[center] [h1]Blood Oath[/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/FWMorlL.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/xp0eIcQ.png[/img] [h2][color 00a99d]Ernest[/color] | [color cyan]Sander[/color][/h2] [img]http:// i.imgur.com/3R5vYYi.png?2[/img] [hr][color=silver]π•Žπ•–π••: 𝕆𝕔π•₯. 𝟟, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / 𝔹𝕒𝕝𝕕 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕 π•€π•€π•π•’π•Ÿπ•• / / π•ƒπ•šπ•˜π•™π•₯𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕀𝕖 / / ~𝟘𝟝𝟚𝟘[/color][hr] [sub]Collab with [@RedDusk][/sub][/center] [hider=No AIDS was contracted in the making of this collab.] He knew a petty squabble when he saw one. He'd been involved in plenty himself. Even so, he wasn't going to get wrapped up in a dumb fight, not when Brent and Siena were possibly dead because of him. A scowl broke out across his face. Because of him, huh? Zoe had made a fair point. Even if he couldn't melt them he should have done [i]more[/i]. Hurting something for their own good. How inhuman. How disgusting. He hated how much sense it made to him. So he'd kept his mouth shut. Letting Marcus take the blame for what had essentially been Ernie's lie had been a dick move in more ways than one but the Aberration just couldn't bring himself to step in. Both sides had spouted only the truth, as pointless as the whole ordeal was. Besides, he there were bigger fish to fry. [b][DISCONNECTED][/b] A word that stole his breath as much as it injected dread into his very veins. Why remove the cuff when it would have been so much easier to put a bullet through her skull? Best case scenario, just a fortuitous attack. Angel fought bravely and they disabled her before delivering the final blow. Worst case... The buzzcut boy cast his gaze over the group, eyes briefly narrowing at Sander's armored hand. A new trick. Worst case scenario, the Amigos did what mercenaries did best and carried out a job for a chance at a client's hefty moneybags. It always came down to motive. This wasn't Fracture. There was an [i]objective[/i] here. So why remove the cuff? They didn't want to be tracked. Why would they be tracked? They were taking Angelique with them, dead or alive. Why Angelique? If she really was decuffed and stolen, he doubted that it was just another case of rabid rock fans. There had to be something that made her valuable, something that a client had taken enough interest in to buy the Amigos' services. That's where his train of thought came to a breakneck stop. Unfortunately, he couldn't conjure any reason anyone would want that psychotic two-time mass murderer. Infiltrating USARILN property for some fallen rockstar whose powers didn't compare to even the weakest Amigo agents made no sense. None of it did, so he needed to stop wasting brainpower on it. He'd defused whatever the fuck Zoe's problem was with the phone's information. Marcus and Emma had left for intel. The others were preparing for battle. Everyone but Christmas and Sander who were snuggling in the corner or some shit. At least they finished while he was talking to Zoe. Nodding to the brunet's plate-covered hand, Ernie spoke out. [color 00a99d]"New trick, huh?"[/color] "[color cyan]I suppose.[/color]" -The blood mage simply shrugged, dull red eyes watching the darkness outside -"[color cyan]What do you want?[/color]" A bit testy today? Not that Ernie could blame him. [color 00a99d]"Zoe's headed out, getting ready to fight. I guess Hazel is too. Are you not going with them?"[/color] "[color cyan]Aren't we leaving?[/color]" -Sander quirked an eyebrow, a look of confusion on his features -"[color cyan]Why would they stay?[/color]" [color 00a99d]"We need to assume that they could attack us while we're taking the ferry,"[/color] Ernie scratched his head, clearly not fond of the circumstances, [color 00a99d]"Sink our battleship then finish us off in the water. If they're really as close as you claimed then we might have a fight on our hands before we can get everyone on the boat."[/color] Sander breathed out, his shoulders sank slightly. Another fight. Of course. The fire in his chest crackled as the prospect -"[color cyan]Who are these people? Rogues?[/color]" [color 00a99d]"Mercenaries. Rogues don't even compare to these guys. I'm sure they've slaughtered people ten times stronger than our team combined."[/color] β€œ[color cyan]So…very strong rogues.[/color]” -Sander kept his voice light, but the faint glow of his eyes seemingly brightened. He fell silent for a few minutes, contemplating, before he finally asked β€“β€œ[color cyan]Between a DC monster and these guys, who would win?