Happy Halloween from the Daggers~

"Artemis, whilst I'm pleased with the progress you have been making with the 'asset' I permit you to deal with. However, you have failed to attend any of our social events as of late. The press is getting suspicious, therefore we need you to get some positive attention. Make a public appearance at one of the pumpkin farms, some party organizers need are running low on pumpkins and need some mages to help gather them. Think of this as a service to the community, behave yourself and hopefully you two will aid our family's current reputation. Oh, I forgot to mention; your brother will be going with you."

And here he was, in a car on the way to the Crocus's pumpkin fields. He was surprised there were vegetable fields in crocus, what with it being such an industrial place. But apparently, they kept some stretches of land for local farming and produce. He supposed he would be called out to do something for the family at some point, his father was right, he HAD missed a lot of family events because he'd been too busy to attend. His job kept him occupied, which was probably ideal for the Daggers, no drunk Artemis at a gala causing trouble. It was probably ideal, but no doubt the media were probably wondering where the Dagger Heir has disappeared to. It was perhaps a little strange, the once avidly social billionaire ghostings all the current events. But still, picking pumpkins? It was a tedious affair. What were they trying to sell with this? That the Daggers boys were humbled enough to pick pumpkins for the public, despite their wealthy roots? It felt like a rather cheesy story to sell. But still, he wouldn't argue, and he preferred picking pumpkins to being forced to endure boring conversations with snobs and uppity socialites.

The car pulled to a stop, and the driver confirmed his arrival. Artemis would pay him, before sliding out of the car. Adjusting his leather jacket, it was colder than he'd expected it to be. He glanced around, ruby eyes searching for his little brother. Hoping he would get here soon, the sooner he was here, the sooner he could head off for a beer.

---

As he spotted the unique shade of red and white locks, he grinned, he had seen Percy in ages and from the looks of it, his more docile sibling was already at work. Artemis joked over to where he was, reaching down, he would ruffle his brother's hair vigorously regardless of whether he was okay with it or not. "Hey Percy boy! Long-time no see," He was actually pretty happy to see his brother, one of the few members of his family he enjoyed being around. He would definitely rather be here with Percy than his weasel cousin Gabriel. "Yo what's with the gloves, you turning bionic on me?" He began to do a robot dance, "I-am-Perseus, Exter-minate- Exter-minate!" He said in his best impression of a robot, before laughing, weirdly enough the impression kind of reminded him of Cassius. He knew his brother loved technology, but he still couldn't help teasing him a little. It felt normal, something he hadn't felt in a while now.

"I honestly have no clue, I say we just pick a bunch, then head to Maroni's for some pizza." He suggested, figuring it would be a nice excuse to catch up. His siblings sure felt distant these days, it was kind of lonely without them around to annoy and mess around with. He glanced around, he was surprised, surely there would be some paparazzi around by now, snapping a shot of the brothers working together. They were bound to be tipped off by an 'anonymous source', but it seemed either they weren't here yet or they were just really good at hiding. Shrugging, he set to work, finding anything that resembled a passable pumpkin and tearing its vine from its stem. Not especially concerned with being careful.

After a short while, he froze, his sensitive hearing building up a flurry above him. Normally, even with his powerful sense, he had trained himself to ignore the less important sounds, like animals, traffic, wind. But this was normal bird sounds, he glanced up, eying the birds. "Perce, those gloves... they're weapons right?" He asked, continuing to pick the next pumpkin, but eyes still watching the skies cautiously. His suspicions seemed to grow more accurate with each passing moment, as the horde of blackbirds seemed to grow thicker, he could practically smell it, they're lethal intent. "Perce, don't freak out, but in a minute those birds are going to attack us. If you can protect yourself good, but if not I need you to get behind me." He told him calmly, tearing away at the next pumpkins stem as though talking about the weather. The flock converged together before diving down towards the sibling, "NOW!" Art roared, jumping to his feet, he summoned several black orbs to meet the angry avian mass.

---

Artemis grinned at his brother's reaction to his teasing, sticking out his tongue at the playful threat he was given. At Percy's response to the Maroni invitation, Art shot him an enthusiatic eye-wiggle. "I wonder if that cute waitress is still there, you know the blonde who always winks at you when she takes our order. What's her name again Perce?" He asked teasingly, it was highly possible that the waitress winked at all of her patrons, but he stil couldn't help but want to try and stir a reaction from his younger sibling.

After warning his brother, Artemis wondered if he hit a nerve as Percy shouted before he set about facing the birds. As they thought the onslaught of crows, Artemis kept at eye on his brother observing him as he used his gloves to fend off the attack. First creating an ice shield and then lighting up the birds in a blaze of merciless fire. Arty liked to joke about Percy's inventions, but he had to give it to him; they were effective. Albeit somewhat dangerous as they both were well aware of. He whispered, "Decent work Perce, robot arms finally paying off huh" He said in an amused tone, before glancing around. Any birds Percy hadn't incinerated had been utterly decimated by his orbs of demonic power.

