Low Batteries

[Belial Bane]

Very horrid shiny silver shoes padded along the pavement towards the trading circles. In those shoes Belial grinned madly, he had finally found where all the fear had come from in this city and it was bliss. He had his choice of victims all around him and although he didn't particularly want a slave, he contemplated buying some company, or at leasy someone to scare on a regular basis. He stopped, watching as people turned to stare at his strange choice in clothing, or was it his wings? He hoped it was his wings, Belial saw nothing wrong with wearing a black suit and horridly 70s style shoes that glittered in the setting suns light. He lifted his sun glasses down, wondering where to begin looking, begin feasting. He needed to get close to someone with a great amount of fear, and soon.

He had been in the city for a few days and had purchased a small house not far away from the markets, so he could at least smell the fear radiating from it. Belial wondered for a few minutes, thinking he must get to know his neighbors when he began looking into the stores of such a horrid place for a meal he could get close to. He frowned, feeling rather sorry for a lot of the slaves here, it was horrible to have them kept in such a way and when many merchants saw him prowling trying to get close enough to feed or even talk he was told to back off.

Belial felt his mood shift, the once happy mood he felt was beginning to decrease as he started to absorb the sadness and feelings of anger from the creatures being sold. He was used to mood swings of this nature but he never liked them, not in this situation. He wondered if buying a slave and freeing them would give him a satisfying feeling that he could feel better about for days. He feet started leading him off, in a strange direction and he could sense a rather strange amount of fear, 'this...' he thought 'needs to be investigated!'.

[Flashlight]

The weak dim light shone through the dirty window. A bright light flashed on and off, the sound of a button clicking repeatedly the only sound other than whines and whimpers from other cages. A small boy sat at the back corner of his cage, tears in his eyes as his bright yellow eyes gazed fearfully around the area. He sniffled, curling farther into himself as he clicked his flashlight on once more. Shining it around the trader crashed his fist into his cage, causing poor Flashlight to scream in terror and pull up his sweater over his head. He trembled fearfully as he shut his eyes tightly,thinking back on Popsicle. He looked up and at the window, eyes longing to absorb the light shining through. Bile rose in his throat as he saw it was nearly sundown, his glowing yellow eyes would not keep away the monsters, it would only prove to annoy and anger the traders as they yelled at him to go to sleep.

Seeing as he didn't sleep at all he was forced to keep his sweater over his head and stay curled up until the sun rose, in which he'd pop up and bask in it's warmth before curling up and watching the people begin to file in. Ever since Popsicle had been taken he'd been terrified of the people that enter, especially the vampires. Feeling sick to his stomach he tried to avoid the darkness seeping in and covered his mouth.

[Belial Bane]

Belial could smell it, it was so strong he could almost taste it, not long now, he was almost on top of whatever it was. He crept closer, using his wings to block people's paths as they walked past so he could check them as they had to stall. None of them. 'Damn!' He cursed inside his head, being led to a shop, it's windows dull and dirty. This was it! The place all that fear was coming from. It smelt delicious. Belial placed a hand on the window before trying to peer in, he watched as there were a few lights flickering within and his curiosity took over him, he was excited by the idea of such a brilliant source of food, but he still couldn't see What it was.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself he placed a hand on the door handle, pulling it open and stepping inside, his wings brushing against the frame of the door and the objects around. He was so close now that his senses could focus exactly on the thing that felt so much fear and as he looked into the cage from a distance he saw it, or rather, Him and Belial's heart almost skipped a beat with the thrill of finally knowing. He had been drawn here and he would feast. Or at least try to. He noticed the merchant was suspicious of him already, it was a rather strong feeling to behold and he frowned staring at him before walking over to the fearful boy's cage. He knelt down besides it, so hungry now it could have torn him apart.

He only needed to reach out and he and touch the boy and all the fear in the world (or so it felt) would be his again and his hunger would vanish. But Belial stopped himself, the feeling of guilt struck him rather hard looking at such a fragile thing inside the cave, guilt was something he hated. "Hello?" He called gently towards the boy, hoping to get an answer before the merchants harassed him

[Flashlight]

Flashlight’s head tilted upwards, his bright eyes seeing the man in front of his cage. Fear shot through him, twisting his stomach and making him press further back into his cage. What did the stranger want? Surely not him! He held his flashlight close to him and trembled, bile rising in his throat. The merchant heard the chains shift, and glanced over. “Hey!” He sneered at the man. “What are you doing? You gonna buy him? Rare find he is.” Flashlight buried himself in his sweater, heart thumping loudly. The only thing he could hear was the blood rushing in his ears, he didn’t want to be bought. He didn’t exactly want to be stuck in a cage over half-starved either, but if that’s what it took not to end up like Popsicle he’d do it. He had to wait for her, maybe one day she’d come back. He had to keep hope, without hope he’d drown in fear.

