With help from Ava's memory database, Vezaias reconfigured the base's security. Everyone was now on lockdown and not allowed to leave unless Vezaias granted the request. This was mostly for Ava's situation, but also to make sure Zexich would cooperate, which for the most part he was. Ava was now going through withdrawals after his stash from his bedroom was confiscated and Zexich was forbidden to give him so much as a Tylenol. Ava was now being medically cared for because of his severe withdrawal symptoms, which included; muscle spasms and aches, loss of appetite, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, aggression and hostility. It was so bad in fact Zexich had to request that he be strapped to the bed until the worst was over. It was now only some very aggressive mood swings because he did not want to be held hostage yet again. Zexich had very little time to work on recreating anyone while he got Ava's situation under control but he had made enough progress to complete his next recreation if only he could make the time to spend on finishing.

  Remington however was getting better. His pain was subsiding everyday and he was staying awake longer, eating meals with help, and even getting up to walk around with guidance. His physical improvements did not help him feel better about being blind though. He was very depressed and only doing what he was told because if he resisted it would only cause trouble. Ephraim was by his side constantly helping him do everything he needed help with. Neither of them interacted with Lux who seemed to be missing if not for Vezaias's reassurance that Lux was fine but preferred to be in his bedroom so he could smoke his cigarettes. Approximately three days had passed since the battle that ended the lives of most of the base members. Remington was now free to leave the infirmary and Zexich had removed his IV. He wanted to reassure Remington that he would be able to fix his eyesight to cheer him up but Vezaias had instructed him not to tell Remington about the plan to recreate him until Vezaias was ready to tell him, same went for Ephraim. Remington pulled on his shoes, tying them took longer without seeing what he was doing.

  “Are you ready?” Ephraim's voice popped up beside him.

  “Mm, sure.” Remington said softly.

  “Where too? I don't know my way around this place yet.” Ephraim said. Remington pulled out his keycard.

  “I'm not sure. I want to go and find Lux. I haven't heard from him in days, and I want to find Vezaias. I don't know where he is.” Remington said meekly.

  “Lux is in his room, and Vee is in the office.” Ava groaned. “If you see my brother tell him I demand to be free!” Ava huffed.

  “Yes Ava, I'll be sure to make demands for you.” Ephraim said amusingly.

  “Shut up you stupid ghost!” Ava snapped angrily from his spot tied to the bed. Ephraim scowled at him then turned to Remington.

  “Where too first?” He asked.

  “Look for the option that says Lux's Room, then tap it.” Remington said. A portal opened and Ephraim took Remington through. Ephraim would immediately see the room was like a crime scene and spattered with blood stains. He tried not to react. Lux was laying on the bed with his back towards them. He seemed to flinch as they entered and put the pillow over his head.

  “You're early. I'm not ready for this!” Lux yelped under the pillow.

  “Lux?” Ephraim said meekly.

  “Oh…it's you Ephraim. Sorry, I thought you were Vezaias.” He sighed and uncovered his head. Remington couldn't see but he could smell the old blood mixed into the stench of cigarettes.

  “Are you alright Lux?” Remington asked. He then heard an urgent fumbling and footsteps then Lux smashed into him hugging him tightly.

  “Remington!” He began to cry. “I was so worried about you! I missed you so much!” Remington staggered but quickly welcomed and returned the hug. “I've just been completely lost without you! My routine is all screwed up. All I do is lay here sinking and thinking about you and about when Vezaias is going to show up and take another meal!” Lux was shaking and crying uncontrollably.

  “Oh Lux….” Ephraim said. Remington caught his tone as if he was devastated by something. “….this looks horrible. Maybe you should see the doctor.” Ephraim continued.

  “What is horrible?” Remington was suddenly anxious.

  “Pfff the doctor? I'm sure that will solve the whole fucking situation!” Lux snapped angrily, while jerking out of Remington's arms.

  “Lux you could get an infection.” Ephraim pleaded him.

  “A fucking infection is the last thing that I am worried about!” Lux shouted frantically.

  “What can Ephraim see that I cannot?!” Remington shouted, cutting them both off. It got quiet.

  “You know what, nevermind. Neither of you can help me. Just leave me alone alright?” Lux said seriously.

  “Lux…” Ephraim said softly. Remington was used to Ephraim showing him the way, but he shakily stepped forward towards Lux's labored gasps and reached until he felt bare skin then running his hand up feeling around until he came to the shoulder where the skin was shredded like ground beef. Remington cringed as he felt more and more area of gnawed skin. His neck, around his shoulders, down his arms, across his back. He pulled Lux in for another hug. They sank to the ground and Remington held him as he cried and shook like a leaf. Remington continued to find disturbing things. Fingers that were still growing back, skin that was missing, sore spots that made Lux cry harder. Eventually Lux was unconscious after over exertion. He let Lux sleep in his arms while Ephraim sat close by.

