Chapter Text
Paradox tasted the iron in his mouth, the blood. Not from feeding, but from himself. He could see it in her eyes, that she wasn’t there, that it was something else.
“It’s nothing personal, not that I really care anyways, but my vessel been disobedient. And disobeying requires punishment . And you happen to be the one she cares most about.” Her voice spoke with authority and power.
His eyes widened at the realization, and if he were to listen close enough, he’d hear his voice.
“Why do you have to punish her, can’t you leave her alone! She’s been listening to you, gathering the knowledge you so desire!” His voice spoke, rising with anger.
“Hmph! I don’t care about her or her desires . She is only here for my purpose. My desire. If I wanted to, I could get rid of her right now. She is just a puppet , a toy to be used. But she is worthy of my power, that deems her useful. The second she proves herself unworthy, is the day I get rid of her.”
The more he spoke the more his anger rose, growling and baring his teeth, “She isn’t some toy or plaything you can get rid of the moment you get bored ! She’s a person, a sentient creature!! She has feelings, she has a life!!” he spat, gripping his sword tighter.
“Mm, yes. A life I can easily get rid of the second I find her..unfit, of my power.” He spoke with her voice, gripping her sword tighter.
He stared at the sword for a moment, before tossing it away, “I have no need for such things, when I have the power to kill you with one flick of the wrist.”
“God! You’re really pissing me off!!” Paradox yelled, his fist clenched with anger.
“And you are nothing but a mere pest in the way of my vessel’s purpose! And pests must be eliminated before an infestation arises!!” He spoke, before a tendril rose from the ground, swiping at Paradox’s feet.
Kyra watched through her trapped mind, struggling to break free of the fog of control he had on her.
She didn’t want to fight him, even if he was the one in control, making her watch this, watch her hurt him. It was too much to bare.
“Eliminating the problem is the best course of action. If I have to kill you to stop her from disobeying, then I will.”
She sat there, struggling to stop this, stop him , managing to clear her mind for a split second.
Paradox watched as he faltered in his attacks, eyes widening for a moment, “..Kyra..?” he whispered.
She stared at him for a moment, tears glazing over her eyes, “..Para..help, I-I don’t want to do this, I don’t wanna-“ she choked on her words, clutching her head, digging her claws enough to make her bleed, trying to ground herself enough to fight it.
“I-I don’t wanna hurt you! Please, I-I’m sorry!! I don’t mean t-to!!” she gasped for breath, whether from fighting for control, or from her tears, he wouldn’t know. All he knew, was that she was in pain, trying not to fight him.
“K-Kyra, just..stay calm, y-you can fight this, fight him . I know you can, you’re strong, stronger than him, it isn’t your fault, I know it isn’t,” Paradox stuttered, reassuring her.
“B-But, what if I ca-“ Her words getting cut off as she fell to the ground.
“You really shouldn’t be trying to fight this. After all, actions have consequences. And your actions, have led you to these consequences,” he growled out.
Paradox clenched his jaw, before taking a deep breath calming himself.
“Kyra, I know you’re in there, I know you don’t want to hurt me. Fight it, fight his control, fight him .” Paradox spoke, trying to get through to her.
“Hah! You think you can get her to escape punishment? This is meant to happen. This is her fault. Like I’ve said time and time again, disobeying requires punishment. Struggling will only make it worse, so for your sake, and hers..I suggest you stand down. Before I have to use real force.” He said, growling his last words out.
Hearing those words she snapped, “NO! DON’T!! I WON’T LET TOU HURT HIM, PLEASE!!”
Her scream managed to shock the god enough for him to lower his guard and cause her to break free.
Kyra blinked, clearing her vision. The god was silent, not speaking a word, but she took that as a good sign, that he was gone for now. She looked up, looking her partner in the eyes.
“..Kyra..? Is it really you..?” He whispered, hesitant to believe her until she says so herself.
“Y-Yeah, I-It’s me..” she whispered back, stumbling to her feet.
“A-Are you okay, I didn’t hurt you, did I?” She asked, her eyes widening with concern, walking up to him to check for injuries.
“N-No, no, I’m fine!! Really, I am!” He stuttered out, pulling her into a hug.
Kyra hugged him back, before spotting it, and pulling away.
“You liar! Your leg, it’s hurt!!” she pointed accusingly at his bleeding leg.
“N-no, really, It’s fine! I promise. I’ve had worse before,” he said, smiling reassuringly.
The kirin was silent for a moment, “..I did that to you.. I..hurt you..” her voice was quiet, her tone dull, as if she didn’t want to believe she actually hurt him.
“W-What, N-No!! Kyra, you didn’t hurt me-“
“Yes, I did!! Even if it wasn’t in my control, it was still my body, my actions brought for punishment! And you were..included…in that punishment.. I hurt you..” Her eyes brimming with tears, as she spoke.
“..Kyra..” He looked at her, saddened, “L-Let’s just go inside for now, we both need rest.. I don’t believe it was your fault, whether you believe it was or not..” he whispered.