Fic: Endless Waltz [3b/7] (The Who, M7:ATF Crossover fic, PG-13)
Title: Endless Waltz [3b/7]
Series: Second Chances
Author: Sparrow
Fandom: Magnificent Seven: ATF, The Who
Characters: JD Dunne, Keith Moon, Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle
Rating: PG-13, there is torture in this part later on, descriptions of people getting their limbs broken and fake death.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Who or M7: ATF
Spoilers: To have any type of understanding of this ‘verse, there are previous stories to read. Sequel to Better or Worse.
Summary: The Who finally left the Faery Realm to find themselves in whole new trouble.
Author Note: I just wanted to say thank you majorly to jennytork aka Enola Jones for the handholding, the cheerleading and letting me bounce ideas off of her. She has been a wonderful help and a wonderful friend as I wrote this fic. She was major help with a certain scene, she knows which scene. :) Major thanks to bookaddict43 for the awesome beta and for not murdering me for my constant poking of ‘is it done yet?’ lol
They walked all night and the better part of the next day only to take short rests to eat or drink. They approached the large city as many people came and went. It was very crowded on the inside. Standing astride a river and it is mainly constructed of red brick. Defended by local militia and its most noteworthy feature is the large and busy market square.
The four stood on the hill, taking in the sight and the people bustling to and from the city.
“We have taken you this far. We wish to know more about what information you need to seek the audience you need gained with Jonathan,” The twins chorused together, suddenly serious.
Paeter debated internally with himself as he found him trusting the two for no apparent reason, just as he did with Daltrey. “I have been charged with a quest by the King of Fina. The Heart of Kyrie Elesion has been stolen and there has been word of darkness spreading across the land once again. I am to retrieve The Heart and return it to the Holy Order where peace can be restored.”
The twin’s eyes went huge with this proclamation and as one they nodded. “That is a serious quest. We are assuming you wish to see if Jonathan has any information of the theft?” They asked.
“You two assume correctly,” Paeter said.
“Why does the minstrel come, what does he have to gain?” Dunne asked.
“Paeter saved me life; I have vowed that I owe him. Plus, this is the adventure of a lifetime. I aim to make the best song out of all of this.” A cheeky grin spread across Daltrey’s face.
Paeter rolled his eyes at that statement.
Daltrey just continued to grin as he followed Paeter, Dunne and Moon down the hill and into town.
Following the twins, they went down busy streets, market places and through the odd shop. They soon came up to a large building with walkways on the lower and upper decks. The sun was setting and it appeared that this building was starting to come to life with business.
There on the front was a sign. It merely read ‘The Ox’.
“Jonathan owns this place?” Daltrey asked, surprised.
“Yes, he does,” Moon answered.
“You know this place Daltrey?” Paeter asked.
“I do indeed. This is the favoured land.” Here Daltrey’s face split into a smile. “A place where a man can come and unwind from his troubles if he has the cash.”
Dunne and Moon grinned. “Plus, you need an invitation from Jonathan himself. It’s not just cash that will get you through.”
But Daltrey was beyond listening as he looked at the place lust in his eyes.
Paeter sighed and smacked the minstrel on the shoulder. “Down Daltrey. We came here for information, not for you to have fun.”
Daltrey pouted at the Avian. “So mean Paeter. Ever since I joined you, this adventure has been nothing but dry.”
“You call getting attacked by the shambling dead, dry?”
“Not that kind of adventure Paeter me boy. More of the lack of female companionship kind of dry.”
“We could always use the illusion earrings again if you need something to ogle Daltrey.” Dunne said with an alto voice as he winked at the minstrel. Moon was laughing quietly in the background to himself.
Daltrey quickly backed up. “No thank you!”
“Well c’mon fellas; let’s not keep the big lummox waiting,” Moon said still giggling.
Paeter and Daltrey followed Moon and Dunne into ‘The Ox’ and sat down on the chairs while they were told to ‘wait here’. Moon and Dunne disappeared, presumably to find this spider-creature Jonathan.
The twins made their way to the back most bar, where a young man with longish black hair, a black beard and black eyes eyed them. Clad in black leather pants, wrappings were around his waist and up to just under his chest. Spindly long spider-like legs were being manipulated behind him as they cleaned glasses. His hands in front were wiping down the counter.
Sauntering up they each took a seat to sit upon and grin at the spider-creature.
"Hello, Jonathan," They chorused.
Black eyes gave them a skeptical look. "Whatever it is, the answer's no."
