[center][h3][color=mediumturquoise]Artemis[/color] & [color=92278f] Helio [/color][/h3][/center]
[color=92278f]Time:[/color] Afternoon
[color=mediumturquoise]Location:[/color]River Kingdom
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An hour prior, Artemis had gone to snooze under a tree for a momentary rest, only to be awakened, tangled in netting. The Dark Elves had found her even after all her efforts. She had tried to scream, but one of them jammed a muzzle on her face. She kicked and screamed at her captors as they dragged her with them through the woods. She would be damned if she was taken back to River! 

Eventually, she found herself being dragged down the road of the River Kingdom plaza. Then, she was thrust onto the cobblestone in front of a throne, her arms tied behind her back. Artemis stared ahead of her the way one did when they had seen a ghost. 

[color=92278f]“Well look what the dark elves dragged in!”[/color] Helio greeted her cheerfully as he gazed down from her in his lounging position. He waved off Lamaia from his lap, who walked off to take the opportunity to take a break. He leaned his elbow on the side of the throne and bent his neck to stare straight down at her, his grin persisting. [color=92278f]“So. My Tigerlily still likes herself a little rebellion, does she? And apparently blue hair.”[/color] Helio studied her for a moment before pulling the muzzle off. 

Artemis jumped at the unexpected, familiar voice. The image in front of her came at her quickly, and all she could do was stare. The eyes she’d fallen in love with were drowning in darkness. He didn’t seem threatened, and although she was, she wouldn’t show it. 

[color=mediumturquoise]”I suppose so.”[/color] Artemis responded. She felt despair and fury fill her simultaneously, [color=mediumturquoise]” I haven’t heard that name in a long time,”[/color] She replied quietly. Then, her expression morphed into worry and concern, [color=mediumturquoise]'' What have they done to you?”[/color] 

[color=92278f]”What have they done to me?”[/color] He echoed in an eerily calm voice, still bent down and staring her in the eyes, [color=92278f]”More like what did [i]you[/i] do to me?”[/color] Helio suddenly grabbed her by the throat and gripped it with growing tightness. The dark elves at her sides were all staring, awestruck. [color=92278f]” Don’t you remember, Tigerlily? It was all [i]you[/i]. You, you, you-”[/color] 

Artemis’s eyes widened. It would have been easier if she had been stabbed by knives. She inhaled as he began to choke her,gasping for air and struggling. Black dots danced across her vision.  The violet eyes she stared into belonged to Helio, but his mind was gone. 

Suddenly, he let go of her throat dramatically with enough force to push her backward onto the floor. His expression changed to a gentle smile, [color=92278f]” You made me… better. I’m much stronger now.”[/color] He paused as if digging back into his memories. He lounged back on the throne and materialized a ball of dark energy into his hand. [color=92278f]” See I couldn’t quite do this before, could I? So thank you, Tigerlily.“[/color] He juggled it in his hands, not looking at her as he continued, [color=92278f]”Looked like you got stronger too. Killed everyone I sent at you. At first, I was just trying to keep you away so I can play with Risa, but I was genuinely interested in your limits. I found the elf with her throat ripped out and I was just so proud. Had to personally fetch you some presents to leave you this morning as a reward.”[/color]

Once he relinquished his grip, Artemis dropped to the ground, gasping. She fought off flashbacks in the back of her mind. Struggling to stay present, Artemis gritted her teeth. She narrowed her eyes at him and finally began catching her breath. 

[color=mediumturquoise]”Impressive.”[/color] She managed to say and let out a haughty grin.  She blanched when he revealed he’d been sending the Dark Elves to kill her. She fought back a scowl. [color=mediumturquoise]”I hope you enjoyed the show.”[/color] Her voice was dry as she glared down at him. 

Helio smiled wide, watching her every move like a hawk. He dissolved the orb before speaking, [color=92278f]”Oh sweetheart, you were amazing. Great show!”[/color] He made an effort to even applaud for her. He nodded to the elves and clapped with more vigor with a threatening look to edge them into clapping along with him, which they did reluctantly, [color=92278f]”Terrific technique. Didn’t know you could be so vicious.”[/color] 

[color=mediumturquoise]”What did you do to Risa?”[/color] Now, her voice rose as concern filled her. When he didn’t answer fast enough, she asked again,  [color=mediumturquoise]”What did you do to her?”[/color] 

He grinned wider, staying silent as she pressed on again about it. He thought for a moment before answering, [color=92278f]”I just paid my little sister a visit, that’s all... Then I hurt her.”[/color] His eyes were still glued to her but his tone and body were relaxed. He didn’t seem threatened. 

