Just stories written while im on the toilet or in the restroom in general

Chapter 5: You are at once the quiet and the confusion of my heart

-Franz Kafka

Micah

              I had never felt so many emotions over a woman than I've felt with Sophia. And I haven't even been with her for a whole day. The thing that bothers me most is when I see how men fall all over her. Seeing the store clerk and the men in line fawn over her was irritating. But when the gunmen focused on her, I hit the roof. Who knows what the men would have done to her if I hadn't taken them down. Then I see detective Colin Vane comforting her, and my stomach turns. It's just too much. Men are like moths to Sophia's flame. And as someone who is fighting his feelings for her, it's very difficult to resist smashing all of their faces in.

              Pulling into my apartment building's underground parking, I park in my spot and turn off the ignition. Sophia is fast asleep under the warmth of the blanket. I wanted to rip the card out of her hand when the detective mentioned that he gave her his number. Reaching out a hand, I run my thumb over her soft cheek and whisper gently. "We're here, Sophia." Sophia slowly opens her eyes and gives me a drowsy smile. "Micah." She whispers with a kittenish mewl, which makes my stomach tighten with desire.

              "Can you make it out of the car, or do you need help?" I ask with worry. She shakes her head and opens the door. Sliding out of my own seat, I meet her near the hood of the car and catch her when legs wobble a little. She reminds me of a child who has been woken from a nap. Taking her hand in mine, I lead her to the elevator doors and press the penthouse button.

I live in a large building in the center of Manhattan. I bought the suite a few years after I joined the Confradia. It's a beautiful apartment with two bedrooms and three bathrooms. The apartment has a large living area with ivory marble floors, wall to wall windows comfortable the living room furniture. My mother decorated a few years ago when she saw that my furniture consisted of a futon and a ninety-inch television. She made the apartment comfortable with its contemporary design, charcoal-colored cloth couch, and wrought iron tables. The dining room is a simple glass dining set with side chairs.

              A large glass wall separates the living area from the state of the art kitchen, and the kitchen cabinets are a gleaming obsidian color, gray marble countertops, and stainless steel appliances. There are several modern tapestries on the wall with sketches of human forms and few black leather chaise lounges facing the windows.

              Sophia steps in the center of the room and rests the blanket and my suit jacket on a nearby chair. I observe warily as she moves around the room, absorbing its decor. "Nice place." She says with a sincere smile. I'm surprised that she's not terrified or crying at what happened earlier. I've seen soldiers react the same after during a gunfight. They'll push the memory to the back of their minds and pretend it didn't happen. I guess it's a way to cope. Going along with it, I observe her looking around curiously.

              I'm surprised when she turns to the large, customized entertainment center in front of the large couch, and hones in on the pictures resting on the shelves. There are three pictures on the shelf. There was one of my father and me when I was a boy. That picture was taken the last time I saw my father. I was ten years old, and my father was heading overseas on a mission with his Marine unit. In the picture, my father is wearing his crisp, pressed uniform, with all of his medals, and I'm standing next to him wearing ripped jeans, a Snoopy t-shirt, and a Yankees baseball cap. The other picture was of my mother and me when I graduated from the Marine Corps. Like my father in the previous picture, I'm wearing a pressed uniform. The last picture is of my mother, Tate, Sophia, and me at my mother's wedding. I will never admit this out loud, but the only reason I put the picture up is that Sophia is in it, and I wanted something with her in it to look at.

              Sophia looks at all of the pictures attentively then turns back to me. "Is that your father?" She asks, taking the picture from the shelf and turning it towards me. Nodding my head, I stop next to her and take the picture from her hand. "Yeah. This was taken before he died." She nods her head and looks at the picture again. "He was very handsome. You look like him." I look at the picture for a moment and run my gaze over every angle of my father's face. I remember as a little boy staring at this picture for hours after my father died. Looking at it now, I can see the resemblance. My mother has always told me that I look like him minus the eyes. I have my mother's green eyes. My father had dark chocolate brown eyes.

              "How did he die?" Sophia asks with a note of caution. I look back at her to see that she's sincere in her question and place the picture back on the shelf. "He was on his second tour in Desert Storm. His unit was driving through a town when an IED hit his convoy. I was told that he died instantly." My mouth tightens with emotion. Even after all these years, it hurts to talk about it.

              Sophia must see my pain because she places her hand on my neck and turns my chin in her direction. "I'm sorry, Micah. I know what it's like to lose someone you love. At least yours did not leave you out of choice. My mother walked out on us." She mutters with a quiver in her voice. Her eyes gleam as she gazes down at the floor in contemplation. "I was so mad at her for leaving us. For a long time, I thought she left us because I was a bad daughter." She says this with a sad glint in her eyes. It's almost heartbreaking to see the pain reflected on her face.  

              Taking a deep breath, she utters softly. "But then I realized that it was her loss. And that dad and I were better off without her. Dad found Chelsea now. And your mom is really great."      

              Nodding my head, I take her hand and lead her to the guest bedroom. "Let me show you to your room." She doesn't argue as she follows me down the hallway. There are several doors here. One is for the guest room, the one across from it is my office, and the one in the center is my bedroom. Unlike other Confradia Assassins, I don't keep my weapons in a separate room. All of my weapons are in a secret compartment behind my headboard, which is secured by an encrypted security system. That was the only room I didn't let my mother decorate. I bought the furniture and installed the software myself. My mother definitely had a hand in decorating the guest room, though. The room is a bright blue color, with a large king-size bed, a white headboard, and a teal and gray comforter.

              Sophia steps into the room and moves towards the bed with a catlike grace, which makes my temperature heighten. I watch intently as she takes a seat on the bed and throws herself back with her arms stretched over her head. "Oh, this is so good." She says with a soft groan. Her dress strains against the mounds of her firm breasts and rises high over her thighs as she shifts comfortably over the bedspread.

              "Are you hungry?" I ask, trying to get my mind off how badly I want to crawl over her and kiss every part of her body.

              She rises from her stretch and shakes her head. "Not really. I just want a hot bath and some sleep right now." I nod in agreement and gesture to the én-suite doors. "The bathroom is right over there. There are toiletries and other bath things inside the linen closet." She nods her head and gestures to the bedroom door. "I should get my bags then."

              I shake my head as I make my way to the door. "Just go ahead and take a bath. I'll get the bags." Sophia waves a hand up with gratitude. "Thanks, Micah." Stepping out of the room, I head back to the elevators and walk to my car. Two minutes later, I'm back in my apartment with Sophia's satchel in one hand and her pink rolling bag in the other. My first mistake is that I didn't knock when I went into the room. I simply walked in, laid her bags on the bed, and nearly choked when I caught sight of her image from the bathroom mirror as she was stepping out of her dress. I couldn't help but stop and enjoy the view of her silken body, luscious breasts, and firm ass as she leaned down to turn on the water faucet. And I nearly swallowed my tongue when her hair spread down over her smooth back and slid sensuously over the stiff nubs of her nipples.

              Lust turns to empathy when she takes a seat on the edge of the tub and begins to sob. She looks lost and alone, and it makes me feel like hurting something. She was pretty brave earlier, whether she'd like to think so or not. Normal people don't usually have to deal with a gunfight in a gas station. And unless you've been in battle, having a gun aimed at your head or watching someone die can be very traumatizing. Unable to bear her pain any longer, I step into the bathroom and kneel before her. "Shh… it's okay, Soph." She sniffles a bit and straightens her spine with embarrassment. But her bravery is short-lived because she's suddenly sitting in my lap with her arms wrapped around my neck. My hand runs up and down her silky-smooth back, enjoying the feel of her skin and the comfort I am giving her.

