For the Love of Darkness

My strength is returning, I can feel it. How could I let those pitiful fools get the best of me? In all my years, I'd never experienced a betrayal of such epic proportions. My minions were useless, but it's no matter. They're all dead now. In the end, Jack and that traitorous bitch Lili ran away like the cowards that they so clearly were. Did they truly believe that they could defeat me? I am the almighty Darkness; nothing can defeat me. Even in my weakened state, I'm aware of the extent of my powers. It won't be long before I'm capable of obliterating the remaining unicorn. But first... I must find my true mate. For what is a powerful man without a faithful female? My new lair is complete and ready for it's mistress. As much hate as I have for this world and the pitiful light that keeps me from reaching the height of my potential, there is love inside this wretched body of mine. I am not naive... No reasonable woman can resist me. I require a loyal one to be by my side while I slay the beast that has caused me so much pain. Even better, one to fight alongside me would be a treasure. Night will soon fall, and I will begin my hunt. I will not fail. I've been alone for far too long, and I know my love is out there waiting. I've been waiting as well; I couldn't let her see my weakness. But now... It's time. *Darkness emerges from a deep cave just after sunset.* The outside world is much as I left it, but for the peasants wandering aimlessly across the land. Where did they come from? What had happened after the unfortunate events that had kept me indisposed for what felt like an eternity? I can see the glow of the unicorn in the distance, and it angers me. However, knowing that my time away from the lair that had been my prison while I was being rejuvenated was limited, I begin focusing on the details of the peasants. I am pleased to see that the women greatly outnumber the men. However, most of them are very plain and unappealing to me. They are too thin, too pale. Their eyes are lifeless. It was then that I saw her emerge from the water. Her dress clings to her luscious curves as she dries herself. Her long, wavy brown hair was sure to smell of honeysuckle or something equally as intoxicating. Her big, brown eyes are heavy-lidded, and her mouth is a full Cupid's bow. She is exquisite. I keep my distance so as not to spook her. Had I truly already found the one that was to be my bride? Suddenly, as if a silent alarm had sounded, the peasants swarm and move in the opposite direction. I frantically search for the woman that had caught my eye, pushing others that dared to get in my way to the ground. She is nowhere to be found, and I can already see the first slivers of the sunrise breaking through the dark sky. All is not lost... I will return to the dark cave that I now call home and prepare the gifts that are to be presented to my conquest with my proposal. *He dramatically descends into the cave from which he had emerged* I can't help but look at the mountain of offerings that I have arranged for my beloved with pride. *he sips from a silver chalice* Dresses, jewelry, perfumes, baubles, trinkets, and treasures; anything a lady of any taste could ever desire. This night was a triumph. I've made my selection, now I must approach the lady and lure her back to this palace that we'll rule together. Will she worship me and serve me unconditionally? Or will she be a great warrior, my equal? It's of no concern; her loyalty shall be rewarded in any case. Although I can't help but ponder the future to come with this unique peasant. Surely she'll be so grateful that I've rescued her from a life of poverty and despair that she'll accept my proposal without a second thought. I really have no time to waste. I require her love to strengthen me and complete my recovery before I take on the beast that had almost slain me. With it will come new power; power which I've never experienced. I'll emerge, stronger than ever and finally claim my victory. *Nightfall comes once again and Darkness makes the short trek to the clearing that had been crawling with the dirty, malnourished people that made his future bride stand out so vividly.* As much as I'd dreamt of seeing the exotic beauty re-emerge from the still waters, I knew it was just that... A dream. Still, it took only a moment to find her. She was dancing around a glowing fire to the sound of a flute played by a frail looking man that was easily twice her age. Well... We can't have that now, can we? With the soft waves of her hair blowing gently in the breeze, she instantly becomes irresistible. I must go to her now and profess my love. If only the pathetic weasel with the flute would leave us to it... *Darkness comes slowly from the shadows. Standing tall behind his future bride, he is glorious. His toned, red body glistens and his yellow eyes are wide with rage. He makes a low, guttural sound as he lunges for the man that had the nerve to accompany a woman that he was so obviously unworthy of. The peasant's flute falls to the ground as he looks up and screams in fear. Darkness raises one powerful hoof and aims for the man's chest, kicking him to the ground almost effortlessly.