Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The weather is unbearably hot. Summer in the Forest territory is a real pain in the ass. Eiden regrets not having chosen an outfit better suited for this journey. His clothes feel stuffy and uncomfortable, sticking to his skin from sweat. 

He cannot begin to understand how Quincy managed on the daily. The man is walking ahead, seemingly tireless as he opens the way for them. Eiden wonders if he even feels the heat.

Blade is just a few steps away, completely unbothered as he sang joyfully, marveling at any shiny rock he finds on their path. Guess being an e-droid has its perks. Eiden is kinda envious right now.

He tugs on the collar of his shirt with a loud sigh. He hopes they’ll be done by the end of the day so that he can finally go back home and get a warm bath.

Quincy, Blade and him are currently on an expedition for some important materials from the Forest territory. This mission leads them deep into the woods, further than Eiden has previously imagined. He should have known and better packed for it.

Thankfully, they’ve made a stop at Quincy’s house for more resources to help in their travel, but it didn’t help in the fact that Eiden feels like he could pass out anytime soon from heat exhaustion. Summer is great when it doesn’t feel like he’s being cooked alive . He released another sigh, which earned him a look from Quincy, but the man quickly turns around and continues walking.

“How far are we from our destination,” he ends up asking, “I don’t think I can feel my feet anymore.”

“...” Quincy doesn’t reply right away. He spares him another glance, slowing down slightly so that Blade and him could catch up. “Just a few miles away,” he finally says.

“How much?”

This time, there is no answer. That’s all Eiden needs to know as he prepares himself for one more night camping outside. Well, at least the night will be colder, so it won’t be that bad. And it’s not like he dislikes spending time with his clan members out in the wild.

He’s so caught in his thoughts that he doesn’t notice Quincy has stopped walking, and Blade ceases to sing. Eiden bumps into the blond’s sturdy back with a small gasp. He’s about to complain when he realizes what has caused them to freeze.

First, there’s no sounds. No birdsongs, no cricket noises, nothing. Not even the rustling of the leaves at a light breeze. Then, there’s the sudden darkness surrounding them. Is Eiden’s vision faulty, or has the light lowered down? He can barely make out what’s around him, as a mist slowly settles around them.

There’s a sudden chuckle that rings in his ears, chilling him down to the bone. Eiden tries to scan the area, but it’s impossible to make heads or tails of anything with the fog that’s clogging their senses. He keeps from grumbling out a curse word as he settles between Quincy and Blade.

…

Is that him, or are the men oddly tense right now? All of Quincy’s muscles are contracted, beads of sweat rolling down his arms. His back is damp with it as Eiden sticks his hand on it. The man actually winces at his touch.

Something isn’t quite right.

“...Huey?” Blade speaks out loud with wonder and awe, shifting just the slightest bit away from Eiden at the same time as Quincy.

Something isn’t right.

Eiden screams as he’s suddenly whisked away from his clan members, stolen by cold dark hands that circled his waist tightly, darkness coiling around him and trapping him into an icy embrace.

“EIDEN!” Quincy cries out, alarmed, but it’s too late. Eiden’s shrill cry is the only thing left in the area before the mist clears away, taking their master with it.

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Eiden surges forward with a start. It takes a moment for him to calm his breathing and panicked thoughts as he processes the past evenements before his loss of consciousness. When he feels more level-headed, he quickly assesses his current situation.

He’s seemingly naked and laying on a mattress, though some shifting around indicates to him that he had not been taken advantage of. His brain registers the missing familiar weight of his pendant, almost sending him into a frenzy before he pushes it down. As his eyes get used to the dimness, he takes a look at his surroundings.

He’s inside a small room barely lit by a few candles on a desk, the sole piece of furniture save for the bed he was laying onto. He can’t see a window on the walls, nor a single door.

There isn’t a sign of a trapdoor on the board floor either, bare of any carpets. Dread fills him as he feels trapped inside those four walls.

He shakes his head to clear his thoughts. There has to be a way out of this place, but it’s hidden away from prying eyes.

He has to think about this as a step-by-step process. Staying rational is his priority if he wants to get out of this tricky situation as safe and sane. Maybe he can get hints from his memories?

This could bring him some answers as to why he was kidnapped and by who. And also what is up with this creepy place…

Eiden closes his eyes, trying to remember the events that led up to his abduction.

“I see that you’re awake.” A low voice, dripping with honeyed poison speaks up, causing Eiden to shriek.

He jerks his head around, but sees nothing — at first; a man suddenly seems to appear next to the small desk. Eiden doesn’t need to rake his head for the stranger’s name. It comes naturally to him as soon as his eyes land on the mysterious man, rolling on his tongue like a bad omen. “Huey…”

“That’s right, my dear. I’m glad you seem to know me.” 

“Hard to do so, considering half of this world thinks I’m you.”

Huey chuckles at his grumble. “I guess so. I left quite the dent in this place, haven’t I? But you really filled that void. I’m quite impressed.” And with those words, he claps his hands in a ridiculous mockery of an applause.

Eiden doesn’t gratify him with an answer, instead glaring at him.

“Oh well, I guess we’re about to become far more acquainted with each other for the next few days.”

As he says this, he produces something out of his pocket — a rainbow gem, similar to the one that always hung around his neck. He gets closer to Eiden with a cold smile.

Huey grabs Eiden’s face, forcing his mouth open.

“Don’t worry, it will only hurt a little before the pain subsides.”

With those words, Huey pushes the gem in his mouth. The shard scrapes his tongue as he tries to push it away, giving him the taste of copper. Just as he is about to spit it out, Huey’s hand clasps around his mouth and covers his nose. Eiden violently jerks his head from side to side in a desperate attempt to dislodge the sorcerer’s hand, sputtering indignantly, his eyes wide in horror, but it doesn’t budge.

He feels his oxygen running out, spit dribbling from the corner of his mouth as the gem shard sits heavy on his tongue. With no other choice, he’s forced to swallow. His eyes sting with unshed tears as he does, Huey’s other hand closing around his neck to follow the bobbing of his Adam's apple.

The gem’s sharp edges cut his throat on the way down. He squirms in discomfort, wincing at each scratch.

For a moment, nothing happens.

Then Eiden screams. The moment the gem enters his heart, it feels like it exploded. His veins burst inside him, his lungs blowing up before they all reshape themselves. He trashes wildly in his restraints, screaming himself hoarse as his body crushes itself. His nerves are frying from the intensity of the pain, his blood and lifeforce draining out before being replaced by something else.

Eiden screams endlessly, desperately struggling against his bonds as he attempts to escape the painful sensations, sobbing and howling madly. The runes on his body are scorching his skin. His tongue is scalded by his own saliva, and his eyes feel like they’ve been set aflame. His whole being is on fire and he feels like he’s a breath short of dying, if only he could draw oxygen between all the shrieks and cries. 

Huey is whispering things to him but he can’t understand them, can’t hear them beyond his own voice and the sound of his body breaking and changing, and the pain never stops - before it all dies down. He’s left completely numb, his body twitching from the aftermath and a few remnants of pain that are quick to fade.

“Well done, Eiden. You did great accepting your new form.” The magician’s voice is distant to his ears, almost too soft for him to catch it.

The restraints draw back, slithering off him, but he can’t move, can’t even make a single sound. He gets to see Huey smile through his blurry vision before the world goes black.

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There is no better feeling than sharing pleasantries, tasty pastries and a cup of tea with the clan members on a beautiful day - at least according to Aster.

The only stain on this perfect day was the fact that their master shines with his absence at the table. Of course, Aster understands that Eiden is quite busy, but this tea party has been planned for a while now, so the fact that the Great Sorcerer sidestepped the invitation under the pretense of exploring the forest makes Aster irked.

Kuya has a matching scowl on his face that he tries to hide with his typical smirk, though the frown he sported does not fool anyone. Yakumo tries to entertain them with idle chatter, which Olivine politely partakes in. Morvay is poking at his own teacup with a hazy look on his face, which annoys him to no end.

Aster tries to sip up his tea, clearing his mind of everything.

The sudden shift in the atmosphere feels like a slap to the face, his insides feeling like they’re torn apart.

Aster’s teacup shatters on the table, red brew splattering on the white surface like a bloodstain. His shrill “Master!” is drowned out by Morvay’s scream of agony as the incubus doubles over. The feeling of a part of them being ripped away tears at them inside.

Yakumo stands up in alarm, eyes wide with fear. Olivine mirrors his expression, looking dumbfounded, his mouth open as if to say something. And Kuya…he’s frozen in place, his hand still in midair. His eyes glaze over as he stares into his memories, feeling thrown back decades before.

Edmond bursts through the doors followed by a frantic Garu, staring at all of them in various states of shock. That’s when all hell breaks loose.

“Mr. Eiden…” Yakumo is the first one to speak, processing the sudden event. His control slips from him as he pants heavily, serpents emerging from his back with furious hisses. His eyes search wildly around him despite finding no threat as he feels rage and bloodlust coursing through his body.

Disconnected from everyone, the familiars embrace each other in their suffering, looking almost in a state of physical pain.

Morvay sobs openly, his whines loud and heart wrenching as he holds onto the vampire so tightly his claws tear through the fancy clothes and dips into his skin. Bitter tears roll down Aster’s cheeks as he buries his head in Morvay’s neck, muffling his sorrowful cries while he clings onto him just as tight, rocking them both for comfort.

Olivine looks pale, terror still etched on his face. He makes a move to raise from his seat, his hands trembling badly as he supports himself onto the table. Edmond immediately comes to his side to stabilize him, instincts and years of training kicking in. In that moment, despite his impressive stature and strong mass, Olivine has never looked so fragile.

Legs shaking, standing on weak knees, he tries to take a step back, cogs turning wildly in his head. “Ei-Eiden is…” He suddenly surges forward and retches, almost stumbling if not for Edmond keeping him steady with a firm hand. Yakumo’s snakes hiss menacingly in response, cut by the man’s threatening growl.

Those sounds tear Kuya away from his own mind as he comes back to the present, his eyes refocusing on the scene before him.

The air is charged with tension and essence going haywire. There’s so much Kuya feels like overdosing on it. Amidst the rest of the shocked clan members stand the serpent spirit, essence pulsing around him like an inferno.

He stands up clumsily, reaching a hand out for him. “Yakumo—”

Garu howls and that’s when it reaches a peak. Yakumo screams .

The condensed essence goes wild, burning and actually setting the grass on fire around them as it explodes in bursts of flames. Scales begin forming on the man’s pale skin as he continues to scream madly, burning everything that surrounds them with vengeance.

Kuya doesn’t even think. He jumps on Yakumo, pinning him to the ground. Yakumo trashes below him, clawing at his exposed skin. The fox spirit can feel his body burning in various spots, flames licking at him as black snakes coil around him.

“Restrain yourself!” he grits out, keeping Yakumo pressed down against the dirt. Yakumo hisses threateningly at him, slitted pupils blazing wildly.

They wrestle on the grass like this, fighting each other like wild animals - as the beast spirits they are.

Yakumo surges forward in a sudden movement, sinking his fangs as deep as he can  in Kuya’s neck. Kuya gasps at the pain of the bite, crying out as searing venom invades his body. It surges in his blood like molten lava, scorching his insides.

He wrenches Yakumo’s head away by tugging on his hair, growling in anger. Kuya bares his teeth at the man before biting violently on his shoulder. The taste of blood fills his mouth and he clamps down harder, making Yakumo squirm even more as he yelps and hisses.

Kuya is ready to rip out a chunk of his flesh until he feels a drop of water on his cheek. More drops follow, landing on his bare skin, stinging him with tiny prickles of heat before it subsides into a dull sensation.

“Mr. Eiden…I’m sorry…I-I’m so-o-o so-sorry…” Yakumo sniffles next to him, hiccuping on the words as he cries.

Kuya slowly releases the pressure on his bite, bloodstained teeth leaving the scarred flesh. He hears Yakumo sob some more, listening to his soft whimpers as he lays down motionless on top of him, even when strong arms come to wrap around his back as Yakumo’s hands grasp at his clothes.

If there are more droplets of water mingling with the dirt below their slumped forms, Kuya will say it’s the soft rain that begins falling down on them, waning the flames until there’s nothing left but smoke.

After much crying and screaming, when they’re conscious enough to calm themselves down and collect their wits, they go back into the mansion. They move slowly, eyes lost in the distance, scaring away the house attendants.

They gather into the living room, most slumping onto the sofas, Kuya and Edmond choosing to stay up with a haunted look. Nobody dares to speak, afraid of breaking the silence that settles over them.

Kuya sighs, knowing full well that none would be able to handle what comes with the loss of the Great Sorcerer of their time. “We need to search for our young master, at least to confirm his status and retrieve his body.” He flinches slightly at the last word — it leaves a sour taste in his mouth.

“We won’t be going with you.” Aster informs them, looking down at his feet. At all the incredulous stares facing him, the vampire swallows painfully, holding onto Morvay’s arm to ground himself. “We’re sorry about this, but despite the thin chance that our master is still alive, we would not be able to…to handle the sight of his lifeless form.”

Olivine nods in understanding, eyes full of sadness. Ever the gentle soul, he comes forward to hug them both in a comforting embrace. “We don’t blame you for it.” He runs his hands through their hair in a soothing gesture, hearing them sniffle softly. Yakumo joins them, unable to handle hearing the familiars in so much pain.

When they finally draw away from the warm hug, Aster clears his throat. “You’ll need provisions for this trip all the way to the Dead Zone and back. Morvay and I will go prepare it for you.”

They quietly trudge out of the room, still holding onto each other all the way to the door.

“If anyone else does not want to accompany the search party, say it now.” Kuya’s voice echoes through the living room. They all exchange glances, unsure on what to say, or whether or not they’ll be able to cope with whatever they’ll find.

In the end, none manifested themselves.

