bakerstreet | Monster Transformation Meme

[ Demon. Literally giving in to the Dark Side. ]

[ douchy general here, you keen? ]

[ So keen! Do you mind starting? ]

[ __RETRIEVE KYLO REN__.

Well, the orders are direct, at least.

The remainder of the fleet have limped back into retreat, thwarted by a ragtag bunch of rebels (and that's on him, which is just stunning; this will look lovely on his record). They'd (quite literally) swung by the site where Ren had fallen, and hadn't that been a mission in and of itself - the entire place was about to blow. A low swoop and one sacrificed storm trooper later (all in the name of the greater good), he's got the wounded man, sans helmet, in the hanger bay. There's blood, definitely. Plenty of it. The man's face is gashed through and through - it's ugly, he spares the wound a grimace, it's almost a pity.

Hyperspeed kicks, the stars blur out backwards behind them and they're on their way, for better or worse, back to base. Hux extricates his hand, sticky with dull red, and glances down at his ally (ally, really?) properly. ] You're a mess.

[ He stands, then pauses and bends down again when his compatriot does not follow. ] Darkside treating you kindly this evening?

[ The helmet is gone, lost to whatever idiot fight the man had gotten himself into with those damnable rebels, but what remains is a gash as long as his forearm obscuring the man's face. There are other wounds, granted, because the blood seems to be seeping from beneath the other's uniform. This has not been their day. But so it goes. They'll lick their wounds. The day will come - he's certain of that much. It's ugly now, but battles are, even on a good day. One defeat, what's that to them?

A shove. ] You're not dead, look alive.

[ When Kylo does not respond, once again, he frowns - impatient, but also perturbed (bring Kylo Ren back alive). ] The medics are on their way, don't pass out. That would be inconvenient.

[ Defeat. It was ice cold and fire hot at the same time. It was stinging pain, in his shoulders, his side, across his face. It was shameful, and Ren wasn't sure what would become of him now. He had done what needed doing— he had killed the man who would hold him back, tempt him to the light. But this girl...

He's numb as Hux's men find him, drag him aboard a shuttle. No, not numb. Everything is fire and pain.

Something is wrong.

His eyes, pressed shut or cast downward until this moment, finally look up at Hux. And instead of the dark, brooding brown they had been, there's a fiery glow like embers in the night. Ren's skin seems flushed, and he's sweating. ]

Something is wrong.

[ He seizes in pain, curling in on himself as his body twitches and shudders. What is happening? Is this the work of the Force? Is this his own awakening?

He is afraid. ]

Well, yes I would say - seeing as you just got yourself practically filleted- [ He stops. Oh, that kind of something. Hux flinches, startled by the rictus of the other man's body, the glint of eyes that were previously just brown and now seem to simmer, bright red.

He glances back over his shoulder, barking: ] Don't just stand there, you idiots, hold him down before he wrecks the ship. [ The stormtroopers scuttle forwards (not reluctantly, but they're definitely not entirely thrilled at the concept of pinning down an irate force-user) and attempt to restrain Ren, while Hux keels down beside the man, brow furrowed. ]

What's going on with you? [ He narrows his eyes at the other man; but there's something there, in his face, that causes him to shudder - Ren is afraid, and if Ren is afraid, perhaps they all ought to be too. Hux, however, has no such wisdom.

Reaching down, he grasps the other's chin, forcing eye contact: ] Get yourself together, Ren, you lost one fight. Stop being so dramatic.

[ There is blood on the floor, and, Hux notices, on his own hands - the man is bleeding profusely, thick, dark streaks of blood - he fiddles with the top layer of Ren's complex costume, eyeing the stormtroopers unenthusiastically as they hold him down.

The blaster wound looks nasty, he presses a corner of the other's cloak to stem the flow (the man's pulse is racing, he notes).

Wearily: ] Come now, we'll be at base in no time.

[ He struggles against the hands holding him down, perhaps predictably Force pushing them back. When Hux presses into the still bleeding wound at his side, a sharp hiss escapes Ren's lips and a hand raises to clench around the general's wrist.

There's a crunching of bone and a tearing of fabric as his already long, slender fingers lengthen, claw like nails ripping through the ends of his gloves.

What is happening to him? Wounds from the battle bleed dark, sticky blood, meanwhile two new wounds rip themselves open on his forehead, sharp bony protrusions pushing their way out. He grits his teeth, sharper and more pointed than they have any right to be, and lets loose a guttural scream. ]

[ This was definitely never part of his job description.

Hux recoils in earnest from the display - he had been so certain that Ren's species was listed as human in the datapad, unless someone had made an error and in that case, there would be hell to pay tomorrow (provided they all lasted until then, which, right now? Not looking so good).

Collecting himself (it does tend to come as a shock when your colleague begins morphing some sort of were-rancor), Hux re-situates himself beside the writhing man, grimacing at the carnage, but persevering regardless. The scream shakes him and he's afraid, but he's calm - clarity under pressure; one cannot command a fleet without that much. Its sound echoed in the loading bay.

Bending low, he spares a glance for the stormtroopers (all that conditioning, and they may as well be quaking in their standard-issue boots), a tilt of his head telling them to stand down.

To Ren, his voice lowered: ] You're going to have to talk me through this, I didn't exactly get a memo.

[ The supreme leader has got some explaining to do. The grip that the other man has on his wrist is erring on the side of excruciating. He permits it, for now. ]

[ He is human. Kylo Ren is human. Or he's meant to be. Something is changing that, from the inside out. The Force or something else, Ren isn't so sure right now.

And Hux, bless him or damn him, is sitting there unmoving as Ren is being torn apart and reshaped. With the cool demeanor he always holds, like the surface of a still lake, dark depths hidden beneath. Ren can feel him, sense him even with his eyes pressed closed against the pain.

Finally, after an age of pained breathing, Ren mutters, ] I don't know what's happening. [ And he is weak for not knowing. He will be punished. He is being punished for his failure.

The girl had called him a monster, and now he was becoming one.

His eyes flash open as clarity comes over him. Yes. That's it. He is becoming a monster. And no monster will lie on the floor crying in pain like a child. A monster must show strength. He releases Hux's wrist and pushes himself to a sitting position. The pain from his wounds is still there, but beneath the skin is a fire burning. The edges of torn skin char black and crispy.

He takes a deep breath, and shouts a commanding, ] Leave us! [ in the general direction of the stormtroopers. They are all too happy to obey the order, even if he is not technically their commanding officer. ]

[ooc: I have no idea why I'm doing this. But I am! Lots of avenues we could take on this...so up for this?]

[ Sure? Any idea when you'd like to set it, timeline wise? ]

[ooc: Could have it set after their last battle where Rey was captured and forced to go back with the First Order. She gets to see first hand what the Dark Side does to someone. ]

[ ooc: The land split apart, leaving them both on the same side rather than across a chasm from each other. I like it. Do you mind setting us up? ]

[ooc: Okay, let me know if this works. Also, totally up for him tempting her to the Dark Side.]

[Rey had gotten the upper hand in the battle, using the Force and letting it guide her with each move and strike of the light saber. There's a connection between them, she can feel it, but what that connection is, she doesn't have time to think about it. What she needs to focus on is landing one blow, or blocking his strike. Kylo Ren was wounded, in multiple areas. There was no point in trying to continue the fight when Starkiller Base was going down.

Her hazel eyes were staring at him, waiting for him to make another move. It was the perfect time for her to flee, to head back over to Finn and get both of them away from this place. However, the ground began to shift, causing it to split, crack, and tear apart. Rey fell onto one knee, unable to brace herself properly for it. Her eyes looked over to the chasm now there. If she wasn't careful, one or both of them might fall in.

It was time for this battle to be over. Kylo Ren looked like he wouldn't be getting back up any time soon. Now was the best time to flee.]

[ There is fire rising from beneath the ground and it matches the fiery pain Kylo Ren feels in his body and through the Force. How did the girl best him? How did she get the upper hand?

Luckily for Ren and unluckilu for her, just before the forest falls and burns away, the lights of a familiar black shuttlecraft pass overhead. Seeing backup spurs Ren on more, and he casts out an arm, aiming to freeze Rey in place until his troopers arrive to grab her. She may not wish to join him as a pupil yet, but she will. He will convince her. ]

[The lights from the shuttlecraft blind her, making stars appear her eyes. Rey brought an arm up trying to shield her eyes and continue on moving. She needed to go back to Finn, to bring him to Chewie and get out of Starkiller Base.

However, just as she tries to leave, her body freezes up. She let her guard down for a split second. The Stormtroopers descend from the craft, grabbing Rey and knocking her out before she had the chance to try and fight back.]

[ When Rey wakes, they're on the Finalizer, on their way to Snoke. Hux hadn't been happy about bringing the girl, but Kylo Ren insisted that it's what the Supreme Leader would want.

By the time she comes around, the worst of Ren's injuries have been treated, but something still feels... wrong, in a way no bacta tank can heal. There's no interrogation chair this time, just a simple cot in a locked room, Ren crouched in the corner, watching her sleep. ]

[The blow to her head to knock her out was coming back, making Rey stir. Her body felt sore whereas her mind was trying to figure out where she was. She slowly starts to sit up, the feeling of cold steel beneath her isn't a good sign. Groaning, she opens her eyes, her vision blurry but she's able to sense someone there.

Kylo Ren...]

What happened.. [The words are murmured to herself, bringing her hand to her head, hissing when her fingers came in contact with the sore spot. Now she can see she was in a room with him crouched in a corner. She reached for the lightsaber, but that's not on her.]

You couldn't take 'no' for an answer, could you.

[ No, the lightsaber was safe in Ren's quarters, away from its usurper who is unworthy to wield it. ]

I saved you. You would have died if my men hadn't taken you with us. [ They're not his men, they're Hux's men. But this is no time for semantics.

He flinches as a wave of pain that has nothing to do with her comes over him, wishing that his mask were not lost in the flaming ruins of Starkiller Base. He doesn't want to show her any weakness. He shakes his head violently, casting all thought of the pain aside in favor of the matter at hand. ]

Are you comfortable?

How kind of you.

[He was concern if she died or not. He could have put that same concern and care for Han. She wants to make another remark, but the words don't leave her lips. That flinch is enough for her to wonder how much he's in. He would rather be in pain and watch her? A bit too dedicated to the job, wasn't he?]

Be more comfortable if I was able to go.

[Minus her head and body aching, he didn't need to know that part. She's still coming into her powers, trying to use the Force to feel for the lightsaber. Rey needed that to get out. There was no way she could call for it, with it being so far away.]