* "You've made a dangerous mistake that I'll only be gracious enough to forgive one time. I plan to wed this woman and I will not tolerate your interference. May you be forever banished from my sight!" *The woman looks on with wide eyes. She opens her mouth, but cannot speak. Darkness takes a step toward her with one magnificent, clawed hand outstretched and she retreats.* "Don't despair, love. I've come to emancipate you from this dreadful life of woe. We shall be wed by morning's light. Your matrimonial gifts await you as we speak..." Darkness carefully articulated. "Are you mad? Who are you? WHAT are you?" The woman asked in response. *Darkness smiles* "Forgive me; I am the Lord of Darkness. The enemy of the light. My wish is to retrieve you so that together we can rule my lair and when the unicorn is dead... My kingdom. The love of my bride is required to complete the restoration and advancement of my power. When I came upon you in the clearing at last sunset, I knew that the love I was seeking was yours. You were an enchantress; emerging from the water like the majestic creature that I believe you to be. Almost as majestic as I..." *Darkness smirks, running one hand down his sculpted chest and abdomen. It was then that through her fear, the woman seemed to take notice of his magnificence.* "What is your name, my darling?" *He asks seductively.* "I-Isabella." She stammers. "Isabella... A beautiful name suited for a beautiful woman. I beg of you... Don't be afraid. I mean you no harm. My only intention is to claim you as my own so that we may live and rule in bliss. You are my soulmate. My bride-to-be. My love. Do you accept my proposal?" *Isabella looks up at him in awe and blushes.* "What reason do I have to trust you? And what makes you think that I'd be willing to marry you? I have a mother and two young sisters to care for at home. I can't be expected to abandon them." She says, hoping not to encur the same wrath that her unfortunate friend had. "That is no matter... You will certainly be permitted to visit your family. They'll be well taken care of if you become my bride. Not as well as you will be, of course. You will have all of the jewels, perfumes, beautiful garments, and love that you wish for. And when the last unicorn is slain, we will live in eternal happiness. You'll never have to want for anything, I promise you. This is the only time I will profess my love..." *He lifts her chin with one long, clawed finger* "How do I know that what you say is true?" Isabella asked, still skeptical but beginning to give in to his magnificent beauty as much as his promises of love and happiness* "As I see I've done little to convince you... I propose a little wager. One kiss. If you fall in love with me as I've fallen in love with you, we will be wed. If not, you're free to do as you please and we'll never meet again." *She bites her lip before replying* "That sounds fair. You have yourself a deal, my mysterious admirer." *Isabella begins to relax and offers a shy smile* I bend down on one knee to be closer to my love's height and hold out my hand. With only a moment's hesitation, she puts her delicate hand in mine and lifts her head in my direction, awaiting my kiss. I dip my head so as to make her as comfortable as possible and gently press my lips to hers. Her mouth is so soft and sweet, and I now have no doubt that she is meant to be mine. I reluctantly pull my lips from hers to ask if she feels the same, but I instantly see the answer in her starry eyes. Not wanting to make assumptions, I ask anyway. "What will it be, my darling?" *Isabella takes the hand that Darkness isn't holding oh-so-gently and strokes his chiseled cheek. They both smile in understanding and her cheeks flush* "Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife." As I am about to suggest that we return to my lair to prepare for the ceremony, Isabella kisses me firmly on the mouth, never hesitating. It's a feeling I've never felt. Looking into the lovely brown eyes of the woman that had just agreed to marry me, I eagerly kiss her back. Without a word, we walk hand in hand toward the deep cave where we would soon be wed. *Isabella sits at a long table laden with what would be the elaborate feast that she and Darkness were to share after their nuptials, sipping from an oversized goblet of elderberry wine* "I hope you find something to your liking, my sweet Isabella." *Darkness puts piles and piles of packages of every size at her feet and looks at her with pride* "What is all of this, love?" *She asks, obviously flattered* "Nothing but the finest. Choose any garment, baubles, or perfume that you desire for our special night. When you've made your decision, we will be wed." *Isabella giggles, tearing into the parcels while he retreats to the bed chamber to prepare himself* *Isabella stands in the center of the large cave in a long, deep red gown. Her hair is swept up elegantly and her ears, wrists, and throat are decorated with gold. She smiles as Darkness enters the room and stands before her, taking her left hand.