isleofavalon | Feel it right behind you, a grinning monster out to kill

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Feel it right behind you, a grinning monster out to kill

🧙 WHO: Darin Altway and You!
⚔️️ WHAT: Caster has cursed Darin and now he's using Familiar Fusion and going berserk
🕒 WHEN: Right after Caster's declaration against Archer and the aftermath a few days later!
🗺️ WHERE: Camelot and Darin's Forge
⚠️ WARNINGS: Potential Violence/Blood/Gore/Mild Body Horror

[He doesn't know how long it's been since he passed out. He remembers Caster's message. He remembers meeting her at the edge of Broceliande Woods. He remembers...]

[Pain.]

[He comes to in a sweat. Not from pain or nightmares or anything of that nature, but because the forest around him is currently ablaze. He tries to jump to his feet but his senses are off. Skewed. Something was very wrong and he could feel it. It felt like oil seeping into him, slowly gripping the very cockles of his heart.]

[Rationale gives way to panic and he's stumbling away from the treeline. He had to get back to Camelot. He had to get back for...some reason. Something inside of him screamed that he had to.]

[But his footsteps slowly grind to a halt as he crests that final hill. As Caster's dark curses finally find their hold and grip his very being, altering every bit of his perception and reasoning.]

[The witch's curse was a powerful one. In her grief, she hexed Darin to see his greatest fear. And to act on the rage that he spent his life tamping out; the one fire in his soul he refused to stoke.]

[He falls to his knees, staring at a ruined Camelot. Everything he'd come to know, the happiness he was so desperately seeking. You see, if Darin was as much of a monster as he claimed, then his fate should match that of the monster, the witch of betrayal, that he sought to defend. It's only fair, right?]

[There would be no peace. Not while monsters walked among the people of this world.]

A - Transformation (CW: Blood/Mild Body Horror)

[Camelot was gone. Or at least, Caster's curse made Darin believe that it was. And Darin, on his knees, was slamming his fists into the earth with all of his magical given might; each blow sounding like a cannon shot as it cracked the stone beneath his fists. Inconsolable, he screams, believing no one will hear him.]

[However, anyone making their way to the woods to try and stop Caster or the fire she's set might stumble upon him. Calling out to him draws his attention to you, but there's something...off...about his eyes. They're clouded over with a dark haze. And while he might be looking at you...what he sees is something different altogether.]

You...it was you!

[Enraged, Darin pushes himself to his feet, magic coursing through his body so sharply that it crackles in the air. The air becomes stifling. Oppressive.]

You've taken everything from me, Dromas! Everything! So, you want a monster?! I'LL GIVE YOU ONE

[His giant antlion familiar bursts from the ground behind him and latches onto Darin's back. For a moment, it looks like his familiar might actually attempt to subdue him. Unfortunately, those enormous, terrifying mandibles find purchase in Darin's back and, for a horrifying moment, the familiar begins to burrow. Writhing in pain as his magical power skyrockets faster than his body can compensate, Darin lets loose a blood-freezing scream. But just as quickly as it had begun, his familiar disappears into Darin's body as the two merge.]

[Darin slams his hands into the ground as he begins to grow and change. Two horns erupt from his temples, black and glinting in the light of the burning woods behind him. His torso swells; muscles grow massive as chitinous plates form around his extremities like armor. His body contorts, his back arches, until finally he's a hulking beast, towering at over ten feet tall.]

[Green eyes glowing ominously amidst the haze, the newly transformed Darin lets loose a bellow that sounds like it's three voices screaming in cacophonous harmony.]

[And then he rushes to attack.]

B - City Escape (CW: Blood/Violence)

[Believing Camelot to be nothing but wreckage, Darin storms the city chasing...something. In his cursed state, every person he sees looks exactly like the person he believes to have brought about this disaster. Unfortunately, in this state, Darin isn't much for conversing. He's barreling through Camelot, tearing through buildings like they weren't even there. And any person, resident or not, that crosses his vision is likely in for the fight of their lives as he presses the attack. After all, in his mind, Camelot is in ruins.]