[ When he feels her stretch her powers, he assumes she's checking to see if the door is guarded by anyone other than him. It's not. After JB-007's failure, he'd learned not to trust the minds of weak-willed stormtroopers anywhere near her unless he was in control. ]

There's no one outside this room, but you can't leave. There's nowhere for you to go.

[ He stands, finding his crouching position too ~~painful~~ uncomfortable for now. But as he stands, he becomes slightly dizzy, and reaches a hand to steady himself on the wall. ]

You're important, you know that? You have great potential. I see it in you.

[ Maybe if he keeps talking about her, she won't notice his shortcomings. ]

[No, it wasn't to see if there was anyone else guarding the door, but he was right. There was no one else there except for him. However, there was something off about him, something she didn't know what to make of exactly.]

You know where I need to go. [To find Luke. To bring an end to this entire mess. He knew which side she was on. In her mind, there was no point in trying to convince her otherwise--

That is until she sees him trying to steady himself. That prompts her to get to her feet. As much as she dislikes the man, she does have humility, and compassion.]

I'm not important. I'm no one. [The words easily come out enough. It's what she believed herself to be since she was younger and the same words she told BB-8 when he asked her who she was. So much had change in such a short amount of time. She takes a step towards him, wanting to see if the injuries she gave him were address already.]

And you need to sit down.

[ He knows where she thinks she needs to go. But she's wrong. Skywalker will only want to foster the Light in her, not help her unlock her true potential. ] You're wrong. [ About Skywalker, about herself.

But maybe not about him. When she takes a step forward, he impulsively takes one back, but his foot shudders. Something is wrong, and the fear of not knowing what that something is shows in Ren's eyes. He's shaking, a deep, internal shudder that comes before a thing falls apart, like the planet beneath them when Starkiller was destroyed. ]

...Something is happening to me.

[ He doesn't mean to let that out, but he's distracted. Scared. He forces himself away from her, circling the perimeter of the room until he's back over by the cot.

...Maybe he does need to sit down. ]

[Rey wasn't going to reply to his words. It didn't matter right now if he thought she was wrong. What mattered was, oddly, him. She heard those words making her concern jump to worry.]

Guard!

[She moved over to the door, trying to yell out, but there's no one. He told her that before, but she would have thought he'd station someone somewhere else. No one was coming, which left Rey trying to figure out what to do. Turning her attention back to him, she can see he's on the cot, taking a seat.]

...Remove your cloak. [Her voice is firm, bordering on an order. If he was bleeding, they needed to see where the bleeding was coming from. If need be they could rip his cloak into pieces and use for bandages. She moves from the door back to him, but as she gets closer she can sense his fear...even his pain. There was something wrong with him.]

Let me help you.

[ He will not take orders from her. He is not so weak-willed, even now, through the sharp building pain coming over him like waves. What is happening? His mind races, trying to hold onto something, anything that might explain what he's feeling. Grasping at straws, as they say.

He can feel her coming closer, and the Light inside her hurts him, blinds him. He lifts his head to glare at her, and his eyes are two pools of black, no whites, no iris, just Darkness. ]

Stay back!

[Rey manages only a single step forward only to freeze in her tracks. In ordering her to stay back, she saw the blackness in his eyes. Shock was clearly written on her face, along with worry. The Darkness she sensed in him is growing, sending chills down her spine.

It's strong, powerful.]

[ The fear she feels is palpable. Ren would encourage it, feed off of it, if he wasn't so afraid himself. He knows she sees something in him that is scaring her, he just doesn't know what it is.

He stands, stumbling towards her as the dark fire inside him threatens to erupt. ]

What is it? What are you so afraid of?

[ He rolls his shoulders back, his usual method of trying yo focus his pain and anger, but when he does, he feels a tearing sensation run down either side of his back, parallel to his spine. It makes him cry out in pain and fall to his knees. ]

[It's not her own fear she can feel, but Ren's too. Whatever is happening to him, it's making him seem like he's being consumed by the Dark Side. He wanted her to stay back, yet he's stumbling towards her. Her first instinct is to move back, but seeing him fall to his knees, forced her to move forward. He could lash out at her later, right now he needed medical attention.]

Nothing.

[It's the only word she can say as she moved closer to him, kneeling down in front of him. That cloak needed to come off. She needed his clothes to come undone so she can see what is bleeding--if anything is bleeding at all. ]

Focus on me, just breathe and focus on me.

[And let her try to see what she could do to help him.]

[ The cloak is already in tatters after their duel. And right now, breathing is about all Ren can handle. The focusing on her part, he's more reluctant to try, but then he thinks perhaps if he does, she'll realize how wrong she is about the Light being the better path over Darkness.

He fixes his black gaze on her, and latches onto her with the Force, opening up waves of fire and pain and Darkness. It's overbearing. It's flowing out of him, more than he can physically hold inside. That's why his eyes have gone black. That's why his skin has torn apart. Because the Darkness inside him is too great, and needs to find a way out. ]

[Rey doesn't want to back down from what's she's seeing. It's as though there's something trying to claw its way out of Ren, trying to make him more of a monster than anything. Was this what the Dark Side was capable of? She didn't have time to think, feeling pain and fire wash over her.

Rey grimaces, trying to block it out. She couldn't give into it. She couldn't let her mind be overwhelmed by what he's sending to her. What's difficult to block, harder than trying to keep him out of her mind is the Darkness itself. It's starting to leave its mark on her soul, staining it and that only causes her to fight harder. Fear was starting to crawl back into her heart, something that the Darkness latches onto.

A scream finally leaves her lips as the pain, fire and Darkness become too much. She's taken as much as she could from the raw power exuding from him, crumpling onto the floor.]

[ Only when she screams does he stop pressing into her mind, as though the high pitch of the sound severed their connection. He takes a sharp intake of breath, and for a moment everything is quiet and still.

Then his back spasms, and suddenly sharp bonelike protrusions are pushing their way out of the tears in his skin. They're covered in blood and sinew and wreathed in a dark smoke that shimmers in the air like sunlight through heat. His voice, when he speaks, sounds almost as distorted as it does through his mask. ]

Help me. Help me!!

[The quietness is welcomed and for a moment, Rey hopes everything is over. That both of them would pass out into the realm of unconsciousness and when they woke up things would be better. Her wishing and hoping was for naught. Whatever was going on, it wasn't over.

Rey could hear the sound of bone shifting, flesh ripping, something that makes her stomach churn, but she can't lay down. Her body is crying out for her to lay still, but she can't take the cry from Ren. The brunette forces herself up, bridging the distance between them, to reach her hand out to him. Touch was all she could offer, but at least now...now her light wasn't as bright as before. He could try to take comfort in her arms until the pain gave way.]

Ren!

[Take my hand.]

[ He reaches out a gloved hand to her, shaking with the strain of mere existence. As soon as they make contact he pulls her to him, clutching her like a life line. The Light in her still burns him, but there's a shadow over it now that makes it tolerable.

Behind him, bones crunch as his insides shift to make room for two new appendages stretching themselves out. ]

What is happening to me?

I don't know.

[Rey utters softly, finding herself being held by the man she considered to be an enemy. He was keeping her prisoner, yet she was trying to do her best to comfort him. She gently laid her hand son his shoulders, careful not to place too much pressure on his changing body. The sound of bones shifting makes her stomach twist, but...there is an odd peace that comes from being held by him.

It could be the adrenaline running through her veins, or his darkness clawing away at her, chipping down her walls little by little.]

Talk to me, about anything, just talk.. [Don't focus on what's happening. Don't be afraid..

Though, who knew if that last line was for herself or for both of them.]

[ He shakes under her touch, but is comforted by it all the same. No one has touched him this way in quite some time. It's gentle, caring. More than he's used to. More than he's had since... ]

Y-you cared very much for Han Solo. [ As the appendages behind him— wings, it would appear— slowly open, a thin layer of skin stretches out between the bones. ] Your faith in him was misplaced.

{is it strange to think she does, in some small way, care for him? She wasn't about to abandon him while he was in pain. They weren't fighting, they weren't trying to kill each other. There was no one to help him, but her.

Rey can see the bones on his back growing skin. She wasn't sure what he was becoming, or if she should fear him more because of it.]

You've told me that....twice already.

[There was a flare of anger for talking about her friend, now deceased, but...it wasn't worth bickering about.]

I felt a connection with you, and I'm not sure why.

[When he tried to invade her mind the first time and even now. The sensation was faint before, but was growing stronger.]

[ He lifts his head at that, black eyes looking into her own. He'd felt the connection too. Something familiar about the way the Force flowed through and around her. The more time they spend together, the more sure he becomes that this is no coincidence. ]

I think... Have we met before?

[ A long, long time ago. In another lifetime, under a different name. ]

No...we haven't...

[Not to her memory, not for her to recall. She remembered bits and pieces of her childhood before Jakku, but nothing else. She only remembers waiting for a family that may or may not come back to her, but she stubborn enough to believe they would.

The connection between them is strong, making her look at him without fear, without worry. His eyes may have changed, but she knew them...from when, she wasn't sure. But her hand rose up to place itself on his cheek.

Who are you?

Not Ben Solo, not Kylo Ren...he was someone else, someone who made her want to reach out to hold him like this and care for him.]

We haven't, but... I know you.

[ He leans into the touch at his cheek, skin clammy and cold. The fire within him is dying down, calmed by her presence. His own hand raises to tentatively curl around her back, holding her close. ]

Don't.. leave me.

[How? A simple question that could have thousands of answers, or none.]

I won't.

[It was foolish for her to say such a thing. She would have to leave him, if she wanted to find Luke, if she wanted to put an end to the First Order. Yet, she sounds so sure of mind when those words fell from her lips.]

Are you feeling better?

[ Such a simple question. And perhaps the answer is simple as well. Because as Ren takes stock of himself, of his connection to the Force, of the changes to his body... He finds that yes, he is feeling better. The pain, the fire, he can't feel them anymore. ]

Yes.

[ His gaze drifts off to the middle distance as he experimentally flexes his new wings. ]

I feel ...whole.

Good.

[No more pain, none that she can sense anyway. However, now that he was feeling better, what would he do with her? Rey isn't afraid of what he's become, if the circumstances were different, she would be curious about his new body, but now...

What would he do with her?]

Ren? Ren...

[He was gazing off somewhere...was that a good sign or a bad one?]

[ The muscles that control his wings are stiff, but strong. He thinks maybe they could carry him, should he try to fly.

But she's speaking, and it grabs his attention, once more pulling him back from getting lost. ]

Hm? What.

Do you want to stand?

