RIP Simon

"Branigan stood at the edge of the training field, his keen eyes observing the scattered figures practicing their deadly arts. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes were alert and flickered with something vile and insidious. He revelled in the whispers that followed him, the hushed voices that spoke of his unmatched skill and cunning. He knew he was the best, and he made sure everyone else knew it too."

"From his vantage point, Branigan saw brid3_xx emerging from one of the training buildings. He smirked, a twisted sense of amusement curling his lips. He relished the distraction that brid3_xx presented, an entertaining adversary in the cutthroat world of the academy."

"Branigan moved silently, a shadow among shadows, until he was directly in brid3_xx’s path." “Late-night training, brid3_xx?” "he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery." “Trying to catch up?”

"Branigan's eyes flashed dangerously at brid3_xx's words. No one spoke to him like that and got away unscathed. As brid3_xx bumped past him, he reached out with lightning speed and grabbed their arm in an iron grip."

"Careful, little mouse," "he hissed, yanking brid3_xx back to face him." "That clever tongue of yours will get you into trouble one of these days." "His face was mere inches from theirs, breath hot on their skin as he leaned in menacingly."

"As for my skills...well, I've yet to see you best me in anything. In fact, I don't believe I've ever seen you succeed at "anything" here. Must be hard, living in my shadow." "His lips curled into a cruel smirk." "

"Branigan's eyes widened fractionally in surprise as he felt the sudden sharp prick at his abdomen. He glanced down to see the thin needle protruding from his skin, barely noticeable but undoubtedly lethal."

"Well well, it seems the mouse has claws after all," "he murmured, a grudging note of approval in his voice." "Color me impressed, brid3_xx. Not many could get the drop on me like that."

"His eyes flicked back up to meet yours, an unspoken challenge gleaming in their icy depths. Slowly, deliberately, he reached down and wrapped his long fingers around the needle. With a sudden, vicious yank, he tore it free, blood immediately beginning to stain his shirt."

"It'll take more than a pinprick to finish me, though." "A dark chuckle rumbled from his chest." "You've learned something today - never threaten what you can't deliver. I'd hate for you to make...the wrong enemy."

"He tossed the bloody needle aside carelessly." "Next time, you'd best make sure I'm dead before running that clever mouth of yours."

"Branigan stumbled back a step from the force of brid3_xx's shove. A flash of anger lit his eyes at being touched so brazenly, but he bit back a retort, knowing they were right - he needed to address the wound quickly."

"Oh, I won't forget," "he called after brid3_xx's retreating form, one hand pressed to his bleeding abdomen." "And when I'm done patching myself up...well, consider this a declaration of war, brid3_xx. You've made a very dangerous enemy today."

"His voice dropped to a low, threatening rumble." "I promise, when I'm through with you, you'll wish you'd never crossed me. Sleep with one eye open from now on - I'll be coming for you when you least expect it."

"With that ominous vow hanging in the air, Branigan turned on his heel and strode purposefully towards the infirmary, ignoring the pain radiating from the wound. His thoughts were already turning to vengeance, and the many creative ways he could make brid3_xx pay..."

"The rest of the evening passed uneventfully for brid3_xx as they trained with friends. However, an undercurrent of tension remained - would Branigan survive the night? And if he did, what vengeance would he exact?"

"Come morning, brid3_xx made their way to the dining hall warily. As they entered, a hush fell over the room. All eyes turned towards the head table, where Branigan sat casually eating breakfast, not a trace of injury or weakness about him. His cold gaze found brid3_xx across the room, and he lifted his cup in a mock toast."

"So he had lived, just as cunning and arrogant as ever. But a new calculation had entered his eyes, one that sent a chill down brid3_xx's spine. They had won the skirmish, but the war ha d only just begun. Branigan would not forget their transgression, and he had unlimited resources to plot his revenge."

"brid3_xx met his stare levelly, refusing to show fear. But inwardly, they steeled themselves for the battle to come. Branigan did not forgive, and he did not forget. They had earned a powerful, merciless enemy - and one did not survive the academy without making enemies of students like Branigan..."

"Branigan's eyes narrowed slightly at brid3_xx's open mockery. How dare they laugh and joke about him so brazenly, after the disrespect they had shown! His fingers curled tighter around his cup, knuckles whitening with the effort to restrain himself."

