“My name, is Arthur. Arthur Wolfheart.
“My twin brother is the current Harmonix Guardian. He’s also a fore-ordained Light Guardian.
“I… I also happen to be his worst nightmare. Th-the only problem is… is that I never wanted to hurt him! And… And I still don’t.”
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“I can’t take this much longer….. I’m going to break, soon. My only consolation, is that as soon as I die, the pain will stop… I can stop hurting my baby brother….
“And then I… I can be free.
“Someone…
“Please help me…”
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Arthur screamed. His cry that of pure and total agony as his form convulsed and writhed beneath the spirit’s gaze. Arthur’s voice was broken, hoarse from the screaming. He hadn’t felt comfort for years. So why fight his own cries?
Arthur’s form went limp on the ground, gasping for breath that he was barely able to take in, eyes half closed as he hovered on unconsciousness.
“Poor poor wretch” taunted a sing song voice from above him, laced with malice and cruelty. A voice that would’ve sent shudders of fear down Arthur’s form, if he were capable of movement. “Can’t seem to regain our senses can we?” asked the voice, mocking him, causing tears to well up, blurring what little vision he had.
Suddenly, without any warning at all, His form was lifted up by chains manifesting on his wrists, lifting him up as a cold hand grasped his jaw, jerking his head up so that a pair of cold, red eyes could look directly into his shadowed green ones.
After a few moments he was roughly shoved back, his form jerking limply against the restraints that held him up by the arms.
“What do you say we go after Alex again, hmm?” asked the owner of the red eyes.
No…… Thought Arthur hopelessly, his draconic wings fluttering against the bare skin of his sides.
The other laughed, “Nice try…..” he said, cackling as he opened a portal and left, leaving Arthur to stare out into the abyss that surrounded the small platform.
Silence. That's what surrounded him when his torturer left. Thick and haunting silence. Arthur slowly opened his eyes, a spot of color in the dark surroundings. His eyes were dull, almost lifeless as he stared out into the darkness.
Why…? He thought, his thoughts seeming to echo throughout the room, barely louder than a whisper. Why is this my fate?
I wish I could tell you… echoed a response, a violet and silver burst flashing before him as another figure took shape. He had draconic wings much like Arthur’s own. His dark eyes were kind, sympathetic to Arthur’s situation. He started towards him with a sigh, saddened by the other’s plight.
Arthur winced as he tried to stand, trembling as his legs gave out, his weight focused on his wrists and the chains held him up. Wings limp against his back.
The figure stepped forward into his blurred vision, brushing away tears with a gentle hand. Stay strong… you have to believe that there is a way out… you have to keep fighting… the other’s thoughts rang through the dark, pain and sympathy evident. The figure gently started tending to the gashes that covered Arthur’s form. Each one dark, and deep. The other’s touch was gentle as he used his power on each one, changing it into a line of protective scales.
The scales lined Arthur’s form, criss crossing over his skin in jagged lines. Each one was a deep violet, laced with silver. Gleaming against his pale skin.
By the time the other was finished, Arthur was sobbing openly, both from agony and fear. “I-I can’t do this!” he cried, his voice filled with despair. “It hurts… I just want it to stop… please.. Please make it stop… please Discordion….” his cries turned into begging as Discordion hugged him, holding the other’s form close to his own, wings enclosing them both. “I’m sorry…. Arthur…” was all he said as he let the other cry.
Suddenly everything shook. Arthur’s sobs stopped as he started trembling with fear once more, everything dissolving, including Discordion, as he was suddenly able to see the outside world, forced to watch, and feel.
“Ready to watch something fun?” asked the cold voice, seemingly right beside him.
*NO!*
Tears blurred their vision as his tormentor forced them onward in the form of a wolf. Their dark gray fur flattened against their body as they ran. Suddenly they let out a howl, loud, the kind that sent chills of dread down your spine.
They stopped, on the edge of a cliff, fangs bared as they overlooked a small clearing. In the clearing were three boys, one with dark hair, another with violet and silvery blue. The third, was younger than the others, only about Arthur’s age. Bright green eyes met his own, which were clouded by dark shadows. And Arthur whimpered brokenly in fear, his cry unheard by anyone but the creature in control as he was forced into silence.