[To get his barrings? Or should she try to let him go? No one else was coming for them. They were still isolated from everyone else. The Darkness was strong within him now, so much it starts to send chills down her spine.

Perhaps she should let go of him. Perhaps it was time to go back to being enemies.]

I want... [ Power. Yes, now he can feel it. The need to grow stronger. He wants the power that Snoke has. He wants to control the Force in himself and others. He wants an apprentice. He wants her.

But as he looks at her, black eyes searching her face, he thinks maybe standing will be good enough for now. ]

Yes. I believe I can stand. With your help.

You want..?

[There was something going on inside him. Something he wanted, but wouldn't give a voice to. The longer he stares at her, the colder she begins to feel. It's all in her head, she tells herself. She's just trying to stay calm, that's all.

He wants to stand and she'll help him. After that, it would be best if she distanced herself.

There's a nod of her head, pulling away from him to kneel and steady him as they both try to stand.]

[ Slowly, on knees weakened by pain but made strong again by Darkness, he stands, still holding onto Rey's arm. Now that the storm within him is quieting, he must think how to proceed. How to make her follow him so that together they may overtake Snoke.

Tentatively, he reaches out for her mind again, supplying her with messages of gratitude and a debt now owed to her. ]

[The idea to overtake his Master is one that's far from her mind. Rey is thinking of how to survive, how to get out and continue on with her mission. The potential for her to be so much more is there, easy for the Light to claim and now, the dark too.

At first she doesn't want to let him in, considering the pain he brought to her last time, but she accepts it. The 'debt' part is scoffed at, not thinking she did much.]

..I don't think you'll need your cloak anymore.

[Talk, she needed to keep talking and to edge him out of her mind. He didn't need to know what she was thinking or feeling right now.]

Will you let me go or will you keep me as your prisoner?

No, perhaps not. [ He finally lets go of her (physically, if not mentally), and removes his cloak, revealing his shirt, torn and bloody both from their duel and from his transformation. ]

You are my guest.

[ But that's the whole point of reaching out, to gauge her reaction to him now. What is she feeling? Does he disgust her, like this? Does she still think he is a monster? Does he have any chance of convincing her to join him as his apprentice? ]

[For a moment Rey can't help but stare, his clothing a testament to the hell he just endured. Part of her wonders how his wounds from their last duel were doing. Were they healed now? His body, changed as it was, seemed fine. No scars or marks, at least not from what she can see.]

I didn't feel like a guest earlier.

[They were going back into familiar territory for her. Bantering back and forth, though the tender moment they shared earlier was haunting her mind. He doesn't disgust her, but overall he confuses her. The connection, what she felt towards him and if she was going to live to see another day.

The Darkness he sent through her is there, digging itself deeper into her being, waiting for him to draw it out.]

[ He can feel it, the Darkness inside her. Beneath the Light, laying a foundation. Good. Let it grow strong. He then turns his focus to himself, to take stock of his body and mind. Like he'd said, he feels whole now in a way he didn't before. His wounds, though not completely healed, have stopped bleeding. If he doesn't seek actual medical attention soon, he'll have nasty scars across his face and along his side, but he's in no rush to leave this room. Not when there's work yet to be done.

He paces away from her, still looking away but using their connection to sense her reactions. ]

That's unfortunate. There was no time, earlier. There is very little time now. The Resistance will have the map soon, if they don't have it already.

[ Finally, he faces her, not severing the mental connection, but keeping it at low level for now. ]

Which is why I need you to tell me what you know.

[Now they were back to being themselves, back to standing on either side of a line that was drawn in sand years before they were born. It was stupid of her to think of him as anything else other than a hunter with a mask. She scoffs at herself, pulling away as well to put enough distance between him and her. Rey loosely crosses her arms over her chest, unable to detect the low connection they still had. If she were trained, she would still be able to sense he was still in her mind.]

I could tell you plenty...

[She draws out the words carefully, glancing at him, but then looks away.]

But I won't. We played this game before, remember?

[Rey's words are sharp and strong. She wasn't going to tell him where his Uncle was.]

I don't want to hurt you again.

[ NOT his uncle. Ren wanted Skywalker because he was a threat to the First Order. To Supreme Leader Snoke. To... his own ascension into power, if possible. ]

You won't. I'm different now. Stronger than before.

[ He steps towards her, calling on the seed of Darkness within her to rise. ]

You couldn't hurt me if you wanted to.

[Rey turns to glare at him, wanting to verbally lash at him, but the words die on her lips. There's a pull a tug that makes her feel sick and dizzy.]

I don't want to. I don't want to come to blows with you.

[She had the opportunity, had the chance to try and do more harm to him than before. Yet, she didn't. She held back from it, but to know she had the chance, it flares up some anger in her for not taking that chance.]

What are you doing? I was fine before.

[ Not only can he feel the Darkness strengthen, he can see it in her response. Her resistance is to be expected; he would not want her without a little fight in her. ]

All I'm doing is showing you what could you could be, if you would only let me teach you.

[ He spreads his arms, and wings, wide as a display of what exactly lies before her on the Dark path. Isn't it glorious?

These are the first steps. ]

[Stop it!

Rey was pushing him out of her mind, forcing him out and away from her emotions. He couldn't see the vision she had, of her awakening to the Force. She was meant to do more than serve for the Dark Side. She couldn't let the First Order win. She couldn't let her friends suffer.

Who says they have to? The Darkness whispered, spreading further in her being. Her Light continued to fight, to keep that seed from growing.]

You have nothing to offer me. I don't want to be like you!

[Power didn't interest her, but there was something else. The connection they had before, that was the key. She had been waiting, wanting to be with her family. To not be alone. He only had to tug on that.]

[ The connection is broken, but he smirks, knowing that his work will continue without his influence. He only has to find the right angle and she would come to him willingly again. ]

But you do. So lonely, at night. Who have you been waiting for, all this time, if not someone to take you by the hand and show you who you can become?

[He's trying to take advantage of her feelings. He's twisting her emotions to his benefit and as badly as she doesn't want to believe it...there is a part of her that wants it. A small, tiny part is enough for the Darkness to cling to and feed off of.

Rey tears her gaze away from him, trying to smother the feelings inside of her.]

That won't be you.

[She wants him to stop, stop talking, taunting her and tempting her. ]

[ His wings fold in, as in an effort to make himself look smaller, he kneels before her.

She liked him on his knees. ]

It could be.

[ He holds out a hand to her, echoing their actions of only a few minutes before. ]

If you would let me in.

[Rey didn't like to see him on knees, in pain, but now it seemed to be a mockery of what she had done for him. He was twisting what she did to comfort him and she was starting to hate him for it.

Hated him for making her care about his well being. Her hazel eyes convey her emotions, so easy to read and show how conflicted she was. Yet...when she looked at him, she felt that connection again. That tug, the push of the Force to go to him.]

It shouldn't be you.

[The man she was supposed to fight. The man she saw as an enemy, but she found herself reaching out to take his hand and pull him up.

Why should I trust you?]

[ He takes her hand, steps up and forward into her space, wings coming forward to wrap around the two of them, shielding them from the outside world. And though he didn't hear her unspoken question, he answers anyway.

Why should you trust me? ] I was once like you. I was lost, abandoned. I found a home in the Force. And you can too.

[ In the Dark side of the Force, specifically. The Light is persistent, but it is weak, and those who follow it are foolish to think they can win. Foolish to think they have true power. They don't know what real power is. ]

[Rey stands still, letting him come to her, to let his wings that were born from darkness surround the two of them. There was nothing outside, nothing beyond the two of them. The Light in her is losing its battle the longer they're in each other's presence. The longer she's with him, the more comfortable she feels.

He was tempting her with a home, a place where she belonged.

The temptation for power was growing in her. To have power meant nothing could be taken away from her. Power would be liberating. The longer she thought about, the more her Light tried to fight and the dizzier she felt. Kylo Ren would either be her Salvation or her doom.]

You want me for your own gain. A weapon for you to use.

[Not his Master's, or the First Order's. He wanted her power for himself...and oddly, there was no conflict in her with that.

You want me tethered to you.]

Edited 2016-01-25 09:08 (UTC)

[ He smiles down at her, intending it to be more kind than cruel, though really it is out of pride that he smiles; he can sense the Darkness taking hold in her. Soon she will come to him. Soon she will accept her place by his side. ]

I want you to reach your full potential. I want to help you reach it.

[ A slight squeeze of her hand in his. Come with him, Rey. It would be so simple, and together they can rule this galaxy. ]

[Ruling a galaxy didn't interest her, not in the way it did with him. The longing she had, the power that she was beginning to crave, had nothing to do with the galaxy itself. She wanted to be part of a family. Her friends were part of that, but she couldn't--refused to let them slip through her fingers.

But they didn't have to be exclusive from one another. The power she had, it could be enough to keep her friends, her small family together. If she followed Kylo...they would be nothing to stop them.

The notion was becoming stronger and crazier by the second. She was still trying to resist it, to not give in. There was something in this for him. He didn't want to use her as a weapon, but it wasn't as simple as wanting him to do something good. So what was it? you said wouldn't leave. You told him you wouldn't. You're already on that path, continue to follow it. See how far you can go with him.]

But you're doing it for your purpose.

[Her hazel eyes searched his dark ones, trying to find the answer that would justify her descent in the Darkness. ]

How do I know you won't pass me to your Supreme Leader? [He wouldn't abandon her like the rest of them?]

[ Even now, with this surge of Darkness in him, Snoke has eyes and ears everywhere. Ren can't speak of his ambitions freely for fear that Snoke will somehow know and take him down preemptively. But there is a spark in his black eyes, like the embers of a dying fire, and he raises a gloved hand to her cheek. ]

It's only the two of us here.

[ True, he will have to bring her before Snoke, to keep up appearances, but with their power combined, he is sure they can overcome him eventually. So long as she agrees to stand with him. ]

I swear to you, I won't leave you.

Two of us, for now.

[With the Supreme Leader that would make three, but they couldn't talk as freely as they wanted. Which was a shame, because her body wasn't able to keep battling the darkness calling to her. How strong of a connection she felt with Ren, nor how stronger that connection became from being comforted by the man she thought to be her enemy.

His words strike a big chord with her. That's all she wanted to hear, to know she wouldn't be left behind. To have someone stand by her side, to be there for her. Could it really be with him? Her guard was coming down, allowing him to peak into her mind and read her emotions. Rey's free hand came to rest on his gloved one, taking solace in his touch.]

I made the same promise to you.

[There was a moment of silence, her eyes closing as she fought off the dizziness that threatened to make her pass out.]

