Tainted Eyes

Tainted Eyes: part XVI: Memories

The young prince, no more than eight, played in the garden of white roses. He minded the thorns has his mother told him to, and chased the silver-tipped butterflies as they flew from blossom to blossom. His jet black hair blew in wind like strands of silk, and his bright blue eyes delighted in the beauty of the garden around him. He laughed to himself and fell back into a soft patch of grass.

"Prince Bastion," called a woman's gentle voice. "Your parents would like a word, your highness. They are in the dining hall."

Bastion jumped up and ran to the castle, smiling and waving to all those who worked there. Everyone loved him for his cheerful spirit and his complete love of life. Everyone smiled as he passed them on his way to the dining hall. He opened the doors, and upon seeing a visitor there, he bowed deeply.

"Good afternoon, sir," Bastion smiled.

The stranger stood, and bowed. He was an older man, with graying black hair and aging skin. He smiled at the boy, but Bastion noticed something strange about the man. There was something in his smile that didn't warm him. The man walked over to the boy slowly and with an odd sort of grace.

"Bastion, this is Lord Livion," said the queen. "He watches over the castle where our important guests stay on the other side of the forest."

"He came here for a visit, my son," said the king. "He has always protected this kingdom, and he is one of our most skilled scholars. He'll be tutoring you in the ways of healing for a while."

Bastion smiled and bowed again. "Thank you, sir. It is an honor!"

Livion smiled down at the boy. "No child, the honor is all mine."



During his first few lessons, Bastion was making wonderful progress. Livion was a fantastic teacher, and the young prince was eager to learn. First he read books about herbs and simple healing practices, and he went out with Livion to create potions and other such items. It would be a while, but Bastion would learn to use his very chi to heal others... just as white mages did. Lord Livion was a stern teacher, but he was careful with his lessons and patient with his words. After about a month of learning from him, Bastion felt very close to Lord Livion.

"Would you tell me a story tonight?" Bastion asked his teacher. "I understand if it's too much trouble."

"I would be delighted, young master," Livion grinned. He patted his lap and the young prince happily sat down.

"One there was a young prince, much like yourself, who was to rule a great and beautiful kingdom. He was loved by all, and people would gladly do anything for him. And much like you, this young prince was very bright. He was quick to learn, quick to catch on, quick to everything. And though he was too young to know it, his heart was very strong. A man, much older than this young prince had trained long in the ways of battle, black magic, white magic, and legend. He saw in the young prince's eyes a bright light. And he knew from that moment that the young prince had something special locked away in his heart."

"Inside his heart?" asked Bastion, very interested.

"Yes. It lived in his heart. But when inside, it's probably more like a light. The young prince wouldn't have known it was there. But the old man had records and stories and legends of such lights and what they could do. Many warriors of the past possessed such a light. And the man could sometimes see auras and levels of power. And in this boy, he saw great power."

"What did the power do?" Bastion asked, eyes wide.

"It could open doors to other worlds. Those with the strength and the key could go from world to world with ease! But alas, the boy did not know he possessed such power. So the man decided to teach him."

"What did he teach?" Bastion asked as Livion picked him up and placed him in bed. "Did the boy go to other worlds?"

Livion smirked to himself. "Would you like to know what the man taught? I think you might possess a light much like that boy's, Prince Bastion."

"Me?! Really?!"

"Of course!"

"Well... teach me! Please!"

"Oh, I do not think it would be best, your highness. After all, you are very young."

"I'm a fast learner, just like the boy!"

Livion smiled and leaned closer. "If I teach you, you must promise to tell no one. Never. If I begin the teaching, and then someone finds out, there will be death and pain. Do you understand?"

Bastion nodded. "I promise not to tell a soul!"

"Good. Now, the man had to first get the boy's chi flowing. Now, what did I tell you chi was?"

"Life energy that flows through all things."

"Good, good. Now, in order to get the chi flowing what must we do?"

"Get rid of tension and blocks in the body."

"Very good. So in order to do that, the man had to channel the boy's energy by touching his body in certain ways and by freeing energy. He also had to trace incantations and such on the boy's body to direct the boys power. But if the boy were to misbehave or leave at the wrong moment, it could kill him! It might even kill others around him. Do you understand?"

