The Approaching Darkness |Open

[deraj]

"So, what now? We spend eternity riding in a carriage pulled by undead horses?"

He laughed, overjoyed at her disposition. He replied quickly. “If you like.” Then Deraj remembered the problems concerning the death of his body. “Actually, I had planned on disappearing into these woods before I met you. I need to get away from civilization for a while. I am not entirely sure how this will all work once my body dies and I’d rather not inadvertently burn a city to the ground. I would be honored if you would join me.”

[Vexxus]

"I would be honored if you would join me.”

"I wouldn't dream of doing otherwise." And so, two individuals, who at the beginning of the day were mere strangers with a curiosity towards each other, now continued towards the death of one, and the beginning of a lifelong companionship.

It will be interesting indeed to learn more about him... Vexxus had almost forgotten the fact that they did not know each other a mere 7 hours ago. Now they were embarking upon a lifelong journey; on which they would learn to overcome many obstacles through both conflict and cooperation.

As they mounted the carriage, Vexxus' thoughts went back to Deraj's actions in Shadow form. He almost lost control...While he was still alive....I wonder if he can maintain it while he crosses over?

"So, how does one decide to die, in order to live? What kind of thinking did you come across in order to conclude this?" Her questions were in honest curiosity and without criticism.

[deraj]

Deraj took a final look of the glade as he climbed onto the carriage. How he had failed to notice the hanging man before baffled him. It at least explained why there was a maintained road leading to that place. Well, I suppose certain things like my good conscience or concern for Vexxus might have been more important than the landscape. He looks fresh. With a flick of his wrist he shot out a little fireball and cut the corpse down. Then he merely raised his hand and the body rose. He willed it to take the reigns. He will be able to take it from here. Deraj then hopped into the luxurious plush backseat of the open carriage with Vexxus. Not too shabby for a man on the verge of death. The undead shofer flicked the rains and they took off into the dark forest beyond. Deraj laughed to himself. ‘For the dead travel fast.’

“So, how does one decide to die, in order to live? What kind of thinking did you come across in order to conclude this?"

There was no reproach or sarcasm in her question. Deraj knew it to be genuine. “Well as I might have mentioned. I tried other routes but most magics can only prolong a life for so long. Becoming something akin to a or werewolf was simply out of the question. I am a human and intend to maintain my humanity...”

He felt dizzy suddenly and was forced to pause. Luckily, it passed as quickly as it came upon him. Deraj knew that such things would only increase in frequency.

He began where he left off, ”Ultimately when it comes to us humans, there is no alternative; our bodies must die. There is no escaping this fact. However, there is no reason why we must leave our bodies.” He grinned and repeated something as if he was quoted some sacred text. “For it is said, ‘that which is not dead can eternal lie. And with strange aeons even death may die.' ”

Deraj suddenly felt cold and did his best not to shiver. He took off his cloak and offered it to Vexxus.

[Vexxus]

Taking note that he had just risen a corpse from the dead as a driver; Vexxus trusted him and climbed into the carriage. He was the only thing she had to lose; and therefore she had nothing to lose by trusting him. They sat on the same side; facing the front of the carriage.

She posed her questions. As Deraj explained, Vexxus noticed a pause, but dismissed it as it could have been intended.

As he offered her his cloak, she took it, but did not put it on herself. Instead, she wrapped it around Deraj, "A girl with everything she wished for does not need this as much as a man who is never to return from death. Enjoy your last moments of human body-heat...as I imagine the dead are less than warm." She looked at his face, examining the features that showed a tragic remnant of the handsome young man she first met. "Speaking of death; how do you feel?"

She hesitated for a moment, but took his hand and placed her left hand in a position ready to remove the cold metal gauntlet. "May I?" The secondary question waited for a response.

[deraj]

He was surprised and deeply by her actions. Like so many things, he was about to insist but then she spoke.

"A girl with everything she wished for does not need this as much as a man who is never to return from death. Enjoy your last moments of human body-heat...as I imagine the dead are less than warm."

He decided to accept her kindness.

"Speaking of death; how do you feel?"

He laughed. Then she did another curious thing. She took his hand and asked permission to take off his gauntlet. He nodded and in a half joking tone he said, “As long as you don’t turn me into something other than what I am.”

[Vexxus]

“As long as you don’t turn me into something other than what I am.” At this comment, Vexxus smiled and let out a ringing laugh.

"Nope, not this time." She removed the gauntlet, and when she touched his hand, almost flinched at the temperature of it. Freezing cold... She took his hand between hers, and despite the size difference, attempted to cover as much area as she could with warmth. "How are you holding up?" She asked again.

[deraj]

He was glad that she took his comment well. The sound of her laughter then was the most beautiful thing Deraj had heard.

"Nope, not this time."

Deraj laughed. She removed his gauntlet and though she touched his hand, he felt nothing. This disturbed him.

"How are you holding up?"