...nothing will happen to Finn. Promise me that. To Finn, or my friends.

[ It takes him a moment, consumed as he is with the idea of the two of them standing atop the chain of command, to even remember who "Finn" is. That's right. FN-2187. The traitor. His lips tighten. The traitor would have to pay for his betrayal eventually, but he will let her come to that realization in time. For now, it costs him nothing to guarantee his safety. ]

So long as you will it, I will not touch them. Nor will I let anyone else.

[ They would listen to him now, all of the First Order soldiers whose allegiance was torn between him and the small minded General. They would look on him and know to obey. ]

[Rey's eyes were closed, unable to see the look on his face, but she could sense it. He was making a deal with her for now. Nothing would happen to her friend, or to any of those she cared about. They would be left to her to handle, to deal with if she had to. Though there was nothing to hold him to his word, Rey still believed him anyway.

Her thoughts were slipping in and out of her mind, making them hard to grasp onto. There was the feeling she thought tell him she would think about it, but the Darkness in her was against it. He needed an answer, he needed to hear who she would stand by.]

My loyalty is to you. I will stand by you, Kylo Ren.

[ Good. He already had a sense of the Darkness taking root inside her, but hearing her vow out loud cements it for him. He pulls back his wings as though pulling back a curtain, revealing her to the rest of the empty room, but symbolically so much more than that, to the whole of the galaxy as his pupil. His apprentice. His protégé. His right hand.

He smiles, pure and genuine, and opens himself to her through the Force for her to feel his adoration, and to bask in his power. ]

[His power was overwhelming, but she wouldn't back down. She was forging the Light in order to join him. There would be nothing they couldn't accomplish together. People would bow to them, would grovel at their feet and beg for mercy. When she finally let go, Rey felt better, enough to close the distance them to embrace her master, her partner, and other half.

The power of Darkness would guide them, and turn her into the same creature as him. A demon of grace, beauty, and death.

Her eyes flutter open to see that smile of his, making her heart skip a beat. Home, she thinks, letting her walls come down further. He would be able to sense how at peace she was, her acceptance of him, and perhaps gain insight to the wicked creature she would become under his care.]

[ He can see it now. Not quite a vision of the future brought on by the Force, but something close to it. The two of them, swooping down from the skies onto the remains of a battlefield, carried by their wings and their sheer power. Angels of mercy, if one believed in such a thing. No one would stop them. Not Snoke, not the Resistance. No one.

His hands come to rest on her back as she embraces him, stroking gently, imagining a beautiful pair of wings sprouting from the flat surface between her shoulder blades. How glorious she will be then. ]

Are you ready? To leave this room and begin the journey down your true path?

No.

[The word is uttered ever so softly, but firmly beneath her breath. Her soul wasn't as black as his, her hands weren't covered in blood for her to have wings as wide and beautiful as his. No doubt her response might confuse him, but she had her reasons. She pulled back from him, standing up on her toes to close the distance between her and her new Master.

Her lips crashed into his, opening herself to the connection they shared. It sprang to life right then, no longer fighting to hold back, to keep herself at an arm's distance. His power washed over her, letting fire, and passion come down on her body. It didn't burn as it did before, rather it made their bond stronger. Rey lost track of time, but eventually, she broke the kiss by pulling back with a slight smirk to herself.]

Now, I'm ready.

[ He is... not proud of the way his heart skips a beat when she kisses him, but he was taken by surprise. Nor is he proud of the moan that he breathes into the kiss, but the firey passion between them is too much to keep silent.

She will be a good pupil. She will keep him on his toes.

Breathless and ragged, he takes her hand. ] Good. Let's go.

[ With a wave, the doors slide open, revealing a dark corridor. He leads her out of their sanctuary, towards their destiny together. ]

[ ooc: aaaaaand timeskip? ]

[ooc: Sure!]

[It was odd to have the Stormtroopers in her presence, but not running from them. Merely interacting with them because they were part of the First Order. A member, just as she would soon be. Kylo Ren succeeded in turning one of the most powerful people in the galaxy to his side, bringing her to Snoke and making her pledge her loyalty to him as well. The pledge was only words, something to keep the old General happy.

Training went underway from then, learning as much as she could from Kylo Ren. Her was sculpting her, making her learn to tap into the power of the Dark Side, and turn her into the same creature as him.

Weeks went by since she made her decision, not a blip of communication from the Resistance. However, by the time they were able to piece together the map, Luke Skywalker was gone. He was a clever man, sensing a shift in the Force when she joined Kylo Ren. Now they were back to square one to find him.]

There are other ways to lure him out. He can't stay in hiding forever.

[She told him, looking over a hologram of the map of his location--well former location. Snoke wasn't pleased, but no matter. They were growing stronger with each passing day. It would be only a matter of time before they destroyed the Resistance.]

[ They stood side by side by the hologram, close enough for their fingers to brush against one another as they leant on the console. She was progressing well, her instincts helping her tap into the parts of herself that she would have been unable to reach had she stayed in the Light. ]

Draw his attention, you mean? Do something he can't possibly ignore.

[ She's smart. That was part of why he loved her so much. And yes, by now he's almost certain he can call it love. If his black heart is capable of loving anything, it's her. ]

[Rey felt his fingers brush against hers, but didn't draw any attention to it. Their connection was stronger now, enough for her to feel his feelings as her own. There was love, a strong, passionate, and even possessive kind of love that grew in the dark. There was no other place she would be, but his side. There was no need to keep her guard around him, only around the Supreme Leader. Her other hand moves up to the hologram, letting it zoom out to the rest of that solar system, trying to find a clue that could be there.]

He's managed to ignore plenty. Doing something grand for the sake of it wouldn't draw him out.

[No, it would have to be deliberate, something that would interest him. An idea comes across her mind, making her look up at her Master. He wouldn't like it, but they needed to do this. In order for their plan to work, they had to finish Luke off.]

We need bait, something he wants.

[Her. She was supposed to find him, the Light was supposed to guide her to him...maybe that was still possible. Rey waited to see what her Master and lover's reaction would be. If he would want her to go on a solo mission, or if he would want her to stay by him.]

[ Just as she can sense his feelings, he can sense her thoughts. And they worry him slightly. His eyes widen when he catches on to what she is implying, and he turns away, pacing. ]

No. You're not ready. I won't risk it.

[ Even though he knows she's right. This is the best way of destroying Skywalker. How could he resist the chance to "save" her from the Dark side? Still, he doesn't want to face the idea that she might not be powerful enough to do it alone.

He turns back to her. They could do it, together. There's only one problem. ]

If he senses me with you, he won't come.

[It wouldn't do her any good to reach out to him to soothe the worry he has. They were only affectionate behind closed doors, whether that was his bunker or hers. The rest of the First Order made it a point to what she and Kylo did together. After a Stormtrooper tried to make a pass at her, she broke their arm.

Better they face her wrath than her Master's.]

I'm not ready now, but I will be. We don't have to capture him this moment. We have time. The Resistance is weak and Hux said we need time to rebuild.

[Though the other man and Kylo did not get along, she could at least see eye to eye with him. They couldn't run an attack if they didn't have any base for their troops to return to.]

He will come, if he thinks I'm defecting. It would take time for him to reveal his location, but if he thinks I'm being swayed back to the Light...we could have a chance.

[ Ren had scarcely been so proud of his Apprentice than he was when she had attacked the Stormtrooper who came onto her. He had rewarded her faithfulness greatly afterwards. (And then arranged to have the trooper reassigned to another ship.) ]

This is a long and delicate game you're thinking of playing. You have to be sure.

[ There's a part of him still that fears the remnants of the Light within her. Though the Darkness has overtaken her, he fears that, should she act the part of a defector, the Light might try to resurface. ]

[There's a slow nod of her head.]

I am, if we play the game right, we will have him.

[But that danger is still there, that looming threat of the Light calling out to her again. To have her act as its conduit to attempt to bring balance back to the galaxy.]

I will not fail you, Master.

[She told him, hoping her words would be enough to wipe out his doubts, his worries. He needed time to think about this, she could tell. Time to let the Dark Side speak to him and guide him to the right decision.]

I need to grab something from my bunker, excuse me.

[A thinly veiled excuse for her to leave him to his thoughts and a quiet invitation for him to find her later. There she could convince him further and reassure her lover there was no place else she would rather be.]

[ He nods, watching her go before turning back to the holo display. He does need some time to think on her proposal, to weigh the possible outcomes and decide how to proceed. Abruptly, he turns off the display and retreats to his own bunker to meditate.

Some hours later, he comes to her door. He doesn't knock, knowing she can sense him there and will let him in. ]

[Rey was trusting the dark Side would guide him to the right conclusion, but even more important than that would be if Snoke agreed to it as well. To go against him would be an act of treason, something neither could afford to happen. They had to continue to play nice until the right moment. That moment was still far away but at least if they got rid of Luke, they would be one step closer.

The brunette opened the door for him, keeping her expression schooled until he stepped through and she closed the door. Alone, she allowed herself the pleasure of embracing him, arms wrapped around his waist while basking in his power.]

Do you still have concerns, Kylo?

[ His arms fell easily around her shoulders, wings folding around her like they're accustomed to do when they're alone. ]

I will always have concerns when it comes to putting you at risk.

[ He pressed his face into her hair, inhaling her scent and letting it ground him in this moment. They still have time, she'd said. And she was right. The First Order was still recovering, still building their next weapon and base— separate, this time, to prevent a catastrophe like the last. And they would have to present the idea to the so-called Supreme Leader. He was confident Snoke would approve, just as he was confident that together, they could overtake Skywalker. It was merely a matter of luring Skywalker into their trap. ]

But I think... You're right. This is the best way to draw him out. We'll bring the proposal to Snoke in the morning.

[ Giving them all night to be together. ]

[Rey was touched by his words, knowing they weren't just said for the sake of saying them. Or as an act for her to fall for. No, he meant what he said. He did care, in a way that a creature of the dark could possibly care. They looked out for each other. the only pain she endured came from training; be it in combat with lightsabers. She would take her licks, and continue to get up again and again until her power grew.]

Most of your concerns are unfounded. You are training me, and so far, things are turning out well.

[A little jab, a tease to remind him she wasn't a fragile flower for him to take care of. No, she could hold her own, especially when it came in a fight. She found herself enjoying practicing drills with the Stormtroopers, if only because she liked the challenge of trying to fight them.

She tilted her head up, lips brushing against his cheek.]

Was that so hard to admit?

[More teasing, a hint of sarcasm hanging off her words. They could stay in her bunker all night if they wanted to do. There was nothing they had to do for the rest of the day, not unless Hux or Phasma wanted to speak to him. However, both of them were wise enough to leave the Sith Lord alone, unless it was absolutely necessary.]

