Our Journey

Subjugation

Snow blanketed a decimated, little village. Deathly silence, lifeless, dirt roads winding between destroyed, wooden buildings. Stains of iron red and motionless forms scattered against the seemingly pure white.

All was silent. The world itself seeming to quietly fade under the fluttering, white snow.

Interrupting that eerie, snow-filled silence, was a deep blotch of black.

A huge, massive demon, spiny, black hide dark as night, fangs bared, glinting in the sunlight. It’s thorny tail whipped to and fro as it loomed over a smaller form in which it dragged closer to itself.

Another tried to close the distance. He was almost there. Just a little further. The scene spread out before him was so close, yet seemed so incredibly far. He was so close. He could see that flash of violet hair on the ground, just ahead of him...He was right there…!

And yet, the distance couldn’t have felt greater. He wouldn’t make it in time. As though time had slowed down, everything became a blur. Like the steady beat of a drum, he could hear his heart thump in his ears.

He just needed his legs to move faster.

Faster.

Faster...!

His throat...Felt hot.

The air he breathed felt like fire searing it’s way down his windpipe, into his lungs, before spreading throughout him slowly. He’d been feeling this way since the moment that stench reached him. The stench of blood. The stench of death. His stomach twisted into knots, making him feel nauseous, and yet...And yet…….

It incited something within him. Writhing, thrashing, tearing at him from inside his body, his mind.

A voice. So tempting and sweet, slowly...Pulled him inward.

Go on.

Feed. Kill.

You’ll feel so much better.

That voice dominated his mind. Repeating. Echoing. Breaking apart like static. It reverberated throughout his being, until he realized this voice was different.

He suddenly sucked in a sharp gasp, the air reaching his lungs almost painful, his vision dyed white. Blinding white...And then red. A deep, crimson red. White and red, splattered in massive splotches, speckled across an endless white and brown.

What was he…?

He felt someone take ahold of his shoulders, fingers digging into his skin somewhat harshly, holding him firm.

Just in front of him, he met a mixture of silver-red eyes. They looked at him in caution, concern, worry, but he couldn’t comprehend them.

“—ax..!” That voice called out to him again, muffled, blurred. “Max, snap out of it!!”

All too suddenly, the voice shot through his eardrums with vivid emphasis, and Max finally understood who stood before him.

The bright, violet hair. Those two-toned eyes. They were just in front of him, surprisingly close. Max couldn’t stop himself from reaching up, trying to push Eon away by placing a hand on his chest.

But he froze as he saw his own hand, steeped in that same, deep red he couldn’t understand moments prior.

Not just his hand. His arms, his clothing, even his face. All was splotched with crimson, the nauseating scent of blood suddenly choking his senses in full force.

“…!!” Max tried to step away, but Eon’s grip remained firm on him for a moment, as though he were trying to ascertain Max was truly...Max, before finally letting him stagger back.

He clumsily fell onto the dirt and snow, his hand hitting something moist as he reached down to stop his fall. If he were to glance over his shoulder, trying to identify the source of that feeling, he saw it. The disfigured, lacerated corpse of a Demon laying in pieces just beside him.

Was this...The same Demon? The same Demon who he’d seen almost bring Eon to his death what felt like moments ago?? Max was certain, and yet...He couldn’t recall anything. He couldn’t remember what he had done. Couldn’t remember creating this mortifying scene.

He was desperately trying to recollect himself, trying not to spiral out of control as he looked up at Eon in a panic.

Had he hurt him again? Max wasn’t sure he’d forgive himself, but while Eon too, had blood on him, Max could see no visible injuries on his body.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something...But whatever words he might have had, were lost as the two simply locked gazes for a moment.

It was Max himself who turned away, fists clenching against the ground.

“...Again…” He muttered under his breath, trembling.

...Why wasn’t Eon saying anything? Max dared to glance back up before he realized why.

He had been so caught up in the moment, frantically trying to grasp what had happened, that he didn’t realize they were not alone.

Surrounding both of them, were uniformed men, fully armed, and bearing the Society’s, spiral-like emblem.

Max couldn’t imagine what he might have looked like to them right now, but it came without surprise that all guns were pointed his way, poised, ready to shoot him at any moment.

“...What is this?” A new voice Max did not recognize sounded out, some of the men stepping aside as another parted the circle around them. Donned head to toe in a solid, black uniform, it was obvious this man was of a different caliber than his fellow soldier’s standing beside him. With light blonde hair that was neatly slicked back, ice-blue eyes bore down on Max, colder than Winter itself.