Bastion nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I will do well if you teach me everything!"

Livion smiled and stared down at the boy. "Good." He walked over to Bastion’s door and locked it. He then sat on the bed next to the boy. "Close your eyes."

Bastion closed his eyes and relaxed his body. He soon felt Livion's hands sliding under his nightshirt and moving over his chest. Livion's hands moved circles over the boy's body, and they slowly slid down his chest to his stomach. Being ticklish, Bastion giggled softly, but Livion reminded him to remain still and quiet. Bastion obeyed... even as one of Livion's hands slid down into his night pants. Bastion blushed and opened his eyes.

"Relax, young prince," Livion said with the same cold smile that Bastion had seen when he first met him. "I can see your energy flowing nicely."

Bastion hesitated, but closed his eyes again as Livion's hands moved over his young body.

"Very nice," Livion said, sliding his hands away. "We will continue later. Remember... tell no one."

~~~~~~~~~~

At age twelve, Bastion was coming along quite nicely as a healer. He was able to heal small pains and injuries people had around the castle. His friends liked to play rough, and they would always run to him to heal their scrapes, only to go and repeat the task that gained them.

One night, he walked into the garden he loved so much, and found Lord Livion there. Livion smiled and stood up when he saw the young prince. Bastion smiled and approached him.

"We will channel your chi here tonight," Livion said.

Bastion nodded and started to look for a spot to lie down.

"Tonight you will stand," Livion said.

Bastion nodded again. He had never had to stand before. Usually Livion would channel his energy once or twice a week before bed. He would touch him... and sometimes he would even use his mouth to draw out more energy... or something to that effect. Bastion was beginning to like the sensations it gave him, but he would never say that to Lord Livion for fear that the old man would see him as strange for getting pleasure like that from serious teachings.

"Face the tall wire fence with the vines and hold on to it," Livion pointed. "That fence there. Good. Spread your legs slightly."

Bastion obeyed. He thought he heard Livion opening a bottle of some sort. It was a minute or so before Livion's oiled finger toyed at the entrance to the boy's anus. Bastion yelped softly at the sensation, but Livion commanded him to hold the fence. Bastion nodded slightly and held tight as the oiled finger was inserted into him. Livion pushed it all the way in, then left it there for a long while for the boy to get used to it. Every once in a while he would move his finger back and forth. Bastion closed his eyes and tried to remain serious, as if he did not feel anything from it. When Livion's finger left him he felt a wave of disappointment.

"We will continue later," Livion said.

~~~~~~~~~~

At age fifteen, Bastion could not see Livion as much. He had to learn to care for his kingdom, and he was often away visiting neighboring lands. He didn't need as many lessons anyway, since he was nearly a full-fledged healer. Now he was learning black magic, but for some reason it seemed easier. Perhaps because it didn't require such precise channeling of the chi.

Bastion returned home after months away from the castle. People were glad when he returned, as he brought them a certain light. He spent nearly three days seeing to his people, who loved him dearly. He would walk through villages (escorted of course,) and visit the second castle on the other side of the forest. When he returned to his room on the third night, he found Livion there, looking anxious.

"It has been a long time," Bastion said with a smile. He hesitated before approaching Livion.

"You hesitate. Why?"

Bastion looked down at the floor. "My Lord, I could not remain naive forever," he said, tears springing into his eyes. "The way you touch me… isn't proper, is it?"

Livion smiled his cold smile. "My boy, it is merely to help you. Look at what a grand healer you have become."

"Yes, but--"

"Channel your energy from your heart. You feel something there, don't you?"

Bastion nodded.

"Good. The key is there, my boy."

"The key? But I thought--"

"You thought I had forgotten about the story I told you? You thought I was only concentrating on improving you as a healer? Or rather, you thought I was a dirty old man?"

"Forgive me, Lord Livion, but--"

Livion suddenly took Bastion by the wrist and pulled him to the bed. He pinned the boy to the bed on his stomach and caressed his buttocks gently. Bastion made an attempt to move, but Livion pushed him down again.

