Resistance

Shadow of the Moon - Part 1

His heart was racing in his chest, the sound roaring in his ears, the feeling of the cold wind rushing past his face as he tried to suck in desperate breaths. Each step he took, he felt his body creak in protest, the need to rest burning throughout him, but he couldn’t stop. Not even as the nearby shrubs and twigs snagged at his clothing, cut the exposed skin on his arms, face, and anywhere else they could reach.

But he couldn’t stop. He had to run as fast as his legs could possibly take him, and he didn’t dare look back.

It felt as though only the moon glowed painfully bright to him. Overhead, and visible even through the treetops, he felt as though it were spectating everything, watching him.

Was he getting farther? How much farther did he have to run?? Syrus didn’t know, but he was certain that man couldn’t have been far behind. In fact, Syrus felt as though that alone, was a guaranteed fact.

Surely he would be taking his time chasing after Syrus, knowing he couldn’t truly get away, that ever lasting, cruel smile displayed across his face...Syrus felt as though he could already hear his laughter echoing throughout the silent forest.

He must have been getting closer...The thought of that sent an indescribable amount of fear throughout Syrus, rising in his throat and feeling as though that emotion were clogging it.

He had to keep running.

If he didn’t...If he didn’t…!

The sound of rustling sounded off just a ways behind him, that fear exploding within his chest, a small whimper escaping him before he could even stop it as he desperately tried to pick up the pace.

Suddenly, his body crashed against a solid, unseen force, causing him to stumble and fall back upon impact...And he felt the presence behind him, trying to urge himself to his feet, but he wouldn’t make it.

As he tried to scamper off in the opposite direction, a hand clamped firmly around his arm, feeling as though that hand had clamped firmly around his very fate, crushing his hope in an instant.

That hand tried to hoist him up off the ground, but Syrus attempted to throw his body weight to the side, though he knew deep down that his attempts were useless.

“...No…!” Syrus practically shrieked, continuing his fruitless attempts to dislodge the man, trying to get away.

Where would he even go? Syrus already knew he couldn’t escape this man.

But even so...He just had to get away. He didn’t want to go back.  

Anything but that.

But the hand clamped around his arm didn’t budge, and Syrus’ body was lifted up with little to no effort at all...And Syrus caught sight of those cruel, silver eyes, a chill running down his spine.

“Goodness, I turn away for just a moment, and you’re running off.” The man frowned, seemingly vexed. “And here I thought you’d stopped trying to attempt such silly things…Perhaps I haven’t been hard enough on you.” He finished before he hoisted Syrus up over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

The color drained from Syrus’ face, but all he could see was the forest behind him as he was carried off, back in the direction of the castle.

Despair settled in the pit of his stomach.

No matter how much he struggled, it was absolutely hopeless.

Soon enough, he was thrown back onto that same bed he had grown terribly accustomed to, the springs creaking loudly throughout the room, but even that sound itself seemed drowned out by the heavy racing of Syrus’ own heartbeat.

He flinched as he felt the faintest touch along his tail, not knowing whether it was because he had been touched, or it had simply brushed along the bed sheets, but that didn’t matter. Syrus was terrified, not knowing what would happen to him. There was just no way of telling what this man would do to him, and that only fueled Syrus’ anxiety and fear.

He retreated as far as he could go, his back eventually hitting the corner where the walls met, huddled up as he stared up at the man, wide eyed with fear and uncertainty.

What was he going to do?

Torture him? Toy with his body again?? Syrus just didn’t know.

The man finally took a step forward, and Syrus was trapped there, shrunk back as much as he possibly could.  

“You’re acting like a scared, little kitten.” The man spoke up, seemingly amused by this, the slightest chuckle escaping him. “I admit, I somewhat miss that bit of spunk you had, but this is endearing in its own way.” He grinned, holding out his hand towards Syrus. “Come.”

Syrus’ ears folded back against his head in response.

It was a command. There was no room to try and deny that very command, even if Syrus knew compliance would surely throw him farther and farther down this hole he was continuously falling in.

As though already sensing Syrus’ internal conflict, the man said nothing, that chilling smile being maintained along his face as he waited patiently.

But that patience was not out of kindness.

Syrus knew he enjoyed watching him struggle with himself. Enjoyed watching him bite down on whatever pride he might have retained, even now, and go to him obediently...Despite knowing what might become of him.

Syrus bit at his bottom lip, swallowing down on his emotions and pride as he closed the distance himself, obediently.

“Good boy.” A whisper against his ear, and Syrus squeezed his eyes shut in response.

He could already feel the hands creeping along his body, and he desperately shut the feelings out.

He hated every moment of this. These moments where he had to crush his own dignity, pride, and emotions, as he was toyed with.

He hated it more as his body reacted, beyond his ability to control it. He hated how he had already become accustomed to the feeling of being touched. Things he felt disgusted to have gotten used to. Repulsion flowed throughout him.