He regarded Max quietly, expression indiscernible, before glancing over at the corpse of the Demon, those blue eyes narrowing.

And then...He lifted his hand, motioning for the men to take aim.

“Wait…!” Eon’s voice abruptly rang out, defensively stepping between Max and the man. “A-Alacard I...I promise there’s a reasonable explanation for this so...So please.”

The man, going by the name of Alacard, narrowed his eyes even more fiercely, but he lowered his hand.

“Whatever should I be waiting for? Seeing the situation from only a mere moment ago, it’s become apparent that this creature is a threat...To add to this, both of you were to be placed under arrest and interrogation for taking an unauthorized leave from the Society. I’m under full obligation to take matters upon my own hands at this point.”

“That…!” Eon grit his teeth, his tail trembling. “What...What are you talking about? Azuma was the one who sent us out.” He hastily explained, but Eon immediately felt a sense of regret for saying these words.

“...Did he now? His behavior has been somewhat questionable as of late...” Alacard fell silent, tension rising in the air. “...Very well then.” He nodded, but before Eon could feel relief, Alacard stepped forward. “You do it.”

“...What?” Eon didn’t believe his ears. He didn’t want to. Some part of him truly wished he was mishearing things terribly.

But that wasn’t so.

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” Alacard’s icy gaze fixated upon Eon. “You’ve been a bit uppity lately. I was just thinking it’s about time you were reminded of your place, Eon. Has being around another of your kind really been that comfortable?? Well don’t you worry, I intend to remedy that.” Grabbing ahold of Eon’s hand, and turning it over...Alacard firmly placed his pistol within his palm. When and where he seemed to have confiscated it, Eon hardly knew. “It shouldn’t be difficult for you. How many have you put down by now? What’s one more??” Alacard added in, turning Eon to face Max, and shoving him forward. “Now do it. If you disobey me, I’ll consider this an act of treason...Surely you don’t want that, do you?”

The words repeatedly crashed down over Eon’s mind and heart, crushing him. Only just the previous night, Eon worried about this outcome. Was tormented over the possibility.

“Eon.” Alacard’s voice rung out, as though to solidify his authority and decision. “This is an order; Put him down.”

An order.

It was an order.

Eon felt as though his vision went black, confliction igniting at his core...And yet, he couldn’t turn away. Those words were absolute. Truly, he could not defy them. Even as agony tore at him, Eon killed that emotion, walking over towards Max.

And in that instant, the barrel of his pistol was aimed at the center of Max’s forehead.

...Run away.

A voice cried out from deep within him, pleading, praying that Max would heed it.

Please.

He begged, pleaded. He didn’t want to do this.

And yet...Clear, emerald eyes looked straight back at him, unflinching, and unfaltering.

...Please!!

His arm shook, fingers locked along the trigger, inching it back ever so slowly.

But Max would not move. He seemed resigned to his fate, proudly meeting Eon’s gaze, giving him silent approval.

Those beautiful, emerald eyes.

...No. There was no way Eon could do this.

His arm fell back, hanging limply beside him.

“...I…” He began feebly, his throat going dry. “...I’ve devoted everything to the Society. I’ve done everything you’ve asked without question. Not once...Not once have I disobeyed. I could never betray the Society...If it were someone else, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would slaughter as much as you want me to.” Eon turned around, holding Alacard’s gaze. “...But not him. Anyone but him. I’d sooner let you tear my heart out, if that’s what you need to prove my loyalty.”

Tense silence passed between the two, and it was anyone’s guess as to what the outcome would be.

“...If I might interrupt this little disagreement…” A new voice cut in as someone else joined the fray.

A jet black tail swished through the air, vivid, royal blue eyes flickering with mysterious light.

“...Ah...Kaede, was it?” Alacard paused, seeming to need a moment to recall this individual. “...Hmph...I suppose I’ll consider your request in return for turning these two in.”

“Why thank you.” Kaede was appreciative, glancing at Eon, who tore at him with a furious expression.

“Do not misunderstand.” Alacard scowled. “Considering you work for them, I can hardly say that I trust you or your motives. Do your best not to step out of line, less I change my mind.” Alacard was clearly suspicious of the man, but he simply disregarded him thereafter, returning his gaze to Eon and Max.

Narrowing his eyes, he turned to his men.

“Take them into custody. It’s about time we return now.”

Nothing more could be said, given the situation, as both Max and Eon were assigned different groups of soldiers to walk between for their journey back to the Society.

However, that very journey back to the capital would be a long one, the group taking up temporary residence within a smaller branch.

