untitled: The Duel

 

 

The three men hurry down the hall,  Lazarus moving with the same elegance and grace, if not a little slower than normal. He takes in the buildings outside as they walk past massive windows, marveling at the changes around him. The place really had grown, like the sprouting of mushrooms during the night; not here the day before, but fully sprung the next. Much like magic. Out into the courtyard they sweep, Lazarus looking ahead as Rei hails the immortal. The shorter angel much quicker than he.

 

The westerly building was a long structure that sat on the far side of the compound. It was one of the more luxurious parts of the maze of buildings, as it had fine glass windows which allowed sunlight to glisten through the panes of glass. The furnishings were incredibly sparse, just enough that Rowan would need to work and keep up with the ever-growing effort it was to keep up an army. This is where Ibelyn led Prince Conrard, the tall dark-skinned man with a gruff visage and a missing eye. Beside him  was the lithe blond beauty Kite with her sharp blue eyes that matched Falcon's to a t. Stannis was beside his master, his stern face holding no emotion. He looked so much like Urius, it was startling. 

 

The immortal looked up as the three arrive. Rei in the lead, with Rowen and Lazarus not far behind. Lazarus had put on an impassive, quiet expression before drifting to join them. Whatever aches were hidden by a mask of dignity and calm. He bows his  head respectively to the people before him, every inch Death's Second. The immortal stood silently, allowing Rowan do the talking, for now. He was here for intimidation purposes and to hear what was spoken between them.

 

"You seem to be doing well enough..." Conrard started off, standing there in full armor regalia with his long dark hair pulled back and slicked. His dark eyes looked over the smaller, more nimble Rowan as if sizing up a sparring partner. He grunted and spit, not seeming to care about the wood floors. "Let's cut to the chase, Rowan. You know damn well I don't want to be here, but they sent me because they know I can take your bullshit and return it with a fist...Why you left Tenshihana baffles me, but it's this obvious treason against your own countrymen that just about has me at your throat. Have you abandoned your calling as a Prince? There are people who depend on you...if you leave, you screw them over and you piss the rest of us off!"

 

Rowan looked to Conrard with a steady gaze through  his passionate speech. His eyes were glowing in their anger, but Rowan remained as cool as ice. "Being a Prince was never my calling, Conrard. My mother was born with the blood of Princes, I merely was given it by her, I have every right to denounce myself, as in accordance with Tenshihana law...That aside, I believe it's a bit far fetched to call me a traitor or accuse me of abandoning my subjects when, obviously, the majority of our government already has their own interests in mind. I'm merely following my morals. Is that not what God teaches us to do?" Rowan's quip made Conrard growl. He turned sharply to Death, glaring at him.

 

"And you? What's your take on this? You bring an Angel here in order to have him run an army for you? This is hardly the neutral Death who promotes peace...Bah! More like peace at the end of a blade."

 

"Don't look to my new master with such contempt, Conrard. He's tried of being dragged into your war," Rowan warned with an edge to his voice far too commanding for Conrard to ignore. The man growled and glared at his former comrade.

 

"That aside, Rowan...you have to choose. I'm here at the rest of the Prince's request...They asked me to KILL you. I'm giving you a choice. I'm going to let you come back or crush you. No deals."

 

Watching on in silence, the immortal is more like a stately statue than a man. His expression is unreadable, as are those eerie dark eyes. His thoughts unknown to all.  Such venom in this angel's tone.  Conrard was biting at the bit to get a piece of Rowan and proceed with the war. Death was certain that the army would spare no one demon-like. The immortal bristled, wanting more than ever to stop this. There was no need for this foolish war. There was nothing behind it save the desire to gain more.

 

"If you are so insistent, perhaps a duel will be in order? I know very well that I would like to avoid spending too many lives needlessly," Rowan said at last, getting a bit annoyed with Conrard's abrasive nature. He simply did not wish for the man to be taking up his time any longer - he had bigger fish to fry. However, his nonchalant mood seemed to make Conrard angry. He grit his teeth and snarled in turn. 

 

"Fine then! A duel it is...What shall we wager? You admitting defeat and adding your army to mine?" Conrard growls, wanting so badly to see Rowan on his knees in utter humiliation. It had long been a desire of Conrard's to have Rowan beneath him and moaning his name in masochistic pained pleasure. Of course, that dream would never be realized, so he could only spend his time utterly beating Rowan in a more formal form of battle.

 

"And if you lose, you are no longer allowed to participate in this war on any side," Rowan returns, his eyes rather pleased with the deal. This would be all too easy.

 

Lazarus watches on in silence beside his Lord, as still and unreadable.  Rei and Rowen stood at attention at their sides, at the ready to kill should anyone attack their lords. There was a reason their presence had been requested. A duel? Lazarus had not seen a duel in ages. This should be interesting. Lazarus had to wonder what lay in store. He had heard Rowan was a fine fighter, would he be the one to pick up a sword?

 

"We'll do this by terms of Seconds," Conrard replied with a cold smirk. "A battle to the death." Stannis seemed to go pale at the mentioning of Seconds, knowing well the terms of a duel associated with his rank. In case of a duel being too inconvenient for a master, the Second would automatically take his place. In turn, if possible, the opponent's Second would also step in for him and thus place the two fighters on level ground. In this case, it means that Stannis would be fighting his own brother...to the death, no less.

 

Lazarus blanched. "You dare to fight brother against brother?" He rasped, eyes narrowing. For the first time since he has joined them the shadowshifter speaks. "You are no better then a rat, Conrard." He snorts. The male had his arms across his belly, dark eyes narrowed in disgust. He could see how pale Stannis had gone and the very thought that either brother should be forced to kill their own sibling infuriated Lazarus to no end. This would be far from a fair fight. What man would wish to kill his own brother?

 

"I have to save myself for the war...it's entirely reasonable that Stannis should fight in my stead. After all, that's why I got him in the first place," Conrard replies with a huff as Kite growls. The woman walks right up to the Prince and gives him a look that would even have Death running.

 

"You rotten son of a bitch!! You know full well the kind of issues this would have for both Urius and Stannis! I'm not going to sit here and let you send my husband off to kill his own family, you fucking piece of petrified COW SHIT! Between you and these fucking pansies you brought with you, I don't know which is the bigger HACK! You do this, you lose me as a General! From this moment on, I'm not going to have any part in you dragging my husband to moral decay!!" Kite howled with rage, Conrard returning it with just as much venom.

 

"Shut the hell up, woman, and do your damn job! I don't give a damn if he's your husband - he's my Second and I'll do what I wish with him!" Conrard snarled, turning to Stannis sharply. "Go get your damn armor and meet me outside!" Stannis nodded and obeyed, walking out with a very troubled expression barely veiled by his Starc training.

 

"Oooh, no, you don't! Get your ass back in here, Stan! I have a few more words for this cock-sucking walrus fart here!!" 

 

"Walrus fart?! You deluded penis-hacking BITCH!"

 

"Shut up, Conrard, and get your head out of your ass!"

 

Listening to this, it is hard not to chuckle, even with the situation as dark as it is. The immortal is still silent, watching it all with his usual neutrality. It is hard to keep out of this though. But he has given the rein to Rowan and it is his choice whether to go through this or not. It is his Second's life on the line. Death breathes deep, worried that this could have greater consequences than a dead soldier. Pitting brother against brother is a cruelty in itself.

 

"Kite...it's alright. You need not worry," Rowan broke in, keeping both Conrard and Kite from ripping each other to pieces. Kite stopped and blinked, glaring at her cousin with the same viciousness she showed her Prince. With her strong personality, she wasn't about to back down from protecting her weak-willed husband.

 

"Oh? And what the hell are you going to do? Don't forget, you got Urius and Stannis in this mess to begin with! If you penis-envying BASTARDS weren't too busy playing at war, I'd have less to worry about and less to kill! They wouldn't be on opposite sides if YOU hadn't defected, you dumbshit!" Rowan merely quirked a brow at her "enthusiastic" come backs and cleared his throat.