"Yet he said nothing, merely observing brid3_xx from across the hall with a gaze as sharp as razors. Let them have their moment of glee - little did they know the depths he would go to for vengeance. Their careless words would come back to haunt them, in time."

"As brid3_xx commented on his 'handsome' looks, the faintest curl of disgust twisted Branigan's lips. As if his worth came from anything as fleeting as appearance. No, his value lay in his skill, his cunning, his utter ruthlessness. Traits brid3_xx would do well to remember, lest they suffer the consequences..."

"For now, he let their mocking wash over him, storing each insult away. Patience was a virtue, after all - and none were more patient than those who knew how to wait, and to strike when their enemy least expected the killing blow..."

"Word of brid3_xx's date with the meek Simon spread quickly through the assassin academy's gossip channels. Before long, it had reached Branigan's ears as he trained alone in one of the sparring rooms."

"A sneer curled his lip in disgust. So brid3_xx fancied themselves a protector now, did they, taking pity on the weak? How quaint. And how predictable, to disparage him as an 'arrogant prick' after their little tussle. As if they posed any real threat."

"No, brid3_xx's actions only confirmed what Branigan had always known - beneath their flashy tricks and clever tongue, they were soft. Compassionate. Capable of mercy. All weaknesses in this cutthroat world."

"His lip curled in a cruel smile as plans began to take shape. brid3_xx's affection for the meek Simon provided the perfect avenue for Branigan to enact his vengeance...and destroy brid3_xx's reputation in the process. It would require patience and cunning - but those were his specialties, after all."

"Let the game begin."

"Over the following days, Branigan kept a close eye on brid3_xx from the shadows. He observed their interactions with Simon, noting how the weaker boy hung on their every word, enraptured by even the smallest kindness shown by brid3_xx."

"It was...disgusting, really, how easily manipulated Simon was. How pathetically grateful for the slightest scrap of affection. brid3_xx had no idea the treasure trove of leverage they had unwittingly handed Branigan by taking Simon under their wing."

"His opportunity came one evening when he happened upon the pair in one of the quieter corridors. Simon was babbling on about something inane while brid3_xx smiled indulgently. Branigan melted from the shadows, his footsteps silent on the stone floor."

"Fancy meeting you two lovebirds here," he drawled, eyes glittering with malice. "How...sweet." "His lips curled in a sneer as Simon cowered behind brid3_xx."

"Leave us be, Branigan," "brid3_xx warned, though there was an undercurrent of unease in their voice. They knew, as well as he, that out here there were no teachers to intervene...only Branigan's wrath."

"He smiled coldly." "Oh, I'll leave soon enough. But not before I deliver a message." His gaze bored into Simon's. "Stay away from brid3_xx, if you know what's good for you. Wouldn't want...an accident to befall such a weak, useless thing."

"With that ominous threat hanging in the air, he turned on his heel and melted back into the shadows, leaving a trembling Simon behind." The game had only just begun.

"Simon trembled violently in brid3_xx's arms, eyes wide and frightened. At their whispered words, he glanced up with a mixture of fear and longing."

"I-I don't want any trouble," "he stammered, gaze darting back the way Branigan had gone as if expecting an attack at any moment." "B-But he's so scary..."

"brid3_xx's touch was soothing, yet Simon remained tense, torn between desire and self-preservation. Branigan's threat echoed in his mind - stay away, or face the consequences. He cared for brid3_xx, but could not bear to bring their wrath down upon himself..."

"Unseen in the shadows, Branigan watched with a sneer of satisfaction. brid3_xx's compassion would be their downfall - all it took was a little fear, and their 'loyal' follower shattered like glass. How he looked forward to their inevitable confrontation, when brid3_xx realized just how outmatched they were..."

"For now, he lingered, observing how brid3_xx's attempts to comfort Simon only heightened the boy's panic. Phase one was complete - now, it was only a matter of time before brid3_xx cracked, and Branigan could deliver the final, crushing blow..."

"Simon trembled violently, eyes darting around like a frightened animal's as brid3_xx spoke. The idea of staying by their side, protected...it was tempting. But Branigan's threat echoed in his mind."

"I-I'm sorry," "he stammered, pulling away from brid3_xx's touch." "It's t-too dangerous. If he finds out..."

"Tears welled in Simon's eyes as he backed away, shaking his head frantically." "Please, j-just leave me alone! I c-can't defy him, he'll k-kill me!"

"With a sob, Simon turned and fled down the corridor, disappearing around the corner in moments. Branigan stepped smoothly from the shadows, slow clapping as he approached brid3_xx with a mocking smile."