Tucked away in a tiny city of trade by the name of Torēdia, even this smaller Society building still seemed to tower over the rest of the city, far away from the clamor and noise of the city interior.

Inside however, the building bore a very similar resemblance to the main branch. Right down from the marbled floors and walls, to the wide, sun filtering windows above. Even the branching staircase towards the back was the same.

Max however, was separated from Eon, Alacard splitting off with Max just beside him, towards a doorway at the base of the stairs, towards the back.

It didn’t take an overactive imagination to realize he would be taken down to a dungeon of sorts, being walked down a narrow, concrete staircase. Unrefined compared to the rest of the building above, but this came as no surprise.

Before long, Max was shoved past a metal doorway further down one of the corridors, a tiny room spanning before him, when the heavy sound of metal slamming shut sounded off behind him. He had little time to comprehend anything, and now, he was suddenly alone.

He felt...Somewhat stunned, but tried to keep himself grounded as he glanced over the room.

A rickety, crusty bed sat in one corner, a simple drainage system along the other, with a disgusting looking toilet just beside.

Slowly, the events prior came back to him, piece by piece. He hadn’t the time to let them settle before this.

He...He still didn’t know what he had done, but he only just now realized he couldn’t recall how Eon had been looking at him when he snapped out of...Whatever state he had been engulfed within.

Was he concerned? Afraid?? Perhaps even angry with him??? Max didn’t see any injuries, but he wasn’t necessarily sure about that either. How long had the people from the Society been there, and what...Did they see…?

...He had so many questions, and absolutely no answers. The uncertainty of it all weighed down on him like a pile of bricks.

His hands...Were still caked with blood. Dried, iron red clung to him, and Max furiously rubbed it off, rejecting it.

What...Was happening to him? What was he going to become??

What...-

No. He was fine. Sucking in a small breath, he gathered his scattered thoughts, just in time to hear a loud, metallic creak sound off from behind him.

Alert, Max swung around, fur swelling out, as none other than Alacard, walked his merry way into the sad, little room.

Baring his fangs, Max flattened his ears, a low growl rumbling from his throat in aggression, pupils narrowing into needle-thin slits.

“My, my, what an unruly thing you are.” Alacard narrowed his ice-blue eyes, brushing off Max’s open aggression as he walked closer.

The two locked gazes, but when Alacard reached out, harshly grabbing ahold of Max’s chin, he had to resist the urge to swipe at the man.

But Alacard said nothing. He simply regarded Max quietly, as though inspecting him. Assessing him.

Silence ensued, and Max was reaching the end of his tolerance for it, when Alacard finally spoke.

“Hmmm...I suppose you’ll do.” Finally, he released Max’s chin, who stepped back cautiously. He seemed to be speaking more to himself, rather than Max. “From here on out, you work for me. Do you understand?”

Max was clearly taken aback, and had absolutely no interest in this arrangement.

“...Unless my memory fails me, I’m pretty sure you were aiming to kill me not that long ago.” He frowned, eyeing the man down, refusing to look away.

This man was dangerous. Max felt that in his gut, and he never went against his gut instincts. They’ve yet to fail him.

“That was my intention, yes, however, I do believe I’ve had a change of heart.” Alacard shot back, an eerie grin playing upon his lips. “In a way, this play of events will be a blessing, I’m sure. It’s given me the wonderful opportunity to remind Eon what happens when he gets a little too willful...And I’m sure I’ll get something wonderful out of this as well. Or so my hunch proceeds to tell me.” Alacard continued on, as if his decision was final, with no option of going against him. “I’ll simply take a page out of Azuma’s book. What better way to deal with Demons, than with Demons?? And I believe I’ve already gotten a glimpse of your physical prowess as it is.” He looked down at Max, tilting his head to the side just so. “...Besides. As much of an enigma that Azuma is, he’s never once let the Society down. If he were to say something has merit, I’d be the fool to not believe his words...So that being the case…” Alacard leaned forward, practically looming over Max, icy eyes peering straight through him. “...Azuma says we can expect great things from you...I wonder why that is, exactly? Shall we put that theory to the test??”

Max felt a chill run from the tips of his ears, to the base of his tail.

Somehow...Somehow, he felt as if this man knew something. Something he shouldn’t have...But Max couldn’t identify what that something may have been.

Once more, Max took another step back, hitting the cool, concrete wall behind him.

“...I don’t know what you’re going on about, but you’d be a damned fool to think I’ll listen to whatever you want.” He hissed, feeling cornered, trapped. He didn’t like it one bit.