 

"Again, Kite, you need not worry...Perhaps we shall add another condition to this, hmm?" Rowan asked, looking to a very pissed Conrard. He blinked, frowning for the other's suggestion but obviously pausing so he could continue. "If Stannis loses, I keep him. If Urius loses, you keep him."

 

"This sounds like a fantastic idea." The immortal finally speaks, stepping forth to stand beside Rowan. He looks down upon these angels with that same unreadable gaze, though now there is the smallest of smile. This could go better than he could have thought. If the men live of course. There might even be something behind this that Rowan had not told him. There is hope now and opportunity. Gesturing to them, he tips his chin. "Please, let us get this over with."

 

"Don't look so confident...if Urius loses, he's mine," Conrard says with a cold glare. "And I'm not going to tell Stannis to hold back." With that, Conrard turns and walks out, Kite refusing to leave as she snarls at his back. She's had enough of this man. He's done plenty of things to Stannis throughout the years, but this is lower than low. From this point on, she is denouncing herself as an Angel.

 

The immortal smiles as the angel leaves. The man was foolish. It was as if he was blind. With Kite so distressed, he was going to loose either way. The woman would not continue to be loyal to him, not with what he was doing to her beloved husband. A fool twice over. It gave him hope. Death smiles and glances down, his Second regarding him thoughtfully with one hand lingering upon his stomach.

 

"Roland, go and get Urius. Tell him he is to armor up. I want him outside as soon as possible," Rowan orders to the other Valen who bows and hurries off with his own Second in tow. Rowan then turns to Death, his visage very grave. "This will not be easy. Stannis is an exceptional fighter...and he does not suffer from Urius' mortal affliction."

 

"Stannis would not kill his own brother! Urius won't lose!" Kite asserts as she looks over at Rowan with her stern ice-blue gaze. Rowan turns and looks over his shoulder, glaring at her lightly.

 

"Even married to a Starc, you still underestimate them...If Conrard orders Stannis to cut off his own hand, Stannis will do it. Likewise, Urius will follow my every command without hesitation. They are Starc. They have NO WILL."

 

"I would not be so sure of that." Ceata remarks as he walked over. The young man was dressed impressively today, his pale eyes narrowed, expression cold and oddly stern. He stopped, bowing to Death with all due respect, though Rowan he ignored as if the man were not even there.  It was difficult for him to keep quiet. To not lash out at the man with all the hurt and anger boiling in his gut. "He'll be down soon.... we've been watching from the window." It seems Ceata has been sent ahead to inform them.

 

"Ceata..." Kite says softly, noting the change in the youth. Gods, he was so sweet and kind when she met him before, but now he is colder than even a Starc could be. It makes her chest tighten, for she had a camaraderie with the young man that pleased her very much. Now to see him so stern and unhappy makes her wish to hug him tight. "Surely, you're not going to let Urius go through with this, right? He's your mate..."

 

"I have no control over my mate." He replies matter-of-factly. "He will do his duty and all I can do is watch." There is barely hidden pain in his words, one hand sliding up his face and through his hair, fisting in the short locks for so brief a moment. One had to be paying close attention to the tension in his body to realize just how worried the young man was in that moment. "He'll do his best, I'm sure."

 

"Perhaps you should go back to the tower, Ceata," Rowan cuts in, his voice making Ceata flinch with rage. Rowan looks over his shoulder, his green eye flecked with little hints of red. Adonis is looking to Ceata, daring the other to snap. "I wouldn't want you distracting my Second."

 

"I am not a distraction Rowan." He replies, voice as measured as possible. "I am merely here to pick up the pieces should he be cut in twine." His lip curled in a slight sneer, eyes piercing Rowan-Adonis' with venom. I know what you are.... He seemed to be saying, I know exactly what you are you snake...

 

Rowan-Adonis merely smiled cordially. "Perhaps I did not make myself clear...I would like you to leave when the duel starts - for Urius' safety and your own," Rowan stated again. Everyone present could feel the tension in the air as Rowan challenged Ceata openly with that fierce gaze of his. It was like two beasts staring one another down...yet it was obvious Rowan would win. If Rowan ordered him to, Urius would ask Ceata to step from the field and stay at a further distance. If Rowan could not get Ceata to do what he wanted, he would just use Urius to do it either way.

 

With a disgusted look Ceata gave in and turned his shoulder. "Have it your way." With that the youth leaves, every fiber of his being desiring to tear the blond apart. Ceata's rage was festering inside and Adonis kept picking at the wound, making it worse and worse. It was foolish for Adonis, for Ceata would not restrain himself when he finally snapped. He would be as good as a dead man. At least that is what Ceata might think.  The four still staying were silent, Death's gaze following Ceata's stiff departure.

 

"Kite, I suggest you go find your son. Keep him from interfering," Rowan orders to Kite as he fixes his coat and then heads towards the door. "My Lord Death, will you come and watch?"

 

"Of course." He replies without hesitance. He would not miss this. The man glances to his Second, noting the slight strain he is under. It is Lazarus' first pregnancy. It is understandable that he is quick to exhaust. The immortal will keep a very close eye on him. "I will come to." Lazarus insists, following his Lord without question.

 

Rowan stepped out into the light of the afternoon, seeing the small contingent of Angels stretched out before him as they passed the compound wall. The air was dry and dusty in this change of seasons, allowing the sand there to whip across the barren rock landscape of Death's realm. Conrard stood out as he waited for his Second to appear, glaring at Rowan when he appeared on the opposite side of what would be the battle field. 

 

They look out over what will be the battle field. It is barren and dusty, the ground unmarked. Death frowns, knowing this could be a killing ground in the near future. First with this Starcs and then perhaps, when the war has truly begun. They wait, a crowd eager and desperate to see how this will turn out. Death must wonder though, why Ceata so easily caved to Rowan's request. The fear he felt from the boy was intense; who would not be afraid with their lover's life on the line? Perhaps it was that fear that sent him away. A distraction would not help him.

 

Not too long after Ceata had retreated back to the castle walls in a rage, Stannis came out wearing black and silver armor. His helm was that of a wolf, a great roaring head opening to show the other's stern face through slits. Heavy armor that would have been hard for even a Shadowshifter to work in weighed down the other's muscled frame. Even so, Stannis seemed to move fluidly, despite holding two short swords in either hand. "Lose some of that...you're going to be too weighed down to kill him," Conrard orders to his second. Stannis is hesitant.

 

"This will make it much more of an even fight, My Lord," the Starc begins to say, but his master frowns heavily for his words.

 

"Take it off, Stannis...don't rebel. You'll be no better than your wife then." With a sigh, Stannis trudges back to the sidelines and takes off the heavy gauntlets and leg guards, as well as the metal boots and heck guard. 

 

It was hard not to sneer in disapproval. Lazarus stood rigidly by his Lord's side, watching all this in disbelief. Conrard had no shame. None what so ever. Death touches his hand, soothing the ire of his Second. Let this take its course. One way or the other, there will be blood. All they can do is wait and see who will be victorious.

 

Not a moment later did Urius finally come out of the gates. His armor was black as well - a trend the Starcs seemed to have - and it was shaped without design in mind. It was good sturdy armor made of good sturdy material, light enough to allow Urius movement and strong enough to deflect most lower level blows. His helm hid his face, but his long double-handed broad sword was unmistakable. "Well, well, so your Second lives! I was surprised such a pathetic soldier could manage it onto the field...." Conrard calls out as he takes a seat offered to him by one of his soldiers. Urius jogs out the rest of the way, standing opposite his brother and nearest his master.

 

"Orders?" Urius asks, looking very blank-faced from what one can see beneath the helm. There are circles under his eyes and he seems generally fatigued, but Urius would never back down if Rowan ordered him to keep going.

 

"Fight as though to kill him. Do not lose, or you WILL be killed. Do not hesitate to inflict a mortal wound...as of this moment; he is not your brother. He is meat." Rowan's tone is so cold that it makes Kite shiver, staring at her cousin in surprise as to how he could sound so callous. Urius merely nods and checks his helm.

 

"As you wish." He heads out to stand across from Stannis, the other Starc looking uneasy.

