Before Read

Hello. Here is CupiGest.

Fist of all, please donate to the Nifty Archive, so you can continue to enjoy these stories: https:/www.donate.nifty.org/donate

Second, this story as, in fact, a kind of fanfiction of two other stories:

https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/cupid-inc/

https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/saint-valentino/

Both stories inspired me to do a fic, re-imagined how a magical girl(Mahō shōjo) or, in this case, magical boy. The original author, Zuke, give me permission to publish that story, so check he works too.

This story is a mere work of fiction. Any resemblance with real life is mere coincidence.

This work is for adult audience only. If you are underage or are offended by this type of content, please do not read.

This story will show underage characters having sexual interactions with each other. If this content is type of content offend you or is illegal in our region, please don't read.

Notes from chapter

Darkness in the heart

After relieving his pent-up sexual tension, Vic was now more perceptive and his powers were back. Now he could find out what the relationship between Zacky and Davis really was. He just needed to wait a few days until they were back to doing sexual escapades in school.

The waiting paid off. They had gone to the washroom, but Vic was faster and hid himself in the stalls again. This time he would not be affected by their sex.

They started their antics. The lust was very noticeable but didn't get Vic excited. Relieving himself had worked. Now all was crystal clear to Vic.

"All right. I know something is fishy about you two. Something doesn't feel right, and I'll find out what it is. Let me see... Lust. Well, they both have that. Wait ... I feel ... well, I don't actually feel anything from Zacky! Dammit. There's something I don't know. I need more info."

Vic's thoughts were interrupted by a cry of pleasure from Davis as he hit his climax. That was fast.

"You're naughtier today," said Davis. "You didn't go for my dick right away."

"You don't want a blowjob?" Zacky asked.

"No, I want one! I mean..."

"So why not? You can beat me always you want. You know I'll do anything for you. I just need you to do something for me."

"I..."

"Come on!" Zacky urged. "Your slut is thirsty, and you're the only one who knows how he likes it."

Vic was surprised; he could not see how this had happened. Zacky was much more bossy than he expected. But it made some sense, Davis talking like Zacky wanted to be treated harshly.

"So the true domineering one is Zacky. I feel this is a very important fact. But now... why can I feel Davis but not Zacky?"

-//-

The pair didn't have any sexual escapades for the next few days. That was good, because Vic needed a break.

A chance for spying on Zacky came few days later in P.E. class. They both were a team in an exercise. Zacky was very secretive. After all, he and Vic weren't friends. They worked alright together, but that was all. But it let Vic get physically closer to Zacky at the right time.

After class, while Vic and the other students where changing, some boys approached Zacky. Together they went to the far end of the locker room, but still was close enough that Vic could listen.

"Hey, Zacky, is that jock still in your hand?"

"Of course."

"You're sure he'll come around?"

"I'm still working on that, but for all intents and purposes he's in my hand. I just need to press the right buttons."

They exited the changing room, and Vic didn't hear anything more. But what he had heard was enough. Zacky was pretending to be submissive to trick Davis. It was a clever trick, too: Davis felt he was in control, but reality was the opposite. Zacky probably could ask anything of Davis. And judging by his reaction the last time, Davis would do anything for Zacky.

Also, Vic felt Zacky's true colors. It was like walking into a room filled with Zackys, all of them watching you. Vic didn't know what that feeling was, but Custard probably did. And Vic was sure of two things: Zacky was not a good guy, and Davis was in serious trouble.

-//-

The next day at recess, Vic was sitting in the school's playground, a bit depressed. According to Custard, Zacky must be a narcissist. Vic thought it was all the reason he needed to act, but Custard restrained him.

"Narcissists aren't just big assholes. Lots of them have genuine suffering because of their condition. I'm not saying you shouldn't do anything about Zacky, but you can't treat him like an enemy. Not for now, at least."

It limited Vic's options a lot. What Zacky was planning was probably not good and Vic could not figure out how to go about fixing it. Confronting Zacky or warning Davis did not appear to be viable options. Zacky would know why Vic was suddenly interested in him, and Davis was always aggressive towards Vic.

The less bad option was watching them until he discovered what Zacky really wanted.

"This plan sucks, but it's all I have right now. I don't think it will be wise to plant the idea of toning down Davis's lust. This is not his fault; he's a victim. And Zacky is a creep. And I still can't figure out what was missing the last time they got together in the washroom. It's something not even Custard can figure out."

There had to be a better way. But what was it?

Out of the corner of his eye Vic saw Davis alone in the other corner of the patio. He seemed lonely, and sad because of that. An idea clicked in Vic's mind. Instead of warning him with urgency, Vic could make an effort to hang out with him.