They crept closer, shifting once they were at the bottom of the cliff. Arthur’s dark red-brown hair showing, their stance menacing
Then they lunged, heading for the green eyed boy, tearing after him. The boy shifted into a wolf, his lighter pelt vanishing into the woods as the other two yelled at him to run, each shifting in turn to tear after them.
Their eyes locked on the boy as they lunged,tackling him and throwing him into the wall of the cliff as they shifted back, a dark jagged edged sabre now in their hands. The wolf pup shifted back into a boy, and drew his own blades, eyes wide with fear as he struck a defensive stance.
Arthur watched in fear as he lunged for the boy, his tormentor forcing him to move. Everything was a blur as he dueled the other, suddenly pinning him with his sabre against the other’s throat.
*NO! NO this can’t happen, I won’t hurt him!!* Arthur screamed mentally, terror blocking out the pain as he fought the spirits control for the first time since he’d fallen under it.
Suddenly the shadows that shrouded his eyes flicked back, and Arthur found himself in control. “I-I’m sorry….” he whispered, suddenly trembling with the realization of what was happening as he met the other’s eyes. “I-I never wanted this to happen…” he drew back, lowering his blade, “Please… h-hel-” he froze for an instant. Time seemed to stop as he convulsed in pain, his eyes widening as he realized that his tormentor was taking control. Acting fast, he shifted, and ran. Hoping to get as far as possible before he lost control.
His paws pounded the earth as he ran headlong into the trees, trying not to think about what he’d almost done. I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry…. He thought as he ran, tear beginning the blur his vision once more as he ran. Pain rippled through his body in waves, causing him to stumble. It felt like something was tearing at him from inside of his core.
A burst of agony hit him, and he fell, stiffening and curling in on himself, blinded by pain, unable to breathe, or make a single sound as tears flowed freely. Time seemed to slow as he lay there, staring at the stars, unable to think straight as everything burned with pain. It seemed an eternity that he lay there, before everything went black.
Arthur didn’t know how much time had passed before he came to, but when he did, everything seemed peaceful. Darkness surrounded him as he sat up, his wings fluttering as he realized he wasn’t in pain. A spark of hope shimmered for a moment as he got to his feet, looking out into the darkness that surrounded him.
“Discordion?” he called out after what seemed an eternity.
No answer.
Arthur frowned a little, a spark of dread hitting him. *What is going on here ...?* He asked himself.
Then, the darkness around him began to swirl, taking on a more menacing appearance. Shadows swirled as Arthur tensed in fear, his eyes widened as he watched the shadows converge before him.
“Well now… What do we have here?” Asked a menacing voice, originating from the shadows as they began to take shape. “Someone dares to defy me?”
Arthur trembled in fear as the shadows took the shape of a man, faceless, and threatening in appearance. The creature’s form was thin, and tall, it’s limbs seemingly delicate like a spider’s. It’s body was smooth, showing no folds or creases to resemble human skin or clothing. It’s eyes were the only defining feature, a deep scarlet, like fresh blood from a mortal wound.
The creature flicked a finger, and Arthur’s form flew back slamming against a wall that materialized behind him, shadows twisting to wrap around his arms and legs, twisting around his waist and shoulders, pinning him to the wall.
The shadows were cold like ice, though they felt slippery, impossible to grasp, yet stronger than steel.
Arthur’s breathing had picked up, terrified of the creature he faced. The creature slid forward, resembling a vampire, hunting it’s helpless prey.
Arthur’s thoughts began to ring throughout the void, desperate cries for aid.
“You know it’s pointless Arthur. No one can help you.” said the creature, it’s voice like poisoned honey. “Not even your friend the Chaos spirit will stand against me.”
This sent more waves of terror through Arthur’s mind as he struggled against the restraints, wanting nothing more than to be away from all of this.
The restraining shadows only got tighter, preventing further movement as the creature approached him.
“Such a pitiful pup…” it taunted, grasping Arthur’s chin in a harsh, ice-cold grip. “So weak… so helpless”
The creature let go, stepping back to look over its’ prey. Arthur’s form shuddered as the other’s eyes raked over him. Every scaled scar, every feature of his skin. All of it. Finally the creature snapped his fingers, and another appeared at his side.
