Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It thrummed. In the sockets of his eyes, the forefront of his head, down to his chest, joining his heartbeat. Every step like a hit on a drum. It thrummed, taking up his hearing, a low grumbling, nerve-wrecking, consistent, inescapable.

The deep breaths did nothing to conceal it, the rustling of the leaves he was supposed to hear a faint suggestion in the grumbling’s encompassing presence.

“Okay, what is your problem?”, he snapped at nothing that could answer him, the Scythe stashed away in his room, far from the forest he’d chosen to meditate in.

From this distance, the bond they shared weakened to the point that Rhaast could not quip words at him to interrupt his meditation.

It seemed the Scythe had found other ways to mess with him.

He wished he could put that immortal oaf into his place, but right now his mind’s fortitude barely lived up to his expectations. Fortunately he could keep him at bay, the corruption spread like a timer on his arm, but also a testament to his progress, since it advanced slower each day.

The Scythe would regret leading him into the right direction to defeat him so easily.

Calm, he reminded himself. This was but another obstacle to overcome, before the real plan unraveled.

He breathed in the fresh air, vibrant with the smell of wood and flowers, held it and exhaled it once more.

He was in control.

_

His hair was still dripping from the meditation under the nearby waterfall. He had hoped the loudness and pain might drown out the noise to no avail, so he was resolved to tell the darkin off. In his search for a method of warding his own mind, he had come across a cloth interwoven with a spell that contained spiritual energy. One fit to wrap the scythe had been in production for a while.

Moving his hand to the door knob, his hair stood on edge, his senses tingling in a way that wasn’t merely the familiar dark grumble and he unsheathed the long dagger, securing it in his left, as he pushed the door open.

It was eerily silent, the window’s curtains flowing in the wind, dirt on his floor. Sloppy. Yet they had gotten in either way. Evading the Yanlei was no easy task.

He opened the door to his wardrobe, a massive weapon meeting his floorboards. So he had to change quarters during the repairs. Again. The hulk glared at him with rage.

That idiot had touched the Scythe. It seemed he had to postpone telling Rhaast off.

“Didn’t anyone tell you not to play with other people’s toys?”

“Nope. I got taught to take what I want”, the man said, grinning, Scythe slung over his shoulder. “And what I want right now is you.” He dodged the weapon, destroying the bed. Just as he had gotten used to the unbearable softness.

“So you want to kill me? Tough luck, I already see that body falling to dust underneath your corruption.”

“You think I’m so simple. I’m doing you a favor, really. This assassin was here to kill you. Just trying to collect my payment.” This time he used the dagger to deflect the charge, leading it to the floor once more.

“I don’t need your protection.” He didn’t have to indulge Rhaast in whatever brainrot he had going on right now. Ever since he had found him, actually. “Why would an assassin leave the window open?”, he asked aloud, mostly to himself.

“Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?” Another presence was still hidden behind the doors of his closet, keeping him from going all out, in case this was a plan to divert his focus. Then, the body collapsed, the Scythe clanking onto the floor, as the husk turned to dust.

He inhaled, gripping his weapon tightly, leaving the Scythe on the floor. Rhaast didn’t need the reward of physical senses after pulling that stunt.

As he approached, he smelled fear. This wasn’t right. A hired assassin would know how to conceal his fear or rather not feel it in the first place. There were no assassins here, just two unlucky idiots, hoping to make quick coin by attempting to kill one of the most powerful beings in all of Ionia.

Exhaling a sigh, he opened the closet door and Rhaast chuckled ominously. He would get to him later.

“And you are…?”, he asked the boy, no older than him, as Zed had found him on the battlefield in Bahrl. The eyes of the boy rushed from him to the corpse and back, terrified at the image. He didn’t have time for this. “Get lost, before I reconsider.”

The boy didn’t move an inch, fixed with fear. Why would anyone bring a boy to an assassination attempt?

“Well, I’ve reconsidered”, he said, smiling. Now, this was interesting. “You’ll stay and tell me everything. Understood?” The boy stared at the scythe, then the dagger in his hand. He sheathed the dagger and the boy’s gaze stayed fixed on his hand. “I said, understood?” The boy nodded.

_

“Now, talk”, Kayn said, after informing Zed and moving to another room. At least the boy had been coorperative, not putting up a fight, as Kayn told him to follow.

The boy’s shock had worn out, but he still seemed confused, only shaking his head. Kayn didn’t have time for this. If there were more ‘bounty hunters’ coming for him, he had to find out who had put that bounty on his head.

Who had the guts to provoke the shadow order.

You’re scaring him, idiot. Of course he won’t talk!

He hadn’t even left his window open and to even get on these grounds without attracting the eyes of the acolytes? Just who were they?

“I suppose”, he started, swirling the dagger in his hand. Maybe some good old torture would bring him further. “You might need some motivation.” The dagger drilled into the wood in front of the boy who shrieked back. “I wonder how many fingers you’d like to keep.” The boy was shivering now and Kayn smelled fear. Sweet, sweet fear. And he didn’t even have to use his shadow magic. That boy wouldn’t survive a day here.

Kneading his hands and breathing heavily, the boy mumbled something Kayn couldn’t understand. Did he want to test his patience?

“I would advise you to speak clearly.” He leaned closer to the boy who began whining.

Yes, Kayn! Show him no mercy! Rhaast laughed. Why was he so invested? Wouldn’t it be fortunate for him, if Kayn lost his endurance to some puny bounty hunters, so he could take over? Had he machinated this attempt? Back then he looked suspiciously unsurprised. He perished the thought. Rhaast wouldn’t be able to do that in this form.

“I just followed the line!”, the boy shouted out and shut it with both hands immediately after. Rhaast’s laughing got higher and he felt his anticipation rise. Soon Rhaast would get his bloodbath. That was all the old Scythe cared about anyways.

“What line?” The boy dared to avert his gaze downward, where his hands played with the hem of his shirt. Kayn turned the chair towards him with his foot and locked both hands on the handles. “Don’t make me ask again.”

“I don’t know! They kill the one on the other end and it hurts them so much, they wanna die.” Now the boy was sobbing. And Kayn was none the wiser.

“But you didn’t kill anyone.”

The boy’s eyes crept back to the Scythe for a second, Rhaast’s eye wide open, and averted his gaze quickly once more. What a hassle. He really hoped that cloth would arrive sooner rather than later.

“There was no one. The line ends there.” He followed the boy’s pointer finger to Rhaast.

You don’t understand, do you?

Answering him wouldn’t get him anywhere. If he wanted answers, he had to find out who “they” were.

“Who are you working for?”

“I…”, the boy balled his hand, eyes locked on nothing.

He knows nothing! Kill him!

Kayn straightened up, crossing his arms and shook his head. This wasn’t going anywhere and this boy wasn’t his enemy. Just a victim of war, as he has been once.

He resigned for the day, leaving the boy in Zed’s care.