The silence is broken as the door creaks open, revealing Aster and Morvay as they step into the doorway, carrying something in their hands. They walk up to Kuya, carefully handing him the contents of their palms. Kuya uncurls his fist to take the offered items — a pink earring and a silver bracelet with an ‘M’ engraved in a small heart.

“What are those?” Garu asks cautiously as he looks at what sits in Kuya’s hand.

“Trinkets”, Aster replies. “They were given by the master because he wanted a gift for us, and he wished that we’d truly feel at home amongst the clan members, like rightful gem bearers. That he chose us, too. It’s a symbolic present.”

“Some of our essence is attached to it.” Morvay cuts in, sniffling quietly.

“It might help in your search for our master.” Aster complets. 

Kuya nods. Then, in a rare display of kindness, he pats their heads with his free hand. “We’ll find him. I promise we’ll get the young master back.”

It’s with those last few words that they part ways, the doors closing on them. Even with Kuya’s reassurance, and the possibility of their master being back, Aster and Morvay know — nothing will ever be the same.

Chapter Text

Waking up has always been a pain for Eiden, even when he came into the kingdom of Klein. But he always remembers he has something to look up to now. A prospective for a future that is much brighter than what he could have ever hoped for in his bleak life as a sex toy worker (although this job did bring much enjoyment to him). Warmth is usually the first thing that greets him, then the lively voices of his familiars would rip him away from the remnants of his slumber.

So why is everything so cold and silent today? A deadly quietness has settled over him, almost deafening in its lack of noise. All he can hear is his own breathing, sounding whiny and choked up. There’s an odd sensation in his lower belly, a simmering heat and a motion that makes him think about being pounded open.

Suddenly, it’s not so quiet anymore. Eiden registers the thrusting motion first, before actually acknowledging his current situation. Another hit inside his deepest part makes him scream, and he throws his head back at the agonizing pleasure, eyes rolling.

“Oh! OH! AH!” Little screams keep being punched out of him as the one who’s violating his insides continues thrusting madly. The insane pace is tortuous, and he feels like he’s been torn in two despite the small bits of pleasure that sparks up his body.

There’s something different too. No hardness against his belly. All he feels is the sensation of being penetrated, but it’s much more intense than before. Eiden doesn’t have time to think as he suddenly feels something warm flowing inside him.

He shouts in protest, sobbing even harder, louder as he prays for whatever’s happening to stop — oh he knows all too well what’s his current situation, and he hates it.

“H-HUEY! PLEASE!” The name is ripped away from his throat as he shrieks, back arching and tears flowing. He claws at the man in the throws of ecstasy and agony, feeling lost, his senses overwhelmed with the pleasure that came with sex and the horror of being raped and filled up unwillingly.

“Your body took it so well. Looks like the change has been well received.” Huey purrs out the words darkly.

Eiden tenses as Huey’s hand comes down, bypassing his navel to—

“Ah?!” Eiden shakes as he suddenly feels his body being toyed with. But Huey isn't stroking him, no. He’s playing with a little nub — one Eiden has been familiar with in the past, during a drunken night before he realized men were his thing. No. It can’t be.

“But it is.” Huey says as if he read his mind. “It’s exactly what you think. And what a cute little thing it is…Your clitoris truly is sensitive.” Huey chuckles.

The words dawn on Eiden with all the horror attached to it. “You…you gave me a cunt.” He words out, not as a question but as a dreadful fact.

Huey’s answering smile is enough to send Eiden’s mind in a spiral. If he has a cunt now, does that mean he has a womb too? And Huey has just cummed inside him?!

He wants to scream again, so he does. It grates on Huey's ears, who’s quick to muffle his cries with a hand.

It goes on like this for what feels like a few hours before the torture finally ends. Eiden is quick to pass out when all is over, vision fading to black out of exhaustion.

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Quincy grunts as he comes back to his senses. He feels as if Kuya has put a spell on him, toying with his mind through another illusion of his creation. But the loss of Eiden is real.

Quincy remembers calling out to him, reaching out with his hand as Eiden extended his just to disappear with the dark mist.

The still life has then awoken anew, as if nothing ever happened. The forest guardian takes a cautious look at his surroundings, scanning the area. Not a single trace of what transpired here moments ago. Blade is still on the ground with his eyes closed, seemingly with his power shut down.

Quincy tries to shake him awake, to no avail. So, the man carries the droid on his shoulder as he goes to investigate.

It’s not until an hour later that he realizes what he was doing was useless. There are no hints of any sort to indicate a kidnapping, despite Eiden being stolen away. Nothing seems amiss. Topper emits a sad squeak on his shoulder, expressing his frustration and despair with the situation while Quincy remained quiet, a frown set on his face.

Suddenly, Topper gets thrown off his perch. He lets out a surprised yowl as his back bumps against a tree trunk, the little body sagging down on the grass. Quincy’s head snaps towards him, eyes wild and tense. Beads of sweat drip down his forehead as he realizes what’s happening. The color of his gem, usually a bright amber, dims to a muted yellow. All color drains from his already pale skin.

This isn’t happening.

Blade’s eyes snap open as he screams out a shocked “Darling!” — his head almost colliding with Quincy’s.

The blond feels like screaming too, but he keeps from opening his mouth. Instead, he continues carrying Blade as he slowly goes to the manor they shared with the other clan members.

Days go by with Quincy walking tirelessly towards his main goal. This is the sole drive he has left — Eiden’s shiny smile the only comfort he has to keep going. He puts one foot into the other and that’s enough to keep him awake and satiated with his growing need for something to fill the void that has just been created.

One more week passes like this until he perceives familiar energy dripping with a newfound murderous intent. A calm, honeyed voice speaks up from the shadows. “It wasn’t you that we were expecting.”

“There’s nothing but us.” Quincy mumbles. It’s rare for him to mutter, but he can’t bring himself to speak any louder, as if it might make the situation even more true.

Kuya seems to understand, as he doesn’t berate him. There isn’t a single ounce of reproach, no scathing look as he appears before the duo. Soon, they’re joined by the rest of the clan members in various states of disarray, utterly lost without their master.

Aster and Morvay are unsurprisingly missing. Quincy can’t blame them.

“Can you tell us what happened in detail?” Edmond asks him.

Quincy stays quiet for a few minutes. Then, he opens his mouth, only to say one word. “ Huey .”

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Eiden is tired.

He has exhausted all his hopes, all his prayers. His endless begging has tapered down to low pleads, then mere whispers broken with hiccups from the continuous physical torture he was being submitted to. He’s lucky enough that Huey deems sex as enough of a corporal punishment for him. What is he being punished for?

Everything.

He deserves it all. For all the sinning he might have done in his life without truly meaning to. For the way he has stolen Huey’s identity, his clan members, their love, care and affection. He doesn’t know. The only thing that comes to mind is “ everything ”.

Sometimes, Huey is gentle, almost loving in his touches. It’s one of the things Eiden despises. He doesn’t want the sorcerer’s kindness, nor his kisses, nor his caresses. He wants the raw pain, the pleasurable torture, but none of that love. Because it’s not right. He doesn’t deserve this — doesn’t want gentle. Because he fears he might come to like it, perhaps. Because it’s making him feel loved, even just a tad. Huey’s touch is the sole comfort he has now.

Sometimes, the sorcerer likes to take on one of his clan members’ appearances, just to deceive him. They’ll rape him, violate his depths with a cock and few words of hatred, and Eiden is swallowing up all this poison like a given.

His favorite illusion is Kuya’s, Eiden has come to learn. At first, he’ll lure him into a false sense of security, just to rip it away minutes later and make him scream and bleed.

“You should have known there’s nothing for you there.” The man says in Kuya’s voice. Eiden hates it as much as he loves hearing that soft, entrancing sound.

Kuya’s voice lulls him to sleep, and the last thing he remembers is the yokai’s smile before it slips away with his consciousness.

Chapter Text

“ Huey ” Quincy says.

It’s all it takes to freeze them all in places, a chill crawling on their spines. Cold sweat drips from Kuya’s temples and back. “He wouldn’t.” His first reaction is to deny the evidence, teeth bared and glinting. “It’s not Huey’s type.”

“It’s exactly his type.” Quincy replies with a dark look. “Negating Huey’s nature is a grave mistake.”

“But…” Kuya is at a loss for words, unsure on how to proceed with this new information. “How many years has it been, old friend?” He ends up saying instead, hating how pitiful he sounds at this moment. “It’s probably been centuries since we last…”

“I know what I felt.” Blade interjects. “Huey is back.” He shakes his head, looking conflicted. “But he kidnapped Darling.”

“If Huey’s back, then what of Eiden?” Kuya asks.

“What of him?” Quincy repeats with a frown. “You mean, what to make out of his presence in Klein if the Great Sorcerer is back?”

“Outrageous!” Edmond bursts, his face red. “Our priority is to retrieve Eiden safe and sound! The fact that the Great Sorcerer is back doesn’t strip away what Eiden has done for the kingdom!”

“But Master is back…” Garu says quietly, pathetically. “If Master is back, it means that Eiden…”

“Has no purpose being in this world anymore.” Kuya concludes, voicing out everyone’s thoughts. He avoids a fireball as Yakumo explodes .

“MISTER EIDEN IS EVERYTHING TO US!” He cries out with unbridled rage. “How dare you contest his very existence in Klein?!” He spits fire at Kuya, his snakes crawling all over his skin, hissing in fury.

The yokai avoids all attacks thrown at him but, contrary to what Quincy expects, he doesn’t reply with a scathing comment. The purple fox frowns, deeply unsettled by the news. “If Eiden has inherited from Huey’s essence, then perhaps the Great Sorcerer is draining him of it one way or another.” He thinks aloud. “This would be detrimental to Eiden’s health.”

“Everyone, please calm down and think.” Olivine cut in, looking worried. “We can decide on what to do about Eiden being here at a later time. What matters most is getting him back.”

“...” Kuya shakes his head, trying to focus. He knows Huey. He has been keenly acquainted with the man. Huey, despite what Kuya could believe, is malicious to his core, with his best interests at heart. Eiden dead wouldn’t serve him one bit. The man has unlimited essence — Kuya thinks that he can even generate it by himself.

But it’s not like Huey lacks essence himself, unless he lost it by transmitting it to Eiden…Or Eiden took it through another means. Gems…And the rainbow pendant hanging from around Eiden’s neck. But he wouldn’t have needed to kidnap Eiden for that, just steal his pendant. So he’s definitely using Eiden for a greater purpose that would benefit him.

What he can conclude from all this thinking though is that—

“Eiden is alive.” Kuya breathes out with a tinge of relief. At everyone’s baffled look, he explains his reasoning to them, without omitting a single detail about Huey or his own theory. After being done with his explanation, they set on a plan to act out.

“Huey is a master of treachery.” Quincy says with a deep frown. “He’s good at fooling people.”

“In other words, he must be hiding under our noses.” Yakumo hisses out.

“If he’s hiding under our noses, we’ll sniff him out.” Kuya jests with a sharp grin. “He can’t trick me with illusions. I will know how to see through them.”

They split into three search parties to be efficient, parting ways with the promise that they’ll find their young master in one piece.

Eiden lifts his head at the shuffle of the trap door opening, creaking lightly in the quietness of the room. He’s quick to get up, chains rattling loudly as he walks up to the man who just arrived.

“Quincy...” he croaks out. “Is it Quincy?”

“Yes, it’s me.” The man made a grin that was unlike his stolen appearance. Eiden didn’t have the heart to call him out on his lie though. Was it even a lie? He had forgotten almost everything from the one he called ‘Quincy’ affectionately.

He hugged Huey, feeling comforted by his presence. He had been so alone and scared. He was worried Huey would leave him behind one day. That he would serve no purpose to the man, and he would be left to himself in this gilded cage...

The room has changed since he first got here; there are papers with words and doodles scribbled on them, up to the roof. Huey has all hung them carefully. Same for the dolls whose heads loll gently with the artificial breeze, their beady eyes staring at Eiden.

Eiden always feels a sense of shame whenever they looked at him and Huey having sex, but Huey insists on them watching. “To pay back for their sins.” He has said when Eiden has asked him. But what sins could they have? All Eiden can see are dolls. He forgot their faces, and the names he’s given them.

The scratchy words, the letters, it’s a jumbled mess in his brain. He can’t make heads or tails of what lies there. What is “Blade”? A sword? Why is he asking for help? Aside from the fact he can’t go out, he...he-

“You didn’t make your bed?” Huey cuts his train of thoughts short.

“I didn’t have the energy for it.” Eiden admits with shame.

“You should sleep more. Staying up late isn’t doing you any good.”

“And whose fault do you think it is?” Eiden chastises, throwing a hissy fit. He can’t help the light chuckle at the other man’s pout.

“You know how to make me feel guilty.”

Eiden huffs proudly despite the shivers that crawl on his back. It’s something he noticed after a small while. No matter what he does, no matter the way he perceives Huey, he can never suppress the shivers. Or this cold feeling that he gets whenever Huey touches him; his hands on his skin feel like the far cry of something vague, but that was Eiden’s once.

It’s dread, Eiden realizes. He’s feeling dreadful.

And that’s because...

Eiden shakes his head. He doesn’t like the way he’s thinking. He’s come to learn to abandon all thoughts, because they only brought him pain. He’s never been a sucker for that kind of pain. He feels ill to his stomach at the mere idea of it.

“Huey!” He cries out softly.

“What is it?”

“Hold me please...”

Huey does as he’s told. As his eyes scan the room, he sees a doll on the far corner of the room, slightly ripped at the seams.

“What has this one done?” He asks Eiden curiously.

“It exists but it’s wrong.” The brunet replies.

The magician hums. “I see.” He begins to pet Eiden’s hair, long nails scratching his scalp. It can be passed of as a kind gesture if not for the way it would sometimes dig into Eiden’s skin, as if a reminder that Huey could also be mean if he wishes. “But what if I could make it right?”