Eyes retuerning to the man his pale face was tear stained, the nights long and dark, terrifying for the poor boy who was so afraid. Something seemed off about this man, almost as if he enjoyed Flashlight being afraid. Sensing something was wrong he pressed harder into the bars, his body aching from the pressure but he himself not caring, his flight instinct taking over and driving him crazy. Blood dripped down his wrist as he pulled against his chains, the metal cruel and unforgiving as it dug into his skin. He hadn't answered the man's greeting, too afraid to speak and also afraid fo the merchant, it was frowned upon to have a conversation with the buyers, especially if they then decided you weren't their money.

[Belial Bane]

Belial could only stand, he felt horrid for making the boy so afraid and yet his body shivered with excitement over it. He looked at the merchant, his glare only made more intimidating by his red eyes. He had no doubt that this frail boy was rare, he had never come across such a odd looking thing but it didn't get him the right to show it off. But alas, the hunger within Belial was making him go a little peculiar, his skin crawled with the sensation of being so close all he wanted to do was rip through the bars and take it all. He sighed, hearing a slight twinge in the cage, the movement of the chains and then, the smell of blood. It was hideous, pain from others tasted 'off', like the taste of stale air when all you want is to be outside. He couldn't help but retch a little and felt ashamed of himself for even being there.

Belial looked inside his pockets. Years of frightening people and wondering the earth had given him a lot of royalties, and even more strange possessions. He toyed with the few credit cards he owned and pondered, he had no use for a slave, but he didn't want to leave this boy here. "How much?" He asked in a tone that could only be considered as curious. He knew in his heart he could most likely frighten the men to make the price less, but he didn't know if they were armed, and they seemed like the type who would fight their fears a little too well.

Belial looked once more at the frightened boy, giving him a rather sad smile, trying to make him stop struggling, he didn't want the boy hurt, frightened, yes, but not hurt. He could see the night coming and knew it would panic the boy more, so he had to be quick in freeing him.

[Flashlight]

Flashlight watched the interaction between the two men, deeply confused. This man was.....was what? He didn't want to go, the abuse was harsh and the starvation worse but what if he was cruel? He looked away but managed to catch the sad smile on the man's lips. Curiosity overrode his fear for a moment, and like a kitten he looked over and slid closer to the front of the cage. Biting his lip he saw the merchant narrow his gaze. He listed the price and Flashlight's heart sank, everyone said he was too expensive but this particular merchant was far too greedy to let the price drop in any way. There was no way he'd loose a massive profit on a brat with glowing eyes. Sighing softly Flashlight clicked his light on and off, flinching at the barking command of the merchant to knock it off. Huddling back in the corner he stared at his knees in silent, wondering when the man would leave.

Quietly looking up the sun began to set further, causing the panic to grow in Flashlight. Pupils dilating and heart beginning to race fear gripped him painfully hard,and tears formed in his eyes. Whimpering quietly to himself he closed his eyes tightly and took a shuddering breath.

[Belial Bane]

Belial heard the price, it was indeed a lot of money for such a small amount of person but his heart had felt guilt that wouldn't go away and the sweet promise of fear was making him thirsty now, so thirsty. He ruffled around in his pockets and pulled out a rather posh looking credit card, offering it to the merchant silently, as if he had been defeated. He looked again at the small boy in the cage as he heard the light's button flick on and off and this made Belial smile again, the fear that came from this boy could feed him for days... no, Weeks.

Belial watched as the man took the rather nice looking credit card from his hands and shivered at the thought of all that greed, he wasn't fond of that emotion either, it made him feel a little ill. His wings twitched a little, wanting to go closer to the boy but he stood his ground, connecting his eyes at the merchant, searching for a fear worth exploiting, which he found rather quickly. His body clicked and his spin moved almost as if it were independent from his body. To all those around he looked like the same man, but he knew, to the merchant he must have looked wonderfully terrifying. "Hurt anymore slaves..." he spoke, in a voice that sounded like it could kill, "And I'll come back and make sure you suffer..."

[Flashlight]

His large eyes glowedwith curiostity as he tilted his head and wrapped his thin fingers around the bars of the cage. the plastic was exchanged and put into the merchant's hands, what would the plastic do? Watching closely he watched the merchant grin greedily, but suddenly became distracted. Looking up at the man in front of him his eyes widened. Wings. The man hadwings. Lips sliwhglt parted he stared up at the wings that twitched. His fingers itched to touch the feathers, but he knew the chains wouldn't allow him to reach them. He wrinkled his nose, slightly frustrated by this,but his stomach sunk realizing he might get in trouble for touching them. Backing away from the bars tocontrol himself he pouted to himself and rubbed his nose.

