Post by Stardrifter on Nov 5, 2012 22:04:12 GMT -5
by
Stardrifter
#2 - Corruption of the Soul Pt. 2
Temptation
Night is fallen when the black 1954 Buick Skylark turns into the driveway for the old Victorian house. Well kept for a home built in 1883, the siding is dark green with gold trim. Residing in the Bristol district of Gotham City, the property has over three acres of land, mostly forested area leading up to the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
A flick of Jason's hand opens the garage door, allowing him to pull the car in. It's all standard routine, barely on a conscious level, as he steps out of the car and enters the house. Keys put on their hook, coat put on its hanger, lights turned on. Its always the same. He walks through the house, his mind occupied with the events of the day, until he arrives at the fully stocked bar off of the dining room.
After liberally pouring a scotch on the rocks, Jason walks over to sit in a large chair. The leather creaks as he slides into position, a welcoming sound after a long day. Sitting back, he takes a slow sip of the scotch and sighs to himself. It's been some years since he's had to cast any spells that powerful. The mental effort is familiar but sudden. Like having to suddenly do long division in your head after years of relying on a calculator.
Reaching into his pocket, Jason pulls out a small leather pouch. His long fingers deftly untie the strings and pull out the strands of white hair taken from the scene of battle. He brings them up close to his face, letting them dangle in front of his eyes as he inspects them closely. He looks with more than just his eyes, reaching out with his mind to inspect them with magic.
"Power indeed," he mutters, taking another long sip of scotch. "No wonder the Zenoin wants to keep you, my dear."
His fist closes around the hair, holding them tight as he considers his next course of action. With a piece of her it will be a simple feat to track her. It's apparent now that this host won't simply burn out in a couple days. The demon has found a host that will last for some time, years even. With such a host the Zenoin could murder countless victims.
It seems a simple choice, yet something holds Jason back. He thought he'd finally put this life behind him. The endless fighting. The countless deaths. If he goes after the demon, what will he be forced to do to stop it? The possibilities frighten him.
He let's out a long sigh after finishing off the last of his scotch. His thoughts turn back to the girl, Dawn. The Zenoin may be controlling her, but he knows she's still in there, forced to watch everything it does with no control over herself. No matter his fears, that is the one thing that simply won't go away.
****
-The Past-
Laughter echoes through the banquet hall of Camelot. The hall is four times the size of the cottage Jason grew up in, filled to capacity with people eating, drinking, and making merry. Kitchen servants weave in and out of the way as they dance about the tables, refilling goblets and bringing seemingly endless courses out. At the far end of the hall, the King's table sits up on a dais, giving him and his personal guests a view of the entire hall. An open area between the dais and the rest of the tables is filled with men and women dancing to joyous music from the court minstrels.
Tonight's revelries are in celebration of the marriage of King Arthur Pendragon and his bride, Guinevere. Together they sit at the center of the table, their attention given almost exclusively to each other despite the myriad distractions throughout the hall. Jason watches as Guinevere, her long brown hair adorned in braids that frame her glowing face, her youthful brown eyes sparkling. wipes wine from the beard of her husband. Wine that she herself spilt while offering him his chalice. Jason has only had words with the King on a handful of occasions, but he has never seen him so happy before.
A fact that's even easier to see from his vantage point, just three seats down at the King's table. He still can't believe he's here. Sitting at the King's table is usually an honor left only to Arthur's family, Sir Lancelot, Merlin, and visiting dignitaries. That and one spot saved for a different Knight of the Round Table each dinner, giving every knight a chance to sit and converse with their king in turn.
Jason's good fortune to be sitting at the table is thanks to Morgaine. When the wedding was announced, Morgaine immediately sought Jason out to ask him to be her guest. It was a big step in their growing relationship. After two years of spending almost every moment of free time together, with Nimue often close at their heels, they had finally took a step toward actual courtship. It was a decision met with some contention from her brother. He had hoped to pair Morgaine with a knight in his service. Some amongst the court whispered rumors of Lancelot himself. It took the counsel of Merlin, and perhaps the reminder of his own common upbringing, to sway the King. Jason had never loved his teacher more than at that moment.