“Can you?” Eiden looks at Huey curiously.

“Of course. I’ve already done it before. I can do it again.”

Eiden nods. “Then, make me right.” He tells the Great Sorcerer. And then, as Huey dives onto him, he forgets all about the Eiden doll left alone, and all the others staring with the weight of everything wrong with Eiden’s entire world.

Kuya is the first to see it. It’s well hidden, sealed so nicely with strong magic that he almost bypassed it. But no one can fool a fox yokai as old and powerful as him.

He tries to push through the illusion, trying to break it, but his hand only wavers in the air. With a sound of annoyance, he summons a purple flame that he throws upward. It catches on fire, and in a violet inferno, the illusion shatters, disintegrating under Kuya’s watchful eyes.

The fox yokai thinks he’s staring at nothing at first, before his eyes trail down, and then they widen in surprise.

There’s a seal on the floor, a star with nine branches sitting in the middle of a circle. It reeks of Huey’s dark essence.

“What was that?” Yakumo surges towards him. When he catches the scent in the air, his hand immediately comes up to hide his nose. Garu comes out from some bushes, running towards him on all fours. He freezes at the rancid smell of Huey’s magic, growling low in his throat.

“Yes, I noticed it too.” Kuya confirmed.

Soon, they are joined by the rest of the search parties, having all seen and felt the fox yokai’s magic. They all stare at the star, feeling uneasy. Not a single sound can be heard down below, even with the yokais’ keen hearing.

“This isn’t the regular seal.” Quincy tells them. “It’s one that can only be lifted with our essence.”

“Huey knew we were going to come here eventually. He was waiting for us.” Kuya bites out through his teeth. “This is a clear sign he expected our arrival.”

“But how could he even open his own seal?” Yakumo asks. “If he needed our essence for it, he wouldn’t be able to do that.”

“I have a theory.” Blade says, his lips set into a thin line. “But I really hope for our sake and Darling’s that it’s not what I think.”

Kuya looks at them all gathered around the circle. With their sunken faces, their pale complexion and their worried eyes, they make a pathetic display. Huey must be laughing at them wherever he is.

“If we’re to find Eiden, we have no choice but to walk right into this, even if it comes to be a trap.” He walks into the center of the circle as he speaks, reaching the core of the star. The others follow after him.

At first, nothing happens. Then, a loud rumbling thunders in the air. The atmosphere sparks with electricity and magic, as parts of the cliff standing before them come down. Torches inside the hole it made light up, a clear invitation to go forward.

Slowly, they proceed into the maw of jagged rocks, cautiously watching their steps. What they discover is Huey’s hide out, no doubts about it. There’s a pitiful stove, a bed and a dresser. On a desk lies an opened leather journal, the pages blackened with Huey’s handwriting.

“Those are the scribbles of a mad man.” Quincy says as he observed it.

Kuya holds back his scathing words. Instead, he scans the room. He slowly makes his way to the farthest wall, touching the surface with a quivering hand. Nothing.

Then, his fox ears shift, catching something. He gets on all fours, uncaring of the display he’s making for the other clan members, bowing his head low to listen against the floor.

“Someone is singing.” He whispers. “Don’t.” He tells Garu before the boy could scream out Eiden’s name.

They all begin to search for a hidden trap door, which they’re quick to find hidden under a rug. It’s almost comical with how easy it was to find. It has Kuya on edge, not only with red hot shame but also a cold sense of dread.

They open the trap door, trying to prepare themselves for what was next to come.

Chapter Text

Nothing could have prepared them for what awaited the clan members in the underground basement. The room below reeks of dark, dirty essence and sex.

The first thing they hear is paper; sheets of paper crumple under their feet as they land on the ground softly. Then, there’s a soft gasp coming from a corner of the room. At first, they don’t distinguish anything. Yakumo is quick to light up a fire with a snap of his fingers.

Seven pair of eyes widen at the sight of the room they ended up in. There are papers all over the walls down to the floor and up to the roof, with mad scribbles all over it - begging for help that never came; doodles of them crying, of Eiden alone, of Huey - many stained with red, like blood dripping over flesh.

Dolls hang from the ceiling of the basement, ribbons tied around their necks.

There’s the sound of something tearing, then some shuffling as a soft cloth falls to the floor and suddenly, the room is filled with prismatic light.

Kuya blinks to try adjusting his eyes to the sudden brightness, and what he sees when he’s able to distinguish things is a human silhouette bent over a torn doll.

“...Eiden?”

“Who is it this time? Who are you playing?” A soft voice comes out. It sounds a little croaky, as if hours of screaming had turned it raw. And it’s quiet, really quiet.

“Who’s playing?” Garu asks with curiosity and fear. “Where’s master?”

“But it’s you, Huey. Isn’t it?”

The human turn fully towards them and Kuya gapes.

His hair has grown longer, and the color - or rather, the rainbow waterfall that made up his locks is off...But it’s unmistakably Eiden.

His eyes reflects the prismatic light of his hair, and when he opens his mouth to speak, the same rainbow colors can be found on his tongue, with a magic circle akin to the one they had found earlier. He’s holding a pair of large scissors in his hand, which he has visibly used to rip apart a doll of himself. Chains bind his wrists and neck — they rattle as he moves in a frenetic sort of way, like a disarticulated doll.

His tongue isn’t the only place that has been marked with magic circles — his whole body is covered with runes as well as some scars. Kuya swallows dryly when he spots what looks like a womb tattoo on Eiden’s stomach. The marking reminds him of a pattern he’s seen before in Klein’s ancient mythology, but he can’t quite remember the meaning yet.

“Huey? Did you multiply your illusions? You’ve never done that before.”

Eiden begins to frown, visibly disturbed by the amount of people in the room. Most likely feeling uncomfortable, he raises his pair of scissors in the air and takes a defensive posture.

“Are you going to play with me? Is that it? You know I don’t like those type of games.”

“Mr. Eiden...” Yakumo begins, his voice tight with unbridled emotions. “Do you remember us?”

“...” Eiden’s eyes turn glassy with a fog of confusion clouding his beautiful brown irises — the only thing that hasn’t changed in his current physical appearance. “Y-Yakumo?”

Yakumo nods excitedly. “That’s right, it’s me.” But as he tries to get closer to Eiden, the man jerks away from his reach with a screech.

Eiden considers them all with frightened eyes. Then his eyes drift to the doll at his feet, pitifully ripped open at its core, and his defensive stance turns into wild panic.

“Oh no, I’ve done it again!” He picks up the doll from the ground and hurries to another corner of the room, where sewing equipment rests on a small table. “Huey, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

“What...What happened?” Kuya asks, his throat dry.

“I just can’t help thinking this doll is wrong.” Eiden begins crying. Then he starts knocking on his head with a fist, hard. “Stupid, stupid stupid!” The hand holding the scissors get dangerously close to his face as he does so.

“Eiden, don’t do this!” Quincy warns him. He’s careful not to approach him, knowing it won’t do any good. Eiden might try to harm them or worse, harm himself.

Eiden slowly lowers his hand. He stays frozen for a few seconds before his frown melts away into a blank smile. With empty eyes, he turns around to look at the first person he sees.

Kuya takes a sharp intake of breath when Eiden throws himself at his feet, discarding the scissors. “You promised to make it right when I get like this, haven’t you? Is that why you came down like this? To fix it?”

“What do we fix?” Kuya asks tentatively.

“Eiden.” The man replies. “A broken toy is no fun if it’s not you who breaks it.”

Kuya’s throat is tight at the reminder of Huey’s mantra. He swallows with great difficulty. “Eiden, you know we’re not-”

“Can’t do it?” Eiden worries. “Do I need to get you in the mood?”

All colors drain from Kuya’s face as Eiden begins to fidget with the flap of his pants, attempting to pull it down. Before he can think, he grabs Eiden’s wrists sharply. The man shrieks, trying to get away before ceasing all attempts at resisting, deflating like a balloon. Like this, he looks the same as a broken doll.

“...” Kuya looks at the people behind them. They all have different expressions full of anguish on their faces. “Olivine, come take of the binds.”

“You’re gonna take off my chains?” Eiden wonders aloud. “Why?”

“Young master, do you know the situation you’re in?”

Eiden observes Kuya closely. His hands gently come up to paw at Kuya’s face. The fox yokai holds one carefully, laying a kiss on the frail palm.

“We’re here to save you, young master. We finally came, and you’re gonna be set free now.”

“Free?” Eiden jerks at the sound of his binds snapping in Olivine’s hands. He has not noticed the green haired man coming closer, too enthralled with Kuya.

The shift in the air is instantaneous. Once the magic binds come apart, Eiden’s essence flows into the atmosphere, pooling around them, almost drowning them all. It’s so powerful it blinds them for a second, as his hair, eyes and tongue shine brightly. But it’s not the only thing that happens.

Rather than being grateful for taking off the lead that has been weighing down his wrists and neck, Eiden screams — a distorted and haunting sound, so powerful it makes the whole room shake.

Despite how he feels like he’s suffocating, Kuya holds Eiden close, drinking in his presence, his essence, his smell — everything as he tries to comfort the quivering, screaming human. But there’s nothing that can be done.

Instead of relaxing, Eiden screams louder, his howls of fear grating on everyone’s ears. They reach an almost inhuman pitch, and he scratches desperately at Kuya, rejecting his affection. As if Kuya is hurting him just by his skin to skin contact. But his punches are weak against Kuya’s fit body, and soon enough, Eiden stops, panting harshly as he remains unmoving in Kuya’s hold, frozen like a statue.

That’s when Kuya notices the underlying energy flowing along Eiden’s.

“No.” He says darkly. “He marked him.”

Huey has marked Eiden, for better and worse - far worse than what they could have ever imagined.

They all looked at Kuya with various states of shock and incomprehension, not quite understanding what’s at stakes here.

“What do you mean?” Olivine asked. “How did Huey mark him?”

“I thought the runes were simply some sort of energy draining spell, or something to contain Eiden’s essence. But it’s not. See here?” Kuya traces one of the runes on Eiden’s arm. “It’s a binding spell. It’s a mark of ownership on magical property. And here’s a spell to track down the owned object.”

Quincy bristles at the yokai’s words. “Eiden is not his property.” He states out. “And this spell only works on things you crafted yourself.”

“Perhaps Huey found a way to counter it. The rune pattern is a bit different than the original spell.”

“So he’s treating Mr. Eiden like an object…” Yakumo quivers with unfiltered rage. “This vile man is using him this way!”

Kuya has an inkling feeling that he’s missing something — like a puzzle piece for the bigger picture. But he can’t quite put his finger on it yet. Right now, Huey’s actions just…don’t make sense. What he’s witnessing is a mad man’s doing, nothing more, nothing less.

Eiden has mentioned ‘games’ earlier. Kuya can only guess what those games were, especially with his reaction to the ripped doll. But why were there dolls here? Did Huey make them? Eiden? They all seem to be hanging from the ceiling for their sins. But they are unscathed.

Only Eiden’s suffered. As if Eiden considers that he needs and deserves punishment. Just what has Eiden gone through while he has been held there? Something unfathomable, there’s no doubt. And the room still stinks with the stench of sex and dirty essence.

“Let’s get him out of here.” Kuya says.

But Eiden, with newfound vigour, fights off his attempts at dragging him out. He shrieks, attempting to bite him like a wild animal — a terrified, wounded one.

“Eiden, please! We’re trying to free you!” Edmond says as he struggles to keep him calm.

Eiden trashes in their hold, unwilling to cooperate. Then, his runes shine, so does the magic circle on his tongue as he screams out a foreign word. Kuya’s eyes widen and he just has the time to scream out “Duck!” to everyone before a blast of magic is released. It knocks them back and send papers flying all around them like feathers.

Eiden stands on shaky legs before them, holding himself and glowering at them with fury. His lips part to form another word, and the room heats up considerably.

Before he can finish his spell though, Quincy reacts. He launches himself at Eiden, causing the man to scream, and knocks him out with a single hit. He winces at the thud Eiden makes when his body crumples to the floor, trying to comfort himself with the fact that it was a necessity. Eiden may have had the intent to kill them all at that moment.

Is this Huey’s doing?

It probably is.

Kuya looks at Eiden with growing uneasiness and distress. Passed out like this, he looks almost dead. Quincy picks up Eiden and check his pulse. “He’s still breathing, but he’s weak.”

“You shouldn’t have been so harsh.” Kuya finds himself saying with reproach.

“I didn’t have a choice.”

Eiden mumbles something, but his eyelids remain shut. They decide to take the opportunity to get out of the cave now, before he can wake up and panic any further.

Chapter Text

The air outside the cave is cold. Eiden’s frail body can barely handle the slightest breeze, his body quivering badly anytime the wind caressed it. He is being carried by Quincy, who doesn’t say anything. In fact, no one speaks out. Not a single word is shared between the clan members, it’s almost as if they don’t dare breathe too loudly.

Despite having just saved their master, the atmosphere over them is gloomy. They still remember the fuss Eiden has thrown when he was being dragged out of the dreadful place he’s been kept in for 4 months or so - even though it feels like a year has passed by without him. His shrill scream demanding them to unhand him...It had been too much for Yakumo, who had burst down crying, crumbling into a heap at Eiden’s feet.

Eiden’s psyche...It has always been fragile. They were all aware of it, even though they haven’t really talked about it to each other, or to Eiden himself.

This was just a conscious knowledge, a shared agreement and recognition that Eiden has to be protected from himself and from others because while he makes blatant and spectacular displays, his mental health is holding on by a thin thread, made of glass easy to shatter with a trigger.

And Huey has been the bullet. He’s always been.

Quincy chews his lip, deep in thought. It’s an old habit he rarely shows around others, but right now he’s bothered, with not a single care for prying eyes. He’s thought before that Eiden’s presence in Klein meant trouble. Oh how he regrets that line of thinking.