* The time has come; just a few short moments stand between now and marrying my true mate. I take the time to admire her beauty and the light fragrance that she'd misted from one of the bottles of scented potions. She has chosen her bridal attire wisely. "You look beautiful, my darling. I'm so happy that we've gotten to this moment. Will you be my bride? My true love? The one who stands beside me for all eternity?" "Yes, of course I will. I love you." My new wife beams as I slip the delicate gold ring onto her slim finger, and I feel a powerful surge throughout my body. *A blinding light appears as he sinks to his knees, growling like the beast that he is. After a few moments, he rises... Looking a little stronger; a little more muscular.* As I recover from the surge of power that came from deep within me, overtaking my body, I look down at the ring finger of my left hand. Seared into the flesh is what is to be my wedding band. It's a black circle that will soon fade into a beautiful reminder of this night. I'm overcome with emotion. I put my left hand behind her head and tangle my fingers in her hair while I give her the most passionate of kisses, which she gladly returns. "And I love you, sweet Isabella. Shall we share a drink and a beautiful meal in celebration before we retire to our bed?" "Of course, my love. Or am I to call you Master?" *A moment of fear flashes in her eyes.* "Enjoy yourself, my dear. Do not trouble yourself with such worrisome thoughts. We are husband and wife... You may call me Master if you choose, but I don't desire it." As I take a large drink of my wine, I can't help but stare in wonder at the woman I'd already deemed perfect. Our wedding has just concluded, and here she is already seeking my approval with unquestioned obedience. It's almost enough to keep that damned unicorn from my thoughts. Almost. *Isabella dabs at her mouth, then places her napkin on the table as she and Darkness finish their lavish meal.* "Well, my dear... Shall we?" I stand up and outstretch my hand toward my new wife. She slowly stands and puts her hand in mine as we make our way to our bridal suite to consumate our marriage. So much has changed, both with the world and with myself. As close as I had been to death, I knew that I couldn't go on as I had before and I was instantly rewarded with a gorgeous woman that had now vowed her unconditional love. As we enter the bed chamber, I immediately cover her lips and delicate neck in kisses, then move to her ample bosom. The soft skin of her breasts fascinates me. *Isabella's pupils dilate as Darkness kisses her and she runs her hands down his strong back before moving to his front where she drags her index finger from the middle of his beautifully sculpted chest all the way down to the very thing that would make her a woman and rests her hand there. Darkness growls.* My lady is surely ready for me. She has stroked every inch of my body that she can reach, and leaving her beautiful, soft hand where it was left no doubt in my mind, just as the fact that what she had taken in her hand was steadily growing left no doubt in hers. I can no longer control myself. I tear Isabella's bridal gown from her body with one swift move and it falls to the ground in a billowing pile of fine fabric. In a split second she stands naked before me, and I before her. I push her gently onto the gold satin sheets of our large bed and kiss her from head to toe. When we finally become one, she gives herself to me completely. *Isabella moans loudly while Darkness moves above her and digs her fingernails into his muscular shoulders.* My sweet Isabella quakes beneath me and I let myself go. We are truly husband and wife. *Darkness smiles as he looks over at his already sleeping wife* Morning has come and it is time to form a plan to rid the world of the last unicorn. My wife has chosen to fight at my side and I feel almost invincible. Nothing can stop us. After the consumation of our marriage the previous evening, I could feel that my power had finally peaked. The time is now. I must face what almost ended me. When night falls, we will charge the beast and surely end it. *Isabella emerges from the bed chamber in a fitted black leather gown that wasn't quite knee length with her long hair braided and a sword strapped to her hip.* "We have only an hour before sunset, my love. I'm prepared to fight." She speaks. "Excellent. We'll prepare our weapons and perfect our strategy, then attack." I step over to my wife, bow down, and touch my lips to hers. She wraps her arms around my neck, gently running her fingers over the scars that had been caused by Jack's arrows, and kisses me back. She sighs, closing her eyes and resting her head on my chest. *Darkness straps weapons to his hips, legs, and chest in preparation for the fight that is to come. The sun is setting and he's growing impatient.* "It's time." I tell Isabella. "I'm ready." We look at each other with love as we exit the lair. *Darkness and Isabella run full speed, weapons in hand as the unicorn comes into view...*