"Honestly not sure, don't remember seeing this on Animal Planet." He commented, despite being attacked he was calm. He was pretty used to getting attacked by now, not normally by birds but by something or other. Just a part of a being a mage really. At his brother's shout, he turned around only to see the mass of crows forming together to make one giant body. Art raised his brow, "Huh... now you're a big fella ain'tcha~" He commented with a grin, the bird-man loomed over him threatening, jumping forward. It would swipe a claw at him, Art hopped back, just out of reach of the bird's sweep. Reaching out with his left hand, he grabbed hold of the feather mass that was the bird man's arm, yanking it down, he would drive his right fist into the beast's beak. It didn't do much, it seemed that somewhat enhanced human strength wasn't enough. The bird yanked it's arm out of Artemis's grip, reaching out it would seize him by the shoulders. It's clawing digging in as it lifted the older brother off of the ground. Art winced at the pain, glancing over at his brother, although he didn't mind using some spells. He really didn't like using the entirety of his magic in front of his family, he found himself hesitating.

Tut tut, come now boy. A little pride shouldn't stop you, don't you want to protect your brother. They're more coming you know, now is not the time to play your cards close to your chest~ The silky voice of Morte in his head would whisper, Art stiffened. He knew many things about Morte, things he hated, but one thing he knew was that the incubi did not lie. "Ugh, so fucking be it," he growled, unleashing the magic from within. His skin turning black as coal, shifting into dark scales and smoke emanating from his body. His arms would grow thicker, his muscles expanding, his fingers flexed as they mutated into claws the size of large talons. Art kicked out, hitting the bird beast hard in the stomach, causing him to drop the red-head. As he landed, he leaped forward, slashing his claws at the beast, over and over. His claws ripping through its flesh effectively until it dropped down dead. Art stood over it, the wounds on his shoulder already healing, he glanced over at his brother in his somewhat demonic form. His eyes widened at the newest threat that seemed to be making it's way toward them, "Well Perce, I think we found where the scarecrow went"

---

The sight of his brother beaten and battered from his own fight created quite the internal conflict in Artemis. On one hand, he wanted to tell his brother to stand down, not to fight to let Artemis protect him, but on the other hand, he knew that would go down like a lead balloon. His brother wanted to fight, to show his worth, Arty knew this because he would be the exact same. In fact, he had been the same, over more than a decade ago, during his magicless years. He held back, not saying anything. He stood by as Percy took on the scarecrow, waiting ready just in case. He created several more demonic orbs, not just in case his brother needed them, but if there was another monster waiting for them. His ruby eyes searched the plains, it was getting harder to see. The fog was growing thicker, more dense. His instincts were telling him there was more to come. The scarecrow was more nimble than the bird beast, quicker. Its attacks more precise and less animalistic, making it a greater threat. Artemis clenched his fists as it slashed at his brother. I never understand you pitiful humans, you could kill this creature easily, especially if you used my power. Yet you hold yourself back, and for what? For the sake of this boys pride and your own pathetic shame. Morte's malicious voice hissed in his mind, Artemis shut his eyes, gritting his teeth. I don't recall asking your opinion, in fact, I never want your opinion.

Well, you shall hear it anyway. Like now for instance, It is my opinion that you open your eyes, lest you want your brother to die. Art's eyes shot open just in time to see the blade of the scythe carve into his brother's shoulder. Art roared in protest, running forward, his immediate protective rage taking over. Making room for more of Morte's magic, allowing it to seep into him. The orbs flew forward at immense speed, slamming into the scarecrow. Giant black feathery wings would tear through the clothes on his back, stretching outward behind him. He pushed down hard, dashing forward faster than could be followed with human eyes. He ripped the scythe from the scarecrows grasp, swinging it through the air. He brought it down on the creature with all the strength of his enhanced muscles, tearing the beast in two. He hovered above where the creature lay, his breathing ragged. This wasn't good, he could feel Morte's presence, itching to take over completely. He reached up, smacking himself in the head a few times, eyes squeezed shut as he tried to maintain control.