_

“Noxians”, Zed said, as he caught him after training.

“Figures. Who else would it be?”, Kayn asked non-chalantly with a shrug.

“Well, it could have been Vastaya or, worse, Ionian men. We have only enemies.”

“Ehh, I didn’t really ask. So is that boy also Noxian?”

“Only by half.” Zed looked far away, as often into the direction of the current seat of the Kinkou Order. That old man really had to cut his ties one day. For now, though, Kayn was only interested in the information and he got impatient for it.

“And the other?”, he pulled Zed out of his stare and their eyes locked. Zed opened his mouth and closed it again. “The other, Zed?”

“Vastayan.” Bullshit. That boy didn’t have any animalistic features at all.

“Those Noxian genes must really hate anything Ionian.”

“Says the right one.” As they stopped at Zed’s office, Zed looked up at him.

“If you have something to say, just say it.”

“Come in.” They entered the room and Kayn took a seat. Whatever Zed was withholding might be confidential enough to not be spoken aloud in the halls.

“The boy has no features, but he does have the magic”, Zed started. “I’m not sure which tribe it is, but there are a few which can see the ties of fate.” Kayn scoffed. Sure, fate. They and their magic.

“He did say he would be following a line to someone seemingly connected physically with their target”, Kayn supplied.

“Physically?” Now Zed looked confused and shook his head. “Not physical. Spiritual. A soulbond is what they call it. Not the boy. He knows nothing about his ability.”

“So they used him for their own gain? Who was the assailant?”

“We could hardly identify him”, Zed jabbed at him. Definitely Rhaast’s fault. Maybe he should consider not keeping him alone in his room anymore, no matter how much the suffering humbled him. “Sui spoke with him and he told us where to look. It’s a tavern two days from here. You’ll depart tomorrow.”

_

He put up camp in the forest clearing, the fire cracking in the silence. Rhaast’s eye looked at him from where he had put him against a tree, growling lowly to annoy him.

As if he had any control over Kayn. In meditation, he tried to drown him out.

The rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the cicadas, the rushing of the flowing water. Strenghten the mind and the power will be yours to take.

The mission was simple. Going there, he merely had to question some weak idiots that used kids as weapons. How strong could such cowards be?

Then he’d find the real boss, kill him and the whole thing would crumble apart. One of the simplest missions he ever had. Then why couldn’t he fall asleep?

So you still don’t know?

“Do you want to tell me something?” If Rhaast would just stop, he could get some rest. He pulled the blanket over his head.

Nah, it’s funnier for you not to know.

“Whatever you’re talking about, old man.” The discontent at the insult burnt through their connection. A spiritual connection, huh? Like the one he shared with Rhaast, since he had touched him?

Why would such a connection matter enough for someone to break? If Rhaast got taken from him, the only thing he’d mourn would be the loss of power. Pretending that was a possibility anyways.

He’d be no more sad than if he lost his Shadow Magic.

It’s nothing. Figure it out by yourself. I’ll be watching.

_

The city was buzzing with life. Through the masses he progressed directly to the tavern. He had yet to see bounty posters of himself. Either the man had worked on his own or got sent by an organization. He could cross off the option that it might have been for quick coin. This was personal.

“Excuse me”, he leaned on the counter. The hulk behind it towered over him. What he had in muscle power, he surely lacked in brain power. No way to get past the idiots. “One beer.” Because he wouldn’t get anywhere without ordering something.

He’d really like to just threaten the information out of him right away, but he was an assassin and not a simple fighter. He worked better from the shadows. Plus, any attention he’d be getting here would be too much.

The beer got put in front of him and immediately someone dared to breathe his smelly odor into his direction.

“You reek of Noxian scum”, the man complained loudly and behind him several chairs moved. Sighing he sipped on his beer. He really didn’t need to be on a poster.

“You have a good nose, sir.” Sarcasm dripping through his voice, he glared at him. “You must have been around a lot of them to discern their smell so easily.” The man gulped. He had him right where he wanted him.

“Not your business, boy.” It came out weak and Kayn grinned.

“I do think it is. You wouldn’t know about a certain… let’s say… Vastayan boy?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The grip on the man’s glass tightened, exposing his lie and showing his limited patience. Certainly he had hoped to get Kayn out of here with the first sentence. In his back, the pack was still listening intently.

“Me neither. How about you enlighten me?”

“If you wanna squabble, go outside”, the barkeeper slammed his hands on the counter next to them.

“Yes. Let’s go outside”, Kayn mused, emptying the rest of his drink.

Kayn didn’t need to look back to know they followed him. If not their steps, their interest had already given them away. Just like him they wanted answers. What was a Noxian inquiring about Noxians?

“What are you doing here, kid? Get lost, before you regret it.”

“A little bird told me you can rent him.” His attackers got more confident, approaching him. “It seems my little bird lied to me.”

Kayn grabbed the attacker’s fist and turned him around, the man screaming in pain and Kayn released him. Crawling back to the group, the man shivered. Those weren’t seasoned fighters. Only scum.

“Next.” In the best case scenario they would talk to him now. He hadn’t even drawn a weapon and moved barely a muscle.

“That’d be me, I guess”, a voice came from the back and the scum retreated to the side. “Oh, I’m sorry for those thugs. You see, they are new and-”

“And you’re their boss?” The man’s grin widened.

“No”, he hushed with a shivering voice. Not shivering from fear. Shivering from anticipation. “I’m their worst nightmare.” His opponent's stance shifted, ready to take a fight.

Really, Rhaast would have a lot of fun here, but Kayn just wanted to get this over with. If that guy wanted to underestimate him, he’d be glad to teach him a lesson in humility.

Still unguarded, Kayn watched his opponent’s moves, calculated steps, and measured speed. Now, this man was a fighter. Before the fist reached his face, he dissolved into shadow.

“Yanlei! I’m excited!”, the man exclaimed, as Kayn materialized once more, assessing him from afar. Although he did say he wouldn’t want to waste time, this surely has peaked his interest. Now, this man covered it well, but his movements betrayed him.

He was desperate.

“It seems my reputation precedes me.” His chest swell at the man’s call. Too rarely did his enemy know who took their life. Mainly because he didn’t let them see him.

In a dash, he was running away. He had to bring him to the outskirts, away from ogling eyes, so he could evaluate his enemy further. See how far this desperation would drive him.

Removing the cloth from the scythe, he could already feel the rumbling, the discontent, the rage.

Kept me long enough, mortal!, Rhaast spew and Kayn scoffed. Rhaast was of secondary concern. He needed his enemy on the edge of losing. At least the rumbling stopped, once he touched the Scythe.

Oh, I see you’ve gotten yourself some action. The suggestive tone wasn’t lost on him, but he chose to ignore him. Unlike Rhaast, he wouldn’t ever find such pleasure in battle. This was all a means to an end.

“Don’t run, little shadow!” He deflected the two swords with the hilt of the scythe. “What?”, the man pouted now. “Not even hitting me with the blade? Afraid to scare me with your gardening tool?”