The loud yelp from the merchant made a small scared noise emit from his own lips as he looked wide eyed at the terrified merchant. He was staring at the man,and though he also looked at him he saw nothing. A bad feeling shivered down his spine and he whimpered, and the merchant threw the plastic back at the man before doing anything with it, and rushed to unlock Flashlight from his bonds. Eyes wide and clinging to his antique flashlight he looked up at the man as the merchant practically tossed him to the ground. Squeaking he caught himself and flinched as his hands and knees made harsh contact on the concrete floor. "Just take him and get out!!" Trembling slightly Flashlight looked at the man wide eyed, his grip tight on the flashlight as terror left him speechless.

[Belial Bane]

Belial smirked at the merchant as he seemed to fumble with the cage, he hadn't expected to get something so good for free, he just wanted to scare him a little but apparently the lack of 'food' had caused him to go just a little over-the-top with his trick. He shivered, absorbing a little of the merchants fear and it made him lick his lips, it was good to have a small snack off such a horrid person. He caught the card carefully and placed it in his pocket again. His wings twitched again, watching Flashlight being released from the cage and looked down at him with a soft expression as he hit the floor, he felt a little bad for the boy being thrown out of it. He could feel the terror coming from the boy and Belial knelt down to his level, still with a soft smile on his face and he carefully, and very slowly offered a hand towards to the boy, one to help him up, but also to take the fear into himself.

His body seemed to react in a strange way from being this close, his wings couldn't stop shivering with anticipation and his eyes seemed to go to a slightly lighter red as he stared at Flashlight, imagining what he would feel when the boy took his hand... if he would take his hand. He was excited to say the least but on the outside he remained calm, he remained looking like some sort of strange angel, who could do no wrong. "My name is Belial." He said in a gentle but rather stained voice, his addiction kept him from being able to talk without a stammer. "Come on, lets get you somewhere with lights."

[Flashlight]

Sniffling quietly as he rubbed his throbbing hands on his pants he clutched his flashlight close to him. Looking up at the man his eyes once again traveled to the wings that adorned his back, fascination took hold but he made sure to keep in touch with what was going on around him, and turned his gaze around the room nervously. The merchant was done with the two, had scampered off quickly after throwing out Flashlight. A small pout pursed his lips together, to think after all the years of fussing he'd been let go free of charge. Focusing once more he jumped as he saw the man crouch in front of him. He looked at him warily, gaze wavering and clouded with tears as the light pouring from his eyes seemed to flicker, almost as though about to die.

His eyes flickered over his form, he was trembling and seemed to shudder being near Flashlight, and the bile rose in his throat. He was stuck between a decision that seemed to promise warmth, and a horrible disaster that spelled death. Sniffling quietly his need took over, his cold hand grasped Belial's own and he closed his eyes, tears spilling gently down his cheeks. It'd been so long since he had nice normal human contact. Opening his eyes again he used his free hand to wipe away his tears and nodded. "M-my name..is....is Flashlight." His gaze turned down, he was often teased for his name since it was so odd, but he treasured it as one of the only reminders he had of Popsicle. At the mention of light he perked up, his eyes widened with a slightly desperate look.

[Belial Bane]

It took a single touch for all the fear that had been within flashlight to soak over Belial, he gripped the small boys hand a little tighter, but not enough to hurt as he shivered madly. All this fantasies about how wonderful this amount of fear felt were realised and it made him want to just melt, fall into nothing but ecstasy. His eyes seemed to dull and the pleasure went through him like there was no tomorrow. He almost purred at the touch and watched as the little man wiped away his tears, he felt so sorry for him and wanted nothing but to comfort him, keep him close enough to take all the fear from him.

His wings shivered with the amount of fear that had come over him and he made sure to keep the smaller boy close, taking in what he had just said with a very innocent smile. It was indeed a strange name, which Belial couldn't fully understand but with a very gentle arm he put around Flashlight he began to lead him into the streets, trying to find somewhere that would be light enough to make him feel a little better. A very fragile wing went and placed itself around Flashlight to try and give him some comfort, as he noticed the boys fascination with them.

He walked slowly, making sure the smaller boy could keep up and started walking towards where his house was, it was a rather long walk, but he hoped it would be okay for him, he didn't fancy carrying him, but would if it came down to it. With a soothing voice he looked down at the man, "Flashlight... I didn't buy you to keep you." He spoke with an honesty in his voice that hoped would comfort his new little friend, "I'm not a master, and I hope you'll accept your freedom? But first we'll get you to my house and clean you up."