Come on Artemis, give in. Show your brother the real you, you know you want to... He purred, Artemis growled, gritting his teeth. "No... I can't...I don't want him to..." He replied out loud, his body trembling. A cold chuckle caused him to stiffen, he turned his head to look, his once red eyes now entirely black including the whites of his eyes. The newest monster to approach, a monster dressed in a black cloak with a rotten pumpkin for a head. The energy around the creature was thick with evil, and yet it was nothing compared to Morte, who surged forward. Artemis was dragged deep into his own mind as Morte shifted over completely. His demeanor would change completely, becoming quite relaxed. He grinned at the monster, his teeth now as long as a serpent, rows, and rows of them protruding from his gums. He would no longer resemble Artemis whatsoever, his nostrils now slit, his face more angular, the only remaining part of him was his red hair.

"I commend your attempts, you season bound beasts really don't have a lot of time to hunt. You might have been successful had it just been the boy, but alas, you had the misfortune of running into me." His voice was different now, smoother, silkier and quite sinister in nature. He flew towards the creature, who launched its chains towards him. The chains were met with more demonic orbs, knocking them away from their summoner as he soared towards his target. Morte stopped in front of the beast, throwing his powerful arms forth, his speared his claws into the pumpkins head, holding him still. The moment his claws touched the pumpkin, it would set alight. It's entire body covered in black flames, eating away at its body. Morte chuckled sadistically, opening his jaw, he spread his mouth wide. He released a monstrous roar into the creature's face, hitting the pumpkin king head-on. He struggled in the demon's grip, desperately trying to distance itself from him. Chains would wrap around Morte's body, attempting to drag him over. Morte just continued to laugh, before squeezing with his hands, crushing the creature's head with all his strength. After a matter of second, the pumpkin head would explode, it's orange flesh flying everywhere. Its body fell limp and Morte would drop him to the ground, like a discarded toy.

He turned to look at Percy, his toothy grin spreading wider, he flew over to the boy. Hovering close, he brought his face close to the younger Dagger boy. "Do you like secrets boy?" He whispered playfully, before moving closer, his tone teasing. "Ask your brother who I am..." Morte chuckled leaning back from Percy, he would throw back his head and laugh. Smoke billowing from his body as he began to revert, sinking back into his host.  His teeth and claws retracted to their normal size, his skin and eyes morphing into their natural colour whilst his wings sunk back into his shoulders. He would stop laughing, looking down, appearing himself once more. Artemis would blink blearily at his brother, his expression one of exhaustion. As he had control returned to him, he looked around hastily, with no memory of what happened after he'd seen the Pumpkin King. He eyed the body that that lay on the floor, so Morte had just killed him. That was acceptable at least, the last thing he wanted was his brother to witness one of Morte's 'rampages'. He looked over at Percy with a weak grin, Morte's complete control always took it out of him for some reason.

"So yeah... Maroni's then?"

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

---

Artemis took a deep breathe, glancing around the pumpkin patch. The weather seemed to be settling back to normal now, the fog had lifted and once again everything seemed calm. That had turned out okay right? All they had to do was grab a couple  pumpkins and they'd had done the job. They could call it a day and spend some quality time together, which was great. Perhaps today would be one of the few times he did something for his family and didn't end up facing consequences for it.  At least this was what he had hoped, alas it would not turn out this way. He heard Percy's attempt to speak, the tone of fear in his voice bringing his brothers attention back to him. "Perce?" His own voice was uncertain, concerned. Had the monsters really freaked him out that much? He supposed it would be for people not used to it, although he didn't realise Percy would be this upset by the ordeal.

Yet when Percy asked his next question, something told Artemis there was more to it than just the Halloween monsters. Something told him Morte had done something, shown Percy something he shouldn't have. Artemis stiffened, his expression hardening, his smile gone completely. He climbed to his feet, his demeanour now solemn, he offered out a hand to Percy."Come, let's go get pizza, we can talk at Maroni's." He told his terrified sibling. After grabbing a pumpkin or two, he would text his driver to come and get them. Shortly after have his driver pull round to the front of the entrance to the pumpkin patch. Without a word Artemis jumped inside of the car, not really sure what to say just yet. He knew he was probably being a little standoffish, but he really didn't know what to say to ease his brother's mind. Soon they would pull up outside Maroni's, Artemis wouldn't say much. The entire way he tried to pry things out of Morte, but the demon was radio-silent all of a sudden. Which only made him more suspicious.

After climbing out of the car, Artemis would head into the restaurant. Maroni's wasn't the fanciest of restaurants, the more snobbier members of his family would never come to such a place. But Arty liked it well enough, the pizza was good, the waitresses were cute, and hey free refills were always a plus with him. It was barely a second before a heavily busted woman roller-bladed over to them, "Well if it ain't the Dagger boys, ain't seen you two in a while!" Artemis smiled in his usual charming way, "Looking good Gloria, is our booth free?" He asked smoothly, his face not portraying the angst he was feeling at present."Ready and waiting!" She spun on her heel, before gliding away to the booth the boys always sat in. Artemis slid onto the leather bench, his eyes flickering to Percy, trying to read his mood. "What can I getcha to drink?"

