Press space _ Corrupted Mind [Takes place before and during the events of Kole’s birthday] Remi woke up with a start and found himself in a cold sweat. Nightmares filled with darkness, cold, and blood flooded his brain. He pulled back his covers and stood up. He shivered in the cold basement air as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. There were bags under his eyes and his hair was tousled and knotted. He picked up his brush from the dresser top and started to gently brush the knots out of his hair. "Good morning." Remi scoffed and looked at his red-eyed reflection. “No morning’s a good morning with you around, Zagan.” His reflection chuckled. “It is a good morning because today is your brother’s birthday.” Remi winced, feeling the sharp pain of guilt in his chest. Today was Kole’s birthday. The day where the plan had to commence. Zagan grinned, his red eyes shining. “You remember the plan, I presume.” Remi automatically stood straight up, not being able to control his own movements. “Yes, Zagan.” “Good, Remi. The plan must commence tonight,” Zagan said, his evil smile widening. HIs red eyes faded and Remi found himself in control of his own movements and reflection. Remi sighed and put his hairbrush back on the top of his dresser. If anyone found out about his plan, he would be hanged or exiled. He felt a slight ringing in his ear and saw that his eyes flashed red in his reflection. He pulled his sword off of the wall where it was in its casing and unsheathed it. Remi looked at his reflection in the sword’s shiny surface. Tonight had to go perfectly. _ “Are you ready for the party?” Remi and Deck Demond had gone for a quick stroll in the palace gardens a few hours before the celebration. Remi looked at the horizon. He could barely see the town in the thin nighttime fog. He turned to look at Deck. Her bright green eyes were filled with excitement. He almost shuddered at the thought of the party. But he plastered a smile on his face and replied,”Yep. Sure am.” She smiled back, and his heart fluttered. He felt himself start to blush, so he ducked his head. They sat down on a nearby bench and looked at the night sky. “I hope that things don’t change that much,” Deck said. She looked down at her hands. “I wonder if all of the royal advisors will be laid off after Kole becomes king. They might want a clean slate.” Remi gazed at the full moon. “I hope that doesn’t happen. I enjoy spending time with you.” Deck looked at Remi and smiled. “Thanks. I like spending time with you too.” Remi's stomach felt like it was full of butterflies as they stared at each other for a few moments. “REMI! TIME TO GET READY!” Remi groaned. “Coming, Mamá! See you later, Deck,” he said as he got up from the bench. “See you at the party, Remi!” she called as he walked away. You like that girl, don’t you? Remi shook his head as he walked by the garden fountain. He stopped and looked at his reflection in the rippling water. “What do you want, Zagan?”
His reflection snickered. “Oh, nothing. It’s just fun to see young love.” Remi felt heat rush to his cheeks. Zagan laughed but quickly became serious. His crimson eyes flared. “Don’t forget the plan, Remi. If you fail, your little crush might not wake up tomorrow.” “LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS!” Remi yelled as he punched the water.. “Remi!” Remi spun around to see his mother, Neoma Lejna, step out from behind the rose bushes. “Mamá, I - I . . .” His mother shook her head and tutted. “Remi, no dilly-dallying! Your brother’s party starts in two hours! You need to get ready.” Remi sighed in relief as he followed his mother back into the palace. _ Remi felt claustrophobic with all of the people surrounding him. He felt out of place in the sea of guests. Kole seemed to be having a good time, though. He was smiling and talking with old friends. Remi smiled faintly and made his way out of the main ballroom where the party was being held. Only when he made it out to the gardens could he breathe normally. Remember the plan. Remi scoffed. “It’s not like I can forget.” He wandered around the gardens, absentmindedly admiring the flowers. The clocktower in the town struck twelve. It’s time. Remi stood up straight and brushed his hand against his sheathed sword beneath his suit coat. _ Remi made his way back to the ballroom and over to Kole. Kole was still talking to some of his friends, so Remi went behind Kole and whispered, “Kole, I need to talk to you. Outside. It’s urgent.” Kole nearly jumped and turned around to look at Remi, a confused expression on his face. “Is everything all right?” “Meet me outside. Now.” Kole nodded, clearly worried, said goodbye to his friends, and followed Remi out of one of the large open doors. Remi motioned for a few guards to follow them. They walked outside in the cool night air. Remi wanted to lead Kole far enough away, to the small overhang in the far corner of the palace gardens. When they arrived at the overhang, Kole asked, “What’s going on? What happened?” Remi sighed and took his sword out from its sheath. He pointed it at Kole’s throat. The guards did the same. Kole got a panicked look on his face. “Remi, what- why would you -” “I’m sorry Kole, this wasn’t my choice,” Remi felt pained as he lifted the sword up, ready to do the deed. “Remi? What are you doing?” Remi spun around to find Deck two inches away from his face. How had she gotten past his guards? His face felt hot and he couldn’t find the right words to say. The guards looked confused, as if they hadn’t even seen her. She’ll have to go. It took a moment for that to sink in. “No . . . no. Zagan, I can’t! I won’t!” Remi said, dropping his sword and putting both hands to the sides of his head. He felt like his brain was going to explode. If you won’t, I will. Remi felt himself slowly reach down to grab his sword. He slowly stood up and poised his sword so it was once again pointed at Kole’s throat. He heard Deck gasp. “Remi, don’t do this! It’s not right!” He only glanced at Deck for a second, but he wanted to stop what he was doing. He wanted to say it was all a joke. But it wasn’t a joke. He found that he spoke in a distorted voice. “Angels and demons don’t mix. I’m sorry Kole.” Remi’s sword swung forward, cutting Kole’s left cheek and arm. Kole backed up, trying to defend himself. Time seemed like it was in slow motion. Kole lost his footing. And . . . fell off the edge of the overhang. Deck screamed. Remi drew back his hands. What had he done? “Remi! How could you!” Deck’s glare was like daggers. Full of hate. Remi wanted to curl up and disappear. She hates you now, see? She has to go. Remi’s eyes filled with tears as he faced the hard truth. He looked at Deck with a sad smile. “Goodbye, Deck.” Before she could say anything, he pushed her off of the overhang. He turned away as he heard her screams. He didn’t want to see her hit the bottom. He heard some of the guards gasp but collect themselves before they thought he’d notice. Well done Remi. Now we can go on to Phase 2. “Haven’t I done enough for you?” Remi asked quietly. You should be grateful that I’m giving you this opportunity to take the throne, Remi. Don’t you want to be king? Remi wiped his eyes. “Yes. I do.” _ Music: Other Friends - CG5 cover
