TEN
"Vinson..." Vaughn says, letting out an angry growl.
As the light generated by the fire dwindles, Samantha is barely able to make out the features of the faunian Vaughn refers to as Vinson. For the most part, they look completely identical. It is as if she is staring at a split image of Vaughn adorning an ebony cloak. However, the contrast in their mannerisms and demeanor are obvious as well. This Vaughn look alike stands with exuding confidence and killer intent. His eyes are trained on Vaughn as if he's eyeing down a helpless beggar. As Samantha helplessly watches them both stare each other down, her heart races with fear and her mind with questions as to who this Vinson guy is to Vaughn.
"What are yuh doing here?" Vaughn asks despite already knowing the answer.
"Oh, I thought it obvious already." Vinson glances down at the stone between them.
"I'm not letting yuh leave here with that," Vaughn demands, taking a step towards it now that he has control over his body again.
"Then by all means, you can try and stop me, but we both know how that's going to end," Vinson replies with an obnoxious grin.
"Why yuh even need that thing? Why yuh doing all of this?" Vaughn begins to interrogate him.
"What do you care? Here we are face to face for the first time in ages and you pester me with annoying questions like a nosey seven year old."
"I want to save yuh soul, Vinson! None of this is going to lead to a life of prosperity or peace. The last thing I want to do is contend with my flesh and blood!" Vaughn proclaims.
"Yet here we are...funny how irony doesn't give two squats about what either of us want." Vinson comments.
"We can just choose not to fight...and maybe even come with me to try and fix everything." Vaughn offers. Just for a moment, Vaughn's face softens to show Vinson empathy.
"Right, and tell me how has your life been going so far?" Vinson replies, cocking his head back. "Have you found peace and prosperity? Have you achieved...enlightenment during your time with our 'sanctified' family?" Vinson says, air quoting during his mockery.
"Well, yuh have the chance to find out for yourself?" Vaughn retorts.
"What and become a hypocrite like you?" Vinson scoffs.
"Don't pretend to act as if yuh know me!" Vaughn lashes out.
"What...are you serious?" Vinson cackles at Vaughn for losing his temper. "Look, you don't have the power to defeat me, nor does your little friend upstairs..." he refers to Mizoree. "Just do me a favor and stay out of my way. I'm not so far gone that I'll kill my own brother...yet."
Vaughn clenches his fist, swelling with resolve. To think that Vinson will even consider such an idea makes his blood rush with adrenaline. To have come this far and finally confronted Vinson for the first time; he feels as if this conversation should have played out better. As much as he wants to help Vinson walk away from his cruel and homicidal ways, can he actually do so with the level of experience he has now? Then there's the fact that Vinson, regardless of his ties to the Safeguard family, is still guilty of committing ungodly crimes and taking lives. Saving him realistically looks like a foregone conclusion at this point. Once Divinity gets their hands on him, he will surely be put down for his actions.
"Do you truly think that everything will go according to yuh plans simply because you say so?" Vaughn asks him.
"Undoubtedly..." Vinson says with a smirk.
"Then you're a fool! You are not the author of everyone's fate, not even your own! If you think you're taking that stone and hurting more innocent faunians without a fight...then you're sadly mistaken." Vaughn proclaims taking another step towards the Reaper Stone.
YOU ARE READING
Tails of Alpherion
FantasyA story that focuses on the lives of several individuals who are dealing with various situations and challenges from life. As their stories unfold, their lives will intertwine and branch apart, leading them on journeys that will shape their futures...
