Chapter Text
Chisa's POV
"Welcome back, puppy..."
Joseph brought his hands up to my face, cupping each cheek and stroking my eyelids with his soft thumbs. My heart was beating wildly and my mouth was dry. The amount of fear he can instil within me is remarkable.
Wait... hands... he's got two hands again! I guess I shouldn't be that surprised - he is an Alchemist. He must've just magicked himself a new one.
"How do you feel, little one? Not in any pain I hope... I was starting to worry about you, you know. You need to be in peak health for us to be able to merge successfully. You've been asleep for so long, it's winter now."
My eyes bulged at his words, causing the skin of his thumbs to make contact with my eyeballs - my eyes watered from the stinging sensation. "Peak health"... Not happening with you experimenting on me.
"It's... winter...?" My voice sounded weak and scratchy, but then again, I haven't spoken in months.
Joseph gave me his creepy signature smile, tilting his head to the side. "Yes, puppy. A few days after Christmas to be precise. Now, use your words, are you well?"
I thought about it for a second. I didn't feel off or in pain. I guess a couple of months is enough time to heal broken ribs. I wasn't tired and I didn't have a headache. I feel okay.
"I think so." Even I could hear the disbelief in my tone.
"Good," he says, caressing my cheeks. "Any pain?"
"No."
"Excellent!" He beams, leaning down and presses his lips against my forehead.
I repressed a shudder. After stroking my face a few more times, Joseph finally decides to get off me. He kneels down by the edge of the sofa, making sure he is eye level with me. I don't know what he's doing... or planning to do... but I'm dreading it already.
"Now, puppy. Can you sit up?"
Okay... I was not expecting that. But I'll take it, it's better than being in pain. Instead of answering him, I just sit up slowly. I'm surprised when I notice my head isn't thumping; I'm not dizzy either. Again, I'm glad, I feel slightly normal for once.
"Good... Now, come with me, Chisa, I have something to show you. It's a project for a plan I'm working on."
Oh no... I already know that this is something bad... but I can't refuse... unless I want to sleep for another four months...
Joseph reaches out and clasps my hand, gently pulling me up from the sofa, guiding me across the room. I look down, noticing I'm in the white nightgown from my dream and my feet are bare. Although the icy tiles told me that much. We head towards the stairs, towards the Torture Chamber, and I slow down as I start to hyperventilate. Flashes of my last encounter with stairs whizz through my head.
Joseph notices, letting go of my hand and turning around to hold my face in his hands. "Shh, shh. It's okay, we're just going to walk down them. Or would you prefer me to carry you?"
I definitely was not comfortable with that idea. Quickly composing myself, I shook my head, making a beeline for the stairs. Joseph reaches out to grasp my hand again, and he went down the steps first, leading me behind him.
When we reach the bottom, Joseph places his hand over my eyes, confusing me, but also filling me with dread. Joseph grabs my wrist with his other hand, leading me forward a few paces. I let him, his previous threats about obedience swirling in my mind.
"Keep your eyes closed when I remove my hand, puppy. I'll tell you when to open them."
I really don't like this... What's going on? Is he planning to ambush me or something? My heart rate starts to accelerate.
"O-okay."
He moves his hand away from my eyes, down to my cheek, which he caresses softly. "Good girl," he murmurs.
He lets go of my face after a few seconds and I can hear him move away. I don't dare disobey him, keeping my eyes glued shut. I really don't know where this is going... I don't know why he would bring me down here... Unless he wants to experiment on me...
I feel myself break out in a cold sweat at the sudden thought. Please let me be wrong, I'm enjoying not being in pain, it feels good. Refreshing. Joseph's voice pulls me from my thoughts.
"Okay, puppy. You may open your eyes."
And I do...
My hands grow cold as I take in the sight before me...
In this room... This Torture Chamber... On metal beds are...
Bodies...
Lots of bodies...
At least five...
My heart stops and my eyes widen. Joseph... he did this...
My hands start shaking and the terror within me reaches new heights. I open my mouth to scream. But Joseph must have a sixth sense, because the second my lips part, his arm wraps around my waist and his hand clamps over my mouth, silencing my screams.
I struggle in his hold, fearing for my life. All too soon, I feel his breath on my ear, "shh. Shh. It's okay, they're alive. These are some of my Alchemist friends! They're helping me with my little project!"