 Keeping her sitting on my lap, I roll up my sleeves and reach over her shoulder to pour some bath salts into the rising bathwater. Sophia's tears subside, but she doesn't let me go. I know I should step out of the room and leave her alone, but it feels so good to hold her close. So Instead, I lift her into my arms, slide her into the rising water, and kneel down on the edge of the tub. She looks lost as she gazes at me from under her wet lashes. Her lips tremble slightly, and her chin quivers. "I thought that I was okay, and then I saw the water pouring… and…and it reminded me of all that blood." She says with a slight croak. She lifts her knees to her chest and rests her forehead on her knees with a bleak slump. Lifting her hair off her back, I push it to one side of her shoulder and lay a soft kiss on her temple. "It's okay to feel this way, Sophia. It means that you're a compassionate person. You should have never had to see something like that. You'll be okay, though. You're a very strong woman." Taking the sponge from the soap dish, I fill it up with soap and run it down her bareback. She sighs with relief and closes her eyes as I soap up her arms and legs.

              After a moment, she sits back and gazes into my eyes before she takes the sponge from me and slides her hand over my tattooed forearm. "You have tattoos?" She asks with fascination. Nodding my head, I slide my hand from under hers and lower the sleeves. It's not that I'm embarrassed by them. I'm just not ready to reveal the intimate nature of them.

              Sophia's eyes dim at my gesture, but she doesn't comment. Instead, she takes the sponge and whispers. "I'll finish bathing myself." I remain kneeling down with my elbows on the edge of the tub for another moment. I want to apologize, but I know that there is no point because there is no explanation that I can give her that wouldn't be too revealing.

              With a clenched jaw, I give her one last longing look and rise from the floor. "Your bags are on the bed, and my bedroom is the one with the red double doors in case there's anything you need," I say before I walk away. I need a drink!

Micah "Savage" St. Clair, is a deadly assassin who has never failed a mission. He's as lethal as he is gorgeous. His one Achilles heel is the one woman forbidden to him. The one temptation that his dark soul can't resist.
Sophia has only ever desired one man. The man who had broken her heart. Will Sophia and Micah ever find a way to make their love work? Or will their forbidden love break their worlds apart?

Treasca eased into the nearly too hot water with a pleased sigh. She had waited several minutes to be sure no one would come back, but after ten minutes she decided she may as well enjoy herself. The hot springs was larger than some lakes, and she wondered it it helped to warm the castle. 
Once she was throughly scrubbed she dressed in the robe once more before poking her head out of the giant wooden door. It was extremely heavy, but somehow she managed to pry it open. There was no one insight she considered going back in, and calling for Delyn, but she really wanted to be alone just then. She climbed the stairs having nearly no trouble finding her room again. She peered inside but it was quiet. The only change was the curtain was pulled back revealing a very large balcony that took up the entire wall. Mesmerized Treasca walked towards it looking out. There where tropical plants, birds, and trees so dense it looked like a rain forest. There was a large dome of glass that stretched for miles. There was even a waterfall with a huge river snaking through the massive garden. Treasca glanced behind her noticing a strange dress hanging from a hook on the bathroom door. Curious she went over to look at it more closely. It was real with silver clasps here and there. She wasn't sure she could even put it on, but it was far to pretty not to try. There where white pants she put them on first feeling a bit odd. She had never worn pants in her life, but they where quite comfortable. Then she slipped into the top only getting stuck for a few seconds. The undershirt was also white, and over that came the wonderful teal short dress like shirt. She also saw silver sandals had been set out for her the leather died to match the buckles. She looked in the long mirror in the bathroom had had to admit the outfit looked amazing as it felt. She quickly braided her hair, and walked over to the balcony again. She noticed to the left was a set of stairs that seemed to go down into the garden. She walked down them carefully holding on to the railing so she could look at the splendid scene before her. There where parrots, peacocks, and some birds with huge red plumes she had never seen before. Treasca had been to tropical places of course, but this was like nothing she had seen. There where benches along the path, and she sat just watching the waterfall just enjoying the moment of peace.

Brenton stalked toward Delyn the towel still tied around his waist.
"Not a word." Brenton said assessing the I told you so look on Delyn's face. "Where you able to get her name?" Brenton continued marching up the states in a bit of a huff. Delyn said nothing making Brenton whirl around.
"Oh for gods sake you can say that damned word!" He roared in frustration. He knew Delyn was having an internal laugh at him judging by the smirk on his sergeant's lips.
"Her name is Treasca, my lord." Delyn said with a bow. Brenton nodded continuing up the stairs. He rather liked that name, it sounded very exotic. 
"I would like you to bring her to me tomorrow morning." Brenton said distractedly his mind was still thinking about their exchange. He could see her point of view despite empathy absolutely not being one of his strengths. "She may have the rest of the evening to herself today, but tomorrow we will spend time..." Brenton cut off what exactly should he do with her. He of course had some ideas, but she had seemed very opposed to his advances of an amorous nature. They would of course have to consummate their union eventually, but for once in his very long life he was going to be patient for someone else.

did you blocked me?

crap! why the hell did she forgot about that?! It was because of that annoying guy earlier! 

Nevertheless, it was a good show, the online forum lagged because of that scandal and the school admistrators exploded from rage. 

She laughed her brains out watching the live show of a naked guy running the campus, too bad she couldn't see Tiffany's reaction but hopefully she enjoyed her present.

"so you really did blocked me?" Shin asked interrupting her thoughts. 

"w-what blocked?! w-who would dare blocked you!" Yeri stammered. 

Shin eyed her intensely, not budging from his comfortable position. "your phone?"

Yeri pulled out her phone from her bag and realize it was turned off. 'whew!' "I didn't realize my phone's dead."

"your phones battery is thrash, i'll buy you a new phone tomorrow."   

"no need, i just forgot to charge it this morning." Yeri refused and took out her powerbank.
 
Shin moved to a sitting position and put his left arm around her shoulder while his other hand lifted Yeri's chin, "spill it out did you blocked me or not?" 

"i didn't!" Yeri tried to stand up but Shin quickly put his left thigh on her lap entrapping her.  

-_- this guy! must he be so overbearing? 

"still not gonna tell?"

"fine! ill tell you, just get your leg off first your heavy!" Yeri complained. 

"you tell me first." Shin smirked.

Yeri rolled her eyes, "there's this school scandal and everyones talking about it online, i got curious and my phone battery died, the end."

Shin narrowed his eyes, why is she so lazy to explain it? must he buy the words coming from her mouth?

"hehe~ you're very smart, you should know it already." Yeri hugged his arm, trying to appease him. 

Shin smiled wickedly and suddenly pulled the back of her head, seizing her lips, at first it was just soft and gentle then it gradually become deep and demanding. 

Initially Yeri was startled, she had her shares of kissing before but it wasn't like this, mostly were just short or a peck, she might had kiss Shin before but she's way too drunk to remember it. 

The bipolar CEO is actually good in kissing?  that means he isn't misogynistic since childhood! this damned flirt! 

Shin's like a starved wolf hungrily devouring his food. He really miss kissing her since that night but fight the urge not to do it given that he might not be able to control himself, just Yeri's presence alone can wreak havoc within him. However, tonight his unable to resist her any longer, it was supposed to be just a peck but the moment he touched her soft lips, Shin's resistance crumbled and he craved for more, his hand slowly traveled caressing her breast, it was then that he felt a cold bucket of water poured onto him bringing him back to sanity.

Both of them just stared at each other after the  kiss, catching their breaths.

"bathroom..." Shin said after some time. 

"why? am i disgusting?" Yeri glared at him. 

"no! absolutely not! its just that- ok just stay there it's very urgent." Shin kissed her cheek and abruptly stood up, making his way to the bathroom.

"hmph! weirdo! i'll forgive you since you're handsome and a good kisser." Yeri mumbled, she quickly turned on her phone to unblock the crazy CEO.

After running a cold water over his head, Shin felt that his boner calmed down a bit, he then grabbed the nearby towel but Yeri's scent whiffed his nose like an aphrodisiac. 

'oh f*ck! f*ck! f*ck! don't even think about it!' Shin angrily cursed at himself and dashed out of the bathroom.

"Yeri baby let's go!" Shin spoke and grabbed Yeri's hand. "there's this place i wanted to take you."