Eiden might be troublesome to handle, but this outlandish aspect of his makes it enjoyable and worth it.

The Eiden who Quincy’s holding feels much more different. They only just rescued him, but he can already tell things won’t be the same. Eiden shifted in Quincy’s arms, mumbling something in his sleep that the blond couldn’t quite catch. He looks so pale, so sickly...Suddenly, Quincy’s overcome by a fear that he might break him. His arms are too tight around him, his hands grasping desperately at Eiden as if he’ll slip away from his reach a second time. He can hear Eiden’s cry and his own shout echoing in his ear-

“Quincy.” Olivine’s ever so calming voice cuts through his thoughts. “I think you should rest. Allow me to carry Eiden.” The gentle soul must have felt Quincy’s anxiety; he has a knack for sniffing out things like this within people.

But Quincy is afraid. When Olivine extends his hands, Quincy takes a step back, holding Eiden closer to himself with a low growl. As he acknowledges his reaction though, he’s quick to cease his warning rumble, and lays Eiden into Olivine’s awaiting arms.

The green haired man carries him like something precious and delicate - everything Quincy wished to be for Eiden. Olivine’s hands are soft, with less callouses than Quincy’s. Even though they’re built almost the same way, Olivine is much more composed and warmer than he could ever be.

…This is no time for such comparison. This is just waste, worthless beating himself over. He has rescued Eiden with the other clan members. That’s it.

“I can feel the cogs in your brain turning for once, old friend.” Kuya’s whisper, despite the moderate insult, lacks his usual sarcasm laced to it. There’s no bite in his words. Quincy isn’t sure what to make out of this new development.

For once, Quincy feels like talking. So he speaks. “I just feel...lost. And worried.” He says.

“What of it?”

“Eiden,” Quincy begins, “has always been so frail. But now that it’s so obvious he’s this breakable, it makes me…”

“Scared.” Kuya finished for him. “It makes you scared.”

They walk in quite companionship for a little while before Quincy adds: “I never liked Huey, you know.”

“I know.”

“I’m not like you.”

“I know.”

“I could never vow my sincere trust to him with my core.”

“…” Kuya looks at him. “And what about it? What’s the point of telling me that now?”

“Do you still think Huey is any good?” Quincy asks, going straight to the point.

Kuya stares at him with wide eyes. Rather than words, he answers with a hollow chuckle - but it sounds more like a garggle, an ugly, distorted sound that grates on Quincy’s ears.

Kuya shivers in disgust at his own echo, but he remains quiet.

They continue to follow the rest of the clan members in silence.

When their muscles beg them to rest, they make a stop at Kuya’s house for the night. The place is cramped with Kuya’s trinkets and all of them trying to find enough space to fit inside, but they make do.

Eiden is laid on the bed, with each of them taking watch over him. But eventually, they all have to sleep, so they choose among themselves the one who’ll stay awake.

Edmond is used making night rounds. Patrolling is one of his duties, along with keeping a night watch over other guards and prisoners in his kingdom. Of course, he volunteers himself to keep an eye on Eiden, and the others agree.

It’s eerily quiet now in the cabin. The yokai’s cottage is in an isolated area, far from the usual bustle of castletown that Edmond is used to. But he also always sleep alone, or make his usual rounds by himself; right now, he’s in the presence of many men, all counting on him to assure the security of one being; their most precious master.

Edmond has never considered Eiden as his master; more like, a man baby who he has to handle at times, but also an equal he could rely on when it’s needed. He thought he’d never have to worry about Eiden. They’re nine, for godsake, nine grown men taking care of a single person! And yet, when it mattered most, they have been powerless; uncapable of filling their duty as a clan member.

The blue haired man grits his teeth at the thought. Hot shame makes his eyes prickle with unshed tears. He’s been such a fool. He who praised himself for his prowess while always striving for more hard work. What was the point of it if Eiden…If Eiden…

No. Eiden wouldn’t want him to think like this.

“You still have a kingdom to manage...” He whispers to himself. He has a life outside Eiden, contrary to someone like Yakumo. Eiden was everything to the snake yokai. Aster and Morvay lived with the constant reminder of Huey, and with the present brought by Eiden.

Which brings him to this topic: Huey. So this is what the Great Sorcerer is capable of. And what he chooses to do with his powerful magic is…

Edmond shakes his head. He doesn’t need this to keep going. The night is still young, troubling himself further with those matters isn’t a good idea. And yet…Dreadful curiosity fill him.

He opens his satchel to collect the book he brought back from their great rescue. Huey’s journal…Honestly, Edmond has qualms about getting close to the mind of a mad man such as The Great Sorcerer of old, but he wants to know; what has this wretch done to Eiden?

He opens the journal, slowly flipping through the pages.

Eiden has reacted well to the change. He’s still fierce and disobedient, but it won’t be long until I break him in. The clan members must have felt the change. I wish I could have been there to witness their devastation.

Edmond grimaces at this, a sour frown etched on his face. He continues reading nonetheless. The next pages are gruesome in the way they go over detail about how Huey ‘breaks in’ Eiden, and the man’s deteriorating mental health.

Huey describes the whole process with scientific-like curiosity and excitement, describing Eiden’s actions with a sick pleasure that makes Edmond woozy.

Soon enough, the man reaches the last pages.

I’m most pleased to say the spell is almost complete. It’s been a while since I’ve last cast it, but it should still be efficient. With my mark, Eiden won’t be able to get away from me, and they’ll find soon enough that they’re utterly helpless when facing my magic.

I must part from Eiden now, I have no doubts they will be there soon. To the one clan member who finds this journal, I hope you enjoyed this little dive into the memories we made together. You’ll find that Eiden is much more docile now, he’ll probably be less trouble for you.

And do read carefully what I’m about to say…

The next few words have Edmond’s eyes go wide. He looks between Eiden and the journal, before snapping it shut. The sound alerts the yokais, who are quick to get up, alarmed.

When they notice it’s only Edmond awake, they relax slightly.

“You know it’s ill manners to wake a yokai from their sleep.” Kuya chastises with a hiss.

Edmond is shaking wordlessly. He opens his mouth before closing it, unable to find the right words.

Yakumo, sensing his struggle, comes to his side with a worried look on his face. “What is it? Did something happen?”

Edmond swallows before nodding. He hands Yakumo the journal with quivering hands. “…It’s Huey. He’s done something that is, in his words, irreparable.”

Yakumo goes over the book as well. Once he reaches the last pages, his already pale complexion turns gray like ashes, before he goes an ill green.

Kuya snatches the journal from Yakumo’s hands to read the last page as well. What he finds does not please him, his horror as clear as day on his face.

His shaken expression morphs into a furious one. He growls low in his throat, at first a mere rumble before it turns into a full blown sound that makes the whole cottage tremble, effectively waking the rest of the clan members. “He did not.” He speaks, as if he could convince himself. But the words scribbled on the page in red ink were there to attest the awful truth.

“And it’s not all.” Edmond says. “According to him, the changes should apply around…”

Just as he says this, Eiden shifts in his sleep. He begins panting, and his voice rises to weakly call out for a name. “Huey…Huey, Huey, Huey!”

Edmond wants to scream to try drowning out the sound of Eiden chanting his kidnapper’s name like a prayer that will bring him salvation. Because it’s exactly what would have happened had he been still in his cage.

And they, as Huey had promised, are powerless and helpless in the face of it, unable to stop it from happening.

Simply put, I’ve done exactly as before. Eiden is now mine to claim, and his essence is mine to reap. He’s most delicious with his broken mind, his soulless body a fine delicacy, is it not? But rather than this, I’m most happy with this new change, because it means I get to have all of you in one place. I no longer need to siphon your essence. All I need is Eiden close.

And he’ll always be close to me with the gem inside him. You understand, right? The meaning of being a clan member.

His cycle should start soon. He’ll beg for me, and something to fill him. And because I’m his everything now, unless you decide to join the clan, you cannot fulfill his need. He’ll reject you. But denying Eiden could lead him to unforeseen consequences and places he should not wander.

So, what will you choose?

I look forward to your decision.

Chapter Text

“Huey, Huey, Huey!” Eiden is inconsolable. He wrenches his head away from Yakumo’s pets, shrieking and trashing around. It makes for a quite pitiful display that tore at all the clan members. They feel ill at their stomach witnessing such a sight.

Usually, seeing Eiden in the throes of pleasure, jerking and twitching uncontrollably from the slightest breeze is something to behold in a positive way, but right now it is…miserable.

When Eiden begins clawing at himself in pure distress, rage and desperate need, Yakumo is quick to seize his hands. He goes at it with infinite gentleness, but it still make Eiden scream. The man stares at him with wild eyes full of panic, a manic look that rendered Yakumo scared out of his mind. He is terrified.

He looks at the others for guidance, but they seemed just as anxious for what could happen next, waiting in tense anticipation.

And Eiden is still calling out for his…‘master’.

“…” Kuya sighs, the shrill cries getting on his nerves. “Despicable.” He says, his voice dripping with venom. Yakumo knows it isn’t directed at Eiden, so he let it go.

“My theory was right…He really did it.” Blade says with a pale, thin voice.

“What was your theory?” Yakumo asks him.

“Huey has made Eiden a clan member, which means he imposed himself as the new master of the clan. He severed the connection we had with Eiden that way, but it does not mean that Eiden doesn’t benefit from our essence, quite the contrary; all of it is stored inside him. He’s the very core of our essence combined.”

“But…What’s the point?” Garu questions, whining uneasily. “Master was already an unlimited source of essence himself. Why doing this?”

“To own us? To stake a claim on what or rather, who is most precious to us? Who knows.” Kuya says darkly. “But my idea is quite simple: he’s giving us the illusion of choice. He’s waiting patiently for us to be at his mercy. Making us useless is the first step to victory for him. This is all a tricky mind game.”

“What choice though?” Olivine cuts in with a frown. “What does he want from us? To abandon Eiden, leave him behind and surrender him?”

“We don’t know, and I honestly don’t want to find the reason for it.” Quincy says with genuine fatigue. “I just want to help Eiden out of this slump.”

“But we can’t do anything.” Olivine states out. “He won’t respond to us.”

“That’s what Huey wrote, but the truth may state otherwise. We shouldn’t take everything he says for granted.” Kuya tells them. He brushes Eiden’s hair off his face, leaning down slowly. “I’m gonna share some essence with him.”

He kisses Eiden with a rare tenderness. At first, nothing happens. But then, he jerks away, as if hit. When he opens his mouth, they can all see his tongue twitch, blood dripping from it. Kuya’s brow twitch in annoyance and barely restrained anger.

“It’s nothing. He bit me.”

Kuya tries again, this time forcing Eiden to relax in the process, but when his essence brush against Eiden’s - Kuya’s head is struck hard. Eiden’s hand is still raised in the air from the harsh slap.

Yakumo gapes at the scene. Eiden doesn’t even seem conscious to have done it, still chanting Huey’s name. It’s like an instant reaction, a self-defense mechanism anchored into him. But it’s not what seemed to have shaken up Kuya.

He’s just as baffled as the rest of them, holding a hand to his burning cheek. “His essence is too powerful, it was consuming mine…” He breathes out. “But it rejected me.”

“Allow me to try.” Yakumo says then.

He’s always been the most gentle with Eiden; him and Olivine treat him with the utmost care. So, perhaps what Eiden needs right now is the comfort of someone who adores him more than anything.

Yakumo’s palm glow with essence as he presses them against Eiden’s.

Eiden’s reaction doesn’t let him wait - the man screams bloody murder as if he’s being ripped in half, desperately crawling away from Yakumo. Essence gathers into his core and flows back in a strong pulse, blowing them all away. They all crash into the furniture spread around in Kuya’s cottage.

Yakumo is quick to get back up. “There has to be a way…” He grits his teeth. Then his face lights up in sudden realization. “Aster and Morvay! We have to get to them quick! They’re not linked by a gem, they’re directly connected to their master!”

“But their original master is Huey.” Kuya reminds him. “Who’s to say that Huey hasn’t reestablished the link between them?”

“We ought to try. It might be the only way to get him to stabilize his essence!”

“What about toys?” Olivine interjects.

Everyone looks at him, making him blush, but he pursues. “Toys aren’t linked to him, and we can put some of our essence in them. If Eiden only reacts to our bodies, then toys wouldn’t be a problem.”

Yakumo swallows at the prospect of seeing Eiden filled with toys to compensate for the lack of cocks. “Will it be enough?"

“Only for the journey back to the manor.”

They look at each other with eyes full of uncertainty. Kuya, who doesn’t like feeling helpless, is the first to snap. “Get moving!” He demands imperiously. “I’ll get a toy for him and induce it with my illusion so it’ll feel like the real thing.”

They nod, gathering their belongings and preparing themselves for the travel. Kuya does as he said, producing a sex toy out of one of his numerous cabinets. He’s careful when he parts Eiden’s legs, just to stop and stare. Looking dumbfounded.

“What…What is this?” He manages to say, visibly confused.

Yakumo takes a peek over his shoulder and feel his mouth go dry. Between Eiden’s thighs, there’s a leaking cunt, open and ready, the lips swollen and puffy and the clit throbbing.

Kuya shakes his head, mumbling something angrily, but he’s delicate when he pushes the object inside Eiden. He’s slow as he inserts it.

For a moment, the toy glows purple, then it starts moving on its own inside Eiden, making a thrusting motion that causes slick to drip out of Eiden’s newfound pussy.

Yakumo averts his eyes, his cheeks red with shame as he feels his cock stirs at the sight. He who’s always been so pure, he feels depraved, tainted by Huey’s sins. He’s the one who made this happen to Eiden. Huey will pay for breaking Yakumo’s entire world.