“I had hoped it was just the bitter night wind but it appears that was not the case.” He let out a sigh. There is no use in denying it at this point. In an tone of resigned acceptance he continued, ”I can’t feel your hand. I should have known it would start in the extremities first.” He felt tired now that he had no real reason to move. He could feel his heart rate begin to slow. He looked at his beautiful companion. I die with an angel to comfort me along the way. He looked on her youthful face, into her deep compassionate eyes, onto her healthy enticing lips. His last chance to share physical intimacy with anyone had most likely already passed. His heart grew heavy and sluggish to the point that he could not help but to lean on Vexxus.

[Vexxus]

”I can’t feel your hand. I should have known it would start in the extremities first.”

Vexxus couldn't help but want to comfort him; even though she knew it was futile. She felt him begin to lean against her, so she did her best to accommodate him.

She knew at this point that the only comfort she could provide was emotional, but she held on to the hope that he could at least sense her presence.

"If we were more on...lively terms, I would know how to comfort you. Currently, I must confess, I'm a bit at a loss for ideas." There was a light humor in the statement, but she was in all honesty not sure about the situation. Vexxus herself was a kindhearted person, when she opened up to someone. She had just never opened up to someone who happened to be dying.

[deraj]

"If we were more on...lively terms, I would know how to comfort you. Currently, I must confess, I'm a bit at a loss for ideas."

He managed to laugh through the pain and nodded, hoping this would be an acceptable response. It was becoming more difficult to breathe as his heart struggled to pump that life giving fluid. He put his arm around Vexxus both to keep himself upright and as a display of friendship.

He looked ahead of them. This isn’t far enough. He focused on the thing driving that makeshift hearse. It flicked the reigns and let out a deep growl that at one time would have been words of command. The horses however made sounds that actually resembled the braying of horses. The team now galloped at unnatural speed. He relaxed knowing that they would make good time.

Deraj sighed as if he had just set aside a great burden. “Me too, I’m afraid. This isn’t something one exactly does on an everyday basis. For something that is romanticized and feared so much, it appears fairly mundane and inglorious so far. Emperor, pauper, warrior,... all are made subject to the coffin worm in time.”

Suddenly he thought of something. Despite only knowing Vexxus for but a fraction of time, he trusted her. With a great strain he pulled a silver chain out from underneath his breastplate and over his neck. The medallion that hung on it was large but not too large. The primal engravings upon it betrayed its age. A smoky amethyst was set in center and it gave off both warmth and an intense light. He held it up before his eyes and looked on it with fondness. “We have not known each other for very long but I trust you. I don’t often trust but hopefully this gesture alone will illustrate how serious I am when I say that I trust you. This is my phylactery. I would consider it great an honor if you would look after it. I’m not sure how much longer I have and I have no idea what will become of our faithful servants at the moment of my passing. I could pass easier knowing it was in your keeping.“ He held it out to her.

[Vexxus]

"I would consider it great an honor if you would look after it. I’m not sure how much longer I have and I have no idea what will become of our faithful servants at the moment of my passing. I could pass easier knowing it was in your keeping.“

The pendant he held reminded her of her own, which she laid a hand on as she questioned. "Are you sure?" He nodded. She took it gently, and placed it around her neck. "I will guard it with my life. None shall set their hands, claws, nor anything of the like upon it."

She tucked it inside the dark azure cloak. She noticed that every move he made required more strength than usual. "Don't move; if you need something, or need to shift positions at all, please just tell me. But, when you do, speak softly. You need to conserve your energy." As the hearse raced along, she thought. Even he doesn't know what he will be like after the transition...I hate to even think of it, but perhaps I should leave him and watch from afar until I know it's safe....

"Deraj....I....I really hate to bring this up, but there's a chance that you could transform into something that would be able to overpower me. I think it may be...better...if I..." He'll try to find me if he knows I'm nearby, even in the shadow realm... "If I return at a later time, when you get your bearings after your transformation."

[deraj]

Watching her put the pendant and his soul within his soul around her neck brought him a happiness that could not be put into words. He was sad in that moment that would not be able to show her his love for a long time, if at all.

“I will guard it with my life. None shall set their hands, claws, nor anything of the like upon it."


He managed to smile. He was unsure as to how it would appear now but he managed it.

"Don't move; if you need something, or need to shift positions at all, please just tell me. But, when you do, speak softly. You need to conserve your energy."

He nodded and let out a moan.

"…If I return at a later time, when you get your bearings after your transformation."


He had not considered that she would come to harm and when she mentioned it, he felt horrible. This extra strain pushed him to the edge. His heart began to beat erratically and he grabbed his chest. He knew that his time had come. He leant in close to Vexxus.

“I don’t have long now…Thank you, Vexxusaria.” He pushed her hair back and leant in further to place a kiss on her forehead.

[Vexxus]

He smiled at her faithful promise; but it did not last long. Vexxus saw a fraction of his youth in that smile, and felt a great sadness upon her heart to know that it caused him pain. He grabbed at his chest. “I don’t have long now…Thank you, Vexxusaria.”

He brushed her hair back and kissed her on the forehead. She was extremely grateful for the gesture, but was about to remind him not to move; when there was a great crash on the left side of the path. Her eyes automatically shot to the origin of the tumult, and saw what had mangled the horses.