[He tears up a chunk of the street and hefts it towards a group of terrified people, all of which scatter. Or attempt to. It might be too late for some.]

C - Lockdown

[It had been several days since Caster's message. Several days since he'd lost control and was set upon the good people of Camelot. He'd been keeping to himself in the forge almost the entire time, only going out occasionally in the evening for food or groceries. When he did, he wore a cloak with the hood drawn to hide his blue hair and he barely spoke.]

[Of course he did his best to help the city recover from the damages. For the first two days, he worked tirelessly to get supplies and forge tools for whatever reconstruction needed to be done. But he would always send then out anonymously or send them to whoever needed them via a proxy. It's clear that he's doing everything he can to avoid going into town himself and he hasn't been spotted in town since the incident.]

[He threw himself into his work after that but...he still seemed off. Anyone who stops by the forge might find him struggling; hammering away at something that just isn't taking shape properly or tinkering with, and subsequently screwing up, some detailed work. Finally, in frustration, Darin pitches his hammer across the forge with more strength than intended, burying it into the wall across the work space.]

[Frustrated, he sits down and buries his face in his hands.]

Wildcard

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[Oh, her face flushes deep, deep shades of red as he misinterprets her point.]

That — no, that wasn't — I was going to go see about food! Set up something for you to eat!

[And then she starts covering her face with both hands.] Look, I may have seen a lot already, but — you wouldn't do this in front of other guests, would you?!

No, I wouldn't. S-Sorry...

[Go ahead and unpack that, Allura, while he heads into the bathroom to shower.]

[And of course he leaves the door open just a bit. Not a lot but...enough.]

[The door doesn't catch her attention right away. She's instead trying not to read into what he just said — it's likely as he said before, that she already ended up seeing him undressed — and start checking what food he keeps in his kitchen.]

[Though what is she expecting to find, really? He hasn't been down here in days, and she's still learning the basics of cooking. It would probably be more productive to place an order for delivery...]

[But it's from a distance that she notices a bit of steam, and her eyes follow it back to the source — the bathroom and its open door. Did he really—?]

[Her curiosity gets the better of her, and she tilts her head, to see if she can catch sight of anything with the proper angle.]

[As for food, there's some bare essentials but nothing really worth eating.]

[As for what she sees...well, he hasn't drawn the curtain on the shower all the way either. He's standing under the showerhead, letting the hot water down his body and...]

[Well, she can see everything.]

[She's not sure what makes her heartrate spike more — having such a clear view of his entire body, or that it's still as fit as she remembers. Which means she does remember from the last time, because she looked at it the last time—]

[She turns around and drops behind the kitchen counter, forcing herself to look away. Wasn't she the one who had just told him that he shouldn't go exposing himself in front of guests?! And this was no time to be ogling him! She was here to take care of him!]

[... in fact, isn't there a benefit to this opportunity that she's overlooking, because she's so distracted by what parts she can see?]

[Slowly, Allura turns around and peeks out from behind the counter. She looks at him again, keeping his lower half covered so she's not distracted. How is he actually doing in there? Is he washing himself, or is he merely standing around as if he fell asleep standing up? And how's his expression, for that matter?]

[He actually is washing himself, but he's taking his time with it. Right now, he's got his hands on the shower wall, bracing himself, letting the hot water his the back of his head, neck and back. She can't see his face but he's doing his best to not fall into a well of self-pity again.]

[Allura was really going out of her way for him here, and he couldn't exactly refute anything she was saying lest they go in a perpetual circle. The arguing was exhausting and, if he was being honest with himself...?]

[He was honestly happy she was here. He couldn't figure out why but...having her here made him feel a little less lonely. Like he might actually believe what she was saying about deserving more...]

[He washes up then turns the water off.]

[A minute later, he wanders out...with just a towel wrapped dangerously low on his hips.]

...Sorry. Forgot to bring a change of clothes in.

[He heads into the bedroom to get some fresh clothes. Bet you thought it was safe, Allura.]

Ah, Darin, I hope you don't mind that I—

[She sure did think it was safe, and turned and saw all of that walk past her. And she nearly managed to trip while standing perfectly still thanks to how startled she is.]