So me again, the power of the Dark.

Edited 2016-01-31 07:39 (UTC)

[ That's what he liked about her. Her strength, her fire. Her volatile spirit. He would never cease to be surprised by her, nor impressed by how quickly she picked up his teachings. Perhaps it was because she didn't have to unlearn all the Jedi schools of thought like he'd had to. Or perhaps it was just her innate connection to the Force.

Either way, he can't resist teasing her back. ]

It was. Incredibly hard.

[ Just like he's becoming, being so close to her. He bares his teeth briefly before capturing her mouth in a desperate kiss. ]

[For Rey, it would have been nice to relish in those words, to know it was hard for her Master to admit that she was right. His words are a double entendre, considering how close she was his body now. When he claimed her mouth, she didn't resist, givign into the dark desire burning in her heart.

Being around Kylo Ren was like breathing air; needed for her own survival, for her to think properly. While she did well without him when they were separated, the reunion of being at his side was met with a sense of urgency and possessiveness. She needed to reclaim what she lost, be it with looks, touches, or being bathed in his power.

Her soul feels like its reaching out for his, to soothe, comfort, and above all, keep to herself. The more of him she took in, the more attached she became to the dark side. For their plan to work, she would have to keep her wits about her, to not be fooled by the Light. She was falling deeper into the dark, making her feel a sharp pain in her back, as though she had been touched by the end of a lightsaber.

The pain resonate through her faster than she could hide it from him, making her break the kiss and hiss.]

Was that Snoke?

[He wouldn't hurt her, she knew, so then was the General trying to punish her for something?

or this her first step into becoming the same creature as her Master?]

[ He can feel it the moment the pain hits her, through their shared connection and then seconds later in the way she pulls away from him. Worry clouds his senses, but no. Why would Snoke attack her in such a way? He would go after her mind, not her body, if he had any idea of what they had planned.

No, this was different.

One hand raises to cup her cheek, while the other wraps around her lower back. ]

No. This is the beginning of your awakening.

[ He kisses her again, quickly, trying to instill a calm in her, a confidence that no matter what comes next, it was for the better. ]

You remember what I taught you about pain? [ About how she could use it as a focus, to strengthen her connection to the Dark side. ]

[Hazel eyes search his, trying to read his expression. If Snoke was behind her pain, if he was onto their plans. They would have to leave quickly if that was the case, or have the First Order turn itself on Snoke and anyone who followed him. Or perhaps, Snoke was simply unhappy with her plan over all. She was trying to decide what the answer could be, biting the inside of her cheek as another bought of pain came.

The stabbing sensation felt more like the energy blade of the lightsaber was clawing down her back, burning her skin and trying to expose bone. Her lover's touch is comforting, making her focus on him rather than what she was experiencing. Cheating, yes, but would rather concentrate on something else.]

Isn't...isn't too soon for that?

[She thought she would have to get to his level first. There's no time for her to say anything, her words silenced by a kiss that brought pain and comfort all at once.]

Yes...focus on it...use it...

[To tap into it, to not let it overwhelm and deepen her connection to him and to the Dark Side. It was easier said than done. The pain traveled to her chest, then down her belly and legs. Her skin felt like it was being torn apart, diced and sliced by an invisible blade. Fear was creeping in, unsure if she would live through it.]

I can take this...I can take this...

You can take this. It will make you more powerful.

[ Perhaps it was a bit soon, but then there was still a lot about his own transformation that Kylo had yet to understand. Perhaps she was ready after all. Or perhaps she could only become ready once her body had transformed.

Sensing the shakiness of her legs, he slowly lowers them to a kneel, never once thinking of letting her go. He pets her hair, leaning forward until his forehead touches hers. ]

You are so strong. So strong and so beautiful.

[His words do little to ease the pain, but they were appreciated. They're adding to her focus. She had to draw strength from him and from the pain itself. Pain would make her stronger. Pain would only help to grow. Pain would give her power, the power to keep all the things she wanted to herself. To keep people close to her.

She can still feel his hand on her lower back. The feeling of his hands on her even through the leather of his gloves. Her eyes are the first change, the white disappearing into black. A hiss leaves her lips, clenching her teeth as she fought to keep her focus on the pain. On Kylo.]

Ren.

[Bones are shifting, poking, prodding at her back. Fabric was starting to rip, while Rey felt like throwing up. The dark Side was flowing through her, trying to give her as much power as possible, making her body feel like it was being electrocuted again. Just like when she helped Kylo with his change, except there was no way to break her connection now.

More fabric was ripping, the development of her wings ready to break free.]

I'm here. I'm here.

[ Constant reassurance. It's all he can offer her. He wants to take the pain, wants to badly to alleviate his lover's suffering, but this is a gauntlet she must bear the brunt of alone. There's only so much he can share the burden. ]

Focus. Let yourself open up to the pain. To the Darkness. To me.

[ With her eyes gone black, he can already feel her power growing. It's the most beautiful thing he's ever witnessed. ]

Trying.

[The word is hard to let out. Everything feels like it's difficult to do, especially breathing. It's hard to simply get air into her lungs, release it then repeat the cycle. All she has is her training and her lover. Her hands weakly hold onto him, taking in the pain, letting it wash over her and cling to her like a second skin.

The clothing on her back rips, sharp bones protruding out until blood trails out, staining her skin. In an effort to keep her cry of pain from getting loud (a sign of weakness, something she couldn't let anyone else hear), she bites down on her tongue. hard enough for her to taste her own red human wine.

Hating herself for it, she opens her mouth to scream, the beginnings of her wings finally coming out. The bones of them unfolding and arching back for a brief, grusome moment then collapsed on her form.]

[ He frowns, wanting to help her but knowing he can't. He would kiss her to keep her from screaming, but that would not help her breathe. Finally though, the first step is over, the bones escaping from their flesh prison. She has done well.

The worst of it is over. She has broken, and now she rebuilds. ]

[The worst of it is over. Her wings are no longer trapped inside of her. Now they had the chance to form properly, with every beat of her heart skin formed ver the bones. Soon, she would be complete. Soon she would be just as dark and twisted as him. Soon their dark love would lead them down the path of hell and conquest.

For now, the pain escapes her. Leaving her silent, weak, but feeling calm. Her grip on him went limp, unable to keep holding him while the pain had taken hold of her.

Rey does seem like a fragile doll, unable to keep herself up, only able to lean against her lover. Her body needs time to recover, but its making quick work of repairing itself. Little by little her strength begins to return to her, making her weakly grasp Kylo Ren.]

[ He could not be more proud nor feel more love for her than he feels in this moment. His Apprentice, who started as nothing but a scavenger on a nowhere planet, ascended into this beautiful dark creature before him.

He supports her when she falls weak, petting her hair until her strength returns, watching in awe and fascination as the skin forms over her wings.

He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles softly. ]

Welcome. Welcome to the Dark side.

[The brush of his lips on her skin is what pulls her out of the hazy fog her mind was trapped in. Her body feels heavier, but it feels right. It feels on the verge of being complete. She felt the Force flowing through her, not feeling a call to the Light, but feeling the silent strength and power of the dark.

Now she understood what her master had been teaching her. Being one with the Force itself. Better yet, their connection felt more like an extension of herself. she would always feel his presence, even when they were not side by side.]

Thank you.

[The words are whispered as she tries and soon forces herself to sit up to pull away to press her forehead against his. Her eyes open to reveal pools of black that matched his own, but she was able to see so clearly now.]

I love you.

[ Rather than answer her with words that mean so little, he looks deeply into the black depths of her eyes, then takes her chin in his gloved hand and kisses her deeply. Their connection will convey the love he feels for her more than any words could.

Now he can share with her, wordlessly, the vision he's held since he first ascended, of the two of them rising to power, to rule over the galaxy. Together. To stand over the corpse of Snoke having dealt the killing blow themselves. Everything is within their grasp, now. He has never felt more alive. ]

[When she first witnessed Kylo's change, she thought she was staring into the eyes of a soulless being, but now she could see the life, the spark in them. Rey had been blind by the Light, forced to see things from one view, not multiple ones. Her heart melts into the kiss, finding her strength returning bit by bit.

The wings on her back are nearly complete. Without thinking, her wings stretch out, moving back to test the new muscles stitched and woven on her back.

She can feel his love for her, how it burns as bright and as powerful as a star itself. The vision he shares with her sends a pleasant thrill through her, making her move her hands back to prop herself up and to place her hand on his cheek.

I am yours.]

[ His own wings subconsciously mirror hers, stretching out behind him. They're large enough to hit the wall of her bunker, but something about the action feels right, like he's confirming that yes, they're there, and they will carry him through the skies to rain doom upon his enemies. The thought excites him, lights a fire deep in his belly. ]

I want to fly with you. Someday, when you're ready.

[ He has yet to even try flying himself. There has been little time for it, between Rey's training and his First Order duties. But now he wants nothing more than to feel his feet leave the ground with Rey by his side. ]

When the stiffness goes away...we can try.

[When her body has had time to get used to her new limbs. They were big enough to carry her, but it was take practice. They would have to be careful with them and thinking on it, they probably wouldn't fit on a bed anymore. Which was fine, she barely took the soft mattress, finding it to be too soft in her tastes.]

I still feel drained, but...it'll pass soon enough.

[Her lips brushed against his for a brief kiss, then over his jaw and to his cheek.]

Take your gloves of, Kylo.

[She wanted to feel his skin on hers. On her new wings especially.]

[ It would certainly make positioning difficult. Until now, he had been able to hold her to his chest, but with another pair of wings thrown in, they wouldn't fit that way. It hardly matters. She's beautiful like this; he wouldn't want her any other way.

So rarely does she outright request anything of him, he's almost taken aback by it. But he obeys, removing his gloves and tossing them aside. He's already bared himself to her in all the ways that matter. He places a hand on her shoulder, sliding it down over her back to press into the new muscles, massaging them. ]

[Rey knew when she could push her boundaries with him. When she should ask for something, and when she could get away with demanding. So far she's only made less than a handful of demands from him. From the moment she joined his side until now.

They have been with each other in ways she didn't think would happen. Their first meeting with another, they marked the other as the enemy. Yet, they removed their clothes and became intimate with one another, uncovering ways to make the other melt, or cry out in bliss. Right now, she wanted to feel his hands, calloused from years of training with a lightsaber, on her skin.