[/color]” The spectrum of both categories was kind of ridiculous but Ernie didn't see any reason to not answer. [color 00a99d]"Amigos probably have team strategies and combos figured out. Fight smarter rather than harder. If they're attacking USARILN property then they're probably a really elite squad. So, uh, I guess these guys then?"[/color] Was this going anywhere? [color 00a99d]"Are you scared or something?"[/color] "[color cyan]Are you?[/color]" The buzzcut boy was startled by the sudden return but ultimately chuckled. [color 00a99d]"I'm terrified, yeah. Knew some guys that ran into them. You haven't answered my question though."[/color] "[color cyan]I am. But not for long.[/color]" [color 00a99d]"Huh. What's changing it?"[/color] "[color cyan]Blood.[/color]" -Sander looked around the group, face carefully blank -"[color cyan]Enough, and everything will go away.[/color]" Right, his power. Ernie had never really delved into the details. He'd hoped that what he'd seen with the guards in D.C. would be enough. Wary of the way Sander was looking over the class, Ernie frowned. [color 00a99d]"You drank beforehand?"[/color] "[color cyan]A little bit.[/color]" -Sander gave the blond boy sitting in the corner a meaningful gaze -"[color cyan]But I can't drink more.[/color]" [color 00a99d]"You...need to drink from someone else,"[/color] Ernie uttered something between a question and a statement in his grim realisation. "[color cyan]Yes.[/color]" -Sander admitted easily -"[color cyan]Maybe...more than one? I need quite a bit.[/color]" Suddenly all too aware of what the implications of his questioning were leading to, Ernie mentally speedran through a class roster. He didn't know how fast Kusari's regen worked. Sophia and Lawrence still needed to be fit enough to make a run for the boat. Christmas shouldn't have been considered in the first place. All the B-lister powers and personalities had run out, leaving only... [color 00a99d][i]Oh, come on.[/i][/color] It all came down to how mobile they could be in the end. Ernie cringed as he looked down to his right hand, where his rope usually manifested. He didn't need his body to move anymore. At least, he hoped he didn't. Still, Zoe had tasked him with guarding the trapdoor, which meant standing in one place so... Ernie blinked furiously. Fuck, he was actually considering it. Somewhere deep down, he knew it was petty. Getting worked up over ickiness and minor pain in the face of death. If it was anyone but him at this blood drive Ernie would have made that incision in their place. It was a simple calculation. The weakest had to support the strong. The difference between Sander and his combat results spoke for themselves. Lives were on the line here. This wasn't the time for being a little bitch. With a gulp, Ernie said, [color 00a99d]"I...I can lend you some. Some blood. But I need to ask you a favour in return."[/color] Sander blinked then, a bit of surprise crept into his features. He knew Ernie didn’t like him. They might keep it cordial, but Sander had to admit he still had doubts for Ernie, and if those doubts were ever justified, he knew he would not hesitate to act. Yet, he was also willing to get blood from Ernie. Preferred Ernie, in fact, because Sander was selfish. Between Christmas and literally everyone else, he knew what he would choose. So he chose. β€œ[color cyan]I can't return it, but...alright. What is it?[/color]” Ernie shifted uncomfortably. [color 00a99d]"Zoe's going to be sneaking around, trying to catch those Amigos off-guard. When you're out there, I need you to do your best to keep all their attention and attacks on you. On anyone but Zoe. Be the biggest distraction you can be. Can you do that?"[/color] β€œ[color cyan]Sure.[/color]” -The offer was far too simple, so Sander just nodded without really giving it much thought β€“β€œ[color cyan]But…if it’s really bad, you should go when you can. Leave me, if you must. I’ll be fine.[/color]” [color 00a99d]"Why do you people keep talking like that?"[/color] Ernie muttered but was ultimately relieved at Sander's easy response. Now for the messy part, [color 00a99d]"So how's this gonna work? I cut my arm somewhere and you put your face on it?"[/color] "[color cyan]If that's what you want.[/color]" -Sander smiled at that, slightly amused -"[color cyan]Or...you can just nick your finger.