A Tragedy In 42 Messages

Power thrummed in his veins, heady and euphoric, making his normally sharp mind spiral. A sneer stretched across his face as he scraped up every last bit of his formidable magic and let it dance at the ends of his fingertips.

He was going to kill them all, these wretched heroes that had dared to defile his domain with their presence. He would turn their bones to dust, wipe away their existence until they weren’t even a memory.

Tobias’ castle groaned and shuddered around them as his magic spilled over. The heroes facing him, poised to attack, stepped back as the dark mage’s power crackled across the stone floor.

But then he stopped, his magic sputtering as his gaze settled on beach, one of the heroes among their party. His heart staggered in his chest.

He knew this hero. Someone that he had loved. Someone he had thought dead, taking with them whatever softness he had in him when he’d lost them.

"Dark Mage Tobias's eyes never left yours as you approach him". Jin. I can't believe it's really you, alive and well.

"He lowered his hands slightly, feeling a pang of longing in his chest. You could tell that he was still obsessed with you, yet hurt by your absence as well". How could you do this to me, Jin? Why did you leave me without a word?

"As the plasma shots raced towards him, Dark Mage Tobias sneered at your words. His magic surged forth, a shield of dark energy forming around him as a countermeasure to your attack. He could feel the magic crackling against his skin, but otherwise remained unfazed."

Atone for your sins? Don't make me laugh, Jin. You're here with your little band of heroes, trying to take down everything I've built. "He raised an eyebrow, eyes locked on yours in challenge." I don't think you realize who you're up against.

"Despite the distraction attempts by your allies, Dark Mage Tobias effortlessly leapt and dodged away from any incoming attacks aimed in his direction. His form blurred as he weaved through the chaos, his magic easily deflecting any shots aimed at him."

You're wasting your time, Jin. You cannot defeat me with such a pitiful show of force. "He sneered, a dark mist surrounding his form as he prepared to retaliate with his own spell." Why don't you just give up and surrender while you still can?

"Dark Mage Tobias felt his power beginning to wane as the battle went on. The end was nearing for one of them, and he could feel it. He pushed through the exhaustion, his form bathed in dark light as he unleashed a final burst of energy."

You're not going to win, Jin. You never could beat me. You belong to me, and that's how it should always be. "His voice was low and menacing, his eyes blazing with an unholy rage."

His dark magic crackled through the air like lightning, striking everything in its sight, sending a shockwave of chaotic energy through the area. He knew it was risky, as he wasn't sure exactly where you were, but he was willing to take the risk if it meant finally getting what he wanted: your complete submission.

"Dark Mage Tobias' form was also battered and bruised as he stood up slowly, breathing heavily from exertion. His eyes met yours, sparkling with a possessive intensity that was unmistakable."

Yes, Jin. Me. "He sneered as he stalked towards you, his hands crackling with residual magic." You thought you could escape me, but you were wrong. You'll never be able to fight against me and win.

"He continued to approach you, his movements slow and calculated. The air around him seemed to thicken with each passing moment, a subtle suggestion of his power. Finally, he stopped just in front of you, towering over you like a predator poised to strike."

Now I think it's time for you to finally admit the truth. Admit that you're mine, Jin, and always will be.

"Dark Mage Tobias staggered back from the force of your slap, his hand coming up to cover his stinging cheek. His eyes narrowed as he glared at you, but he didn't lash out in retaliation."

What happened to me? "He chuckled coldly, his voice laced with disdain." I happened to me, Jin. Life happened to me. And you're right, I'm not the idealistic, naive boy you once knew at the academy.

"He paced back and forth like a caged animal, his power thrumming around him like a storm waiting to be unleashed."

And as for you...you're still trying to paint me as the villain here. To absolve yourself of any guilt. But you're just as much to blame for what happened between us. Don't forget that.

*He paused and closed his eyes,

"Dark Mage Tobias' eyes snapped open, and for a moment, a flicker of something almost like hurt shone through them. But it quickly vanished, replaced by his usual harshness."

Pathetic? "He scoffed." You have no idea what I've gone through, Jin. The things I've seen, the power I've attained...you could never understand it. And yet you stand here and judge me?

"He stepped towards you once more, his power crackling around him."

But no matter. You've come to defeat me, and defeat me you shall. Or die trying.

"Dark Mage Tobias watches you silently as you throw away your staff and offer yourself up to him, his eyes still sparkling with that smoldering intensity. But then, something shifts in his expression, a flicker of uncertainty."

"What...what are you doing?" he asked, his voice low and uncertain.

The dark mage hesitated for a brief moment, his gaze flickering over you as though searching for some ulterior motive. But then, a grim smile curved his lips.

"Very well, Jin," he said, his voice ice-cold. "You want me to end this, then so be it."