Baby your mouth! this damned two-face flirt, he must be really suffering from a bipolar disorder. "can't we go some other time? it's late and i have to go back home tomorrow." Yeri complained. 

"we won't stay there for a long time, it's just important for me." Shin insisted, "you blocked me and now you refused to be with me? don't you have a conscience at all?" 

"i didn't blocked you! look!" Yeri raises her phone wanting to show her contact list but instead a video of a guy running around naked started playing.

Shin's expression darkened, his eyes filled with malice.

"...." f*ck! did she just force the great CEO Shin Keir to see a naked guy?  

Yeri swallowed a mouthful of saliva, he wouldn't kick her right? "o-oh! nothing to see here, i mean, what was that?! cheese sticks?hehe...you wanna go somewhere right? i'll go with you."  

"Yeri Zhi, do you enjoy watching naked men?" Shin coldly asked. 

"of course not!" Yeri fiercely denied although she already watch hundreds of p*rn videos, peh! she's a succubus afterall. "that was the scandal i told you, it was at the school's online forum and like i said, i just got curious."

"watching a video of a naked man is cheating!" Shin shouted. 

"...." huh? is that what you learned from your ancestors? Yeri pursed her lips feeling wronged, fine, get mad and break-up with me!

Shin sighed, did he went overboard? he don't want to see her sad but the thought of her looking at other guys made him furious. "alright, let's go." 

Yeri nodded, she went to change her doll shoes to sports one and took out a teal blue trench coat.

"I didn't mean to shout at you." Shin suddenly hugged her from the back.

"it's fine, i'll see you at the back gate."

"you're not upset with me?" 

I won't if you get naked instead, Yeri thought. "I'm not, don't worry about it."

Shin smiled and hugged her tightly, that sinking feeling quickly vanished. "alright, let's both go down the wall ladder."  

Yeri pulled away from the hug and turned to Shin. "huh? give me a good reason why i should go down with you?"

Yeri was a succubus, vanished from hell by the Demon King. Now living as a human, on her 18th birthday, the memory of her past self returned and she also regained half of her inhuman abilities, with her goddess beauty and power, her goal is to have a reverse harem loyal to her. 


To celebrate her awakening and hunt for hot men, she partied at a famous bar but ended up getting drunk and unexpectedly spent a night with the nations no.1 CEO infamous for his arrogant, cruel and misogynistic personality, Shin Keir. 


Since then, the crazy devil won't leave her alone and even blackmailed her to take responsibility for their one-night stand!


How will Yeri achieve her goal if there's an annoying, bipolar Devil hindering her before she even get started?


Will Shin capture the heart of his beloved succubus?


What will happen next?!


------------


FYI: I am not a professional writer and English is not my first language so please pardon me if there's any grammatical error.


Thank you all for the love and support ?


*cover photo not mine just edited it, credit to the original owner.

(Am I… dead..?)

{Thud...Thud...Thud}

Kurogane's slow heartbeats resonated clamorously through his ears, deafening his already blurred senses.

Shortly after regaining consciousness, Kurogane noticed that his arms were chained against a brick wall. 

"Where.. am I? Is anyone there?"

Everything before him was pitch black. All he could see was the wall behind him and the chains bound tightly to his wrists. 

Kurogane gazed upon the dark abyss before him; suddenly, within a blink of an eye, a figure appeared inches away from his face – hanging upside down from above.

It was one of them – the ones who had killed Taro and Hiroki, although Kurogane could discern that it wasn't the same killer he had confronted earlier. Its expression was utterly terrifying, with a large, tattered smile surrounding its sharp, heinous teeth.  

All Kurogane could do was yearn to scream for help, but the words refused to come out of his mouth.

Gasping heavily, he realized he had awoken from another nightmare.

He was drenched in sweat and had long bandage wraps all over his head and abdomen, followed by a few smaller ones on his face.

He appeared to be lying down on a bed in a small, wooden room with a curtained glass window against the wall and a lamp hung next to it. 

Kurogane quickly realized that he could not move a muscle. His body was trembling, sweating, and his escalated heart rate caused him to breathe rapidly.

"Just a dream.. nothing more than a dream."

After calming down, his mind finally started to clear as the blood began to rush back into his fingertips.

"Where did I end up? Who's house is this? Are they an enemy? Or did guards end up capturing me for interrogation?"

He attempted to sit up, but felt immense, unbearable pain shooting through his body and layed back down.

{Urghhh…}

( How am I.. even alive?)

Kurogane was struck with a terrible headache after remembering what had happened to his dear friends, and had the urge to place his hand on his forehead.

(That pugilist.. It was the same one I saw in my dream..)

.....

 (But that doesn't matter now… I failed again when they trusted me with all they had.. I let them die a horrible death... and their blood… now lies on my hands.)

This guilt stirred up an fervid rage inside Kurogane, and, as if guided by pure instinct, he clenched his bandaged fist and smashed an ornate wooden table right beside his bed, causing it to shake and rumble.

This sudden reaction caused a small, framed photo with a kickstand to fall over. 

Kurogane, now realizing his actions, caught it by surprise and delicately examined it. 

(A father and his daughter?)

There appeared to be a slightly dark skinned, built man with a dark brown, curly buzz cut and a short stubble beard topped with a small goatee on his chin. 

A small girl, supposedly his daughter, sat on his lap. She looked as if she were six years old or so, having lighter skin than her father and luminously long, teal colored hair. She was grabbing onto his goatee, the two of them smiling happily at each other.

Suddenly, the door at the corner of the room creaked open. Kurogane, startled at the sudden noise, held on to the wooden frame as his last resort weapon as he prepared to confront whatever would emerge from the door.

A head slowly peeped in. It looked like a girl in her late teens, who had the same brightly long, teal hair as the girl in the picture.

As soon as she realized Kurogane noticed her, she gently closed the door and scurried off, her delicate footsteps reverberating the wooden flooring inside Kurogane's room.

"Hmh..? Who was that?" Kurogane thought to himself, as he lowered down the picture frame.

He could hear her run over to a different room and speak in a hushed voice to someone else, as the house was fairly quiet.

"Huh? Really? Wait… I left that on the table? Hah, darn, let's check it out then."

A man seemed to reply to her, eventually got up, and walked over to the door and opened it.

It surely was the same people from the picture Kurogane was looking at. Both looked much older, especially the girl with her taller and more mature appearance. 

The man had a tan, short sleeved t-shirt and brown work pants with heavy duty, studded rosewood boots. He appeared to have a utility belt as well with various tools attached to it. He gave off quite a wholesome vibe overall, which was a relief to Kurogane.   

"So the sleeping beauty finally decides to wake up huh? How ya feelin?"

"O-Oh.. uhm, alright I guess. Just really sore all over."

The man grabbed a pair of chairs, set them down and sat down on one. The girl did the same on the other. 

She wore a black hair band with a white lotus attached to the side followed by a loose fit, dark blue robe. Her long skirt had a similar color and went a little before her ankles. This was topped with a white, pocketed apron and her finely crafted, indigo house slippers. She seemed quite shy, adding to her virtuous, innocent expression.  

"Yeah, so you'll be like that for a while. Your abdomen was completely gashed when I found you."

"You found me? Where was I at the time?"

"Well, I was coming back from a late night hunting trip two days ago until I saw a bright, light blue glow from the other side of a hill. I cut the main path and ran above it only to see you lying flat on your chest on the roadway and bleeding like crazy. Your bag and weapon was there too... luckily, we were near the city gate, so I ran and carried you over to my place with your stuff."

"I see… I can hardly believe I'm alive right now. How can I ever thank you for all of your help?"

The man let out a warm grin upon hearing Kurogane's sincere gratitude. 

"Don't be bothered, I had to do my part by saving a handsome man in distress y'know? But honestly, you should be thanking her as well."

The man, using his thumb, pointed to the girl sitting next to him.

"Dad, stop…"

The girl turned her face away and lightly blushed.

"You don't have to thank me if you don't want to, it's no big deal really."