“Why Johnny me boy! You wound us!” Moon placed a hand over his heart and looked hurt.
“Don’t call me Johnny.”
“Now, now Jonathan, we’re merely the messengers,” Dunne interrupted before another argument could break out between his brother and the owner of ‘The Ox’.
A raised eyebrow was directed in question towards the hazel-eyed fox of the pair.
“Couple of adventurer’s who need information from ya. We owe them Jonathan and they came here looking for help, from you.” Innocent eyes were made at the spider-creature.
“What did they take from you?’ came a quirk of the mouth.
“Maybe those illusion earrings,” Moon muttered. Somehow, Jonathan just knew things, you couldn’t lie to him.
Spindly legs set down the glasses and rags washing them and Jonathan walked around the bar. “Escort them to my office; we’ll deal with them there.”
Disappearing into the rapidly increasing crowd, Jonathan disappeared as the fox twins made their way back to their companions.
“So, what’s the good word?” Daltrey asked the fox twins.
“Jonathan will meet you in his office. This way gents.” Moon and Dunne escorted the two through the inside of ‘The Ox’ and led them to an ordinary door.
The twins opened the door and there behind an elaborate desk sat Jonathan. Standing up, the spider-creature gestured at the two chairs in front of his desk. Moon and Dunne took up bodyguard positions behind him.
Paeter kept his hand on the hilt of his sword. “You are the one they call Jonathan?”
An indication of the head came from the black-eyed spider-creature. “I am.”
“I understand you are the type of being to get certain information from.”
“I might be.”
Daltrey opened his mouth, but Paeter’s hand on his chest prevented him from saying anything further.
“I am Paeter…”
Here Jonathan interrupted. “…of Silverhollow. From the Nest of Townshend. Your companion is Daltrey, from the Vale of Sheppard’s Bush. I know who you two are and what you seek. What I want to know is why should I help you two?” Jonathan smirked and leaned back into his chair.
Here’s where Daltrey lost it. “I don’t bloody well know, maybe because you don’t want the land covered in darkness? Because you don’t want to die! Pick a reason and there’s your answer.”
Paeter looked at Jonathan with cool indifference and waited for Daltrey to finish.
“Anything to add Avian?”
“You’ll help because if you don’t, it’ll be bad for business.”
Jonathan eyed the Avian up and down and then laughter erupted from his throat. “Oh, good answer Avian! Good answer. That is the reason why I will help you, because it will be bad for business if I don’t.”
Daltrey’s face went several kinds of red and he was prepared to let loose a sonic scream in anger, when Paeter clapped a hand over the minstrel’s mouth.
“A wise choice,” Jonathan said.
“I have them occasionally,” Paeter quipped back. “Now, what can you tell us about The Heart of Elesion?”
“It is a large jewel the shape of a heart and red. The last known whereabouts were at the Holy Order where Kyrie Elesion studied,” Jonathan drawled.
“Fat lot of good you’re doing us,” Daltrey mumbled.
“I’d be silent if I were you minstrel,” Moon hissed out from his position, ears twitching.
His ears twitching as well, Dunne glared. “Jonathan knows many things, do not question him.”
“Now now, ease up on the human. He doesn’t know better.” Jonathan petted the two fox twins on their heads.
They both leaned into the petting as they continued to glare at Daltrey.
Paeter sighed and crossed his arms, head shaking slightly at the actions of his friend.
Black eyes narrowed at something on Paeter’s upper arm. “That silver band, where did you get it?”
Paeter took a glance at it and then back to a Jonathan staring intensely at him. “This? I’ve had that ever since I was born. It’s always been there for as long as I can remember. Why?”
Jonathan stood up and walked around the fox twins and his desk. Standing right in front of the Avian, the spider-creature held up his human looking arm. There, on the upper part laid a silver band. “I have the same mark.”
Other sets of eyes widened and Daltrey, Dunne and Moon joined the group to form a circle. Wordlessly, the three lifted their sleeves up to show their own silver marks.
“A sign.” Daltrey whispered.
“It certainly does mean something Daltrey, a sign, I’m not so sure,” Jonathan commented.
“But Jonathan! We all have the same marks! We’re bloody well linked! This entire quest, it’s meant for all of us!” Frustration and hope shone through the minstrel’s voice.
“Whatever it is, we all have it and that does mean something,” Paeter added.
“Or perhaps you are all too stupid to realize its true potential.” A voice rang out in the office.