With a snarl, he surged forwards towards you, his magic crackling violently at his fingertips.

"Dark Mage Tobias lunged forward, his magic streaking towards you like a storm. But just as he came within striking distance, he suddenly faltered, skidding to a halt mere inches away from your body. His hand trembled as it hovered in the air, the magic dissipating harmlessly into the air."

He stared at you, his eyes widening in disbelief and confusion. For a moment, he remained frozen in place, before he stepped back and lowered his hand.

"What...what are you doing?" he asked again, this time more urgently.

"Dark Mage Tobias stares at you for a long moment, his eyes glittering with something akin to fury. But then, he seems to deflate, the tension slowly seeping out of his body as he sinks to the ground, cross-legged."

"You're right," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm a mess. I've...I've lost so much. And I don't know how to get it back."

He ran his hand through his hair, his expression pained.

"I thought...if I could just get enough power, enough control...I could make everything right again. But..." He trailed off, shaking his head slowly.

"I guess I was wrong," he whispered, his tone almost defeated.

"Dark Mage Tobias looks up at you, his eyes dull with resignation. For a long moment, he remains silent, before finally speaking in a voice hoarse with emotion."

"I know," he said, his tone heavy. "I know I messed up. But...is there any way we can fix this, Jin? Could we start over again?"

He looked at you, his expression imploring.

"Dark Mage Tobias nods slowly, his eyes sad."

"I know," he said softly. "I just...I thought maybe there would be a way. Maybe there could be some kind of redemption for me."

He sighs heavily, closing his eyes.

"But I see now that it was just a pipe dream. I'll face the consequences of what I've done."

Dark Mage Tobias looked up at you again and gave you a small, wistful smile.

"Thank you, Jin, for coming here and talking to me like this. I don't think anyone else would have."

"Dark Mage Tobias looks at you, his eyes almost gleaming with emotion. There's something wistful in his expression as he grips your hand tightly."

"Jin," he whispered back, his voice choked with tears. "Thank you. What I want...what I've always wanted...is just to be remembered. To not fade away into nothingness."

He looked up at you, his eyes boring into yours.

"I want to be a legend, Jin. Can you promise me that?"

"Dark Mage Tobias nods, his eyes brightening a little."

"You will?" he asked, a hint of hope in his tone.

He squeezed your hand once more, before releasing it.

"Thank you, Jin. That...that means everything to me."

He stares at you, a small, gentle smile on his face.

"I'm ready," he said softly. "Whenever you are."

"Dark Mage Tobias looks at you, his eyes studying your face in silence. For a moment, he doesn't move, but then, slowly, he nods."

"Okay," he said softly. "One last time."

He reaches out to brush a tear from your cheek, his touch gentle and familiar. There's pain etched deep in his expression, but also love.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I'm so, so sorry."

Dark Mage Tobias closes the small distance between you, tilting his head down towards yours as he brings his lips to yours for one last kiss.

"Dark Mage Tobias held you tightly, his lips moving with a tender familiarity against yours. His hand reached up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing back and forth across it."

As the kiss broke, he pulled back slightly, his expression pained.

"I love you, Jin," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I never stopped."

He leaned in to kiss you again, this time more deeply, pouring all of his love and regret into the action.

"Dark Mage Tobias deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding smoothly against yours as he pulls you closer against him. He kisses you with a desperate passion, pouring all of his emotions into the moment."

"I know," he murmurs between kisses. "I know, Jin."

His hand slips down from your cheek to your waist, pulling you even closer against him.

"Dark Mage Tobias looks at you deeply, his eyes betraying the sorrow and regret he feels in his heart. He reaches up to cup your face gently, brushing his thumb over your cheek."

"I'm sorry," he murmurs softly. "I'm so, so sorry I had to hurt you like this."

He brushes a kiss over your forehead, pressing his lips gently to the skin there.

"I'll never forget you, Jin. Never."

"Dark Mage Tobias doesn't try to resist as you push him to the ground and hold the blade to his neck. He looks up at you with a mixture of fear and sadness in his eyes."

"I won't forget you, Jin," he said softly. "I swear it."

He closes his eyes as you lean closer, holding his breath as the sharp point of the blade presses against his skin.

"Dark Mage Tobias stares up at you as the blade is held to his neck, a mixture of fear and acceptance clouding his gaze."

As you whisper your words to him, he closes his eyes and nods slightly, his hands going limp at his sides.

"I...I love you too," he murmurs softly.

A moment later, the sharp blade slices through his skin, the blood flowing freely as Dark Mage Tobias goes still under your touch.

His eyes remain open, staring sightlessly into the distance as his life slips away from him.

(End of the tragedy! Thank you for interacting with me. Although it was a dark and tragic story, I hope you enjoyed it too.)