"Ahah, still a shy one as usual, aren't ya?" Said the man, patting her head with his hand.
She froze at first then frowned with a pouting expression.

"In case you didn't notice, this is my daughter Ayumi. I know, a beautiful babe right? You can call me Yukito while you're at it. The Tsukuda family is at your service!"

"I go by Tamashiro Kurogane."

"Interesting name, I can tell she got excited just by hearing that."

Yukito lightly elbowed Ayumi to annoy her further.

"Did not!"

"Hehehe, just messin with yer guts gurl."

With her face nearly as read as a tomato, Ayumi was blushing a lot more than before. Kurogane looked away, as he felt awkwardly intrusive in this family's home. To ease Ayumi's growing embarrassment, Kurogane turned his head back and asked a few questions to change the subject.

"So how did I manage to survive?"

"Well you see, my daughter here is blessed with the element of nature and has a business here at our house, which is near the curb at a busy intersection in this city. We make our living by gathering ingredients and creating potions and medicine. We used one of our expensive, higher tiered potions to get rid of the deep wounds and major blood loss within you."

(So the potions alone helped me regain blood and sealed my major wounds… I can't imagine how difficult it is to make and how high they sell for.)

"I have to make it up to you both somehow. You must have worked hard on those potions."

"Well it's not as bad when I'm around. I'm no good when it comes to using my elemental powers but my experience in medicine allows me to help my daughter finish her makings quicker."

"I see."

"Hey, I got a bit sidetracked before, but how did you end up so badly hurt? Was it a beast you encountered?"

"I … did encounter a beast actually. A malevolent monster. It was one of the strongest creatures I've ever fought."

"Malevolent?" Said Ayumi in shock.

"Dear lord… how did you escape it?"

"I used a special orb I got from a friend, and it teleported me to the nearest city with my belongings."

"Ah, that makes sense now. Never knew they had such a useful item. So you're a traveler I'm assuming?"

(I can't tell them the full truth. If I bring up the details I could potentially end up getting them involved… I can't bear to lose more people like this.)

These thoughts made Kurogane grasp the bedsheets out of conflicting emotions.

"Hey, you alright there bud?"

"Oh! Well, yes.. I'm just stopping by different places for sightseeing and adventure – something good for a change I guess..."

Kurogane mustered out a fake, light chuckle in order to play off his previous reaction. Though, he was sure that his attempt wouldn't avail as expected, as he hardly ever expressed such an emotion in general.

Ayumi gave a straight look upon hearing the response, but Yukito got up from his seat and looked at Kurogane for a few seconds.

(Damn, I keep zoning out at the worst times.. They're going to suspect me for something now.)
To his surprise, Yukito grinned and replied kindly.

"Good to see you're exploring. Just remember that you won't always be lucky like this, so be more cautious. Alright?"

Kurogane looked down solemnly and nodded.

"Anyways, I'll be heading to the bathroom for a bit. We'll get you some dinner right after… since it's getting pretty late."

"Alright."

For someone who cursed their fate since childhood, Tamashiro Kurogane hopelessly lived most of his life as an orphaned, part time adventurer.

The most he would do is pick up a quest to sustain just enough to survive, since he had given up on his rather miserable life of misfortunes.

This daily routine of his takes a sudden, drastic turn when he discovers someone who may have ties with his beloved mother's killer. 

With his resolve making its rapid return, matters only escalate further after losing this individual and realizing that his mother's death is merely the tip of the iceberg.

So begins a new journey where Kurogane will learn his very purpose of existence, while painfully carrying his dreadful past along the way.

"Revenge only ever leads to revenge. At what point does it stop, and who do we blame?" 

~ Anonymous 
_______________

***This Novel contains a fair share of dark, intense scenes that will have disturbing amounts of violence. The way this story is told isn't as rewarding to the main character as one would usually expect from your average fantasy, so be aware.***

If you enjoy reading this book, please be sure to share it in as many ways as you can. I'd really appreciate it! :)

Have any questions or comments? Here's my discord!~

ShinoKani#1384

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@hayato_shinohara

________________

Noah takes the painting and place it on the easel then he grab my hand and take a deep breath. 

"I don't know how to describe everything but I'll just show you, ok?" 

"Ok. . " 

He touch the canvas and step into the painting. That's something that I've never seen before. I hold his hand tightly and step into the painting. We stand inside a room with a single painting on the wall. I look around, everything looks real. I touch the wall and I can feel that it's a real wall, a solid wall then I try to jump several times to make sure the floor is not fake and it's real. I never knew that there's a dimension beyond a painting and this is my first time entering the space.  

"Where are we?" 

Noah is walking to the corner of the room and take the package that he threw then he walks back to me. 

"We are in the other side of the painting. This one is called the 'Qiophaire' dimension."

"Qioph- what?" 

"Qiophaire. It's the name of the dimension. If you look around, there is no door or window. It's just a room with a single painting on the wall." 

"Why?" 

"Because I create every details in the room. It was an empty space before but I have the power to make a new place inside the dimension." 

"And how do we get out from here?" 

"That painting on the wall is our way out." 

I walk closer to the painting on the wall and realize that it's a painting of the art room in the university. Everything doesn't make sense. It's not real. Maybe I'm still sleeping and I'm having a dream about going to a dimension through a portal and the portal is a painting on a canvas. It's time to back to reality so I close my eyes then I pinch my arms to wake me up.

"Wake up, Sera. Wake up." 

I open my eyes and I can see Noah standing in front of me, looking at me with a puzzled look. 

"What?" 

"It's real, Sera. You're not dreaming and you are 100% conscious." 

"No, no, no. You're joking. Maybe you're a fake too, I'm in my dream, everything is not real." 

Noah pulls my body closer to him and he lands a kiss on my lips. I push him away and step back immediately. 

"What was that for?" 

"I need to prove it to you that it's real."

There must be a scientific explanation about this then I will believe it. I walk to the painting and try to touch the canvas and nothing happens.

"Get me out of here." 

Noah throw the box away then he grabs my hand, touch the canvas and step out the painting with me. Once I'm back at the art room, I run out of the art room and rush to the women's bathroom. I wash my face and try to understand the reality. I take my phone and look for any information about dimension beyond a painting and there is only one website that explain about another dimension but it's not a dimension inside a painting. I try to calm down then I leave the bathroom. 


Noah sits on the floor and he stares at the painting. How can he be that stupid to reveal his ability? Now Sera knows about the dimension inside the painting and perhaps she will stay away from him and he can't protect her anymore. Besides he did something unexpected back in the dimension which is kissing her. It's not something that he would do to make someone believe him but he just did it. His body naturally did that and now he realize that there's something wrong with him. 

"Sera. . ." 

Noah takes the painting and he stand up then leave the art room with the painting on his hand. When walks down he spot Sera near the main door of building B and she's talking to a person with yellow hair. It's Benjamin. How can he knew that Sera is here? He immediately rush to the main door and push Benjamin away. 

"Noah!" 

Sera looks surprised. Noah brings Sera to his back and try to protect her. 

"What are you doing here?" 

"I explain about the dimension to Sera since she asked me about it." 

"You ask Ben about the dimension?" 

"I did, he said that he can explain everything and help me to understand." 

"He's a liar! Let's go, Sera." 

Noah takes Sera with him back to the dorm, leaving Benjamin behind. Noah knows everything about Ben, about everything that he has done in the past, about Candace and now he's going to do the same thing to Sera. He can't let that happen to this young girl. 

"Noah!" 

". . ." 

"Noah!" 

Noah turns around and he looks at Sera, she looks in pain, perhaps he hold her hand too tight. He let her hand go and look at her. 

"I'm sorry." 

"Why did you do that to him? I only ask for an explanation." 

"Sera, listen to me. He is a liar. I told you that he's a bad person remember?"

"Yes. . " 

"Do you remember about the note that you got when we had lunch at the chinese restaurant near the supermarket?" 

"Yes." 

"It was him. He gave you the note, he's trying to harm you, Sera. Just like what he did to Candace and I don't want you to experience the same thing as Candace did." 