After a deep breath, Vic approached him. He felt nervous but also felt it was necessary. Davis saw Vic coming and made an angry face. But the fat boy made his move first.

"Do you want to have sex with me?"

It was a really unconventional opening line, and it caught Davis off guard. "What?"

"I said, do you want to have sex with me?"

"What type of question is that, faggot?"

"If I understand correctly, you and Zacky do more or less the same thing. So why don't we do the same too? Just so you don't hit me."

"This is ridiculous," said Davis. "Why you want to do it with me?"

"Uh, actually, I don't. I just want to hang around with you a little."

"Why?"

"Well, to help stop you from doing something stupid."

Hearing that almost made Davis angry. But this strange boy was brave, and he respected that. And having someone to talk to was rare. Davis calmed down and pretended that Vic was not there.

One barrier down. Now, how could Vic make Davis open up a little? What did they have in common?

"Can I ask you something?" said Vic. "How do you make your body so sharp? We're almost the same shape, but you're strong, and I'm just... this."

"I work on it, fatty! And you? What type of trouble do you think I'm going to do?"

"Well... messing around in the bathroom is a thing. And forcing Zacky to do it, also."

"I don't force him. He does it because he wants to! And why do you care? It's not your problem."

"Well, maybe because I don't have anything else to do, or maybe I like doing it. And I care."

"What?"

They were interrupted by a ringing bell. Recess was over, and Vic left to go inside. Davis was upset at the cliffhanger; he really wanted to know what Vic was talking about.

Vic had not planned this on purpose, but it worked. Davis was now engaged with Vic. And Vic would know that he'd received a little touch from the dice of destiny.

-//-

The next day at recess, Davis almost ditched a quicky with Zacky to talk with Vic. But he loved doing it with Zacky, too. It consumed some precious time, but at least his horny desires were satisfied.

He found Vic seated in the swing, playing with his flip-flops with his toes. That was cute.

"Hello Davis. What's up?"

"Look faggot, can we restart from where we stopped yesterday?"

"Yes, but with a condition. I have a name, you know. Calling me `faggot' doesn't make you badass or make me fear you. It just makes you look silly."

Davis did not like Vic's condition. Just who did Vic think he was? But Davis really wanted to know if Vic really had anything to do, or had something he might like.

"All right. Victor Passion, right?"

"Paixão. Please, I learned your language. At least don't disrespect mine."

"Oh, sorry. So Paixão... do you have anything you want to do?"

"Sit."

Vic briefly explained his story and a little about his family. Of course, he didn't speak about his powers, or Custard or the Misitos. He also didn't mention his suicide attempt. He spoke about Berto, and although Davis did not realize Vic was referring to the same Berto from their school, he suspected it.

"Wow, Paixão, that was quite the story. Really. How did your parents change their ways?"

"I don't know. A miracle, maybe?"

"And you really don't know how to have a... normal life?"

"Just a little," said Vic. "Well, my turn. What about you and Zacky? I mean, you two have been doing some naughty things here at school, but is it just that? You don't get any ... strange feelings?"

"Strange feelings? No. Well, if you want to know, Zacky always was like that. We've been friends for a long time. Well, we sort of split up for a bit last year, but we're now friends again."

"What happened?"

"He got a chance to study in a fancy school for super gifted kids. He deserved it--he's so smart. But it was expensive, so he came back this year. He was sad, of course. Me and others tried to cheer him up. And then, well, he opened his desires to me and... well, that happened."

"And you're not gay? It sounds like what you're describing is a love story."

"I don't want it to be that," said Davis.

Vic thought briefly before responding. "I see. I don't want to judge you, but being homophobic doesn't help. I used to think you were just a bruiser jock who plays football and bullies the nerds. But you're not. We have things in common: we're large guys without friends."

Hearing that made Davis shiver a little. That boy was right. Except for Zacky, nobody hung out with him. And yet, nobody hated him either. To now, he had never complained about being alone, but now ... he felt some contact.

"My turn. Do you try to catch me and Zacky, you know... messing around?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because I think you do. Really, really think."

"Well... yes. I'm curious. The first time was a coincidence, an accident. But I didn't resist and..."

"Enough. I believe you. So my guts did it again."

"What?"

"They seem to be telling me you have some sort of magical power."

"Really?"

"No, just kidding." Davis obviously wanted to change the subject. "Now the real question. Are you really gay? You really do the things the rumors talk about?"

But before Vic could answer, recess was over.

Davis didn't want to admit it, but he was interested in that boy. And Vic, actually, was seeing a spark of friendship with Davis. He seemed like a good boy. Better than that, he found out something new. The fact Zacky was in a super gifted school sounded important. Vic decided he would do some research into Zacky's activities.

