(A/N Hello all! I usually don't have notes at the beginning of the chapter, but as the title suggests this is a special update. This will show what lead to the curse being released. A few POV changes so bear with me. Also have music posted up top that I feel really fits with the end of the chapter^^)
(Akira POV)
It was another typical evening as the pink haired male just finished up dinner on the stove. His little sister hummed to herself at the kitchen table as she did her homework. Another figure entered the room opened up the fridge with a sigh.
"How many times have I told you to stop singing that song?" he snapped, and the girl to sunk low in her chair.
"Sorry dad..."
"I'm going to be leaving out in a few minutes."
"You're skipping out on dinner again? Even after I cooked your favorite tonight..." Akira mumbled, as he wiped the stove down and waited for a typical excuse.
"You know I said I'm going on an important quest with your grandfather tonight. Besides, the smell of that stew makes my stomach turn."
"It use to be your favorite meal back when mom was alive. All the pictures that held precious memories are gone, because you couldn't stand to look at them anymore. The anniversary of her death pasted again, and like every year you wouldn't even come with us to visit her grave!" The teen slammed the dirty dishes in the sink, and it was complete silence for a moment.
"I'm not going through this right now, Akira. Make sure your sister gets her homework done and goes to bed on time." Georgi grabbed a bottle from the fridge before he stormed off out the house. This behavior wasn't shocking to them in the least. He's had in such a state for over four years, and time just seemed to make it even worse.
"Hey Aki, do you think we'll ever see the old dad again?" Isabelle asked, green eyes filled with sadness. He couldn't afford to show her any kind of doubt. The boy needed to stay strong for his sister.
"Yeah, I'm sure we will one day. Just have to be patient, okay?"
"Alright..."
"Come on, I can help you with your worksheets later. Dinner is getting cold...And just remember even if he doesn't change, I'll always be around to watch over you." Those words brought a small smile to her face. The two cleaned up so they could set the table for supper.
(Georgi POV)
Duran followed by his second son approached the dark ruins hiding in the shadows. He was sure to map out security patrol precisely, so they could sneak in with ease. Before moving forward he once more doubled checked their equipment. They were both armed with high class weapons, and had in hand the alchemy potions he made. Also the most important item being the camera around his neck. Nothing was missing which meant they're all set to go.
"It's time now, dad. We've been preparing weeks for this mission, and tonight we make history."
"You know what it is we agreed on beforehand. If things turn for the worst we are to retreat immediately. It's pointless to do such a grand mission if we can't live to enjoy the reward. More importantly I don't want to see anything happen to you, my son."
"Don't worry, I planned everything out perfectly. You've always gotten beated by that darn Klaus Magnum. After this tale no one will even remember his name. You'll get the attention you deserve during your golden years, and maybe..." No. He refused to tell his father that last bit. The dark deity would be a very powerful foe indeed, but perhaps they could get more than just proof. There was a chance they may slay Erebus in his own chambers. With only the light deity alive all of Nebula can be granted neverending peace and tranquility for centuries to come. If the opportunity arose he wouldn't think twice about ending him.
At the right moment the pair snuck inside the ruins of darkness. Cutting down each and every monster that stood in their way. Soon the father and son made it to the innermost part of the ruins. The thick black smoke made breathing difficult, and a deep voice called to them behind the door. "I sense your presence since you both stepped foot in these ruins. You have nothing to fear. Show yourselves."
They obeyed and slowly pushed open the single thing separating the two of them. A large black and purple spirit with red glowing eyes sat in the middle of the pitch dark room. He arose to his to a stance and that movement alone set chills down his spine. "And what purpose brought you here to my domain?"
The old man was so shaken he could hardly speak. He glanced at his son basically begging him to snap the photo so they could make a run for it. However Georgi wasn't satisfied with just fleeing after coming this far. To accomplish his wish and end all suffering they had to at least try. Tightening the grip on his staff as he got into a battle stance.
"You fool! We don't stand a chance against him! We must get away from here at once, Georgie!"