Kill him! Rip out his intestines! Mindless slaughter would never be his thing, but he still charged at the enemy. Not for a strike. Never strike first. It merely posed a ruse to make him protect his front, while he dissolved and attacked him from the back.

His Scythe got blocked. Holding it back with one sword at the back and the other to protect his front, just in case. Very curious indeed. The strength of the hold exposed his physique. Slim, but effective, just as Kayn.

Even if he wasn’t their boss, he surely surpassed them in skill tenfold.

Why are you playing around? Less thinking, more fighting!

Kayn got tired of keeping it up and jumped back, blade sliding against blade.

“What a very fine weapon! Now, where have I seen that one before?”, the man put a finger to his chin, the weapon dangerously close to his face. No doubt, they were already like a second limb to him.

If Kayn hadn’t been sworn to honor, the man would be dead now, defenseless as he was in this position.

“You’re awfully silent. Don’t you want to talk to me?”, the opponent was once again smiling.

Yeah, don’t you want to talk to me? Now Rhaast was pouting as well. Great. Two idiots to deal with.

The man himself blabbered a lot. In a moment of carelessness, he might drop his superiors’ position, if Kayn played it right.

“I find actions to speak much louder than words.” Kayn jumped to his opponent, swirling his scythe around and caught a piece of his shirt, as he jumped back.

“Oh wow, that weapon really is sharp! Mind if I touch it? Just a bit?”

How much Kayn would like to fulfill that evasive man’s wish. Obviously entertained by the idea, Rhaast laughed and hollered and Kayn rolled his eyes.

“Here, go on”, Kayn extended the Scythe. Giving him an incentive. Nobody knowing about Darkin weapons would ever touch one of them freely. He had to keep up the man’s charade. His opponent seemed too proud to let it drop and risk exposing himself.

“Ohhhh, so exciting, really! I’ve read so much about Darkin weapons, but to actually-” Right into Kayn’s hands. Kayn retrieved his Scythe once more, heaving it over his shoulder.

What are you doing?!

“On second thought.” He put his pointer finger to his chin, pretending to be in deep thoughts, watching how the man grew more antic by the second.

“Oh please! Anything!”

“Tell me, do you have a place more discreet?”, he asked, glancing over the shoulder of the man to his underlings who were catching up.

“Oh why! Of course!”

Imbeciles! Keep fighting at least!

_

The place was more decent than Kayn had thought for the basement of a rundown shop. At least it was more quiet than in the city and their only eavesdroppers were the guards stationed upstairs.

Denying me a fight and then let me listen to your boring interrogation? Just put me into that prison again.

“Can I offer you some coffee or perhaps something stronger?” The man presented a bottle of whiskey.

Yes!

Kayn waved it off.

Noo!

A drink from a stranger usually meant a death sentence. Rhaast was a fool, through and through. “Your loss”, the man shrugged, taking a long sip from the bottle.

Good, they were more vulnerable when they were drunk.

“The winery upstream makes an excellent whiskey”, the man kept on talking, sitting down and swiping at his mouth. “You haven’t tried real liquor, until that sweet-”

Boring! Cut off his tongue!

“-’s truly a ballad to the soul.”

“I couldn’t be less interested in whiskey. Say, what’s with the half-vastayan boy?” The man’s face fell, clearly having lost his amusement and he took another sip, keeping Kayn’s stare.

Soft spot, huh? Rhaast laughed. He had gotten over his displeasement surprisingly quickly. The bottle hit the table with a loud clack, echoing in the empty halls.

“You found him?” The man stood up, walking around the room along the walls, before ending behind Kayn, grabbing him at his shoulders. Rhaast growled. Maybe he should have packed him back into the cloth. He proved distracting. “I’d like to have him back.”

He dares to…

Everyone else might have struggled under his hard grip, but unluckily for him, the waterfalls around the temple hit harder.

“I’m not quite fond of people touching me”, he hissed, gripped the man’s wrists and pressed, gaining a painful whimper. About time he made it clear who was asking the questions here. The grip loosened.

“Oh, ah, I see. You did hold back there.”

That’s what I’ve been saying!

The man giggled nervously, swallowing. “Seems like we both did.” A ruse, most likely. His movements back then seemed too genuine to be faked.

“You must know the Yanlei don’t mess around. You’re lucky you’re the guy I’ve been searching for.” Kayn lifted his legs onto the table, tipping over the whiskey, the fluid spilling over the edge and the man whined at the loss. “So spit it out, before I forget myself.” Leaning forwards, he grinned sinisterly.

Look what you’ve done! First you reject it, now you waste it!

Surely there must be other people who might know more, higher up. Only being a wildcard, the man in front of him was kept alive merely because Kayn suspected he was in deeper than he let on.

“Well, yeah, the boy…”, the man tried to gain time and Kayn kicked the bottle to the ground, gaining a flinch. “He can see the string of fate.” It sounded as if he revealed some grand secret, closing his eyes and opening them again, as Kayn didn’t move an inch.

You still don’t understand. Rhaast’s laughter grated on his ears.

“I already know that. So was it you who sent the killer?” Killer because calling that man an assassin would be an insult.

“Oh please, I didn’t send him.” The man procured another bottle of whiskey, avoiding the shards of the glass as he walked. “I’m merely providing a service”, he said, cork in mouth as he opened the bottle. “Which is why”, he pointed to Kayn with the bottle. “I’m gonna need him back. You know, I miss that little guy.”

The man tipped his head back, emptying the bottle in one go and Kayn watched in disgust. To let yourself fall to addiction so easily. He was above that and that made him superior.

“I’m afraid I’ll need that contact’s name.”

“Why? Didn’t he die? You made short work of them, didn’t you?” The man wore melancholy on his face, as he looked at the swirling fluid in the bottle.

I did. Pride seeped out of his voice. The eye squinted in joy. Destroyed him from the inside out. Come on, Kayn. Let him touch me. Or are you too possessive of me?

“Then I need his superiors.” The man sighed.

“Isn’t it tragic? The poor poor man has lost his wife and children. Quite a repetitive story, if you ask me. He came to me to seek revenge. Said the Yanlei had burnt down his village.”

Now this is interesting. Kayn glared at him to go on more quickly. He couldn’t care less about the fate of one unfortunate soul, when the whole country’s safety would be compromised.

“It was you, wasn’t it? He did talk about a Noxian with long hair as black as his soul.” Kayn nodded. Sounded about right. If he remembered every single village that burnt for their cause, he wouldn’t have enough time to think about how to defeat their enemies anymore.

“Are you done with your little story? You’re more useless than I thought.”

“Disappointed you’re not important enough to get hunted down by someone bigger? Don’t worry your pretty head, boy.” A hand ruffled his head and he swatted it away to no avail, the man getting close enough to whisper. “The big fish are just smarter than a simple peasant.” Rhaast growled.