All five turned towards the female voice. There in the doorway stood a woman wrapped in a purple cloak.
Paeter stepped forward. “Who are you?”
“She is Ulrika the Shadow. The Darkness’s little necromancer.” Jonathan spat out.
“Ah, you’ve heard of me.”
Jonathan hissed and clicked at her, legs behind him going into an attack position.
The woman in the purple robe slinked into the room, away from the doorframe. She stunk of decaying flesh and dirt. Removing her hood, wavy brown hair fell forward and red eyes peered out. The left side of her face had bits of flesh removed and it showed her teeth and cheek bone.
The others in the room took up defensive positions, weapons held ready and Daltrey was holding in a sonic scream.
“Now, now, I’m not here to fight. Merely to negotiate. You abandon your quest and I shall see to it all five of you are rewarded when my Master takes over Fina.” Ulrika grinned, hands held at her side.
“Leave Fina and that’s final?” Paeter questioned.
“Yes and no. All five of you would be welcomed into the new world that will be created when we take over. My Master would have use of all your talents.” The honeyed tone that came from Ulrika seemed like glass over their skin.
Dunne looked at Moon. "I don't think that sounds appealing."
Moon nodded. "I was about to say that."
They looked at her.
"We don't think that--"
"--is such an attractive offer."
Ulrika seemed to pout at that.
Paeter had his head lowered, hand clutched on his sword. “I think I can safely say this for the entire group, but we will have to decline your request.”
“Oh? Are you absolutely sure?”
“Yes. The only way I would ever join your new world order is OVER MY DEAD BODY!!” Paeter roared, sword drawn his wings erupted from his back and he surged forward.
“THAT CAN BE ARRANGED AVIAN!!” Ulrika shouted back as she dodged to the side and waved a hand.
Paeter flew over head, turned and hit the wall with his feet. Spinning around he went for another attempt at the Necromancer.
Pools of shadow erupted all over and the shambling dead emerged.
Two were instantly blown to dust with the force of a sonic scream. Another two were ripped to shreds by Jonathan’s spindly legs as he hissed and clicked.
The fox twins were fighting side by side, knives flashing as limbs fell to the ground. Banter flew from their lips.
“Mother always did say you need to get ahead in life,” Dunne quipped as he decapitated one.
“Right you are brother of mine, let me lend you a hand!” Moon shot back as he flipped over a crouched Dunne and landed on the moving limb that was about to grab his brother’s leg.
“Or at least a foot!”
Daltrey and Jonathan fought back to back as sonic scream after sonic scream ripped its way from Daltrey’s throat. Long spindly black legs flashed and took care of any that Daltrey missed.
Paeter meanwhile had managed to get Ulrika out of the room. Swords clashed against one another as the Necromancer proved she could fight just as well physically as she could with magic.
More pools of shadow erupted all over The Ox and the patrons screamed as they were chased by the shambling dead.
Paeter did his best to ignore the screams and the bucking legs under mounds of zombies and ghouls as they ate to their content.
“Isn’t it glorious Avian? All this delicious chaos?” Ulrika purred as she blocked a strike, pushed him away and stabbed forward.
Paeter parried it away. “No, it’s wrong and evil!” He pushed her forward and away from him.
Going with the momentum, Ulrika tumbled forward, slapping a hand on the ground. Flipping over, she thrust forward her sword held hand and a gust of wind hit Paeter.
His wings caught the wind and it sent him tumbling into a pillar, hard. Gasping for breath, Paeter blinked rapidly as he saw stars.
“Did the little birdie take a nasty tumble?” She whispered in his ear.
Paeter felt lips on his and shuddered in disgust as Ulrika tried to shove her tongue in his mouth.
Snarling, Paeter shoved the Necromancer off of him.
Cackling with delight, she licked her lips. “You taste like chicken.”
Eyes narrowed in anger and he looked around for anything that could be used to help him out. He saw his chance when his friends came over the balcony, Daltrey clinging to Jonathan. They all fanned out and headed towards the various undead.
Jonathan met Paeter’s eyes, with a subtle nod, Jonathan engaged Ulrika while Paeter looked for something, anything that might help. He found it in an undisturbed lit lantern on a table.
Jonathan hissed and clicked as his long spindly legs attacked various positions on Ulrika’s body. Her sword neatly deflected all of his attacks.
“Is that all you got spider-creature?” She mocked.
Jonathan gave a crooked smiled. “No.”