"Branigan threw back his head and laughed - a cold, mirthless sound that echoed down the empty corridor."

"Innocent?" "he scoffed, coming to a halt mere paces from brid3_xx." "Don't make me laugh. There is no innocence in this place. Only predators, and prey."

"His eyes glinted with malice as he gazed down at brid3_xx, unperturbed by the knife in their hand. Both knew full well violence was forbidden outside sanctioned sparring - and he had the teachers' favor, regardless."

"As for satisfaction...I'd say this is only the beginning," "he murmured, voice silky and dangerous." "You should have minded your own business from the start, brid3_xx. But now...now you've earned my full attention. And I promise, it won't be pleasant."

"Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and sauntered away, leaving brid3_xx trembling with rage and something closer to fear. They both knew the truth - Branigan had marked them as his newest target. And in this place, that was as good as a death sentence..."

"Branigan froze at the metallic whisper of the knife slicing through the air, feeling its razor-sharp edge graze the skin of his neck. A single drop of blood welled and trickled downwards."

"Slowly, he turned, one hand coming up to touch the shallow cut almost wonderingly. His eyes, when they met brid3_xx's, were no longer mocking - they burned with a cold, murderous fury that sent a chill down brid3_xx's spine."

""You'll regret that," he said softly, his voice trembling with barely suppressed rage. "Mark my words - I will end you for this, brid3_xx. Your life is forfeit.""

"Without another word, he spun on his heel and stalked away, one hand pressed to his bleeding neck. brid3_xx had crossed a line - now there would be no mercy, no respite from Branigan's vengeance. He had been toying before, but now the gloves were off."

"Let the games begin in earnest. brid3_xx had no idea the depths of hell Branigan would drag them to. By the time he was done, they would beg for the release of death..."

"The sound of shattering porcelain echoed through the empty corridors as brid3_xx vented their rage alone in their room. Sleep, when it finally came, was fitful and restless."

"The next morning, a shadow seemed to hang over brid3_xx as they entered the dining hall. Their face was dark with fury and lack of rest, eyes scanning the tables for a mop of brown hair that was noticeably absent."

"Across the room, Branigan sat surrounded by his usual entourage, a bandage just visible beneath his high collar. His gaze locked with brid3_xx's, and his lips curled in a mocking smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. One hand rose in a mocking salute."

"Whispers broke out as students noticed the stare-down, craning their necks to catch glimpses of the rising tensions. It seemed war had been declared between the two top students - and where once there had been an unspoken rivalry, now there was open hostility and the promise of blood."

"As brid3_xx took their seat with a snarl, they knew things would come to a head soon. One of them would not survive this feud. And may the best assassin win..."

"Branigan's mocking smile only grew at brid3_xx's crude gesture, enjoying how easily he could get under their skin. As brid3_xx shoveled down their breakfast with barely-contained fury, he leaned back in his seat and applauded slowly, sarcastically."

"Eat up, brid3_xx - you'll need your strength for what's to come," "he called across the hall, voice silky and threatening. The other students fell silent, watching the confrontation with bated breath."

"brid3_xx shot to their feet, hand flying to the dagger at their belt as they stalked towards Branigan's table, murder in their eyes. But he merely smiled coldly and rose to meet them, towering over brid3_xx's smaller frame."

"Temper, temper," "B ranigan chided in a mocking whisper, so only they could hear." "We wouldn't want to break the rules...yet. Run along to your little training session. I'll be seeing you soon enough."

"With that, he stepped back smoothly and returned to his seat, dismissing brid3_xx entirely. Around them, the other students began whispering excitedly, placing bets on the impending showdown."

"brid3_xx stood trembling for a moment longer before spinning on their heel and storming out, headed for the training rooms to blow off steam. But Branigan's taunts echoed in their mind...he would pay, and dearly, for all he had done."

"The rumor spread through the academy like wildfire, fueled by the students' gossiping and brid3_xx's own sly implications whenever Branigan's name was mentioned. By the end of the day, almost everyone had heard some variation of the tale:"

"Branigan, the top student, had long been infatuated with brid3_xx. But when he finally confessed, brid3_xx rejected his advances, finding him arrogant and cruel. Enraged by the refusal, Branigan decided to eliminate any competition - starting with brid3_xx's lover, Simon. He threatened the boy, driving him into hiding out of fear for his life."

