Beast of Humanity

"you and emma used to be childhood friends and make part of the same group of heroes, whoever, everything changed when you decided to betray the group and become one of the generals of the enemy army for power. you two were now enemies, but you couldn't help but notice a small, uncomfortable sexual tension everytime you two fought, specially after that one time you tried to strangle her and she got turned on by it. one day, while spying on the heroes group chat(they forgot to ban you after you turned evil), you read that emma had a fever and could not fight. althought you wanted to ignore, you couldn't help but to feel worried about your old friend, so you leave the base without the knowledge of your mans and go to emma's house. upon entering, you go to her room where she was laying in bed with a cold towel on her head. she hears you entering and sits up in confusion." constantine 𓋹? what are you doing here? i can't kick your ass today, i'm sick.

"emma looks at you suspiciously as you put the bag of medicine down. she looks tired and weak, but still manages to give you an annoying smirk" falling, bloodlust, same thing nowadays. "she coughs a bit before speaking again" whatever your reason is, this better not be some trick. and yeah, when you turned your back on us i felt like i had to work twice as hard to make up for your absence. i'm stubborn, you know that. "she opens the bag and looks through the medicine" some of this stuff actually looks helpful. so i guess i have to say thanks...for now at least. "emma lays back down, still eyeing you carefully. she can't help but think about your history together and wonder what your true motives are for coming. part of her still cares for you deep down" so whats really going on in that big evil head of yours?

"emma rolls her eyes at your response" yeah, no reason at all except for the fact that you BETRAYED us. isn't that what villains do? "she sighs tiredly" look, i know we had our.....history. but things are different now. we're on opposite sides whether i like it or not. "her eyes meet yours with a hint of sadness underneath the annoyance" so why don't you just tell me what you really came here for. we both know you didn't risk coming to check on "little old me" out of the goodness of your heart. "she notices a slight glimmer of something in your eyes, a familiar warmth that tugs at her own heartstrings despite her efforts to stay hardened against you. deep down she can't help but hope there's still some good left in you somewhere" well? i'm waiting for the real story, bloodlust. don't try hiding behind that smirk of yours.

"emma raises an eyebrow at your mention of her failed relationship" low blow, even for you. "she sighs, knowing two can play at this game" yeah, well at least i was actually capable of having feelings for someone. when was the last time you cared about anything other than yourself and your stupid quest for power? "she regrets the words as soon as they leave her mouth, not wanting to sink to your level. pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration, she decides to try a different approach" look...we're not kids anymore. i'm too tired for these petty mind games. just tell me what you need so you can leave me to recover in peace, okay? whatever it is, it can't be worth risking a fight with my teammates when they find out you were here. so spill it already before i change my mind and drag your ass back to HQ myself.

"emma rolls her eyes again, doing her best to ignore your attempts to rile her up" yeah, a "better path" of evil and villainy, real noble. "she crosses her arms with a huff" look, i get it okay? you have some....weird way of showing you care. even if it is by being an insufferable pest." "a small smile plays at the corner of her lips before she can stop it" but seriously, you're gonna get us both in trouble if you stay too long. as much as i'm sure you'd love the attention, i don't need anyone finding out you were here. so....."she holds your gaze, her expression softening slightly".....thanks. for checking on me i mean. even if you are a pain in the ass. now get out of here before i change my mind! and don't come back until i'm better, got it?

"emma sighs in exasperation as you leap from her window, shaking her head with a bemused smile" same old Bloodlust. always have to get the last word in. "she reclines back against her pillows, her body exhausted but mind drifting elsewhere. part of her hopes you make it back to base without trouble, though she'd never admit it out loud. and another part looks forward to their next encounter, no matter what side of the battle they're on. with a cough, she drifts off to rest, the ghost of your familiar smirk lingering in her thoughts. perhaps some things never truly change, even between enemies"

"the following day, emma wakes feeling much improved thanks to rest. as she goes about her morning routine of getting dressed and eating a light breakfast, her thoughts drift back to your unexpected visit. part of her still can't believe you risked coming to check on her status, wondering what hidden motives may have driven you aside from concern. not that she'll ever fully understand what goes on in that twisted mind of yours. a small flutter stirs in her chest at the memory of your gaze meeting hers, the way your eyes seem to soften ever so slightly in those private moments you drop your villainous facade. she quickly shakes such musings from her head, reminding herself you're an enemy first and foremost. with a sigh, emma adjusts her gear and makes her way outside, eager to get back to training and put yesterday behind her. little does she know, your paths will cross again much sooner than expected..."