“Give me one reason not to kill you right now”, Kayn whispered back.

“Because I still have information. Valuable. Information. Isn’t that what you seek?”

“I’ll find a way to get it either way. Let go or I’ll forget myself.” Visibly unamused, the man let him go, slumping back down on his chair.

“You must excuse my manners. The alcohol tends to take my fear away.” He shouldn’t have drank it in the first place. What a despicable fool.

“Spit it out now or we’re done.”

Show him, Kayn!

“The boy. He leads you from your target to their soulmate. Killing the soulmate, while the boy touches them, cuts the string of fate.” He made snipping movements with his fingers, leaning on the table, whispering. “It’s the most painful thing anyone could ever feel.” Now he laughed like a maniac.

Kayn was really done with him. Without useful information, he’d be back to where he had started. He didn’t believe the farmer story one bit. That guy was hiding something bigger and Kayn would find out what it was.

“It’s a connection of the souls, you see? They call it a soulbond.”

“Forget it.” It was nothing he hadn’t known already. Did that guy buy time for someone else? “Rather tell me how you know about the Darkin?”

The man’s eyes raced to the Scythe and back to his eyes. He grinned.

“The Darkin Scythe, is it? Everyone’s been wondering who has stolen it. We should have known it’s been a Yanlei.”

“We’re not talking about me.”

“In the old days they were holy and revered, not unlike gods. In their fall from grace they’ve threatened to destroy the world. So they’ve sealed them- Hey, where are you going?”

“You’re not worth my time”, Kayn said, before exiting through the wall.

A simple farmer wouldn’t have been able to reach his room unnoticed and that man was definitely stalling for time.

_

Do you still not understand?

He flinched under the shower of the tavern he had rented a room at. After getting away from that guy, he had completely forgotten to cover the scythe.

“There is nothing to understand. He was spouting nonsense up and down. I’ll need to find someone with real information tomorrow.”

Oh, he didn’t lie.

“And I should trust you because…?”

Kayn. Nothing followed. How utterly predictable. Kayn. Now Rhaast just wanted to annoy him. I’ll show you.

A sting went through his mind and the corruption on his left arm manifested without the Scythe in hand and without him willing it to. It had never done this before. The hand moved by itself.

“Rhaast, stop it”, he commanded, in vain. Pressing the shadows to his arm, he concealed its presence, the corruption dwindling.

Everything was under his control. It’s just been a fluke, caused by his momentary carelessness.

Don’t you want to know?, Rhaast asked once again and Kayn bit his lower lip. And how he did want to know, but not from Rhaast because being indebted to that demon was not an option and he could never be sure whether he really did tell the truth.

“No, shut it.” He finished up and sat on his bed with only the towel around his neck to dry his dripping hair. The eye of the scythe followed him. Always watching, always plotting. Not bothering to dress himself up first, he grabbed the cloth and closed in on the Scythe. “You’ve talked quite enough.”

I think I haven’t talked enough. Soulmate. The word hung like poison over them, pulling at his insides, nausea swelling up in his stomach and the drip drip drip of a headache at his forehead.

“We’re not soulmates. You just forced a spiritual bond on me. It’s not a ‘string of fate’, just a string of spiritual energy.”

Keep telling yourself that. You do love to live in ignorant bliss, don’t you? It was an obvious provocation, Kayn shouldn’t engage, but still… still…

“I don’t.” The corruption spread once more and he willed it back, pulling the cloth taut. “It’s about time to make you shut up.”

He pulled at the cloth, setting for the first round, when his left hand stopped moving.

“Rhaast”, he hissed in warning.

Oh, I do love the way you’re saying my name. This oaf, idiot, dunce, dolt, dimwit. Not engaging his taunt, Kayn tried once more, pushing the hilt between his legs to hold it there. Just as he managed to finish the second round, he lost focus once more, his left hand pulling the cloth off again.

“Would you stop that?”

Why would I? It’s so much fun to see you break! The eye laughed at him, so he tightened his hold around the scythe, kneeling down to get better purchase with his legs, the warm steel shifting higher, until it grazed his dick.

“Shit…” Living steel, soft to the touch like skin. It should disgust him. He shouldn’t feel anything about it. It was just a weapon, a tool for him, a means to an end.

He caught the left hand, trapping it between his legs where it squeezed his thigh. For a moment his vision blacked out, a hot wave rushing over him and he gasped. Was it the bond that was forced on him? A trick to take over control?

You want it, don’t you? Doesn’t it feel right? Us touching like that? In his moment of vulnerability, the hand had put him into its grasp and he moaned. Weak, he should have more self-control. Applying the breathing techniques usually helped, but in this case, they only made matters worse, as with every deep breath he grew harder.

Rhaast played foul, as was to be expected.

“It’s you corrupting my mind with delusions of false attraction. I won’t let that get to me.” Still Kayn grinded into the grip. Why was it so hard to resist? What had the demon done to his mind?

You’re so sensitive. No wonder. You haven’t done it ever since we met.

Wrong, but Rhaast didn’t need to learn that he had never done it in his life. He prided himself on being above such lower cravings. He was superior to humanity. Superior to his own humanity.

The darkin was corrupting his mind.

Tell me. Does it feel good?

“It feels like shit”, he lied. It was the most addicting feeling in the world, the burning between his thighs, the press of the claws, the hilt of the scythe between the cheeks of his ass. A lowly human’s need. He was above that, about to become a god.

It was all the more reason to resist. And yet his body wouldn’t do his bidding. Had Rhaast won? Had Kayn lost? He bade his shadows to grab after his wrist, yet they would only leave gentle touches on it.

Enjoy it. Let go.

“Fuck you.”

You are.

The grinding quickened and he fell forwards onto his elbow, groaning and heaving, catching for air, while burning all over. It was hot. So hot. Hot. Hot. Hot. When his own moans grated on his ears, he bit into the cloth still in his hand.

He came with a muffled scream, spilling over the hilt and the blade and fell to the side. The corruption cleared along with his mind. Another indication that it already extended into this far.

Your screams are so beautiful.

He has fallen.

_

That man was sitting in the middle of the tavern, surrounded by a crowd. Gesticulating with his hands and body, he told a tale. A lie. Storytellers have always been liars, selling false hope and dreams.

With his breakfast in hand, he walked past the table towards the only empty one left, gaining his attention.

“Ah, my good Yanlei friend!” The people murmured. Kayn took a spoonful of his porridge. Should they talk. He was leaving today anyways. “No, no, he’s not a bad one. We had a nice chat yesterday. You could say we're best friends even.”

The man kept talking and the people left Kayn alone, not even casting glances at him. Very curious. He did seem to have a reputation around here.

He should search for potential former clients. They might be able to tell him about the truth of this bond and may know how to reverse it. Watching the man deep in his conversation, or rather monologue, he left the inn.