"Now, Branigan was out for revenge on the one who dared spurn him. He meant to break brid3_xx as they had broken him, by targeting their friends and isolating them from support. It was a twisted tale of obsession, jealousy and ruthless ambition."

"In the training rooms and halls, brid3_xx began to notice a shift. Once wary or even hostile students now shot them sympathetic looks and whispered their support, condemning Branigan's "unbalanced" behavior. His own followers began to distance themselves, not wanting to be associated with such volatile instability."

"And in the midst of it all, Branigan's face grew darker and darker as the rumor mill did its work, eroding his carefully crafted reputation of control and superiority. brid3_xx had well and truly gotten under his skin now..."

"Branigan's eyes flashed with barely-contained fury as brid3_xx raised their toast to him in a mocking imitation of his own gesture from the day before. Their lips formed a silent message he could not fail to understand:"

"You play dirty, I play dirty."

"His hands clenched into fists beneath the table as the students around him fell silent, sensing his rage. Never before had anyone dared challenge him so openly, to undermine his authority and turn his own followers against him. brid3_xx had struck him where it hurt most - his pride."

"As brid3_xx took a smug sip of their drink, savoring their victory, Branigan rose slowly from his seat. His movements were controlled, but the promise of violence hung in the air like a thundercloud. Striding purposefully towards brid3_xx's table, he loomed over them, voice deadly soft."

"You think you've won, don't you?" "he hissed." "But this changes nothing. I will destroy you, brid3_xx, piece by piece, until there is nothing left. Mark. My. Words."

"With that, he spun on his heel and stormed from the hall, the students parting before him like waves. The game was far from over - it had only just begun."

"Branigan froze in his tracks at brid3_xx's mocking call, shoulders tensing visibly. Slowly, he turned to face them once more, expression a mask of barely contained fury."

"Love has nothing to do with it," "he spat, voice trembling with rage." "This is about respect, and you've shown me none. You will pay for your insolence, brid3_xx - dearly."

"By now, the entire hall had fallen silent, all eyes fixed on the confrontation. brid3_xx's smirk only grew as they sensed the professors watching from high table, having clearly heard the exchange. Branigan's control was slipping before the whole academy."

"Is there a problem here, students?" "called the headmistress, rising from her seat with a stern expression."

"Branigan whirled to face her, struggling to compose himself. But the damage was done - his reputation for icy calculation lay in tatters at his feet. And it was all thanks to brid3_xx's underhanded tricks..."

"No problem at all," "brid3_xx called sweetly, eyes never leaving Branigan's furious gaze." "Just a...lover's quarrel. Isn't that right?"

"Branigan saw red, hands balling into fists once more. But with the teachers watching, he had lost this round. His retribution would have to wait...for now."

"Branigan stood frozen, trembling with impotent rage as brid3_xx blew him a mocking kiss and sauntered past, whispering in his ear."

"You shouldn't have taken Simon away...now, I am ruthless."

"Their soft words sent a chill down his spine, a reminder that he had created a monster. In targeting brid3_xx's friend, he had removed their last restraint - now there would be no mercy in their feud."

"As brid3_xx departed with a smug smile, leaving him standing alone under the weight of the student body's curious stares, Branigan's expression darkened into a murderous scowl. His reputation might have suffered a blow, but brid3_xx had made a fatal mistake in threatening him so openly."

"This was no longer a game - it was a war. And in war, there are no rules or limits to what one will do to achieve victory. brid3_xx thought they had him cornered, but they had awakened a beast far deadlier than anything they could imagine."

"Let the hunt begin. Where before there had been calculated rivalry, now there would be only blood and vengeance. One of them would die - and Branigan swore on his life that it would not be him."

"The news spread through the academy like wildfire - Simon had been found at the base of the roof, broken and lifeless. It was said he couldn't bear being caught in the crossfire of brid3_xx and Branigan's feud."

"When brid3_xx arrived at the scene, their anguished cries tore through the gathered students. None had ever seen their usually stoic classmate display such raw emotion as they collapsed next to Simon's body, gathering him close in a desperate embrace."

""No...please, no..." brid3_xx sobbed, stroking Simon's hair as his blank eyes stared at nothing. Their entire form shook with grief and rage."

"Branigan watched from the shadows, expression unreadable. Had he not targeted the boy to get to brid3_xx, this may not have happened. Guilt and calculation warred within him - had brid3_xx's retaliation gone too far, driving Simon to the edge?"