I still. Leisurely, Joseph removes his hand from my mouth, seeming to be content that I won't make a sound. I bring my hands to my chest, a vain effort to try and comfort myself. I'm all to aware that Joseph hasn't released me, his arm is still snaked around my waist. Yet, I'm not worried about that right now.
Joseph said these poor souls were here to help him, with a project... What does that even mean? Nothing good I can guarantee. What is he planning though? It's unusual for him to use other people... doesn't he have Chimeras for his... errands?
"You have questions... don't you, Sleigh Beggy? I can practically hear the gears turning in your head, haha!" His laugh sounds foreign to my ears. He hardly ever laughs, he just smiles sadistically, adding to his creepy nature.
Suddenly, his grip on my torso becomes significantly weak. I look down, confused. He never loosens his grip willingly, unless I do as he says. My eyes catch his "arm", and I get nauseous instantly.
His arm is melting... literally melting...
His shirtsleeve flaps down, away from my waist. A gloopy, scarlet substance, which I assume is blood, spatters on the floor , coating my bare feet. I gasp at the sensation, horrified and disgusted by its lukewarm state.
"Ugh... not again. Why won't anything stay attached? It really hurts..." Joseph mutters.
I quickly realise that Joseph is no longer keeping me captive, and I rapidly move away from him, turning around so that I face him, worried that he may try something when my back is turned. I keep my eyes on his form while I continue to back away. His initial frown at my disobedience, changes into a knowing smirk. I scrunch my eyebrows, confused at his change in demeanour. I unsterstood why too late...
I was heading towards the bodies...
Before I had the chance to move to safety, I felt a freezing hand clutch my right wrist. I cried out in shock. Immediately, I desperately tried to wrench my hand away. But I made the mistake of looking at its face.
The person was awake, I knew that because of the death grip on my arm... but I didn't expect to see pitch black orbs staring deep into my soul. My terror leapt, but I couldn't tear my eyes away. Suddenly, his features twist into a creepy smile and I flinch, using my other hand to try and pry his off my wrist.
What I didn't notice was Joseph stalking towards me quietly. When I snapped my eyes up he we right beside me, grabbing my other hand so I couldn't move. My heart constricted as my fear grew. I hissed sharply, trying not to give Joseph the satisfaction of screaming at his harsh grip.
"Careful, Sleigh Beggy! Look, you've woken up my friend here."
My gaze shifted to the person and then back to Joseph. In what world is his victim is friend?
"Your friend?"
"Don't sound so surprised, puppy! This is one of my fellow Alchemists. His talent lies with obtaining rare specimens for others to purchase... which is why I need him."
I shiver uncontrollably... that is sick...
As if sensing my distress, the man tugs my wrist closer to him, and I try to resist.
"Hey, I just want to say hello," he grins. "You can call me Hunter, precious Sleigh Beggy, because I'm good at hunting things. Especially magical creatures." I gulp, and he continues to grin, obviously enjoying my discomfort. He focuses his obsidian orbs on Joseph. "Wow, you've got yourself a strong Sleigh Beggy. I can feel the raw magic flowing out of her. What I wouldn't give for a Sleigh Beggy of my own to play with..."
My blood runs cold as I look at Joseph, who doesn't miss a beat. "I know, she's perfect for my plans. She just needs to be trained."
My heart skips a beat. It's amazing how much Joseph can scare me with just a few words. But his words hold so much power and promise - I would be a fool not to take him seriously. However, his words also trouble me... As far as I know, he only wants to merge with me, which I will not let happen. But he said plans...
"So why do you need me?" I ask, dreading the answer.
"Clever girl," he praises. "Hunter and his friends are going to get some dragon hatchlings for me. Yes, puppy, dragons exist too." My jaw dropped, I couldn't help it. "But the hatchlings are clever, and are not easily fooled. That's where you come in. As they are fae creatures, they will naturally be attracted to you as the queen bee. Essentially, you're the bait. We will place you a few miles from the Aerie, the dragons' sanctuary, and wait for them to come to you."
I don't like where this is going. Why would Joseph want baby dragons? Not for any good reason, that's for sure.
"Why do you need dragons?" I whisper, already fearing for their safety.