“The name’s Chiesoh”, the arm of the man got thrown over his shoulder and he shrugged it off. “I thought it might only be fair for you to know my name as well, Shieda Kayn.” Kayn stopped in his tracks. Under different circumstances he would have engaged, since the man proved well-informed with a high reputation. But this man was a liar. So he kept going.

“Oh, don’t thank me for saving you back there! That’s what friends are for!”

“I didn’t need your help. Stop following me.” Half-way to the tavern, Kayn turned on his heel, surprising the informant. “I should have killed you, when I had the chance.”

“Oh no, not so loudly! You’re scaring the people.” As if Kayn would care. An arm got slung over his shoulder once more and he resigned and let himself be led into the tavern. “Actually, business has been rough, since… a certain service could not be provided anymore. But you! You work in the shadows. A little paid assassination wouldn’t take too much of your time, wouldn’t it?”

That guy surely had nerves. Kayn would rather jump to the next person for intel, but nothing would get that man off his back and he still wondered what he was so desperate for. So he shrugged.

“Ahh! Perfect. Let us see then. Easy target actually, frequents the shrine in the forest every day, making himself vulnerable.”

“Who is he?”

“To you? A nobody. Highly confidential, you must understand.” Highly confidential, sure. There were enemies he’d rather not make in the underground. “And you still do owe me.”

“I owe you nothing. You gave me false information and hoped to touch a cursed scythe.”

“Oh, but every word I spoke was the truth. It’s for you to believe me, but I’d like to collect my payment.”

Kayn considered him for a while. The man didn’t flinch away, just kept smiling like a creep.

“Your information won’t cut it as payment for a Yanlei assassination. I’ll do it under one condition. We meet tonight and you’ll touch the scythe.” The man looked at him for a while. Kayn got him. He knew more than he had pretended to know.

“Alright. Sundown, same location as before.”

_

You can’t ignore me forever, idiot. Just as he had unwrapped the scythe, he already wanted to cover it again. Instead he huffed, rolling his eyes, releasing Rhaast from his soft prison. What have you done all day? Do I need to be jealous?

“I don’t have to tell you anything.” He fixated the Scythe on his back and made his way to the rundown shop. This was a bad idea.

So you’re meeting that annoying scum again. Can’t say I’m thrilled.

“Then we have something in common”, Kayn sighed. There might be the chance to reveal the lies of that man, but his demeanor still proved unpleasant at best. If Kayn wanted information, however, this man was his best bet.

Asking around the tavern about the man only left him begrudged. Everyone who knew anything were sworn to secrecy. The others told him no more than he knew already.

And even more wouldn’t even acknowledge him. That man hadn’t pointed out him being a Yanlei in public just to brag about it. It clung to him like a repellent.

Have you thought about it?

“There is nothing to think about.” His left arm covered in the familiar corruption once more moved to take his other hand. Concentrating the shadows to keep it still required too much of his mental energy.

In the future he had to train his mind to do it subconsciously, but for now he had to trust Rhaast not to try anything risky to him.

“Behave yourself.”

You can’t tell me to do anything. Despite his words, Rhaast retreated. If Kayn was lucky, he might lead some quiet conversation.

At the end of the stairs to the basement, the man already sat on the table as promised.

“So you think I’m a liar”, he said, sipping from a bottle.

Not like you’ve been very secretive about it.

“I think you gain nothing from telling me the truth and might lose everything by doing so. I believe that you want that boy back. A human look-alike with Vastayan abilities. That’s profitable. I just wonder… how did you come by such a child?” The man grinned and giggled, already tipsy from the alcohol.

“I’ve done nothing, but tell the truth, good man. I’ve just let some things out here and there”, he swirled around his hand and leaned forwards. “I am no liar. I’m just good at talking and wasting time.”

Not even those words made Kayn any wiser. Has he been played with?

“Now that they’ve been out of town for a while and you wouldn’t possibly catch up to them, I’d like you to entertain me a bit.” Kayn scowled at him. He knew he was wasting time, but he had no leads. This man had effectively wasted his time by making him believe he was the big man in this whole charade. And he had to admit he had done a fine job. Kayn hadn’t suspected a thing.

“He’s not the only half-vastayan bastard around here. While I wouldn’t believe the Yanlei to help anyone slightly related to Noxians or Vastaya - and those kids are both -, you were too much of a risk to be left on your own. Of course I bribed every other informant you might be asking.”

This idiot! Would another of those children have the ability to infiltrate a place unnoticed? There had only been one child, however. Perhaps a long range ability. It meant trouble nonetheless.

“No omission this time. How would a simple peasant infiltrate a base full of assassins?” Now it was for the man to look confused and blink at him stupidly.

“Your soulmate is another Yanlei?” Then he snorted and it evolved into a full-blown laugh. “That poor soul! So desperate that he would even attempt to sneak between the Yanlei, in the hope his target might still be a simple servant. Do tell me. Who is she, your soulmate?” Kayn grinded his teeth.

“Which direction?”

“Pardon me?”

“You said I couldn’t possibly catch up to them. So it wouldn’t hurt you to tell me where they went.”

“And if I sent you on another goose-chase?”

“Then your name becomes goose.”

“Oh boy, you really do have no chill. See? Real goosebumps! Funny, isn’t it?”, he showed him his arm and after Kayn showed him nothing but his most threatening stare, he relented. “They’ve traveled west.”

He’s not lying. Now you’re asking yourself why you would trust me, after I’ve ‘been wrong’ the first time. I wasn’t. The words he spoke were true.

There was his lead. And even though he still doubted the words of both, it was his only one. Sighing, he resigned to his fate and got up.

“Following them, huh?” Kayn ignored him, already a foot inside the wall, when he heard that man’s last words, before they never would never meet again. “Farewell, little shadow.”

_

Despite what that imbecil may have thought, Kayn did catch up to the caravan. Among the children in the cage, he spotted several women as well. Vastayan women.

If he barged in like that, the guards would overwhelm him. In the front two riders led the caravan which was flanked by another six, two at each side and two in the back. On the caravan itself three men exchanged words, visibly relaxed and unassuming.

This was bigger than he had thought.

Just jump in and kill them already! Kayn sighed at Rhaast interupting his train of thought.

“I need to figure out which one to keep alive first”, he whispered back, already regretting answering him. Their discussions tended to lead nowhere.

Easy, that arrogant fat swine on the left of the one holding the reigns. The rest are fodder for the blade! That might have been the first smart thing ever coming from that oaf. He was onto something. That man did wear the most elegant clothing, albeit with a simple seam.

A rich man too arrogant to wear something below status, even as a cover.

Slipping into the shadows, he took control of the rightmost man, the horse instantly balking at him, trying to knock him off.

He unsheathed the man’s sword, cleaning off his colleagues head, before jumping off and leaving the body, Rhaast killing the man with laughter.

So sweet! More! The ones behind next! It would be the smartest step to keep their target alive, but strategically the worst, since it would give the left side a full view of what was happening.