"So Jason," Lancelot called from the other side of Morgaine, breaking Jason out of his thoughts. "Enjoying your dinner?"
Not even Lancelot's cocky smirk could darken Jason's mood. "Very much so. The food is magnificent. And the company more so." Morgaine smiles at the compliment, reaching under the table to take hold of his hand. Lancelot doesn't respond, turning away to drink some wine. Jason takes note at the lack of a guest with Lancelot and smiles all the brighter.
"So Arthur, how long until the kingdom has an heir!" yells the Knight sitting with them this evening. Jason looks over to take note of who it is. Sir Cador, otherwise known as the Hawk Knight. A burly man with long, wavy brown hair. The bluntness of the comment makes sense now, as Sir Cador is known far and wide for his brazen attitude. It's a trait that might get another knight in trouble, yet Cador's battle prowess and otherwise large capacity for kindness has led to Arthur overlooking it.
"I will get back to you on that," Arthur dismisses it with a laugh, turning his attention back to his wife with a kiss. Cador turns back to his own guest, the flame haired Lady Aleduren, ever present at his side.
"You've barely touched your food," Morgaine practically shouts in Jason's ear, trying to be heard over the revelry.
"Just the excitement." He takes a large bite of mutton, giving her a reassuring smile. She smiles in return, her eyes glowing in the torchlight. Her long, dark hair is done up in a braid that encircles her head like a crown. He looks down at her tight burgundy dress, taking in the curves it reveals. Noticing the look, she gives him a mischievous wink, causing him to blush bright red.
Jason grabs his chalice, trying to hide his face behind it, only to fumble and spill wine in his lap. His hopes are dashed that no one noticed when the Hawk Knight pounds the table and points in laughter. Jason looks up to see the others at the table looking at him. His already red face darkens, his body shrinking back into his chair. He has to fight back the urge to cast an invisibility spell on himself.
Morgaine grabs a napkin from the table and makes a show of reaching down to help wipe up the wine. Instead, she motions with her hand over the spill and it disappears. Jason's hand snaps out and grabs her wrist, stopping her and giving her a meaningful look. "He's right there," Jason whispers harshly.
"You worry too much," Morgaine whispers back, her voice warm and confident. "Merlin's already passed out from the wine." She motions with her head and he follows to look at his teacher. True enough, Merlin's eyes are closed, his chin resting on his chest. Jason is certain that if not for the noise of the celebration, he would hear snores coming from his master. "Why teach me if I can't use it to help you?"
Her words calm him and he let's out a long sigh. When he looks back into her eyes, Morgaine suddenly reaches her hand up to stroke his cheek and leans in to kiss him. The contact is brief, yet in Jason's mind it lasts an eternity. Her lips are soft, warm, and taste of wine. A warm feeling wells up in his chest and his breeches feel tighter. When he opens his eyes he sees the King looking directly at him, stone faced. As always, Morgaine's carefree attitude is pushing Jason into further action.
****
-The Present-
A wide grin spreads on Dawn's face as she finishes up her work. The mark of the Zenoin is now perfectly carved into the naked flesh of the dead blond girl. She stands up, blood dripping down her own naked flesh, to gaze at her handy work. The dead girl is lying face down in a pool of her own blood, flickering candles laid out in a circle around her.
Dawn runs a bloody hand through her hair, leaving a trail of red behind in her white mane. Another job well done. The demon decides it should take a shower and clean up. When this body is found in Dawn's own dorm room, the hunt for her will begin. Another grin spreads as the demon considers how fun that will be. The demon lets the crimson stained dagger fall from it's hand onto the floor. Might as well make it easy for them.
As she walks toward the bathroom, a strange sensation makes her stop suddenly. A tingling feeling and a strange pull in her chest. She spins around, blood splattering about from the speed, looking throughout the room for some sort of cause. Nothing is amiss. No one but her and the dead girl. The demon reaches out with Dawn's power to try and make sense of it.