 

Silent and reserved, Death watches on. Despite the stillness of the man he watches with keen eyes, taking in everything with interest. Here it is. Beside him Rei watched with his breath caught in his throat, excited trembles coursing through the general's body. A good fight has always gotten his blood pumping. Rowen and Lazarus watched on, silenced by the sheer importance of this battle.

 

"Ceata, please, tell me you're going to do something!! My father will kill him!" Falcon cries as he stands with Ceata at the top of the wall. Like Ceata, he has been ordered back to keep from becoming a distraction. Anger bristles upon every inch of his skin, Eos having to linger back as just touching Falcon right now would give his fingers frostbite.

 

"Like I said, nothing we do is going to make the idiots stop." Ceata replies with barely withheld disgust. "They need to show off, see whos the better man." It's hard to watch, harder still to stay back and do nothing. The two men that had started this have put him into a horrible position. If he could put an end to this he would. There is no way open to him. None at all. He is left fumbling, anger and the urge to end them all that's left to him.

 

"But what about Urius?! The Ceata I knew would never just sit back and watch him be beaten all to hell!!" Falcon snarls, angry with Ceata for doing nothing. He's been imploring him to take action, since it's obvious that Falcon is not strong enough to take on his father or Urius. Even so, Ceata will not budge.

 

The pale male stood proudly, watching them as if they were nothing but a pair of cockroaches about to be crushed. He could barely hide the shakes rattling down his bones and the hurt in his eyes. He had never felt so helpless. So thoroughly unable to do a thing. If he were to step in, there was certain to be a fight between Rowan and himself. He could only imagine what would happen then. After everything, Ceata wasn't sure he could stop himself. There would surely be blood.

 

Not to mention Urius would hate him unto eternity. At least, in this sense of things, he was allowing his mate to be independent. Yet the promise that they made last night weighed heavily on Ceata's soul - almost as heavy as the silver locket about his neck. Ceata gripped to it as he watches the two fighters begin to circle each other. Neither looked as though they were half-assing this. No self-respecting Starc would ever flinch in a fight, even one with family.

 

It made the tall young male tense, watching them like a falcon watches young rabbits in spring. Intense and with nervous excitement. Gods, Urius better come out of this alive or he was going to kill Rowan where he stood. The last thing he wanted to see was his lover killed in battle.

 

"Damn it..." Conrard growls, hating this hesitance. He narrows his eyes and stands up, giving a booming command. "Stannis, kill him and be done with it!!" His words break the waiting game as Stannis does as he is told. He bolts forward with incredibly speed, his two short swords gleaming in the light. The first attack and parry is so fast that those watching cannot follow. Urius deflects and swirls his sword around to parry again, stepping back from the force of his brother's blows. Conrard seems pleased, the sound of ringing sword metal like music to his ears. Rowan's face remains stern.

 

"Urius, if you're going to be so easily beaten back, you might as well die where you stand," the other says coldly, causing Urius' grey eyes to narrow. He switches tactic, knowing the command hidden in the other's cold voice. Urius steps forward and begins the offensive, his sword much more effective at heavy damage than the shorter blades his brother uses. One swing and one of Stannis' swords almost snaps in twain. 

 

Ceata leans forward, the cool window almost touching his nose. He watches Urius with narrowed eyes. Yes, you must win. The pale male shivers, gripping the edge of the balcony so hard that he was sure he was nearly crushing the stone. If Urius died... gods... he must not think of that, Urius had to survive. Someday he had to come back to him.

 

The odds were heavily against Urius, however, as he already seemed fatigued. He was normally so quick to lash out his sword, yet if Stannis kept up with this fast and powerful pace, he would very likely die. Ceata felt his heart aching in his chest and was certain Urius could feel it too. This was beyond cruel, what Rowan was doing...putting Urius out there and making him fight his own brother. Was he really out to kill the man? Adonis certainly was, but it seemed almost as though Rowan was involved in this sadistic treatment as well...as if he were trying to push Urius to do something...but what?

 

Either way, the fight was desperate for Urius. He struggled hard, but was at last was caught by one of Stannis' sword. Blood spurted as some of the cloth at his shoulder frayed and was dyed red. Urius took several hits to his arms and shoulders, but the armor kept him from getting the full force. It was only when Stannis really went for a sweeping blow that Ceata felt his life flash before his eyes - Urius' helm flew clean off and he stumbled back, dodging another array of attacks. Stannis was on him like a mad hound after fresh meat. His eyes had gone completely blank. He felt nothing, he saw nothing...he simply was the sword, the hand of Conrard's reaching out and completing the order it had been given. Starcs were terrifying when they became this single-minded, for no one - not even Kite - would be able to get Stannis out of this trance. Urius' future looked grim.

 

The plaster over the stone cracked under Ceata's hands. He was trembling, his nerves high strung and his body tensed and ready to leap into action. If it came to it, he would rush to put himself between the blade and his lover if only to save Urius from death. He could possibly heal, Urius... it was best not to think about it. He hated being here, only the knowledge he could shift to Urius' rescue keeping the young man from bolting down to the field.

 

Urius was panting now, having to hold up his sword up to deflect the blows. It didn't do him much good. One more swing and he spun back, skidding on the ground. His head was spinning, he could taste blood from where he bit his lip at the sudden impact. Even so, he had sense enough to get up and move. Everything was numb and it hurt, his brain feeling like it had been jostled as a dizziness came over him. Still, he took up his sword and parried one blow after another. Stannis easily kept coming at him. He had an immortal's endurance - Urius did not.

 

Lazarus glanced up, searching the castle windows for a glint of Ceata's white face. What must the boy be feeling? This was his lover's life on the line. Ceata would not sit quietly for long, there was no way Ceata would stay back if this continued the way it was going.Lazarus knew nothing of what Urius and Ceata had spoken of, knew nothing of the anger that was gnawing at Ceata's insides like a disease. But he knew the boy well enough to know he would never stand idly by and watch his lover die.

 

Urius was exhausted, sweat dripping down his brow. He was dizzy and fatigued, now having to resort to dodging as he could no longer keep up the achingly painful attempts at parrying. His insides were like mush, his arms and legs trembling. Much more of this and he was going to be dead...and Stannis would not back down. He was at him like a madman, following orders to a point of blindness where there was only Urius' death and nothing else. Urius looked as though he would give up, but then...

 

Rowan's eyes caught the other's in his mad dash to try and avoid being hacked to bits. Their depth of green held his gaze for a dangerous moment and he called out over the clash of swords.

 

"If you cannot win this, Urius, you are no longer of use to me." Rowan then turns and heads back to the compound, Roaden following him with surprise. With Rowan's simple act of turning his back on Urius, with his words, the other snaps. Stannis is floored instantly, Urius acting with vicious callousness as his eyes become wide and glisten....as if....as if they were violet, deep, dark, and vicious violets blossoming under the strain of his soul. His sword took two clean hits before Stannis was broken from his trance, startled so heavily that he dropped a blade - he was done for. with one swing, Urius hacked off his left leg. Stannis went down like a rock.

 

"STANNIS!!!!" Kite screamed with horror at the sight of her husband's gushing wound. The Starc was obviously in shock, sitting there on the ground with the blood spurting forth in hot wet streams. He looked up just in time to see Urius was swinging his sword back up to cleave him in half. He saw his life go at once before his eyes, the slowness of the descending blade...inching so close...almost a breath away from slaughtering him. Again, that gentle voice.

 

"That's enough, Urius. STOP." Halting only a foot from Stannis' face, the blade ends its downward path. Urius stands there, shivering and wide-eyed...wide, purple eyes. Stannis stares into them, utterly horrified.

 

Before the blade had even stopped its descent the immortal was walking out into the battle field, his steps hurried as he moved over to Stannis. He had to stop the bleeding as soon as possible or the man would die. He glanced to Rowan, wondering if he would contest. Either way he was going to do something. There was a chance he could save the leg, if he did not hurry however, it was as good as gone.