Was Rhaast really being considerate right now? Or did he say that because he hated being sneaky?

Either way, he struck them down in one swirl.

You guide me so well. A compliment directed at him?

The next two had drawn their swords, the top row must be alerted as well. Kayn sank into the shadows once more, emerging to shoo away their horses who kicked them off.

This was nearly too easy.

They have no chance against us. Slice their throats! Let the blood spill! There Rhaast was again, focused on the battle. Since he had already planned to cut their heads off, he granted Rhaast his wish. He’d turn in that favor later.

A sword hit him in the side and he blacked out for a second. He hadn’t seen it coming. After all, he was an assassin, not a fighter.

I got you.

When he came back to his senses, the guards laid dead before him, the wound at his side covered with corruption. Such weakness. He had nearly let the darkin take over.

No more losing time. In a swift movement, he jumped in front of their leader who held his hands up in surrender, shivering.

“Please don’t hurt me! What do you want? Money? I’ll give it to you! I-” Ugh, disgusting.

“I want information.”

_

I’ve wondered whether you had a heart, Rhaast mused, as they moved towards their target location. Tell me. Why did you free them? Was it the pain in their eyes? The wounds on their bodies?

“Stop questioning me.”

Am I not allowed to get to know my soulmate better?

“We are not soulmates. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

Oh?

“You want me to let my guard down around you. But I won’t. This is too important. And when I’ve gained enough strength, I will destroy you and your whole power will be mine alone.”

What a pity you’re thinking like this. Together we might rule worlds.

Empty promises, all of them. Rhaast had centuries to perfect his manipulation. Listening to any of his words would be a fool’s errand. Shameful enough that Kayn couldn’t push back the corruption around his stomach.

After the asshole had stopped crying, he managed to point Kayn to the village of the trapped Vastaya and the target location for the caravan. Further there were no more hints from him and he killed him off with a slit to the throat. Just another lamb, fed to be used as decoy.

In the village, people with round, big ears and a long tail, mingled and talked during their chores. He felt a presence approaching behind him and sunk into the shadows.

A couple walked by, talking happily and carrying baskets full of herbs and mushrooms.

This was an ordinary place. Hidden enough that, usually, humans wouldn’t just stumble over it. And yet they did. Regularly even, in search of their soulmates. How pathetic, falling for such a trick.

How sweet. Could we become as close as well? Kayn shook his head. Not in this life and most likely in no life at all.

Since this was a Vastayan village, he couldn’t just walk in and pretend everything was normal. If he could believe the man from the tavern, he smelled like the Noxian he was, and even if not, Vastaya were suspicious of humans at best.

Plus, him belonging to the Yanlei might cause a whole other complication.

Which meant… He sighed and gave up his cover. A fight would be the best way to get in there.

Behind you!

Nearly immediately a tail was on him and he barely dodged the hit, jumping to the side.

“You don’t want to do this”, his opponent said, solemnly.

“I don’t let others tell me what I want”, Kayn said and went to knock the boy out with the hilt. It got blocked by the boys hands, gripping the scythe and, although he expected the corruption to jump over, it didn’t.

So much to his plan. If he killed one of them, he wouldn’t get any information after all. Nobody else had joined their fight which meant… “Why would they send their best fighter first?” Now anger burnt inside that boy’s eyes, as he circled him slowly.

Perhaps a trick. Be on guard.

“I guess I wanted to have some fun with a shadow magic user.” The kicks of his opponent were hard to dodge and when he leaned back onto his tail, Kayn didn’t foresee both of his legs striking him on his chest, sending him a few meters away.

The expected pain never came and he looked down to see the corruption spread over his chest. Have Rhaast’s words really had an effect on him? He wouldn’t allow himself to get taken over so easily.

Stop worrying and fight! Rhaast was lacking his usual bloodlust. By now he should have told him several ways to make his opponent suffer. But he didn’t and-

The enemy was on his trail again, aiming down at him, but he rolled to the side in time to avoid the kick that teared up the ground. Quickly, he pulled at the boy’s foot, but it wouldn’t budge. Before the next kick could hit, he dissolved and rushed to the treetops.

Those Vastaya had incredible balance. Taking him off his feet wasn’t an option and he was definitely exploiting Kayn’s hesistance to kill him.

“Rhaast.” It was the only option left. Trusting Rhaast was something only fools did. But he ran out of options.

Yes, my dear? Clearly taunting. Kayn chose to ignore it.

“Don’t kill him.” With that he slid inside of the boy, saw days of peace, followed by weeks of fighting, fire, slaughter. At last he felt a sense of duty and love for his people and slipped out again, catching the boy as he fell.

He felt for a pulse and it was still there. For once Rhaast upheld his promise and without want for compensation at that. Surely another trick.

You’re welcome.

They had bystanders revealing themselves now, looking at him with big, fearful eyes. Then a big, intimidating shadow cast over him.

“Thank you for taking over my job”, the man smiled at him for the fraction of a second, before his gaze went to a woman standing at the front. “I believe you’ve missed a payment or two.”

“I believe we owe you nothing!”, the woman hollered from the frontlines, hands on her waist, no trace of fear.

“Then you want our protection no longer? Those forests are quite dangerous.”

“We’ve lived here for centuries. We want for no protection.” Aside from her, nobody stepped forth. Kayn looked back at the boy. No, he wasn’t their strongest fighter. He was the only one left.

With a kick, the woman deflected a hit of the weapon. Her movements were smooth and calculated, but she wouldn’t do well for long against this much stronger opponent.

And as she seemed to be their leader, he couldn’t afford her to die.

Kayn threw the boy into the crowd and mobilized his shadows to speed to the hulk who blocked his hit in the last second. If Kayn had been more silent, it would have hit, no doubt.

I was wondering whether you’d move at all.

“Now, what’s a Yanlei doing here?” Kayn answered with another swing, grazing the man’s leg.

Yes, yes! Let the blood flow! Commence the slaughter!

The man answered the wound with a slash, as if he felt no pain. If Kayn couldn’t exploit pain reactions, he had to go about it another way. He merged with the shadows, hiding from his sight. The armor he wore was sturdy, but only protecting vital points, probably to not limit movement.

The man was slow. Very slow. If he could get a lot of hits in, he might fall, before he could hit Kayn once.

What are you waiting for? Patience was the key. The opponent grew more and more uncertain of his position, turning and twisting. Suddenly he laughed.

“Of course! My colleague did say he would send reinforcements. And since you’ve got no fighters left, why would he stay? I just didn’t expect him to be a Yanlei.” What an idiot. Would an ally really attack him?

He isn’t lying. Would that be Rhaast’s way to immobilize him further by being more cautious? The man approached the woman again.

Should he watch out for reinforcements or save the lives of the only informants he had left?

“Fuck it!”, he shouted, giving away his position to the hulk who turned around just in time to get slashed across the face. The woman fell to the floor, gasping. The man let out a hum of confusion, following Kayn’s steps with surprise, as he circled the much bigger man, looking for an entrance.