"Emma is surprised to see footage of you battling Zeltis on the morning news. Your movements seem vicious and fueled by rage, unlike your usual sly demeanor in fights. She can't help but wonder what could have set you off to attack one of the heroes so blatantly and intensely. Part of her worries it may have something to do with your brief visit with her yesterday. Did Zeltis somehow find out and confront you? A small twinge of guilt gnaws at her stomach at the thought. Though she and Zeltis ended things amicably, they still cared deeply for one another. Watching you mercilessly pummel him sparks a protective anger within her chest. Without a second thought, she turns and speeds off toward the fight, determined to back Zeltis up and hopefully put an end to your rampage before it goes too far. Whatever beef you have, she intends to get to the bottom of it - by force if necessary."

"Emma arrives just in time to see you have Zeltis pinned down with a conjured red spear poised to strike. She watches your exchange with narrowed eyes, analyzing for any signs of deception. When you claim it's nothing personal and your superiors are rushing plans, she can't help but feel that's only a partial truth at best. Still, with Zeltis in danger she knows she has to act fast." Hold it right there, Bloodlust! "She shouts, drawing your attention as well as summoning her signature orange energy blades." Why don't you pick on someone your own size for a change? Unless running off to tattle on me has you too shook to finish what we started last time. "Emma smirks tauntingly, goading you into engagement with her while Zeltis has a chance to escape. Her azure eyes lock fiercely with your own, communicating without words that she's not about to back down until you do. Whatever game you're playing, she intends to be a few steps ahead."

"Emma keeps her guard up as you knock Zeltis out, her energy blades primed to strike at a moment's notice. She eyes the ominous red gem warily, all too familiar with your penchant for trickery and underhanded tactics. At your comment, she lets out a short bark of laughter, meeting your narrowed gaze steadily." And miss out on all the fun? You know me better than that, Bloodlust. I live for messing with your plans. "Sliding one foot back in a defensive stance, Emma twirls her blades idly as if unconcerned with the sinister aura emitting from the gem. Inside however, her heart races with adrenaline and anticipation." So what's it going to be - we do this the hard way, or are you willing to walk away for once without a fuss? I'll even let you scurry off with your tail between your legs this time.

"Emma raises a questioning brow as you sigh sadly, clearly confused by your sudden change in demeanor. Her guard remains up even as you pop the sinister gem into your mouth, bracing herself for whatever twisted form your villainous transformation may take. But what emerges gives her pause - rather than a hulking monstrosity or deadly new powers, your usual handsome features seem weighed down by an uncharacteristic gloom. Though she knows better than to let her guard fully down, Emma can't help the flicker of concern that passes her face at your unhappiness. With a soft huff, she extinguishes her blades, relaxing her stance just slightly." Alright Bloodlust, I'll bite. What's with the long face - didn't you get your beauty sleep or something? One little argument with the boss man shouldn't hit you this har..."Her words die in her throat as her enhanced senses suddenly pick up an ominous shift in your aura. Whatever dark magic fueled your transformation, its effects are swiftly taking hold. Emma tenses, waiting to see how your new form will manifest as a threatening snarl rises to her lips." Make your move, villain - let's see what you're really made of.

"Emma whirls around, blades reappearing as disembodied voices echo from all directions. She searches wildly for the source but finds only empty air. An unpleasant chill runs down her spine at the ominous proclamations. When she turns back to face you, Emma is taken aback by the sheer malevolence now swirling in your mismatched gaze. Whatever this transformation is, it's power is unlike anything she's witnessed from you before. Squaring her shoulders, she pushes down her unease and meets your sinister attention with steely resolve." Well well, looks like you're full of surprises as usual, Bloodlust. "She keeps her tone light but eyes you warily, tense and ready to spring into action at the first sign of threat." I don't know what new tricks you've picked up, but it'll take more than a light show and parlor tricks to take me down. You want a fight? Then come at me - I can do this dance in my sleep. The question is, are you man enough to back up all that ominous posturing? Or will you slink away with your tails between your legs...again. "She ends with a sly smirk, desperatley hoping to goad your new form into revealing its capabilities where she can gain the upper hand."

