Trouble
This was back when I rp’d with Bleachedpages. I did a bunch of work like this, but I do not know their new blog! If they are still active, feel free to tag em. I know they gave me permission to post this kinda stuff.
“Artemis?” His head ached and throbbed, and something was wrapped gently around the man's brow, continuing around his head in several layers.
He couldn't figure out where he was, nor how he'd gotten someplace so soft, but the smell of coffee, of the cleanliness of the room caught him, and he gave a small groan, turning his head slowly to crack his eyes open. “You're awake.” Came a familiar voice, and Artemis hissed, “I do believe you are.” Someone settled onto the chair adjacent to him, and Artemis looked at the white-clad figure, his memories flooding back to him.
The Purification had gone wrong. So wrong, and they'd fought. It had indeed been a bloodbath, but Artemis had spared the spy from death.
What happened after.. well, Artemis assumed the Pure had no idea.
The blood of the spy, as well as his own, caked his clothing, dripping onto the red carpet, and smearing onto the pews.
No one was there, no one was around to see the Brutal, nor the glint of the gun he held, as he marched right on up to the cross on the wall, eyes staring with accusation. “I did everything,” Artemis hissed, “Everything.. except one. I did not know I held onto it.. I did not know I didn't let go, but that.. that spy's touch, trigged the last purification memories. I had not meant to attack him..” His voice choked at this point, and he took in a breath, the next word tumbling forth as a broken man, “Why?” “Why am I not allowed to become a Pure? I want to be good. A good man... and I'm not. I'm a Brutal. All I know is how to kill...” He looked at the ground, slowly contemplating his next few words. “I know you're there. You're always around, in my mind, heart, and soul. You know I'm suffering. He was my friend, my only friend. And I have no one.” The glint of the metal weapon, pressing against his temple as footsteps sounded behind him, pausing as the figure realized what Artemis as going to do, a cry, as the Brutal turned. There was Joseph, eyes wide, having heard his words. He'd just been walking around, getting ready to pray for the night, and visiting Father Benjamin, who was following. Both watched, horror eyed at the Brutal, who merely gave a calm smile. “You freed me, Joe.. You f-freed me..” “Artemis, you don't have to do this. You're a good man.” Joseph spoke, raising his hands, “Calm down, let us talk.” “No,” Artemis whimpered, “I-I'm done talking. I'm n-not good, I”m just.. just..a Brutal.” “You are not,” Joseph replied, “You're a wonderful human being, and the Almighty loves you. What did you not let go of? We can still do the purification if you just talk to me.” “I..” Artemis gulped, lowering the weapon for a moment, chaos written on his face. He was going to be dead soon, so it didn't matter, did it? “I tried to be purified once before. We got to the hands, but.. something went wrong. The man I trusted was no Pure as he led me to believe, and I ended up being burned alive. Scars on my hands are triggers because of that.” “I see,” The white-clad man answered, “That is why you attacked?” “Yes.” Artemis gulped, keeping the weapon held in a white-knuckled grip, and moved it back to his temple. “We can help you move on, then purify you,” Joseph suggested, “Please?” “I-it's too late,” Artemis grunted, and the next sound anyone heard was the gun going off, and the blood and skull fragments splattering against the gold of the cross, Artemis' body slumping to the ground.
“Do you remember?”
“I didn't think you knew,” Artemis answered, looking at Joseph through his icy blue eye, wondering why everything was dark on the left side. “For a sniper, you missed.” The spy chuckled, “You managed to get some of your brain and what not, but.. you're not dead.” “How..?” “Well,” Joseph sighed, “The Almighty is still with you. He does care and love you. Being a Brutal is something you can work from being, and if it's that important for you to be a purified man, then we can try.” “Friendship is more important, mate.” Artemis spoke, tears slipping down his face, “W-we were friends. Not anymore. I..” There was silence for a moment, then the other spoke up. “Yet, you flirt with me and asked about the Brutal and Pure.” “I.. I do love you,” Artemis admitted, “Always was scared to tell you, but I just.. Friends..” Joseph shook his head, still feeling bitter over what had happened. If Artemis had explained, but.. he'd attacked, rather than talk. -------------------------------------------------
“You have something you didn't let go,” Joseph hissed, staring at the Brutal angerly, scooting away as he drew his knife.
“I..” Artemis turned his head, then glared back at the man, “You're a bleedin' preacher! You're supposed to understand!!” “Understand what?!” Joseph spat, eyes narrowed, “What did you not let go of?” “ITS NOT YOUR BLEEDIN BUSINESS.” The Brutal roared, seeming lost of an void of sanity, the eyes flashing dangerously, as he lunged. He held no weapons, but Joseph knew that it didn't matter. He still had the strength and speed, and it wasn't long before the stronger male grabbed him and tried to slam him into the nearby tree. The spy struck out, slashing with his knife, forcing the blade into the tender flesh, listening to the man give a meager grunt in response, his free hand moving to grab the blade. Joseph didn't give him the chance, as he slashed the open palm, listening to the pained cry, as Artemis let go, confusion etched on the sniper's face.
It was the opening he needed as he ran foreward, pushing the blade into Artemis' gut, the other pulling back in shock and anger, then kicked out. Joseph felt the crack as he was struck in the leg, his body tumbling a bit as he was thrown back. He couldn't help but give a cry, his leg broken. Artemis ran forward, like a beast, as he grabbed him, a fist slamming into Joseph's face, causing the Pure to cry out. Another, than another, each blow filled with anger and pain, but the spy pushed his leg into the other's groin, hearing the audible grunt. Good. He rolled away, and sought out some form of protection, only to wrap his hands around a thick slab of rock. Artemis barrled toward the weakend man, and it was instant, the crack as the stone hit him, hard. His body twisted and spun, crashing to the ground where he didn't move. No sign of a twitch, and Joseph panted, face already swelling from the bruises.
What had gotten into the man he called a friend? What got into the man who so dearly wanted to be a Pure?
He had no idea, but the feelings of hurt and anger consumed him, and he stalked off, getting himself cleaned, and left to go to the church to speak to Father Benjamin.
“I hurt..” Artemis' voice caught Joseph out of his deep reverie, and he glanced at the icey blue eye, a small smile on his face. “Of course you do,” He responded, “You took a stone and bullet to the head.” “Do I not get pain killers?” “Yes,” there was laughter in the spy's voice, and he stood. “Sorry,” came a mumble, and the other looked down, seeing Artemis' hands grip the blanket, “I should have said something. I pushed the memory so far back and tried to.. to.. leave it be. I got rid of all other sins, but that one. I couldn't let go of. I was scared, and.. I was stupid. I want to be a good man. I want to be.. be like you... no death and killing.” “You still can be, Artemis. Just let yourself move on and get rid of the sins.” “You don't..” Artemis' eyes pleaded with him, and a hand reached out, grasping the other's wrist, “Don't go.. please.” “I'm getting you some pain pills. I will be back,” The spy answered, gently patting Arty's hand, “When I do, we will talk more. I want you to tell me everything. Understood?”
“I.. yeah.” Artemis smiled softly, “I do. Just.. please don't be angry. Please let us be friends.” “We..” Joseph recalled something. The Lord always forgave. “I forgive you.”
“Good..” “Now, I”ll be back, okay?”
“Okay.”

