"No, we came fully prepared and taken down several wild beasts. Look at all the monsters we slayed through his so called trial. I cannot turn and leave without a fight!"
Erebus only chuckled in amusement by his challenge. Summoning his own sword as he aimed it toward the men. The once open pathway was slammed shut cutting off the only exit. "How many centuries I've waited for this day! Others have managed to sneak in years ago, but died before they could even finish my trial. And now the final part of this test lies before you. If you can defeat me your wish will be my command. However if I win one of you from this point on will become my vessels."
Seeing no other options and much too late to turn back his dad pulled out his own sword. The battle between two humans and the deity commenced. His dark magic attacks were powerful and nothing like they had ever faced before. Duran didn't survive long before he was knocked down first. The son not lasting any better as his body collapsed to the floor in exhaustion.
"It seems fate has decided who would be victorious from the start. What did you two mortals possibly believe you could do against me? Even if there was a way to deal some harm, nothing can kill a deity but the forbidden spell. Something of which neither of you have the potential to cast without Aine. Now that I've won you must keep to your end of the terms. I wonder who will be a more suitable vessel for me..." Erebus looked over them both and the elderly man put his face to the ground.
"Please, take me and not my son!"
"What?..."
"Hmm, a bond between a father and his child. What a noble sacrifice."
"Don't! I should be the you possess! I'll be far more useful than him. Besides, it's my fault we're in this situation to begin with." He only wished for a world where everyone could be happy. So nobody would experience pain ever again. Now because of such a stupid dream his father must pay the price?
Erebus stared silently for a moment before picking has dad up off the floor. He struggled to break free of his grasp as utter despair washed over Georgie's face. "No, I think I prefer him much better. The older the wiser after all. This time I will succeed in killing that rotten light deity. I guess I should thank you, Georgie. It's because of your ignorance that I'm able to be set free once more. The last time I made a fatal error in choosing some orphan as my host. He cleared the trial but his family had died in an accident, and was too young having no children. My strength comes in numbers so it's a waste on one maggot alone. Now this man has a large family of two generations. The famous adventure can truly live to his name, and from this point will never see the grave."
"No...STOP!" But his plead fell on deaf ears as Duran let out a tormented holler. The deity infused inside his father's body right in front of his very eyes. No matter what attacking he did it didn't interrupt the process. At the end of it all only the old man was left standing.
"Yes, I feel the power coursing through my veins. We need to test out these abilities right away, but first we must leave this place."
"Father...is this really still you?"
"Naturally, myself and Erebus have merged into one. Can't you feel his dark power inside of you, Georgie? This same sensation is what everyone is experiencing in our family right now. The curse has been finally unleashed."
"Do you mean to say that even my children were infected by this madness?"
"It passed to all my dear children and grandchildren. You know, since we have joined the dark side the light deity will surely come to destroy me. If I die then every last one of us will perish. Our lives are bounded to him now."
"It can't be..." This wasn't some terrible nightmare but reality. Just because of one mistake he'd have to lose his whole family? After already losing Louise even the kids he had to remember her by would suffer? It was difficult to face them because they reminded him so much of their mother it hurt. But to imagine anything happening to his children or other family members was out of the question.
Georgie's whole life had been nothing but a total disaster. Between the best friend he missed who was forced to move away, and with the job he lost now constantly searched for work. His beautiful wife no longer among the living, now lastly this curse that endangered them all. Georgie had always been a good upright guy, so why did Aine despise him? It was her fault he experienced all this misfortune in his life!
His father suddenly stepped foward stretching out an arm. A simple gesture that in truth meant so much more. He would only give him this offer just once. "Come join me, my son. We can devise a plan to deal with the light deity, and then shape this world the way we see fit. Will you chose society and abandon your poor family?"