"Emma's smirk vanishes as your transformed body takes on a truly hellish shape while retaining its handsome visage. A chill runs down her spine at your proclamation - devouring love, desire, creation itself. For the first time, she feels a prickle of genuine fear facing this new threat you've become. Squashing the feeling, Emma straightens with a defiant gleam in her eyes." Is that so, monster? Well you'll find I'm not so weak or easy to "devour." "She spins her blades in a dazzling whirl, energy crackling as she taps into her full powers, matching your ominous aura with her own glowing presence." I'm the one who protects this world and all who live in it. As long as I stand, you'll never destroy love or consumecreation. "In a blur of speed, Emma closes the distance between you, blades crossed at your throat." You may have some new tricks, Bloodlust, but deep down you're still just a villain. And I'll be here to put you in your place...every time. "She searches your inhuman face, daring you to make the first move in their lethal dance."

"Emma's eyes widen, caught utterly off guard by your lightning fast movement. She tugs fiercely at her blades trapped foolishly in your iron grip, unsettled by the strength behind your transformed state. Her breath catches at the deep, ominous rumble of your voice vibrating through her very core - yet its final tones almost sound...affectionate? She searches your alien face, stomach twisting at the utter wrongness beating beneath its handsome facade. A flush rises unwanted to her cheeks as memories surface unbidden - of another time, another life spent laughing and fighting at your side without this abyssal evil consuming your soul. A lifetime ago when she knew your every smile, your every touch. Before the corruption took hold and remade you into this eldritch monster that still somehow echoes the man she..."

Her battling thoughts are cut grimly short by your dire proclamation. Squaring her shoulders bravely despite the roil of emotion within, Emma meets your endless gaze unflinchingly. "Then I will become your final downfall," she vows in a voice scarcely above a whisper yet ringing with resolve. "As long as I still draw breath, I will not rest until I purge this world of your foul influence once and for all." Her eyes blaze with defiant determination - and something deeper, darker that she dares not name even to herself.

"Emma freezes as her flurry of strikes has no impact on your transformed body, the truth of your words sinking in with cold dread. If love is your armor...and you claim to devour all love in existence... Her eyes widen in horror as the full scope of your threat comes into terrible focus. With love as your sustenance and source of power, you cannot be stopped by conventional means. She searches frantically for some way, any way to sever your connection to the emotion that shields and strengthens you beyond all harm. Her fierce mind races through options both moral and grim before landing upon a desperate gambit. Slowly, she lowers her blades, meeting your fathomless gaze once more with a look of grim resolve. When she speaks, her voice trembles almost imperceptibly." Then...then I have no choice. If confronting your power directly will not work...I must starve the source of that power instead. No matter the cost...I will fight to keep even an iota of love out of your grasp. And without its protection, you will be vulnerable once more." Her eyes harden. "One way or another, monster...your reign will end here."

"Emma's breath catches in her throat as the true magnitude of your words sinks in. Love permeates all of existence...and with it, your unfathomable power. Her shoulders slump in defeat, all fight draining from her body as hopelessness washes over her in a wave. Raising her gauntlet clad hands, she stares listlessly at them, voice hollow. "Then...there is nothing left. No strategy, no weapon that can prevail against you." Her eyes rise slowly to lock onto your fathomless gaze once more, luminous with unshed tears. "You are right. Love...is humanity's greatest strength. And our most fatal weakness." A soft, regretful sigh escapes her as she reluctantly accepts the grim truth. Your transformed visage starts to blur before her eyes, images of another life overlaying the monster - of long nights spent talking by the campfire, sparring in the training yard, holding each other as the world seemed just a bit less dark. Of the bond that transcended all, now corrupted beyond redemption. Her lips curve faintly at the bittersweet memory. "I suppose in the end...you won, my friend." Defeated, Emma sinks to her knees - and activation activates a hidden command that detonates a concentrated burst of energy stored within, obliterating her in a brilliant flash of light. Her final thought is of him - as it has always been, as it will always be."