 

"Stannis!!! Stannis!!!" Kite screamed as she ran passed Death and to her husband, her eyes wide with fear that she had not experienced in a long time. Falcon was already descending the steps of the tower to get to his father, yelling for him as well. Kite got to the bleeding man first, Stannis more in shock than anything. His leg was trying to heal itself, the tissues trying to reconfigure, but it had nothing there to fix it, so it merely pulsed with pain. It hit him all at once like a ton of bricks and he almost fainted, nauseated by the sensation. It was terrible. 

 

Grunting, Death plucked up the leg and pressed it to the seam, helping it to heal as best he can. No use having the man lose his leg for so foolish a battle. He sat in the dust,  holding the leg in place, making sure that everything healed properly. While he could kill, he could also bring back life. Death and Life went hand in hand as it had since the beginning of time. "Calm down Kite, keep him warm and awake, don't let him go into deep shock. That could kill him faster then the wound."

 

Kite sits there with Stannis in her arms, the man looking as though he's just about ready to pass out from the loss of blood and the general pain. Even healing is terribly painful for him, leaving him dizzy and unable to talk when his son comes rushing to his side. Only after Stannis is taken care of does Death look up and see Urius. He is leaning on his sword, having vomited on the ground. His whole body is shaking and his pupils are very small...Death feels a sense of danger when he looks at Urius, those purple eyes bringing a heavy hollow feeling into his chest. It tells Death that there is danger near that man...a danger he should probably fear.

 

The immortal's skin prickled, that feeling lingering darkly in the pit of his stomach. It was a feeling he had a hard time putting a name to, but he knew it was bad. He sees Ceata racing out break neck to the man, catching Urius' cheeks in his hands. He looks him in the eyes, slapping his cheek gently to get him to listen to him. He may not be allowed to love this man the way he wants, but he still cared for him and would make sure that the man was ok. That was all he really could do. "You're going into shock Urius, you need to listen to me ok? You need to breath, slowly now."

 

Urius looked up at Ceata blindly, shivering all over. Only then did Ceata see the blood trickling through the cracks in his armor. No doubt the blows that did not fully connect still caused much pain to the other's already bruised and battered skin. Fighting while exhausted and injured was not a smart choice. Either way, Ceata did not get to say another thing, as he was interrupted by a snarl of rage as Conrard stepped forward - eyes FLAMING at having lost! Not only was he no longer allowed to participate in the war, but his Second was taken from him too. Naturally, he was pissed.

 

"You useless bastard!! Stannis, you are the most disloyal creature on this plane! My God curse you and your wretched family for this injustice..." he howled, venom dripping from every word. He then looked up, catching Rowan's eye with hate in his gaze. "...and YOU....YOU sack of swine! You monster! Do not think I will be the only one that comes to end your treasonous EVIL actions! " With that, he swiveled around and headed back the way he came with his soldiers scrambling to follow.

 

Ceata watched the man go with a sneer, caressing Urius' cheek as he urged him to breathe slowly. The angel needed to be brought in and bandaged. At this rate he would bleed himself dry.  Death was too busy tending to Stannis to say anything to Conrad as he stomped off looking pissed, but luckily Stannis' leg looked to be healing properly. It might not be perfect, but he would not have to walk with a peg. A limp was preferable.

 

Rowan merely watched Conrard go with the faintest of smiles, taking a moment to step forward and towards Urius. Ceata saw him coming and felt like hissing to make him go away, but Rowan simply ignored Ceata's vicious glares. He stepped right up to Urius and moved the Shadowshifter away from him. "Come now. Let's have Dovinitas look at you." His voice was a command - a gentle one, but still a command - and Urius seemed to lift his head when he heard it. He was fading in and out, barely able to lean on his sword.

 

Rowan merely looked to him with an unfeeling gaze, offering out his hand. Blindly, Urius took it but faltered and fell forward on one knee. Ceata almost rushed forth to stop him, but Rowan stood in the way. He glared at the young Shadowshifter. "Do not help him. If he can't do it on his own, he's not worthy of his position." Rowan turned back to Urius, seeing the other struggling. "Get up." With the last vestiges of strength he had left, Urius managed to pull himself forward shakily. He stood, wobbling, and then proceeded to follow Rowan on his own power. 

 

The shadowshifter was shocked into silence as he was shoved out of the way, his pale hands still wet with blood. Ceata stood helplessly, hands clenched so hard blood pooled from his palms. He was shaking,  silent and emotionless. Unable to tear his eyes away he watched Urius struggle to his feet and follow the man, his heart aching the whole time. How can you want this over me? The urge to cry was powerful, but he could not allow Rowan to see the hate on his face, nor the way his eyes glimmered with something other then tears. Behind him, Death had scooped up Stannis and was carefully carrying the man back toward the castle to lay him in a bed. The man would need to rest.

 

"T-thank you..." Stannis whispered softly as he partially leaned on Death and then on his wife. Kite was at his side, worry on her fine features as she followed him in. Only Falcon stayed, having watched the exchange between Ceata and Rowan when he was certain his father would be alright. There was something terrible brewing in the air, he could feel it...something that would drag them all down into the depths of darkness.

 

Ceata wandered back slowly, his fine robes rustling as he walked. The breeze tugging them harshly, as if to mock him. Somehow he would have to work with anger out. It ate him up inside, leaving his stomach hollow and painful. Such fury was not healthy and Ceata knew this. But his teachings and his breeding told him to remain calm and hide it. Even if it devoured him from the inside out. For now he could keep himself from breaking, but for how long? Feeling the stickiness of blood on his fingers, the young man takes in a shaky breath. The future is grim.

 

Falcon watched him go, feeling a very worried Eos at his side. He turned and looked down upon his sweet little love, one who had been intensely worried to see his beloved's father cut down in such a manner. Falcon sighed and embraced him, wishing to make the other's sad expression go away.

 

The short hybrid hugged him tightly, shivering in his lover's arms. "D-do not worry Falcon.... Lord Death will take good care of your father." He reassures as best he can, hiding his face in the others chest. He is shaken. There had been so much blood. He has never seen that much blood before in his life.

 

Falcon knew that worse things happened on the Starc estate. This was nothing new to him. Even so, he could feel the revulsion gathering at his throat and he swallowed it down as he held Eos tight. "Are you alright? You're trembling, Eos..."

 

His lover glances up, brows knotted slightly. "I'll be ok...I'm just not used to seeing that is all. Just give me a moment." He muttered softly, tugging at the others hand. "Please can we go back inside?" He asks, glancing toward the thick pool of blood marking where the battle took place. It is slowly sinking into the dirt, staining the area. "I don't want the smell of blood in my nostrils anymore.”

 

Falcon nodded and gently draped his arm around the other, shielding him away as they walked off the battlefield. Everyone was dispersing, but Roaden remained behind. He knew that this would not be the last time the Angels would send someone to try and thwart Rowan. He would not be surprised if all the Princes sent something to attack them. it made him nervous as he finally took his leave, following behind Falcon and Eos.

 

Inside, far from the blood stained field, Death had lain Stannis in one of the large bedrooms. He lay him out carefully on a good sized, soft bed, his armor removed and placed to the side. It could be cleaned once he had had time to recover from the stress and pain his body had just been put through. Kite was allowed in the room as long as she did not hassle him too much. Death had already been forced to scold the woman when she'd nearly gone into hysterics while the wound was cleaned and Stannis had cried out in pain. "Now then.... I will leave you to attend him for now, Kite." He gestures to the bed, his pale hands washed clean of blood.

 

"Thank you, Lord Death...I appreciate this," she says, holding her husband's hand as she looks over to Death. Stannis seems to have calmed down now, but he's very pale from the sudden loss of blood. His minor scratches have already healed on their own, but his leg is throbbing with pain. No doubt he won't be able to walk on it for quite some time.

 

"Y-yes....thank you..." he rasps in turn, looking over to Death with his kind grey eyes. Kite caresses his cheek, so happy to see her husband is alright. She wipes away the tears staining her cheeks.

