" Make the same mistakes, blame circumstance... oh.. " Guides: Special beings chosen to lead the damned to their rightful place in Hell. Royals: The royal family, who rule the realm Vex resides in with an iron fist. A complete and utter tyranny. Backstory: At last, the Trials had arrived. Vex stood with his chin high, looking at the crowded arena. This challenge would determine his fate in the family tree. If he lost, he would be discarded like a banana peel. If he won... he'd be welcomed with open arms and claws. Vex was born to be a Guide. His family sported centuries of devotion to the Royals as Guides. He'd grown up studying all about the types of spirits he may run into, how to bring them down, and what to do if things got... messy. The bruises and scars meant nothing so long as he could bring honor to the family. If his cousin was chosen as a Guide instead of him, how could he ever live with his failure? Vex stood with the former thought running through his mind as he stepped out into the arena next to his distant cousin. His heart hammered in his chest, and all those lectures, taunts and hard earned lessons came rushing back. He could /not/ lose. He would /not/ lose. He couldn't afford to. So when the time came to face off against his kin and all else who stood before him, Vex was ruthless in his desperate attempt at gaining approval. The crowd's applause at his every move roared in his ears and at some point he moved on instinct, a wide toothy smile forming on his lips. His iris swirled in red and white, a hypnotizing mix filled with desperation and ecstasy. The irony smell of bl00d filled the air as Vex stood before his kin, white robes dirtied in red. His smile never wavered and he tilted his head, allowing his cousin to make the first move. The battle was short lived. Vex ruffled the hair of the cold, lifeless body at his feet, and the crowd went wild. He let out a breathless, relieved laugh, then fainted right as realization him like a sack of bricks. He had just (unalived) his cousin. Vex awoke in a cold sweat, in his own house. A new pair of robes hung on his closet door. A brooch of pink pearls sat on his desk. Head in his hands, Vex sighed. He had accomplished his goal, but at what cost? ------ PRESENT DAY | 12 YEARS LATER Vex stood in the Royal Hall, looking around at the pictures and fiddling with the pearl brooch at his throat with a small smile. He had been summoned the day before, though without reason. He hadn't done a thing wrong. "Come in, Guide Vex." the butler said, bowing and opening the door. Vex nodded and strode into the throne room. Unlike the times before, only one royal stood on the thrones. William, the 3rd heir to the throne. Like everything, the royal heirs came in threes. The third heir always ran mortal affairs, and as a result, the Guides. William smiled and stood as Vex entered. "No need to bow. This isn't about business.. well, a bit. I wanted to see you for another reason." he said, walking over to Vex. "Then, what is it about my liege?" Vex asked, smiling that careless, lifeless smile. "Your pearls." Vex frowned, gripping his brooch a bit tighter. "What about them?" William smiled. "Well, I simply think its odd someone like you would need support. Your performance at the Trials said otherwise. I was there, you know. My parents took me and my siblings for an outing. You were very inspiring for many there." he said, walking in circles around the boy. Vex closed his eyes and pressed his lips shut. That annoying smile crept into his expression at the mention of that day. "I wish to help you with that beast, Vexion." Vex looked up, eyes widening before he quickly resumed his calm charade. "I- I havent a clue what you're saying, my liege." William stopped in front of Vex and looked him in the eye. "I need only one thing from you, Vex. And that monster could be under your control. For all eternity." he said, lower. "Let me help you." Vex contemplated his options. He couldn't count how many times he had accidentally hurt someone unintentionally. He swallowed. "What do you need, your majesty?" "Your soul." end...?