"The misfit," she says to herself when she discovers the magical tether reaching out for her. A tracking spell. He's coming for her. "Well it goes both ways, sorcerer. Won't this be fun!"
****
-The Past-
"In the eyes of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by right as King of all Britain, I now name you husband and wife. Amen."
There's an eruption of applause as Jason and Morgaine kiss. They stand on the steps leading up to the royal throne, the setting sun perfectly center in the large stained glass window behind the King. Jason wears a fine velvet suit of blue and gold. His brown hair combed back and his beard cropped close. Morgaine's dark hair stands out in stark contrast to her pale skin and white dress. A wedding dress as risque as would be seen appropriate of the King's sister.
As the married couple lean back from their kiss, Arthur takes both their hands and raises them up to present the couple to their audience. Despite his initial misgivings in regards to Jason, Arthur has warmed to him over the last several months as Jason finished courting Morgaine, following every necessary and appropriate step to the letter. When Jason formally asked Arthur for his sister's hand in marriage, Arthur was joyous for them both, much to their surprise. Seeing his sister's happiness now finally sheds any lasting doubt.
The couple hold hands as they walk down the aisle, greeted by the warm smiles of their guests. Nimue stands off to the side with Queen Guinevere, smiling despite herself. As they pass Merlin, Jason almost thinks he can see a tear. It reminds him of the one time, many years ago, that he had dared ask Merlin if he had ever been married. A haunted look of a man lost in memory his only reply.
The proceedings slowly make their way in to the banquet hall, where the couple is coerced into the first dance. The minstrels play a lively tune that leaves Jason's feet tripping over themselves. Despite his clumsiness, or perhaps maybe even because of it, Morgaine holds him tightly and gives him a passionate kiss.
The remainder of the evening goes by in a blur of music, food, and wine. Especially wine. When the married couple finally make it up into their chambers their heads are both a bit foggy. Once they step inside, Morgaine slams the door shut and locks it. She waves her arm as she turns around, using magic to light every candle in the bedroom and waiting room. With a smile and a glint in her eye Jason's never seen before, she waves her hand and his coat and shirt come undone and fall to the floor.
"Morgaine," Jason says with a scolding tone as she rushes into his arms. Her right hand runs up and down his chest as she grips the hair on the back of his head with her left, pulling him down to her height so she can kiss him. It's a ravenous kiss, full of passion and desire he's never felt from her before. It's a bit jarring at first, this new side of his wife he's never seen. Yet as she kisses him and moves her hand lower down his body, he can't help but give in. That is, until she uses magic to send a wave of pleasure over his entire body.
"Morgaine!" Jason yells louder than he intends. Despite his rising anger, his knees buckle from her spell. "What are you doing?"
"I'm trying to make love to my husband," she says, letting go of his head and moving her kisses to his bare chest. "What are you doing?"
"I mean...the magic...you need to stop."
"Why? Aren't you enjoying it?" She sends another wave through his body. The look on his face is the only answer she needs.
"But Merlin..."
"Merlin what?" she growls in frustration. She pushes him away and runs her hands through her hair, removing the various pins and clips holding it in place. "What we do in the privacy of our chambers is no concern of that wizard!"
"But he'll sense it! I'm just months away from finishing my training. If he finds out I've been teaching you he'll..."
"He won't sense anything. Believe me." All frustration is gone from her voice, replaced with seduction. She reaches down to take Jason's hands and places them atop her breasts, holding them against her dress. "We're married now, Jason. You and I are one. When we're together we can be who we are. No hiding. No pretending. No worrying about brothers or wizards. Magic is a part of us both. Why shouldn't we use it the way we desire? Why won't you just let me make you happy?"
A thousand reasons run through his mind. Lessons taught to him by his master. Warnings given with the gravest of intent. It all flashes before him as Morgaine trails kisses down his chest and she lowers to her knees in front of him. Yet not a word escapes his lips.