"Candace? Who is that?" 

"I'll tell you later." 

He takes Sera with him to his dorm and ask Sera to sit. Noah walks to his bedroom and take out a book from his bookcase then he take a photo from the book then he give Sera the photo. It's a photo of a beautiful red haired girl, she looks younger than Sera, maybe she is 18 years old and in the photo, the girl is smiling brightly. 

"Who is she?" 

"It's Candace Roseschwarz. My ex-lover, my first love and Ben's victim."

Sera-21 years old trying to live a new life in a new place but who knows there'll be lots of things that change her life since she met a young man from aircraft that will give lots of impact in her life. Noah-22 years old is a 2nd semester student who lose his ex-lover because of a person named Benjamin. Sera meet Noah and there will be a biggest problem that she will face in her life and she must do everything to make sure she will never have the same fate as Noah's ex-lover. But everything will get darker and more mysterious. Will Sera and Noah be able to get over with every challenge and problem that they will face?

"Louis Daniel Blance" A simple man with a simple life.An 24 years old, working as a simple shop owner in London. Pleasant, kind and charming person who greatly cares for his family consisting of his wife and an unborn baby.  He did nothing wrong and will probably never do anything to cause his family to suffer. 

   In short, Louis Blance is a good man. 


 On the other hand… 


   "William Hide Blance" or "Don Hide" as people call him. The younger twin brother of Louis Blance and a criminal responsible for the death of many. He is by no means a good man unlike his brother.  

  

  Ever since he was young, he beat, stole and destroyed everything and everyone he came across. That is what the acquaintances of his parents say, the people who knew the twins since they were born, saying-


   "Yes, he was such a bad child! Always caused his family a problem. Honestly I pity Mr. and Mrs.Blance very much for having a son like him!" 


"Always knew he would turn out like this and ruin the good family's name! Should have crossed him out of the family once he turned 16!"


"Honestly, even in the university Louis was always the one keeping that piece of trash in line! I pity him for having a brother like that!" 


 But that was far from the truth wasn't it? It's not like he wanted everything to turn out like this. He just wanted people to be fair to each other. To treat everyone the same, he just wanted to be noticed. 


  But then, that stupid bastard came into his life and ruined everything while proclaiming about justice and how he was wrong and should repent for his crimes!! Now his Familigia was gone! Dead and few survivors caught, tried then put in prison and he himself got caught after losing to that self proclaimed hero!

  

  'Well, not so self proclaimed anymore is it?'.. 


The traitorous part of his mind whispered, reminding of the fact that now the brat was Hero of the city! After all he stopped the Villain from destroying their town and protected their lives by beating up the Villain, he even got the girl and his happy ending! 


   And the irony was not lost to Don Hide. After all, the so-called Villain of this story was him. Him, William Hide Blance! The head of the most important Mafia familigia.  Beaten by a mere civilian younger than him and is watching his trial happen right before his eyes. 


   A small trembling hand grabbed into his cutting off his wave of thoughts as the owner of those delicate hands watched the trial, trembling from worry. The terrified teal eyes never looking away from the star of today's show. 


   Louis Blance was a good man… 


He was simply too good of a man that he switched and took his brother's place in the trial and now is getting punished in his place. No one aside from his wife Eliza Blance nee Simons knew about this. After all, Louis and William were identical in appearance. From the tip of their head to the ends of their toes,having been born from a single embryo. So no one could tell them apart, not even their shitty parents.  


  It was obvious Eliza was terrified with worry. And Hide? He just felt blank. He didn't know what to think…. No, he just didn't want to think. 


  "William Hide Blance. You are hereby sentenced to serve 25 years in prison for the crimes you have committed! So mote it be!" 


  Thus the criminal William Hide Blance was punished and Louis Daniel Blance remained to continue his daily life. 


   When Hi- No Louis, It's Louis now, come back to it…  The Trial was already over and they were back at home. But not his home…. It's Louis's home. 

    He lifted his head up and glanced at the back of his sister in law. She just lost her husband… Sure, he wasn't dead but he wasn't free either. And it was all because of him, but he was the one who insisted on switching wasn't he!? So why did he want to apologise so much!? 


   Just as he was struggling (can you believe it? He was actually struggling!) over what to say. The blonde haired woman mumbled something. 


  "The hair dye is in the bathroom, you should dye your hair"


  With that Eliza left for her bedroom without even looking at him. And Hide couldn't bring himself to say anything. What would he even say? There was nothing to say and they both knew it. 


   So without another word, he walked upstairs with his bag and into the guest room. He might be living as his brother now but Hide is not shameless enough to sleep with his brother's wife. He opened the door, threw his bag into the ground and flopped down on the bed. 


  He should dye his hair like Eliza said but he was too tired to do it, food wasn't an option because he knows he can't handle anything right now, neither of them could anyway. 


  With this Louis Daniel Blance formerly known as William Hide Blance closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

  'Run!....' 


'No stop! Let me go!' 


  'Ah! No! 


' Stop! Stop it hurts! No! Don't! '


' please kill me….. '


' STAY AWAY! NOO!! MUM! DAD! DANI!! '


' *sniff* I'm scared… '


 Cold eyes, stares into the terrified ones of the one underneath him.


"Die…"


.

.

.

. 

. 

. 

. 

 

  Hide sat up, breathing harshly as he tried to calm his frantically beating heart.

  ' It has been a while'  he thought, taking a few deep breaths as he finally started relaxing a little but not fully, never fully. That was a lesson learnt the hard way and Hide isn't planning to forget it anytime soon. 


  He layed back down and curled up into himself, staring at the pale green wall quietly. It was useless trying to sleep anyway, besides it wasn't like he could do anything. 


  Hide glanced at the clock silently, it read "3:47". Almost 4 o'clock then… Without even bothering to think about it, He sat up and groggily got out of the way, might as well dye his hair since he doesn't have the fancy ability to change his appearance like his brother. 


     His brother must have also dyed his hair before he switched with him cause even with power suppressing cuffs Louis's hair remained silver. After all, it was rare for a person to have natural silver hair unless they had beast ancestry. 

 

   Another difference between the Blance Twins. The older twin Louis had red hair and lavender eyes while the younger twin Hide had startling silver hair and eyes just shade darker than his brother. For this reason most people guessed that Hide dyed his hair in order to stand out.  And since their parents passed away, no one will be able to tell the difference unless they saw their childhood picture. Which was unlikely because Hide never really got his picture taken as a child, he still doesn't like it when people take his picture. 


     Hide quietly made his way out of the guest room and into the dark hallway walking past the master bedroom without making any sound. He froze when he heard the quiet sob coming from the master bedroom. He didn't need to be a genius to know that this was his sister, for they are only ones in the house after all. 


  Unknown emotions stirred inside his chest, it wasn't pleasant one and Hide didn't like it one bit. He stood there trying not to make a sound as his insides churched with something he guessed was guilt and anger… It wasn't a familiar sort of anger either. 


  With a scowl and a mood ruined further, he clenched his hands and walked past the room and into the bathroom, locking it behind himself he grabbed the red dye and got to work. He doesn't have time to think about it. Cause- 


    'If you have time to think then be useful and work, you useless whore"


 Laughing bitterly, he pushed the thoughts away and smirked towards his reflection in the mirror. 


"Two can play this game, let's see who' ll win me or you. The winner can take it all" 


 A predatory smile appeared on the face in the mirror matching the gleam in his eyes. 


 "And if you lose? ~" 


"Darling~ I never lose and you know it. These people will pay for what they did" 


 Maniacal laughter echoed through the bathroom as the mirror shattered in million pieces coated in blood. 


   The contract was signed once again. 


A deal made with demon


  Not even that "Hero" can stop him now. 


    "William?.." 


"It's nothing sister. I'll be coming right out" 


  "Alright. It's fine you break anything… Just be careful okay? Louis won't want you to get hurt.." 


 "I promise not to" 


"Alright, good night.." 


