Defilement: Atem x Reader

Chapter 24: The Bastard Prince of Thieves

Author's Note: This chapter will be about Vanin's past and how he came to be a ally and friend to the prince before he became king.

A little boy with ivory hair and lavender eyes peeked over the lid of a pot hidden behind a few tall flowers in the village square. His eyes scanning the market area with a unsettling accuracy. He was looking for someone. ''Where is he?'' He nearly topples over, breaking his hiding place as a gloved hand taps his shoulder. Lavender eyes glared at the cloaked and hooded figure before the said hood was removed. ''I hate when you do that. You'd definitely fit the role of a thief.'' Hidden violet eyes rolled in playful annoyance. Helping the boy out of the giant vase, the two hastily make their way down the street's alleyway stopping at a small caved in section of the back alley to escape the afternoon heat.

''Out of the stuffy palace again? You keep this up, and your cousin and the others will get suspicious. I know you're good at being silent but try and not come out in public looking like a nomad.'' Those said violet eyes narrowed slightly before the mouth hood was also removed. ''Not a option. You know this.'' The taller of the two just shakes his head. ''I know. Must suck being of royal blood. Not being able to be normal, you can't even think for yourself as much without having some stuck up scribe acting as your brain. I say that's a insult.''

''You don't know the half of it.'' They both laugh, settling themselves against the cool brick wall, staring at the many tapestries that hung from homes. ''Atem, do you remember how exactly we met? Before my damn father came up?'' violet peeked over at lavender. ''Not that I like remembering that but yes. Why?'' ivory silver locks shook. ''It's just weird. A soon to be king becoming friends with a son of the man his father's tried and nearly succeed in killing. It's odd that's all.'' Sharp eyelids closed in memory of a much younger duo, both fated to steep themselves into the very dark that had been said to be the shadows of the underworld itself.

His mother, his dear, loving mother was slaughtered like cattle by none other than his father, the self proclaimed Thief King. Horrified lavender eyes, wide with fear and anger stared at the corpse of his mother then back to his father. ''Why?! Papa! She was only trying to help!'' Cold, near inhuman eyes peered down at the lad; too innocent to be his offspring. ''It was necessary Vanin. She did not understand.'' Kneeling down toward the boy, wiping away his tears with still blood soaked fingers. This only made the child cry harder; that was his mother's blood on his hands.

''Remember, I'm doing this for our people. The pharaoh must pay for what he did to our village, our home.'' Lavender eyes blinked in confusion. ''But, I saw him. How can someone my age-?'' ''Do not be deceived boy. That brat is just as ruthless and brutish as his father.'' He went silent, now staring down at his now red soaked shoes. ''For Kul Elna.'' lavender eyes looked through silver hair. ''...For Kul Elna.''

That was over 6 years ago. Never had he let go of what his father done to his mother. Even now, he still sometimes, wake up with night terrors and crying. Rubbing a tired hand down his face, eye tilted towards the full moon outside the window of a abandoned home he had officially took residence in. He could still see his father's face caked in his mother's blood. Punching the wall behind the bed, knuckles bleeding, he growls deep in his throat. He will pay for that. He will personally see to that. But the question is, how?

The sword that which the bastard had left for him still stood against the wall, a lone sapphire stringed gem handing off the hilt. Getting up and striding over towards it, he grabs the hilt unsheathing the blade, staring at the sharp edges. Too many lives had been taken with this sword, those who crossed his path; he wasn't above killing. But children? Women? He made a personal vow not to harm them. Just kill the men, nothing more.

As for actually stealing? He took up small, odd jobs for aristocrats during his childhood as a errand boy. Despite the massive mistrust from the elder's and his uncanny resemblance to Akefia. Eventually, he had gotten more than what he asked for when in the market careening off a building and crashing into a nearby stall. Well, today's errand was a set up. Old bastard's was a snitch and rat him out to the guards and if caught, he'd be beheaded. He snorted at that, dusting himself off and glaring at the approaching guardsmen. Taking out a dagger, he takes it in between his teeth climbing up on a palm tree connecting to a neighboring rooftop.

''After him! That Damnable thief can't get away!'' He rolls his eyes in annoyance.''Really Gentlemen? And you dare call yourselves royal guards? Pathetic.'' A amused laugh burst forth as he engaged the other men in battle, slashing one's face open and cutting another's eye out laughing all the way. The mad prince. Son of the King of Thieves. Like father like son as the saying goes.

Never noticing the brutal blow the puncture point in his neck before he fell forward like a sack of potatoes. Groaning, lilac eyes opened revealing darkness. Great, in a cell. Lovely. ''Way a go idiot. You let your blood lust take over.'' Muttering to himself, he sighs. Well, he knows what needs to be done; good thing for make shift lock picks.

''I've never seen anyone with those kind of moves in sword play before. He's no doubt related to Akefia. If he's smart, he'll tell us where he's hiding, my lord.'' voices? Damn it, too late to back out of this now. Hearing a soft 'click' the barred door was kicked opened. ''Wha--'' ''He's escaped! Get him!'' A joyful laugh rung through out the dungeon halls alerting the other prisoners in curiosity. ''It's him!'' ''Let us out!'' ''My Prince, I had worked alongside your father, surely you would need assistance in-'' the male's voice had died in his throat as his head was severed from his shoulders cleanly.

''...Filthy vermin. I hate kiss asses. ''

Twisting to the left, he picks up speed, running faster towards outside. Outside but still confined in the palace. Damn place was a giant sand maze of buildings and hallways. Skidding to a halt, eyes narrowing at the figure ahead of him. ''So, you decide to get off your tan ass and get me yourself?'' violet eyes narrow in silence before unsheathing his own sword. ''Oh? The silent one ne? Very well, little prince. Do you even know how to use a weapon? And your precious necklace doesn't count.'' Said eyes widen at his words before sharpening in anger.

And so, the blade dance began.

It nothing short of astonishing. The brat was actually keeping up with him. Impressive. ''So, you DO know some skill in swordplay. Good, this would've been boring if you weren't.'' Dodging a stab, he kicks the lad underneath his leg making him fall. ''But there's more to fighting than just weaponry. Or did your daddy not taught you that rule?'' He was surprised at the sudden tackle, knocking him flat on his back making him laugh again. ''Hit a nerve I see. Aw, don't make that face, but then again do.'' It had just registered to him that he was punched but didn't feel it. Go figure.

Spitting out a tooth, he gives a boyish giggle which confused the pre teen. ''What? Did you assume that I would struggle like a bound animal? Don't get me wrong, you're good.'' his eyes then narrowed. ''--But not good enough to trap him.''

Finally, the boy spoke. ''H-How did you...?'' ''Know? I'm his son unfortunately. So! Here's my offer; you and I become best buddies and I'll teach you how to properly use a sword. A few other little tricks as well.'' Royal purple eyes narrowed. ''How do I know you're not lying?'' A snicker leaves him. ''You can't. I prefer to keep things under wraps.''

''Wonderful.''

''Ah, so the prissy boy does have a human side. Good to know.''

''You're becoming irritating and I've only just met you.''

''Aww!''