Georgie slowly looked up at his father's evil smirk. Perhaps this is the side he should've been on all along. His hazel eyes went dull as he grabbed his father's hand and gave it a firm shake. "I've had bad luck since the day I was born. This is no curse but rather a blessing if I'm granted powers to thrive. It was meaningless...to try and form a miserable place that's incapable of change. Now we can set everything to its rightful state."
From this day forth he would become his father's number one ally with such a task. Leaving his old persona and embracing the darkness to form a new creation. One where the man could never feel pain ever again...
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
(Sonny POV)
Inside his grandfather's residence the family all gathered around the large living room. A meeting was called by the old man himself as news of the first Felixa's death has already begun to spread. The boy gazed down at his hands and felt a pit reforming in his stomach. The terrible images of last night's incident kept replying through his mind.
"As I'm sure you know the SP is in the process of finding the next Felixa since Amethyst is dead. We made a small error killing the woman to quickly for me to properly execute the spell. Alas this actually works out for the best, because I want us to go about things differently this time. Rather than ending this person's life like the first, instead will kidnap them once they awaken to their powers. We can force the Felixa into releasing the barriers, and I can finally obtain my sealed dark magic. Then afterwards I'll cast the forbidden spell ridding Nebula of the light deity once and for all."
Though shocked by his change of plans nobody utters a single word. Almost a waiting game to see who will be bold enough to speak against him. The long silence stretching his father finally takes a stand. "Dad?"
"I don't agree with this whatsoever. If I didn't already feel guilty enough for slaying that poor woman in her own home. Declaring that you'll destroy Aine will break the balance scale forever. Now topping it all off wish to collect the Erebus chest, so you can add to even more chaos...I knew, I knew ever since you came from that ruin you weren't the same. I refuse to participate in your evil desires any longer." The man facing Duran was a strong glare that wouldn't be wavered. However the old man seemed unfazed as his brother fumed with rage.
"How dare you speak in such a matter to our father! Are you truly saying you're quitting now! If the light deity isn't stopped we'll all disappear!"
"This man is not my father. He died the minute he stepped foot from those dark ruins. And I can't simply leave knowing everything Erebus is planning to do. Therefore..." Trevor pulled out his sword taking a battle stance. This shocking the whole room as both sons sprang up from their seats.
"Dad, no it's dangerous!" Sonny exclaimed, and he gave his children a warm smile.
"Don't worry, Sonny, Finely. I've been debating for a while and I see now that it must be done. I tried to ignore the right thing at first, knowing what would become of my sons...Still tainting our hands with blood by bearing this curse isn't living at all. When I cut you down your spirit will return to your chambers once more. Then we'll all fall into a peaceful sleep..."
"Trevor, you traitor!" Georgie is quick to ready his staff but his father held an arm out.
"I'll deal with myself. It's only fair for this to be a one on one battle."
The two stood face to face and changing into their Duclen form the battle started immediately. It was hard for him to keep up with them given how fast paced they moved. All the others cleared to the outer edges of the room as the fighting grew more fierce. Dark magic attacks flew back and forth and it was hard to say who would win. However one powerful strike hit directly into his father's stomach. Trevor's Duclen form suddenly popped off as the sword is yanked out and he collapsed back to the floor. A pool of dark red slowly emerged from underneath his body. Both boys ran up to their parent side each grabbing ahold of his cold hands.
"D-Dad, you're hurt! We need to get you to the hospital!" Finely begged, but he only smiled weakly.
"It's...too late for me now. I knew the risk in trying to take him on myself, but still I had try..."
"You can't die...not like this..." Sonny whispered, as the man gave his hand a squeeze. Though he hardly felt any strength in the grip, and that made his chest hurt even more.
"Listen boys, to my final request. I-I don't want you working alongside Erebus. You're to...stay in hiding and let the next Felixa complete their mission...Keep from using that wicked form anymore...promise me, please?" Trevor voice came out strained and desperate as he looked to them with pleading eyes.
"We won't! We promise so don't-don't leave us behind..." Finely choked out, and their father forced his arms around the boys.