Artemis gritted her teeth. [color=mediumturquoise]”This isn’t you.”[/color] She finally took a deep breath and steadied herself. [color=mediumturquoise]”You’re still in there. I know it.”[/color] Her expression softened, [color=mediumturquoise]”I’m so sorry that they did this to you, Helio. You must have suffered greatly.”[/color] Her voice was gentle as she focused on compelling him not to attack her. [color=mediumturquoise]”Tell me what it is you want with me right now and how I can make it up to you, and how to fix you.”[/color] 

Helio let her speak, glancing down at her. Anger crossed his expression and he thought about lashing out at her, but he couldn’t put the words into action. [color=92278f] “Fix me? There’s nothing to fix, love.”[/color] He reached out and rubbed her cheek. [color=92278f]”I don’t want anything with you right now, not even to hurt you… I just wanted to see you.”[/color] His voice had become gentle and low only for her to hear.

Artemis noticed him stiffening and retreating. His anger caused her to tense then relaxed when he didn’t move to harm her. [color=mediumturquoise]”This isn’t you.”[/color] She repeated and fell silent. [color=mediumturquoise]”Me too.”[/color] A faint smile wanted to cross her face but she didn’t let it. [color=mediumturquoise]”I’m here now, and I’m sorry to tell you, I won’t be leaving you again if I can help it.”[/color] 

Helio knew he was playing a game with her, toying with her, and bringing out the words she wanted to hear, yet part of it felt too real. Seeing and hearing her felt familiar and nostalgic and for the moment it felt as if he was somewhere else and someone else. He asked with some genuine interest, [color=92278f]”If this isn’t me, then who is it, Lily? Who am I?”[/color]

[color=mediumturquoise]”I’m not sure.”[/color] Her voice was quiet as she leaned her face into his hand. Part of her knew he was toying with her but she didn’t want to stop staring at him either. She’d dreamed of him every night after the betrayal and now he was here.[color=mediumturquoise]”I want to believe it is you, I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I want you to be you again.”[/color] Her voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears. [color=mediumturquoise]”I’m so sorry you had to suffer like this, and that it was my fault. I bet they didn’t tell you the whole story though did they?”[/color] 

Memories went through his mind. His expression was soft for a moment, but then it twisted and he suddenly shoved her down onto the cobblestone. [color=92278f]”You did this to me.”[/color] Helio stated with rising anger.  [color=92278f]”I know the whole fucking story. You gave me up! You told them I took the DROM! And I even…!”[/color] He spat, dark energy starting to form in his hands. He started to laugh, [color=92278f]”Oh Tigerlily. I may be something else now, but you were always twisted, you sick bitch.”[/color] 

Artemis’s eyes widened. The sudden shift to anger had overwhelmed her and caused her to stiffen. She didn’t know how she had a heart anymore, but the shitty thing broke all over again. She took several deep breaths and scowled. [color=mediumturquoise]”Helio I was forced to give you up… We stole that DROM then they had my family. I didn’t know they’d do this to you.. I’m so sorry. ”[/color] She was struggling to talk, her voice choking up. Her vocal cords were sore. [color=mediumturquoise]”I told them I had responsibility in it too and even talked you into doing it. I’m sorry.``[/color] 

Her words were like the buzzing of bees in his ears. When she stepped back, he threateningly stepped off his throne and forward, laughing and not answering her. His body had an aura of dark energy coming out of it as he moved. Helio started to hurl dark matter from his hands at her with a crazed look in his eyes.

Artemis stared at him with horror. Her eyes widened as she began trying to duck and dodge the dark energy, struggling to roll out of the way. [color=mediumturquoise]”Helio please stop!”[/color] She called over the noise of the dark energy.

A dark elf finally grabbed his arm and gave him a look so he paused. Helio met his eyes and suddenly shrugged, straightening from his attacking position. [color=92278f]”Yeah. Guess I can’t break my new toy so soon.”[/color] With a smile, he moved over, knelt down, and began tightening the muzzle back around her head. [color=92278f]”I think I’d like to put my pet in her cage.”[/color]

Artemis’s eyes filled with tears but she didn’t let them fall. She scowled as he put the muzzle on and genuine fear filled her eyes.  [color=mediumturquoise]”No plea-”[/color] she began but it was useless as it was pulled over her face. She tried to compel him, but it was fruitless. She stared at him pleadingly but knew it wouldn’t do any good. 

Helio tilted his head at her pleading look and stroked her hair, [color=92278f]”Such a pretty face. You look absolutely divine when you’re so distressed. I could almost kiss you. ”[/color] He smiled down at her, leaning down as if he were about to give her a kiss, then he pulled away and hopped back up to his feet, snapping his fingers. [color=92278f]”Lock my estranged in her cage!”[/color]

For a moment, her heart fluttered. She tore her gaze away from him and looked over her shoulder. Dark Elves began grabbing her and pulling her backward into a metal cage, which he seemed to just have prepared ahead of time. She let out a murderous growl at the elves as they locked her into it, slamming it shut. She felt tears sting her eyes and let them fall this time. Trembling, Artemis pulled her knees up to her chest and avoided gazing at anyone. Her gaze locked onto a watching bluejay and then away. 

Helio relaxed back in his throne, stating pleasantly, [color=92278f]”You were right, Tigerlily… You won’t be leaving me again.”[/color][/color]