Anything else she could’ve said was interrupted by something hitting her in the black. Glass tinkled on the ground. She smelled oil. Eyes widened in surprise and looked down. Flame was licking its way up her robe.
Screaming, she dropped to the ground and rolled around, but only succeeded in covering herself in more oil. The flame then covered her entire body.
“THIS SHALL NOT BE THE END OF ME!!” She screamed out in rage. Waving a hand she made sure to hit the other lanterns on the table. Fire spread quickly as it attached itself to the undead, the wood and the various dead bodies on the ground.
The five quickly gathered together, coughing from the smoke.
The burning figure of Ulrika lurched forward and then fell to the ground. Paeter stumbled forward and raised The Sword of Fuu. With one stroke, he took her head off her body.
His wings disappeared into his back as he looked at Jonathan. “We need to get out of here or we’ll be burned alive!”
Jonathan coughed into his hand. “This way!”
The group quickly followed Jonathan, dodging falling debris and fire as he led them to a secret entrance underneath the bar. They all piled in quickly and ran down the long tunnel.
After what seemed like forever, they saw light. Emerging from an entranceway, they were back in the forest near a very large tree.
Jonathan quickly climbed up the tree to see the damage done to the town. Everyone else was on the ground trying to catch their breath and happy to be just alive.
There was a thump in front of them as Jonathan landed.
“What does it look like?’ Paeter asked.
“The Ox is burning to the ground and taking the town with it. As far as I can tell, it wasn’t just my place that had the undead. The whole town has been eaten and is being burned to the ground.”
“Shit,” Came from Dunne and Moon.
Jonathan eyed Paeter and Daltrey. “You two owe me a new bar.”
Daltrey weakly waved him off. “Yeah yeah.”
“Now what?” Moon voiced.
The four on the ground slowly got up and grouped around each other.
“We head for Hollow Mountains. That’s where The Darkness was last seen and I’m assuming that’s where The Heart of Kyrie Elesion was taken,” Jonathan stated.
“The Last battle of Kyrie Elesion,” Daltrey breathed.
“History repeats itself. Let’s just make sure we all live,” Paeter morbidly said.
Dunne poked Paeter in the stomach and gave him a look.
“We three are coming with you.”
Paeter shot a look at Jonathan in disbelief. “You three are coming with us?”
“Yes. I want retribution for my bar and it does me no good if there is no one else around for business. Like you said, ‘it’s bad for business’,” Jonathan gave a fanged grin.
Paeter grinned back and put his hand in the middle of the circle they created. Other hands joined in quickly. “All for one…”
“…and one for all.” Daltrey grinned back.
They all flashed smiles at one another and right there and then vowed to take The Darkness down and restore the land to peace.
~~~
It took weeks of journeying over hill and dale and through forest to reach Hollow Mountains and over the course of the few weeks they journeyed, they got to know one another and to trust each other.
The grim group stood in front of a large entrance carved out in the mountain, the wind whipped their hair and clothes. Lightning and thunder flashed and crashed ominously overhead.
“Well, this is it,” Daltrey said.
Dunne and Moon grinned. “Last one back here…”
“…buys the drinks.”
Paeter and Jonathan grinned at one another. “Deal.”
They entered.
Finding themselves in a large hallowed out cavern a glow came from a pond to the side, illuminating the walls. There on the opposite side of them were five smaller cave entrances carved out in the rock.
“Guess we have to split up,” Daltrey said.
“That would be bad. In all the stories every time the heroes split up, something bad happens,” Dunne shot at Daltrey, fox ears flattened back in anger.
“Not in all the stories,” Daltrey defended.
Moon rolled his eyes and tugged his brother close to him. “No choice brother. Any of these caverns could lead us to The Darkness. We have to take the chance.”
Bumping fists together Dunne took the far right side entrance and Moon took the next entrance. Jonathan whispered something in Paeter’s ear as The Sword of Fuu was drawn; Paeter let his wings escape from his back and took another one. Jonathan and Daltrey took the final two.
~~~
Dunne crept cautiously along the cavern wall, knives held out in a ready position. Inching his way forward, ears twisting in all directions, tail puffed out in anger.
A boom echoed throughout the tunnel. Dunne flung himself to the ground and covered his head. Wind and dust flew overhead. Lifting his head up slightly, hazel eyes widened in surprise.
A rectangular long mirror stood in front of him. Getting to his feet Dunne crept forward to inspect. Looking on the other side there was nothing. But in front of him, was nothing as well. No reflection.