"I'll get a lemonade...what about you Perce?" He asked, his ruby eyes searching his brothers face. He knew that if Morte had done what he thought he'd done, then him and Percy for in for quite the talk. Whether his brother would see him the same after he didn't know, would he be mad? disgusting? scared? There was so many possibilities, he struggled to see an outcome that was good. Maybe Percy would understand why he did it, would accept his brother's flawed decision to sell his soul to a demon. Although he couldn't see it, because he knew if the shoe was on the other foot, he too would be really pissed off.

---

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

At the very least Percy was willing to tag along at his request, although not without some apparent hesitation. Artemis felt a little more at ease when they arrived at Maroni's, perhaps it was something to do with his experiences at Maroni's but it always gave him a pleasant nostalgia. A place for just him and his siblings, filled with only good memories. Whether that would be the case for the pizza place by the end of the day was yet to be seen. He hoped not, he liked Maroni's, it was dear to him.

After taking their order, Gloria quickly skated away, if she picked up on Percy's meek response, she didn't show it. Darting off with the same glorious grin she always seemed to wear, as though her cheeks would never tire. The pause was long, dragging out between them, Art anxiously drummed his fingers on the table, coming to a stop when Percy spoke. His question would clarify everything, just what he'd seen. He had seen Morte, and Morte had done something to let Percy know that the beast wasn't some vessel of Artemis's power, but someone else. Artemis would think loudly enough so that Morte would hear his anger, You're going to pay for this you bastard. He heard nothing in response, no amused chuckle, no witty retort. He was letting him sit in this moment without interference, to face the consequences alone.

Artemis's ruby eyes would draw close, thinking things over for a moment. Wondering how to begin unveiling such a thing to his little brother. He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly before opening his eyes. "His name is Morterius, or Morte. He lives inside of me, a result of a contract I made with him." He began, although after he started he realised this was probably a little jarring and that maybe he should be clearer. "Let me start from the beginning, so you know how Pandora has inherited the family magic right. Well as you can imagine, they expected me to be born the same way. The firstborn Dagger son, the primary heir to the family's...businesses. I should've been the same, and that should've been enough to stabilise the future of the Daggers. But this wasn't the case," He would stop, as Gloria returned with their drinks, placing them on the table in front of them.

"Are you boys ready to order?" Artemis looked up at her, offering her a plastic smile. "The usual set please Gloria," He asked, she nodded, twirling on her heels before whizzing away. Once she was out of earshot, Artemis would continue, "Anyway, as I was saying... things didn't exactly turn out as Mother and Father expected them to. Turns out Perce, like you, was born without magic." He stopped, eyeing his brothers face to see his reaction before continuing, "This wasn't well-received, I was a disgrace to the Dagger Family, an abhorrent disappointment. It was... hard as you probably know. So when the opportunity came to get magic, to finally live up to the family expectations. I took it. It was a stupid decision, one I've regretted ever since," He sat back in his seat, using his right hand to push his fringe out of his face. He stared down at his drink for a moment, the more he spoke, the more sadness seeped into his voice, the remorse. The was the first time, he'd admitted this to anyone but her. It was harder than he expected. The pause dragged on, until finally he spoke once more.

"Morte is a demon and in exchange for giving me his power, he gets to use me as a host."

---

---

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

Once he finished speaking, Artemis waited with bated breath. Not sure how his brother was going to take the news, he knew it wouldn't go down well. It wasn't exactly the easiest thing to digest, demons weren't exactly reknowned for being kind, cute creatures. There were monsters, a species of nightmares. The stories one more associated with a demon would be enough to shake you to your core, it was even worse if you saw those nightmares for yourself. What a demon was really capable of, was so much worse than any book could depict. It was pure unadulterated evil, and you could never unsee what you saw. The pause was hardly bearable, each passing moment of silent increased the anxiety he was feeling, the worry he had over how his brother would take this. Was this it? The end of their relationship? Would Percy reject him as a brother?

And then finally he would speak, his voice was quiet, but Artemis heard it. His heart sinking slightly to hear his brother's thoughts, "I..." He tried to begin, but his voice faltered, not sure what to say. He couldn't defend his actions, they had been incredibly stupid. He'd ruined his future, decimating in one single childish decision. A choice of impulse which would destroy any hopes he had at happiness. He didn't finish his sentence, he just eyed his drink quietly, waiting for his brother to continue. His ruby eyes rising once more when Percy spoke again asking the very question Artemis often feared. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure, my control has gotten better but it still... I don't know. Morte is a power beyond anything I comprehend, you have to understand Percy. I made this decision when I was ten, I did exactly map out the consequences before I took the offer. But I'm trying, my emotions and my resolve seem to be what controls him, but if Morte's will is greater than mine, he can claim my mind. As you saw." He sighed, finally taking his drink, he would sip it. Despite his attempt to keep calm and be strong in front of his brother, his fingers would shake ever so slightly. Because the truth was, the question touched a nerve. He was terrified, he'd seen the true extent of what Morte could do. The horror he could unleash as a mere 'playtime', the devastation that to this day remained a mystery when Morte had gone on a rampage.