“Master!” Aster launches himself at their feet when they arrive, throwing all caution and dignity to the wind in the face of immense relief upon seeing Eiden alive. Morvay does the same, sobbing loudly.

They do not comment on Eiden’s changed appearance, too caught up with their own feelings to even speak.

“Thank you for bringing him back home!” Morvay cries out; his voice is gravely, probably from days of crying.

“We couldn’t have survived another separation.” Aster says with tears rolling down his cheeks. But as he gets closer to Eiden, Blade steps between them, hiding their master from view.

“Please be careful. He’s not the same Eiden that you used to know.”

“What do you mean? I agree his hair changed, but I don’t see anything else.”

“It’s mental.” Quincy says. “Eiden is…”

“Broken.” Kuya completes.

“Broken? How?"

“…” Kuya seems to hesitate before answering them. “Huey is back.” He begins to say. “But not for good reasons.”

Morvay’s eyes light up at the news. “He’s back!” He cries out with delight. “Oh, has he finally made his way back home?”

“No.” Yakumo is close to spit fire, his eyes blazing. “This wicked fiend has made mister Eiden like this. He’s shaped him into this broken being.”

Aster has always been quick to think. The cogs turn in his mind as thoughts flow, to reach a brutal conclusion. He pales, eyes wide with horror and dread. “Oh no. Huey has used Eiden’s gem, hasn’t he?”

“What are you talking about, shitty bat?” Morvay hollers at him, feeling uneasy at seeing his companion so shaken. “Huey’s back for good and master is safe! We don’t have any reason to worry, right?”

“You don’t understand as always, stupid demon!” Aster snaps. He turns towards the clan members, his eyes frantic. “Where is it? Where’s the gem?”

“You mean, master’s pendant? We haven’t found it.” Garu says.

Aster groans, a sound that tapers into a whine. “No…No, no, no!” He’s on the verge of sobbing now. “Master…”

Morvay seems to finally catch up to what’s happening, looking between Aster and Eiden. “But Eiden’s hair…” He reasons. “Wait, did he swallow the gem?”

Blade is quick to explain his theory to the vampire and incubus. Both of them look devastated at the news that they’re given.

“We’re in trouble. Big, big trouble."

“How long do we have until Huey comes for master?” Aster wonders aloud. “We ought to think about a battle plan.”

“Our priority is to regulate Eiden’s essence.” Kuya interjects. “Stabilizing it will make Eiden less likely to be pointed out. Huey will have a harder time searching for it.”

‘How’ is the question everyone has in mind, but no one dare to say. Aster sighs before his body is surrounded by a pink glow. Once the glow fades, he has turned into a handsome long haired man.

“I’ll manage him in this form." He tells the rest of the men gathered at the front door. “My tentacles can buy us some time, and if what you say is right, there’s a possibility that we can stabilize his essence by ourselves, Morvay and I.”

“And if it doesn’t work?” Garu asks pitifully.

“Then we’ll have to find a way for you to become part of Eiden’s clan again. But it means you might be linked to Huey. And we want to avoid that.”

“There’s always conditions to entering a gem clan.” Morvay explains. “You’ll have to figure out Huey’s to be able to help Eiden. That, or take the gem back from his innards.”

Garu gulps. “O-okay…”

They’ll try anything if it means getting their master back to their side.

Chapter Text

Aster has always been loyal to Huey. He’s never thought he’d have to go against him before. To him and Morvay, their master is everything. Breaking that well-established order sounds impossible. And yet…Here lay Eiden in his arms, shivering and vulnerable, all because of this master he has idolized for so long. It’s unfathomable. It’s such a ridiculous thought that Aster would have laughed at it. Right now, Aster isn’t laughing.

His eyes are red-rimmed and vengeful, screaming bloody murder for the one who has dared to hurt his precious master this way. But more than a master, Eiden is…He’s…Indescribable. Not just an owner. He’s a person too, a human being who’s indeed fragile, but so strong simultaneously. He’s done so much despite his condition as a simple human. Aster doesn’t think that Eiden truly realizes just how important he’s turned out to be for Klein. And now, is it too late to show him? Will Eiden ever be alright?

“Will he be okay?” Morvay echoes his thoughts, looking worriedly at their master.

Aster doesn’t have the heart to retort. “I hope he will.” He says instead, soft and cautious. “He must be alright, because it’s master we’re talking about.”

How many bad situations have happened to Eiden? More than he can count, and the man has always gotten out of them almost unscathed — even though he bears mental scars from it, Aster is sure of it. And if he does end up hurt, there’s the rest of them to take care of him. But Eiden has spent long enough under Huey’s thumb that now he’s ended up in this dreadful state, all curled in on himself and quivering badly. As if the world’s out to hurt him.

Aster strides confidently through the mansion's hallways until he eventually reaches his room. He carefully lays Eiden down on the pink sheets, before going to the door. “I understand your concern, but I want to give Eiden privacy.” He addresses everyone. “Please, wait for me to be done.”

Before anyone can protest, he closes the door, locking it. Immediately, he hears furious knocks on the other side, but he doesn’t pay them any mind. His whole focus on the body resting on his bed.

Eiden is trembling badly. His desperate cries have turned into barely audible whispers, his lips parting on Huey’s name. Aster approaches him carefully. Eiden raises his head, and Aster takes the opportunity to lay a soft kiss on his lips, testing the waters. Eiden doesn’t react badly. Rather than rejecting him, he naturally deepens the kiss by leaning in further.

Aster counts that as a good sign, perhaps even an indicator they can return him to his previous self. But then, Eiden looks at him with adoring eyes and says “Huey”, and it’s as if Aster was thrown into cold water. Of course. He should have known better. Huey won’t let go of Eiden that easily — and what better way to prove it than using Aster and Morvay themselves as a catalyst? The thing is, they’re both creations of Huey, so they share his essence. It’s normal that Eiden reacts this way towards them, the brunette doesn’t know any better — better than Huey to please him. And it’s infuriating.

Someone is clawing at the door.

Aster doesn’t have much time before him. He has to relieve Eiden now before the clan members get inside the room. Having them here will only bring chaos. He has no time to ponder over how Huey is using him to strengthen his hold on Eiden’s mind, sadly. He has no choice.

“I’m sorry, master. No, I’m sorry, Eiden.” Because it’s the human who he’s addressing. Not his master. Rather than his pet, Aster wants to be a careful and gentle lover for the brunette right now. That’s what he truly needs in this moment. That’s something Aster has nurtured for a while, wishful thinking that hasn’t gotten him anywhere, but he’ll often get lost in the reverie of it. How many times has he wished for a peaceful life with Eiden and Morvay by his sides? How many times has he thought about holding Eiden like this?

“…” Eiden’s eyes blur over with unshed tears, a flash of lucidity and recognition passing through them. “Aster?” He asks hesitantly.

Aster can’t help the overwhelming feelings that invade his heart upon hearing his name from Eiden’s mouth. “Yes, it’s me.” He whispers quietly, as if saying it any louder would break some sort of spell, or whatever is currently happening at that moment.

Eiden sniffles. “Aster…” He whispers again. “I’m back?”

“You are. You’re with us, Eiden.”

And just like that, it’s gone. Eiden’s eyes go glassy, and he begins humping Aster with desperate need. But he doesn’t say Huey’s name anymore. Instead, he’s begging Aster. It’s Aster he’s calling for. Aster lays his entire weight down on Eiden. His claws sharpen as they grasp at the mattress, set on either side of Eiden’s head, shredding the soft material of the covers. He can feel himself getting aroused, his cock rising until it grows at full mast in his tight leather pants, tenting the front. “Fuck!” He gasps as Eiden’s hands come down to palm at it. “Don’t do that.” He chastises Eiden.

The brunette immediately freezes. “Am I bad?” He asks cautiously. “Do I…Should I be punished?”

“No, of course not!” Aster instantly revokes. “It’s nothing like that! I’m just—I have a hard time controlling myself around you.”

This is the honest truth, and it sounds odd on Aster’s tongue, but he’s right. He’s always longed for this. He’s desired Eiden so intensely, having him here right now yearning for Aster’s cock is…

Aster isn’t fond of sex. He’s tried it before, but he hasn’t used his lower half much — because sex like this is so intimate. Even with Morvay, who he’s very fond of despite all he says, he uses his tentacles. The act of penetrating someone is for lovers. Huey taught him that, and it has remained anchoured in Aster’s mind. Huey had never allowed that from Aster — it was a clear sign of who had control, but also the distance that Huey had purposefully put between him and his pets. But Eiden…He was so different from the Great Sorcerer of Old.

He gifted Aster his pink earring. He has shown him love and care. He has accepted him and Morvay wholeheartedly, despite the fact Huey shaped them to his whims, and not Eiden’s. Maybe they aren’t to Eiden’s tastes. But Eiden has managed to see beyond that.

In that sense, Eiden is truly precious. He should be preserved. His heart too. Perhaps that’s why he’s accepted the gem so easily, the gem that allowed him to get here. Because it knows that Eiden is truly worthy and valuable to them, that they need him—want him.

Aster licks his lips as he raised himself up on one hand, legs caging Eiden’s body. He makes quick work of his pants, freeing his cock from its confines. It bobs to attention, red and swollen with need, the veins on it pulsing.

Eiden’s eyes zero in on it, and he drools with want, making Aster turn a light crimson. The vampire whines as Eiden grabs his cock before slowly jerking it to full mast with his warm hand.

“So cold…” Eiden marvels. He giggles slightly, drunk on lust and the prospect of finally getting what he wants.

Aster feels lightheaded when Eiden presses the tip to his entrance. He’s unable to stop himself from humping up, inevitably entering Eiden in one smooth glide. Eiden cries out and Aster almost screams at the feeling. It’s so unbearably hot inside Eiden — for a vampire whose blood runs naturally cold, it feels like heaven. He’s been wrapped and held close by the sun itself, so hot it’s almost scalding, but it feels so good he might cum on the spot. He whines as he begins desperately thrusting into Eiden. No matter how much he reminds himself that he has to be patient, has to be careful, that Eiden is not in any state for a rough fuck, he can’t stop himself.

Eiden lets out little cries with each push and pull of Aster’s cock inside him, little gasps of his name and satisfied, content moans. He holds onto Aster then, his nails digging into the vampire’s back. They’re sharp, but Aster’s claws are sharper as they hold on Eiden’s waist, scratching the skin there ever so slightly.

“I’m gonna cum,” Aster warns. “Fuck, I’m…Where? Eiden, where?” He asks, trying his very best to hold on.

“Inside! Oh gods, inside!” Eiden sobs, wanting nothing more than to be filled to the brim with Aster.

Aster lets out a loud whine as he spills inside Eiden. The brunette sucks it up, his tight cunt milking him for all his worth. Eiden’s orgasm hits him like a strong wave, squirting so hard that some of it splashes on Aster’s chin. Just at that moment, the door bursts open — or rather, it breaks down as Kuya and Yakumo comes barreling in the room.

Eiden immediately jumps up at the loud sound, clenching on instinct and causing Aster to cum once more without notice from the impossible, constricting tightness almost crushing his cock. He couldn’t even pay attention to the way Kuya roars his name in anger, too focused on the feeling of Eiden’s insides holding him like a vice.

“You!” Kuya spits out, scathing. “You insignificant, pathetic weakling of a bratty, whiny vampire! You dare to breed him!”

It’s clear the man has lost all reason, giving in to his primal instincts. And as a kitsune yokai, Kuya has probably never liked nor learned to share.

Aster is still stuck in what feels like heaven, but his consciousness slowly comes back to him, at least enough to have him alert and aware of the danger that is currently awaiting him, ready to strike.

“How dare you?!” Yakumo cries out. His hands are glowing with fire essence. The room heats up considerably, causing Aster great discomfort.

“Calm down!” Morvay tries to reason them. “This was a necessity! Don’t take out your anger on the shitty bat!”

Despite Morvay’s best efforts to calm them down, the yokai attack in coordinated movement, trapping Aster who can only watch them charge at him.

When they’re barely a breath away from him, all claws out, Quincy manages to grab them by their collars, stopping them in their tracks. “Stop.” He says, calm but firm. “Violence achieves nothing.”

He drags them out of the room despite their protests, using all his power to keep them from harming anyone - although not without a lasting glance at Eiden.

Speaking of him, the brunette looks satiated and much calmer than before. It seems like filling him to the brim with something close to Huey’s essence has been enough, giving him some much needed relief. But none of them knows the outcome of a such deed. Has Eiden’s condition worsened because of it?

They can’t tell.

Because the moment Aster is done coming a second time, Eiden suddenly switches their position. The vampire toppled down with a surprised gasp, then a sharp cry of overstimulation when Eiden started moving his hips.

“Wait! Wait!” He calls out. “I just came!”

“More…I need more!” Eiden gasps.

Aster can only give in to Eiden, too weak from their previous coupling to resist. So, he just lays there and lets Eiden take whatever he wants for the remainder of the day.

The clan members are led into the living room once again by Quincy, who’s still holding onto Yakumo. Kuya has regained his countenance, coughing in his fist and brushing his hair back into place with his fingers. He walks with a dignified air to avoid showing how ashamed he truly feels towards his earlier display.

It’s unlike him to give in to his instincts. He prides himself for being a more humanised yokai, a master of his own emotions able to reign in his primal urges, much more refined than others of his species.

Having let loose like that was just…inconceivable. He knows better than this. Truly, he does.

But when it comes to Eiden…It’s always another matter. It’s different. The brunette awakens something in him that he’s unable to voice out, incapable of naming, and fears to admit. Because, what will that make of him, if he actually puts a name to this feeling?

This is a doorway he’s not ready to take, a step he’s unwilling to make because there’s no turning back from it. This point of no return will be a climax in their relationship, he’s aware of that.

That’s why admitting it to the others, admitting it to himself is out of the question.