[Flashlight]

Flashlight's eyes widened seeing the man before his tremble, it scared him a bit seeing him react to his mere touch in such a severe way. He himself shook a bit and the smile on the man's face frightened him further. Innocent as it was to seem it seemed more sinister and mocking to him as he saw the light trembling of Belial's wings. Stumbling to his feet he couldn't help but grip onto Belial's shirt and cling to him, following him out onto the street. The darkness around them made him sick, his stomach painfully twisting into knots. The wing around him distracted him momentarily, the fear seeping out of him as he reached out to touch it delicately. Fascination and childish curiosity widened his eyes, a small smile flittering onto his lips.

Looking up at Belial as he spoke, cold harsh dread filled him. He wasn't there to stay? Would he be let go? But.... but.... His eyes filled with tears. The fear returned, more intense than before, sickening and cold like lead in his stomach. He stopped walking, his hands trembling. Would he be left all alone? No, he couldn't. Belial wouldn't...he....he.....he wasn't going to keep him. Would Flashlight be cleaned up then left to his own devices? Where could he go? Back to the forest? He couldn't, not now. Not back to the darkness that would surely consume him until there was nothing left of Flashlight but a bundle of sickened nerves.

[Belial Bane]

At the touch his wings seemed to flicker, enjoying the contact of another person. The smile that spread across Flashlight's mouth seemed to please Belial, but when it disappeared Belial stopped, turned to the little boy who had seemed to cease up so easily. With a sad smile he walked back, closer to the man who moments ago had clung to him. His wings reached back, making him appear a little frightened himself, like a worried cat. He hadn't wanted to make the man worried, in fact, he thought he would be pleased to know he was free. Then the fear struck him, he noticed he didn't want to be alone and with a gentle movement Belial brought Flashlight close, giving him the warmth of his own body.

"I'm sorry Flashlight~" He purred, being ever so gentle with such a fragile boy. "You can stay with me, it's alright, but you are a free man." He liked this boy, he was a constant supply of fear and he thought his heart would break if he left him alone. He wanted to look after him now, and if Flashlight wanted it, he would do it forever. "I'll get a lot of lights in my house and you can have your own room and everything!" He smiled down at the boy, looking like his idea would make him a very happy man indeed, he wanted to be comforting to the man and after years of practice he hoped he'd be good at it.

[Flashlight]

A bit surprised, but at the same time comforted, Flashlight reached up and clutched at Belial's shirt, his fingers curling around the smooth fabric as his eyes squeezed shut tightly. He didn't want to leave the company of the only man who had ever shown him kindness. He reminded him a bit of Popsicle to be honest, but only in the manner of comfort. Calming down a bit in the warm embrace of the just met stranger, the small man opened his glowing eyes once more and gazed up at him. With a small wrinkle of his nose his lips pursed into a pout as a small sigh escaped him. The purring made his head swim, eyelids fluttering as a small spark of pleasure ran down his spine.

"I-I can stay?" At the mention of this opportunity his eyes flickered brighter for a moment, suddenly soaking in more light before dulling to a more comforting color. He was free, but wanted. Exhilaration surged within him and made him feel light. He wasn't trapped anymore, he wasn't shackled to a cage or someone's mistreated pet. He didn't face the horror of leaving the ring and knowing he would never return, like his poor beloved Popsicle. A smile twitched at his lips and spread, his whole face lighting up with pure joy. He was being offered so many advantages! "M-my own room?" Could he handle it? It would depend on how high off the ground his bed was, the darkness underneath would seep into his mind and enhance his fears.

[Belial Bane]

The small boy was indeed rather cute, and Belial felt a little better about the world. He smiled as his shirt was clung to once again and put a comforting arm around Flashlight, hoping to start walking again so they could get home before it got dark. "You can stay." He promised, his voice once again sounding like a purr and a wing wrapped around him instead of the arm, leading him in the right direction. He didn't live too far away from the market, as it was a good supply of food and as they walked he kept note on how quickly he walked, not wanting to have a pace the other couldn't keep up with. Belial shivered, loving the excitement coming from the other and it surged through him too, starting to make him feel on top of the world, it was a brilliant feeling, of happiness and relief.

He then began to think of the spare room in his flat, it had lots of windows, and was usually covered in feathers as he changed which room he slept in sometimes. He cursed inwardly thinking about how he needed to start cleaning up, he had a few guests around so far and he kept embarrassing himself with the mess his wings caused. "Your own room~ But I'm going to have to clean it a little first." He smiled, his hand reaching around to rub the back of his neck, trying to look a little less excited than he actually felt. He had no idea what this boy was thinking, but really hoped he would like it at the apartment, and more importantly, would get along with the few friends he had made since arriving. He made a mental note to go see Dr.Gals again soon, to get better to make sure his new flatmate wouldn't be attacked by one of his horrid addictions, yes, he'd have to learn to live with people again.