Prompt Table Uno - 029. Compromise

[elcazadorcazado]

The Other was using his body. He’d always known that, but it was always when he was in trouble. When he was about to get hurt. It had never been to do what the Other wanted to do. It had never resulted in him ending up covered in blood before.

He sat in his haunt staring at the new additions. Two jet black, pristine khopesh made larger than he’d seen them before. They were not his. They were not here before he left, though they felt vaguely familiar.

This couldn’t happen. He couldn’t allow this to happen. Things were changing and not in any way he liked.

Things are changing. And you have to make a choice.

He closed his eyes. He could almost see the thing. It took effort not to focus on how much he hated it. How much he hated it mingling with his thoughts like poison in water.

I have plans that I will continue with.

Alejo hissed and jumped to his feet. “You will not have my body!”

The room was silent, but his entire mind shifted.

That is not your choice. You can help me, and keep control of your body as I follow through on my plans. Or you can fight and wake up rarely to find yourself in unfamiliar ground.

He began pacing and staring at the weapons laid out carefully on the ground.

“Why? Why would I do this?” he asked finally.

Because my plans first involve strengthening this body. If we are successful I will be able to help more than you know... You will be able to stop thinking about blood. You will be able to touch your women without feeling me steady your hand. Alejo considered, temptation tempering his anger. Perhaps I will be able to create my own body.

He frowned. That sounded too good to be true. “And... if I help you, I will be in control. You won’t take control anymore?”

Not as much. Only rarely. When it would be too dangerous for you.

That was not reassuring. But he didn’t really have much of a choice. This way he would know what was happening. He could see. He wouldn’t find his body somewhere strange with someone’s blood on his hands. Reluctantly, he found himself bending to the pressure of compromise.

Choose your battles, Spaniard. One day you will realise that I am not who you need to fight.

He heaved a heavy and impatient sigh. "Just... tell me what you want me to do."