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"How dare you take what belongs to another! You have no rights to my heart and yet you took it without cause or reason."
"Perhaps so but what claim do you have to such? A heart does not solely belong to but one person, a heart could be shared or stolen yet it could belong just as well to any other.
Your heart is just as little yours as it is mine and yet you dare say I cannot keep it? On what ground?"
Rerir scoffed. "What grounds? Are you being pedantic on purpose? A heart does not belong to any other than the person whose chest it beats within.
A heart wouldn't leave one if a body wasn't torn apart. Or are you daring to say that through the destruction of self, one's claim on one's body is diminished? That through the action of another I lost my right to my self?"
"Is it not so? Your body, your strength or your self you claim are but pieces scattered and drenched in the Abyss. As it's not solely yours anymore, tainted by a different power, how could you have any more rights over it than any other?
The Abyss' power I cannot leave unchecked and thusly I cannot return what you claim yours. If your heart was merely your flesh and blood, I would agree to easily return it but since it's not so, it will remain with me until it's purified in what manner necessary."
"You insolent child! How can you think you can stand against me and my goals? I will show you what true claim upon something means even if it means your destruction in turn!"
Rerir roared, pouncing towards Flins who easily dodged to the side, smiling lightly. They moved in a practiced dance, having fought again and again many times, Flins seeing the mania of the wild hunt reflected in the other's movement.
Although there was coherency in the other's speech, his eyes spoke of a deep-set madness, one created by the exposure of the Abyss, one created by having a body torn apart and rearranged, losing yourself in the process.
Rerir fought like a man who had nothing to lose, like a man that didn't fear death for he cannot seek it. His movements were wild and quick, destructive in only pursuing, never defending.
They exchanged blows and hits, meeting weapon upon claws, nails against flesh.
Neither flinched at the wounds created, neither giving up their own mission.
It was a match of stalemates, barely so as Flins had no way to match the other's strength, only managing to just flee the other's grasp.
It was only a matter of time for him to fail and it seemed such failure was upon him this day.
Rerir feigned an attack to the right, Flins too slow to realise that instead, Rerir was barrelling right towards him, exhaustion of the days of hiding and battle catching up to him.
He could only blink as Rerir crashed forwards, his claws not reaching for the lantern as it was too far, instead reaching into Flins' chest. Flins let out a surprised gasp as he felt the other enter him, felt pain blooming in his chest as claws gripped his heart, squeezing it before tearing it out.
He fell upon the ground, grasping for the bloody emptiness within him, the hollow left behind where just moments ago a pleasant beat was. The pain was an excruciating lack of motion, a call for something to be there that wasn't.
He could understand now that the pain of losing a heart was less the pain it caused the body but rather, the loss its absence brought.
But it was no matter, as a light keeper, he had a mission to fulfill, one that didn't stop merely because someone else wished it to.
Flins choked out a mouthful of blood, staring up at Rerir whose eyes were focused on Flins' own heart, beating in a steady rhythm still although slowing quickly.
"For daring to steal my heart, I will take yours on top for recompense. Since I do not see how you have any rights to it if you can't protect it properly."
Flins laughed breathlessly, the movement tearing at his body. It was no matter. "Is that so? Perhaps I presented a bad example with my own actions. No less, I won't give up this easily."
Rerir frowned at that, squeezing his heart harshly, bright red blooming over his hand. It fit him oddly well.
"Your pathetic self cannot live without this thing dispending your life. A human like yourself is shackled by your body, not every being shares such quality." Rerir hissed back. He then took a claw, tearing open his own skin, where one usually had a mouth, pink ichory fire dripping from the wound, sprouting an approximation of a mouth that he stuffed the other’s heart into, dripping blood all over as he chewed it madly, crushing into the flesh, the sickly squelches the only sounds reverberating through the dark place.
When he swallowed, the wound sealed itself with ease, leaving only the dark blood against his skin as evidence of the other's heart's existence.
