The Tales of Darkmore

The Spark of Hope

Lucian woke up again, the memories of his childhood fresh on his mind. He looked around, his head feeling heavy. He looked up, realising he'd fallen asleep in Gadriel's lap.

"S-shit I'm sorry..." He groaned. He ran his hands over his chest, wincing.

"Don't be... You're still bruised as hell so try and be careful..." she rubbed her thumb against his cheek, making him smile.

"I don't know what I'd do without you..." he tried sitting up, Gadriel supporting his back as he did.

"You'd still be bottling up your emotions... and not to mention dead." She smiled. Lucian laughed, cracking his neck and sighing.

"I hate to admit it but... Maybe you were right..." Lucian muttered.

"Oh god... You must have brain damage... There's no way you just said that." she teased, making Lucian chuckle.

"I mean it. Maybe I don't have to do this alone... There are probably some other crazy sons of bitches out there that would love to stick it to the Gods. Maybe it doesn't just have to be me..." he admitted.

"Okay yeah... Definitely brain damage, you wouldn't say this in a million years." she rubbed his back gently. Lucian smiled, looking over at his clothes. Gadriel got up from the bed, standing in front of him.

"Are you making sure I don't fall?" Lucian asked, his hands ready to push up off the bed.

"Yeah... We don't need any more concussions." she took a step back, Lucian standing up straight. He inhaled deeply, outstretching his hands. He closed his eyes, absorbing some energy from the earth, the magic dancing between his fingers. He exhaled heavily. He smiled, feeling strong again. He summoned a small gust of wind, pulling his clothes into his hand and putting them on quickly. He brushed off his trench-coat, straightening the collar.

"How do I look?" Lucian asked, a warm smile creeping across his face.

"Amazing." Gadriel smiled, holding his hands.

"So now I've made the stupid decision to get together people that are willing to face down God knows how many horrors... Will you join me?" Lucian asked, locking eyes with her.

"I would love to..." she began, Lucian catching on instantly.

"There's a but in that sentence isn't there." he looked down.

"I can't... They have too much power over me. I'd be damned if they ever found out I talk to you, if I try and fight them... Well, I'll be stripped of all power and sent to an endless loop of torment." Her eyes filled with tears.

"Doesn't sound fun. Don't worry, I'll try and find others... I just gotta hope they won't stab me in the back." He smiled.

"There'll be plenty of people jumping at the opportunity to defy the Gods... just be careful they don't get involved. You're powerful, and you're smart, but I don't think you can beat any of the Gods, even with an army." She let out a deep breath.

"Have a bit of faith... Even if they come knocking, I'll be careful. I promise." Lucian had a warm smile, filled with confidence.

"I trust you. Come back to me Darkmore." she smiled.

"Always." Lucian stepped into the centre of the room. He brought his hands up in front of his chest, arms crossed in an 'X' shape. He lowered his middle fingers and began muttering a complex spell than even Gadriel didn't recognise.

"Where you headed?" Gadriel asked.

"Greece. I heard rumours, and if they're true it'll more than help me, if I live long enough to convince them." he answered, his hand glowing with purple magic.

"This... This isn't the normal arrogance, it's... you're almost happy and confident, what changed?" she looked at him softly.

"I needed to let go and talk. You listened." Lucian winked, pulling his arms apart and closing his fist in a single motion, a dark coloured smoke filling the space he'd just vanished from.

A hand reached over, grabbing Gadriel's shoulder. She shuddered but didn't seem surprised.

"Please... Make sure you keep that end of the deal." she whispered softly.

"Make sure he does what we agreed upon." a voice snarled.

"He'll do what I tell him to, he trusts me..." she replied, still shaking slightly. She could feel the figure smiling behind her.

"Good. It begins."