The Dark Awakening

Berryswainer awoke early, he couldn't sleep much, as his dreams wouldn't let him. He yawned and stood, his mane now permanently flat, but he didn't mind. He liked the new style. He got dressed and went downstairs for something to eat, but then he noticed a note from Elusive. He opened it and read:

“Dear Bubble Berry,

I would like to invite you to my boutique. I know things have been a bit strained between us lately, so I wanted to see if we could talk some things over. I have something I want to show you, and I hope you've something to show me as well. If you wish to, I shall have my doors unlocked shortly after dawn, and I've informed all of my clients that I am taking a short break from work, so we will have neither distraction nor worry.

Yours truly,

Elusive”

Berryswainer smiled, he put the note in his pocket and grabbed the knife he now took everywhere, twirling it as he walked to the Carousel Boutique, interested to see what Elusive had in store for him, and wondering what he himself had in store for Elusive.

Elusive was taking deep breaths as he readied, unsure how long it would be before Bubble Berry showed up. He had the book out in the open, practically beaming towards the entrance to his store. He hoped that would be enough to start things off. He had the whole first few minutes planned out in his mind. He would open the door, Bubble would notice the book and smirk. There would be a short moment of silence as Bubble would turn around an--

Elusive was brought back from his thoughts by a knock at the door. He was surprised at first, his first thoughts being that he shouldn't have a client so early, but soon remembered the only pony that would be knocking on the door today would be the one he was waiting on. As he looked through the peep hole, he smiled, as he was not disappointed.

He opened the door and examined Bubble's new appearance with interest “Hello Bubble Dar-”

He was cut off by Bubble raising his finger and saying softly “It's Berryswainer now. I decided to use my real name. Berryswainer Amadeus Bubble.”

Elusive nodded. “Alright....Berryswainer.”

He smiled and Berry noticed the book floating in air “What's that? Did you invite me over just to read to me?”

“Hmm?” Elusive looked to the book and chuckled inwardly. “Oh, no Bu- Berryswainer. Though, I must say, I found it such a delightful read I couldn't put it down all night.” He smiled and closed the book, the title now easily legible. He closed the door behind Berryswainer and locked it. “I was, however, hoping to get your opinion on it.”

Berryswainer nodded as he looked at the title, intrigued. “Alright Elusive, i'll skim a bit and tell you what I think.” He picked up the book and flipped through the pages an interested look on his face. “Hmmm. Quiet the interesting read. But it's not really my thing. Got any books about hurting other ponies instead of being hurt by them? That's more my speed.” He smirked in a playful manner.

Elusive smirked as well as he stepped closer to Berryswainer. “Well, I apologize for the lack of fitting literature, but I don't believe such a book is quite my speed.” Elusive was planning to bait Berryswainer into a short, very one-ended brawl, but a glint from something caught his eyes, stopping him a few steps away. He thought for a moment it may have been just his imagination, but it took only one moment more before his imagination was what he'd hoped was right as he raised his eyes with a more defiant smirk than before.

Berryswainer looked confused “What?” He traced Elusive's gaze and saw the knife glinting from his pocket, which he pulled out and started playing with “I see you like my toy.” He took a step forward, the blade pointed at Elusive as his heartbeat quickened, not daring, not hoping, to even imagine the rout e this course of action might take.

Elusive's breathing became less controlled as his heartbeat sped. He saw the knife in full view and then the look in his friend's eyes. His imagination whirred for a few moments before his smirk vanished, replaced by a calm smile. “Oh, I believe you misunderstand. I don't simply 'like' things, darling. I love them.” With that he covered all but a few inches of the remaining space between them, letting his arms rest behind him, his posture as open as he could comfortably be while standing, his stare still defiant. His eyes still daring his friend to let go, to let this unfurl.

Berryswainer grabbed his friend by the throat, grinning as he traced the knife over his cheek “This is my favorite toy, so I love it too. Why don't I show you how to play with it?” His smile became sadistic as he chuckled, tracing the blade over Elusive's cheek, the tip penetrating skin and carving a shallow heart into his flesh. With this symbol, the last vestiges of doubt, and possibly sanity, were expunged from Berryswainer, committing him to his new identity without a regret as the sight of blood made him sharply intake his breath in anticipation, licking his lips as he salivated at the thought of tasting the warm, crimson, salty, and probably delicious liquid.

The feeling of the steel knife slicing his cheek was like something Elusive had never felt before. Sure, he'd made many a mistake when sewing, pricking himself, nicking his hands or his arm, even slicing his finger open while preparing a meal, but never did it feel like this, never had it felt so good. He tried to hold back his response physically and looked to see the expression on his friend before feeling the blood trickling from his new wound. He smirked as he could hardly help his response, though you could hardly say he tried to either. “Not to be rude, but I believe I always told you how much I hate getting my suit messy. You aren't about to let it get stained, now are you?”

Berryswainer grinned with a mischievous idea at his friends words. He bent close, whispering as he licked the wound, the blood tasting as good as he had imagined. “Of course not dear Elusive. Though, your going to be bleeding a lot more, so it might be a good idea to divest yourself of anything you wish to stay clean.” Elusive blushed and grinned, happy with the way things had turned out as he magically closed all the windows, enveloping them in the embrace of perfect darkness, and ensuring no prying eyes would see them. Oh yes, this was a fun day indeed.

Berryswainer's diary- Today was...wow...just..just wow. I don't have any other words for it. Is this how love feels like? When you want to carve your name into somepony's flesh, to make them carry a heart on their skin forever as a reminder of you? To want to be a part of them...forever? It's how I feel about Elusive....We have so much fun together, I was dissapointed when I had to return home, but we promised to do it again sometimes. In the meantime, I need to find....supplies. - Berryswainer Amadeus Bubble

Elusive's Diary-

Journal entry #240

Words simply cannot express this day. I finally owned up to what I am, and, I must say, it was glorious! I've never felt so alive in my life. The first cut was amazing, but then it just got better. I found some rope for him, but tangled it a bit so I'd have time to undress. I know it irritated him a little, but even I had to have a little fun. I think he noticed I'd done it when I laughed... He made sure to make up for the time lost. I'm not complaining a bit. The first thing he did after he tied me up was ask if I had anything I wanted to try. I haven't the slightest clue why, but I asked for him to hit me. He was a bit confused, so I told him to 'refresh' my blackened eye. He gave that devilish grin of his and gave me what I asked for. It still stings, and I love it. I do kind of wish I could've had a chance to start that 'fight' though. I must say the hit was quite dry without the rush from before. Again though, not that I'm complaining. I certainly felt much more force with this one. He didn't hold back a bit. Should I feel so aroused by the thought of him beating me senseless? Does it matter? Why do I care? If he does, I won't complain. I won't  resist. If he doesn't, I'm sure it's just to make sure I'm awake for whatever else he has plans. I think I'll have to have him back over soon. Oh, maybe I can teach him to stitch. That way if he cuts too deep he can make sure I don't bleed out. I wonder if he'll make it painful. Maybe he can cut deep just to stitch me up? Too many ideas, too little time. I need to go clean up my blood anyways. Maybe try to stop the bleeding. I can't have my bed sullied, afterall.~ Elus- Lil' Sir Elusive