder spirit's side and nonchalantly placed his hands in his pockets as always. That did not seem to get his attention, either he was too quiet or Pitch was too keep in his melodrama to notice.

Wow, this must be bad. Flicker thought to himself.

Time for some- as Eros would say it- tough love.

"You look like shit."

That somehow got Pitch's attention as he looked up to him. He had a haggard and almost defeated look in his eyes; Flicker could almost see the bags forming underneath the formerly prideful golden eyes. Still, this guy seemed to need someone to talk to.

"You ok?"

It doesn't hurt to ask, after all. So maybe he could help by lending him a sympathetic ear. Since they have been meeting each other, Flicker could only guess that they're at least acquaintances. He doesn't know if they're at the level where they are actually friends. But still, gotta be there for him. Pitch let out a heavy sigh as he hung his head down, all the while Flicker simply took a seat next to him and allow him to place together his thoughts.

"No…no, I'm not ok." He finally responded. His tone was void of the usual uppity smugness that Flicker had grown accustomed to but not before hearing a dry laugh escaped from the other spirit. "It was indescribable, ludicrous even. But it was only a matter of time when it was my turn, no be not believed in. All because of those damned Guardians that the Moon had brought together!"

So that was why…he had been hearing a lot about some gathering by the silent ball of rock in the sky. He only assumed that they are rumors among the Personas to pass the time. However, he had been hearing some activities of certain figures like a giant rabbit creature leaving behind eggs, or the vague sightings of a bird fairy woman and her flock of miniature versions of herself. There were also stories about an old man traveling around the world in one night while another humanoid creature sends out dreams via sand. After another confining in his Lord, they do indeed exist, appearing only to children.

Flicker listened as Pitch covered his eyes, gritting his teeth as if keeping in a scream of frustration.

"I could still feel it…that sensation of someone walking through you. It was like you never existed at all."

Never existed at all…

He didn't know why but those are the words that stood out the most. He actually knew what Pitch was talking about, and he had been there since- well, since he first woke up and the closest thing that he could feel was…nothing. Both figuratively and literally, it had been that way for him. But yet…he's still here. In a way, he can sustain himself in various ways, and it worked for Eros as well from what he heard, so why not Pitch?

"Personally, I don't see what the big deal is." Flicker nonchalantly responded before leaning against the pavement wall in relaxation. "So, what if no one sees you, what's done is done. There's nothing you can do about it. Like I said, it's not a big deal."

And that was true, in his opinion anyway. Hopefully that would get him out of whatever funk he was in. However, Flicker felt his flames flicker a bit wildly. He furrowed his brows in confusion. This was definitely new…the only time they reacted was when he was near Desire. But this…this is different.

It was strong as Desire…but deadly.

He turned his attention over to Pitch, almost wondering what was his expression looked like. What he saw was just the elder spirit giving him a blank stare in a complete and utter silence; his nonexistent eyebrows were raised up as his lips were pressed in a thin line. And yet his flames were reacting to him. Somehow the air around them seemed tense, and it was getting uncomfortable. But Flicker couldn't make any indication that he was showing discomfort, not knowing if what he said was the final straw that broke the camel's back.

"Not…a big deal?" Pitch finally spoke up. His voice was calm, void of any form of emotion. But his flames told him otherwise as Flicker watched the latter rose up, still keeping his attention on him. His face was still unreadable.

"Not. A. Big. DEAL!?"

And that, as it seemed, was the final straw.

"You…INSOLANT CHILD!" As soon as he let out a roar, the shadows that surrounded him flare out like flames (or a better lack of wording). However Flicker was too focused on Pitch to even notice the irony.

"I have been around since the day that Mankind walked the Earth and hid in caves during the darkness of the night! I am Fear itself! I am not drove humanity to its limits and protected it! Fear cannot be tamed nor killed! But yet, the Moon had brought forth the Guardians, obscuring me into almost nothing! And here you are saying that the fact that I wasn't believed in wasn't a big deal?! You don't understand what I'm going through!"