“...You’re becoming rather close to Eon, yes?” Alacard suddenly spoke up, seemingly changing the subject...But these words gave Max a terrible feeling of unease. “Surely that must be the case, seeing as how you were so steadfastly ready to die at his hands.”

A long, drawn out pause ensued, ticking by slowly, painfully.

“...It would be a shame if something were to happen to him, don’t you agree?”

“…!! You wouldn’t…! He’s completely loyal to you, what would you even get out of something like that?!” Max questioned fiercely, enraged at the implication.

“Your obedience.” The answer was immediate, as though prepared just for Max. “It would certainly be a shame to lose such a well behaved, little weapon, but...I’d more than willing to settle on Azuma’s diminutive bet...Ah, but perhaps this isn’t quite what he meant, however...No matter.” Alacard chuckled, seeming amused with his own words. “Eon won’t fight back. Surely you’re aware of that...So what will your decision be, hmm?”

Max’s thoughts went turbid, spiraling out of his control. Eon’s safety depended on his decision alone.

The answer should have been obvious, but Max needed to know. He deserved that right, at the very least.

“...Why…? What is even the purpose in this??”

“The eradication of Demonic kind.” Alacard answered him. “In a world where Humans outnumber other species by nearly ninety percent, why is it that we alone are forced to live in constant fear of other species? They say a species thrives the greater it’s numbers, but I can hardly say that’s the case for most...So what do you do in such a situation??” Alacard’s tone dropped. “You take matters into your own hands. You climb your way to the top, and you push off those that dare to threaten you. We, the Lumos, will create a world where Humans fear Demonic kind no longer. Where we don’t have to fear what lurks in the shadows of every corner, every forest, every mountain. There will no longer be any reason to be afraid, and if using Demonic kind against their own is the answer, then so be it.” Alacard’s gaze once again fell onto Max, reaching out to grab hold of his chin again. “Perhaps, if you behave yourself enough for the duration of your service, there might be a place in this world for you after...As someone’s, little pet.” He chuckled snidely, practically tossing Max to the side a bit after releasing his chin.

Max felt infuriation bubble within the pit of his stomach.

“...You’re scum.” He hissed, enraged. “Absolute scum.”

“I’d say it’s quite the opposite.” Alacard laughed, despite the insult shot his way, before fishing something out of his pocket.

It was a box, about the size of his hand. As for the contents, Max wasn’t sure. He found himself holding his breath as it was opened, Alacard dangling something from between his fingers.

A strange band of some sorts...No. It looked similar to a collar.

Max wanted to take another step away, but his back was still pressed firmly against the wall. Unable to escape, all he could do was look up at the man in uncertainty.

“...Rather fitting, don’t you think? Our research team developed this quite recently, and I’ve been meaning to test it out. Initially, I planned for Eon, but I feel as though you’re much better suited for it.”

Max bristled out even more than before, if it were possible, but he didn’t fight back as the collar-like contraption was wrapped around his neck securely.

Already, the feeling was unpleasant, as though something were stuck to his neck, clinging to it. Instinctively, he reached up, his fingers brushing along the band.

A subtle click reached his ears, but Max was unable to comprehend what the sound might have been before what happened neck.

His vision suddenly shook, a sharp jolt passing through his body before indescribable pain overtook him.

The pain was excruciating, dominating every corner of his mind, every fiber of his being. From the tip of his ears, to the end of his tail. Burning at his body from inside, as though his very nerves were set alight in a fierce inferno. Max couldn’t even scream past his agony, collapsing to the cement floor, writhing helplessly.

“...Ah yes. I do believe I forgot to mention that trying to take it off, or even touching it, will cause such a reaction to occur.” Alacard’s voice reached his ears as he knelt down beside Max, watching him in apparent curiosity. “Fascinating, isn’t it? This device is programmed to affect your brain signals directly. If I want you to sleep, you sleep. If I want you to hurt, you hurt. I can discipline you without having to physically harm you in any way, shape, or form.”

These words just bounced off of Max’s ears, unable to process them, his entire sense of self engulfed within his torment, which seemed to last for an eternity...Until finally, the unbearable pain began to ebb away, leaving him absolutely exhausted.

His head was suddenly yanked up by his hair before he could recuperate, icy eyes boring down at him.

“From today onward, you belong to me.” A ruthless voiced crashed down on him, like an angry torrent of waves, the fistful of his hair being let go as Alacard stood up. “Don’t you forget that.”

And with that, heavy iron doors slammed shut, sealing Max’s fate.