 

The immortal smiled kindly down upon the two angels.  "You are very, very welcome, the both of you. Now I want you to rest and eat when you wake up. I shall have servants check on you to make sure you're still doing well." He smiled and turned to leave, waving his hand faintly. "Good day you two, rest well." He rumbles as he left the room to the two. They deserved time to hold each other and reaffirm they were ok. Kite must have nearly had a heart attack from watching that scene and she needed to be able to touch Stannis and know he was still there, alive. Sighing softly, he glanced down the hall, catching Ceata watching him.

 

 "Death.... will you make sure Urius is ok for me?" He asks, hugging himself. The immortal frowns slightly, unsure what to make of this. There is something wrong between the two but he does not know what."Yes.... I shall check in on him as well, Ceata. Go and attend your grandfather... he may need help with work."

 

Ceata left to go and see his grandfather, but he was in a viciously angry mood. He did not even get to see that Urius was properly taken care of...and he couldn't feel the other's presence anymore. It was as though when Urius had gone into a trance, he had lost himself somewhere and was gone. Ceata couldn't even feel the pain the other was going through, making him feel more worried. Could it be that Urius' extreme stress broke the connection? He would have to ask his grandfather...Lazarus would know.

 

Ceata hurried down the halls till he finally found Lazarus in one of the war rooms. The older man was sitting, silent and pondering over some books he'd spread across the table top. Various accounts of war. Ceata came and joined him, his teacher, his grandparent and one of the wisest men he knew. The man's dark eyes flicked up, catching Ceata's.  He catches that strange look in those pale blue and green eyes. "What is it Ceata?" He inquires, voice soft.

 

The young man shook his head, having trouble finding words. "It is too complicated, Lazarus." He uttered, "But I was curious... if extreme stress and pain could destroy a bond?"  Lazarus looks up from his books and at him, frowing thoughtfully. "It can make it fade, but it cannot destroy outright destroy it... shock can make it weak as well. Urius is an extreme shock from what happened today, there is a chance it is weakened to the point you can't feel him."

 

The younger shadowshifter was even more puzzled by this, for it felt like Urius wasn't even there. It wasn't faded, the connection was gone. Ceata feared the worst - perhaps Urius was already half dead and he was soon to die too! Then again, he would feel the pain of his lover, if that were to happen....but his lover's aura itself would not disappear. It was like a great hollow emptiness came over Ceata, eating away at him with pure sorrow and rage. He's never felt this depth of sadness before...it's as if sorrow itself had reached out its hand and gripped him by the heart. 

 

He shivers and grips the edge of the table top. Ceata did not have long till he was distracted. Lazarus had him help pour over the books for possible battle plans and knowledge that could aid them in the coming war. Ceata was quiet and subdued the whole time,  speaking in near whispers with his grandfather. They argued over what sounded like it would work best, each showing each other their finds. There was much discussion and note taking. This went on for hours, the two of them stuck with their noses in the books and forgetting about lunch. They almost forgot about dinner until Sahena came in and grumbled at Lazarus about the baby and his health.

 

"Love, you need to eat...Here, I made the things you like," Sahena says as he puts down some food before the other man, blushing faintly. "I had to do it several times...I-I'm not a really good cook, but I tested my first batches out on Rei and he says this one is alright." Somewhere, Rei is holding his stomach and looking grim.

 

"Thank you Sahena..." Lazarus smiled tenderly. He reaches out, taking one of the rolls. He takes a bite, smiling up at his lover with obvious pleasure on his face. It was not the best food he had ever eaten, but it was certainly made better by the fact that his lover had made it for him. Ceata watched them, feeling an aching longing in his breast. He hated being separated from even one of his mates and with a small grunt, he stood and bowed. "I am going to my room now, Lazarus.... I will speak with you in the morning."

 

"What? But I just got here..." Sahena pouts slightly, seeing Ceata leave. He ponders a moment, seeming to at least catch on the fact that something is wrong. He looks to his beloved, worry on his face. "Is something going on with Ceata and Urius? I imagined Ceata would be with him right now..."

 

"I am not sure, Sahena..." Lazarus muses with a frown, watching the young male leave silently. "But I do believe something is not right between the two of them. There is nothing we can do but let them work it out." The man sighs, looking down at the notes they had industriously scribbled. "Love, sit with me and let us eat. I do not wish to dwell on sad things right now. Our child deserves to have happy parents." He glances up and flashes Sahena a wane smile. It is hard to stay happen now, but Sahena helps.

 

While they were so enjoying themselves, Ceata felt like punching a hole in the wall as he walked toward his  room. Sighing faintly, he opened his door and slipped into his room. The young man began to undress once he'd kicked the door closed, groping for the light switch.

 

The light flicked on and, at once, Ceata was felt a strange air hanging in the room. He frowned considerably as he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. The lights flickered and cold air swept over him. All of a sudden the lights went out and a pale gloom came in through the window, despite the evening sunlight. Ceata could see his breath rolling before his face in white vapor...Something was desperately wrong.

 

Confused and half naked, the young man tensed. Shuddering, he keeps close to the wall at first, assessing the situation. What the hell? Something did not feel right. There was no reason for this chilly air. Fearing he'd call attention to his location, he stayed silent and still. His blood felt cold, body tensed and a tremor swept through him. After a breathless moment without any sound he pushed away from the wall, carefully slipping deeper into his set of rooms.

 

This was the room where the coldness seemed to come from, causing Ceata's skin to prickle and his nipples to stand at attention. He shivered as he looked around the room, his eyes suddenly caught with the image of blackness swirling on the other side of his mirror. His heart almost stopped a second, his chilled skin prickling further as his legs felt like jelly...for staring back at him was the man he desired, his eyes glowing violet as long black hair caressed over his skin.

 

Ceata went stock still, staring wide eyed upon... Urius? But the Urius he knew did not have purple eyes nor was his hair so long. Confused by this strange vision, he frowned. Urius did not have a twin as far as he knew and why in the hell would his twin even be in his room if he had one, let alone his mirror? Tense and feeling vulnerable, he tried pretending to be as casual as possible. "Can I... help you?"

 

Those violet eyes looked to Ceata through the mirror and a slow smile crept over that handsome face - it was unsettling to such a degree that Ceata actually found himself clutching the wall. His knees wanted to rattle, for that hollow feeling in his chest struck again with such force. His heart was hurting so painfully he gasped. "What's the matter, Ceata? You do not recognize the man you love?

 

Gulping, unable to tear his eyes from Urius' -or rather the man that looked like him - Ceata tried to speak. "From what I r-remember... Urius does not have purple eyes and long hair..." Was his shaky reply, feeling unease as the man watched him in the reflection from the mirror. Ceata could see the fine lines of that muscular body and knew it to be no one else’s but Urius'. He knew that body far too well.

 

"Perhaps the Urius you know...but, then again, you don't know him very well at all, do you? Tsk, tsk, tsk...what a terrible lover he is," the dark figure replied as he looked the young man over. Shadows swirled along the walls and spread the coldness where ever they went. Ceata felt himself shivering uncontrollably as he saw the things clawing up and over the ceiling, looking to him with glowing violet eyes. These were not kind or friendly shadows. They were frightening.

 

"He is a good enough lover, if not secretive..." Ceata defends him cautiously, keeping close to the wall. If he needed to run he could, though the more he stared at this thing, the more he wondered if he was dreaming. Still, he watched this Urius-thing with thinly veil caution. The situation was strange and currently not a threat, but the more this went on, the more uncomfortable and fearful Ceata was becoming. Those intensely purple eyes were digging into his skin, piercing him. They grazed over him with interest, as if looking into his soul.

 

"You know you don't mean that," the man replied and it hit Ceata rather hard. Oh, yes, he didn't mean it. Urius was not a good lover to him in the least! All this lying, all this hiding himself, all this sadness, and then refusing help...it was just the sort of thing a lover wouldn't do and Ceata found himself hating Urius for that. He wanted so badly to throttle that man and dig his claws into his skin. Most of all, he wanted Urius' eyes to look at only him. Having Rowan around always made sure Ceata was second best - he could not allow that. 