Perseus's next question did not surprise Artemis, he lowered his drink, his expression clouded with a hint of bitterness. "Mother is oblivious. Or rather chooses to be, I believe Father has an inkling but he has never asked me directly. Ignorance protects them I suppose. All they know is the small dose of which I've shown them, that I have some sort of magical power. Not re-quip like most Daggers, but something else. However, the fact remains that it is powerful is enough to fulfil what they require from an heir." His tone was laced more so with frustration now, his family never cared enough to learn the true state of his magic. They chose not to care, to use it for their advantage but stay distantly unaware enough so that if something did happen to Artemis. Their lack of knowledge would ensure the family legacy would remain unaffected. And then they circled round to his last question, a most impactful one. Artemis closed his eyes, he knew the answer, he'd known the answer for as long as he could remember.

"If I had a choice, Morte and I would have never met. I would rather be magicless then endure... endure what I have. To have done what he has... what he has made me do." He voice would crack and his eyes would lower in shame.

---

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

For a moment, Artemis's form would reflect his truest self, the part of him he had hidden for so long under a façade of laddish tomfoolery and bravado. He would be the hollow shell of the man he normally presented himself to be, the true misery he felt creeping the surface, exposed before his brother. A single tear would seep from his sorrowful eyes, ones he quickly wiped away with his sleeves. He hated this, every second of it. He never cried in front of anyone, not since he was a small boy. Tears were weak, that had been ingrained into him a long time ago. To make it worse, it was Percy watching him. He always wanted to be brave for Perce, to be someone he could look up to. Big brothers were supposed to protect you from the sins of the world. Yet, Artemis had let him down and the shame he was feeling was immense. "That it is brother, that it is." He uttered weakly.

When Percy spoke his name, Artemis's eyes widened, the offer of an ear reminding him of this very notion. Of the sight he was showing his younger sibling, and how he needed to straighten up. He couldn't stay like this, the tale enough was probably a huge downer for his brother. He didn't need to be laying it on thicker than he was already. He sniffed, straightening up, he attempting to regain some of his composure. He would look up into his brothers dual-toned irises, a semblance of a smile returning to his face. "Nah, not today Perce. We can... ease up to the gritty stuff in due time." He answered earnestly, he had already told Percy so much more than he'd expected to. Pushed himself to admit more than what he wanted in hopes to ease his brother's mind, but the prospect of telling Percy all the gruesome details about what Morte had made him do. It just seemed more than he could bare the thought of right now.

Their food would arrive shortly after, plates upon plates of steaming hot pizza's and delicious sides. Art tried to offer Gloria a smile as she laid out there food, although it still hadn't fully recovered it's natural zest. Artemis reached forward, scooping a slice of pizza onto his plate, "Anyway, let's talk about something more pleasant, what's have you been up to lately? Any new cool new gadgets?" He asked, trying to pull Percy into a conversation more cohesive with them both. A sign that he wanted to move on from the subject at hand. Reaching for a fraction of normality, their normality.

---

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

For a time Artemis had been comfortable in the thought that things had returned to a semblance of normality with his brother. It had been a massive revelation, opening up a painful part of him to his younger sibling. To feel a glimmer of acceptable from someone so important to him, it had felt good. A much-needed relief from his own shame. He had thought that maybe if Percy could accept him, that maybe eventually others could come to do the same. And so the time had passed, Artemis engrossing himself in his work at the guild. Often finding himself at the distraction of other matters, his cousin joining the guild, his date with Sivvy that had turned into a rescue mission. Quite an exciting night indeed.

And then he'd gotten the news, no sooner than forty-eight hours after Perseus's dangerous dealing, that his brother was missing. When the Dagger's security team reported no sight of the boy for the foreseeable time in which he was missing. As the days went by, the Daggers were in chaos, money pooled in search of him, the media clinging to every moment. Artemis went missing from time to time, Pandora was practically an enigma, but Perseus, this was unexpected for him. Artemis himself had taken a reprieve from work, putting the company in the hands of his Directors as he searched fruitlessly for his baby brother. He'd tried to reach out to his sister although she was quite difficult to reach. He had approached his Father, ordered him to allow him to join the search. And so for the time, his brother had been missing in action, Artemis had searched high and low. Running on little sleep, and barely taking any time to feed himself. He was haggard and exhausted, watching CCTV footage on his laptop from the area Perseus was last seen to be. A tiresome endeavour, that showed no clear sign of where he went, somewhere along his travels the cameras lost him. And going through the footage of thousands of camera's was coming up with nothing substantial. He sat up sharply when he heard Wallard shout for him, inhaling sharply when their servant revealed that oh so important news; Percy had come home.