-//-

The next day, Davis ditched Zacky; conversation with Vic was much more interesting. He didn't like that their last topic had ended in cliffhanger.

Vic was in the same place, stretching a little.

"Hi Paixão."

"Please, call me Vic."

"All right... Vic... clever. All right, answer the last question."

"Ah, yes... well, I am. But I don't do any of those things."

Vic explained his story a little. About how he met Berto. That day in school, how he discovered Vic's sexuality. Their friendship and intimate moments. His nickname, given to him by Berto. But he didn't tell about the crush he had on Berto. Then he explained what his parents did.

That made Davis nervous. Because of the actions of Vic's parents, Berto now had a profound hatred for Vic, which was why he had spread the rumors.

"Your parents got him expelled? That's horrible. Yet you say they're cool now? Not bigots?"

"Berto's hate is strong. He'll never accept an apology."

"And his parents?"

"Infinitely worse than mine were. Berto doesn't hide who he is, and is rather proud of it."

"Now that you mention it, I think I know this guy. He is one screwed-up homo."

"But his parents don't know just how messed up he is. Berto wasn't just expelled from school, but from the closet as well. And now his life is hell."

Davis tried to say something but could not. Even he could feel Vic's suffering, and although not quite as smart as most people in the school, he realized something.

"You love him, don't you?"

"Yeah. I have a crush on him."

"So why not tell him your side of the story?"

"He hates me."

"But it's not your fault. Do you want him?"

"I think I already answered that question."

Davis was upset. Not because Vic didn't answer his last question, but by his attitude. It was frustrating, and he could feel Vic's cowardice. He felt like he wanted badly to beat some sense into him. But he could not--Vic didn't deserve it.

And now Davis was upset with himself. In his guts felt a strange sense of connection with Vic. He had just talked with him for two, maybe three, days in a silly game and now... he was a friend.

Angry with himself, Davis just stood up to walk away. Vic, however, grabbed his arm. He was serious, and he knew Davis would not like hearing what he had to say.

"Davis. I hang with you these days because I want to warn you about something. I know you can be violent, so I needed to gain your trust. Dammit, I hate to do this, but... Zacky is lying to you."

"What?"

Vic freed Davis' hand. "I overheard him talking with some cronies. His submissive kink is an act to make you think that you have control. He'll probably will ask you to do something bad. Davis... I'm not as close to you as I'd like to be, but--" He stopped briefly, searching for words. "You really are a good guy."

Before Vic could leave, Davis stopped him. "Why should I believe you?"

"Well, I don't really have a good reason for you to believe me ..."

"Is that why you were trying spy on me and Zacky? Not just curiosity?"

"It was--at first. That first time was an accident. But even then I felt something really toxic about you two."

"How?"

"Like you said earlier--magic powers."

Davis let him go and ended the conversation. He was upset about Vic's hidden agenda, but... he concluded Vic had done it with good intentions. And if he had wanted to do something nasty against Davis, he certainly had plenty of chances before now.

Davis went quiet and stayed in the patio until recess was over. He started to think.

-//-

Davis passed the next few days without talking to Zacky or Vic. To his surprise he didn't miss his sexual adventures with Zacky. But he missed Vic. Somehow, Vic's presence was something Davis never gave much value to. And now he was alone.

He had never cared about being alone... until he had the pleasure of Vic's company. Davis would have been a fool if he hadn't realized that. Zacky... he was just for fun. Good fun, yes, but he missed the fun. He didn't want to admit it. But he also wanted to bond with Vic some more.

As for Vic, Davis was still upset with his attitude. Why not try to apologize? If he really loved Berto, why not fight for him? And why did Davis care about it?

Trying to improve his mood, after school ended for the day Davis went looking for Zacky. He had no intention of confronting Zacky with Vic's charges. After all, he had no reason to believe what Vic had told him.

"Davis?"

It was Zacky. He scared Davis a little, but he didn't cry out.

"Hi, Zacky! Can I help you?"

"Are you okay?"

"Just much fuss in my head."

"I see. Well, so, I think we..."

"What? You want sex, right? Can we... just do this straight?"

"Excuse me?"

"No games. Just sex."

"Of course. Top floor."

Why did Davis feel something amiss? His stupid guts were hitting him again. "This can't be," he thought.

The top floor of school building had some classrooms, fewer than the other floors, a washroom, and a janitor's closet. It was most empty, even during classes, so boys would go there during recess or ditch class to mess around. And right now all the students were going home, so no-one would notice them there.

Davis was reluctant to go with Zacky. He may not have believed everything Vic had told him, but Vic really had planted a seed of doubt in him.

"Zacky, can we talk?"

"Of course."

"You've always been my friend. But this last year... we're just messing around. It's not the same thing."