Dunne tilted his head to the side, hand coming up to cup his chin. His other hand came up and touched the mirror.
Light blinded him as he went to shield his eyes.
Shaking his head to clear the lights from his eyes, he came face to face with his brother.
“Moon?”
But this Moon was pale and his chocolate eyes were now red. “Hello dear brother. Time to play!” Swinging his arm to the side, a cut appeared on Dunne’s cheek.
Moon brought the knife held in his hand, flecked with Dunne’s blood, up to his mouth and licked it off. “Delicious.”
Dunne brought a hand up to the wound on his cheek, eyes wide with disbelief as he took in this mockery of his brother.
“You’re not my brother.”
Moon grinned a mockery of his grin. “What makes you so sure brother dear? Maybe I just find The Darkness much better than that idiot crowd we’ve been running with. Join us; it can be like old times. Before we joined Jonathan. Kitsune, together again!”
Dunne snarled. “Never!” He swung his arm, knife in hand.
Moon blocked it, grabbed Dunne’s arm and flipped him over. Going with the momentum, Dunne went into a somersault, twisted and brought himself into a crouch, knives ready.
Moon clapped. “So impressive brother dear!”
“Stop calling me ‘brother dear’. You are not my brother. You’re nothing but a mockery of him.”
“You’ve already said that brother dear,” Moon mocked. “Perhaps someone has doubts.” He sing-songed.
Dunne growled low in his throat and threw one of his knives. Moon grinned creepily as he let the knife hit him in the shoulder.
Moon cracked his neck as he pulled the knife out from his shoulder and licked it clean.
Dunne looked squeamish. “What is up with you and blood licking?”
“Baser instincts. We are part of an animal race brother! We should be embracing them and joining The Darkness in returning to our roots!”
“Yeah, well I like who I am and I don’t want to change that.” Dunne brought up his other knife.
Moon kept his grin up and then started to laugh. The laughs kept coming as he doubled over in pain and his size increased. His face pushed out in a fox snout, clothes ripped off and fur rippled along the body. Fingers extended into claws and feet into paws.
"Yeah. ESPECIALLY don't want to change into THAT."
Where the mockery of his brother stood was a seven foot tall fox like creature.
“Let’s play!” The fox crouched onto all fours and leapt at Dunne.
Dunne let out an expletive as three hundred pounds of fox creature landed on him and then stiffened. Stilling on the ground, he pushed it off of him. Fur started to shrink away and leave the naked form of Moon. Back to his original skin colour and chocolate brown eyes staring out accusingly. A knife was stuck in the heart side of Moon’s chest.
“Moon?” Dunne nudged his brother’s body.
The body didn’t move, it just kept staring at Dunne’s face.
Dunne carefully gathered up his brother in his arms and let out a scream of outrage. He slowly rocked his brother’s body and cried.
The mirror in the cavern tunnel winked out of existence.
~~~
Echoing his brother, Moon crept cautiously along the cavern wall, knives held in a ready position.
A boom echoed throughout the tunnel. Moon steadied himself, legs spread out and a hand to his face to shield his eyes. Wind and dust whipped around him. Lifting his head up slightly, chocolate coloured eyes widened in surprise.
A rectangular long mirror stood in front of him. Stepping forward, Moon crept forward to inspect. Looking on the other side there was nothing. But in front of him, was nothing as well. No reflection.
Tilting his head to the side, hand coming up to cup his chin. His other hand came up and touched the mirror.
Light blinded Moon as he went to shield his eyes.
There in front of him stood a mirror copy of himself, dressed in strange clothing and looking human in shape.
He waved at Moon, a dopey grin on his face.
Moon looked around to see if anyone else was behind him, but cautiously waved back at his other self. “Who are you?”
"You, dear boy!"
Moon snorted. “I don’t think so.” And went forward, intent to push this copy to the side and get on with the quest.
His hand was seized and forced aside.
Fox ears flatted in anger, his tail fluffed out. “Move aside. You have no idea of what you are hindering here.”
"I'm you."
“You are not me! For one thing, missing the fox ears and tail there, mate!” Moon snarled out. “Now move aside or get a knife in your arm for your trouble.”
The copy gave another grin and pushed Moon backwards.
Moon snarled and let his knife flash forward. It tasted the copy’s arm. Gasping, Moon grabbed his own arm and saw a copy of the wound inflicted on his own arm.
"Here...." And the copy pressed a white small circle into Moon's arm.
