Chapter 53: 3.16 OBSESSIVE LOVE: Retaliation

Raziel stands in front of the door, denying Kyden access.

"Take off your clothes here," he says, his voice lyrical, sharp, and cold.

"What?" Kyden echoes, his face blank as shock and dismay course through his veins.

"…Forgive me, but I can't help but practice caution in this situation. It is not only for myself, but it is for your safety as well."

There are so many things wrong with what Raziel is saying. Kyden bats his lashes furiously. He frowns. "…You really want to…strip. Here?" If it could, he'd punch the fucker in the face.

But currently, he's trembling, muscles wound up and taunt. The floor is wooden and creaks beneath his feet when he shifts his weight and he can hear the soft sounds of the wilderness just outside the house's walls. He contemplates making a run for it, even if it might result in his demise. Maybe death would be better than the shame he has to endure.

Raziel tilts his head, his casual expression unchanging aside from the mirthful smile on his lips. He looks terrifying with the scant light that outlines his features so delicately. "You need not be so shy in front of me, Kyden. After all, I've already seen all of you."

"…" Kyden's visage loses all colors, he can't stop himself from taking a step back, instinctively reaching for where he would keep his knife hidden. Of course, it's not there and the panic wells, he fights to keep steady on his feet.

Raziel's expression falls as well. He inches closer while Kyden takes a step back. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you. I promise these things will see clarity once we've had the chance to chat pleasantly. Ah it's quite nice outside the city, I will show you what nature really looks like. If you so please, we can do hunting as well. Corruption around this area is light, the beasts do not dare to approach my lair. What say you?"

"…" Kyden chooses to say nothing. His throat is dry and he's really considering bolting. His eyes are veering around for an opening but the window is bolted shut, he knows that by the time he makes a break for it, the demon's ability will activate.

"…" Raziel's distress furthers as well. He takes another step forward and this time takes Kyden's hand into his own. "I'm sorry," he repeats. "You don't have to—"

"No, it's fine." Kyden bites out. His fingers tremble as he reaches up to the collar of his shirt. He hates this. But he decides that it's for the better because Raziel's affection is the only thing he has in his favor. There aren't many advantages and openings he can gain. If stripping his dignity is the price to pay then he will pay it.

He will pay anything to get out of this hellhole.

Genuine distress flashes across Raziel's face, but maybe, Kyden thinks it's just his wild imagination. Those wide hands circle Kyden's wrists, immobilizing him. "Please wait. It was my mistake, Kyden. I truly did not mean to cause you anxiety, I merely…had some concerns. It's okay, there is no need, just go inside and see to your business, I shall wait outside."

Stiffly, Kyden nods. He's not thrilled having Raziel wait outside for him, but it's a welcome change to having to strip in the hall.

When he finally slams the bathroom door behind him, Kyden takes a deep breath of relief.

He wastes no time to finally relieve himself. And although it's uncomfortable, he strips himself of clothes and runs the water for the shower. Thankfully, there's hot water in this wretched place. And even though Raziel's outside, he feels safer alone with the door locked.

Something tells him that a lock isn't enough to keep the monster outside out, but the priest allows himself the lie as he basks under the spray of warm water.

Everything is overwhelming and his mind feels numb. There's only a tiny window in the bathroom that fogs from the water. It's barely big enough for Kyden to crawl through and it's elevated from the ground. He can't help but stare at it though as his overactive imagination unfolds.

Raziel is still waiting outside, but with the sound of water pitter-pattering from the showerhead, Kyden is given options he otherwise couldn't have. There's an old washing machine in the tiny bathroom and luckily, it's not nearly as heavy as the heavy clunky metal boxes they have back in the city.

It doesn't take much effort to unplug the thing and drag it under the window. Standing on top of it, Kyden tests the window.

It can open, but just a little bit so Kyden still can't escape without breaking the glass, or the hinges.

He assumes that dealing with the hinges might be a bit allowing but the glass…

Kyden looks around, his mind rushes.

He contemplates the pros and cons of leaving from the door in which he came and thinks about the dark bedroom and the floor that he was shackled to. He thinks about the monster that wears the face of an old friend.

And though he maintains his composure it is but a thin veil that threatens to crack under duress. Kyden's come across plenty of fucked up things in his life but this one surely takes the cake.

He needs to get out. The risks he takes because he'd rather be dead than lay his useless life down without a fight.

So he takes the towel off the rack and next moves to the sink faucet. It's old and rusted and while it does require a bit of force, Kyden manages to wedge it off its spot. He then climbs back onto the washer and goes to town on the window.

…

Raziel frowns, having waited quite a while outside the bathroom. He understands that his beloved is anxious and frightened but he too, is beset with anxiety. It's been a while and Raziel grows concerned. So he raises his voice, "Kyden!"

There's no response aside from the constant stream of water he hears on the other side and the drumming of voices inside his head.

The demons wail and shriek as they fight for control. But whereas a normal host might find their minds and consciousness eaten away by the parasitic demon, Raziel shares a very different relationship with the entities.

No matter how hard the demons might fight for control over the body, Raziel overpowers them with little effort. His body does not corrode from rot and he's able to go about his day with little malaise, aside from the occasional headache and the rowdy tenants that fight with avid futility. Sometimes they succeed at stealing away Raziel's concentration, but Raziel is always able to reel back the reins and take control.

And control he will take.

Again, he calls, "Kyden! Are you alright in there? Please let me know. If you should fail to respond I will come inside and check on you."

"…"

There is no response and Raziel feels himself justified as he calls forth power. With a hand around the doorknob, his eyes glow and click! The lock comes undone.

But when he opens the door his heart sinks.

The sound of water rushing fills his ears. The showerhead is on the ground, curtains pulled aside but Kyden is nowhere in sight.

Despite the blank expression that Raziel wears, his heart flares with sharp pangs. He steps inside and glass crunches beneath his feet.

His Kyden, beautiful, sly, silly, and stupid Kyden has decided to take matters into his own hands it seems. A fire awakes in Raziel's heart as he saunters over to the window and snatches the towel from the broken window that Kyden has undoubtedly used to shield himself from the sharp edges as he crawled on through. It seems that he wasn't completely successful, there are droplets of blood left behind.

Ah, Raziel thinks darkly, this won't do.

He will not let his prize escape him so easily, no.

And though he did not intend to hurt Kyden, what is Raziel supposed to do when pushed to his limits?

Of course, retaliation is only natural.

'You're mad,' A sharp voice hissing inside his head. It takes Raziel a moment to realize that it's not his system.'Just let him go, you psychopath.'

It's the demon called Voir, his string of consciousness still quite clear in Raziel's mind. The new ones are annoying because it takes a while for them to quiet completely.

A pleasant tune leaves his lips and Raziel focuses on peace and tranquility. Before heading out, he takes his tranquilizer gun, a hunting knife, rope and sinks his feet into proper hiking boots. Although he's in a hurry, he still takes the time to ensure that he's suitably prepared.

'Stop this,' the voice hisses at him sharply but fails to take control of Raziel's body.

Raziel can't quite remember where the song comes from, a part of him thinks it might be from his previous life.

There are clouds darkening the sky which inspires Raziel to shrug on a raincoat before he leaves.

The front door entrance clicks behind him and he's greeted with a chilled breath. Kyden's clothes are rather light, he thinks, it's better that he goes and fetches him quickly. After all, the priest probably doesn't know how to survive out in the wilderness.

With a pleasant song on his lips, Raziel marches forth, following the trail left by his prey.