Chapter 1: Opening Image
Sobs. Voices. Cries. Screams. Captain.
That's all what was heard ever since that day.
Ever since she died. Ever since I failed to save her.
The sobs ring in my head, the voice beg me to save them, the cries of pain and agony, the screams for their Captain to save them.
Why did I even bother with anything?
I was a leader, but a terrible one. I was a captain, who let the seas of suffering drown my loved ones. What kind of a person am I? Why am I so worthless? Why? My Penelope... Oh, my Penelope...
I failed you. I failed them all. I failed myself. I'm just a mess, a broken mess.
A mutant, a freak, a monster, a demon at heart.
I started at the raging storm below, remembering my friends... Polem would've started dancing in the rain, Heiten would've started to cry that we're going to get sick. But they're gone now. They're all gone!
It's all my fault!
They're gone!
They're gone!
They're all...
Gone.
It was dark for who knows how long. My eyes just wouldn't stop pouring out tears.
Six hundred men, my sister, my wife, my life...
Please...
Just...
And with that, Ombre fell off the cliff.
A loud scream was heard.
"OMBRE!" A familiar voice cried out, jumping off the cliff as feathers blew everywhere. Warm... gentle hands caught him before he could hit the bottom. The spiky, deadly bottom.
Eventually, they landed on the damp ground, back near the cliff.
"Ombre..." The voice said yet again.
It was Ankoku, Ombre's best friend. The one who never left. The one who stayed even after his brothers claimed he was the reason their father was dead. The one who stayed after he turned into a monster. The one who stayed.... The one who's kind. And loving. Everything Ombre thought he needed, but just didn't know he did.
"Ombre..." Ankoku repeated, clutching to his friend for dear life. "Why... Why did you..."
Ankoku's voice cracked, his grip tightening around Ombre. "Why would you do that? After everything we've been through, after everything I've done to keep you safe, you just... you just give up?"
Ombre looked up at Ankoku, his eyes red and puffy. "I'm tired, Ankoku. I'm tired of being a burden, of being a failure. I'm tired of seeing everyone I love suffer because of me."
Ankoku's expression softened, his talons gently brushing away the tears from Ombre's cheeks. "You're not a burden, Ombre. You're my brother, my friend. You're the only family I have left. And you're not a failure." He sighed. "Do you remember when my family cursed me out... because of the curse you saved me from? It revealed my true form. My real form. This. Before, I felt ashamed. I didn't think this could be the me I was destined to be. But then you came along and showed me what you were. You hated yourself, but you also loved yourself. And I thought... Maybe I could love myself too." Ankoku's voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "You never judged me, Ombre. You never looked at me like I was a monster. You saw me, the real me. And that... that meant everything to me."
Ombre looked into Ankoku's eyes, seeing the sincerity and love reflected back at him. He wanted to believe him, he really did. But the weight of his failures was too heavy to bear.
"I can't, Ankoku," he said, his voice hoarse from crying. "I can't keep going. I can't keep pretending like everything's okay when it's not.
When I can still hear their screams, still see their faces. When I know I could've done more. I could've been better. I could've saved them."
Ankoku's grip tightened, his wings wrapping around Ombre in a protective embrace. "You can't keep blaming yourself, Ombre. You're not a god. You can't save everyone. You're just... you. And that's enough."
Ombre scoffed, pulling away from Ankoku's embrace. "Enough? Enough for what? To watch everyone I love suffer? To watch them die? I'm not enough, Ankoku. I never was."
Ankoku's eyes flashed with frustration. "Stop it, Ombre.
Stop this self-destructive talk. You're not the one who's responsible for their deaths. You're not the one who failed them. You're the one who tried to save them. You're the one who risked everything to keep them safe. And that's something to be proud of, not ashamed of."
Ombre looked away, his eyes scanning the darkening sky. "But it wasn't enough, was it? I wasn't enough."