  “He's going to end up dying.” Remington said. It was only the truth but it made Ephraim angry.

  “He can't just die! Why would Vezaias do that to him!” Ephraim snapped emotionally.

  “I want to help him too, but there really isn't anything we can do.” Remington said. They were quiet. They both knew there was only one way to give Lux a break from this torture. Just then a portal opened.

  “Oh my, all of you here at once? How delightful.” Vezaias's smooth voice cooed.

  “We just wanted to check on Lux. He is in pretty bad shape.” Ephraim said quickly.

  “I like my meat tenderized.” Vezaias chuckled amusingly. Ephraim scowled at him but was quiet. “Ah sorry. Maybe you two should go. It's not going to be a pleasant dinner to watch.” Vezaias pressed.

  “You haven't been letting him heal long enough! His body is shredded, he is exhausted! He needs more time to heal and someone to take energy from!” Ephraim demanded. Vezaias frowned at him.

  “Are you volunteering?” Vezaias asked impatiently.

  “Fine, yes!” Ephraim said firmly.

  “Have it your way then. Take Remington to the kitchen and come back.” Vezaias said seriously. Ephraim got up and pulled Remington through a portal. He helped him into a chair.

  “I will stay with Lux and make sure he heals better. You wait here. I'm sure Vezaias will find you when he is done.” Remington nodded.

  “Thanks Eph, for helping him.” Remington said. “Tell him that I miss him too.”

  “I will.” Ephraim returned to the bedroom where Vezaias had already scooped Lux up from the ground and laid him on the bed. Ephraim had no idea what he was walking into as he entered and saw Vezaias on top of Lux nuzzling him harshly and exposing what he wanted Lux finally woke when a sudden thrust choked a scream out of him.

  “Take it you dirty slut!” Vezaias panted as the sound of his body slapping against Lux's got louder and faster. “Show Eph what a dirty slut you are!”

  “AHH fuck I'm taking it! AHH HAHHH HAHH NGGAHH please Vezaias I can't take it anymore! AHHH FUCK AHHHH MPFF HAAHH SHIT!!!” Lux was screaming. It was hard to tell if he was enjoying it or if he was being assaulted. Ephraim backed into the door and sunk to the ground then covered his mouth with his hands as the violence got worse. Just as things were finished for Lux Vezaias sank his teeth in and began ripping flesh from the bone. He started at the meatiest part of the hand and ate like it was a chicken leg at a ravenous pace. Lux screamed more.

  “Please just cut it off! Please don't leave it attached! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!” This was unbearable Ephraim turned away not able to look and shutting his ears as the screaming was ear-piercing. “I TOLD YOU CANNOT HANDLE THIS! I TOLD YOU I COULDN'T DO IT PLEASE STOP IT!!!” Only a moment later Lux was unconscious again. Vezaias continued to eat until he knew he was threatening Lux's life then he stopped and with a quick wack, took the whole arm off.

  “Shit, wake up!” Vezaias nudged him. He turned to Ephraim who was cowering on the floor.

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  “Wake him up or he's going to bleed to death.” Vezaias ordered. He continued to eat flesh from the severed arm. Ephraim was shaking and feeling lightheaded from the gruesome situation but scrambled to the blood soaked bed and scooped Lux up and tried urgently to wake him. Vezaias watched him closely.

  “Lux! Please wake up! Lux! Take my energy and heal yourself! Lux! Hey!” Ephraim was nearly panicking. Lux was not waking up. “WAKE UP!”

  “Heh, looks like he's run his course. Think I'll keep eating then, wouldn't want to waist the nutrition.” Vezaias amused. Ephraim was suddenly angry and cocked his fist back and swung as hard as he could as Vezaias leaned in to grab for Lux's body, and smashed him in the jaw. Immediately he knew that was a mistake, and not because of Vezaias's reaction but the audible POP his fist made. He retracted his fist into his side in pain but too angry to acknowledge how much it hurt.

  “AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE RESPECTING YOUR FOOD SOURCE!!!” Ephraim yelled angrily. Vezaias stood up and glared at him seriously. The punch obviously didn't faze him in the slightest.

  “Why would to you do that, are you fucking stupid Eph?” Vezaias said seriously.

  “Maybe I am stupid! But I am not going to sit around and do nothing when you are running him ragged and he cannot keep up with the torture you are putting him through! You have to respect him!” Ephraim shouted at Vezaias. Lux jerked a bit in his arms and began to cry out of pain. Ephraim shifted his attention to Lux who was waking and gasping in agony. The good thing was, his bloody shoulder was now slowly reforming and growing a new arm.