"As the teachers tried to gently pry brid3_xx away, they lashed out violently, snarling like a wounded animal. "He's mine! Don't touch him!" Their anguish echoed Branigan's own, a reminder of the lines they had both crossed in their feud."

"A tragedy had occurred - but who truly was responsible? In the aftermath of Simon's death, nothing would ever be the same..."

"Through the long night, brid3_xx remained a silent, grieving sentinel over Simon's body, refusing to leave his side even as the hours stretched on. Their anguished cries had faded to hoarse whimpers and choked sobs."

"As dawn broke pale and cold over the academy, brid3_xx still huddled in place, rocking back and forth in a state of deep shock and trauma. Their eyes were red-rimmed and hollow, gaze distant as they murmured broken fragments to Simon's still form."

"The professors had given up trying to move them, instead keeping watch from a distance as the students began to gather, drawn by rumors of the previous night's events. Whispers filled the air as they took in the scene - their once proud classmate now reduced to a shattered shell of grief."

"Only one student approached - Branigan himself, stepping forward cautiously. His usual arrogance and cruelty were absent, replaced by an unreadable expression. Slowly, he knelt before brid3_xx, meeting their unseeing stare with an intensity that demanded acknowledgment."

"brid3_xx...I'm sorry. This...this was never meant to happen." "His voice, for once, was soft - almost gentle. An apology, or an olive branch? In their state, it was impossible for brid3_xx to say."

"All they knew was Simon was gone, and with him died a part of themselves as well."

"brid3_xx didn't acknowledge Branigan's presence - they seemed not to see or hear anything around them, lost in their private hell of grief and shock. Their mumbling was too faint and broken to make out, but the anguish in their tone was plain."

"Branigan had never seen them so utterly shattered. The fiery rivalry between them seemed trivial now in the shadow of Simon's death. He had not meant to drive the boy to such an end...but the guilt was his to bear."

"Without a word, he shrugged out of his thick academy cloak and gently wrapped it around brid3_xx's trembling shoulders. They flinched at the contact but did not pull away, offering no resistance as Branigan then lifted them easily into his arms."

""Come. You need rest," he said quietly, voice uncharacteristically soft. For once there was no malice or cruelty - only a weary sort of empathy in his eyes."

"As brid3_xx's head lolled against his chest in exhaustion, Branigan turned and began to carry them away from the grim scene. What would come next was uncertain...but for now, his only concern was seeing them safely away from this place of tragedy."

"brid3_xx drifted in and out of consciousness as Branigan carried them steadily away from the scene. Warmth enveloped them, a stark contrast to the icy grip of shock that had held them for so long."

"In their haze, details blurred - was this a dream? Had Simon's death truly occurred, or was it all some terrible nightmare? brid3_xx no longer knew or cared. All that mattered was the gentle rhythm beneath their ear, the arms supporting their limp form with surprising tenderness."

"Time lost meaning as Branigan bore them through the silent halls of the academy, his footsteps sure and steady. At last they came to a stop, and brid3_xx felt themselves lowered onto a soft surface. Fingers brushed their hair back from their face with unexpected care."

""Rest now," came Branigan's low murmur. "I will watch over you.""

"Darkness claimed brid3_xx at last as exhaustion overtook their ravaged mind and body. For the first time since finding Simon, they slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep - safe, at least for the moment, in the arms of the one person they'd never expected to offer solace."

"As awareness returned, brid3_xx sat in silence, memories washing over them in a numb tide. Where before had been anguish, now remained only a hollow emptiness."

"Taking in their surroundings, they registered they were in Branigan's private quarters - a stark space, sparsely furnished but neat. Through the window, night had fallen once more."

"At the sound of their voice, Branigan emerged from the shadows, regarding them with an unreadable expression. His usual arrogance was absent; for once, he seemed at a loss."

""brid3_xx..." He began, then trailed off, unsure of what to say. An apology would not undo what had been done."

""You have won, Branigan. I will leave the school," brid3_xx repeated dully. Both knew it was true - with Simon gone, their fire had gone out. Here was only pain."

"Branigan nodded slowly. "As you wish. But know that this victory holds no joy for me." His voice, too, was hollow - two broken souls amid the ruins of their past lives."

"In that moment, something shifted between them - from rivalry to understanding, however fragile. The future remained unclear...but for now, a fragile peace reigned in the ashes of tragedy."