It was a beast of primal demeanor, standing upon a tree it had fallen next to the path. Its' massive dark form's glowing eyes rested upon the approaching carriage. It's neck bowed, and it took a stance of offense, ready to attack. There was only a few seconds before they reached it, in which Vexxus made many decisions. Suddenly she turned to Deraj, and placed a hand on his cheek. As they passed the beast, it began to follow on foot. Vexxus gazed deep into his grey eyes. "I will find you. Continue until you are far enough for your comfort; do not worry about me, and don't stop. I have part of you; therefore fate will not allow us to be parted for long. Farewell, Deraj." She lightly caressed the decaying skin as she turned, and jumped over the back of the carriage, disappearing from his sight as her azure cloak was reduced to a swirling mist.

As Vexxus entered the shadow realm, she transformed directly into the last form she had held; the dragon. The direct transformation in that quick of time took more energy than usual. Well, at least I don't have to worry about taking time to shift... She rose above the trees, swooped down and grabbed the beast with her long claws. It fought, but she managed to hold it back as Deraj disappeared into the night.

Usually she would be a good sport and let it down in a clearing, allowed it to gain it's bearings, then have a fair combat fight. But the rush of emotions toward what could have harmed her most treasured companion overcame her. Her claws tightened, leaving 12 orifices in its limp body. She carried it and dropped it in a small lake nearby. I have to rest...or I may fall out of the sky. I wish I could carry on and follow Deraj...but I don't have enough energy... She came to rest in a clearing; then slowly shifted back into her original Shadow form.

She breathed deeply, then sat to regain her energy. I've already used my blood once...It may be a bad idea to repeat it in the same night. She had wanted to keep an eye on Deraj, but she knew she'd be able to find him later. While she rested, she pulled the pendant from under her cloak and held it in her hand. Deraj.....


ThreadArt:
(i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc141/Kairi-Naami/Amulet.png)

[deraj]

Deraj was again pleased that she accepted his gesture.

The beast came upon them without warning. It was a thing primal and ancient. It stood on a felled tree not far from the path. The carriage moved too quickly and he was too weak to study the thing. He remembered its deep, glowing, red eyes full of hate, full of a lust for destruction. It stood as if it considered pouncing upon them but decided against it for some reason. Deraj wondered if this was the same beast that had laid waste to this team only hours before.

It was not long before he sensed that Vexxus was alarmed. He assumed that it began to follow behind on foot. He despaired that he had no way to take care or at least help his friend. It was because of him that she yet again put herself at considerable risk. She put her hand on his face and spoke.

I will find you. Continue until you are far enough for your comfort; do not worry about me, and don't stop. I have part of you; therefore fate will not allow us to be parted for long. Farewell, Deraj."

She caressed his decaying flesh and did not appear to be repulsed. He was overjoyed to have someone he could finally trust. She turned and jumped into the fray.

Deraj lost consciousness as the carriage sped on into the night. His last thoughts were of Vexxus.

[Vexxus]

As Vexxus was thinking upon the events of the evening, there was a certain comfort as well as uncertainty about her relationship with Deraj. She knew almost nothing about him, yet she had developed a growing affection for this courageous stranger. She could only hope he would at least....Will he remember me after.....? Will he even be the same person?.... Thoughts of doubt crept into her perception of Deraj. She shook her head, as if to deter the thoughts. I'm thinking the worst....I shouldn't be so doubting of him...

Her senses interrupted thoughts; there was something nearby. Something.....

Vicious jaws exposed canine-like teeth as a snarl escaped from across the clearing. Vexxus could see the being from where she sat only because she was in shadow form; and the dull blue glow came from the same location as the sound.

Vexxus was not in the mood to tolerate an attack, so she stood, stretched a hand toward the enemy, set the other upon the hilt of her sword, then called forth the souls from it. At once, every thing she had ever slain attacked the offending beast, killing it almost instantly. The souls returned to the blade.

Vexxus roamed the forest, commanding the darkness from her weapon to consume anything that crossed her path. She followed the trail the carriage had been on; and began to search for her companion.

[deraj]

The carriage drove on for days without the full presence of its master. Eventually that power which granted the horses and driver unlife waned and they collapsed as they traveled along some cliff like roads. The weight of the horses was enough to stop the carriage but nothing held Deraj’s lifeless body in place in the coach. It went soaring over the team, over the edge road, and into the snowy valley below.

Shortly after he handed, the deep snow, cushioning his fall, he came to. He stood up not knowing where he was. His first thoughts were of Vexxus. He had no idea where she was or what exactly had took place. His coach was nowhere to be seen and the landscape was nowhere near the same. It wasn’t even the same season. He began to doubt his sanity and the existence of what all he thought he remembered. It was all so vague save for Vexxus.

Deraj found a road not too far from where he arose. I have no idea where this will lead me but it is the only road I have. He saw some billowous smoke rising in the distance that could only have come from a chimney fire. He decided to go that way. Hopefully there would be someone there that could help him to get his bearings. He was nearly upon the cottage when some of his vital organs failed and he fell to icy ground.

[Continued in 'It's a Wonderful Unlife']