Flins remained calm as he watched, a lingering smile on his own lips shining with blood. "I agree, not every being needs a beating heart to survive, especially one that has no true heart in the first place." Flins answered easily, standing back up, ignoring the empty aching hollow, the blood dripping down upon him, sullying his clothes and the ground. "But until you understand as such, I will take my leave."
With that, Flins vanished back into the darkness, the shadows his friends to keep him obscured long enough to run again, to find a little reprieve to repair himself.
Rerir looked around wildly, following the trail of blood like a mad dog, finding nothing at its end.
"You! I should have known you're one of those crafty feys, the bunch of you are a blight upon the world. Your existence itself is a sin against creation!"
Flins chuckled to himself. "And yet you're the one named sinner, carrying the very power that will destroy the same world."
***
He could feel the slash of pain as he nicked Rerir's skin, frowning at the sensation. The patch of skin on himself appeared unharmed and yet, the sensation ran through him.
"How strange, did you feel that too?"
Surprisingly, Rerir did halt in his movement, glowering back at him. "You mean when I pierced the skin of your cheek and felt the same upon mine? What sort of trick are you playing this time?"
Flins frowned, shaking his head. "It's no trick of mine, I can assure you. Rather, it seems like there's some connection between us through the mutual consumption of part of our core."
"You ate my heart?" Rerir roared, going for another attack that Flins just dodged.
"I may have nibbled at it out of interest. Nothing as far as you've done yourself, I don't wish to be contaminated by the Abyss myself."
"Why?"
"Curiosity? But it seems to have been a foolish decision. If we merely share sensations, that wouldn't be too important but what if said connection is deeper, what if one takes the life of the other, it spells mutual destruction?"
"You think I fall for that? Even if I were to die, I cannot be destroyed in a way that matters, the Abyss will piece myself together as it has done again and again."
"If you're willing to risk it, be my guest. I don't carry the same confidence as such connection seems to transcend our physical form."
Rerir stayed quiet for a moment, contemplating, a deep frown upon his face. "And what do you want me to do, let you escape with what's mine, letting you eat away at my self until nothing is left? You speak as if there's no way for me to incapacitate you without killing you. I won't let you get away even if your hypothesis is true."
"Ah, well, I wouldn't have assumed this means us friendly. I do not care for such either, you're the very thing I ought to destroy.
I just wish to do so in a manner that doesn't release unrestricted Abyssal power into the world in the wake of you seizing to exist."
"How kind." He scoffed.
"How kind indeed."
***
Flins had lost once again, being pinned down beneath Rerir, claws, digging into his skin, tearing and shredding, the Abyssal power pulsing uncomfortably against him. The pain mattered little, it was what he had become used to in his many battles.
But just when he felt the final attack to come, Rerir concentrating for the last blow to rid himself off Flins, he stopped. His gaze was intense, filled with hatred and yet, he didn’t continue, Flins blinking up at him.
“What are you waiting for?” He asked, more so curious himself rather than expecting an answer.
“You useless fey! You were the one that told me what our connection could mean. Do you think I hate you more than I care for my mission? I wouldn’t wish to die here when I’m so close to grasping the moon.
Tell me, fey, is there a way to sever us again?”
Flins shrugged. “How would I know, I wasn’t aware of the practise in the first place. We are bound now, perhaps forever, perhaps temporary. If you care to sever it, be my guest to do the proper research.”
Rerir roared as he stood back up, pacing through the cave. “This is ridiculous! You took everything from me and yet I can’t return the favour. And you don’t even have my heart any longer so I can’t even get that back.”
“If you know as much, why are you still seeking me out?” Flins questioned, Rerir scoffing.
“It’s not my fault you’re wherever I seek out the moon. I couldn’t care less for you.”
“Perhaps it’s our destiny to meet and battle then if that’s where it leads you to.”
Without an answer, Rerir left.
***
After their battle where Rerir regained his physical form, it was decided for Flins to play distraction, seeing as he seemed capable of withstanding combat with Rerir and they had head on confrontations multiple times with neither side winning.