“Shadowfang… your prisoner doesn’t seem the type to be able to resist…” said the creature, it’s eyes narrowing in the direction of Arthur’s tormentor.
“It wasn’t just him my lord” said Shadowfang, his tone submissive. “The chaos spirit aided him.”
“The chaos spirit?” asked the creature, “I can sense his work, he has bonded with the half-breed’s spirit, has he not?”
“Yes my lord.” answered Shadowfang.
“Very well, we’ll just have to draw him out and dispose of him then.” said the creature, its’ tone that of amusement.
Shadowfang smirked, “As you wish, my lord.” he answered, stepping towards Arthur, who flinched in fear.
Shadowfang summoned a blade, a thin, long one, with barbed edges. He stepped towards Arthur, “You shouldn’t have fought me mutt” he said softly, his tone full of malice.
Arthur silently began begging for mercy, before letting out a scream of pain as Shadowfang stabbed his arm with the blade, sharply yanking it out again.
Arthur’s arm was left with a dark gash, much like the others, only this one oozed a silvery white substance, causing Arthur to whimper in fear and agony.
Shadowfang didn’t stop there. Moments after the first strike, he struck again, this time ripping a hole in Arthur’s thigh, then his lower leg. He did the same to the opposite leg, then his other arm.
Each strike drew cries of agony from Arthur, their entire surroundings seeming to shudder in the agony he was enduring.
Shadowfang poised to strike Arthur’s chest, but his blade was knocked aside.
Discordion stood in front of Arthur, blade ready, and wings flared protectively. He cast a spell and the new wounds closed, more scales sealing them.
“Dark Melfera…..” he muttered softly, staring down the creature. “Dark entity of darker origins than me.”
“Discordion…. How lovely it is for you to join us…” said the creature, it’s tone revealing annoyance.
“Please Dark One…” said Discordion, kneeling before the creature, “Allow me to utilize my power, and take the boy’s spirit away from here. He is innocent in this entire affair. I will personally ensure he stays away from you, and your plans… if only you let him go.”
Arthur couldn’t hear a word that was being said, his form trembling from agony, whimpers escaping him.
Discordion spared Arthur no glance, his dark blue eyes focused on the creature.
The creature thought for a moment. “Alright…” he said softly. “But you and the boy must win a duel against my lackey first. Win, and you may take the boy’s spirit. Lose, and I will make sure you cannot interfere.” the creature’s tone was mocking, knowing their chances were low.
Discordion nodded, “May I have a moment to help my Guardian calm down?” he asked.
“Of course, we shall return this time tomorrow,” the creature laughed, before vanishing.
As the creature vanished, so did Shadowfang, Arthur’s form dropping and falling limply to the ground, still trembling, whimpering and crying freely.
Discordion sighed, kneeling next to the other and drawing him close, cradling him as gently as possible.
This lasted for hours, until Arthur seemed to fall into a peaceful sleeplike state. Discordion watched him, “Here’s hoping we can win… for your sake at least….”
When Arthur came to once more, Discordion was still holding him close, the chaos spirit’s wings enveloping them both. “Are you alright?” asked Discordion gently, his eyes searching the other’s face.
Arthur looked up at him, pressing close, “I…. I don’t think I know what that means anymore…..” he whispered softly, before beginning to cry again, burying himself into the spirit’s grasp.
Discordion simply held the boy close, for yes, Arthur was little more than a boy, not yet 15 years old. He cradled Arthur, rocking him genty to calm him, ignoring the small tear that slid down his own cheek, hating the fact that this had been the other’s fate.
After awhile, when Arthur’s sobs had calmed, Discordion decided to speak. “Arthur… I may be able to get you out of this….” he said softly, not wanting to get his hopes up too high, knowing it could crush him completely.
Arthur’s head shot up, staring at the spirit, “Y-You’re joking…” he whispered, terrified of even hoping that it could be true.
“I’m not. But our chances of success are slim… and.. Things won’t be easy afterwards either ...”