Ankoku's voice was gentle but firm. "Enough for what? For being human? For being a mutant? For being you? You can't be enough for everyone, Ombre. You can't control everything... Ombre... It's been forty years since you've last had a break." Ankoku's voice was calm, but there was a hint of a lecture in his tone. "You've been pushing yourself too hard, Ombre. You need to take a step back, breathe. You can't keep blaming yourself for things that are out of your control."
Ombre sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I know, Ankoku. I know. But it's hard. It's hard to just... let go."
Ankoku nodded, understanding. "I know it is. But you have to try. For yourself. For me. For everyone who still cares about you."
Ombre looked at Ankoku, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"You're right. I know you're right. I just... I need some time. To process. To... heal."
Ankoku smiled, his beady eyes softening. "Take all the time you need, Ombre. I'll be here. Always."
Ombre nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Thank you, Ankoku. For everything."
Ankoku chuckled, ruffling Ombre's hair with his talons. "That's what friends are for, right?"
Ombre laughed, a genuine laugh that echoed in the stormy night. "Right. Friends."
Ankoku helped Ombre to his feet, his wings folding neatly behind him.
"Come on, let's get you back inside. You need some rest."
Ombre nodded, allowing Ankoku to lead him back towards his room. The storm raged on around them, but inside, it was quiet and warm. Ankoku's room was a stark contrast to Ombre's. While Ombre's was a mess of papers and books, Ankoku's was neat and organized. A small table sat in the corner, a single chair tucked underneath. A bed was pushed against the wall, covered in a simple, dark blanket. A window looked out onto the storm, the rain pattering against the glass.
Ankoku guided Ombre to the bed, helping him sit down. "Here, lie down."
Ombre sighed, shifting a bit uncomfortably on the couch. He wasn't used to relaxing...
It was a strange feeling, one that Ombre hadn't experienced in a long time. He looked up at Ankoku, who was watching him with a soft expression.
"What are you going to do?" Ombre asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Ankoku smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm going to sit here with you. Make sure you're okay."
Ombre nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Okay."
Ankoku sat down on the floor next to the bed, his back against the wall. He looked up at Ombre, his eyes serious.
"Ombre, I need to ask you something."
Ombre raised an eyebrow, curious.
"What is it, Ankoku?"
Ankoku hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. "Do you... Do you remember anything from when you were in Dimension X?"
Ombre's expression darkened, his eyes clouding over. "Why do you ask?"
Ankoku shifted uncomfortably, his wings rustling slightly. "I've noticed... changes in you. Since you've come back. I want to understand what you went through."
Ombre looked away, his gaze fixed on the storm outside the window. "I don't like talking about it, Ankoku. It's... It's hard to explain."
"I know. I'm sorry..."
"I did miss something though..." Ombre said, chuckling.
"Miss what?"
"... having sex with my wife." Ombre's voice was soft, barely audible over the sound of the storm. "I don't remember her face, her voice, or even her scent. It's like she never existed."
Ankoku's eyes widened, a mix of shock and sadness in his gaze. "I'm sorry, Ombre. I didn't know..."
Ombre waved a hand dismissively, his robotic arm clanking softly against the bed. "It's not your fault. I just miss her. I miss the life we had. The life we could've had."
"... We can have sex if you want." Ankoku said, his voice soft and gentle. "I mean, if you're up for it. I know it's not the same, but maybe it could help you remember. Or at least, feel something again."
Ombre looked at Ankoku, surprise etched on his face. "Ankoku... I... I don't know what to say."
Ankoku shrugged, a slight blush creeping up his neck. "You don't have to say anything. I just thought... I just wanted to help. In any way I can."
Ombre was silent for a moment, considering Ankoku's offer. It was tempting, the thought of feeling something, anything, again. He blushed. The thought of Ankoku on top of him... thrusting in and out, treating him like a puppy... Oh... So good...
So good... Ombre thought, his mind drifting to the memory of Ankoku's touch. It had been so long since he had felt anything like that. Since he had felt anything at all. The thought of it sent a shiver down his spine, a warmth spreading through him. But as quickly as the thought came, it was replaced by guilt. He couldn't, not with Ankoku. Not like that. Not when he was still grieving for Coral, for his lost family. Not when he was still so broken.