  “Lux! I'm here with you! Take some energy from me! It will help!” Ephraim pleaded him. Lux looked incoherent with glazed eyes and didn't seem to acknowledge the offer.

  “Lux!!” Ephraim gave him a shake. Lux cringed then tried to relax and let his body flare up like a sparkler. Ephraim jolted in pain but forced himself to stifle his painful reaction. Lux's arm began to regenerate quickly. Lux stopped absorbing just before his arm with fully grown and Ephraim immediately collapsed into the bed. Lux, now feeling energetic shifted and twisted then scooping Ephraim into his arms.

  “Ephraim!! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to take so much!” Lux held him. Vezaias turned to leave.

  “Wait!” Lux shouted. Vezaias paused.

  “Is this helping you?! Am I helping you?! Is this part of your fucking plan?!” Lux shouted angrily. Vezaias stood quietly with his back turned. “Are we suffering for a good fucking reason?!” Lux screamed. Vezaias turned slowly looking unhappy and then possibly hurt keeping his eyes directed to the floor.

  “When he gets hungry I feel it too and it starts to feel like there is a predator inside of me that no amount of human food will satisfy. That's why when he feeds it's like an rabid animal attack. I have to step away, and hide inside myself, but no matter how deep I go, I can still taste the human flesh on my tongue, the metallic taste of your blood, the flavor of your human soul. If I had to add the number of human casualties he would cause on top of that, while remembering how satisfying it was to feed off of them, and how each soul that I taste is unique in flavor, I think…..” Vezaias paused. He lifted his eyes to look at Lux slowly with tears sliding down his cheeks. “…maybe I won't be strong enough to stand my ground with this bastard. I will give up and let him overpower me and take over, then let him wreak havoc on humanity. It is very overwhelming. Do you think I am okay with what is happening? Me? Vezaias? Not him….but me Lux. The me that is your friend. The me that loves you….” Vezaias was crying more now. He looked so much softer, more human, than while he was feeding. “I am sorry to expect so much help. I know it's an incredible burden on you.” Vezaias said softly. He wiped his tears and left.

  Remington tried to remember what the bottles of water were shaped like compared to the bottles of tea. The tea was larger with a wide mouth, slightly heavier. This had to be tea. He really wanted the calories. He shut the refrigerator and opened the tea and drank it. 'I won't be completely helpless.’ he told himself as he felt his hand to the counter beside the refrigerator. He knew the pantry was to the left a ways, a big tall cabinet that would be stocked with ramen. He had been actively avoiding eating ramen because he had spent so many years only eating ramen, that he thought eliminating ramen from his diet would benefit him by opening him up to figuring out what other foods he could like. Ramen, however, was the only easy thing he had any confidence in trying to make for himself. He slid his hand over the counter until he felt the large cabinet then fumbling with the door and realizing he wouldn't be able to pick what flavor he wanted, unless he could guess by the packaging. The spicy ramens was in larger, rounder containers. Maruchan ramens had a cardboard box around the outside. There were other kinds in plastic packaging but he would need to cook those in a sauce pot and it was best not to attempt this yet. He picked a Maruchan hoping it wasn't one of the spicy kinds. He ripped open the package and remembering the directions; ‘fill to line with hot water let set for three minutes'. He pealed back the lid and felt the counter remembering which direction the sink was in and counting the steps along the perimeter to the sink. He ran the water used his finger as a guide at approximately where the fill line would be, then he counted steps until he found the microwave. He traced his fingers over the buttons feeling lucky that the microwave had protruding numbers. The single button at the bottom was zero then up a row to the right was nine, eight, seven, up a row six, five, four, up a row three, two, one. He pressed the three and the microwave came to life. He waited and counted making sure he didn't accidentally press too long of a cook time but after approximately three minutes the microwave powered down. He felt proud of himself for cooking his own meal and carefully removed the hot cup. 'I won't be completely helpless.’ he told himself again as he felt the counter looking for the drawer with chopsticks. He found a pair and then turned to walk toward the direction of the table. He held out his hand hoping to find the table but after some awkward roaming he was able to sit in a chair and place his ramen on the table to wait for it to cool. He could smell the aroma of the broth which made him eager to eat his well earned meal. It must have been a curry flavor. Not his favorite but he wasn't about to give up on feeding himself now. He dipped his chopsticks into the cup hoping to pull out a bite, feeling by weight how much noodles he was able to scoop. He could feel the heat from the cup rising, possibly steam wafting up then deciding to blow on the noodles before leaning in and slurping a mouthful of his noodles and sucking them down quickly. It was definitely curry. No matter, he continued to eat. So far Ephraim had helped him with every meal, so eating seemed like a sloppy mess but he was so hungry it didn't matter. There was a whooshing sound. It was obvious who it was without even listening to the heavy boot clicks against the linoleum floor. The footsteps approached then stopped beside him.