"As you can see, Chisa, I have been unable to fix my arm, thanks to the cantrip that Renfred put in those bullets... The body parts of a dragon are a powerful source of magic, and are strong enough to withstand spells. I can craft myself a new arm out of these parts. But when I'm finished, I can auction the hatchlings off to fund my new projects. It's a win-win situation."
I stare at him in mute horror. My green eyes start to glisten with unshed tears. He wants to mutilate baby dragons... and then sell them. No... He can't do that! It's wrong!
"No... No! You can't do that! You can't hurt them and then toss them aside when you're done! It's wrong!" I cried.
Joseph squeezed my arm tightly, and I winced. "I'll forgive you for that little outburst, puppy. It's adorable that you think you can refuse. I think it's time to show you my hidden talent..."
Joseph releases my arm, but if anything, Hunter's grip turns into iron - I'm pretty sure he's cutting off the blood circulation. I start clawing at his hand, whimpering at his harsh hold, but he won't let go. I look back at Joseph with pleading eyes, but he just gives me his closed-eye smile, and covers his eyes with his remaining hand.
Then something really creepy happens...
Joseph starts speaking...
And at the exact same time... Hunter does the same...
"Hello, Chisa Hatori. You are shocked, are you not?"
I gasp, and clamp my own hand over my mouth, stifling a scream that threatens to leave my throat. What is going on? I really don't like this... Suddenly, Hunter sits up straight, as though a bolt of lightning struck him. His other hand strikes out, catching my left arm which was enjoying its brief freedom. I cry out, from the shock and the pain.
"What's happening!?" I yell.
Joseph and Hunter chuckle, in the same way, at the same time, sending a shiver down my spine. I bite my quivering lip anxiously.
"There now, Sleigh Beggy. There's no need to be alarmed. This is merely one of my many hidden talents. I have the ability to possess another's body, making them do what I want; it's proven to be quite useful really."
"No... Why? Why are you doing this? He's willing to help you! He's not like Renfred..."
"How naive you are, little girl. Alchemists are only out to help themselves, I can't have him double cross me. This is a precautionary measure. If he backs out, I can simply force him to carry out the kidnapping."
His response makes my blood boil. He truly cares for no one else but himself. He doesn't even see how much pain his actions cause other people, how much suffering he inflicts upon them... and they're innocent!
"You're a monster!"
Silence...
As soon as I say the words, I instantly regret them.
The smirk that was etched on Joseph's lips, quickly disappears. He lowers his hand from his eyes, and I can see the fury dancing in them. As soon as he drops his hand, Hunter goes limp, falling back on the metal bed with a thud, his vice-like grip on my wrist vanishing. I watch as his arm falls, dangling over the edge of the bed.
I revert my attention back to Joseph, my eyes sparking with fear. He has a murderous look on his face, causing my heart to jump wildly. What's he going to do? I'm scared. I don't know what to do! I couldn't stop myself... Is he going to kill me? I don't want that! Not anymore...
Joseph begins to take slow, calculated steps towards me, like a predator. I can hear my heart hammering in my head as I take short, quick steps away from him, fearing the worst.
All too soon, my back hits a wall. My eyes grow blurry with tears as I stare at the floor, breaking down into sobs as I slide down the wall in defeat. I bring my knees to my chest, trying to make myself as small as possible, bracing myself for the agony that bound to come.
Through the film of tears, I can make out Joseph's brown shoes, which are directly in front of me. A whimper escapes my lips as he kneels in front of me. I hide my face in my knees, using my amethyst locks as a curtain.
Joseph brushes my hair out of the way and forcefully grips my chin, yanking it upwards; I flinch at the contact. Stormy grey eyes meet my glassy green ones, and I feel all the heat leave my body.
"A monster, am I?" He mutters sinisterly. "You might call me a monster because I do what I want regardless of what that does to others."
I can hardly fathom his words. Distress clouds my features. He really has lost his humanity. He stares at me intently, with cold, dead eyes, reading my reaction to his confession. He smiles darkly, my anguish makes him happy.
"Perhaps 'monster' suits me well... Shall I act like one, Chisa?"
His words chill me to the bone. My heart feels like it will explode in my chest. I'm terrified... I know something terrible is going to happen, and I'm powerless against him.
Joseph smiles sadistically, covering his eyes with his hand. He's doing the possession thing! But to who?
My question is quickly answered when I feel an excruciating pain erupt inside my head. I scream, clutching my head with my hands. The agony is unbearable... It feels like another mind is fighting my own for dominance, for control. And I'm losing...