Arthur hummed softly, laying his head on the spirit’s chest. “W-What do we have to do?” he asked, forcing himself not to even think that it was possible.
“We have to beat Shadowfang in a duel.” answered Discordion quietly. “I alone… I probably could’ve done it, but we have to complete the merge and do it together…”
Arthur frowned a little, “D-Do you think we still can?”
Discordion sighed, “I don’t know… but we have to try.”
Arthur nodded, “Then let’s try…” he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. “I trust you… with everything I have…. I know you’ve got to be risking a lot for me, so it’s the least I can do…”
Discordion looked at him, a mixture of emotions in his eyes as he studied the boy. “Alright…” he said, standing up and setting Arthur on his feet.
Arthur stood, a little shaky on thin limbs, balancing with his large, limp wings.
Discordion nodded, “Arthur Wolfheart, will you accept a merge, mind, body and spirit?” he asked, summoning his magic to complete the spell he had enacted to protect Arthur originally.
Arthur nodded, “I accept…” he murmured softly, his dull green eyes locked on Discordion’s as the spirit took his hand and cast the spell.
Both their forms were lifted up, seeming to press together before being set down again, now looking like a meld of their features. Discordion sighed, letting Arthur get used to this shared state of being. “If we do escape here, you’ll be stuck like this with me for a long while..” he said softly.
Arthur gave him a ‘nod’ “I trust you…” he said once again.
Moments later the shadows darkened again, and the creature and his lackey reappeared.
An instinctive bolt of fear washed over Arthur as he saw them, only Discordion’s iron grip keeping them in place. “Let me have control. I’ll protect you as long as possible.” he told the other.
Arthur complied, letting the other control their actions.
“Well then, are we ready?” asked Shadowfang, stepping forward with a single weapon, a sabre matching Discordion’s.
Discordion struck a defensive pose, nodding.
Shadowfang wasted no time in striking, forcing Discordion and Arthur onto the defensive almost immediately.
Arthur and Discordion parried and dodged desperately, trying to avoid the dark spirit’s attacks.
Shadowfang continued to attack, repeatedly trying to strike off a limb, or deal a serious blow.
Discordion and Arthur suddenly teleported, warping to one side of the space as they fought, attacking from behind.
This pattern continued for what seemed an eternity, Discordion and Arthur defending and counter-attacking Shadowfang’s deadly attacks in a death duel.
Suddenly, with a burst of flashing magic, suddenly there was a dark, red-brown colored wolf pinning shadowfang to the ground, digging its fangs into his throat.
The creature stepped up from it’s silent post. “Well done mutt….” it said softly, disappointment clearly evident.
The green eyed wolf moved away, it’s eyes reverting back to the dull teal it had been moment’s earlier, before shifting back into the merged form of Discordion and Arthur.
“May we leave now?” asked Discordion, “And have your word that you will not follow?”
The creature nodded with a grudging grunt, “You have 24 hours.” it spat.
The creature and it’s lackey vanished once again.
Discordion breathed a sigh of relief, “We did it Arthur!! Now we can leave them!!”
Arthur’s presence seemed to melt into a puddle, stunned by the information, and a new sense of hope.
“W-We can actually leave???” asked Arthur incredulously,
“Yes.” said Discordion happily, “and we’re going right now, before they come back.”
“But how will we leave? Will I get my body back??” asked Arthur softly.
“No, I’m going to use my power to separate your mind and spirit from your physical form. Then we can go, I just need you to trust me to handle the rest.”
A ripple of fear returned to Arthur’s presence, but he nodded mentally, “Lets go….” he replied softly, relieved to simply have a chance.
Discordion nodded, summoning massive amounts of aura, They un merged, Arthur’s form reappearing before him as Discordion created a gateway, before stepping towards Arthur. “I need to detach your mind and spirit from your body…. I’m sorry, but I can promise you this will hurt worse than anything they did, but it won’t last....”
Arthur flinched back a little, but nodded quietly, stepping towards him. He didn’t bother hiding his fear, but he was hopeful too.
Discordion nodded, and cast his spell, ignoring the agonized screams of the other before yanking Arthur’s form into the portal.