Rey wanted to feel his skin on hers, and although there wasn't much they could do...having him touch her was enough. To reward him, she utters a soft thank you and kisses down his neck. She settles with her head tucked under his chin, wincing when his hands work on her stiff muscles. Her wings twitching and brushing against his.

A jolt ran through her, making her stiffen for a split seconds.]

This is so odd.

[ When she tenses, he freezes, suddenly concerned he's hurt her somehow. Only she is allowed to see this side of him, the caring, gentle, loving side. For the rest of the world he must remain untouchable, unshakeable, even without his mask. But for her, he'll let his walls crumble down and open himself completely. ]

What is. Did I hurt you?

[ He would never cause her pain, not now. When they first met, he wanted to, but that was before he saw the potential she held, should she be able to be swayed to the Dark. And now that she has been, he will do everything in his power to keep her from ever feeling hurt, lost, or abandoned again. ]

No, you didn't.

[Rey is quick to assure him of that, pressing her cheek against his. Offering her touch to accompany her words to show she was okay. She knew his reasons for asking, knew he wanted to keep her safe from harm. She loved him for it, something she didn't think was possible. Just as he cares for her, does for him, becoming that shoulder for him to lean on. To let him know he is loved for himself, his sins, and for his actions. He didn't need to follow in the footsteps of his uncle or anyone else.]

The muscles are tight and my...wings [The notion she had them wasn't odd, but saying it out loud was.] touched yours. A different sensation, new, but not unwelcomed.

If you wrapped your wings around me...it would create the same feeling. But..[There was a half smile on her lips, her fingertips brushing along his cheek.] I doubt I'll be able to return the favor. You're too tall.

[ He smiles at her jest, turning his head slightly to kiss her fingertips. And, without her having to request it outright, he brings his wings forward, wrapping them around her like he's so accustomed to doing.

Only this time it's different. As soon as his wing brushes against hers, he feels a shock, not unpleasant, but... like she said. Odd. New.

He likes it.

Suddenly, he has an idea. Kissing her fingertips again, he pulls away, trusting that she is strong enough now to support herself for a moment. He moves to her bed, pulling the mattress off the frame and onto the floor. ]

Lie down, on your stomach. [ It's not a command, but it's stronger than a request. After his transformation, he'd longed for someone to properly massage his new muscles. Now he can give that gift to Rey. ]

[No one would see this side of him; no one would see the different ways he could smile, or that he could do so without looking menacing. How his eyes could hold kindness, and not hate or the promise of death. These were the things she was happy to keep to herself, no worries of sharing it with anyone else.

She bites down on her tongue to keep herself from uttering a sound. His wings folding around her body, something that comes second nature to them. She would have to be careful, to keep her guard up in front of others with her wings. They were an extension of herself, including her feelings.

Rey tilts her head to the side, trying to piece together what he wants to do. It would be easy to reach into his mind, to find out what it is, but she doesn't. Trust is something both of them value in a high regard. It wasn't her place to go into his mind without his permission. When he pulls back, she's forced to prop herself up and then move to her knee. Difficult when she's not used to extra weight or what comes with it.

She watches him take her mattress off her bed.]

The floor...it would have been fine.

[Not an argument, just a soft, simple fact. She was used to it and it might even be unsettling to know some nights she still slept on the floor. But, she wasn't about to go against his wishes, moving onto the mattress to do as he asked.]

If the back isn't salvageable, you can remove it.

[He would see the faint marks on her skin from years of working in the sun, or beating back thugs, but they're part of her past. Without them, she wouldn't be the woman she was now. What he wanted to do her, she knew she would want to do the same.

Looking back on it, she should have massaged his back for him, but when they first started their journey as Master and Pupil, they were still testing the waters. Trying to see how they should or could act around each other. ]

Edited 2016-01-31 18:43 (UTC)

[ He respects how hardened he is by the difficult life she's led, by how she holds herself up without him and how she insists the floor would have been fine. But she, and he, are destined for greater things. They don't need hardship anymore. They deserve some softness, in these moments alone.

He settles himself behind her, knees straddling her hips. Her clothing is tattered and bloody, really not salvageable. He removes it gingerly, calloused hands smoothing the skin beneath, fresh and newly healed. Once her back is bared, he leans forward to kiss the space between her wings, reverently, then pulls back and begins to massage the new musculature. ]

Let me know if I hurt you.

[ Rey stays still, her wings laid out to either side of her. There was very little movemen from as the back of her clothes is removed, baring scarred skin to him. He doesn't recoil, he doesn't for the stories behind the marks. Instead he places soft kisses on skin that make her nite her lower lip and wish she could return each of them. ]

Doubtful, but if there's too much pressure...I will.

[ She lets him work on her, tucking both arms beneath her chin. ]

...I want to return the favor, when you're done.

[ He smiles, knowing that although she can't see it from this position, through their connection, she would be able to feel it. ]

I'd like that.

[ His hands move from her back out to the top of one wing, fingers deftly rubbing circles into the newly formed skin. The skin is pale, having yet to be exposed to the sun or elements, and oh so soft. Again, unable to help himself, he leans forward and kisses the wing itself, his own wing stretching down to rub against the edge of hers. That unfamiliar jolt shocks through his core, and he smiles into the kiss. ]

[ Rey can certainly feel his smile, almost as though she can see it right on his face. He's spoiling her, whether he knows it or not.

The way he continues to give her attention, affection, will make her crave more of it. If neither of them are careful, people would see their small, minute affections. Be it the shocking sensation of their wings brushing or touching. Her wings twitch, a sharp gasp leaving her lips. Electricity is dancing in her skin. Her hands flex, yearning to reach out to grab him. To hold him again and forget about the rest of the world. ]

What else would you like?

[ she asks, knowing full well what he wanted. Concentrating her wings intentionally brush against his, the same way their hands did hours ago. ]

[ She is like a drug. After so many years spent distancing himself from others in his quest to serve Snoke, now he has Rey and he can't get enough of her. ]

What else I'd like? [ His breath is warm against her skin as he breathes in her scent.

His mind races with everything he wants from her, with her, both alone and in front of the masses. He wants to train her to fight by his side. He wants to hold her in his arms as they sleep, he wants to soar through the air with her over mountains and cliffs and battlefields. He wants to hold her naked body in his lap as she rides him through to ecstasy. All of these scenarios flit through his mind for her perusal. ]

[ The feeling is mutual between the two of them. The way he continues to leave his own invisible marks on he skin is intoxicating. His claim on her body and soul will not be disputed by her or anyone else. No one would take her away from him, not unless they had a death wish.

His thoughts ring loud and clear in her mind, making her smile and yearn to have him in her arms. It's hard to pick a single thought to act out. Considering her new wings, she would have to relearn spacial awareness, learning how to keep her wings tucked or fan out. Or learn how to wrap them around his naked form. ]

If you want me in your bed, you'll need more space.

[ A light attempt to tease him, but her words are true. The space they're in is only good for moments like these. It's too small for both of them to live in day to day. Assuming her want such a thing or if Snoke would allow it. ]

[ Abruptly, he sits back, grabbing a hold of her upper arms and pulling her up with him, onto her knees. With her wings spread out like they are, he can press his chest close to her back— not flush, but close enough, and wrap his arms around her waist, chin tucking over her shoulder to hook her to him. ]

We can be... creative.

[ With the torn fabric removed from her back, there's little to keep the front of her clothing up. Lucky for them they're alone. ]

[ Having him suddenly pull her arms back, not roughly or forcibly, so she can be on her knees caught her off guard. Instinctively her wings came around her front, trying to cover herself even though they were alone. Her top fell forward, falling to the ground. She wasn't sure if she could handle any more surprises. Between feeling his chest pressed against her back or his wings teasing hers, it was safe to bet he was making her feel as aroused as him. ]

Kylo...

[His name comes off as a soft whisper, torn between giving in and playing hard to get. ]

Are you saying you no longer want me in your room or bed. Hm?

[ A sly way to get him to admit what she knew he wanted it too. ]

[ His hand splays out across her bare stomach, the tips of his fingers just barely skimming the underside of her breast. When he speaks, his words are as possessive as his body language. His voice is a near growl in her ear. ]

Never I would never say that.

[ He's incredibly aroused, and has been ever since he watched her transform. It had come when they were already getting close, but feeling and witnessing the power grow in her was such a turn-on for him that he could hardly resist any longer. ]

I'm merely saying that we don't necessarily need a bed.

[ He presses sloppy, needy kisses to her neck, mouthing at her pulse point and tasting her sweat. ]

Going for Unseelie or 'Dark' Faerie for this. Open to crosscanon and cross medium

[Pinging in. Want to start it off?]

She didn't know how long she'd been gone. As a general, she didn't often take charge of raids unless it was top priority (like family). Sonya couldn't even recall how it really happened, but there was talk of people disappearing in these woods, of strange creatures. How were they to know that even after all the SF soldiers had experienced, that stories of the Fae weren't totally fiction? How could she've forgotten fairy tales about the Wild Hunt?' They were stories, but hadn't she known that all myths were based in some fact.

She did know how the Unseelie queen came about them on her charge, the clouds that made their gear malfunction. Somehow, she was singled out, dragged by the brown furred, tooth and claw covered creatures and forced onto one of their mounts faster than she could run. Sonya recalled seeing the queen for the first time: tall, thin, her color the light blue of a corpse while her hair was so silver it was almost white. She wanted her, she told her..wanted her for her own. They were Unseelie, their place was winter, cold and death-they needed humans for their numbers, unusual and strong humans to become changelings.

Sonya always considered herself as strong willed, but the caverns were a maze and time seemed to loose its meaning. Day by day she felt the Change: her skin becoming a pale blue, almost marble in color, her hair taking on the same silver-white sheen.. Instead of blue, her eyes were completely black, the sort of eyes a nocturnal predator would have, and where her hands and feet were, they were replaced with claws and talons. Little by little, her memories of her human life felt more dreamlike than the Sidle, until they were little more than vague visions.

Only by accident did she find the entrance to the outside, the woods where it all began. She could remain silent if she wanted, even to other fae-they only didn't let her out much because she was still considered 'young.' She pushed herself from the hidden cave and through the trees, the moonlight and winter chill almost rejuvenating to her as it would be for humans on a summers day.

She'd settled against a twisted tree trunk. Gone were the military fatigues, replaced by a thin gold-brown dress: for a human, it would've provided little protection against the cold, but for Sonya, she welcomed the chill.

Much time had passed since that day, as the Fae world runs different than the human. Raiden had been contacted about her disappearance when Sonya couldn't be found, and he had spent much time combing the human realm for her. The Unseelie usually kept to themselves, the occasional disappearance of mortals a small price to pay for their otherwise benign presence in the realm.