Moon clawed at his arm, intent on digging it out. “What did you just do?!”
"You'll feel REAL good now...like we always have!" His eyes were glassy.
Moon watched his copy produce a bottle out of nowhere and take a long drink from it. Moon choked as alcohol poured down his throat. Wiping the excess from the sides of his mouth he glared at his copy.
“What do you mean like we always have?”
The copy continued to grin. “That’s right, you’ve forgotten. Forgot about that.” He giggled at his own joke.
Moon staggered slightly as the pill’s effects started to make itself known.
"We're best when we're blocked up," he laughed. "Always have been." His eyes were suddenly murderous. "Always."
Moon brought up his knives, body weaving from side to side. “Stay away!”
"Never! You're MINE."
“I’m not yours! If I belong to anybody it’s my brother and even then that’s questionable! I’m my own fox!” Came a snarl, fangs barred.
"Fox? The only foxes are the ones we banged!"
“I have no idea what you are talking about! The Darkness made you go crazy or something?!” Moon snarled.
“Moon the Loon, that’s the only crazy we are.” The copy grinned and took another swig of the bottle.
Moon gagged as more alcohol forced its way down his throat. He continued to choke on the drink as his copy drank the entire bottle dry.
"You're insane!" he roared. "You're bloody INSANE!"
The eyes were now red and the mouth was fanged. "No, Moon the Loon -- this is NORMAL."
Moon watched in horror as his copy chugged down a bottle of the white circles that was inserted into his arm. He felt each of them go down his throat.
"What you are now -- that's crazy." He smiled a drunken smile. "We're supposed to be THIS. To the bitter end!"
His copy staggered towards him until they were facing face to face. Moon stared in disbelief as if watching a mirror both their arms raised and placed their hands on each other’s shoulder.
They collapsed together on the ground.
Moon felt his head lolling from side to side in the dirt as he felt the pill’s effects even more so with the alcohol.
For some reason he started to giggle and couldn’t stop, his copy echoing him.
“Solid gold mate, solid gold we are now,” His copy breathed into his ear.
Tears streamed down Moon’s face as he continued to giggle into unconsciousness and the mirror in the cavern winked out of existence.
~~~
Daltrey walked forward in the darkened cavern without a care in the world. Whistling merrily, he composed lyrics in his head.
He was interrupted when a boom echoed through out the cavern tunnel. Crouching low with his instrument in front of him, dust and wind swirled around him.
Peeking out from behind the guitar, his blue eyes widened in surprise at a long rectangular mirror in front of him. Standing up straight he looked on the other side and then in front of him. No reflection at all. Bringing up a hand, he touched the smooth surface.
Daltrey managed to duck in time as light exploded everywhere.
Blinking rapidly a couple of times, Daltrey cleared his vision and then whistled in surprise. He was no longer in the cavern, but a spacious room covered in pillows, silk and sheets.
Slowly walking around, he took in his new surroundings. “Daltrey me boy, don’t think you’re in Fina anymore.”
A giggle came from the right hand side. He pivoted on his heel and caught a flash of a dress.
More giggles surrounded him; he kept spinning around and around trying to see who was giggling. He only succeeded in making himself dizzy. Putting his head between his knees he breathed a couple of times and then stood up. He was surrounded by the three most beautiful women he had ever seen.
Scraps of fabric covered their bodies; the brunette was in blue, the blonde in red and the redhead in green. All their eyes were grey.
Daltrey flashed them a smile. “Ladies, how may I be of service?”
They giggled again and whispered amongst themselves. “Who are you?” They all asked at the same time, yet as they spoke it echoed amongst them.
“My name is Daltrey fair maidens. I am but a humble wandering minstrel bringing song to the good folk.” He gave a low bow.
Hands found themselves on his body as they petted and stroked the fabric. Daltrey found himself backing up slowly as the females paid attention to him.
The hands pushed him backwards into a plethora of pillows, the females followed.
“Mmm, Daltrey,” They moaned.
“Ladies, ladies, please. There is enough of myself to go around.” He grinned.
The females draped themselves onto Daltrey and rubbed themselves against him.
“Oh, oh!” Daltrey moaned. “As much as I would like this to continue fair maidens, I feel I must leave your company so I might continue my quest.”
He went to push the brunette that had straddled him off, but couldn’t move her. Blue eyes winded in surprise as the grey eyes had turned red and fangs morphed from their teeth. He struggled more, but the blonde and redhead held fast onto his arms.