"Why didn't you stop me earlier, your highness?" Livion asked as he pulled the boy's pants down.

"Lord Livion, please!" Bastion cried, trying to get up. He was surprised at the man's strength.

Livion undid his own pants, and wasted no time in forcing himself up the boy’s tight entrance. Bastion gasped beneath him, but Livion slowly slid in and out of the boy. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small jar of oil, which he slathered onto his cock bit by bit as he pulled out of the boy, then slid in again. Bastion groaned softly as Livion oiled himself and pushed into him.

"You like this don't you?" Livion teased. "You didn't stop me earlier because you want this."

Bastion said nothing. He pushed his body against Livion's. His jet black hair stuck to his forehead and neck with sweat.

"You feel shame, but at the same time, you crave this" Livion whispered to him as he shoved in hard.

Livion reached forward to stroke the boys hardening length, and Bastion suddenly shuddered, his white, sticky cum spraying over his sheets. Livion pulled out of the young prince slowly. Bastion suddenly shot up and fixed his clothes.

"The whole time... you just wanted to use me," he said, tears falling down his cheeks. "I hate you...."

"You seemed to enjoy me a minute ago, your highness."

"Get out! Do not return to me!"

"The fire in your burns! Now bring forth the key!"

"I command you to leave my chambers at once!!!!" Bastion yelled. But as he did, he heard Livion's words without realizing. As he pointed to the door, he felt something weigh his hand down. He looked to see a large, silver key in his hand. It was as long as a sword, and the handle was gold. He stared at it in disbelief and awe. Livion had told the truth about the key, but at what cost did he bring it forth? He looked up to see Livion smiling coldly at him.

"It is true," Bastion gasped. "The key is here...."

"I would not lie to you, my boy. Is it my fault that gaining the key is so trying on the body?"

"I am no fool! You wanted my body. There was some other way to gain the key!"

Livion smiled and nodded, noting the prince's intelligence. "You are a beautiful young man, Lord Bastion. Who would not fall instantly in love?"

Bastion stood there, key in hand, looking at the floor. "I can't stand it. I know what you do to me, but I think I love you. You're so much older, and a man at that. How could I not feel ashamed?!"

Livion walked over and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders. He kissed him gently on the lips. Bastion blinked, feeling an odd lust boiling inside of him. It combined with the love from his pure soul, and he felt as though he could give himself completely to Livion.

"Lord Livion..." Bastion said softly, the key slowly fading and disappearing back into his heart. "Could we continue our lessons?"