 

Twitching guiltily, Ceata narrowed his eyes and growls. "And why the hell do you care?" He demanded with zeal, "So what if I hate him for what he is doing? He may be a horrible lover, but I still love him." And yet... he wanted to hurt him. You never should desire to harm the one you love in the way Ceata wants to. It's wrong and he knows it. A sick, twisted feeling that he loathes and is unable to escape.

 

"You forget, Ceata...I am your lover. It's my job to care, right?" he asks in a mocking tone. It makes Ceata angry as he stares at this man with Urius' face. How easy it would be to smash that mirror to a thousand pieces, the other's hands already twitching to do so. "Shall I prove it to you...?" Ceata suddenly blinks, his anger subsiding with that question. Prove it? Watching with wide eyes, he sees this figure step forward as though to walk out of the mirror. There is a faint light and a hand slips through the glass and out the other side. It is followed by an arm, a foot, a leg, and the rest. What stands before Ceata makes his whole body tremble...Is this all real?!

 

 The shadowshifter was frozen in shock, leaning against the wall weak kneed.  What the hell was going on? He felt like running, like hiding somewhere because this was becoming too much for him, reality was shattering all around him. He stared wide eyed up at the Urius-thing, confusion and shock stark on his lovely face. This could not be happening! This had to be a dream. He must be dreaming!

 

 The man reached out and Ceata flinched, closing his eyes tightly as the other's hand slipped across his skin...cold....cold like a corpse. "Forgive me for not feeling as though I am in the land of the living...this is all I can do for now. Even so, I'm here to relieve that torment of yours," the man says softly, Urius' voice dropped lower in a husky tone. Ceata feels like melting when a moist tongue caresses his ear. "Do with me as you will."

 

Shivering, Ceata felt that wet tongue slid against tender flesh. He closes his eyes tight and grips at the other man's  arms hard enough that his nails sank into his skin. His whole body was trembling, a tiny sound of lust and fear escaping him at having this man so close. He smelled of Urius, the muscles under his hands felt like Urius'... Startled eyes flicked up, staring in disbelief.

 

"Do you understand now?" the other man asked, those violet eyes eating away at Ceata's heart. He felt captured in a swirling sensation of sadness and lust. How badly he wished to grasp to the other and moan and whimper, for he had not had sex with Urius since that night, had not kissed or held him. Knowing he could not have the man made Ceata want him more...it was made worse by the current events of that day. Ceata was surely going mad! This was a hallucination!

 

Hallucination or not, this was too good to pass up. Perhaps it would be best if he just went mad, there would not be so much hate and sorrow in his heart if he would just fall into madness. But he refused, stubbornly, save for this once. Just once. Moaning breathlessly, he leaned against the muscular man's body and kissed him sharply, teeth clinking together. His fang tearing the others bottom lip in his ardor.

 

The other closed his eyes and allowed Ceata the harsh act, smiling lightly even into the kiss as he returned it most passionately. Ceata felt the rage consume him as this figure that looked like Urius was thrown back against the bed with such force that the frame almost broke. He was set upon by the other, his long black hair flowing over the covers and his violet eyes shimmering beautifully. "So vicious....so beautiful...I love it."

 

Ceata was already tearing off  what clothes were hiding the other man's body from him, his bright eyes darkened. A hunger in them that would have made his other lovers seriously concerned. His claws dug furrows in his haste, a low, hungry growl escaping his lips. It gave him the appearance of one half mad and growing more and more by the second. Just this once, this dream, he would have it.

 

The other watched as Ceata ripped away his clothing and pieces of his skin in turn. He lay there with the vicious cuts to his chest, blood already trickling down them...So cold, like ice. Even so, Ceata was heated up enough for the both of them. His body was trembling as he looked over all that clear untouched flesh. It was as though Urius had never been marked before - as though he was a clean slate that only Ceata could enjoy. Oh, and enjoy he would. "Are you pleased?"

 

"Yes." Ceata groans hoarsely, eyes dilated and nostrils flaring as he sat on the others thighs and stared down at all the smooth, beautiful flesh before him. All his, all for him. His hands slid up that chest, feeling the cold, smooth skin. It reminded him of polished marble and he shuddered. This is so unreal. He licks his lips before leaning down, biting at a vulnerable nipple till he feels it bleed slightly against his tongue.

 

The other barely acknowledged the feeling of the other's teeth biting such sensitive skin, but that smile did become all the more cold on his face. He laid back and allowed the other to claw at such white lovely skin. Ceata was enamored by it, how beautiful it would become when it blossomed with red. Like a flower...so like a flower. "Come now, you can do better than this," the man whispered into the other's ear, caressing his hair. "Give me what I deserve."

 

Ceata looked up with confusion, his limbs quivering slightly in barely contained excitement and rage. His pants were tight over his buttocks, an appealing sight as he leaned forward, his lips stained red. He blinked, chewing his lower lip. "What do you mean?" The young man asks, hands clenching at the others sides hard enough to leave bruises. Rarely was he ever this rough with anyone, it was easy to see how tense he was. But this was not real. There was no possible way it was real.

 

Those violet eyes met with Ceata's beautiful mismatched gaze. That soft ivory skin was caressed by a cool hand as this strange being that looked so like Urius seduced him with his gaze. Nimble fingers brushed over the other's lips as a strand of dark hair fell into that handsome face. "Hurt me...Make me pay for ignoring you. Make me pay for pushing you away...." His smile becomes all the more broad. "Make me pay for loving Rowan more than I will ever love you."

 

Something snapped in Ceata. Those words plunging knives into his already wounded heart. One could see it in his eyes even as his hands tensed so hard on the others sides that the claws pierced skin. The idea of that... was so very appealing. But what was he to do? He mused, gazing down half crazed (or fully crazed) upon the other man with a wild, vicious delight. "Oh....? Loves Rowan more then me?" He snarls.

 

"He would die for him, despite the fact it would kill you in the process," this doppelganger Urius replies with those vicious violet eyes. Ceata feels his chest tightening with sorrow as he realizes how right this man is. Anger fills him, rage, sadness...Oh, such a sweet and terrible sadness that he can't help but want to beat the other's face in. He deserves it! To drag him into this! It's his fault, because he loves Rowan so zealously! If only he were to give the man up! If only -!

"In his eyes, you are expendable."

 

Ceata slapped him, so hard that the others head was snapped to the side, only the mattress saving him from more pain. The young man snarls, his breath leaving him in harsh, angry pants.Tears prickling his bright eyes. "I am not expendable!" He cries, outraged. Pale hands wrap around that neck he's kissed so many times and throttles it. There is a strange, frightening delight in seeing him gasping and going blue, hands clawing at his hands for a moment. He let go with a hiss, watching the man cough.

 

Those violet eyes glistened with what only could be called pleasure as Ceata raked his claws down the other's body and dug into his skin. Fresh scars erupted from the markings, allowing the other to claim his prize with the fury of his anger. "...y-you are...o-only second...to Rowan..." the other managed to gasp out, earning him another hard slap. His lip was now bloody, but it still curved up into a smile. "You'll never be more...t-than that child he took care of...all those years ago."

 

Snarling his anger and hate, the young man grabs something roughly from his pocket. Holding the silver lighter before the others face, he clenches a hand in his hair and sneers. "You want me to hurt you? I'll mark your skin from head to toe you sick bastard!" He hisses venomously, narrowing his eyes balefully down at this Urius creature.

 

"I told you as much - do with me what you will...I know you want it." That smile broadened. "I know how much you hate him." The words coming from another's mouth made Ceata incensed. This man, this THING, that looked like Urius was able to see so deeply into the root of his sorrow!! It was insanity. Truly, he was hallucinating after Urius' pain finally washed over him and the connection was reestablished...That must be it. This is the pain talking, it can't be real. The other leaned up then and pressed his chest against the open flame, listening to the sizzling sound of his skin. He did not flinch, he only looked absolutely delighted and brushed his lips against Ceata's. "Punish me....Master."

 

Shuddering, Ceata bit clean through the other man's bottom lip, feeling blood gush into his mouth and coat his tongue. The sizzle and scent of flesh burning made his eyes water. Such a strange, disturbing scent and yet he was delighting in it, wanting to claim this man and punish him as Ceata had never done before. "Slut, filthy whore." He growled against the bloodied mouth.