Many had given her up for lost, but Raiden still took time to look for her when he wasn't pressed with protection of Earthrealm, or conducting his never-ending duties as Thunder god. His presence wasn't usually necessary in the areas where winter touched the earth, but he occasioned them and today the Elder gods seemed to smile upon him and his lost champion.

It was a vague sense of her that caught his attention, and he had to double back to be certain it wasn't something else. No, the spirit of his champion was there, but it was - different. It did not sense like the corruption of Liu Kang, but he steeled himself as the sound of thunder echoed weakly through the woods at his appearance.

"Sonya!" He couldn't pinpoint her location, but he knew he was near. Perhaps if she heard him, he could locate her more quickly. Otherwise, he would have to search the area slowly before he would be able to zero in on her.

Though Sonya was outside the caverns, the area was still part of the Sidhe. She could feel the other fae who remained hidden, the queen's voice was still in her head, beckoning her back, yet she was determined to remain outside just for a little longer; something else pulled her, though she couldn't put her finger on what it was.

The sound of thunder didn't give her cause of concern, but it was curious. Stormy weather was a natural part of the unseelie sidhe when it wasn't foggy or snowy, but even so it was usually tied to the Queen's mood, and volatile as she was, nothing Sonya felt gave the impression this was her.

Her posture snapped to attention even more at the sound of her name. All the fae races knew of the thundergod, with their connection to Earthrealm, it would only make sense: yet to her, his voice sounded especially familiar, but why?

Curiosity and impulsiveness drove her to find the god, wonder why she should know her voice..why she should know him when he'd never been to the sidhle while she was there. She knew what she was, knew she was once human, but her memories of that life were fuzzy at best: was that why the god sounded familiar to her?

"Thunder god...what're you doing here?" There's more suppressed curiosity in her voice than anything. Territorial as the fae were, Raiden would've been one of the few exceptions; a god who's element coexisted with the Sidhe's power would've been welcomed as any guest-and held to the same expectations of courtesy.

He could sense the eyes upon him as he entered the area, but his focus was upon finding Sonya and little else. The thought that he may have finally found her drives him onward, unwilling to lose another mortal when he's already sacrificed so many.

He hears a voice respond and he turns by a bush, giving only a cursory glance to the spirit he finds before him. He turns his insight through the area, trying to find the source of that mortal soul he knew.

"I am searching for a mortal, young one. She - " He stops cold when he realizes he has not seen this Unseelie before, and that there is something unsettlingly familiar about her. The light in his eyes dim from his uncertainty as he looks her over again, his voice growing quiet as he feels a gnawing sense of horror growing within him. "Sonya Blade?"

The sight of him makes her pause, not from fear or any sort of reverence, but because she knew him. She'd seen him before, but how and where? She couldn't recall and the feeling made her feel sick and confused.

Her arms curled up infront of her, her posture reminiscent of a creature raising its heckles in defense. "That's my name..I know you too. Why..how'd I know you?"

That he knew her name wasn't the issue. He wasn't human, she wouldn't expect him to remain within their mental scope: what disturbed her was how she should know him. By all accounts, the fae accepted her as one of their own, but she was only half fae, and even full blooded fae weren't all knowing: at the very least, they never claimed interest in being 'all knowing'. She couldn't recall ever seeing Raiden within the Sidhe..perhaps..she knew him when she was human?

She steadied herself by a twisted tree truck. Thinking on this made her feel worse: she was one of the fae, her former life no longer mattered.

Raiden takes a step toward her, a hand nearly coming out to reach for her shoulder but aborting the motion when Sonya moves to steady herself. He's regretting that he hadn't paid more attention to the Sidhe and its inhabitants. He's never tried to speak to a mortal after becoming fae and there's a moment in his soul where he fears a reaction like Liu Kang's revenant.

But the Thunder god would not be ruled by fear. He drops the hand to his side but stands there, the spark returning to his eyes as he watched Sonya wrestle with something inside.

"As a mortal, you fought for me to secure the safety of Earthrealm." That she recognized him gave him hope, and urged him to speak, trying to appeal to her mortal memories or whatever may be left of them.

For any human who survives among the fae (either the seelie or unseelie), the magic to make them forget was long ago embedded as a kindness. Time was meaningless to creatures who could live centuries as a human would years, but to a human retaining their memories of the Abovegound, any escape might find months or years have gone by. Unbeknowst to Sonya, this was yet another reason why she was kept for the duration of her Change: better that she not known and embrace her new blood, than to be driven mad by searching for family who wouldn't know her.

Now she stood before a god, and one of Earthrealm. His own power and words brought back images that struck her as any bolt of lighting: worse, because while physical could be tolerated, there was no way to escape this.

Her claws clung into the trunk, and for a moment, something like true recognition lit up in her black eyes. "I..the tournament..I was..I was there.."

Memories of her fighting with other humans...no..one of them was her lover...and him..she had a child with him. Even among the Unseelie, ties of kin and kith were near unbreakable. "Cassie..."

The following words spoken seemed to come from everywhere, yet they weren't Sonya's. "Raiden, inviting yourself to my domain is one thing, causing distress to a young changeling as you are now is nearly inexcusable."

Sonya was vaguely aware of the shadows shifting around them, swirling into a single large shape before revealing the a woman who was clearly pure blooded fae. Clad in a black and blue business suit, her features were as pale and corpselike as Sonya's, but her expression was as calm and icy as the winters that were in her power. Raiden would recognize her for her power, if not her expression: the very Queen of the Unseelie.

"Yes." Hope dares to work its way into his voice, and then she mentions a name dear to her. "Your daughter. Your family..." She was in clear distress but he saw no other way to help Sonya remember what she had lost by being taken. He would press her further, try to get her to remember her human life if he could.

His attentions, however, are immediately brought elsewhere when he recognizes the voice which speaks to him. Lightning flashes in his eyes as he looks up, but not to anywhere in particular knowing that the owner of that voice would soon make herself known.

And then she is there before him, in all her deathly presence. He levels his flashing glare at her, stepping so he is physically between her and Sonya, but he knows that the connection there is far more than that. It is merely the precursor to his words that come low.

"I have always looked the other way when you took mortals, but this - this is different. Sonya Blade fought for the safety of this realm, and her family. Taking that which she has earned is inexcusable." Taking her from him was another issue as well, but one that he hoped he wouldn't need impress upon the Queen of the Unseelie.

Sonya didn't bow before the queen, but her posture became more respectful, even as the tension inside her eased. Torn as she was, she felt better her presence, more at ease.

For herself, the queen remained unmoved. She folded her arms, only refraining from beckoning the woman over because she knew the god would try and forbid it. "Sonya and the humans came into my domain. If not for her status as a chosen warrior, she would've been killed along with the rest of them." At that, the woman smiled, if the upward tilting of her lips could be called as such. "She's such a dear one, Thundergod, and a novelty of the Court. If you understood my plans for her, you wouldn't be so quick to pull her away."

Edited 2015-12-25 05:02 (UTC)

He is likewise unmoved by the Queen's words. While clearly irritable, he isn't lashing out at her, more he's posturing as he thinks on Johnny Cage and Cassie, who are sorely missing their wife and mother. His eyes narrow when Sonya is called a novelty and his fists clench, but he settles for simply crossing his arms.

"And what is your design, exactly?" The least he can do is hear her out, even if he doesn't wish to. He has to be reasonable on the matter at least, and would rather the Queen tell him directly instead of using his insights to determine what she has in mind for Sonya. He knows he won't like it, but with Sonya already half fae, returning her to the human fold would not be trivial. He might gain some knowledge if he hears out the Queen.

Sonya's expression twitched at the exchange. Of course, she had a vague idea of the queen's plans for her, she would've had to if she were to consent to them. No, what threw her off were thoughts of her human family, of how this might effect her ever seeing them again.

As for the queen, her own expression became unreadable. Whereas before, there was a sort of fondness in her voice, now she was ever cold and business like. "When Sonya's spent more time Underground, I plan to mold her into becoming the new Winter Queen, either when I resign or chose to Fade." For a being with power over death, talking of such a role hardly bothered her.

"The near invasion of Shinnok caused more worry than you could imagine, Thundergod. Whereas before, we were content to let you and your humans defend the realm, but when the jinsei was nearly corrupted, things had to change." Normally not one to provide so much information, did ask for exactness, and for once this required her giving full plans. "The unseelie will never agree to fight and aid humans just because you command, nor will the Hunt respond to the call of anyone except the Winter Queen. Yet, to a Queen with military prowess and one who's faced such a threat before-if the mantle passes down of course, then the Unseelie Sidhe will have more than an advantage against such invasion."

That Sonya was a changeling wouldn't have mattered. Only the Seelie court were so picky as to prefer 'pure blooded' fae for holding court: for the Unseelie, the whole point was having any fae blood.

Sonya blushed when she heard her plans. She knew the queen took her as a possible heir, but she didn't know to the exact details. She also failed to mention that whoever recieved the Mantel of the Queen wasn't always predictable. The fae chosen had to be suited for the role, not merely selected by the queen. Also ommited was the plan if the mantel didn't go to her, that the queen promised her in marriage to a giant sea creature in hopes of connecting his domain to hers. Most of her worry wasn't of the marriage, after all she'd met the creature and found him agreeable, but that she might just have a human lover as well.

Internally, Raiden bristles when she mentions Shinnok, and claims that Raiden does not realize the concern the near-miss had caused. Had his many defeats of a fallen Elder god, the millenia of protection, even his own sacrifices, had they truly meant nothing? It also feels like the accusations Liu Kang had leveled at him in the past, but he holds these thoughts close and does not betray them as he attempts to focus on her words.

Sonya's blush is missed while Raiden has his back turned to her, his entire focus upon the Queen. His expression is severe, eyes narrowed and lips pulled into a thin line that somehow manages to not be a frown. When she finishes her explanation, the brim of his hat obscures his eyes as he seems to meditate on her words.

"After the cleansing of the Jinsei, I can understand why you would remain concerned. I have attended to the threats from the other realms, though they too remain weakened. I recognize that the Unseelie have every right to protect themselves, as do the humans of Earthrealm, and all the other races. I would not presume to order any here to fight, of that we had an understanding." The brim of his hat raises, letting his eyes flash again and accentuating what remains to be said.

"However, I am troubled that you would not contact me before acting upon these concerns. Especially in ways that directly affect the security of Earthrealm." He takes a half-step forward, arms dropping as one hand points to the Queen in accusation. "There are future champions yet to rise you might have had. Instead, you find one from barely a handful who has more than earned her right to pursue her own desires, and steal those from her! Your actions are affecting not one, but five of those who fought to protect all of Earthrealm!"