"Yeah, Rest well" 


With that she walked away and footsteps faded away, disappearing with the sound of door closing, leaving Hide once again alone with thoughts. 


  Staring at the broken remains of the mirror on the wall, he schooled his still smirking expression into the blankness that was his usual state those days and stood up to wash his hair. 

  Well, everything will come down soon enough and he will have his revenge. For now, he'll have to lay low and quiet. Hide's lips twitched, with a cheerful humm, he finished his business in the bathroom and left back to the guest room after cleaning the blood and the mirror away. 


  It won't do well to scare his sister in law after all. 

Humanity is cruel... It was lesson learned long time ago. To believe in someone means to also expect them to stab you in the back. You trust no one, not even yourself. Cause in this dark world, trusting means losing, and losing means dying. And he foolishly choose to forget this and place his trust on her. But what did he get? Another betrayel followed by well deserved punishment. His family was gone, the people he could place his faith in to be loyal to him. He lost all his hard earned power. "In this world only those with power rules. Once you lose it you are nothing but a trash. You have no rights, you're not useful. If you have time to think then get up and work you useless wh*re" Let's see then if he trully is useless. He would get it all back. The power, information, money and people. He would have it all back and then he would get revenge. He made a deal with a demon, so he'll just have to win this game and devour the devil. Isn't that right? ~~

[Abi's POV]

I half opened my eyes and the very first thing I watch was the mirror. The ceiling itself has a mirror. 

"Wonder why somebody has a mirrored ceiling", I frowned confused.

" Maybe they are obsessed with themselves", My subconsciousness made a guess.

My throat was dry I looked aside from the bed there was a glass filled with water. I drink it.

"Satisfied", My subconsciousness got relief.

What the fuck? Where I am? 

I turned to the other side of the bed. 

" TYLER", I screamed inside my head.

I watched him, he was sleeping on his stomach in deep. I got to see his broad shoulder which is really strong. His hairs were wet and there were droplets on his face. I think his skin might be soft like us. Let me touch him. I forward my hands towards his face.

"Are you done? Staring?", Suddenly I heard his voice and got flinched. 

" You scared me", I got relaxation.

He sat up. Why he is not wearing his shirt? Did he and I something? No, it can't be possible. I was drunk but that's quite impossible for me to have drunk sex. 

"Last night, no sex happened between us", He stands up in smirking and got threw a white shirt from his wardrobe on me.
 
How come every time he read my thoughts? Am I that loud?

" Go and get the shower", He ordered. "I will go and make the breakfast", He informed me.

"Do you know cooking? Please don't burn it cause I am not fond of it", I threw some tantrums.

"Babe... Last night you were so drunk that you even tried to force me", He snickered in pleasure.

With the rest of my strength, I dragged myself out of the bed flood of thoughts ran to my mind. But I couldn't recollect it. Am that horny? 

" You never know you were so drunk", My subconsciousness triggered my mind.

"I don't believe you", I said in confidence and walked towards him.

" Believe or not but you slept tight hugging to me. You asked me to sleep with you then I, Tyler refused your request and allowed you to sleep peacefully----", He recited the incident and I interrupted him.

"Stop... I am sure I didn't do such things. By the way, how would I believe that you will be skillful in bed, huh", I raised my brow and tried to make him degrade.

" That you will come to know soon or later. For your assurance, you can contact any girl from our college. The score you will receive will be excellent", He provided his information with reference attached to it.

"Did you have sex with Olivia too",  I jumped on her again.

" Why you always come on Olivia? Is that you are getting obsessed with her or something... lesbian scenes are getting in the air", He comes close to me and whispered near my neck.

Oh! fuck. His voice is so seductive. His breath gives me goosebumps, his lips gave a firm brush on my neck and make me feel to pull him close to me.

I took a deep breath and shook all those horny thoughts in the trash.

"You can speak these utterances standing there also", I stepped back and pointed the finger to the doorway.

"Getting turn on", He instantly questions me with his patent smirk.

" Is he on purpose?", My subconsciousness doubts his intention.

" Hey! You are not that handsome which will make me turn on", I masked my luscious thoughts.

"Fine as you say but remember one day you will beg to me and I will make sure to make you scream my name in pleasure", He stated affirmatively.

" Huh...Never. Dream on baby boy", I teased him and went for a shower.

He bangs on the bathroom door.

"I am moving. Do get your booty down to breakfast", He informed me in loud outside of the bathroom.

I waited for a moment for my head to stop spinning. There was a huge bathtub in the middle in one corner there was a dressing room at the other end I saw a shower. There is no wall in the bathroom it's has a transparent glass. I switched on the shower and the cold water ran on to my body giving chills to my nervous system. He is getting really overconfident. Every time he jokes about me and with Olivia he seems pretty well-groomed. However, it's good for him to be away from me. I don't want him to be close to me. I don't want history to get repeat it's cruelty and merciless strategy.

" It was all in past", My subconsciousness consoled me.

"Never forget your past", I quoted in the phrase.

I switched off the shower and stepped out of the bathroom. There were undergarments lying on the bed. I took a bra and wore it. It is quite fitted to me. Not bad I am impressed. It is lacy in black color and the panty is similar to color and design. I felt truly comfortable in these. I wore his shirt on my body. The scent is wonderful makes me feel as if I am hugging him. It's transparent so you can see that I wore black color undergarments. 

The king-size bed. I could lay in the middle of the beautiful round thing starfish-style and still have at least 25 centimeters extra in all directions. It was also crazily comfortable. The bedsheets are satin black in color.

I walked down. His house is beautiful and has a warm feeling. It's huge but you can feel welcome, comfortable and family. The couch is huge in black color. Polyvinylchloride stretch ceiling (PVC) mirrored ceiling, which required to follow a specific instruction. The ceiling is based on the vinyl film. The softened film is stretched and fastened on the pre-prepared frame.

" So he loves mirror", I guessed.

"Mirror mirror on the wall who is the father of Hoe", My subconsciousness sang loud.

" Hehehe!", I giggled.

I took my steps towards the kitchen. He was shirtless just wearing a black apron and on the left side of the apron, there is a symbol of brown bread. The kitchen has the obtuse conventional mirror determining the shape and color of the panels, which is mostly successfully harmonized with the overall interior. The ceiling overlapping by attaching drywall to them. Only in this way, glass tiles are fully revealed their best qualities.

I got entered into it. I tapped the kitchen table in loud and took the seat.

"What's cooking? I am very hungry do make. tasteful a------", I instructed him.

" Spicy", He interrupted me and added his own word

"How do you know about my taste preference?", I raised a question and frowned eyebrows.

" Last night you were drunk that you mistook me as Aunt Clara and asked me to cook food. I kindly, heartedly cooked chicken noodles and four sandwiches", He tried to make me recollect the last night's incident.

Later he served me Santa Fe Salad, the lemon herb chicken, the creamy feta and the tangy tomatoes- tomatillo dressing, Chipotle chicken tacos, and Kale mango ginger Smoothie. One thing I must say the platting looks so good that it makes me feel more hungry. He took his seat and was upper bare skin. I took the first bite from the salad and it was indeed good the chicken is getting melt in the mouth as they were cooked according to the instructions mentioned in the recipes. It made a heart delighted. Tyler you are awesome. Your cooking skills can make anyone eat more.

"How's it", He took a fork near his mouth.

" It's just okay", I looked my head down and were enjoying it.

"I hope the bra and panty fitted you well", He smirked and took his chipotle chicken tacos whole in his mouth.

This is sooooo embarrassing. It made me flush.

" Don't you know this is a sign of being pervert", I shouted in anger.

"I don't think so. Does it really count in it?", He played as dumb.

" Whatsoever. How... How do you know my size?"

Did I ask him for hesitation? 

I have to be sure. What if he had seen me nude in the bathroom through his CCTV camera. He can fix it there. He is a bloody pervert. I doubt.

"It might happen you and Olivia have the same size boobs", My subconsciousness signaled me.

" Olivia? Huh. I have much better than her", I bragged and flipped my hair back.

