Of Gods and Monsters

Into The Internal Darkness

"I want to kiss her so passionately and deeply, but I'm in a rut. You see it's hard to give kisses when your mouth is sewn shut".

–Tim Burton

Elek felt alarm when Ambrus didn't return. He knew that the pervious conversation had been well---more than a tad bit awkward, but it wasn't like Ambrus to brood for too long. As the night began to come to a close, alarm began to make way to sheer panic. Elek had been detached lately, he knew it to be true, but it wasn't due to disinterested in Ambrus, per say. It was disinterest in everything. He longed to move forward, preferably with Ambrus, but he had the horrible suspicion that he'd be flat out refused. The thought of that rejection made Elek shiver in displeasure. For he knew that it would force his hand in leaving Ambrus to explore the world, even if it were only for a few short years. He also knew that Ambrus would never understand. And of course, the fear he felt now. Of the possibility of Ambrus simply walking out on him, made him sick.

He began to pace, weighing his options. He could, 1) leave their home and attempt to seek out Ambrus blindly. Unfortunately, his newfound abilities seemed to not work with his immortal brethren, so listening out for his thoughts was out of the question. Or, 2) wait where he was patiently, putting faith in Ambrus's strength and affections. Both sounded like the wrong choice to Elek. He wished he could somehow telepathically communicate with Ambrus. He felt that there was always this disconnect between them. Ambrus was a feeling and physical person, always wanting attention and affection. Whereas Elek, a man who lived mostly in his own mind, didn't need either of those to feel and give his love. He felt that the affection existed the same if he didn't speak to Ambrus all day, just as much as it did when they were---close. The vast gap between their natures was a great inhibitor of their---relationship, or whatever it was (since they both hadn't spoken on it clearly yet). Elek wanted (no, needed) to clarify their previous disagreement, and he also needed to confront Ambrus about leaving, once and for all.

Just as the point of no return began to creep up, and night was leading to the beginnings of day, he heard the door to their flat open. He blew out an audible sigh of relief. Ah, so Ambrus had simply brooded longer than Elek had anticipated. He felt stupid and silly as he heard footsteps begin to ring into the lower regions of their flat. However, his stomach began to churn again as he realized that it wasn't a pair of feet, but rather a mass of them.

--

"Victor?!"

Ambrus felt his voice betray him as his mind and mouth instantly reacted. Hoarse and alarmed, he choked out his (presumed) deceased friends name. Victor's frame and face was unmistakable.

Right as rain, he stood before him, in one piece, and surprisingly uncharred. Immense relief flooded Ambrus's brain as he took it all in, and then an impeccably large amount of guilt. Victor's face was unreadable at the moment. He seemed to be taking in the sight of Ambrus as well. He probably looked quite pathetic, sitting there with his pipe, a melancholy look on his face.

"Ambrus."

Victor answered, taking a seat next to him on the theatre steps. Ambrus cleared his throat and attempted to make his muddled brain function properly, to no avail. It seemed the drugs only worked at the most inopportune of times. He sputtered.

"I-I supposed you know it was my doing---the theatre, that is."

He was unsure of exactly what to say. He knew what the theatre had meant for Victor. Victor just clicked his tongue, flattening out his body next to him on the steps, leaning back comfortably.

"Imbécile. Of course I knew."

He answered, his face taut with anger. Ambrus swallowed hard, feeling the guilt seep deeper.

"I also know it wasn't your idea. No, you'd never do this, too much trouble. I also know you don't exactly disagree with me, do you, mon ami?

A feeling began to start in Ambrus's stomach, a feeling of dread. This conversation was turning quickly, but he couldn't tell where. Left speechless, Victor continued, his voice strained.

"Surely you understand the idea of lex talionis, do you not?"

Ambrus swallowed thickly.

"I'm familiar, of course. Oculum pro oculo, dentem pro dente"

He repeated the Latin, alarmed now.

"Yes, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."

Victor repeated, not once making eye contact with Ambrus.

"What are you playing at here, Victor?"

Ambrus said darkly, his voice grave and threatening. Victor didn't weaver in the slightest.

"Oh, I think you can guess. You took my family away from me, and now I'll take yours."

He said easily. In only a millisecond, Ambrus stood above him, hand tightly coiled around Victor's throat. His nose, inches from his face, eyes blazing red.

"Exactly how are you going to do that if you're dead."

He replied, squeezing Victor so hard, he was sure that his neck would break. Although wheezing slightly, he managed a decidedly sinister smile, and spoke.

"Your progeny is weak, defenseless, ---and right now, utterly alone."

The words tore through Ambrus's psyche like bullets, his grip faltered and his rage gave way to panic.

"What exactly do you mean."

It came out shakier than Ambrus would've liked. It didn't escape Victor. Victors cold and translucent white hand gripped Ambrus's gloved ones, which was still around his throat.

"You know what I mean. If you don't hear me out, or kill me, Elek will be no more."

Ambrus felt the breath get knocked out of him. His grip completely loosened, but to his surprise, Victor didn't move his hand. He kept it there, forcing Ambrus to remain over top of him.

"What exactly do you want from me."

Ambrus said, looking on at Victor's shit eating grin, fighting the urge to crush his windpipe right then and there.

"You will do what I say, when I say it, or his immortal life will come to an unfortunate and early end."