"Ankoku," Ombre said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I can't. Not now-"
"Just a quickie." Ankoku's voice was soft, his eyes pleading. "No strings attached, no expectations. Just... a moment of comfort."
Ombre hesitated, his robotic arm clanking softly against the bed. He looked at Ankoku, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, the genuine desire to help. He knew Ankoku meant well, but he also knew that this was a line they couldn't cross. Not now, not ever.
"I can't, Ankoku," Ombre said, his voice firm. "I'm sorry."
Ankoku gently crawled onto the bed. "Please." Ankoku's voice was soft, pleading. "I just want to make you feel good, Ombre. I want to help you forget, even if it's just for a little while."
Ombre looked at Ankoku, his eyes filled with a mix of desire and hesitation. He knew he shouldn't, but the thought of feeling something, anything, was too tempting to resist. He nodded, a silent agreement passing between them.
Ankoku smiled, his eyes darkening with lust. He leaned in, pressing his lips softly against Ombre's. Ombre responded, his lips parting to allow Ankoku's tongue to explore his mouth. The kiss was slow, sensual, a dance of give and take.
Before they could take it further, Ankoku pulled out a maid outfit and a bitch suit. "Which one?" He asked, his eyes so gentle.
"I don't know..." Ombre whispered, his voice hoarse with desire. "Surprise me."
Ankoku grinned, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He held up the maid outfit, a wicked grin on his face. "Alright, my little slut. Let's see how you look in this."
Ombre raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Your little slut, huh?"
Ankoku chuckled, his voice low and husky. "That's right. Now, strip."
Ombre obeyed, his clothes falling to the floor in a heap. Ankoku watched, his eyes darkening with lust as Ombre stood before him, naked and vulnerable.
He could see the desire in Ombre's eyes, the need for release, for comfort. He wanted to give him that, to make him feel good, to make him forget. He wanted to make him his.
"Turn around," Ankoku commanded, his voice low and husky. "Let me see you."
Ombre complied, turning to face the wall. Ankoku could see the goosebumps on his skin, the slight tremble in his robotic arm. He was nervous, but excited. Ankoku could see it in the way his cock twitched, in the way his breath hitched.
Ankoku stepped closer, his wings rustling softly.
He ran his talons gently down Ombre's back, tracing the curve of his spine. Ombre shivered, his skin prickling with goosebumps. Ankoku leaned in, his breath hot on Ombre's ear. "You're so beautiful, Ombre," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of the storm outside. "So perfect."
Ombre turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting Ankoku's. "Ankoku..." he whispered, his voice filled with longing. I want you."
Ankoku's eyes darkened, his talons gripping Ombre's hips. "I want you too, my little slut," he growled, his voice filled with desire.
"I want to fuck you so hard, you won't be able to walk straight for days."
Ombre's breath hitched, his cock twitching at Ankoku's words. He could feel the heat radiating off Ankoku's body, the raw power and desire that was emanating from him. He wanted it, he wanted all of it.
Ankoku's talons gripped Ombre's hips, his wings rustling as he leaned in, his lips brushing against Ombre's ear. "I'm going to fuck you like the little slut you are," he whispered, his voice low and husky.
Ombre sighed. "stop calling me a slut, Ankoku. Only Penelope can do that." Ombre's voice was firm, a hint of steel in his tone. Ankoku chuckled, his talons squeezing Ombre's hips. "Alright, my little pet. I'll call you that instead." He leaned in, his lips brushing against Ombre's ear. "But you're still going to be my little slut, aren't you?"
"No. Only Penelope can be my master, Ankoku. You know that."