Artemis pushed himself off the sofa, turning out of the living and rushing out into the hallway, he sprinted towards foyer where he would set his eyes upon him. Perseus, a state of a man, but there nonetheless. Relief flooded through the red-head, his anxiety and a worry disappated, replaced with happiness in the knowledge that his brother was alive and safe. Artemis charged toward him, "Perseus." He spoke, his words no longer than a harsh whisper layered with the worries he had felt over the past two weeks. He strode toward him swiftly, grabbing his brother roughly, he pulled into his arms, embracing him a little more tightly than he needed to. As though ensurely that he was real; "What happened to you?" He asked after a moment, stepping back from his sibling.

---

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

His crimson gaze never wavered from his brother as he awaited his explanation, the reasoning to where he had been all this time. Artemis didn't miss the hint of hesitation, which only made him itchier for an answer as he tried to imagine what it could have been. There had been many worries, theories over what could have happened. The Dagger Family were well known and certainly not short of enemies. Taking the youngest son would be an ideal move to make against them, a nightmare that had replied over and over in Arty's head. Anxiously anticipation news of some form of contact from one of their rivals but there had been no message. No blackmail. No sinister revenge package. Nothing to tell them someone had him. He had simply vanished without a trace and as far as Hidden Blades had investigated, their enemies hadn't made any moves against them in the recent weeks. So just where the hell had Percy been?

As he heard the reason, it was almost as though time had slowed down for Artemis. He showed no reaction, just stared ahead blankly, taking some time to process the sentence. Repeating it over and over in his head in an attempt to work out whether there had been some way that he might have misheard him. Surely, it was something else. Surely, his baby brother wouldn't do something so utterly foolish after Artemis's warning. Artemis had opened up to him, admitting the sin of his contract and the burden it had on him. And what would Percy do? Attempt to reciprocate the biggest mistake that the eldest Dagger boy had ever made.

Percy's continuation snapped Artemis out of his trance, he would look away. Staring at the marble flooring of the main hall, the only sign of a reaction was the soft trembling of his figure. Rage would seep through him, mixed with an unquenchable disappointment. His brother had done the very thing he knew, Artemis wouldn't want him to do. His body began to move, robotically at first as he stepped back slightly. He meant to walk away, to say nothing and just leave. To go cool off and address Percy's situation when he didn't feel so irate. But if there was something that Artemis struggled with, it was making the rational decision.

He spun back on his heel, fist clenched and flying towards his brother's cheek. His knuckles bearing the weight of his anguish and he struck him. It wasn't thrown with the full might of his demonic strength, that much he'd managed to suppress. But Perseus would feel it, Artemis had only been able to control himself so much. Wallard stepped forward as though to intervene, but stopped when he realised that Artemis made no further advances on his brother. Instead, he would stay there, his face contorted in anger as he glared down at his younger sibling. Through gritted teeth, finally, he would speak, his words hoarse as he put forth the only question he wanted an answer to.

"How could you?"

The tone of his query was both angry and pained as he made no attempt to hide his emotions. There was no point anyway, now that he'd lost his cool and hit the kid. He did, however, decide to elaborate on his point, to ensure Percy knew just exactly what Art was asking. But first, he needed some privacy. "Leave us Wallard, I wish to speak to my brother alone." Wallard was hesitant at first, but after a moment decided not to disobey. He would nod, mentioning going to call for a medical examiner to come and check over Perseus as soon as they were ready. Once the sound of the Butler's footsteps faded down the hall, Artemis would address the youngest Dagger once more. "I told you, my contract with Morte was the biggest fucking regret of my life, and you sought out a demon anyway. You realise you could have died, Percy... or worse."

There's something inside me that pulls beneath the surface
Consuming, confusing, this lack of self control I fear
Artemis Dagger

A series of emotions were flooding through Artemis at this moment; anger, upset, betrayal. So many things he had not anticipated he would be feeling once he was reunited with his brother tonight. He tried to take a calming breath, he was acting irrationally, which he knew. He needed to steady himself and handle this appropriately, he was the big brother after all. He immediately felt bad for hitting him, even if Percy had hurt him. He just hadn't been able to hold in his rage, the surge of fury had forced his fist to move before he could stop himself.