“...You’ve gotten used to this, hmm?” The voice called out, as though picking up on his thoughts, as though to fuel his already rising sense of shame. “Doesn’t take much to get you going.”

Agitation rose alongside the disgust that swept over him, and Syrus couldn’t resist the urge to glare daggers at the man. How he wished he could bore holes into him with his glare alone.

Having to go through such despicable acts was one thing, but to have to listen to this man further degrade him was a bit too much.

Hurry...He just wanted it to hurry and end already.

Some part of him just wished he would break already...If he did, everything would become so much easier.

...Hurry…

…………

...How much time had passed?

Syrus didn’t know, but he felt numb. Both his body, his heart, and his mind. He felt as though he were made of lead, the dark, gray walls of his room reflecting in his dulled vision.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he felt a lingering, damp sensation between his thighs.

Fresh frustration boiled up within the pit of his stomach.

An overwhelming sense of raw frustration.

How long would he continue to have to endure this overwhelming sense of humiliation?  

As much as he just wanted to give up...His pride and his reason continued to remain.

Or perhaps it was just his stubbornness that remained.

Regardless, he refused to give in, even if his body long since had...His heart, his soul...Surely, at the very least, he had to continue staying strong.

...He had to...If he didn’t…

At least...The others would be safe, right? He was the one they wanted, this power inside of him...At least now, people would stop getting hurt because he existed.

That’s what he tried to convince himself as a source of comfort.

Maybe now that they had him, they may take him some place far away.

Somewhere far...Far away.

Such thoughts lingered on his mind as he dragged himself to his feet to recollect his scattered clothing before returning to the bed, no longer having the energy to stay awake.

He let his consciousness fade away. Body and mind tattered, he fell asleep, craving that quiet emptiness that would come with it, however brief that moment may be.

His mind was shrouded in darkness, feeling as though he was falling...He was struck with a sense of  déjà vu as he looked around the vast emptiness, seeing nothing.

And yet...He didn’t feel afraid. Rather, this emptiness felt somehow soothing…

...If only he could disappear here...Calmly...Quietly...Peacefully. It would be fine if he just faded away into this nothingness.

He was tired.

He thought to just close his eyes and let it happen...When he heard a voice.

A voiceless voice.

...No...

He thought.

...Don’t call out to me.

He pleaded silently.

A soft, inaudible voice by his ear pulled him away, tugging at his mind.

Why couldn’t he just let go?

He heard an answer. A terribly soft answer, and even if he couldn’t hear words, it felt as though...The answer was that he couldn’t give up.

He resented it, but deep down, he understood. He knew he couldn’t give up.

Even if it hurt, even if he felt miserable...He just couldn’t give up.

A single, sliver of light in the distance caught his attention, seemingly terribly bright to him...Too bright, but he knew he had to go to it. His legs were set into motion on instinct alone.

Closer...Closer…

Until he came face to face with a brilliant, vibrant, flickering flame.

He was certain he knew what it was, and yet, at the moment, he couldn’t seem to recall.

Without giving it that much further thought, he reached his hand out towards it.

Would he be able to touch it?

The motion of his own hand seemed incredibly slow to him...Terribly slow...Until his fingers finally brushed against the flame.

Warmth.

It was neither hot, nor cold, but gentle, pulsating...Like it had a heartbeat of it’s own.

“I’ve been waiting to meet you… ”

A soft voice called out, as soft as a gentle breeze...It was difficult to tell if the voice was male or female, not holding any specific tone within it.

Who wanted to meet him, exactly??

“...Your soul is so worn...Who did this to you…?”

...He didn’t know. Syrus didn’t want to think about it.

Rather, it would be okay if he simply forgot.

“...It’s alright now.”

A gentle warmth enveloped him, though he couldn’t tell what it was...It was comforting.

He felt safe.

“Everything will be okay.”

Will it?

“I’ll protect you...My sun.”

Syrus felt as though he was swept up within a soft current, washing away his thoughts...Until there was nothing left.

Nothing for him to fear or doubt.

It felt as though his very sense of self was melted away within that current.

And then…

A sudden explosion shook the castle.

The sound and vibrations were so strong, causing a commotion, and the source...Was from Syrus’ room.

Wondering what had happened, considering Syrus had been so docile as of late, the man was shocked to see the state of the room.

The door had been blown clean off, having crashed against the opposite wall outside of the room, and as for the room itself, it had been set ablaze.

The heat was so intense, it would have been difficult to approach, but within the center of it...He could make out the form of Syrus’ body, standing in the center of it all, gaze cast down to the cement floor, unphased by the flames...But it was obvious there was a completely different air about him.

“...So you’ve finally decided to show yourself.”

Syrus’ body twitched in response to his voice, his gaze lifting, his usually emerald, green eyes, now both a brilliant, flame colored hue.

“...Are you the one who insists on tormenting my vessel??” A voice spoke, overlapped with Syrus’ own voice, and echoing throughout the room.

...However, the moment the entity’s eyes, through Syrus, spotted the man, they narrowed in disgust.