Ombre's voice was firm, his eyes meeting Ankoku's in a challenge. Ankoku chuckled, his talons tracing the curve of Ombre's ass. But you're still going to be my little fuck toy, aren't you?" He leaned in, his voice low and husky. "I'm going to fuck you so hard, you're going to scream my name. You're going to beg me to stop, but I won't. I'm going to keep going, keep fucking you until you can't take it anymore.""Nope~ Only Penelope is allowed to do that. She was my wife, remember? You're just a... "friend." Ombre retorted, his voice laced with a mix of defiance and desire. Ankoku's eyes flashed with a primal hunger, his grip on Ombre's hips tightening. "We'll see about that," he growled, his voice a low rumble. He spun Ombre around, pushing him roughly onto the bed. Ombre landed with a soft thud, his robotic arm clanking against the mattress. Ankoku loomed over him, his wings casting a dark shadow over Ombre's body.
Ombre rolled his eyes, seemingly not caring. Even when he was wearing a maid outfit! "Listen, Ankoku, I need to tell you something." Ombre's voice was steady, his eyes locked onto Ankoku's. "I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not going to pretend like this isn't happening. I'm not going to pretend like I don't want it. But I need you to understand something. I'm not your pet. I'm not your little slut. I'm not your fuck toy. I'm Ombre. And I'm not going to let you treat me like I'm some kind of... some kind of... fucking object."
Ankoku's eyes narrowed, his grip on Ombre's hips tightening. "You think I don't know that? You think I don't know that you're more than just a fuck toy?
You think I don't know that you're a person, with feelings, with a past, with a heart?" Ankoku's voice was low, his eyes burning into Ombre's. "I know all of that, Ombre. I know you better than anyone else. I know you're broken, just like me. I know you're hurting, just like me. And I want to help you, Ombre. I want to make you feel good, make you forget, even if it's just for a little while."
Ombre's eyes softened, his robotic arm reaching up to cup Ankoku's cheek. "I know, just stop calling me a slut, okay?" Ombre's voice was soft, his robotic arm still cupping Ankoku's cheek. "I know you mean well, but it's not... it's not what I need right now."
Ankoku's eyes softened, his grip on Ombre's hips loosening. "I'm sorry, Ombre," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted to make you feel good."
Ombre smiled, his thumb gently brushing against Ankoku's cheek. "I know you did. And I appreciate it. But... I need something else. Something different."
Ankoku raised an eyebrow, curious.
"What do you need, Ombre?"
Ombre took a deep breath, his robotic arm reaching up to cup Ankoku's cheek. "I need you to fuck me like I'm a man, not a toy. I need you to treat me like I'm your equal, not your pet. I need you to make love to me, Ankoku. Like you would with a lover."
Ankoku's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered, his expression softening. "I understand," he said, his voice gentle. "I'll do my best."
He leaned down, pressing his lips softly against Ombre's.
Ombre could feel the heat radiating off Ankoku's body, the raw power and desire that was emanating from him.
Ankoku's hands roamed over Ombre's body, tracing the curve of his muscles, the smoothness of his skin. He could feel the tension in Ombre's body, the need for release, for comfort.
But Ombre felt wrong doing this. His wife wouldn't... He pushed Ankoku off.
"No, Ankoku. I need you to fuck me like you mean it. Like you're going to make me feel something. Like you're going to make me forget everything else."
Ankoku looked at Ombre, his eyes filled with a mix of desire and confusion. "Ombre, I... I don't know what you want me to do."
Ombre sighed, his robotic arm reaching out to cup Ankoku's cheek. "I want you to fuck me like you're my lover, not my friend. I want you to fuck me like you want me, not like you're doing me a favor."
Ankoku's eyes darkened, his grip on Ombre's hips tightening.
"You want me to fuck you like I mean it, huh?" he growled, his voice low and husky. "Like I want you so bad, I can't control myself?"
Ombre nodded, his eyes locked onto Ankoku's. "Yes. Like that."
Ankoku's wings rustled, his talons gripping Ombre's hips with a force that made Ombre gasp. He could feel the sharp tips digging into his skin, a mix of pain and pleasure coursing through his body.
"Fuck," Ombre hissed, his robotic arm reaching up to grip Ankoku's shoulder.