It's Joseph... he's trying to possess me... I can't let him win, but he's too strong.
"Stop fighting it, puppy. Do yourself a favour, save yourself the agony of trying to be brave." He smirks at me.
Tears gather in my eyes, falling in steady streams down my face. With one last defiant stare, I give in, because I don't have the strength to keep fighting. I don't want him to think I went down without a fight.
Instantly, I feel the effects. It's like I'm taking a backseat in my own body. It's like I'm being pushed away and someone else is in control. Because someone else is. I feel kind of numb, empty... I'm struggling to feel anything. How should I feel about this? Angry, overwhelmed, annoyed...? I don't know, I'm not in control...
He is...
"Amazing!" Joseph and I say at the same time. "What an wonderful little mind you have, Chisa! I shall enjoy sharing this with you in the future... I'm sure you're wondering how I'm able to possess you. Well, I usually need a particular spell, that's how I can speak through Hunter. But with you, we already have a connection through the Pact, combined with your sweet blood, possessing your body is quite easy."
I immediately feel his control slip when he stops talking through me. He's gong me an opportunity to respond! Suddenly, my emotions return and I'm overwhelmed.
"This is what you're using my blood for! What did you do!? Why are you possessing me-"
It's like I'm being restrained. Again, my control over my own body is gone, and I can't react appropriately.
We chuckle. "I will admit that to strengthen our bond through the Pact, and to speed up my recovery, I did consume your blood."
His control lapses, giving me enough time to look horrified before he quickly takes the reigns again.
"Come now! You wanted me to be a monster, I'm fulfilling your wish! Your dear sister, Chise, will also play a role in my plans."
"What?! What are you talking about?!" I quickly realise that my mind is my own again. I'm in control, like I should be. No one should ever have to go through that possession...
"The plan for you and your sister of course! You see, Chise Hatori has to die. She must pay for ruining my plans for that valuable specimen: The Black Dog. She has a dangerous habit of sticking her nose in other people's business. When she hears that some dragon hatchlings are missing, she won't be able to keep away. The trail with lead her here and with any luck my Chimeras will defeat her before she can meddle in what doesn't concern her. That girl believes she is the one who has suffered the most. I hate her... and she will die!" Joseph sneers.
"What?! No! You can't kill my sister! I won't let you!" I attempt to stand up, but the aftermath of Joseph possessing me has made me extremely dizzy. Anger and dizziness are not a good mix.
Joseph laughs manically. "You think you can stop me? I own you, Chisa."
"No!"
He doesn't own me, he never will! I'll find a way to destroy the Pact and save my twin. I don't know how, but I will. Hope can make you do crazy things...
"Yes, dear puppy. And when your twin dies, half of your soul will die too. Oh how easy it will be for me to fuse with you when you won't even have the will to resist me. It will be perfect! And I will finally have a painless life."
I cannot contain my frustration. "No! You won't succeed! I won't let you do this!"
Josephs hand flies to his eyes as he suddenly possesses me again. He does it so fast, I have no time to react.
"Silly puppy! Don't you see? I can control you if I wish; I can force you to help me. You will play your part in my plan. And there's nothing you can do about it..."
Joseph breaks into evil laughter, spontaneously, like the villains in Disney movies. The shadow cast by his hand on his face, makes him look even more frightening than usual. My features are twisted into a replica of Joseph's smile as he laughs through me.
I can't let this happen... I have to do something... I can't let Chise die, I can't let him succeed with this... sick plan...
I will fight, Chise. I promise I will fight, for you.
Even though I'm not in control, I can sense the sadness within my soul, behind all the manic laughter. The sadness of what may happen, and what I will desperately try to prevent.
Maybe that's why...
A single tear escapes my eye...
*****
Woo! This chapter is huge! Sorry if it's a bit boring in places. Hope you all enjoy.
I just want to say a big thank you to some readers who found my story this week and voted on the chapters. I found it really encouraging and it's just nice to know that there are people out there who genuinely like my story 😊 Thank you all!
Also...
MY STORY IS UP 100+ READS FROM LAST WEEK! I'M ECSTATIC! 😁 (Again, Wattpad - Heh, sorry)
Thanks for putting up with my mini speech there 😅
Until next time
ilovemanga19 💕