[He must be doing this on purpose, right? To cement the image in her mind? Because whether she wants to admit it or not, it seems to be working!]

[She averts her gaze, and tries to recover her derailed train of thought.]

I— I ordered a few things! Several things that sounded comforting, like — soup! And noodles! [And then, recovering herself so that she doesn't sound as jumpy about it:] Will that help? Because it should be delivered soon, but I might be able to change the order...

[Once more, he doesn't close the door to his bedroom while he changes...but thankfully, his closet appears to be out of sight of the door.]

[A minute or so later, he wanders in wearing comfortable sweatpants and a tank top with his towel slung around his neck. Is this better, Allura? Even though he's not entirely dry and the tank top clings to his chest?]

Soup...yeah, that's fine. Dunno if eating anything heavier would affect me right now.

[He takes a seat on the small couch and looks at her awkwardly standing around. He doesn't seem to notice...well, anything. At all.]

I said you could make yourself at home...

[It's really not much better, no. Besides how much he's accentuating his body, he's also made it impossible for her to object on grounds of being decent in front of a guest.]

... right. Sorry. I had to see to food first...

[There's not much else to sit on around here. The couch is... very small, isn't it? So instead, she opts for the nearby chair. And she sits in it with a very proper, rigid form, as if she were perching on the edge. You know, the way no one in their right mind sits in easy chairs.]

[She might not know how to make herself at home.]

...Allura, get comfortable. You don't need to be so stiff around me.

[A thought occurs then.]

...You're not...still hurt or anything, are you? Your ribs, I mean...from when I...

I could take care of it. If you're feeling sore anywhere.

[Well, Allura?]

T... take care of it? You did already heal that injury, though...

[But does he mean something more like that massage he gave her in the spring? Because she had suffered more wounds after, and while those have had time to mend, her body remains sore with a dull, all-over aching. Maybe he could...]

[Wait, who's taking care of who here?! He's already overexerting himself, let him rest!]

Really, it's not that. [Even if she's rubbing her own arm, now that he's brought the pain to her attention.] I suppose I simply don't know what to do with myself, that's all.

... ... ...

[He sighs and stands up. He strides over and gently places a hand on her head. Almost instantly, she'll be awash in truly potent healing magic, mending any injuries and alleviating any soreness. It doesn't take him much...]

[Looks like he's mastered that particular spell.]

There. And what do you mean you don't know what to do with yourself?

Thank you... but... should you be using your magic? You really do seem exhausted already. And knowing you, I imagine you've been using it to help keep yourself going...

[But she probably shouldn't avoid that question. Especially since she's not sure how kindly he'll take to fussing over him.]

... ... ...

[But how to explain something like this?]

I don't normally find myself sitting around someone else's residence... [Or her own residence, really.] I feel as though I should be doing something, as long as I'm here.

Honestly, I've used healing magic so much I barely even notice if it draws any stamina anymore. It was the spell I've relied on the most, after all...and after transforming and taking so much damage...I was just subconsciously healing myself the entire time.

... ... ...

You're telling me that you don't know how to relax?

[With that accusation, she's thoroughly distracted from digging into whether or not his magic was exhausting him.]

What?! No! I mean — yes, of course I know how to relax! I'm not the one overexerting myself and missing out on a full night's rest!

[It's very obvious that she's lying. She doesn't have a clue.]

...Okay.

[Darin stands up and wanders into the kitchen. She'll hear him rummaging around a bit, the clinking of glass, and then he returns.]

[In one hand, he's carrying two packs of six bottles each. The other, a pair of glasses which he sets down.]

[He picks two of the bottles and pops the cap on each with his thumbs, then pours two fizzy glasses.]

[Then he sits across from her and slides one over to her.]

You don't know how to relax? I'll show you. Lucky for me, I stocked up before things went to hell for my yearly evening of reflection.

[Allura takes the glass, but holds it up to eye it suspiciously rather than take a drink right away. It almost looks like a potion, but that can't be right — getting a single one is expensive enough. How would he be able to acquire a dozen so easily?]