“I don’t work in a team”, Kayn said and aimed for his uncovered arm, when the trajectory of his weapon changed to slice across his armored stomach.

His eyes widened. This was bad. Rhaast was sabotaging him on purpose. He knew Kayn wouldn’t believe a word he said and go for the kill. The armor of that man was pure Noxian steel, impenetrable by any weapon-

I called for slaughter, idiot! What do you think you’re doing?

The armor gave in, the sharpness of the blade causing a clean cut against a material that shouldn’t even budge. But Rhaast wasn’t just any weapon, was he?

His chest burnt, joining in Rhaast’s joy at the spill of blood. He had never seen a more beautiful weapon in his life than this blade. Never before had he really noticed how right it did feel to hold the hilt, guide the scythe and be guided by Rhaast himself, as he was now. And all of him belonged to Kayn only.

Kayn shook off his misplaced admiration to watch the man stumble back, hands covering his gaping stomach, the red fluid flowing out of his mouth.

When he fell, he revealed the woman behind him, staring in shock, in fear- No, Kayn had seen shock and fear a million times before. This wasn’t it. It was-

Ah, she knows.

Surprise.

_

The cup in front of him got filled with tea and politeness commanded him to thank her.

So you can suck up to her, but I never hear a word of gratitude. Even though I am doing all the work for you. He wasn’t. Rhaast was merely an incredibly sharp blade, nothing more. And a blade is not able to do any work by itself. Just like Rhaast.

“Thank you”, she threw back at him “For going easy on him.”

“It’s never been my goal to hurt anyone. He decided to stand in my way.” Kayn sighed. He’d much rather have killed him. Would have saved him a lot of time and he might have caught off the brute, before he arrived at the village.

But then, that did make them indebted to him. And he’d collect it in the form of information.

“So, a Yanlei? Can’t say I haven’t heard of you. Never met one in person, you truly are evasive like the shadows.” She smiled and sipped from her tea.

“You could say we are some kind of legends”, he boasted, his chest swelling at the recognition, leaning back on his hands.

“And nothing less. It’s exciting to meet one and survive the encounter.” She giggled. “You don’t plan on killing us, do you?” By now he was just glad they granted him access after all. He suspected a lack of fighters to be the main reason.

“Depends. Will you tell me what you know?”

“Freely. We all wish to give you whatever we can.” She seemed genuine, her warmth practically radiating towards him. “I’m sure you’re wondering about your connection.”

I told you she knew! Believe me now?

“What connection?”, he growled and she flinched. This was not the information he wanted for right now. First he had to know what might loom in the future. After that, he could figure out how to sever Rhaast’s forced connection on him.

“I just assumed you came here for that.” She squinted her eyes at him. “Why are you here then?”

“One of your tribes’ half-children helped an assassination attempt against me.” She cut off a quick laugh and waved him off, as he glared at her.

“I’m sorry, It’s just- They must have failed terribly”, she said, with caught breath, trying to keep her amusement inside.

There is no way to kill me after all.

“You could say that.”

You’re awfully calm for a man waiting for the reinforcements to arrive.

“What reinforcements?”, he asked aloud.

The ones he talked about. Rhaast had a point. Even if it had been a lie, it would be more dangerous to just dismiss it.

The woman got up quickly, hand in front of her mouth.

“You weren’t the reinforcements he was talking about?” Reluctantly he shook his head and she walked to the opening of her tent, rushing about.

“Get the herbs! And hide the weak! They’re still coming!” Then she turned back to him again. “Can we count on your help once more?” If those reinforcements were even real and not just a concoction by that brute to make them surrender. Not that it had worked anyways.

“That’ll come at a high price.”

“Anything. I’d rather lose my home than my people.” He nodded to her and was on his way to intercept anything that might come his way.

Around five, spread around the forest. Probably hoping for an ambush. Kayn positioned himself on a tree, watching over the village. Still a question burnt in him. The previous fight could have ended a lot bloodier for Kayn, if Rhaast hadn’t decided to join in. Usually, Rhaast enjoyed seeing him struggle.

“Why did you help me?”

Still thinking I have some grand scheme going? It’s much simpler. If I lose you, I’ll be alone again. And just as we were finally starting to have some fun. Kayn would surely find ways to cut that kind of ‘fun’ short.

“I wouldn’t have thought you sentimental.”

I’m not. I’ve wondered why I couldn’t conquer you at first. Haven’t you ever asked yourself why you can’t overpower me?

“You’ve just never met someone like me. Most people are weak, pathetic. They have no vision, no goals, no ambition. It’s not surprising they’d be consumed by you as quickly. As for me, I’m still young. As my powers grow, I’ll be able to kill you eventually.”

You won’t. Rhaast sounded like he would say more, but stopped. The silence pressed on his lungs. Two approaching from behind the village. Hurry.

No matter what Rhaast did gain from all this, he trusted him for lack of other options. The village was empty, as the attackers reached its border and Kayn sliced them quickly, letting himself be guided to their weak spots by Rhaast.

The efficiency and cunning made his heart race faster and he grinned, giggling along Rhaast’s laugh in his mind.

“Let’s show them.”

They found another two in the opposite direction, yet the fifth eluded them.

Of course. Look in their hiding spot! Giving it away by storming towards it wasn’t really part of the plan, but Rhaast had lost them and couldn’t find any trace in the whole forest. He rushed into the cave, seeing them cowering in front of an old acquaintance who turned around at his arrival, two swords drawn at his sides.

“I knew you would get here in time”, he smiled, tears in his eyes that he quickly dried with his arm. “Thanks for taking on the job in the end. I’m afraid I won’t be able to give you ample payment”

Then he was on his feet, charging at Kayn. Their blades met and Rhaast was silent, his presence having retreated.

“Not much for words, again. Then show me in actions what you think of me!” Even without the words, Kayn would have snapped towards him, since the swords were threaningly pointed towards the civilians he couldn’t afford to die.

Before he could cut him down, Rhaast returned, keeping his scythe in the air.

He wants you to kill him!

“Then let me grant him his wish!” The man looked at him confused, then his eyes widened.

“It’s the Scythe, isn’t it?” His gaze turned to the woman who nodded. “Well, then now I know how their mission could have ended in failure like that.”

“Stop talking non-sense!” He swung the weapon again, getting kicked in the side, and the man managed to dodge. It wasn’t strong by any means, but the surprise of it made him stumble and falter in his movements.

“Chiesoh!”, the woman screamed at the man and ran to him, pulling at his wrists. He let his swords fall and embraced her, hugging her for dear life.

“Don’t worry, Arika”, he cried in her neck. Kayn swirled his Scythe to cover the uncomfortable burning in his chest. “Our son is with them. He’s safe.”

Oh god, he sold his own son?

“They’re going to come for me, Arika. Just let him kill me. They will leave you alone, when I’m gone.”