"Good, I'm glad. Just remember...I love you both..." Before either got a chance to reply his hug loosened. Trevor's eyes had closed to open no more, and yet in way he still looked at peace.
"I-Is...he really dead?" Isabelle weakly asked, as her brother tried to block his sister's view.
The room was silent at the scene that unraveled before them. Finely begun sobbing first and Sonny couldn't stop from doing the same. Their older uncle squatted down trying to comfort the boys, and other family members turned from the heartbreaking sight. Even Georgie was shocked at what had conspired but still remained quiet. All but Duran who took one last look at his dead son lying in the middle of floor. "This is what happens when you defy me. Is there anyone else that wants to go a round? If you don't agree with my agenda you have the freedom to leave right now. However if you challenge me like my arrogant son I won't hold anything back."
Sonny could hardly believe he showed not an ounce of remorse. It was just as his dad was trying to tell them before. Duran is nothing but some empty vessel for the dark deity to control. Apparently Georgie-or should he call Gores was no better, choosing to side with the monster he became.
"I-I've decided to take my own path then." Everyone's attention turned to the violet haired woman observing from the corner. "I have no intention in throwing the scale off balance, or helping you with your scheme. I just wish to continue to live a normal life. That being said I will kill the two Felixa's on my own. That way Aine will return to the ruins and I can live without fear. This is all I really want."
"If that's your decision, my dear daughter the door is right behind you." Duran gestured for her to go showing no signs of interference.
"I'll be leaving too." The red head also voiced, causing her father eyes to widen.
"Cheryl, what are you saying?!"
"I stand with Primrose. I don't want to kill the light deity but refuse to just die either. I've already got one life on my hands anyway, so I can bear another two. Then we can put this all behind us for good."
"You can't be serious..."
"I'm sorry, Dad. Watch over Sonny and Finely. I'll be back soon." Before he can protest she quickly took off out the house. Primrose glanced back once more then followed behind her. With them both gone he next turned to the other three males.
"Your daughter has made her choice so what do you plan on doing?"
"...I'm taking these boys and we're going home. The three of us won't play any kind of role in this twisted fate. I refuse to work with you or kill the light deity. Whatever is meant to happen will come to pass, regardless we're not contributing to it. Let's go, Sonny, Finely." The plum man motioned for them to follow. Both said one last goodbye to their father, before they slowly followed him out the door.
Just in the matter of weeks their lives somehow completely fell apart. Now left without either parent and his whole body feels numb. Trevor died by the hands of his own father fighting for Nebula's sake. All he did was stand on the sidelines and watch him take his final breath. "I'm afraid to die...but I can't just hide and do nothing. There has to be some way I can help put a stop to this. Even if it means facing against my own family..."
(Isabelle POV)
The once happy home that held many memories was now a total mess. Several antiques shattered, the glass table broken, and the furniture utterly useless. All family members gone just left the four of them standing. Duran's cold gaze turned to the sibling and caused her to take a step behind her older brother. "I don't imagine the two of you are leaving as well? I assumed Gores's children would be loyal like their father."
"Of course they aren't going anywhere. Isn't that right?" His sharp glare made it clear the only correct response was to agree.
Georgie had changed ever since Louise's death, even more so after he obtained this dark power. She absolutely didn't want any part in recovering that chest. Still what happen if they were to abandon him now? It was like fully giving up on any hope to bring their old dad back. Exchanging glances with her brother who seemed to be thinking the same way.
"Yeah, we're both staying," Akira answered, though hardly noticable a hint of relief was on Georgie's face.
"Excellent. The four of us alone will be plenty enough. We need to deal with Trevor's body first and then prepare to leave. The SP will be searching for our whereabouts, and there's a secret room within the dark ruins. We can hide in there," Duran instructed, as they all got to work.
It was going to be a rough road ahead of them, but she had to stay strong. Akira and herself were the only ones with a chance in saving him, before their dad drowns too deep in the darkness.
A/N Hope you enjoyed this chapter though I know it's a little sad. Things will continue from where they left off next update.