As soon as the dark spirit finished with his outburst, he was breathing rather heavily like he had been running a marathon. All Flicker could do was to stare up at him in silence. He get what he was talking about, truly he does. However, that sensation was unlike anything that he had felt since he first discovered Desire. It was like a violent volcanic eruption that was burst out of the ground. As much as he wanted to show that he understood, that sensation he was feeling override it. He cannot tell what he was feeling was his own or Pitch's, but all he knew was that he wanted to give him his own two cents as soon as the Boogeyman finally calmed down.

"You're right. I don't understand." It was surprising that he kept his tone even and calm. As opposed to internally he was seething. "Because no one had seen me since the day I was born."

There.

That did it.

He finally said it.

And judging by the look on Pitch's face, he was surprised.

"You too…?"

Oh, yeah, he was surprised all right.

He thought that the fact that SOME humans-well, most- had seen only Pitch but not him whenever they're together. The kids had to be the most obvious…

"Yeah…it had been that way since…" then Flicker took a moment to think back on his experience. He furrowed his brows as he counted the years in his head before deciding to give up after 100 or so. "…Well, ever." Then he stretched out his limbs, relishing the sensation in his muscles and the popping of his joints before standing up from his seat. "But I don't really care back then, I don't care now. That's just how I roll."

He then looked up to the taller spirit, feeling his lips stretched into a smile. In which somehow made him-THE Nightmare King- uncomfortable. Good, he would personally declare that as a win in a way.

"Besides, I only had two things that kept me going." He continued, not looking his confident stride. "One of them is my Lord and Master. Let's just say that you two…tend to miss each other." Flicker had to keep his laughter in by the way Pitch looked as he stared at him in confusion. He had half a mind to actually tell him but where was the fun in that? Let him think on whom he was talking about.

"And the other thing?" Pitch finally asked, almost hesitantly he might add.

That was when Flicker grinned wider.

"That would be my Soul Mate…" then he paused for a dramatic effect. "…Even if he or she didn't exist yet." Pitch simply pursed his lips as he stood there in silence, having nothing further to say. Flicker simply shrugged as he turned heel before pocketing his hands again.

"Well, I have to admit…it's been fun though. Catch ya next time, maybe." And with that, he simply walked off, not even looking back. He didn't notice when he was out of the village (Whatsitsname…he didn't really get it).

And he was alone once again.

It didn't really bothered him in the past, but with this encounter, he couldn't help but think back on what Eros had said long ago.

"I do see you as a friend."

Friends…

Are he and Pitch are like that? Or at least, just two beings that simply know each other? Looking back, they just have small talk. And they have little to no things in common, other than the fact that they are now both unseen among humans.

But despite all that…are they really friends?

Maybe somewhere deep down…he does see him as a friend.

Tch, whatever, he thought to himself. Who needs friends? I got Sunny…and my Soul Mate.

"Whoever that is…"

As soon as he spoke out, he took note of the visibility of his breath as well as the crunching sound beneath his feet and the coldness seeping into his makeshift sandals. Flicker blinked as he looked around, noticing the ice and snow all around him. He must've ventured into some clearing in the woods without even acknowledging his surroundings. Come to think of it, this was one of the rare times that he had been in a location with cold weather. And now, seeing it at first hand, he had to admit that it was beautiful. It somehow placed him at ease. That sensation he felt before somehow died down a bit. He could hear wind blowing softly against the bare trees, and saw the few snowflakes falling ever so gently from the sky.

Without even thinking, he reached up to the air and felt one of them touching the palm of his hand. He let out a contented sigh at the sensation of the cool wetness against his warm palm, feeling the single snowflake melt until it was evaporated into the air.

that's all for now...up next we will find out how Flicker come across our favorite winter sprite ;)

Author's Notes:

Xiabalba and La Muerte - obviously from The Book of Life, but since they're anthromorphic personas, I can't help it. Plus they're one of my favorite couples next to Hades and Persephone and other ships. -_-...I have a lot of ships.

The rulers of Mictlan of the Central American Underworld are Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihatl - both respectively translated as Lord and Lady of the Underworld. I drew their relationship from a smackjeeves webcomic "Behind the Obsidian Mirror". It's a good read for those who are interested in Aztec mythology and BL. :) Word of warning, it's not intended for audience under age of 18-21.

Phobos and Deimos - anthromorphic personifications of Fear and Terror, twin sons of Ares and Aphrodite.