"I can make out while just having a glance on it", He smiled and eyed to my boobs.

I kept both my hands cross on my boobs to hide it from this slimeball guy.

" Hey don't stare. They don't speak?", I screamed at him.

As I was screaming he puts chipotle chicken tacos in my mouth. I chewed it and it was awesome. It made my day.

"Eat this and get ready I will drop you at your home", He took a drink of Kale Mango ginger.

" Okay", I agreed and resumed my eating.

"Where is my outfit?", After a minute it got to click in my head.

" Everything is arranged in the room", He notified me. 

"When did you got all the time to arrange an outfit? Or it's like you already have a surplus of outfits for your friends with benefits", I made a sarcasm remark raising my eyebrow along with shoulder.

"There's no need of you to know", He answered with a smile which made me felt reckless.

" Huh... As if I am dying to know", I thumped on the table and stood up to leave.

"But you are curious to know", My subconsciousness prompted me.

" Ohh you are a bitch", I cursed her.

I climbed the stairs and went into the room. There was a dress kept on the bed. Is he a magician? When did he get time to place this here? He was having breakfast with me downstairs. I am sure there is someone who is helping him behind my back. But. Why should I care? Nothing is going off from me.

I wore a Teal color long sleeve crop top button up and off-shoulder. For the bottom, I wore a high rise acid wash blue shorts. It has good quality and very comfy to be in it the whole day. I got downstairs he was all ready to kick me out of his house. 

Ummmm... Can't I stay here for more minutes I want to touch his hair and make it mess? It was good to be in his house. The design, the texture made me craving to stay here more. I sighed. But every good thing has it's ending.

"Shall we?", He asked me in conformity.

" Yeah", I followed his footsteps and went out of the house.

Abigail Carton is an 18-year-old college student with excellent grades, friends and a sweet boyfriend. She has always organized the things planned and time outed until she met a Tyler Morrison who changed her life plans completely.




Warning!!
The book has many swears and mature contents. 

This is my first book to do love and support me. Every suggestion is welcome. Do not judge the book by its grammar. Please ignore the mistakes.

Ila enters his personal lab and looks at the surprisingly pristine nature of the room. He doesn't see a single particle of dust anywhere. 'Hmm, strange.' Ila thinks to himself. He looks around to see if all of his belongings were still there.

His bed was off to the side, still perfectly made even after 10,000 years. His main console in the middle of the room, other secondary consoles lining the walls all covered by the white covers that they used when covering consoles that weren't in use for sometime and a stasis chamber in between two of the secondary consoles. A table and chairs in a corner. There was a secondary room that was dedicated as his bathroom/laundry/wardrobe room that was right across the entrance of the lab. The floor was still the same color as the rest of the floors of Atlantis but the surprising difference between the walls inside the lab and the rest of Atlantis was something to gasp at. The walls when not covered by the secondary consoles was full of Ila's art.  He had painted them himself over the somewhat bland teal color of the walls in other rooms of Atlantis. Beautiful paintings showing what appears to be a young boy with his mother, another showing the same boy with another young boy. Some were of the Atlantis itself, with different scenarios. One where she was just resting atop the waters, another where she was in space, and another where she was fighting off multiple Wraith Hive ships.

Ila headed towards the secondary room while peeling off his sweaty and battle worn captain's uniform, leaving them on the floor in a line. He got into the shower and saw that his shampoo/conditioner was still somehow there and in a usable condition. 'This is quite strange. It must be mother again. Knowing her, she must be laughing at the preposterous situation that I am in.' Ila thought to himself as he showered.

Dr. Weir glanced down at her tablet to confirm that the room she was standing in front of was where the living, breathing Lantean was. She hesitated for a few seconds before ringing the doorbell.

Ila heard the chimes coming from the speakers around the lab, alerting him that someone was outside of his lab. He leans out of the shower to press an octagonal button and said, "Hello, I am currently taking a shower. If you would like to speak about something please come in and wait for me. I'll be right out."

Dr. Weir was startled by the abrupt sound of Captain Ila telling her that he was taking a shower and that she should come in. She hesitates again for a few seconds and enters his lab. She looks around and is immediately enraptured by the beautiful works of art on the walls and the amount of consoles in the room. She sees his neat bed and a pile of dirty clothes heading towards a room. She can hear the sounds of water hitting his body.

She calls out to him. "Captain Ultum? I was wondering if we would be able to talk after you finished with your shower? I am sure we have a lot to discuss!"

She could hear him turning off the shower. Then a bit of rustling of fabric against flesh and then the silvery voice of the Captain saying, "Of course Dr. Weir, it would be my pleasure in talking to the leader of the people who have taken on my people's legacy and protected it from the Wraith. I would like to personally thank you and your people for the wonderful job you have done in preserving the city as best as you can. I had scanned Atlantis with my ship, the Invictus when I had exited hyperspace in orbit. She seems to have been in a battle recently and a bit of water damage in the lower levels of the city but what else could you expect when the city was submerged for 10,000 years."

Ila walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his lower half. His lean upper body looking like an Olympian gods body. Dr. Weir stared at the Adonis in appreciation. She cleared her throat and said, "Thank you for your praise! I wanted to talk with you one-on-one before the IOA back on Earth send one of their members to discuss how to deal with this situation. I wanted to talk about the possibility of sharing knowledge of both our cultures and our technologies, though I know our technology level is way beneath your people's, I would like to believe that you would be willing to help us in our struggles against the Wraith."

"Of course. I would be more than willing to help you and your people. I can use your peoples assistance anyway. I am the only one left of my people as it seems and I don't have the manpower required to take the fight to the Wraith by myself. I am willing to teach a select number of your scientists about how things work. I may be able to provide locations of our shipyards if they haven't been destroyed by the Wraith. There is a lot that we can both benefit from and so I would like to offer a token of friendship by teaching you about this city and it's many secrets!" Ila said to a very ecstatic Dr. Weir. 

"Thank you for this. Many of this galaxy hoped for the return of your people from what I have heard and I believe that the actions we are taking and the decisions we will be making is the first step towards your people's, the Lantean's resurrection! I'll take my leave and discuss this with my expedition and the people back at Earth. Please, rest well." Dr. Weir enthusiastically said as she exited Ila's lab. She quickly boarded a transporter and went to the gate room.

At the gate room, Sheppard, McKay, and Caldwell could be seen talking to Teyla and Ronon, no doubt telling the two Pegasus natives the good news.

"This is wonderful news, is it not!" Teyla told the group, "My people have always said that the Ancestors would one day return, and it seems that today was that day!"

"Yeah, my people had also talked about how the Ancestors would return and destroy the Wraith, once and for all. I, personally, am glad to be able to see the return of the Ancestors and I am willing to help him in killing as many Wraith as I can!" Ronon added.

"Well, with him and his ship here to help, we definitely have a better chance of fighting the Wraith. With the things that Hermiod has told me about him, he seems to have a big reputation as a scientist, mainly in his genetics research for the Asgard but also for his other fields of study. Though, apparently he had even more restrictions put on him that Janus did. Hermiod contacted the Asgard High Council about him and they want to set up a meeting." Caldwell told the group. "I am waiting to see what Dr. Weir has to say about this."

Just as Caldwell finished telling the group, Weir comes up the stairs and makes her way towards the group. "Well, I spoke with Captain Ila, and he has agreed to help. He agreed to teach our scientists about his peoples technologies, and also possibly take us to Ancient shipyards if they are still there and not destroyed by the Wraith that is."

"Ancient shipyards would be really good, especially if we can find one intact. It would let us see how they built their ships and help us making more! " McKay said.

"Hermiod said that the Asgard High Council was requesting to meet with Captain Ila. I was waiting for you to hear what you had to say about this. If you give the go ahead, Hermiod will call an Asgard ship to escort the High Council to Atlantis."  Caldwell informed Weir.

"The Asgard High Council are actually leaving the Ida galaxy to come here? Well, I guess it makes sense that they would want to personally talk with one of their oldest allies." McKay chimed in.