But now that Eiden has ended up in this state, the others looking no better than him…Does he truly still have a choice? Does he still have room for his pride he values himself for?

The answer is simple: no, he doesn’t.

They slowly settle down in the sofas, looking like a ghost procession with their pale, sickly complexion.

“…” Blade is the first one to clear his throat. “Well, darling looks like he’s being taken care of well so far.”

Yakumo, who has finally sobered up, averts his eyes.

“Yes, it’s a relief.” Olivine says politely. His eyes are hooded with something akin to anger. “But this is only because Aster is directly linked to the Great Sorcerer of Old, isn’t it?”

Blade sighs.

“Huey is smart. He probably knew about that.” Quincy speaks up. “So we’re not entirely helpless. But we still can’t do anything.”

“In your opinion, what is he trying to accomplish? What’s his next move?” Edmond asks.

“I can’t answer that for sure.”

“I can.” Kuya says to everyone’s surprise. “I can tell you what he wants.”

They all listen closely to what the yokai tells them.

“Huey is a man who gets easily bored of things. There’s no saying what he truly thinks, but it’s easy to guess what he wants. He’s a man whose deeds are done with interest as the main focus. Right now, what he wants - or rather, who, is Eiden, because he’s only human, which makes him unpredictable.

Perhaps there’s a bigger picture here. But that much is true. He desires Eiden. And he wants us to suffer for that very same reason. Seeing him in this state is just a statement, I believe. The message is clear: he can do what he wants with Eiden, and he’ll stop at nothing to get it.”

Silence settles over them as they all begin to think over Kuya’s words.

“…What was Huey like?” Edmond asks.

“Unpredictable. Devious. A dangerous mastermind.” Quincy lists out.

“He was a caring man!” Blade protests, but it falls flat. Because deep down, Blade knows it’s not true. Perhaps in the past. But not anymore.

“He’s cunning.” Kuya adds with a hushed tone. “Much more than we can fathom. Always one step ahead of us.”

Kuya remembers well, the way Huey was. The man had so much countenance, seemed so regal in his every move. But there has always been something beneath the surface, a semblance of perverted insanity.

Kuya closes his eyes, diving into his memories.

Huey caresses Kuya’s back in an absent manner, thinking deeply about something that Kuya has no way to reach. The yokai can’t help his low purrs at the soft gesture, so very uncharacteristic of the sorcerer. Huey had never bothered to be intimate like this.

“You know,” Huey ends up saying after a while, “I’ve always wanted something more.”

Kuya hums to signal he’s listening closely.

“A kind of sacred blessing, only meant for me,” Huey continues. “Perhaps a being shaped just for my desires alone.”

Kuya raises his head to look at him questioningly. “You have the clan members for that. Is that not enough?”

Huey chuckles, a low, threatening sound. The yokai suppresses a wince as the sorcerers nails dig deep into Kuya’s skin. “You’re quite aware of your place. But it’s not this kind of love and desire that I aim for. I want something whole.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Don’t try to understand, Kuya. It’s something even you, as powerful you are, cannot ever understand.”

The way Huey’s eyes shone made Kuya uneasy. Kuya doesn’t question him any further, but he knows Huey still thinks about that perfect being for himself, and himself only.

And silently, Kuya hopes he’ll never reach it.

Chapter Text

Life at the mansion slowly goes back to what it had been before, with some changes though — Eiden is like a ghost as he wanders through the hallways, disoriented and lost in his thoughts. He does not speak, communicating instead with sounds and gestures. He’ll observe the clan members from a distance, with mild curiosity and unease, always fearful, often shying away at their inquisitive gazes.

Quincy doesn’t know what to make of this situation. Of course, he’s beyond relieved that they got Eiden back. The forest dweller had promised to protect him, but he failed, and right now Eiden was the symbol of that failure. Quincy has failed the brunette, and he can’t handle it — and more than anything, he’s scared. He fears that the change in Eiden is irreversible, that the man will never recover from what happened to him.

Eiden carries the weight of Huey’s sins on his skin, too. He’s seen it, the pretty pink folds between the brunette’s thighs, encasing a tiny cute clit. And Quincy…He’s ashamed of the interest he’s shown about it. It’s even more visible with the current attire he has put on. Eiden has begun wearing a sheer dress that wraps around his torso in a reversed V, hugging his pecs and tied at the waist and his neck. The skirt falls down in a slit at the crotch, leaving it bare for the world to see. He looks ethereal like this — in an almost eerie way.

Aster had tried to convince him to wear his old outfit, but Eiden screeched like a banshee upon seeing his usual clothes, and Morvay had to burn the whole thing down into ashes.

Eiden’s eyes remain glassy, devoid of their typical spark. And Quincy can only watch as he pulls away.

“Who is Huey, exactly?” Yakumo asks one day.

Quincy stops chopping down the meat he’s cutting into pieces. He’s taken up cooking with Yakumo to busy himself while his thoughts run errant. He can’t think about sleeping right now. The truth is that he’s afraid of closing his eyes, just to find that Eiden has disappeared upon reopening them. So, he helps Yakumo with making their meals. He grunts to signal Yakumo that he’d heard his question, setting the knife down on the kitchen table.

“Huey…” He takes a pause, mulling it over. “He’s secretive. Doesn’t talk much, shares only what he wants to.”

Yakumo hums, hinting at Quincy to continue.

“He’s all-seeing,” the blond adds, “and all-knowing. He likes to see how predictable people can be, and he enjoys setting up situations where people struggle, just to see their next move.”

“…” Yakumo continues to stir the pot, before coming to take the pieces of meat. But before he can put them in the pot, he stops, turning to look at Quincy straight in the eyes. “What has Huey done for you to become one of his clan members?”

Quincy looks taken aback by the question. It’s true that he’s never told anyone about the conditions of his contract with Huey. The way he’s become a clan member is blurry for everyone — even Kuya only knows the few details he’s been willing share.

Quincy has never enjoyed talking about it. It’s his secret to keep, something that bears a certain amount of weight in his life. It’s not that he’s ashamed, but he fears that saying it would reopen a wound that has no means to be there.

And yet. Yakumo looks at him with such gentle eyes, not quite prying and giving him space. Quincy doesn’t have it in him to keep it a mystery anymore.

“The way I became a clan member…” he began quietly, so low Yakumo has to strain his ears to hear him. “I was young back then. Naïve.”

He takes a pause before continuing. “The first time I met Huey, I was just sixteen. For my tribe, it meant the prime of youth. I was to choose a mate to assert my adulthood, and prove my strength and resolve.”

Yakumo makes a noise of acknowledgement, visibly trying to be considerate despite the frown that’s etched on his face.

“I was prideful at sixteen. Wanted someone special to prove myself. It might come off as a surprise to you, but I was bold-headed in my youth.

My tribe thought I was weak-willed for befriending small animals. We were much more aggressive than the current tribes occupying the forest.

One day, as I went out to hunt, I found a lone man bathing alone in a river. And as I spied on him to assess if he was a threat, I was struck by how ethereal he looked.

He must have sensed me looking, as he called out to me. And then…”

Quincy drawls out the last word, before his voice fades.

Yakumo nods in understanding, landing a warm hand on his shoulder. “And then you fell in love.” He says quietly.

Quincy sighs. “He humoured me for five years. To him, time was nothing, so it was easy to play pretend. Then, one day, he left, and reappeared a week later with a fox yokai by his side.”

The snake gasps. “Kuya…” he whispers in realisation.

The blond nods. “Kuya had just been reborn, but I could tell their bond was almost the same as mine with Huey, if not stronger. I instantly became jealous, and we would often argue over the smallest of things.

There was one detail…Kuya never showed his ears and tail to Huey, only to me. For Huey, he was as good as human. But to me, he was a yokai, a force of nature I should respect and honour.

One night, he gifted me a gem, saying that this was the proof of our love. And then, one day he left us, me with the gem, and Kuya with a bleeding, severed eye.”

“You never forgave him.” Yakumo concludes.

The blond shakes his head. “There were signs that he would betray us. Maybe, deep inside my heart, I'd always known. But Kuya…he had been blinded by love.”

“How did you recover?”

“When I met Topper.” Quincy makes a small smile at this, a rare sight, but it comes easy whenever he thinks about his furry friend. “He saved me, in a way.”

Yakumo smiles. “I see. That’s good.” He says, and then they continue their cooking in quiet companionship, Quincy’s Heart feeling lighter than it has in years.

“Old friend.” Kuya catches him at the corner of a hallway. “I never expected you to be so talkative.”

“…You spied on us.” Quincy frowns, glaring at him.

“It was quite touching, truly. Although you could have kept my own sorrows quiet.”

“So you admit your anguish.”

Kuya grits his teeth. “Not quite. I’m just saying that you should do well being privy to what doesn’t concern you.”

“I think that we’re all concerned with what happened.”

Quincy begins walking through the hallways, Kuya continues to follow him.

“I never thought you like this. Are you not reopening your past wounds, old friend? Acting like you did when you were once young?”

Quincy stops. He whips around, eyes glowing fiercely. “If you’re implying that my feelings, and Eiden, aren’t quite worth our time, you’re very mistaken.” He says with a low, threatening voice.

Kuya recoils. “I never said such a thing, just that you’re reverting back—”

“I love him!” Quincy snaps. His head is flooded with images of Eiden caring for Topper, tending to Quincy’s woods, speaking softly to the both of them in the dead of the night. “I love Eiden,” he reiterates quietly, “and nothing’s gonna change that.”

“I’m not dictating the way you should feel, Quincy.” Kuya says. His words come out harsher than he intended, he winces at them.

“Just because you’re unable to get over the past, doesn't mean I can’t! I changed for the better!”

Kuya steps back as if he’s been slapped.

“…I changed for the better,” Quincy repeats, as if to confirm it to himself. “The little devil — no, Eiden is my light. He’s my mate, and I choose him.”

Quincy hears a gasp not too far from where they are. He turns his head to look, and there Eiden is, supported by Aster as he turns around the corner.

Quincy feels himself go crimson — a rare occurrence — as he stares wordlessly at Eiden, his mouth gaping.

“You…Quincy…” Eiden begins saying. “You love me?” Somewhere in his eyes, there’s a spark of the old Eiden they used to know. It wants to shine through, but it’s scared, terrified that Quincy might go back on his words.

Quincy won’t let that happen. He approaches Eiden cautiously, and when Eiden doesn’t shy away, he gently grabs his hand, placing it on his heart.

“I do love you, Eiden. There’s not a single doubt in my mind as I say it.”

Eiden gasps. And then something miraculous happens. His hair begin to glow, as well as his hand. Quincy expects to be knocked back, but it doesn’t happen.

His hand where the gem lays begins to warm up, the amber reacting to Eiden’s essence. It shines brightly, as strong as Eiden’s prismatic hair.

Aster and Kuya, the only witnesses to this scene, watch in bewilderment as Quincy and Eiden form a new bond, even stronger than the previous one. The whole hallway is encompassed in a bright light, that spreads down the corridors to invade every room.

When the glow begins to weaken, and the bond settles between the two men, the brunette lifts his head to look Quincy straight in the eye. His own gaze wet with unshed tears. “You never said that to me.” He whispers ever so softly. “That you love me…You never mentioned it.”

“But it’s true.” The blond watches him cautiously. “I would never lie to you. I have no reason to, Eiden. I do love you.”

Eiden emits a sob. “The Quincy I remember said I was a devil…that I was a curse who poisoned Klein…”

“It wasn’t true” Quincy hurriedly says. “It was an illusion. The Quincy you see right now in front of you is the real one, and his heart speaks true.”

Eiden observes him carefully, as if he’s ready to see something that’ll betray him, even the smallest sign that all of this wasn’t real. But Quincy looks serious, and there’s still Aster and Kuya on the sidelines watching, who are soon joined by the rest of them. And there’s Topper. The Quincy he’s seen in his torture room never had Topper. Yet, the tiny rodent squeaks pleadingly on the blond’s shoulder.

It’s obvious now, that this is real. Eiden is home. He’s home. He’s made it through the hellish nightmare of Huey’s grasp and cruel illusions to get back to the warmth of his clan members.

At that exact moment, Quincy suddenly feels his body fill itself with a devastating need to claim Eiden. The brunette looks ethereal in his dress, and the forest guardian is under the impression that he’s begun producing slick — like they’re in heat. Like Quincy’s stuck in a rut, and Eiden squirms in discomfort at the feeling of his cunt reacting so strongly to the newly re-formed bond.

Quincy understood then, this is all of Eiden that he’s resonating with. His heat has permeated through the barriers of his consciousness, lulling his senses to a dull throb in his head, and torn off all reason. And now, Quincy is hungry.

But he can’t tell Eiden to run. He must commit to his bond and serve the man, because that’s what Eiden deserves.

Without hesitating another second, he picks Eiden up in his arms. “I’m going to make love to you.” He whispers in his ear, seeing the man tremble while letting off a low groan. Then, he carries him to the closest bedroom he can find.

Eiden is laid out on the bed, completely bare. He whines as he fists the sheets, his growing need and desperation manifesting in the form of slick flowing freely from his pussy, pooling on the bed.

Quincy gulps. He wants to taste it. He wants to devour him so much he feels like he’d die from thirst if he doesn’t get his mouth on that sweet cunt. But his cock is hard, and he’s feeling light-headed with desire and— he sheaths himself inside Eiden in one smooth thrust, without any warning.

The observants who managed to get inside the room gasp at the sight of such a gigantic thing going inside such a small cunt. They have half the mind to stop the forest guardian from going any further, but Eiden’s moan stops them dead in their tracks. It’s a loud, lewd sound, so erotic it causes them to get heated as well.

Quincy lets out a long growl as his cock slides through, so thick it feels constricted by Eiden’s warm walls. Eiden is as tight as a vice, if not tighter, and his narrow insides are milking his cock for all it’s worth. Quincy thrusts up once and suddenly he feels himself hit Eiden’s cervix and actually push past it to get his cockhead inside his womb.