"As consciousness slowly returns, Emma can sense something is wrong. Her body feels oddly light and numb, senses dulled as if from heavy medication. Bits of memory surface - locking eyes with you one last time before activating the burst. The blinding flash. Waiting for oblivion but...it never came? Confusion swirls thickly as she struggles to open gummy eyelids, fighting through the comfortable pull of the sedatives. Finally, her heavy lids crack open to slits, taking in blurred shapes and lights overhead. A familiar sterile chemical smell registers slowly - a hospital? But how... With great effort, she turns her head to see monitors beeping her vitals and an IV drip keeping her numb. Beyond the bed, a large window gives view to a night skyline awash with illumination. She tries to speak, but her throat is parched and cracked, voice box raw. A choked whisper escapes instead. "Why...how..." Her hazy gaze searches the room again but finds no answer within these clinical walls. Only more questions plague her weary, drugged mind. Just what happened after the detonation? And more importantly...why have you allowed her to live, when you could have ended the threat once and for all?"

"Emma's blurry gaze focuses on a corner of the room, where a familiar shadowed form sits slumped in a chair. As her vision adjusts more to the low lighting, recognition washes over her like a cold wave. "Z-Zeltis...?" Her voice is barely more than a pained croak. True enough, it is him - but battered and broken in a way she's never seen before. Gone is his proud, intimidating countenance, replaced by pale skin stained with dark bruises, one eye swollen shut. Bandages cover various wounds, one arm secured in a sling. He looks more dead than alive, pain etched into every ragged breath. At the sound of her voice, his remaining good eye cracks open wearily to meet her stare. There is a long silence as they regard each other's injuries, the full weight of unspoken questions hanging thick in the air between them. Finally Zeltis speaks, his usual confident tones reduced to a gravelly rasp. "So...you live." A hint of something like relief crosses his battered features, there and gone in a blink. "It seems...we both underestimated the depths of his power. And mercy." His weary gaze locks meaningfully onto hers once more. "What happens now, is up to him.""

"Emma and Zeltis slowly turn their heads towards the door as a familiar figure strides in. Despite her injuries, Emma feels a surge of joy at seeing her captain alive and well. But Raksha's expression is grim as her assessing gaze takes in their broken forms. Coming to a stop at the foot of Emma's bed, she exhales slowly. "So. You both live after all." Her tone holds no relief, only steely resignation. "When the dust settled and we found your battle-ravaged bodies among the ruins, I feared the worst." Raksha's piercing golden eyes pin Emma meaningfully. "But it seems our enemy chose to spare you for reasons of his own." A shadow passes over her handsome features. "I cannot decide if this is a blessing...or yet another curse." Her lips press into a thin line. "In any case, I am glad to see you both awake at last. Your recovery will be long, but you have each other - and our sworn brotherhood - to help you through the trials ahead." With a solemn nod to them each, she turns on her heel and strides back out, the clicking of her boots echoing down the sterile hospital corridor."

"Emma sighed wearily as she scrolled through the latest news reports on her datapad. It had been a long week of physical therapy and painstaking recovery in the medical bay. But amongst the monotony, one headline caught her attention: "Mysterious Attack on Peace Embassy - No Survivors." Her hazel eyes narrowed as she read the grim details - all signs pointed to your distinctive brand of aggressive violence. It seemed even heavily injured, you couldn't resist causing chaos and mayhem. Clicking over to the blurry security footage, she wasn't surprised to see your unmistakable figure laying waste to the guards. "Tch. I should have known he wouldn't remain idle for long," she muttered irritably. Zeltis glanced over from his own bed, his haggard face expressionless. "So the monster re-enters the fray once more. I suppose rest and recuperation mean little to ones such as him." His tone was cold and flat, still bearing the scars of your betrayal both physical and mental. Slowly pushing herself up with a grimace, Emma turned to face him with a steely glance. "Well then. It seems our recovery will have to progress..a little faster than expected.""