“...Iuno...So you’re still lurking around in this world??” Syrus clicked his tongue.

“Ah...I’m honored you still remember that name...Fiore.” Iuno grinned, silver eyes flashing as he gave a half hearted bow. “To what do I owe this honor?? It isn’t every day that you’re face to face with a Goddess herself.”

“Release him.” The entity, Fiore, hissed. “I will not continue to let you use him as you please.”

“Ahh...I’m afraid I can’t comply to that request, my Lady.” Iuno grinned, darkness permeating from around his body as though to challenge the brilliantly flickering flames engulfing the room. “You see, I’ve taken quite a liking to your ‘vessel.’ I would so love to keep him.”

Syrus’ pupils narrowed to thin slits in response to Fiore’s emotions.

“You can’t use him. Surely you noticed it when you touched his soul before.” She said. “If you try and take it from him, he will die, and so will I.”

“How unlike you to limit your lifespan to that of a mere mortal.” Iuno laughed, finding it ironic. “...Considering how much you despise mankind. The very creatures of this world. Have you learned to forgive what they have done to you?”

Fiore was silent, though it was apparent from Syrus’ eyes, that there was a deep, dark fire of hatred burning within them. A sense of sheer pressure charging the heated air.

“...I already decided from the moment that I touched this soul, that I will live, and die with it.” Fiore shot back in response, ignoring the second half of Iuno’s brazen questions. “I will not leave him, he will die without me. Even if you try to take me from him, it won't matter. No matter what you do, he and this power will die as a result. You’ll never hold it within your hands.”

“But as long as I hold him within my hands, it’s all the same, is it not?” Iuno shot back on the dime, maintaining his bold grin. “Have you taken a personal attachment to him?” He questioned, eyes narrowing. “...Or...Is it something about him in particular??”

“That’s none of your business.”

“So I’m not wrong then?” Iuno chuckled, almost mockingly as Fiore herself only confirmed his suspicions. “Making him bend to my will should be easy enough.” He added in, his lips curving in further amusement, deliberately. “I’ve already taken some time to train him on a more personal level...What’s a little more?”

An emotion that could only be described a sheer rage burned within Syrus’, Fiore’s eyes, doing little more than narrowing her gaze before she snapped her fingers, an intense fire igniting around Iuno’s body within an instant.

...And yet...His body did not burn, the vast darkness surrounding him practically devouring the very flames that burned all around him.

“...Come now, Fiore. You already know that won’t work on me.” Iuno tilted his head to the side, reaching up to brush a hand through his jet black hair, slicking it back slightly. “Should you really be wasting so much of his energy like that?? I’ve worn down your vessel far too much for you to be brazenly using so much power through him with abandon.”

...Fiore knew Iuno was right. In fact, she had felt it from the moment she had taken control of Syrus’ body.

Iuno was fully aware that keeping control of Syrus to this extent could become potentially detrimental to his body and mind.

Rather, she realized he had been deliberately dragging these moments out.

She couldn’t waste any more time on this man. She had to get Syrus away from him.

It would be risky to Syrus’ health, but she just had to put distance between them, enough to give her time to find someone to take him away. Far away. If she could just get him past the forest…

She took only a moment to search throughout his memories for a suitable place, and once she had found one, Syrus’ body suddenly ignited in flames, warping, before disappearing without a trace.

Her destination?? Syrus’ home, where Taharo was.

He was simply sitting atop his recliner, blankly staring at the static TV screen with a dull expression. No doubt, he was taking Syrus’ disappearance very badly...But he would have been shocked, surprised even, when he suddenly heard a loud thump sound off from just behind him.

Nearly jumping right out of his recliner, Taharo whipped his gaze around, his eyes widening to see none other than Syrus crouching along the hardwood floors, his body still flickering with embers.

Those flames were…

And it was then, that flame colored eyes met his own.

“...Judging from your expression, it’s safe to assume you know, don’t you?" Fiore spoke, wincing as she felt the strain on Syrus’ body, his very mind. “...Never mind the details...Quickly...You need to get him out of here. Out of this city.” Fiore urged him desperately. “...Quickly...I can’t keep control of him for much longer without risking the loss of his mind. He’s very weak right now...” She explained, Syrus’ body trembling as Taharo looked on in a stupor. “Hurry!”

Taharo was spurred into action at the sudden shout, rushing over to Syrus and plucking him up as soon as his body went limp, Fiore having released her control over him.  

“I’ll mask his presence...Hurry...”

A soft voice called out before dissipating into the air like a gentle breeze, and while Taharo had no idea of what was happening, he had no choice.

He carefully adjusted Syrus within his arms, rushing out the door with him, and into the forest beyond the city.

More than understanding the situation, Syrus’ safety was far more important.

As for Syrus, he was only just barely conscious, vaguely aware of the sensation that he was being carried…

...But he felt safe.

He allowed himself to let go in that moment, only being able to recall the sight of the full, pale moon shining overhead.

Somehow, he was seized with the notion that it knew. That it was watching.