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Something went wrong.
He was too late.
He told himself that he'd protect Avery, He promised himself that.
He did everything. He warned him, he tried to stop him, he tried to send him back.. He tried to lead him away.
..But it didnt work.
Why.
Why..?
. . .
D3rlord3 was silently standing still. Looking at the floor below. ..How long has it been since the King's arrival..? Weeks..? Months..? He cant remember anymore. Time had passed like a blur.
..Why was he still alive even..?
..
..Right. That.. *Thing* Kept him alive. As some sort of.. "Thank you", For giving it Its's Vessel.
..Absolute Bullshit.
That thing just wants him to suffer. To watch as Avery.. or rather— whats left of him get used as a puppet for the king's biddings. Get used as a vessel to ruin and end humanity with its arrival—And he could do nothing but watch helplessly. He grits his teeth, staring onto the floor as he gripped the balcony railings of the King's castle.
He hates this. He hates how hes useless right now. His mind races with all the possibilities on how he could've saved the world. On how he could've saved Avery.
...But is there really a world.. where things would go their way? Where both of them would be happy and safe? A universe where.. they both could get to know each other, even if Derlorde already knew everything about Avery?
..No. The king knows *everything*. And hell, it might even know all the possible endings. And it knows how to turn every single possibility into its favor.. And Derlorde hates it.
As his mind was clouded with thoughts, He suddenly felt Cold arms wrap around his shoulders from behind.. He froze, tensing up.. It was cold, like a lifeless corpse.. but he knew who it was.
He moved quickly, pushing off who ever snuck up on him and stepping back to the side, making distance.
..The person, or should i say the being.. Merely smiled. Placing its hands on its cheek as it leans its head to the side.
..Avery.
Or atleast.. what was left of him ever since the King took his mind.
"..Why so cold, my knight?"
The king said in his voice—*his sweet, and loving voice* .
But it was just a trick. A sick sort of torture.
Derlorde gripped the handle of his sword on his waist. Gritting his teeth.
"Stop. Stop acting like him." Derek hissed through gritted teeth. Avery, only smirked. Stepping closer and placing its hand right ontop of the other, the one gripping the sword tightly.
"Don't you like it? My Knight? *I'm* still here."
The slime leaned closer, Its yellow eyes boring into Derlorde's.. He could feel the familiar ache in his mind the longer he stares at Avery's eyes..
..No. no no that isnt Avery. He needs to stop thinking it. Thats no longer Avery.. that sick twisted monster took him away, Manipulating Avery into giving up his mind and body to it... Derek shut his eyes close and turned his head away. Refusing to look at the other.
The king let out a bothered hum, letting go of the other's hand and moving its own onto Derlorde's cheek.
"Stop refusing it. Its still me, Derlorde."
Derek shook his head. Tears threatening to spill from his shut eyes. "No.. stop. You aren't him.. you will NEVER be him— You're a damn monster. Taking his body, his mind."
The king gripped Derek's chin tightly, forcing him to look right at it. Avery's eyes glared at the Knight, His eyes glowing. Showing just how much it was starting to get irritated with the Spartan's words. "You're wrong. Me and the vessel.. has fused into one. "
Derek furrowed his eyebrows. What nonsense was it spouting now..?
" The Vessel's mind, and memories, feelings. All of it i know. All of it.. i *feel*."
Derlorde let out a sharp "tsk"— pushing the Other off of him. "So what.? That does not change the fact that you are not Avery."
The King stood still, expression unreadable. "..How foolish.. Its saddening to see someone so smart, yet so... blind. I cant help but feel that the vessel's stupidity had... influenced you."
Derek grit his teeth, jabbing a finger right onto Avery's chest. "You dont get to say shit about Avery. "
The king hummed, a smirk forming on his face. His eyes glistening under the sun. Derlorde tenses up, backing away, fists clenched. Wanting to punch the smug look on this fuckers face.
..But he cant bring himself to do it.
He cant bring himself to hurt Avery.. And the King knows it.
"..Stop it. Stop looking at me with his eyes."
The King chuckled, Crossing its arms and starting to circle around Derlorde. "My Knight... Ive given you all the chances to leave.. to escape this castle, your so called "hell". ..But you haven't. "
..Derlorde looks down.. Trying to Avoid the King's face. But it wasn't having it.
With gentle hands, it guides Derek's face back at it.. Smiling warmly. That.. stupid smile that Avery used to have. "..But you haven't left."
The King paused, letting out a soft hum. "..You've grown attatched. You cant bring yourself to leave me."
Derek held his breath.. As much as he hated to admit it. It was the truth. He wants to leave, but he can't. The king... It was the only thing that was still related to Avery. The king still had Avery's face, Avery's body, and Avery's Voice. And no matter what.. He can't bring himself to leave, because if he does— all his memories about the slime.. would be gone.
As much as he hated to admit it.. The King.. was all he has that still has the remnants of his love.
"..You're delusional. ' Derek mumbled, pulling away and turning his back on the king. Glaring at the floor. ...and without another word, he leaves the room.
The king, merely smiles. Letting out a quiet chuckle.
"..You'll come to your senses eventually, My Knight."