Mentally and Physically Tearing Him Apart

Chapter 1

Hunter woke up to the sound of his palismen pecking at his cheek. Hunter got up slowly to pet Rascal's head. Hunter called his palismen Rascal after hearing that human call it "Little Rascal" once before, and the bird telling him its name after coming back from Eclipse Lake. And the name seemed to fit the mischievous cardinal.

He and Rascal have gotten quite close in the past two days. It was surprising that in such a short amount of time he grew fond of the bird. Hunter talked to Rascal about his interest in wild magic and his new findings. Rascal seemed to be a good listener, it always nodded its head up and down whenever Hunter explained the features of wild magic to him. And now that Hunter could understand Rascal, it was funny to communicate with it. They would read books together, and Hunter would always talk and vent about his responsibilities and feelings to the little cardinal. And Rascal would provide the best advice it could think of.

Hunter couldn't stop thinking of the events with the human, now known as "Luz" in Latisa, and the events in Eclipse Lake with the youngest Blight, the owl lady, and her talking dog. Having teamed up with Luz to fight against Kikimora and save those palismen, the ones he was specifically trying to give to his uncle. And when he was held prisoner by the youngest Blight and found out she was dating that insufferable human. But those interactions made him realize he was distancing a bit from his duties as Belos's right-hand man. Hell, he was even keeping a secret palismen with him. Hunter didn't let Rascal leave his side. He was too afraid of anyone finding out about it.

Hunter got up from his bed and changed into his usual attire, not including his helmet. He had forgotten to get a new mask as his old one got eaten by Kikimora's beast. He knew Kikimora loathed him, as she went as far as trying to kill him. Maybe she was jealous of his status and worth to Emperor Belos. Hunter knew he was needed for the Day of Unity. The Titan had "big plans" for him. But there was a chance he could be replaced. And Hunter didn't want that.

Hunter and his bond with his uncle were complicated, to say the least. Sometimes Emperor Belos was uncharacteristically endearing, telling him about his time in the human realm. But most times, he was cold, ruthless towards him, and distant. Hunter would be lying if he said he didn't crave his uncle's attention and praise. He would do anything to help Emperor Belos, anything to deem him worthy in his eyes. But what Hunter failed to see was that his desperation was slowly tipping him into a state of madness.

He scooped up Rascal and placed it hidden behind his cape. A somewhat safe hiding spot. "Remember not to make a sound, okay buddy?" Hunter whispered. He heard Rascal chirp back in agreement. Hunter smiled softly and shut the door of his room. He walked through the halls of the castle, but not getting very far as someone tapped his shoulder to stop him.

"Uhm, Golden Guard sir? Emperor Belos wishes to see you." One of the soldiers informed him.

"He does? Did he mention why?" Hunter asked, raising an eyebrow. The other guy shook his head. "Oh well alright, thanks for telling me, Steve." Hunter turned around and headed to the throne room. Before entering, he stopped at the doors, his hand hovering over the handle. He couldn't help feeling the sinking feeling in his stomach and felt nervous. 'Why would uncle want to see me?' Hunter thought. After a moment of trying to compose himself, he entered the room.

There sat Emperor Belos on his throne, with his mask on and his bright blue eyes staring right down at him. Hunter walked into the room towards him and kneeled in front of him. "You asked to see me, Emperor Belos?" Hunter asked while keeping his gaze at the floor. He could hear his uncle getting up from his chair and walking down the steps towards him.

"Stand up and look at me, Hunter." Emperor Belos said coldly. Hunter slowly stood up and lifted his head to make eye contact with him. Once he got to his level he placed his hand on Hunter's shoulder. Hunter could feel his heart race faster, fear creeping into him more. "You know I only want what is best for you, correct?" Hunter nodded as he wondered where he was going with this. "I can't help but notice you seem to be slacking off lately. You haven't been doing as good of a job as I would like." Hunter's eyes widened. He didn't understand, just two days ago he had given Emperor Belos the portal key and he seemed pleased with him. Or at least, Hunter thought he looked pleased. But then again, the key was cracked and lost half of the liquid inside of it. The Emperor expected so much from him. It was mentally and physically tearing him apart. Hunter kept his mouth shut, too afraid of speaking out of turn again.

"And I think I might know the cause of this." Before Hunter could register what was happening he felt the hand on his shoulder move to the inside of his cape and pull out Hunter's palismen, Rascal. Rascal chipped out in alarm as his uncle turned around and walked back a couple of steps away from his nephew. Hunter found himself walking back to the emperor and grabbing his uncle's arm that was holding Rascal in a state of panic, trying to get Rascal back.

"Uncle, wait, please! I can explain!-" Emperor Belos jerked his arm back causing Hunter to get thrown off and onto the ground. His uncle loomed over him menacingly, causing chills to run down Hunter's spine. He could feel his heart beating rapidly in his ears. He had been caught. His worst fear was now coming true. He had betrayed his uncle's trust, and he and his only friend were going to pay the price for it.

"After everything I have done for you, how dare you betray me like this?!" Emperor Belos shouted at him. Hunter flinched back at the outburst. He bowed his head and kneeled in front of his uncle once again.

"Uncle please I'm sorry!" Hunter begged.

Emperor Belos shook his head with Rascal still in his hand. Emperor Belos raised his hand outward, summoning his staff to him. He pointed it at Hunter and shot magic at him, electrifying him.

Once the pain hit him, he screamed. He screamed at the top of his lungs, as it felt every part of him was on fire. He trembled in pain on the floor as tears formed in his eyes. After a few minutes that felt like hours of unbearable torture, it finally stopped. He laid upon the floor exhausted, his skin now bruised and his face bleeding. He felt as if he couldn't breathe. Hunter meekly looked up at his uncle, tears flowing from his eyes.

"It is disgraceful to even consider you my nephew. Not only did you lie to me, but also keep a palismen hidden from me, sneak out and disobey me, and all you have to show me was a broken key!" Emperor Belos spat out angrily as he turned away from Hunter. Hunter couldn't help sob even harder after hearing those words. "Hopefully now after this, you won't be so foolish in the future." But suddenly, Rascal broke free from Belos's grip and flew towards the shaking boy on the floor. Before Belos tried to grab it back, it transformed into a staff.

Hunter reached out of it and it started to fly. Hunter cried out a bit at the sudden acceleration and clung onto the staff for dear life as Rascal flew them out of the Throne room. Hunter could hear his uncle yelling after him, but everything seemed to be muffled. He fought to stay conscious throughout the ride. He heard voices yelling and people chasing after him. But after a few moments, he found himself flying out of the castle and into the forest. Far away from his uncle.