... very well, but I have a few questions. What do you mean by 'yearly evening of reflection'? What kind of ritual is that? I've never heard of such a thing among humans — and is this supposed to be some kind of ceremonial drink for it?

[She really is a fish out of water right now, isn't she?]

[Darin i already downing half of his drink when she asks, and he can't help but snort his drink.]

[He coughs and pounds his chest a bit.]

Keh...sorry! Sorry! That's...just something I've taken to calling it since I don't like calling it by what it should be called.

It's ah...it's my birthday. Well...mine and Dromas' really.

[He looks at his glass with a wistful, bittersweet smile.]

When you're one of a set of twins...birthdays mean you always have someone to celebrate with but...after he died...after I learned why I was really born...

Kinda...soured the whole day, you know? I've never been happy about...

About...being born.

[He finishes his drink and pours another.]

And it's ale. Some sort of...pomegranate...fusion...thing. I dunno. I bought it at the store. Sounded tasty. Not as strong as I would have liked but it's probably good for you.

[Luckily, that's a concept that even aliens are familiar with. And...]

Wait a tick... you mean your birthday is soon, then? Or, because of what Caster did, and all the aftermath...

[Did you miss it?]

[She can't even bring herself to say it. Even if it's not a day he likes to celebrate, there's something particularly cruel about spoiling such a personal day with her actions. And knowing him, he'll likely take that as another reason to loathe the day...]

[She clutches her drink, staring down at it as if she's trying to drink it with her eyes instead of her mouth.]

I'm sorry. I know that not come as much comfort, but... [What else can she do for him right now?]

Couple days ago. Right in the middle of.

All of this.

[Darin doesn't bother with a glass as he finishes his drink and grabs another bottle.]

Wanna hear something funny? The prophecy? The one where I destroy the world? Supposed to happen on or around my twenty fifth birthday.

So, imagine my surprise when I turn into a hulking sin against nature.

[He laughs ruefully.]

Spent my life trying to become the very opposite of that thing and it just goes and happens right on schedule anyway...

How is that supposed to be funny? That's a horrifying thing to have to consider...

[It does contextualize why he's been so self-destructive about this, though, even in light of the fact that there's a perfectly good reason to blame Caster instead. Perhaps she hasn't been treating this whole thing as delicately as she should have...]

[But then, being delicate didn't break the curse, did it?]

[It's at this juncture that she finally decides to give the drink a try, rather than risk giving the impression that she's rejecting his hospitality. ... and as soon as she tastes it, she winces, like a child being given a small sip of beer to try.]

This is supposed to be relaxing? It's incredibly bitter!

[He laughs.]

It's alcohol. The more you drink, the better it tastes. It'll loosen you up.

...Actually, I've never gotten drunk before. My powers back home made it impossible for me to drink enough alcohol to outpace my metabolism. So...we'll see how quickly I turn into a babbling idiot.

But, if you'd prefer, I have some juice I can add to sweeten it up.

An acquired taste, you mean? [She sniffs it, as if trying to see if she can discern what's so great to be acquired about it.] ... yes, I think I'll take some of that juice.

[Setting the glass down, she notes:] It reminds me a bit of our nunvill. Old men love drinking the stuff, so much that it's nicknamed the nectar of the gods... and supposedly, it does wonders for the hair as well. But it always tasted to me as if something died in it during the brewing process..

So Alteans drink too, huh? Well, that's a good sign. I was beginning to think being unable to relax was an Altean thing.

[He gets up and takes her glass, then returns with a much more colorful, much sweeter drink.]

If you want more after that, I'll mix you as many as you want.

[He wonders if being unable to taste the alcohol will be a problem...]

[Guess they'll find out?]

[She picks up the glass, and takes a cautious sip of it... and holds it at her mouth, letting that sip grow into a larger gulp. And when she does set down the glass, it's with a soft sigh of satisfaction.]

That is much better. Thank you.

But look, I'm telling you, we aren't all that different from humans. I'm not all that different from a human. It's just... I have a different idea of fun and relaxation. A simpler idea.

[One that doesn't take much time away from whatever mission she's working on at the time.]

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