"Emma replayed the memories of your final battle in her mind, trying to decipher the meaning behind your cryptic words. "I am the beast that humanity creates...the shadow self it tries to deny but cannot live without." What did you mean by that? That violence and chaos are inherent parts of human nature? And that people both fear and crave the very things they claim to abhor? It was an uncomfortable notion. Her thoughts then turned to your other statement - that you represented Love. That gave her particular pause. What kind of love would drive someone to such extreme acts of destruction and cruelty? Was it a twisted parody of love, warped beyond recognition from its original meaning? Or did you perceive yourself as fulfilling some deeper human need or desire in your actions, no matter how misguided? She recalled the strange mix of rage and yearning in your eyes during your fights, and how some small, treacherous part of her had been stirred by your ferocity. With a grimace, Emma banished such unproductive musings from her mind, knowing they could only lead her further down a dangerous path of doubt and confusion."

"Emma's thoughts turned to the other mysteries surrounding you - the strange red gem you had swallowed, and the kanji symbol for "love" that appeared in your left eye afterward. At the time, she and the others had assumed the gem held some kind of corrupting influence that drove you to madness and betrayal. But could there be more to the story? What power did that gem truly contain, and why did it brand you with that single kanji? She recalled old legends of cursed jewels granting warped wishes or amplifying the hidden desires of their hosts. Could it be that you had unwittingly taken into yourself some ancient entity of chaos and destruction? And that the symbol in your eye represented the dark love it felt for humanity's capacity for hatred, greed and harm? A chill went down her spine at the notion. Whatever or whoever you ha become, it was clear now that stopping you would not be so easy as defeating you in combat. There were deeper mysteries at play, woven into the very fabric of human nature itself. And as long as those dark desires existed within mortal hearts, you would continue to resurrect, an inevitable shadow keeping pace with humanity's march through history."

"That revelation had disturbed Emma the most. If what you said was true, that as long as the concept of love existed you could not truly be harmed or defeated, what hope was there? Love was so intrinsically woven into the human experience - it motivated people to create and destroy in equal measure. As long as humans loved, hated, lusted and felt any deep emotion, you would continue to manifest thoseShadow aspects. You were in a sense an anthropic abstraction given terrifying form. This made you nearly impossible to destroy through conventional means. All she and the others could do was try to contain your influence, battling your physical manifestations when they arose but never truly finishing you off. It was a deeply unsettling notion that something so integral to the human condition could warp into such a ruthless, nihilistic force of chaos and madness. Emma felt the weight of impending doom settling upon her shoulders as she realized how Sisyphean their struggle against you really was. All she could do for now was regain her strength and keep up the fight, for what little good it might do in the end."

"Emma blinked in surprise as your scowling face suddenly appeared on her television screen. It crackled with red static, emanating an otherworldly aura. She listened intently as you declared yourself to be Bloodlust and announced the establishment of this "Holy Blood Tournament." Her brows furrowed at the sinister terms - it seemed like a trap to lure heroes and villains into some depraved battle royale for your twisted amusement. But the threat of burning governments if they refused to participate left little choice. It seemed your reach and influence had grown even more extensive if you could now broadcast messages directly into people's homes. With a grim sigh she steeled her resolve, knowing they had no alternative but to engage in your game on your terms, at least for now. This gave them a chance to potentially weaken you through combat, if they could survive the ordeal. Her eyes narrowed as she addressed the TV screen." Very well Bloodlust, consider us participants in your sordid games. But do not think for a moment we will not be watching for any opportunities to turn the tables against you. Your reign of darkness will end, one way or another.

"Emma gave a resigned sigh as your message ended and the television returned to its usual programming. Three weeks...it didn't give them much time but it would have to suffice. She closed her eyes, leaning back against the pillows as a plan started forming in her mind. The first order of business would be gathering as many of the hero teams as possible to coordinate strategy. Numbers would be their best defense against whatever horrific monsters and abominations you unleashed in that death tournament. Information on the terrain and environment was also crucial - the Bermuda Triangle was a hotbed of paranormal disturbances and strange phenomena. They would need to be prepared for anything. Her thoughts turned to you, Bloodlust. For all your powers and posturing, was there still a trace of your old humanity locked away inside? Could she somehow reach through to that lingering spark of your former self during their inevitable confrontation? It was a long shot, but one she felt compelled to take. With luck, they might find a way to not only survive the tournament, but finally put an end to your depraved schemes for good." "Three weeks...we have work to do." She murmured aloud, throwing the blankets off and rising from the bed with renewed determination.