Artemis looked down at his brother with a hard scowl, awaiting his explanation. His eyes following the trail of black as his young brother's nose began to bleed, Percy would remain their trembling, tears filling his remorseful gaze. Artemis felt his anger deflating further at the sight of his brother in such a state. It infuriated him, why couldn't Perseus have been an arrogant little shit? It would have been so much easier to be angry with him if he kicked off, shouting and acting like a brat. But Percy wasn't like that, he was a decent kid with a good heart, a little shy and much more reserved than Artemis. Qualities that were sometimes compared between them when under the harsh judgement of the older Dagger's. Another bitter punishment of being a Dagger Child, you were always baiting into the competition, even if you didn't want it. Comparison after comparison, the adults thought it would inspire drive, but all it really did was manifest a toxic self-loathing and desperation. It was unhealthy, but they just couldn't see it.

As Percy apologized, explaining his reason, mentioning their father, followed by their grandfather. Artemis's enraged glare deepened at the mention of the oldest male in their families hierarchy, his eyes skimming over the marred flesh that surrounded Percy's left eye. His fist would clench once more, of course, it had been the relentless cruelty of Mephistopheles Dagger who would push Perseus to such a foolish act. It was not Artemis who was trembling as frustration rippled through him. When would this end? The endless suffocation of the Dagger name and the pressure it yielded. Forcing their children to act out in desperation, just the please their familial superiors.

Artemis stepped over to his brother, reaching down he would take his brother by the arm. Lifting him to his feet, "Come on." He said stiffly, before letting go, he would turn and begin to make his way out of the main hall. Leading his young brother into one of the Dagger's manor's private lounges. A beautiful room, lush in decor with it's navy and soft grey aesthetic. A fireplace burning across from the dark blue sofa, Artemis's laptop still on the glass coffee table, the flickerings of security footage dancing across the screen. Artemis would close the laptop, he didn't need it now, not that Percy was home. As he sat down, on the armchair, he would reach down, placing his hand on the floor. A black miasma released from his fingers, stretching outwards slowly. It would stretch itself across the walls and floors, encasing the entire room in a matter of moments. A means to give them a little bit of privacy, no one outside this room would be able to hear what was said, and for good reason too.

Artemis sighed, the fact that Percy had lost his memory worried him immensely. It brought up memories of his own experience with his demonic contract and how it had affected him. His own foolish decision to seek out power and the grandiosity of the suffering that would follow. When he had confessed his contract to Morte he had hoped to spare Percy the gruesome details of the experience. But it seemed this would not be the case because Percy needed to know the risks and the truth. The worst-case scenario of what might have happened during his blackout, and just how terrible the decision may have been.

"What's done is done. You can't undo it, it was stupid but..." He began, looking down at his hand, his fingers had interlocked themselves together. An attempt to keep them from shaking. "I get it. I know the weight of this family and how it is to be desperate to win their approval." His voice was laced with disgust. "But Percy you have to understand, this was not worth it. I know you want magic but at what cost Percy; At your own life? At the cost of others? Answer me Perce, would you kill for power?" His crimson gaze rose to meet his brothers, the anger fading once and for all, replaced with a pain melancholy.

---

As Percy answered his question, Artemis sighed both with relief and melancholy, "I thought not," He muttered softly. He sat up slightly, clearing his throat, "Maybe this is my fault, I told you about my mistake but I didn't tell you about the consequences. The reason why I regret it so much," He didn't want to tell Percy, he really didn't. But he knew that now was the time, because without this knowledge Perseus may make the same mistake again. He needed his brothers error to be his final attempt, and to convince him why he should never attempt such a thing again. Even if it meant, exposing himself for the monster he'd become. Even if it meant that Percy would hate him, it was for his own good.

"There was this village, not many people know about it because it's such an isolated location in Sin of all places. I'm fairly certain Morte picked it that way, a place where no one would notice a travesty, at least not until long after the damage was done. Venzor Village, not very large, only two thousand inhabitants. A farming town where they grew sweet potatoes because not much else can be grown there." He began in a gruff heavy voice. Sweet potatoes were perhaps one of the few types of food Artemis could not eat, during his teen years he ordered the cooking staff at the Dagger Manor to remove them from all future dishes served to him. One time a newly hired maid had brought some into the manor and served them to him as a side to his lunch. When fourteen year old Artemis saw them he had thrown the plate across the room in a burst of rage before firing the girl. Once of the few times the young Master had ever lashed out at their staff.