Although Rerir was just as aware that Flins was sent to distract him, choosing to split himself to keep him occupied while still searching for Columbina, giving into conversations as battle had little reason behind it and would only drain him unnecessarily.
One of such conversations happened just after Nefer revealed the truth of Rerir’s past.
"Was it worth it, giving up your homeland, your self, your everything for your beloved?"
"How could I not? She was the very reason I remained sane while completing the horrid tasks put upon me. After realising the gravity of my position, all I could think of was keeping her safe, understanding that all those I killed before could have been just as innocent as her.
She made me realise the wrongness of my own path. She was the very reason I was willing to see past their tainted blood.
I would be willing to give everything to see her again, to embrace her even if it comes at the price of the destruction of the world."
"How selfish of you."
"I never claimed not to be. I may be wrong for being capable of going so far but I've chosen my path and allegiance. Just as you have chosen yours."
"I suppose so. Perhaps my perspective is tainted, I've always had a natural curiosity towards humans and their strange ways, I've never shared a deep enough fondness with a sole individual to have to question my integrity in such a way.
I love humanity as a whole, their fragility, their resilience, their continued push forwards against all odds. Humans are fascinating creatures which is why I wish to protect them and why when I failed to do so, I needed to seek oblivion for some time.
Human life is precious and I wouldn't wish to live a life without them."
"I can't say I share that perspective, humans have disappointed me too greatly before and we're capable of great harm with or without reason.
But perhaps it's because I'm beyond being a human now myself, I had the contrast of living as one and seeing myself grow beyond something like that."
"Mmh, are you not human still? You may be corrupted by the Abyss but that doesn't change your core, your self. A human will remain human even if augmented with different powers."
"I'm not one of your precious humans any longer."
Flins chuckled at that. "That's nothing for you to decide, Rerir. I've grown interested in you, just like a precious gem, your many facets intrigue me. You've lived a life far longer than most other humans ever could.
Tell me, is that what makes you think yourself different to humans? That the fragility of time has no effect on you? I dare say that the passing of time, the corroding effects of the Abyss makes you all the more human.
You're not untouchable, you're not infallible, you're as human as they come by."
"You're talking as if there's any species beyond fault."
"I didn't mean to imply such, there are just intrinsic ways each species lives and thinks, no matter how thoroughly they assume themselves different.
A human will never be a fey, never be a dragon, never truly be an Abyssal creature. They're fundamentally different even if they can share many similarities."
"You're speaking nonsense so I suppose that fits your species. Although I've never met one before you, the records were quite right about your roundabout way of speaking and mischievous nature. The one thing that doesn't seem to fit the picture is your unwillingness to see reason.
To stay with me when I'm opposing you, to not fear death by my hand even though I'm well capable of it."
"Do you want to know a secret?"
He nods slowly.
"There comes a point in time in your life when you realise that you've seen all there is to existence. It's not an upsetting realisation, it's more so a recognition that you've felt all those feelings before that you've seen the same tragedies and happy moments play out before your eyes.
There's a certain nostalgia in it but also an understanding. That even if you were to die in this very moment, it wouldn't be of matter.
Although this doesn't imply I don't want to experience more, see more, feel those emotions again. It's more so that I'm willing to take some risks for new curiosities, to maybe somehow, impossibly so experience something anew.
Rerir, although we may primarily be enemies and on opposing sides, you intrigue me more so than any I've met before. So much so I'm willing to risk myself to pursue knowing you.
I may never understand your way of life as you may never do mine. But it matters not in the grande scheme of things, sometimes knowing is all you can do."
"What if I kill them all, all your precious humans? What if I use the Abyss to usurp the world?"
Flins gave him a long, considering look. "I don't think you would do that. There was never senseless cruelty in your acts, always a reason behind your actions no matter how senseless the reason may appear to others."
"What if I just wish to get back at you for cursing our lives to be intertwined?"
Flins chuckled at that. "I suppose if you see that reason enough for retaliation, it also spells the solution for the problem."
"What, you would sacrifice yourself for them? Why?"