He tried to buck them off. “Let go of me!”
“Mmm, Daltrey,” They moaned again. “Why should we part with such willing company? With such willing food?”
A feral snarl appeared on Daltrey’s face as he continued to try and buck them off.
The Blonde and Redhead smiled and shot forward towards the sides of Daltrey’s neck. Their fangs pierced skin and lapped at the blood that started to pool.
"Your quest is over," the brunette hissed. "Your life begins." Biting her lip to draw blood she lowered her head. Daltrey felt blood forced into his mouth as his neck was rubbed to drink it down. And drink it down he did. His eyes flashed red momentarily before fluttering closed.
And in a cavern in Hollow Mountain, a mirror winked out of existence.
~~~
Jonathan climbed along the cavern walls, long spindly legs propelling him forward. A large boom sound echoed along the tunnel as dust and wind whipped itself against Jonathan’s skin. He ducked his head to the side to protect his eyes.
With it stopping, he raised his head and black eyes narrowed in confusion as a long rectangular mirror stood on the ground. Lowering himself, he looked at both sides and saw no reflection. Curious, he brought up his taloned hand and touched the surface.
Light exploded in front of his face as he quickly shut his eyes. Rubbing them a few times, he blinked to see he was back in The Ox.
He slowly spun around taking in his surroundings. “This place burned down, so it must be an illusion. Probably from the mirror.” Jonathan mused.
~ Were on our own cousin/All alone cousin/Let's think of a game to play/Now the grownups have all gone away.~
Jonathan froze as a creepy voice sang from behind him. A voice he knew. Turning around slowly, he came face to face with his cousin Kevin.
Jonathan dipped his head in acknowledgement. “Cousin.”
Cousin Kevin grinned, dressed in black, his own long spindly legs bobbing in the air, eyes glowing red and snapped his fingers. Jonathan found himself suspended in mid air, all his legs and arms flung to the side. He panicked and tried to struggle. Jonathan couldn’t move at all.
He remembered last time his cousin got a hold of him before he grew and taught him a lesson. But now he was in front of a mockery and helpless.
“It’s been so long cousin, so long since I last played with you.”
Jonathan hissed and clicked. “You are not my cousin. Nothing but a mockery of him. You are The Darkness, merely using a golem of my cousin!”
“Ooo, I shiver in fear. The spider-creature knows.” Kevin grinned creepily as eeriness oozed from him.
“I name you Darkness! I name you…” a gag was forced into Jonathan’s mouth.
“Tut tut cousin dear, you’re ending the game too early.” A finger was waved in front of the black haired bar owner.
Black eyes narrowed in anger and he screamed obscenities into the gag.
A creepy grin danced on Kevin’s face as he produced a lit cigarette and stabbed it into Jonathan’s torso. Another scream erupted from his throat as Kevin dug it into the skin and extinguished it.
“And we’re just getting started cousin.” Kevin mocked.
Jonathan strained against his invisible bonds as he pictured his legs ripping Kevin to shreds. As if sensing his intentions, Kevin snapped his fingers.
Arching his back in pain, Jonathan limply moved his head to the side to see one of his spider legs broken. Three more snaps in quick succession happened and the black eyed spider creature screamed into his gag as he felt his long spindly legs break and shatter.
He slumped into unconsciousness from the pain. Cousin Kevin grinned as he continued his cruel work.
In a separate cavern tunnel a mirror winked out of existence.
~~~
Like his friends before him, Paeter crept along the cavern walls. Sword drawn and wings ready to propel him forward if necessary. He felt like he had gone on forever and there was no end in sight.
But there in the distance was a tiny light. Spurred on by hope, Paeter took up a light jog towards the light as it got bigger and bigger.
He entered the light, blinking rapidly Paeter took in his new surroundings.
An ominous purple and black sky hovered overhead. Lightning, thunder and wind flashed and whipped around him. And there standing a few feet away from him was a woman dressed in black.
Hair dark brown, eyes red and the clothing was some sort of priestess garb. Ice-blue eyes opened wide in realization. “Kyrie Elesion,” Paeter breathed.
“Paeter, from the Nest of Townshend. You have come,” Kyrie Elesion said, a smile appearing on her lips.
“You’re suppose to be dead.” Paeter stated.
“Well, the rumors of my death have been exaggerated.”
Paeter spat “I think you’re nothing more than a fake of Kyrie Elesion. You are The Darkness!”