Hours pass as the couple go back and forth from making love to dosing off in each other's arms. As Jason stares at the sunrise from out their bedroom window, lying atop their lavish bed with Morgaine cradled in his arms, he surmises he probably didn't get a single hour of sleep.
"So how does it feel?" Morgaine whispers, the moving of her lips against his chest tickling him slightly.
"How does what feel?" he whispers back, his cheek resting against her brow.
"Being a married man."
"Wonderful."
Morgaine turns her head to rest her chin on his chest, smiling at him. "Just wonderful?"
"What do you mean, 'just wonderful?' You want more? Ecstatic? Amazing? Glorious?"
The two laugh as they lean toward each other to kiss. When they separate, Morgaine asks another question. "How does it feel to be next in line to be King?"
"Next in..wait what?" Jason looks at her with confusion.
"Oh you haven't thought of that, have you?"
"What? King? I don't..."
Morgaine sits up in bed, crossing her legs underneath her, and stretches. "If anything were to happen to Arthur, I am next in line for the throne. As my husband, you would be King."
"No. No I hadn't considered that," Jason says while sitting up as well. He looks off into the distance, the truth settling in his mind. He doesn't notice Morgaine studying his face, as if awaiting something. After a moment he finally looks at her and smiles. "Well only until Guinevere has a son, I suppose."
"Of course," Morgaine says as she gets up and walks over to the window, hiding the look of disappointment on her face. "Until he bears a son."
****
-The Present-
The night is cold and dark, the moon gone from the sky. Even the starlight is blocked by the clouds. Jason gets out of his car and pulls his trenchcoat tight around his body. He's followed his tracking spell back to Gotham University, a fact that surprises him at first. The Zenoin must be fairly confident in it's host's powers to return to a place Dawn could be so easily found. It's overconfidence will be it's downfall, Jason thinks to himself.
Jason begins the long walk to the university. Given the deaths on campus, security has the place locked down like a military installation. Rather than pulling up to the school itself, Jason parks down the street. Another obfuscation spell gives him some leeway, though with the guards on such a heightened sense of readiness, he has to be extra careful not to do anything that might cause them to take notice. He still keeps to the shadows and avoids making any noises, just to be on the safe side.
The trail leads Jason past the dorms, a fact that causes some concern. What reason would the demon have to be out of bed at this time of night? What reason other than murder? The trail finally leads Jason to the Thorndike Gymnasium. Jason creeps up, avoiding a patrolling security guard, and tries to open the door only to find it locked. A small surge of magic and the lock opens, allowing him entry.
Footsteps echo through the halls as Jason carefully searches for Dawn. He can tell he's close, at least within one hundred feet. Despite the years of inactivity, Jason's instincts kick in, building up power and readying himself for the inevitable confrontation.
The trail finally leads him to the women's locker room. Through the door Jason can hear the sound of showers running. He takes a moment to debate using magic to determine how many people might be inside, ultimately deciding not to. The element of surprise allowing him to take the demon unawares will do more to save lives than knowing if there's anyone else with her. With a gentle nudge, Jason slowly steps inside.
Alarm bells go up when he sees no lights are on. A quick spell increases his natural night vision, allowing him to see with less chance of tipping the demon off than creating light. As his vision clears, he walks slowly around the lockers toward the showers. The air is heavy with heat and steam. As he rounds the corner he realizes that multiple showers are running.
He notices it a second too late. A magical tripwire goes off as he walks up to the shower entrance. A blast of energy hits him hard, sending his body flying back into the lockers. He slides down onto the floor, leaving a large dent in the lockers and the air knocked from his lungs.
"Impressive, huh?" Dawn says as she walks out from the showers. Her hair is tied back in a ponytail. She's wearing sneakers and blue jeans, with a tight red T-shirt. The center of the shirt has a hole cut out of it to reveal the Zenoin symbol carved into her chest. "You gotta admit I'm a quick learner to get that one over on you. Sadly, I can't afford to play anymore. Time to die!"
-To Be Concluded-