 

"I am...what will you do about it?" the other asked despite his bleeding lip. Already it was healing, slipping back together. The rest of the cuts were, promising Ceata a clean canvas with every stroke. The sheets were stained with blood and the cold sensation persisted throughout the room. That soft smile was now delightfully pleasured as the Urius doppelganger slipped his hands over the other's pale body, worshiping every inch of his satin skin. Lips nipped at Ceata's pink perked nipples, smearing blood over his pearly chest. 

 

Ceata gasped, claws ripping into the flesh of this man's pale shoulders. His nipples throbbed against his chilly mouth.  Everything felt more sensitive, the cold of the room causing his flesh to tingle and twitch. One pale hand slid up, clenching in thick dark hair  before yanking at it impatiently. "Kiss them more." He demands, staring hungrily down upon Urius-thing. He feels his anger boil and coil into hateful lust.

 

Such an impassive face was made beautiful with pleasure. That expression Ceata had seen so many times when Urius writhed with him in happiness, long before they ever had to deal with this war. Yet now this expression was connected not with the loving warmth of their joined bodies but with the heat of agony and the stinging of pain. "As you wish, Master." His compliance was breath taking as he turned to those nipples and sucked them almost raw. His hands were frigid against the other's hot skin, causing Ceata's gorgeous body to arch in a most splendid manner. His white flesh flushed pink with desire, his soft lips opened and gasped. Still, the rage burned inside him with his sorrow, threatening to consume him.

 

How many things he could do to this man. How many marks he could leave. Ceata's nails cut into the others flesh, prickling it. He watched the blood ooze out from scalp and chest. With a smirk he ground down viciously on the other man's organ, probably making it ache and hurt all at once with how hard he was squirming his ass back on it.. "Ahhhh g-gods you're so cold." Ceata hisses, quivering. "Perhaps you'll warm up more if I pierced something?"

 

"Why not brand me? It would leave a far more lasting heat," this creature suggested with those burning violet eyes. They were much prettier than the grey ones from before...and that long hair was useful for yanking him forward. Cold hands grazed over the other's flesh as this shadowy figure continued his assault on Ceata's nipples. The Shadowshifter's lithe young body was consumed by the cold, causing his being to prickle with warmth. Cold hands slipped below and into his pants, teasing at the tautness of that flawless buttocks and grazing over the Valen Star burst of Triumph just above those nice pink cheeks. 

 

Ceata shuddered, arching back into the painful-pleasurable burn. Those cold fingers trace the spot, bringing the nerves to life. Fuck, yes, that thought pleased him. To brand the man would make him his, his for all to see just as Rowan had so cruelly branded him his property. "Yes.... yes, I like that." The young man breathes, rubbing his ass back into the cool hands cupping the pale flesh.

 

Those violet eyes flickered and Ceata heard the sound of coals in the fireplace crackling. He looked over and found a fire roaring there despite the fact he had not set one. A poker sat in the red hot coals as if awaiting them, Ceata marveling at the magic. "Take it...Give me a mark even time cannot erase," the other goaded on as he caressed that beautiful flesh. Ceata's body was amazing in his hands, the warmth against his fingers reminding this vicious monster just how alive his new specimen was. Indeed, this one would make powerful children. That smile grew wider and those eyes flickered at the thought.

 

Ceata shivered against him, flushed skin hot, searing like a brand against the others fingertips, as if in promise. His body on fire with desire, a slow hot throb consuming him from inside. How could he not take up that offer? "Roll over." Ceata demanded and slipped out of bed, sliding his pants down his thighs to let  the other see how hard he was. That cock throbbing beautifully between his thighs and his eyes wild with cruel delight. He seemed a devil as he heated the brand, the firelight flickering across his pale, naked flesh. How strange... that the brand would have the family symbol on it of wings and crown. This was a dream, there was no other explaination.

 

When Ceata turned back, his jaw almost hit the floor. The Urius look-alike had shed his clothing while the other prepared the brand and stretched over the covers like a cat soon to receive a saucer of milk. Those violet eyes looked to him with excitement, anticipation. They seemed possessed as long black hair pooled about his hands. He was gorgeous, pure muscle...untouched and refined. And every inch belonged to Ceata. "Come here, my white beauty...give me the pain you promised."

 

Utterly gorgeous. Ceata walked over slowly, his eyes glued to the others perfect body, so like Urius', just lacking the scars and those strange purple eyes. Sinful temptation, splayed out beneath him, ready for more. "Of course..." He husked, slipping onto the bed with brand in hand. He smiles coyly and before the other man can prepare himself he slammed the brand down upon his upper back. He crouches, full weight holding him down; Ceata listens intently to the sizzling of flesh as it burned down past the fat.

 

The other convulsed and trembled, this being the first real reaction that Ceata had gotten out of him. He saw the blush on those cheeks and the desire in those eyes. A thick cock throbbed between the man's legs as he allowed Ceata to burn him in his most sensitive place - right between the shoulder blades. "O-oh, sweet delightful saints -!" he pants, shuddering and looking back at the other with a moan. "You beast...you beautiful unrelenting beast." He smiles and reaches out, caressing back along the other's thigh and slipping his hand over Ceata's impressive straining manhood. "I adore you."

 

Ceata flushed, whole body quivering to hear those words. That was all he ever wanted to hear. All he ever desired to hear. That Urius adored him. This Urius-thing gave him that so freely. Even as he held the brand steady. "Yes, tell me how much you adore, how you desire me." He breathed, grinding down with a low growl. "Tell me how wonderful I am that I would even look upon you."

 

"You show me mercy with just a glance....this miserable disgusting shell of a man does not deserve your grace or your love," the shadowy figure moaned, shuddering and clawing at the bed. He looked to be enjoying it so, a blush of color to his pale cheeks. Ceata could feel that hand reaching back upon him, caressing that lovely cock with its throbbing  pink vein. "I am an insect at your feet. Humble, unimportant...but able to marvel at the man - nay, the God that you are. Hurt me, hate me, punish me…just so long as for a brief moment I can be your equal."

 

Those words shake him, coiling warm  in the pit of his stomach. His length lays hot and eager against his quivering stomach, breath a rushed, hot puff from trembling lips. He was so hot, skin blazing. That warmth causes the other man's skin to ache and burn. He rubs hat piece against the other man, watching the iron slowly cool. As he finally pulls it back, he licks the fresh brand slowly. With a claw he rakes it, blood oozing to the surface. How beautiful, the mark glistening gorgeously on pale flesh. Ceata bites his lip, savoring that sight.

"A-ah....aah!" the handsome creature gasped, shuddering in ecstasy as he felt the pain rippling through him. He looked back at the other over his shoulder, those violet eyes so brilliant in their desire. "M-Master...subjugate me...humiliate me. I want your most callous thoughts, your most vicious desires enacted out on my body!" he practically begged as Ceata continued to claw at him. It was torment of the sweetest kind as those usually gentle and warm hands turned hot and fierce, long claws digging into supple pale flesh. Likewise, those lips that were always upturned with a gentle smile now had a sneer on them, making them even more beautiful. Cruel mismatched eyes caused the doppelganger’s body to burn in passionate euphoria. He could not get enough of this sensation. "I worship you."

 

The young man shivers, unbelievably aroused. Caught in the fervor of this, Ceata can't stop himself. Shouldn't he be ashamed? Ah but this is a dream, there is nothing he can do here that will really hurt anyone. Firelight flickering across his pale flesh, Ceata slapped the mark with a smirk. The iron  is tossed to the floor lazily. "How pink your flesh becomes when I hit it... do you feel that burn going deep into your bones, filth?" He asked darkly, rubbing his member between the pert, pale buttocks restlessly, the organ so hard it leaked fluids over the lush muscles.