  “Zay..” Remington said softly.

  “You made ramen.” It was an observation.

  “I was hungry.” Remington said.

  “Mm, so was I.” It sounded vicious. Remington paused, looking unhappy. “You could have waited, I would have made you…”

  “I don't want to be a burden or helpless.” Remington cut over him.

  “Hmph.” Vezaias hummed. There was a sliding sound of the chair against the floor. Vezaias must have sat down. Remington could smell the blood now. It made his stomach turn. He set his chopsticks down and was quiet.

  “How are you feeling?” Vezaias asked. Remington tried to ignore the turmoil he felt over the blood smell and perked up to the attention.

  “My face still hurts, but not as bad as before. I catch myself expecting to see at times like turning to look as if I've just been keeping my eyes closed or something.” Remington sighed. It was quiet. It made Remington feel anxious not being able to see anyone's facial expressions which he used to rely on so much before. He was wondering what Vezaias was feeling, and how he looked at the very moment.

  “I want to cheer you up. You look unhappy. What can I do?” Vezaias said softly. This helped Remington feel better. Vezaias was concerned. He considered what to say now. What would cheer him up? Then he decided.

  “I want to go to reality.” Remington said. Silence. He was anxious again.

  “I don't know Rem. Is there anything else that will…”

  “Please! It's what I really want!” Remington said urgently. “Take me to reality!” He heard Vezaias take a deep breath and sigh.

  “Rem, I would love to take you. The problem is….” He paused. “…..well since I've unleashed the demon, I haven't been back to reality or been around humans other than my family. I'm not sure if I trust myself around that much nutrition.” Vezaias said seriously. Remington stopped to consider this. Maybe it really wasn't a good idea.

  “Okay…..I understand.” Remington said unhappily. It was quiet. His anxiety increased. Vezaias sighed again.

  “Why do you have to make that cute pouty face! Fine, I will take you to reality.” Vezaias said smoothly. Remington felt his cheeks flush.

  “You don't have to! Not if it's too risky!” Remington jolted.

  “No Rem, it will be fine. I will just have to shift to my human body. It will make it easier to resist the nutrition around me. Plus I don't think people would be okay with what I look like right now.” Vezaias said nonchalantly. Remington frowned. “You are making that unhappy face again. I'm sorry, I know I look horrible and people won't…”

  “No, it's not that at all! I just…..I’m fine with what you look like now but…..I cant see you. I want to see you!” Remington started to suppress his crying unsuccessfully. Suddenly he heard the chair move and strong arms wrap around him. It was startling but he quickly buried his face into Vezaias's cold silky skin and cried. Of course crying was painful, this only made him jerk in pain and cry more.

  “Easy Rem shhh…..chill…..you’re hurting yourself.” Vezaias soothed him.

  “I'm sorry! I was trying not to cry! It's so painful! But not nearly as much as knowing I'll never see you again!” Remington sobbed. Vezaias rubbed his back and squeezed him tightly.

  “Rem, do you honestly believe I would let that happen? Chill, just trust me and be patient alright?” Vezaias said smoothly. Vezaias had already considered his eyesight? He had a plan? Remington calmed down in his arms.

  “Now let's get going to reality before it gets too late.” Vezaias said. Vezaias made sure to check that everything at the base was secure before leaving. Next he took a long moment to shift out of his demon form. It was rough for him as his body powered down and shrank, his skin turned back to normal, his wings shed to the ground and his eyes changed back to their natural gold color.

  “Gahhhh!” He yelped, hugging himself and sinking to the ground. Remington was alarmed and not able to see how serious the situation was and felt around blindly until he caught Vezaias's shoulder. He quickly hugged him.

  “Are you alright?!” He was panicking.

  “Ughhh, it just feels so weird, and my muscles feel wrecked…” Vezaias puffed painfully.

  “Maybe we shouldn't go!” Remington was nearly in tears now.

  “Relax Rem. I'm okay. I don't want to switch to human for no reason.” Vezaias said softly.

  “Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked, now you lost your demon form!” Remington pouted.

  “You are so cute when you make that face.” Vezaias cooed then leaned in and kissed him. It caught him off guard and he blushed brightly. “Don't worry, switching back won't be nearly as difficult. I haven't lost anything. It’s in storage.”

  “Okay. If you are sure this is alright.” Remington said with a dreamy sigh. Vezaias chuckled at him in amusement. He took Remington through a portal and to Demetri's old house. It was nearly empty and all the lights were shut off.

  “Well nobody is here, they must have finished moving. Let's go to their new house.” Vezaias said. He took Remington's hand and walked him through another portal. They arrived at the front door and Vezaias knocked, then pulled Remington close and put his arm around his shoulders.