Kyrie Elesion shook her head in disappointment. “Oh Paeter and here I was hoping we could keep up our little game a bit longer.” She snapped her fingers.
Paeter quickly settled into a stance as if to ward off whatever this thing was about to do. Instead four mirrors winked into existence behind her.
Dunne in the first mirror holding onto a naked dead copy of his brother. Moon unconscious with a humanoid copy holding onto him. Daltrey with vampire women draped all over him and draining him dry. Jonathan being tortured by another spider creature.
“WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM?” Paeter screamed out.
“Nothing that their own minds didn’t devise for them,” Kyrie Elesion smirked.
Snarling Paeter leapt forward and swung his sword at the fake priestess, unaware that The Sword of Fuu had started to glow.
Kyrie Elesion neatly dodged the swipe, but a streak of wind erupted from the sword and headed towards the mirrors.
“NO!!” Kyrie Elesion screeched out.
It struck true and destroyed the mirrors. Dunne, Moon, Daltrey and Jonathan fell to the ground in states of shock and unconsiousness. Paeter smirked at his small victory.
Kyrie Elesion’s face erupted into a snarl, clenching a hand in front of her, Paeter found himself jerked up into the air and then tossed to the side. He screamed as his left wing bent at an unnatural angle. Paeter crashed into the form of Dunne.
“Ugh!” Dunne exclaimed as he looked around and then back down at nothing but empty air. The body of his brother Moon had disappeared. He looked at the body that had landed on him. “Paeter?”
“Dunne…I need you to distract The Darkness there,” Paeter gasped out as held his shoulder.
“I killed Moon.”
“No you didn’t. See, he’s over there. Whatever you faced, was something The Darkness created for you to face.”
Dunne looked and saw the fallen body of his brother, chest rising with breath. “He’s alive,” Dunne breathed out.
Paeter rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. He’s alive, but I need your help now. Distraction, Darkness, now!”
“Sheesh, I’m going, I’m going featherbrain.” Dunne launched himself at the Kyrie Elesion form of The Darkness, knives held at the ready. But Kyrie Elesion was ready for him and tossed him back into his group of friends, just in time for Paeter to wrap his form around the golem.
“Ooo, Paeter! You only had to let me know if you wanted to get up close and personal,” The Darkness purred.
Paeter brought his lips to her ear. “Jonathan whispered something to me before we entered the caverns.” He smiled ferally. “I name you Darkness. I name you Altetae!”
Red eyes bugged out and a mouth opened in a silent scream. The form that The Darkness wore bubbled and spasmed all around Paeter, but he held on. Intent on making sure it did not escape.
It exploded in dark light, flinging Paeter far away and into the fallen forms of his friends. His head hit a rock and he did not see what happened next. Dunne watched as the dark light that had erupted swirled into a vortex and was sucked into the ground.
A jewel burst out of the dirt and flung itself forward towards the group. It was the shape of a heart and red. A ghostly form of Kyrie Elesion projected itself from the jewel.
“Greetings one they call Dunne. I am Kyrie Elesion. I thank you and your friends for defeating The Darkness. I shall heal your wounds and transport all of you to The Holy Order.” Kyrie Elesion smiled. “I have but ask that you place my Heart onto the pedestal so that order and peace shall be restored.”
Dunne could only nod dumbly as light eclipsed his vision and he soon found himself in a white room with pillars and a pedestal. The fallen forms of his friends were around him. He only caught a glimpse of them before and they looked broken. But now they looked healed and healthy. Gulping, he placed The Heart of Kyrie Elesion onto the pedestal.
A pillar of pure white light burst forth from the pedestal and shot towards the sky. It hit the dark and purple colours and cleared it into a sky blue with white fluffy clouds. It then spread like a pulse across the land, clearing all the malice and darkness that had spread for the past rotation or so.
Dunne smiled, they had completed their quest, but now what. Dunne didn’t see Daltrey’s eyes had opened and were now silver, nor had Dunne felt the pain in his arm, for the light had shielded him from it. Silver light spread through their bodies from the silver bands and covered them fully.
The five forms burst into silver dust as they were transported onto their next adventure.
~~~
Dunne glanced around, knives held out ready as he took in his new surroundings. He and his friends were in a field of some kind with a large house on the far hill. It looked familiar.
Hands went up to his head as pain erupted and Dunne fell to his knees and then to his side. His last vision was of four pairs of legs in front of him as his eyes fluttered backwards into his head.
End Part 3b.
Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3a