There’s a bulge at the base of Eiden’s belly. Quincy presses down on it just the slightest, his eyes zeroing in on it and Eiden instantly arches his back as he squirts on Quincy’s cock. Quincy can’t help himself — he cums at the sight and the sharp cry Eiden lets out, filling his tiny womb to the brim with so much cum some leaks out.

“Fuck!” He grunts out through gritted teeth at the exertion.

His cock doesn’t slip out from Eiden’s hole though. His hips continue to work as he keeps pushing and pulling, fucking inside Eiden like an animal.

Eiden sobs, screaming in pleasure at the sensation. “Quincy!” He repeats continuously, unable to stop himself from saying his name, and Quincy— Quincy’s a weak man. Just hearing his name from Eiden’s pretty mouth is enough to force him into his second climax. He muffles a whimper against Eiden’s neck, biting at the skin there.

They continue their coupling the entire day, until they’re fully satiated and rid of the heat. And only then, Quincy allows the others to take Eiden away, too exhausted to move.

He watches as Topper, who has hid away from the entire scene, goes out of his way to find Eiden, and climb on his shoulder, making the man smile and let out a soft chuckle, so small it’s almost inaudible. But Quincy heard it loud and clear.

With a light heart, he goes to sleep, dreaming of good, better days.

Chapter Text

Olivine is quiet as he reflects on what just happened, and ashamed for having witnessed Quincy and Eiden’s passionate lovemaking. His eyes had been glued to Eiden’s pussy the entire time, and he hasn’t managed to get it out of his head since.

He wonders if he shall hide away, and ask for his god’s guidance to help him and Eiden through these difficult times. But, for once, he doesn't believe Klein’s deity can do much.

The truth is, Olivine has been doing a lot of thinking lately. With Eiden gone, it’s as if he’d lost all reason. With him back, it’s even more of a struggle not to go insane. Because Eiden isn’t quite right, nor are the other clan members.

Stuck in this cycle with nowhere to hide, no help to give and no god to pray to, Olivine has lost all his bearings. There has been a time like this before, he thinks. The lines are slightly blurred, but he remembers how he had been, defiant against all authorities.

As he slips inside his room and slumps on the sofa, he allows himself to close his eyes, and dive back into his memories.

My parents talk endlessly about the God of Klein. I believe there’s no such a god, otherwise I would have been born perfect. But here I am, with this shameless and sinful self, nurturing perverted thoughts in my head.

Olivine has been born different, as his parents would tell anyone asking. He’s holy, as his name suggests. He’s an angel coming to right the ways of Klein and leads the saints and believers to everlasting happiness.

There’s only one major issue that his parents have not foreseen. Olivine does not believe in his fate, nor does he believe in god.

It’s ridiculous. It’s preposterous. Such a great destiny does not fit him the slightest, he thinks.

He doesn’t like people thinking for him, deciding for him, being the figure of authority in his life. That’s why, at night, when his parents sleep, he slithers out of their house and goes down what can be considered the slums of the water territory. There, he mingles with the locals.

They have welcomed him as one of theirs. They don’t question his origins, because everyone knows those who go to this place willingly have no desires. They’re faceless, homeless. They seek out misery and fun like it’s the only thing life can give them. Olivine likes that. He enjoys having his privacy — like he never has at home.

They teach him how to enjoy himself. There, he learns to dance, and smoke to his heart’s content. He’s no better than them. That’s good — he’s never believed in being superior to anyone. And in this depravity, shameless as he is, he’s taught how to let go — not just by soul, but also with his body.

He’s laughing when he feels someone starting to tug at his cloak. It’s a girl, a beautiful one at that. She takes his cigarette away from his mouth, and before he can protest, she kisses him. It’s not the first kiss he’s received from someone else, but it’s the first one with a real intent — something sexual laced to it.

Olivine has never felt that. So, he reciprocates. And they do more, and more, until Olivine is left on a dirty mattress sweaty and panting, completely bare and his mind is blank. His head feels like it’s stuffed in cotton, and he feels a void threatening to engulf him. But for once in his life, the voices are quiet. The sinful desires he always feels, aren’t tearing at him.

Perhaps this is a solution. There’s a means to an end, always. This is the moment when Olivine decides to change his fate, and he knows he’ll enjoy it. Even when he doesn’t. Because that’s his life.

A shameless way of living, full of blasting colours and too loud music, dancing with other sweaty bodies, smoking, and fucking.

Olivine is content with that. He’s content.

Until he’s not.

“I’m pregnant.”

And just like that, Olivine’s world goes into shambles.

“Mr. Holy!”

Olivine almost jumps out of his skin at the sudden loud voice booming in the room. He looks around, just to see Garu there. The boy looks at him worriedly.

“You looked like you were having a nightmare.” He explains. “Karu and I don’t like nightmares. They’re scary.”

Olivine feels a rush of fondness at the boy’s words. He’s always liked people who are younger than him — he feels affectionate towards youth.

“It’s okay. It wasn’t exactly a nightmare, rather…a shadow from the past.”

“Your past?” Garu asks. He looks at Olivine with mild curiosity. “I don’t think we’ve ever heard about it.”

“It’s not a pretty one.” Olivine winces. “It’s not something I’m proud of.”

“To what extent?” Garu questions. Or is it Karu? “Do you ever regret your past?”

Do you repent? Olivine’s ears ring with the question his parents had asked him that day.

“I…” For some reason, tears sting his eyes. “I…” He’s unable to continue. He wipes his eyes, sniffling slightly.

Garu immediately sticks himself to his side. He hugs him tightly, nuzzling the man. “Don’t cry, Mr. Holy! Hush hush, don’t cry!” He says. “There’s no reason to cry.”

Olivine nods weakly. “I guess I’m just feeling overwhelmed, with everything that has happened so far…”

Garu hums in agreement. “It’s true there’s a lot that went on today.”

“Not just today. My…My whole life has been a messy one.” Olivine says. “You know, I didn’t always believe in the God of Klein.”

“You?” Karu asks in disbelief. “B-but you’re Mr. Holy!”

Olivine shakes his head with a small, sad smile. “Not always.” He carefully sat Garu down before getting into a more comfortable position. “Let me tell you a story.”

“You’re pregnant?” Olivine asks in bewilderment.

The girl — Olivine remembers her as the first person he’s ever slept with — nods with a grim face.

“I think it’s yours.”

“No, it can’t be…” Olivine gasps. He feels like a fish out of water. He swallows with great difficulty, unable to find his words. “What do you plan to do?” He asks.

“I don’t know.”

Abort it. Olivine’s mind is screaming at him, trying to force those words out. He opens his mouth before closing it again. The girl looks up at him with sad eyes, an expression of despair twisting her face.

“I don’t know what to do! I’m too young to get pregnant! My parents…they’ll disown me!”

Olivine ceases breathing. “You’re a noble,” He realises. “Oh my god, I recognise you. You’re Lord Preichter’s daughter!”

“I can’t afford a medical appointment without my parents noticing and…” She sniffles, unable to find her countenance nor voice, feeble as it is.

“I…” Olivine pinches his brows, and thinks deeply and hard about the situation. “You can’t hide the pregnancy?”

“No, I can’t. It’s starting to become obvious. And I’ve read that at this point it’s dangerous to get rid of it.”

“...” Olivine is struggling to breathe. His world is closing in on himself. What he had found to be an escape route from his dull existence was a mockery, a play pretend he had gotten too far into.

The girl attempts to touch him, perhaps to comfort him. Olivine’s eyes zero in on her. It’s all her fault. She’s the one who approached him first. A wave of hatred — a feeling he’s never felt before, exudes from his body, filling him whole until it reaches his eyes, and the gem on his belly shines.

“Don’t touch me!” He screams as if she’s filth, and a blast of energy coming from him sends her flying away. She hits the wall of the little alley and falls limply to the ground.

Olivine…Olivine is terrified. Has he killed her?

“No, no no no!” He cries out helplessly, rushing to her side. He takes in her pulse. She’s still breathing. But the way she has hit the wall — her belly has struck the brick first. Suddenly, her body seizes up and she screams. Blood comes out between her thighs, and Olivine knows he has made a mistake. A really big mistake.

“I brought the girl to our house. And after my parents tended to Lord Preichter’s daughter, I told them everything. This was the harshest beating I’ve ever received.”

Olivine turns around and lifts his jacket to expose the scars on his back made from the leather whip his parents owned. Garu gasps at the sight.

“That’s awful!” He yelps, whining.

“Perhaps, but it was a wake-up call. That day, I prayed to the great heavens for the girl to be safe and sound. She did not come out of this unscathed — the impact has not only caused her to miscarry, it has also damaged her uterus, which meant that she could never bear a child again.”

Olivine’s eyes are forlorn as he tells Garu about his story. Garu comes to rest his head on Olivine’s lap, and the man begins to pet it mindlessly.

“Ironically, I found out about my healing powers long after that incident, when a woman came to me to ask for a blessing about having children, and I never met Lord Preichter’s daughter again. So I never managed to heal her.”

“Who was the first person you healed then?”

“...” Olivine closes his eyes. “I don’t remember.”

Garu doesn’t pry.

“And…what made you believe in the god of Klein?”

“I was sent away on a journey to better myself. It was a painful one, but it was gratifying. I got to help people, and found a new meaning to my life soon after I found out about my abilities. It felt like a godsend. All magic is a gift, essence should be treasured and valued.”

“But…?”

“Knowing Huey can do this with his…Seeing how tainted his own gift can be…Are my abilities truly a blessing?” Olivine asks. “They hurt that poor girl. She can never bear any offspring because of me.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Garu laid a hand on Olivine’s. “You were a victim in this, too.”

Olivine sniffles. “I want to heal Eiden. But what if I’m unable to?”

“You can do it. I believe in you, Mr. Holy! And Karu does too!”

Olivine goes to the chapel, it’s been a while since he last prayed. The last time he’d been there was right before Eiden’s departure to the forest. He steps inside carefully, going to light the candles and sit before the statue of the god of Klein to meditate.

That’s when he hears shuffling. He turns around, expecting anyone. Anyone but the person who’s standing before him.

“...Eiden?”

Covered in a cloak to hide the sheer gown he adorns, Aster was adamant on it, Eiden was not quite lucid enough to understand why, but he did as told. He looked tired, confused, scared. Standing there silently but not moving an inch closer, he, himself, couldn’t figure out why he was there, why he followed Olivine, flashes of blurred memories rushing his head, making him wince. His old self must’ve made its way through him subtly, the urge to follow Olivine to the temple as he sometimes did overwhelm his brain. It was like his body moved on its own while he stayed in a daze. He brushed off his hood, standing by a pillar awkwardly and still not moving an inch, even through his cloak you could see the runes on his body glowing softly, having lost some of the malevolent essence attached to them. Eiden remains wordless as he comes closer, but not quite.

Olivine smiles at him. “What can I do for you?”

“...” Eiden stands motionless for a solid minute or so. Then he lifts his head to stare at the statue, tilting his head in inquiry “Is this…god?”

“Yes. This is the God of Klein, our sovereign.”

“...He’s not mine.”

Olivine arched an eyebrow. “What?”

Eiden was anything but faithful, never quite understanding the need for it but respecting those who were. He remained that way even in Klein, though he took an interest in their god, more so in a curious way rather than a religious way, mainly listening and watching Olivine pray and talk about his god. 

Which is why Eiden saying such a thing took him off guard.

“I’m not pure. I’m defiled. I can never quite be one of his precious things.”

Was muttered, blankly staring at the floor and shuffling his feet, uncomfortable.

“Eiden…” Olivine doesn’t know what to say. So, he gently motions for Eiden to sit on one of the benches.

The man does so cautiously, watching Olivine with rapt attention. “The Olivine I know said I was unholy.. yelling that the god of Klein would never recognise me, would scorn me. Drilling it into my head over and over...if I didn’t repeat what he said he’d..  ”

Olivine was glad Eiden didn’t finish his sentence.

“You’re our blessing, Eiden.”

“ Hm.. “ Staring blankly at him, in obvious disbelief made Olivine’s chest hurt.

Olivine knows he won’t accept anything but the truth. A quick answer, even a heartfelt one, won’t do. So, he ponders over Eiden’s venue in their world. How he has swept everyone from their feet, including him — how Eiden had touched him.

Olivine has always thought that sex was an act devoid of love and shameful. That one would abide by it, reside in desire and lust means they’re the lowest of the low. Therefore, Olivine from the past is shameful. But Olivine now…Now that he’s known Eiden…

“Eiden.” Olivine has found comfort in chastity, because it meant that the God of Klein could reap what he sowed in him. He dreams of his large hands tightening around his heart, his waist, caressing him with a light touch that makes his heart flutter. But the man before him is…He is… “You are, Eiden, the holiest thing I know.”

Because it’s Eiden who holds him. Because it’s Eiden who receives his prayer. Because it’s him who shines bright, and gives Olivine the ability to heal what’s damaged, without ever asking for something in return. But more than that, Eiden gives him hope that there’s something more to Olivine than this shallow, shameful man who keeps committing bad deeds for his own gain. Because Olivine is lonely. But Olivine isn’t quite lonely anymore, is he?

“The holiest…” Eiden’s eyes widen. And they shine.

And so does Olivine’s gem. Olivine feels the release of essence before he sees it engulfing the whole chapel. It’s green, it’s beautiful.

Eiden’s tears begin falling and Olivine holds him close against his heart. The once brunette nestles his face there, right over where Olivine’s pulse resides, right where the symphony of his love plays for him. 

The next thing they both know is Eiden on his back, cunt glistening slick and his thighs spread, inviting Olivine to slide into his heat.

And Olivine’s cock sinks into him with ease, his movements in tandem with the fast rhythm of their heart.