[/color]" Just his finger? Area-wise, Ernie supposed that was better. As long as no one was watching. He took a quick look around the lighthouse, finding no private room to his dismay. His finger was going to be in someone's mouth. A dude's mouth. There was something definitely [i]wrong[/i] about that. Just his finger. Nothing weird about--yeah, he couldn't finish that sentence. At least it wasn't his foot or anything. He set the dog down in a rune, ignoring the subtle whine. Nodding once to confirm, Ernie unzipped the first aid kit he'd brought along with a grimace. He'd thankfully restocked in the manor's infirmary during the stay, as well as obtained some new tools. With a wince and a cut from a freshly unwrapped scalpel, the buzzcut Aberration offered the pinky finger of his left hand to the vampire. [color 00a99d]"Make it fast."[/color] Sander took Ernie's hand in his, as if giving the other Aberration a firm hand shake. Red glow enveloped both of them, and not a drop of blood dripped from their joined hand. For the most parts, the blood mage was silent. Focused. His gaze was red and hungry, but his breathing remained calm and controlled. Eventually though, he spoke, looking up from where he had been staring at the red glow on his hand. "[color cyan]You're not fighting outside, yeah?[/color]" Though he was relieved that the process didn't involve any mouth spaces, Ernie had underestimated the effects blood loss would have on him. His breaths hastened and there was a gradual fatigue he tried to fight off with rapid blinking. This was fine. This was needed. [color 00a99d]"Yeah. I need to watch the trapdoor,"[/color] Ernie answered straightforwardly, trying to control his breathing. "[color cyan]I know you might hate me for this, but...[/color]" -Sander suddenly lowered his voice, leaning in -"[color cyan]Keep Christmas with you.[/color]" "[color cyan]And stay with him.[/color]" -He did not add a 'please'. Ernie fought a yawn as his free hand reached around for a wall to lean on. Just like Wisford. He knew what the consequences would be. Knew they would be bad. But it wasn't like he could just turn Sander down, not while they were in this position. Ernie's hand clenched involuntarily. [color 00a99d]"A favour for a favour?"[/color] he attempted a weak smile, [color 00a99d]"He'll stay with me. 'S fine, all fine."[/color] Brent and Siena were taking an awfully long time to get back. The blond might be in the right place after all. Still, there were present concerns to consider. [color 00a99d]"How much more blood'd'you need anyway? It's, uh, not feelin' good right now."[/color] β€œ[color cyan]I’m asking you…to put him first. Make sure he’ll be fine, Ernie.[/color]” -Yet, Sander did not let go, red eyes gleaming β€“β€œ[color cyan]Do everything you can.[/color]” Not nice. Ernie could feel a darker intent building, cold fear rising to replace whatever facade of nicety they'd maintained before. Guess free cocktails didn't reserve a place in Sander's good books. [color 00a99d]"They won't find him,"[/color] he replied, though his voice was lower now, almost quivering, [color 00a99d]"We'll run away through the tunnels if we have to. I'll get him off this island myself if everyone else dies trying to get to the boat. Let go of me."[/color] "[color cyan]You promise?[/color]" -The grip only tightened. [color 00a99d]"I promise,"[/color] Ernie had to refrain from spitting the statement. His fingers slackened noticeably, [color 00a99d]"I can't protect him if I'm too weak to move. Let go, [i]now[/i]."[/color] Sander finally let go then, the last droplets of blood disappeared quickly into the palm of his hand. Thick strands of red smoke were once again rising from his body, and he let the armor on his hand crumbled away. He had no need for it anymore. "[color cyan]I...never forget a scent, Ernie.[/color]" -He was no longer looking at Ernie -"[color cyan]I'll find you, after.[/color]" "[color cyan]Don't break your promise.[/color]" -With that said, he began to walk toward the entrance, looking out into the darkness. As soon as the grip released Ernie reeled back, his shoulder bashing clumsily into the wall behind him. Nothing had changed after all. Still the same red eyes. Still those hands that had gripped his own with as much intent as when they'd squeezed his neck that day. Ernie's breaths began to shudder and he knew full well that it wasn't because of the blood loss. With one final grit of his teeth, he muttered to the exiting figure. [color 00a99d]"Save the threats for the real enemies, Sander."[/color] Red eyes glanced over the blood mage's shoulder, and something that looked like sadness pulled on Sander's features. He met Ernie's gaze in a brief moment, before turning right back. He knew it was terrible. But between Christmas and everyone else? The choice was clear. [/hider]