"Why not? I told you, I see potential in humanity, why would I want them to be snuffed out for merely my continued existence?
I've lived a long life, most of it awake spend in the service of humanity. It feels only fitting to end my life in the same manner."
"You're ridiculous."
"That I am."
***
"Why are you here?" Rerir asked, eyes blown wide.
"Why would I not be? I've always gone where the wild hunt appeared."
"Stop speaking nonsense, you were the one telling me how much you cared for humanity, that you wish to protect them. How could you do that when you're so far from them?"
Flins stayed quiet for a moment before sighing. "You really are a foolish man."
Before Rerir could bit out a response, he felt the cold press of lips against his own, a quick almost non-there sensation.
"Is it difficult to believe for there to be something else that caught my attention?" Flins asked, a mischievous smile on his lips as Rerir stared back, mind uncomprehending.
It had been a long time since he received physical affection, the one and only he ever received it from his precious Tholindis, her shadow consuming his mind.
"No. No, you couldn't. You know my very reason for existence is Tholindis, I won't rest until I see her again, I won't pursue anyone but her." He grit out, wiping his mouth in disgust.
But Flins remained unperturbed, smiling with a silent acceptance. "I don't need reciprocity to feel what I do. Although I'm fascinated by humanity, I never expected anything in return. The same remains true with you as well.
I merely wanted to show you that I chose you."
"Why?" Rerir couldn't stop himself from asking, the question terribly small, he hated it.
Flins hummed, shrugging. "I suppose in a strange way, there's something terribly human to you. Your perseverance, your endless pursuit of love, your continued existence for your one goal. What is more human than being consumed by feelings, to live so desperately for the sake of love.
I suppose in a way, it was inevitable for me to fall for you."
"Even without future?"
"Even so, it didn't stop you either, did it?"
Rerir stayed quiet, settling down in the dark space of the moon gate. It was eerily silent with just the two of them.
"So, you think it's futile too?"
"There's always a chance for the impossible." Flins answered with ease. "I didn't think I would wake from my endless slumber and yet, I am here.
You may find Tholindis, you may not, but that's not something for us to know it's for fate to decide."
***
Rerir knew he shouldn't, his very reason to hold on this long had been Tholindis, the very fuel of his anger, his drive to continue. But with each moment spend with Flins, with each interaction, each conversation, he couldn't help himself getting closer to him.
He inexplicably felt drawn to the fey, to their talks, to his laughs. He spoke with wisdom and age that soothed Rerir's quick anger, made him understand himself more and made him understand Flins as well.
He should hate this, hate how he could feel himself drift closer and closer to the fey, could tell his harsh words softening, his anger soothing in the other's presence.
It was so wrong and yet, he didn't stop. Yet, he engaged in any contact, looked deeply in golden eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of the world. He seemed to have forgotten the comfort casual conversation held; the way being listened to could bring reflections and thoughts beyond revenge.
He would never forget of course, it was a deeply settled part within him but it was pleasant to have something beyond that, something different... something special.
He didn't know how it happened, didn't feel himself moving. He only knew that he was close to Flins, too close leaning over the slighter man, pinning him down below him, lips barely a breath apart, eyes lingering upon one another.
"This doesn't mean anything." Rerir whispered, the raspiness of his voice bespoke a lie, Flins looking back at him bemused, not answering himself.
Rerir crashed their lips together, bruisingly, hungrily, Flins gasping into his mouth, drinking in the sensation, holding on dearly, fingers digging into Rerir's arms.
That served to only spur him on further, deepening their kiss, biting at the other's soft lips that felt so ridiculously good against his own, as if finding a path back home, a place to belong when all else was ripped from him.
It was overwhelming, all-consuming. But it felt so right, so perfect. He didn't wish to be anywhere but here, wished to consume Flins wholly and never let go of him.
When they separated with swollen, red lips and dazed gazes, Flins was the first to speak up, a low rumble of a voice. "This means everything."
And although something deep within Rerir wished to disagree, he was incapable of voicing it out loud, instead planting a soft kiss on the other's forehead.