"I was dabbling with my magic once, I was thirteen at the time, it was still relatively new to me and difficult to control. That morning I had run into our cousin Gabriel, he was showing off his ReQuip skills, and he pointed out that 'an other type of magic was not reflective of a true Dagger'. I was so angry with him I stormed off to the woods, I began to push myself. I egged him on, Morte of mean, insisting he give me more power. I was an arrogant idiot, I shouldn't have pushed a demon. Morte warned me that I wouldn't like it, but I baited him. Again and again until he snapped, and then..." Artemis's breathing picked up, his body shook as the memories rolled over him. "I blacked out, and when I came to..."

He paused for a long time, he had only spoke of it once, and since the only human who knew was now dead, the truth had remain buried in the lads guilty conscious - until now. "I was in Venzor Village, several days had passed and the carnage I had awoken to was...nothing short of devastating." Tears welled in the man's eyes once more, he stared at the floor , unable to meet Percy's gaze. "I killed them Percy, or rather... Morte did, using my body. He slaughtered the population of Venzor, and destroyed the remnants of the town." He ran his haired through his hair, trying hard to maintain what little composure he had less.

"Do you know what demons do to those they kill Perseus?" He asked, once again using his brothers full name to portray the serious of the question. "Well, not all demons but some I assume, Morte in this case... he doesn't just kill humans Percy. H-he-" His voice would break, his eyes squeezed shut and he would shudder at the thought. "He ea-... he eats them Perce… their souls... All of the those ...people, I ate … their souls." He lost it, sobbing now as he fell apart. Losing himself in the sorrow of his mistake. He wept for several minutes, unable to contain himself any longer, all the while hating himself. Hating himself for hitting Percy, hating himself for having the audacity to feel pain over this, hating himself for what he had done. He did not deserve the relief of his tears, because the atrocities he had caused deserved much more suffering on his part. At least, this was how Artemis saw it.

Finally, he managed to calm down enough to speak once more, sniffling between his words. "This is why... why I … didn't want you to... follow in my...footsteps. No amount of … power...is worth this."

---

Good was the word for this, getting all of this off his chest. No none of this was good, far from it, but perhaps there was something positive in this crapfest the Dagger boys called life. Right. It felt right. Telling his younger the sibling the truth about the darkness he held within him, for so long this had remained his secret. A sinister truth held by only Morte, Artemis and his nightmares. But now, now someone else knew. And whilst it didn't feel good, it felt right. Like a single stitch being sewn into a very much open wound. Not enough to heal it, but fractionally better than before.

He would sob for what felt like a while, although in reality, it was only a few minutes. Emotions weren't something Arty felt comfortable sharing, not like this. And despite needing it very much, crying so helplessly in front of Perce, it felt shameful. But alas, a consequence of his own foolishness, if only that ten-year-old redheaded child would realise just how much he would have to pay for his actions. Over a decade later, and he was still being punished for it, living hell, with no escape.

He felt his tears beginning to subside, he would feel Percy's hand on his shoulder, gripping him tighter. The simple act of his hand felt like earth to Artemis, like soil beneath his feet, stopping him from sinking into despair. He would hear his little brother wheezing his name, the hand slipping away and causing Art's head to whip-round to look at him. Crimson eyes widening to saucers as Percy crumpled to the floor, his brother's name escaping his lips in a hoarse whisper. All the sadness drained instantaneously, replaced by fear. He jumped from his seat, kneeling down to scoop him up. The magic veil around them disappearing as Artemis began to call for help.


Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

He hated that noise. Artemis did. Hated and loved it. Hated it, because it meant that here he was again, sitting in this white room. The thick scent of chemicals flooding his heightened senses, the sound of bodies rushing from room to room. Arbitrary code passed back and forth amongst the nobodies. Like it's own language, so foreign to the Dagger lad, yet so familiar. That beep was a reminder once again of pain, his brother's pain. Once again succumbed to injury and trapped in this room, lying in this horrible room and silent to the world.

He hated that sound.

But also, he loved it. Because every beep, every annoying fucking beep that ripped through his eardrums and into his already thudding skull. Every beep meant life. Specifically Percy's life. As long as he could hear the beeps, they were okay, everything was awful but at least okay. He remembered the last time they were here, in the room of this elite private hospital. It was a wonderful room, as wonderful as hospital rooms could be, the best money could buy. But that didn't change what it was, and why they were here. He recalled that time when Percy had tried to mimic Artemis and contract with a demon. An elusive time it had been, at least once upon a time. Artemis glanced to the seat next to him, where the paper file was resting. He had promised Percy he would look into that time, and ironically enough they had spent all their resources finding out what they could. Arty hadn't given Percy the file, he put it off, longer and longer he left it. Not wanting his brother to explore that life. But here they were, and it didn't matter. Percy explored it anyway, in Fairy Tail, and look where it had landed him. Under the foot of a Dragon in the safety of the guildhall, of all places.

No, there was no point putting it off anymore.

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