There were times in my life

[fractured_white]

Who: Albedo, Gaignun (namedforcat) and open.
Where: Everywhere.
When: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during Dark Hour.
What: Jr. and MOMO have vanished and the loss of both of them has taken its toll on Albedo's sanity. He deals with it the only way he knows how: by fighting until he can't fight any more.
Rating: R
Warnings: Language, violence, blood, mutilation, references to and implications of suicide, character death and abuse of Shakespearian quotes.
Notes: PLEASE let me know what day you're encountering him if you tag this. His sanity will be continuing to slip up until his death, so it makes a difference. Also, let me know if you're willing to let your character get injured, otherwise I'll assume no.

Rubedo's number was gone from the listings. MOMO's was gone with it. Some might expect that second point to come as good news to the man who seemed to despise her, but he cared about her in a strange, twisted way. With them both vanishing at the same time, Albedo's already delicate sanity was beginning to crumble in ways that he found distressingly familiar. Oh, he was functional, could even pretend to be as sane as he ever was. But he was slipping, and he knew it.

During the Dark Hour, that changed. It had always been the time when he'd allowed himself to disregard the social pretenses required to manage in the city and act on his more violent nature. Now he had an ulterior motive. For three nights, he would roam the streets alone, avoiding his remaining brother however he could. For three days, he wouldn't be going to the book store or the theater. For three nights, he would be collecting injuries that did nothing to pierce his haze of rage and pain. For two days, he would be hiding the extent of his injuries from his brother. For three nights, he would be nearly as hostile as the Shadows he cut through and was mutilated by.

The third night, he would die.

Comments

[unknownrival]

Issei took a few steps back. If worst came to worst, he could probably intercept with Jikokuten before being stabbed in the throat.

"I've never seen a reason to let reality interfere with how I act."

[fractured_white]

"Quite the optimist. But reality has a way of enforcing its own will upon the world."

He started to walk around Issei, moving in a circle and keeping the boy within striking distance. He wasn't planning on attacking-he wasn't that far gone yet-but he was getting a sick amusement out of watching him wonder.

[unknownrival]

Issei shrugged as he kept moving. "Is that something I should give up and accept, then?"

Fear? Yes, he was afraid. But that wasn't going to help him.

*Begins counting references to that speech.*

[fractured_white]

Albedo liked that reply. The strength of Issei's will was obvious from it, proof that his optimism came from a willingness to stand and fight for what he wanted rather than a lack of knowledge of how difficult it could be. If he was saner, he might have expressed agreement with the sentiment. Now, however, he just wanted someone to antagonize and continued moving to keep Issei in range.

"That depends on if you truly believe yourself to have the power necessary to oppose those slings and arrows of outrageous fortune."

[unknownrival]

"If I don't have the power yet I'll get it." Another obvious reply from Issei. "I have the ability to claim it."

[fractured_white]

Another good reply. That determination...it was a beautiful display of a powerful will, the stubbornness required to actually succeed. He laughed, throwing back his head in an insane cackle.

"Ahhh, I see."

He pulled his laughter mostly under control, still chuckling menacingly.

"You're quite the stubborn one, aren't you?"

[unknownrival]

"Q-Quite."

Oh dear merciful Buddha that was an insane laughter. "If it's the same to you, may I leave now?"

[fractured_white]

"What is it that makes you believe I'm finished with you?"

He moved closer, idly turning his knife around in his hands.

[unknownrival]

"Simply the continued polite request." Stepping back, Issei really wished that he was able to just turn and run, but that tactic would be dangerous.

[fractured_white]

"If you wish your freedom from this situation, why not claim it?"

The amusement dancing in his eyes was cruel, far harsher than when he'd been teasing Issei about gloves. He was enjoying the boy's fear, enjoying the fact that he was the cause of it.

[unknownrival]

"I would rather have it with your consent."

Then nobody would have to get hurt, right?

[fractured_white]

"And what will you do if I won't give it?"

He bent down and tapped the side of his knife against Issei's cheek.

[unknownrival]

"Then, I suppose we have a problem."

How strong was Albedo anyway... Issei really wished he knew.

[fractured_white]

He held the knife in place, leaning down as if to savor the look of fear in Issei's eyes. But there was something in his own eyes, half buried by the look of insanity, that almost seemed fond.

Issei wouldn't get long to examine the expression, though, before Albedo stood up and let the knife fall to his side.

"Well, aren't you fortunate I don't actually feel like killing you?"

[unknownrival]

"Very fortunate."

Issei bowed very slightly, then took a large step backwards. "I can't say it's been a pleasure, but farewell," he said, then finally turned and ran.

[fractured_white]

He watched Issei go, the part of him that was still somewhat sane trying to tell him that he would regret this when everything was said and done. But that part was already small enough that he wasn't interested in thinking about that, and he turned in the opposite direction to continue his self-destructive rampage.