Livion smiled wad walked the boy to the bed. "Certainly, your highness."

~~~~~~~~~~

Bastion grew to be a beautiful young man at age eighteen.

Livion and Bastion stood out in the white rose garden that was surrounded by trees. They stared at the center of the garden for a long while.

"Are you sure it's here?" Livion asked.

"I'm sure."

"Then you know what to do."

Bastion nodded and released the key from his heart. He held it up in the air and then pointed to the spot in the garden. Livion had told him that keyblade holders were usually only able to lock doors. But some of the more powerful could open them. A stream of gold light burst from Bastion’s body, and soon what looked like silver incantations swirled in the air around him. Livion shielded his eyes before he saw something coming into view. Bastion opened his eyes to see the enormous crystal door that stood in front of him.

"It's beautiful!" Bastion gasped.

"Indeed my boy," Livion said, as he approached Bastion. He kissed the young prince long and hard. They kissed until a voice burst from the trees.

"Fiend! We knew something was happening between you and Prince Bastion! Release him at once!"

Livion turned to see the prince's three closest companions running towards them. There was Windrunner, with the long brown hair. Starstealer with the short white hair. And Firesoul with the long red hair. Bastion suddenly stood in front of Livion.

"No! Please! You must not tell my parents," Bastion cried.

"But your highness! We have already alerted them. We're here to place Lord Livion in custody," Windrunner said as he approached Livion. "Lord Livion, you are charged with abusing the prince and betraying his confidence. You are set to burn at the stake, as is customary for those of the black arts. A trial will be held, but until then you are to remain in custody."

Firesoul put a hand on Bastion’s shoulder. "Do not worry, your highness. We found evidence of what he's been doing to you. Blood, male fluids, everything to condemn him."

"No, please..." Bastion sank to his knees.

"Open the door, Bastion," Livion yelled.

"What the hell is that?!" Starstealer yelled, pointing to the crystal door. It was nearly invisible until now. Now it resonated with energy, and it pulsed with light... just as Bastion was.

"Step away from him!" Bastion commanded.

"But your highness! By order of the king and queen, we must--"

"STEP AWAY!" Bastion yelled. He burst with light, and the door suddenly opened. The other three young men were thrown backwards by the force. Bastion ran for the door, grabbing Livion's wrist on the way. "Come!" he yelled.

The two jumped through the door, into the dark void. Starstealer jumped up and ran to the doorway. He could see nothing. It wasn't even black. It was just... nothing.



Inside the dark void, Livion could feel the everlasting darkness. He held the young prince close. The prince found that he was content in the darkness for some reason, and he chose no direction immediately. They just floated there in the void. Livion had not told Bastion about the tales of the dark ones who would steal your heart if you stayed in the darkness for too long. Instead, he felt the darkness around him. It fed him... it gave him power. In his age his power had diminished. But now, he felt it surging again. He wrapped his arms tightly around the prince.

"Livion," Bastion said softly. "What shall we do now?"

"I will visit other worlds, and gain power."

"And what will I do?"

"Oh, my dear boy. You'll be with me every step of the way."

Bastion saw nothing but darkness, but he could definitely feel. He felt Livion's arms squeezing him, and he could scarcely breathe. Livion laughed darkly as he began to feed on the boy's heart. Filling it with the vast darkness this place contained. Bastion gasped sharply, but felt some odd pleasure from Livion's power. And he loved and trusted the man. He wrapped his arms around Livion tightly.

Livion felt the power of the dark creatures dancing around them. Take the boy's heart, Livion thought. He will not need it any longer.

Suddenly Bastion felt the horrible sting of the dark ones clawing away at him. He screamed in terror, not being able to see or sense them as Livion could. Livion used all the power he could to protect his own heart, while the young prince in his arms was attacked.

"Something is tearing at me!" Bastion yelled, as the dark ones attacked his heart... the strong heart with the keyblade. "What do I do?!"

Livion's laughter echoed in Bastion’s ears. "What do you do? Why, you let them take your heart. And then, I use my power to take your body. Simple really."

Bastion’s eyes opened wide as the horrible sting of betrayal stabbed his heart. "Livion...."

"Really, dear Bastion. Who could ever love you? There is little you were good for. Take comfort in the fact that I will take very good care of your kingdom for you."

Bastion’s tears scattered in this dark place. He was all alone, and there was nothing he could do. He stopped crying out, even as the dark ones tore away at him.

"All my life..." he murmured. "All my life... you knew you would betray me.... All this time.... I loved you, yet all this time you--"

The young prince was silent, and this time for good. Livion held him there in his arms and laughed. "My dear young prince. My dear lover. I will take care of all." He used his immense dark power to merge with Bastion’s lifeless body, healing the boy as his consciousness and heart sank inside. "Your kingdom is now in my hands, my dear Bastion... my poor hurt Bastion... my empty, lifeless, hollow Bastion...."

~~~~~~~~~~

Bastion emerged from the door after a long while, and his three friends were there to help him back into their world.

"Your highness, are you alright?" Windrunner asked.

Bastion raised his head slowly and smiled darkly. The three men backed away slightly at the sight of him. His eyes... they were so dark.... They were pitch black and so empty. He approached them slowly.

"The darkness will come. I have enough for us all now," Bastion laughed. "I will give it to you, and it will grow inside of you. You all will be a part of the darkness I shall spread."

The three men looked at each other. "Prince Bastion...."

"No. You will call me by my new name! With a heart of darkness I have lived many years in body after body. I have been named for my dark power and the void in my heart. I have been named after oblivion itself." He laughed darkly again, looking to the castle he would soon corrupt with chaos and evil. "My name... is Livion."