He’s slightly thicker than Quincy, so it’s a tighter fit for him, but he manages. He moans, low and desperate as Eiden clenches around him and tightens his hold like a vice. Olivine feels like his god is embracing him, and it’s true. Eiden is his light.

“You’re everything holy and more.” He murmurs in Eiden’s ear with a particularly rough thrust. That has Eiden wrenching his head back and screaming. Olivine presses his hand to Eiden’s lower abdomen, the outline of his cock showing through his small stomach, it’s soft and warm.. but with a slight firmness Olivine didn’t think was there before, he applies some pressure at the same time, and Eiden tightens so much that Olivine fears his cock will get ripped off, crystal-clear liquid splattering on his abs.

Olivine has never seen someone squirt before. The sight of Eiden in the throes of ecstasy makes him cum instantly, and he fills Eiden’s womb to the brim until cum soaks the gown and pools on the floor.

Olivine doesn’t even think about the fact that they’re fucking in front of the statue of his god. Because it’s meaningless to think when he’s with Eiden like this. Because it’s laughable, since Eiden is more worthy of Olivine’s love.

“I love you, Eiden,” he whines.

“Say that again!” Eiden sobs, humping on Olivine’s cock like his life depended on it.

“I love you! I love you, I love you, you don’t know how much I love you!”

They make love for hours until Olivine’s dry and has nothing left to give. Exhausted, he lays down on the bench, Eiden on top of him, content and full of Olivine’s seed. Morvay and Yakumo, who had accompanied Eiden to the temple for his safety, finally went in after giving the two space. Morvay lifted Eiden off of Olivine, holding him in a bridle carry and adjusting his cloak back onto him to cover his form. Yakumo helps Olivine up, leaning him against himself as support for the drained, exhausted man while they make their way back to the mansion. He makes it to his room with Yakumo’s support and immediately lands onto his bed upon reaching it.

You were born a special being, Olivine. Not quite perfect, but complementary.

He slips into a cloudless slumber with a smile on his lips.

Chapter Text

It is decided that Eiden shall go outside once in a while to breathe some fresh air and get reacquainted with society. The clan members monitor each outing with cautious care, of course, but it was important for Eiden to be reintroduced progressively to his role as Grand Sorcerer and have an active social life, at least to put a stop to all the queries from civilians.

The enemies that lurk in the shadows are probably aware that Eiden was not the Grand Sorcerer he used to be. His hair color is a dead giveaway that something happened, and the way he quivers fearfully at anything — the gentle rustle of leaves on trees or a too loud voice — does not help his case.

At first, those outings are limited to the mansion’s gardens, but eventually, they agree to allow Eiden into the outskirts of castletown. The man is closely guarded by his clan members, Quincy and Olivine, on every stroll.

Of course, both of his bodyguards aren’t always available. So, others usually step in with the hope of renewing their bond with Eiden. Today was one of those exceptions.

Yakumo has insisted on accompanying Eiden while shopping for groceries, and Edmond has asked to join them as a way to repel the commoners who wished to see the Grand Sorcerer up close. The snake yokai and Eiden are currently going through the stalls at the marketplace, the prismatic haired man looking at the colorful trinkets of a jewel seller with mild curiosity.

The seller, noticing Eiden’s interest, begins his sales speech, showing off jewel pieces each nicer than the previous one. “— and this is one of my best assets.” He says as he handed Eiden with a grand gesture a beautiful necklace the shape of a serpent coiled around an embedded dagger.

Eiden’s eyes sparkle. He reaches out hesitantly, taking the jewelry and wrapping it around his neck. The seller hands him a small mirror.

“You look wonderful, honey!” He croons. “It’ll be yours for a hundred gold coins! Of course, I can negotiate multiple payments per week, but I’ll have to hold your house as mortgage.”

Yakumo almost chokes on his spit at the price. Few can afford it. But already, Eiden is reaching into his satchel, taking out the money and giving it to the merchant with the shadow of a smile.

The seller looks surprised, counting the coins with hesitation. “That’s the right amount, and it doesn’t look like fakes…” He begins saying, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “How come you could pay me upfront? I only know of two or three person who could—”

“There you are!” Someone interjects, startling them into silence. Edmond makes his way to the snake yokai and the current Grand Sorcerer hastily, sighing in a relieved manner. “Haven’t I told you to wait for me?”

At the sight of the knight, the jewel merchant pales. “Vice-captain of the Royal Guard!” He exclaims, causing Eiden to flinch.

Hearing his full title, Edmond whips around. He frowns at who he saw, scowling at the seller as his eyes light up in recognition. “You! Didn’t I already tell you not to show up here again?”

“My apologies sir Knight, but I needed the money. You see, my wife’s currently sick, and—”

“No excuses!” Edmond’s blue eyes darken as they settle on the necklace wrapped around Eiden’s neck. “This piece isn’t part of your regular collection. It’s too well made to be a fake. Who did you steal it from, this time?”

“Sir Knight, please! I’ve done nothing wrong!” The man begs.

“What’s going on?” Yakumo asks, feeling out of place.

“This man is known by the knights for stealing jewelry from nobles, mostly family heirlooms. He then resells them at obnoxious prices on the market place, and makes impossible deals out of greed to the poor souls foolish enough to buy it. We were alerted by his neighbours and we found a great amount of stolen goods after raiding his house.” The knight explains, his eyes focusing on the merchant. His hand drifts to the handle of his sword as he continues speaking, addressing the man. “This time, you’re under arrest. You’re coming with us to the castle.”

The seller looks on the verge of tears. Then, he suddenly knocks back his stall with a mighty kick, forcing Edmond and his companions to step away. Pieces of jewelry fly in the air, catching the eyes of the towngoers who rush over to catch them, effectively surrounding Yakumo, Edmond and Eiden — cutting all chances of going after the wayward thief.

When calm settles over them again, they decide to go on their merry way, the thief already too far to catch up to him.

“It’ll be for another time. We can localize his house and raid it again. With enough luck, he would not have been able to get too far.” Edmond sighs, shrugging his shoulders — missing the stares from lurkers hiding into the shadowy corners.

Edmond is on edge throughout the rest of the afternoon. The unfortunate encounter has set him off to a faraway, distant land of memories he does not wish to delve into. He wonders what the rest of them will think, if they know the truth. It doesn’t matter much to them probably, but to Edmond, this is a huge deal with major consequences.

He gulps, his mouth as dry as a desert. They are currently at an inn, staying over for the night. The days are short in this period of the year, and it is best not to wander around when the sky is already dark. They may not have been defenseless, but who knows what kind of things can happen to them — they can be easily surrounded.

Eiden is already asleep on the bed. Edmond is keeping watch over him, just in case the man struggles with nightmares. Thankfully, his slumber seems peaceful tonight. Edmond leans over Eiden’s sleeping form, gently brushing away strands of neon, holographic hair. They should cut it short again.

The door creaks open. Edmond lifts his head to see Yakumo standing in the doorframe. The yokai steps inside the room cautiously, careful not to wake Eiden. Edmond relaxes considerably, dropping his tense stance. He yawns, greeting Yakumo with a slight, thin smile.

“Welcome back.”

Yakumo nods, returning his smile with a timid bow. “I had no luck in this next errand.”

“Any sightings of the thief? Or hints at who this jewelry belongs to?”

“Nothing.”

The knight sighs. “I guess it was to be expected.”

Yakumo goes over to the large bed, sitting on the other side. With a hand, he caresses Eiden’s cheek. The man crawls away slightly, making a whine. Yakumo lets his hand drop to the mattress with a pained expression.

Seeing this, Edmond can’t help comforting him. “It’s alright. Soon enough, we’ll be able to bond with Eiden again.”

“But what if we didn’t?” Yakumo asks quietly. “What if Eiden does not want us anymore?”

“He’d never think that way about us. He’s got too much love in him to ban us from his existence.”

And it’s this love that caused his downfall , Edmond’s mind supply. Edmond grits his teeth at the thought. Huey has been like a stain in the history of Klein, one that has spread and anchored its roots deeply in the land, like an incurable illness. Now, it resides inside Eiden.

Suddenly, something shifts in the atmosphere. The room gets progressively cooler. The candle flames flicker in and out of existence, before all lights fade completely. Yakumo lets out a startled shout as something knocks him off the bed.

Edmond rises up in alert. Like this, in the dark room, he can’t see anything. He lets out a curse, drawing out his blade. There’s a lingering trace of essence in the air, something magical having taken hold of the whole inn’s bedroom. Something…familiar.

With a creeping feeling of dread, fear and anticipation, Edmond shouts into the air, defiant. “Show yourself!”

There’s a laugh, haunting, hollow, eerie sounding.

Edmond swallows. He readies his sword, aiming before slashing, his sword grazing skin. A sharp hiss came next, with an alarmed cry.

“Manipulating iron now, are you?” A voice said, sounding accusatory. “You’ve changed since we last met, Edmond.”

“I don’t associate with you anymore.” Edmond retorted. He aims his sword again, but there’s a shift in the air.

Magical essence gathers in one place. Edmond doesn’t have time to brace himself before he’s violently pushed back by a sharp blast of essence, enough to knock him out for a few minutes.

When he wakes up, there’s just the faint smell of eerie magic in the room. And Eiden’s presence — has vanished.

Edmond cusses loudly. Things crash to the floor as he goes through the room in a state of intense panic. “FUCK!” He yells out — something so improper for his status, but he couldn’t care less.

And where was Yakumo? Had he been whisked away as well? God, this was a mess. It had to be a nightmare.

But you know nightmares don’t reach you, Edmond. You’re a big boy now. Monsters aren’t real. You do know what’s true though, don’t you?

The thought supplied to Edmond’s treacherous mind makes him freeze. He laughs, an empty, hollowed sound. Now that he’s calmed down, he sees it — there’s something on the bed, waiting patiently for him to find.

Edmond’s fingers brush against the outline of the phantom mask. An invitation or a warning, he doesn’t know. What he knows is that—

“It’s just for tonight.” He says. He hopes it’ll be true.

Yakumo wakes up disoriented. He feels heavy, his limbs dangling to his sides and his tail curled around…His tail?

He jolts, before yelling as he suddenly feels himself falling to the ground. He crashes onto the floor, his nasty fall thankfully softened with a bed of moss. When he rises up from his spot with a groan, and looks at his surroundings, a sense of dread crawls up inside him.

Just where is he?

There are lights farther away. Maybe he is at the outskirts of the village? Perhaps he hasn’t been dropped off too far. But there’s still the issue that, whatever the enemy has done, it has changed Yakumo into…this.

He looks down at the serpent tail that replaces his legs with a whiny sob. He hates this form. It’s so distasteful, so ugly. So flawed. Eiden doesn’t deserve an imperfect monster like him. Yakumo curls him on himself at the thought, sobbing even louder. This, however, causes serpents to crawl towards him, and dark snakes coiling around his body, hissing to the sound of his tearful feelings.

Yakumo shrieks as he realizes the scales climb up further in his body. He needs to get a hold of himself, and fast. He tries to breathe in and out like Eiden taught him, feeling the snakes receding back into his body.

He startles when he hears a voice coming from behind him. “Are you alright mister snake?”

“Wh-who’s there?” Yakumo shouts, feeling scared. He looks around warily, only to find a small bunny yokai looking up at him. He can’t be older than ten physically.

“Are you perhaps the Great Serpent Yokai?”

Yakumo is too baffled to answer. Taking that as ‘yes’, the bunny yokai takes his hand, trying to drag him towards where the lights are.

“Come with me, mister Great Serpent!” The kid says cheerfully. “They’re waiting for us.”

“Who’s waiting for me?” Yakumo asks, incredulous, but the kid doesn't say much more. However, the man doesn’t have to wait too long for an answer, as ‘they’ come out of their hiding place.

Yakumo gawks at the sight he’s been greeted with. Those are faes and yokais mixed together, bowing before him and greeting him with cheers. Yakumo doesn’t know what to say, nor what to think. A sick feeling creeps up in his stomach.

“What’s all this—” He’s pulled to a stop as he suddenly comes face to face with…Eiden? It is Eiden himself, his wrists bound by a rope, sleeping on an altar amidst the crowd, which parts on Yakumo’s approach. He’s wearing ceremonial clothes and a flower crown.

“We heard about your predicament, master yokai.” The bunny kid tells him. “You’re being led on by this human. So, we thought that we would make you an offering.”

“What kind of offering?” Yakumo asks, his tongue heavy.

“A sacrifice, of course!” The young yokai says. “You shall consume this human now. Mate with him, tie yourself to him, or even eat him!”

Yakumo feels like puking.

“I…I can’t…” His inhuman eyes glaze over as they graze over Eiden’s form, looking so frail in the robes, seemingly asleep. “I would be no better than the monster who tore him apart if I did this.”

Despite saying this, he looms over Eiden. His tail acts with a mind of its own, wrapping around Eiden’s body gently.

Yakumo’s love has always been gentle. Despite everything that happened, all his repressed anger and emotional outbursts, he’s never hurt Eiden. So what was he exactly scared of? It is this nature of his. The inhuman side that always desires more, wants more of Eiden, to feed from his affection. Will Eiden resent him if he knows?

Yakumo gulps.

Then, suddenly, all the lights go dark. There’s whispers all around them. “He’s coming” they all say. There are screams as blood splatters on the ground.

“I’ve not come to play around.” A voice seemingly erupting from all sides echoes in the crowded, enclosed area. “Unhand the Great Sorcerer this instant or more blood will be shed. I’ll have no mercy.” It sounds awfully familiar.

“Edmond…?” Yakumo asks himself too quietly for anyone to hear.

Magic buzzes in the air. A great magic circle appears below Yakumo, and before he knows it, he’s trapped.

Yakumo screams and that’s when he realizes — he doesn’t recognize his voice.