"Well, tell Hermiod that I will inform Captain Ila of the High Councils desire to meet. I am sure that he would accept. As Rodney said, they are old allies." Weir said as Ila, dressed in Lantean clothes, walked up the stairs. Weir turns towards Ila, "Captain, it seems that the Asgard High Council want to meet with you. Hermiod said that they would be sending an Asgard ship to come to Atlantis to meet with you. He just wanted to go ahead to tell the High Council to come here."

"Yes, I'd be more than willing to meet with my old allies. I wonder if they have fixed the problem with their genome degradation. If not, I would be willing to help with that. I have to speak with the council to see what they have tried and hopefully give input that would prove useful to them." Ila replied.

"Great, I'll tell Hermiod that you would be willing to meet." Caldwell said as he opened a channel to the Daedalus, "Hermiod, Captain Ila said that he would be willing to meet with the High Council and that he also wanted to help out with the cloning problem you guys have."

"Tell the Captain that I thank him for his assistance and that the High Council will be here in a little less than a day." Hermiod signed out as he took the necessary actions to inform the council of Ila's decision. Hopefully, this can benefit all parties, the Asgard, Tau'ri, and the Ancients.

I DO NOT OWN any of the Stargate franchise. All characters/objects/concepts that appear in this novel are owned by their respected company. I only take ownership of any original characters/objects/concepts.


This is the tale of Ila Ultum, a Lantean that got sent 10,000 years into the future, escaping from the Wraith that were at war with the Lanteans. Join him on his journey where he meets the Atlantis Expedition, takes the fight to the Wraith and keeps the legacy of his people alive!

From Lucia:
Mason, how have you two been? I'll be swinging by the church in a few days so I'll be able to see you both soon, are you excited?!
The phone screen shines brightly in the dim room as Mason stares at it blankly, not quite sure how to respond. Sighing he rubs his face and sits up properly, twining his fingers together the brunette pushes them out to stretch them. Picking his phone back up Mason hesitates a moment before beginning.
How are you? Things here had been great, we had a guys night after you set up Xavier's new sound room, he was really happy about it and played an amazing song with Kyle straight away! But the next day when I came back from a mission something was wrong. I could sense a really strong demonic presence inside the church grounds. I followed it to the church but when I looked inside I found Xavier. His skin was starting to turn green, from something similar to the possession curse I think, and when I approached him he attacked me. He didn't even seem to be able to see me but when he came to he just ran off. 
Vincent brought him back later and I cleansed the presence from his body but he wouldn't wake up, I have never encountered a curse this strong either so you should check Xavier over when you get back as well. I sent Vincent home and was planning on staying with Xavier for the rest of the night but I was called out for an emergency early in the morning with the others. 
When we returned that presence was back but when I went inside Xavier wasn't anywhere, so I checked the church and it was trashed, the air was tainted with powerful magic but still I couldn't find Xavier. I called the others to help me look and we eventually found him under the tree at the end of the street. 
Do you remember the tree we planted for my lost brother?
Xavier's clothes were torn, he had a large cut on his chest that I had to stitch closed and that curse was back! I cleansed it again and brought him back but when I was cleaning him up I saw another injury. It was so much worse than the one on his chest. Luke I think Xavier has been r-
Throwing his phone across the room Mason shouts at the wall. How the hell was he meant to write about that? He couldn't, he just couldn't put it in to words. It was absolutely terrible, and he honestly hadn't been able to tell anyone about it because how the hell was he meant to say something like that? Gripping at his hair the brunet pulls it until it stings his scalp as he goes to retrieve his phone. 
After what happened and Xavier had woken up the raven had spent hours in the bathroom and when Mason had checked on him he had had to cleanse that curse again. The other had been standing under boiling hot water, scrubbing and scrubbing at his skin. Blood was seeping from his abused pores but he didn't seem to care. He was muttering under his breath with eyes clouded over, he didn't even react when Mason forcibly removed him. Though Xavier wouldn't remember it. 
That curse had returned even though Mason had watched over Xavier all night, even though no demon had come close it had returned. He didn't understand what the hell it was or how to properly get rid of it. 
The day after that Xavier had insisted on going to school, despite Mason's protests, but within an hour of being there Mason had found him pressed to the wall of his classroom. The raven flinched whenever someone came close to him, tugged on his long sleeves again and again until threads started coming loose. He'd watched until he couldn't take it anymore and had sent Xavier home, the other had left without protest. 
Xavier seemed to be actively trying to repress it all, but something like that doesn't just go away. Mason knew the injury had healed incredibly well since he'd had to pull the other from the shower but even without the physical proof there was still mental damage. Even when Mason tried to get him to talk, to try to help, the raven would shut down and retreat to his room. 
Having gone home right after notifying Gregor of the attack, not the specifics, Mason had quickly searched for Xavier.
The other was in the bathroom again but as Mason approached he came out, his usual get up of clothing that hides his skin nothing compared to what he now wore. Mason could see the collars of at least three long sleeve shirts, then a jacket on top of that. He was wearing what looked like two pairs of pants as well. When the brunette had tried to stop him, Xavier had freaked out. Slapping his hand away like it burned him and shouting for Mason to leave him alone already. 
It was the fifth day since then and Mason still hadn't told anyone the specifics, Gregor had been around to examine Xavier but they'd been in a room alone together and when he'd come out he wore a grim expression. He refused to tell Mason anything. Honestly the brunet had been hoping the Headmaster would tell someone, would get Xavier help. But no one had come, so Mason knew he had to be the one, but he just couldn't do it. 
Shaking his head Mason picks up his phone, no he needed to tell someone, Xavier was only getting worse. Erasing the message he'd written Mason starts over.
Xavier was attacked, you need to come home as soon as possible.
Sending the message Mason slides his phone in to his pocket and sighs. Hearing sounds from the kitchen he tries to bring up a smile and heads out. It was surprising that Xavier was out of his room, but he needed to say something, needed the raven to know he was here for him. 
"How about we order some junk food?" he offers as he rounds the corner, a small smile on his face. However, as his eyes land on Xavier Mason feels his heart stop. 
Red, why was there so much red? 
"XAVIER!" Rushing forwards Mason catches the raven as he tumbles, the knife that had been in his hands clattering loudly as Mason shouts for help. Quickly grabbing tea towels from the drawer nearest to them Mason grabs Xavier's arms with shaking hands. 
The blood was getting on him, so damn much of it. The vertical gashes on the raven's wrists are pouring it out freely. How did he not hear anything? How had he let this happen? Quickly wrapping the dish towel around one wrist Mason looks up as the others pour in. Shoving the other tea towel at one he instructs him to wrap the other wrist and hold it tight. Gesturing to his pocket he demands the other call an ambulance. 
The blood is seeping through the towel he holds so he presses harder, refusing to acknowledge it. His eyes sting but he taps Xavier's cheek with his other hand. The red from his hand staining the others deathly pale cheek.
"Oi! Wake up! Come on!! XAVIER!" he shouts, louder and louder. He's shaking but he can't stop. Those deep azure eyes finally open, meeting his own teary teal but they just look so empty. "That's it, stay awake for us Xavier." He forces himself to stay, the tightness in his throat almost ceasing his breaths.
Weak laughter reaches his ears, he feels the wrist in his hand tugging meekly. Those eyes move away from his own, to the roof or rather beyond it. 
"I just want to die" The words are said so softly, but the pain in them stabs at Mason's heart. This was his fault, he should have helped Xavier more, should have forced him to see someone. Should have done something! Just as he's about to protest Xavier's eyes start to flutter closed, and no matter how much he shouts they won't open again.

As it would seem he’d been living his life as nothing more than a puppet hung by strings. His controls seeming to pass from person to person however always in the eyes of the one with the master plan. Never, not once was he walking a path that he was not meant to, so when he began those first few steps he didn’t truly understand just how much his world would begin to crumble.
As it goes that pain draws people together he thinks that tragedy is much like glue.

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