 

The man beneath Ceata moaned and shuddered under the painful attentions of the one that controlled him. Ceata's magnificent member swelled between those taut buttocks that eagerly accepted him and rubbed back playfully. "Oh, yes...I feel my undeserving body warmed by your touch....Please, more. I want you to ravage my body with agony. Return tenfold the sorrow I have given you," the Urius-like being purrs so hotly. His violet gaze is full of want for the pale, muscular beauty behind him. Those eyes delve deeply into Ceata's soul, dredging up both sorrow and lust with that piercing purple gaze. 

 

Those wriggling buttocks were hard to resist. Ceata brought his hand down hard, the smack of flesh to flesh ringing in his ears. The pain in his hand promised that the blow stung, but the additional scratch of claws added to it. He sneered, eyes narrowed in hunger. Ceata had yet to consider topping his lover. It was simply how they'd functioned. Yet this Urius-thing was offering that muscular ass to him so willingly. How divine. What man would say no?

 

"A-ah...! H-harder...I beg of you!" he gasped as he felt those claws dig into his skin. The white flesh of Ceata's fingertips were now wet and slick with sticky cold blood. It felt so different from when he'd get enemy blood on his hands after a fight...then again, this wasn't his enemy. It came to him in the form of the man he loved, so of course it would be different. Even so, the fact that his blood was cold was surprising. Tasting it, it seemed to be blood...metallic and kind of sweet. The doppelganger Urius groaned and rubbed back against the other's splendid manhood, smirking. 

 

How interesting. Ceata lapped blood from his finger tips. The sharp nails on his other hand ripping furrows in the man's pale ass-flesh. He glances up, possessively gazing at the brand he has left there.Ceata delights  in it as a child delights in a new toy. His mark finally left on the man for all to see. With a so groan he rubbed himself eagerly between the others ass cheeks, parting them to gaze at the small, untouched hole. Lovely. He placed the head at the entrance and slowly forced the muscles open. This man wanted pain in his sex, he would happily give it to him.

 

"Aaaaahhh!!" he moaned outright as he shuddered from the snapping of those delicate muscles, from that intrusion. His mouth was upturned in a smile as he shuddered around the other's thick, pulsating cock. It was glorious, this feeling of a hot body dragging painful scratches down his skin and then the hard piece that thrust itself relentlessly into such a vulnerable area! The shadowy figure was in heaven, already pushing back hard onto that cock. "Oh, yesss..." he hissed, biting his lip.  “This is what I want...for you to dominate. This is what I CRAVE."

 

Ceata moaned throatily, shoving himself in to the hilt. This body is chilly, even inside.  Leaning down Ceata nipped sharply at the brand, licking and snapping his teeth at it to make it burn and bleed. The taste of copper fills his mouth. "You're such a slut." he breathed, rolling his hips slowly to settle himself before thrusting in  deep. Their hips come together sharply. "I want to hear you screaming for me..." He groans against his shoulder, nipping at tender flesh.

 

The Urius look alike moaned wantonly and fucked himself hard back onto his cock. Ceata felt the other's willingness to be bruised and penetrated in the roughest way possible. Ceata would give him that and more, dragging his nails through that pale white skin as he tormented that brand until his partner was groaning with ecstasy. The other fisted his hands into the sheets and ground himself backwards so forcefully that he almost bruised Ceata's hip bones. "Harder!! Y-yes, harder!" he panted and growled all at once, obviously desiring a level of ferocity that the Shadowshifter was not yet giving him.

 

Snarling, the young man sank his teeth into the others shoulder, clamping down hard enough to bruise flesh and scrap collar bone. He slammed in, his throbbing cock finding a cool, tight home inside the others chilly body. Relentlessly taking the man's upthrust buttocks. His claws tore down the other man's shaking sides, making him bleed all the more in Ceata's eagerness. He presses flush, blanketing his body with his own.

 

It isn't long before Ceata has himself half-way to an orgasm, the other's tightness squeezing him so roughly, blood slicks the process. This Urius creature seems to love his cock intensely, writhing against it and urging harder and faster strokes. Blood now stains the sheets a blackish-red hue as the bed is no doubt soaked from their exchange. Blood and semen trickle down the other's thighs as Ceata takes him. He watches that pale body writhe, black hair spilling over the sheets. Oh, yes...this is what he wanted...Dominance. It's been so long since he's felt this way with Urius, as though he finally has a grasp on the man. Even when they make love, there is this sensation that, should Ceata let go, Urius will escape him. Now he's not going anywhere.

 

Such a good sensation. He could feel his teeth wedged deep in the flesh, blood gushing into his mouth; his eyes dilate with excitement. Finally this man is tangible. His body hummed with power and  pleasure, each slap of their hips together thrilling the young man to greater viciousness. His eyes glowed, darkness nearly making the colored orbs disappear into mere pinpricks. Urius-thing was his, the other would not escape him, not with his brand between his shoulderblades and his shaft buried in to the hilt.  MINE! he snarled into the others mind, burying his cock deep.

 

It was not long before the two of them were skirting the edge of their climax, the scent of blood, sweat, and salt heavy in the air as they rutted together with violent force. Each thrust was agony for the doppelganger writhing beneath Ceata's attentions, thus feeling so like pleasure to his masochistic desire. "Y-you're going to cum soon...a-aahh! I can feel it...!" the creature gasped with a growl of passion, pushing back harder. He laughs lightly. "So hot...your rod burns me to the core!"

 

Ceata shivered with delight above him, his pace furious. He would mark this one deep with his seed, claim him thoroughly forever. The young man growled, snapping his teeth deeper into the flesh he has already bitten. His jaw power is amazing; one could feel how easily he could rip out a throat  or shatter bone. That power so rarely seen or felt. Slamming in, Ceata snarled through the tremors of an orgasm, forcng himself in as deep as possible.

 

The burn provided was exquisite and the doppelganger moaned and spread his legs, accepting the seed as he came into his own hand. The two shuddered and collapsed, blood-slicked and exhausted, against the bed. Ceata found the sensation of afterglow to be marvelous. He had NEVER gone so far to let himself free like that...now that he was spent, he couldn't help but crave that sensation again. How he wanted to feel the real Urius beneath him, claimed by him...This bout only served to make Ceata hunger more for domination. 

 

Ceata laved the wound with his tongue, lapping blood away from the deep bitemark he had left upon Urius-thing's shoulder. The young shadowshifter clung possessively close to the other man, his glazed eyes coveting. He rumbled his pleasure, nuzzling the other man's wounds. Blood smears against his cheeks and lips. He was euphoric, whole body singing with pleasure. All the tension was gone from his body, the anger and hate, for now, gone.

 

It was so delightful, the feeling of owning someone. Ceata felt the other shift beneath him, groaning with pleasure as those brilliant violet eyes looked back upon him. "You are magnificent, Master...And, to think, Urius looks down on your ability to fuck so wonderfully." The creature chuckles, brushing a stray black hair from his handsome face. "He doesn't know your worth. I do."

 

Ceata gazed down at him sedately, listening to the man speak with interest. He palmed well used buttocks, delighting in how wonderfully firm his ass was. Beautiful, utterly beautiful. "And what is my worth?" Ceast asks hoarsely, cocking his head. How strange... this felt so real, so very, very real. He must really be going insane. His dreams had never felt so real.

 

"You are worth a great deal in terms of my survival...Without you, I will not continue to exist," the creature replies as he sits up and cracks his back. He looks down at Ceata, his violet eyes cold and the air around them still holding that particular chill. Ceata somehow feels that this is wrong, despite the delightful sensations that ensued previously. Really, is this a dream? He has a hard time imagining it...and what is that about not being able to continue to exist without him? All this is strange as the creature leans down and kisses Ceata's lips softly. "For now, I wish you a good night....You'll sleep until morning, my little incubator." He chuckles and then suddenly Ceata feels very woozy. His head droops and the world goes black as sleep grasps him tightly. He slips dreamlessly into the realm of the unconscious as that cold sensation slowly leaves him.

 

Incu...bator? Before he can finish this thought, the young male was passed out, sprawled across the bloodstained sheets, blood smeared across that beautiful, flawless pale skin softly glowing in the firelight. Would he remember this as anything but dream? If the blood was everywhere, how could he not realize it was real? But this Urius thing was clever. He would not leave any evidence behind.