Definitely uncalled for. In his mind Rhaast wailed, still keeping him back and no breathing exercises helped him regain control, so he resigned to his fate.

That’s so sad!

“Fuck you. I won’t kill anyone.” They turned around in surprise. “Give me my answers. And no omission this time.” And no more sap. It made Rhaast even more unbearable than usual. They were lucky he wanted something from them.

_

To Kayn’s dislike, the village was bustling again. The pair in front of him was as weird as any human-Vastaya pair out there. She just fed him a berry, when he entered the tent.

That could be us. Ugh.

“A few weeks ago, a killer entered my room with a half-Vastayan child. How did they manage that?”, he said, taking place at the other end of the table. They both blinked at that, seriously confused.

“You weren’t together, when it happened?”

“No, why?” She shook her head.

“It’s just… your bond is so strong, it must be painful to be apart. A steady noise, as your souls yearn for one another. A sting in your head and pain all over your body that makes you think you’re burning to death. You’ve never felt any of this?”

He remembered hours under the waterfall, trying to drown out Rhaast’s annoying grumbling. The food that burnt in his throat at the breakfast and dinner table. Nights spent sleepless with a throbbing headache.

A hand covered his own on the table.

“Most people never meet their soulmates, but when they do, they’re almost never apart. Especially with a strong bond such as yours.” Has the corruption gone to this point already? There must be a way for him to become stronger. He couldn’t die, not when there were still so many things he needed to do.

And for that, he had to find out more about their enemies.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“When you follow the string of fate, your connection to the spirit world becomes incredibly close. So much so that you might become invisible to anyone around you.”

The implications were heavy. If the Noxian army had access to children who could sneak around like that, they were at a huge disadvantage, more so than they already have been in this war.

“I have two more questions to you”, he locked eyes with the man who had been awfully silent and gained a nod. “Was that man really a mere farmer?” Another nod. But could he trust him?

He’s not lying. Could he trust Rhaast? You have no other choice, Rhaast answered, as if he could read his mind and it sent a shiver down his spine.

“Who are you working for and where do I find them?”

_

His target was a week’s trip away in Noxian territory at the coast. He sent for reinforcements because as much as he liked to think he could do everything alone, Zed’s lessons weren’t lost on him.

Then he went ahead, so he could scour the area, when he would arrive. Not to barge in alone, Zed. Kayn himself knew how stupid that was.

Chiesoh had given him a horse and provisions as payment for the mission Kayn wasn’t even aware of accomplishing. That big brute had been the target after all.

That night, he opened camp, the horse bound to a tree and a tent put up to keep out the night and called it a day. He felt like he had been running round circles for the past few weeks. Hard to believe it’s only been a few days.

Well, soulmate, Rhaast’s voice rumbled into the darkness, as Kayn laid down. Hell no. He just wanted to sleep. Rhaast should stay far away with his bullshit. Now you know. But do you understand? Shut up, Rhaast.

“There is nothing to understand. It’s a spiritual bond. You just go and form it between you and your vessel, so you can communicate and take over their body eventually”, he mumbled into the sweet embrace of slumber.

You think I can do that? Do you know how hard it is to form a spiritual bond? Only to get ripped out of it. Could that guy just shut up for once?

“I’d say it is possible.”

No, idiot! It’s not.

“Well, I’m spent from the goose-chase”, he turned around, pressing against the Scythe, the familiar weight in his palms clouding his mind once more. “I must admit, though. This does feel right.”

A deep yearning fulfilled, the burning in his chest died out. As the dark took him, he experienced something for the first time. Warmth spreading in his chest, comfort in a bed too soft, solace in the way the hilt fit around his hands and pressed against his forehead.

Good night. Soulmate.

In his dream, yellow hills spread over the horizon, foreign music played and the people bowed and prayed to him, their god.

The sun cast its first light, when he awoke to a hand caressing his cheek. He leaned into it, following the warmth of the claws- Claws?

“What the fuck?!” In a rush he sat up, swiping at his own hand.

Good morning to you, too. The Scythe rolled down his shoulder to the floor with a bang. Ouch. Kayn’s sigh grew into a groan and he rubbed his eyes. It appears he’s been way too tired the day prior to wrap the scythe. Or washing himself, as a glance down his chest told him.

But then, he hadn’t succeeded in wrapping it last time either. Last time… he didn’t need repeating.

“You don’t feel pain, Rhaast.”

How would you know? Rhaast’s voice dripped with sarcasm and he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Maybe he did, maybe not. It wasn’t Kayn’s problem. His left hand moved to his morning wood and he moaned in dislike, as it squeezed around it.

“Could you not?” Rhaast grumbled, a low noise.

You enjoyed it so much last time, Kayn. How could I not please you every moment I can?

“Fuck.” It did feel good. Too good. A god shouldn’t fall to human desires so easily. He’s supposed to be stronger. His virginity already got taken, his very first time, staining his pure soul.

It was too late anyways, so he might as well allow himself this moment of weakness. The hand wandered below the seams of his pants and he bit into his fist to suppress a moan at the sensation of skin to skin.

He fell back down, heels dragging into the floor, as Rhaast pumped him, his head starting to throb. He chose to ignore it. It must be a side effect of the burning radiating from his crotch.

You like that. A finger clawed over his slit and he melted into the sheets. His mind felt more empty than during any meditation, the only thing filling his head being want. Want, desire and want, want, want.

He thrusted into the hand, rocking his hips, even as his muscles started to burn. He needed more, faster, harder. Just… more.

Touch me, Rhaast demanded and if Kayn wouldn’t be so far gone, he would have liked to tell him off, but he was afraid to lose the skilled hand around him. So he grabbed the Scythe, the rumbling stopping along with the throb in his head and he sighed in relief.

His finger ran over the hilt, feeling its skin-like texture inbetween the bandages. It felt good, so good in his hand. In his haze, he decided he had to feel it with his tongue, leaning over to lick along it, feeling all the bumps and crevices.

Effectively drooling, he put his mouth around it and thought he might have heard Rhaast gasp, but that could also have been his imagination. It was hard to keep track of any thought.

Such a good boy for me, Rhaast purred, nudging Kayn’s soul, before wrapping around it like an embrace, and he came, biting around the hilt to silence his moans. Heavily breathing, he came down from his height, releasing the Scythe from his teeth, groaning.

So weak, he had to become stronger, overcome this lower need.

So beautiful. A wet hand caressed his cheek.

“Rhaast”, he hissed. The feeling of his own fluid on his face was downright disgusting.

Yes, my love?, he had the audacity to ask and Kayn inhaled a rattled breath, pushing down his anger.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Making you happy.

“Do I look happy to you?”

I can feel your bliss. You can’t deceive me. You liked this as much as me, if not more.

“Idiot.” He sighed and got up. After all, he had to take a much needed bath anyway. He kept Rhaast close, as he went to the river.

A pity. You look good in the blood of your enemies.