Not only Johnny and Cassie, but Jax and Kenshi. There were far more than that, as Sonya had touched the lives of many in ways that were unforgettable, but he was angry and thinking more on the most immediate of those who hounded him for news of Sonya regularly.

"I chose Sonya because she stepped into my domain: had it been any of your other warriors, they may've been chosen instead. Unless of course, you mean to say you wouldn't have argued their case as you would with hers." She shrugged, as though it hardly seemed to matter one way or the other. Sonya knew there was more to that of course. Maybe one of the other warriors would've been chosen, but she had a feeling her set plans wouldn't have been nearly set if that was the case.

The trees before them shifted, knots and roots growing and twisting to form into roughly formed chairs for the three of them, two formed next to eachother with one positioned across. When the Queen sat down, Sonya took the seat next to hers, thinking that her intentions: the lack of response from her queen only proved her right. "Sit down, Raiden, you wish to talk, we'll talk."

"You know the ways of our race and magic. Sonya will remain a Changeling, as will any human who remains within the Silde long enough, but as to what happens from there..I may be willing to bargain."

At that, Sonya's claws gripped at her chair. Bargaining with the fae was always risky, but then Raiden was a god, he should know to be careful on such things. Yet, his dealings with the Netherrealm..and didn't he loose control when arguing with Liu Kang?

The god mentioned desires: as much as she desired to see her family again, she wished to remain within the Sidle. She was of the fae, her kind were here..and truth be told, she was looking forward to the possible marriage pact chosen for her. Her husband-to-be was a monstrous creature half resembling a mutant lobster, but he was very polite, a superb baker...and the thought of what his tongue was capable of made her skin flush to almost purple.

Raiden watched the Queen take a seat, and wary eyes watched as Sonya moved to join her. A hand clenched at his side as he resisted the urge to reach out and grab her arm, to keep her from the Queen and bring her back home by force. He didn't acknowledge the seat hardly a step away from him though. He didn't sit unless it was with close friends, and while certainly not enemies, he was not on such terms with the Unseelie or their Queen.

He also recognized a willingness to bargain in the Queen's offer, if it could be called that. He crosses his arms again, settling into place as he considers his words carefully. The fae were fickle creatures and would find any loophole they could, even the Seelie.

"Sonya Blade was rebuilding her family before she was taken. They fought alongside her, and they are all Earthrealm's most prized champions. They fear for her safety. I would bargain for time to allow them closure on this matter, the chance to spend time with her at the edge of the Sidle, and for the return of her memories. She has a daughter and a lover, they desire to be with her again, and deserve that in the very least." It was a bargain he knew they would still be unhappy with, but outright demanding the return of Sonya Blade was out of the question at this late a time in her change. He felt almost as helpless as when he'd seen Liu Kang's revenant, Kung Lao's, and the others. Still, if he could keep things civil, maintain Sonya's connections to the humans, perhaps as a future Queen, if she truly became the Queen, there might be a more willing cooperation between the Unseelie and humans.

"I also argue that without her human memories and knowledge of the other realms, your desire for an experienced soldier as future Queen holds no water."

Sonya could see the queen considering. For her own part, the ache inside her was deepening: for all their associations in the negative, kin were still important to the Unseelie, as were any such ties. The knowledge that she had such a family, she DID want to see them: yet she said nothing, ultimately, it wasn't her choice.

The queen finally spoke, addressing her but keeping her eyes on Raiden. "Sonya, dear..do you still recall your knowledge of other realms, and of military knowledge?"

She gave a sharp nod in return. While her memories of her family and personal life were fuzzy at best, she still recalled the impersonal things..and even the fae knew of other realms, however much they tried not to involve themselves. "I do, my lady."

There was something in the queen's posture that almost appeared relaxed. "Your argument in that is invalid, but for your other concerns, I suppose they're fair. In truth, Blade is allowed to leave the Sidle whenever she wishes, to visit her family or otherwise since she now recalls them. We're only keeping her here until she has better control of her power and nature."

Sonya kept her attention on the god, not seeing how he could fault her words. "Yet for her to go off so soon..you will recall that at the end of the day, this is her home, that she is no longer human. Your other humans may wish her to stay or the other way around. Young Changelings are especially volatile-can I really trust you to ensure her safety?"

Only military training and her time in the court kept Sonya from flinching. All of the fae knew of the Outworld invasion, and what happened to the former Champion. Lightening wouldn't kill her of course, but she was still a part of the Queen's household, and since the Unseelie rarely even needed a reason for retribution, she didn't want to consider what may've happened if the god accidently attached her. The queen wouldn't even have to kill his other warriors, she could strike them blind, mad or even sick..either one would be seen as a fair price for even accidently attacking one of her own.

Raiden's brim dipped as he listened intently, disappointed that his argument had been made invalid. Still, the Queen's words were favorable. His hat bobs gently as he agrees with the statements concerning Sonya and her freedom to move about as she wishes. In the end, she still was young and a potential threat to herself as much as others. He gives a small sigh before looking back up.

"Her newness is what prevents me from asking outright for her to leave the Sidle. I would instead arrange for this meeting within the confines of your domain. I will only observe, to guarantee her safety. Any threat to her or the others, and my only action will be to remove the human champions from the Sidle. There will be no retaliation, I will offer no defense of myself or the humans. I will make certain they are aware of this arrangement." He shifts slightly where he stands.

"But if an attack is intentionally leveled against us in order to cut this meeting short, I will return to discuss the matter. After the meeting is concluded, Sonya may stay in the Sidle without further interference. She will be welcome to visit the human domain when it is deemed safe for her to do so."

[Werecat, a cougar (obviously).]

[gimme all your monsters.]

( Going to roll a different monster for each thread. )

[Werewolf, obviously. I can also make him younger.]

[m/m for shipping. he's been a monster before, he's got this.]

[Obviously a kanima - though that's not on the list - or a werewolf.]

[John's 'willing' to become a demon again.]

[either role :3]

[Vampire. Cause you gotta, you know...]

She lives to do this to other people.

[He's a Shade.]

Edited 2015-12-22 22:38 (UTC)

( Going to roll a different monster for each thread. )

[ OTA, m/m for shipping ]

[Well now, a demon for either of them is obvious. If you'd like, though, we can go completely out of known territory and experiment with something else. (:]

[ I think I'd prefer to go a different route with them. Lots of great options that these two have yet to encounter. RNG gave me Giant/Titan or Werecat. Either could be fun, or we could go with demons or just goose something else. I'm game for anything. ^^ Perhaps they're each a different type of monster? ]

[ either changeling or witness works. ]

[ Kitsune could be fun. ]

Aedan knew when he had been poisoned; enough studying of traps and potions on the road, a matter of survival on their journey, had taught him enough about the general symptoms of something foreign having entered the body. Perhaps they should have brought the others with them, but he was certain that he and Alistair could manage a quick infiltration of Ostagar on their own - they needed to seek out a certain Warden artifact left over from before that horrible battle, and they would have to make it past the swarms of darkspawn to get it.

They should have brought backup.

As soon as Aedan had his hands on the chalice, the very same one that he'd drunk from in his Joining, the darkspawn swarmed them. Alistair and he had to fight their way out, and despite a few close calls, they seemed to be succeeding, until a dart managed to strike through a gap in his armor at his left arm. The burning sensation wasn't immediate. It was only when they made camp for the night on the way back to their companions that he started to feel that.

It was spreading through his body as he tried to sleep, and though it burned like the fires that had consumed his home he was shivering. He should have said something sooner, but all he could do now was let out a hoarse yell of "Alistair" before the real pain started, driving knives deep into his marrow.

As close as they were to Ostagar and the darkspawn horde, Alistair had been expecting some kind of trouble to disturb his watch. What he hadn't expected was for it to come from within the camp. As unexpected as the source was he was on his feet as soon as he heard Aedan shout, charging for the other Warden's tent seconds later with his sword drawn.

He couldn't sense any darkspawn in the area nor did he think any of Loghain's men would be so foolish as to venture this close to the battlefield. As he threw himself through the tent flap all he saw was his fellow Warden, still in his bedroll with no enemies about. Another dream of the archdemon then? ...No, something was wrong with him, that much was clear from the way the man was trembling where he lay.

Sheathing his blade again, Alistair dropped to his knees beside Aedan and gripped the other man by the shoulders, trying to draw him up so he could see him more clearly. He couldn't see any blood in the flickering light of the campfire and Aedan had seemed fine when they were making camp earlier. Voice tight with worry he leaned down, calling to the other Warden, "Aedan? What is it? What's wrong?"

The grip Alistair had on him shouldn't have hurt, but his skin burned and throbbed at the faintest bit of pressure. He hissed as he sat up with Alistair's help, and unfortunately, the hiss sounded a little less than human. Now Aedan was starting to panic a little.

"The dart that the Darkspawn hit me with- I think it was covered in something." No poison Aedan knew of did the things he felt in his body. He cast a glance down at the arm that the dart had struck. He had cleaned and bandaged the wound to be safe, but now his flesh was itching underneath the white fabric. Aedan cast a wary look at Alistair.

"Help me unwrap this." He was already having a hell of a time trying to stay seated.

That...hadn't sounded right. The sound Aedan made as he sat up had been off somehow. He's distracted enough that it only registered as a side-note, something else not right but for the moment unimportant. He hoped.

"Poison?" That didn't sound right. Surely if it had been poisoned Aedan would be telling him what he needed to do or where the cure was stored. But he couldn't think what else it could have been. Except perhaps some new form of magic. Even as Grey Wardens they understood little enough about the darkspawn and how they worked. It was possible they had tricks that neither one of them knew anything about. That really wasn't a reassuring thought.

"Alright, just- hold still." Alistair didn't even try to hide his concern as he carefully unwound the bandage, doing his best to support the other man at the same time. "Let's see what we have here, alright?" He was trying to reassure himself as much as Aedan with the chatter, even as another part of his mind was trying to figure out how far they were from the rest of the group. Could he carry Aedan back to Wynne quickly enough while avoiding the darkspawn? If it came down to it he'd try but he really hoped it would turn out to all be a false alarm.

It wasn't going to be a false alarm.

Monster Transformation Meme

Kylo Ren | Star Wars: TFA | spoilers probably

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going out on a random limb here, tell me if it's chilled

^_^b

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so sorry for the lateness!

It's alright! I'm still enjoying this.

warning: grossness

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ugh RL is the worst sometimes. sorry again!

it's alright! :D

family thing finished up sooner than expected!

WHOOT!

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