What Livion didn’t realize (and wouldn’t realize for some time) was that Bastion’s power to pass from world to world would linger in his body.… But at the moment the prince’s heart left his body, the keyblade set out for a new master….

~~~~~~~~~~
Many decades later….
~~~~~~~~~~

A young man with looked up from the ground with his blue-violet eyes. He blinked at seeing the dismal gray sky, for not long ago he was looking at a sky that was bright and blue. He stood up, and turned around to see a large crystal door, and he watched it as it closed slowly. The young man rubbed his head and looked around. There were a few other officers unconscious on the ground near him. He raised a brow and ran his hand through his long, spiky black hair. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to recall what had happened.

An attack, he thought. We were attacked and taken hostage. We passed through a door, and now we’re here….

He quickly made his way around and woke the other young officers up. They all made their way to their feet and looked around at the garden of black roses.

"Where the hell is this?" the young man asked. "I think I would feel better if they put us in a jail cell. At least then I'd know what to expect." He yawned loudly and tapped his foot. "Alright, I'm bored. Scout the area!"

The younger officers saluted him and took off to look around. In the meantime, he examined the door. He walked around it, and to his surprise he found that it was invisible from one side. He returned to the front and touched it gently. It felt normal enough, but it obviously wasn't normal.

"They glow," came a deep voice from the shadows.

"Who's there?" asked the young man as he turned around casually.

"Your eyes. They glow."

"You noticed," replied the young man playfully. "I'm flattered."

"I thought only I could see it, but they truly give off light. It isn't simply a hidden light."

"And it isn't simply simple either," the young man replied as he approached the stranger. "How did we get here?"

"I brought you. I've been watching you. You intrigue me."

"Is that so? May I ask how."

"Your strength and your speed are not that of a normal human."

"Gets the job done."

"If I possessed a body like yours I could use my power to make it even stronger."

"Trust me. You don't want to go through the treatments that would give you what I have. Take a good look, man. It's a type of radiation. That's why my eyes glow."

"So it is an accident?"

"No, it was intentional. Soldiers of my class go through the treatment at its roughest stage. It makes us stronger and faster. But it's not natural. And it’s painful as hell."

"So you are a soldier of some kind. Aren't you afraid of telling me classified information?"

"Nah! It's not like it's news anyway," the young man smiled brightly. His glowing blue-violet eyes twinkled.

The stranger stepped out of the shadows, and the young soldier saw an aging man with jet black hair and pitch black eyes. The man's eyes were so cold that it made the young soldier shiver.

"My body has aged considerably," the stranger said in an eerie voice. "The dark powers can only keep it youthful for so long. Soon it will stretch too thin." He ran his hand up the young man's strong bicep.

"Oooooookay," the young man said, stepping away. He looked around for the other officers.

"They won't be returning to you," the stranger said. "They are my slaves now."

"You want me to believe that you captured three of my strongest men so easily?"

"Yes."

The young man looked around for a long moment, then back to the man in front of him. "Who are you?"

"My name is Livion, and you will cooperate with me."

"Or what?" the young man said with a smirk.

The dark stranger held up pictures of the young man's girlfriend and two best friends. "Or they will die. I told you, I have been watching you. I know who is dear to you."

The young soldier looked at the pictures for a long moment, looking at the faces of his friends. He only laughed.

"You think I jest?" asked the stranger.

"I think you're full of shit! There is no way you could capture THEM!"

The dark stranger smirked, and soon, dozens of large men filled he area. "Take him and put him in a room," Livion commanded. "We will convince him of what I can do!"

The young man was pulled off to the castle, fighting and yelling the entire way. But he couldn't break away or hurt the unnaturally strong men who took him. On the way, he saw the dismembered bodies of his officers, and the blood that covered the cold, hard ground. It was only the beginning of the years of torture he would have to endure under Livion's watchful eyes. It took Livion much time and much torture, but the young man would soon become his new shell... just as Bastion had....

Aeris... Cloud... Sephiroth.... he thought in his last moments where his thoughts were truly his own. If we meet again, you must destroy me…. I'm sorry....

~*~*~*To be continued*~*~*~