"You don't like it?"

"Yes, I like."

"I always have your interests in mind," said Zacky. "And you do all my wishes without thinking. Being like me is hard, you know?"

"Like you? You mean, smart?"

"Gifted. It puts a lot of pressure on you to always be the best. This way I get to have some relief. And it's why I ask you to be harsh with me. Most people are polite and seem to be afraid of me, and they've never treated me like an equal. But you do."

"Thanks. You're always a good guy."

"Well, Davis... can I ask a favor?" Zacky was showing a polite face to Davis, for he was fragile and cute, and had no strength to fight back. Davis could easily beat him up.

"What?"

"I'm having some problems right now. Some guys are threatening me. Can you help?"

"Do you want me to beat them up?"

"No, just..."

Davis cut him off. "Can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Were all your games just so you could ask me for this?"

Zacky looked confused. "No. It's something that's come up recently."

"How recently? Today? Why didn't you ask earlier?"

"Well..."

"Is anyone really threatening you?"

Instead of hearing Zacky's answer, tough, Davis felt a sudden jolt of pure pain and heat in his body. Before he passed out, he saw Zacky, with a stun gun in his hands and a very angry look on his face.

-//-

Davis woke up to a great pain his belly. Even putting a hand there made in shiver in pain. He saw was in an empty classroom in the top floor of the school, and naked. He tried to stand, but his legs were numb.

He didn't have time to think too much. Two older students entered the room, grabbed Davis by the arms and forced him to his knees.

Zacky was just a few metres from him, the stun gun still in hands. Davis finally figured out what had happened. "Something tells me Vic was telling me the truth."

Zacky was looking at Davis, a mocking grin on his face. "Davis. You're just a big dunce faggot. Yet somehow you knew something about my plans. How?"

"Uh, a friend. Why you are doing this?"

Zacky smirked. "I don't have to answer. But I need to ask why I should not break you?"

"What?"

"Any weak mind fall for the fetish trick. They think they have the power over me... but it's just a slow and well-made strategy to gain confidence. Both these idiots--" he pointed out his two cronies "--fall, and you're about to fall, too. Do you think you can escape?"

"What? You're hot, but not that hot."

Zacky threatened Davis with the stun gun. He would not be treated like an idiot.

Davis was scared. "Zacky, where'd you get that thing?"

"I made it. What? You know I'm smart, and always will be."

Zacky used the stun gun again, this time not to shock Davis but to hit him in the chin. Davis went fully numb again and his world turned upside-down. While Zacky left to go somewhere else, his goons put Davis onto the desk, forcing his legs up and giving access to his ass.

Zacky reappeared with a giant dildo in hands. Shocked, Davis realized what he was about to do and desperately tried to escape, struggling against his holders. It was useless.

Zacky was almost unrecognizable. He was not the nice boy from before ... he was a monster.

"You would be made what I order. Now I will need to break you in the hard way."

"What? I'll do it! I'll do anything you ask me to!"

"Sorry. I could do this another time, but why wait?"

"Wait, no!"

"What? Don't you like this, slut?"

The dildo was not lubed. Zacky shoved it into Davis' ass with his full strength. It was like he had been stabbed with a knife. Davis cried out in pure pain.

Due to his pain, he did not notice the fourth person in the room. Praetor had been watching Zacky for some time now. That prick had so much darkness in his heart. He would be perfect.

"He is human. I will need to use three beads."

-//-

The Misitos had moved; Vic and Custard could feel it. And that one was in Vic's school. They both knew it, for its presence was strong. Very strong. Custard had never felt anything like that before, even during the siege.

School was out for the day and most of the students had gone home. Vic and Custard hurried there. The specter had a strong presence that could be easily located to the third floor. That thing ... Vic could feel it was not made of corrupted love. The Misitos still had some tricks up their sleeve.

Vic already had his pocket watch in his hand while heading up to the third floor. For a moment, the floor sounded clean, until Vic felt danger behind him. Something had tried to hit him in the head. He protected himself with the pocket watch, trying to grab the thing with his left hand. Sound of metal reverb.

Praetor was the opponent, attacking Vic with his short sword. He was swiftly punished: the pocket watch unleashed a pink energy that shocked Praetor and paralyzed him.

"Coward, attacking me behind my back!" Vic snapped. He turned around and saw Praetor, then the horrible wounds in his arm, bleeding something dark. "Holy Jesus. What happened to you?"

Custard, who knew the answer to that question, had disappeared without notice. Praetor was furious but stayed quiet. Did the champion really feel pity for an enemy?

"This... the Misitos did this to you, right?" Vic asked. "Because you failed them twice?" Praetor said nothing. "How can you serve something who would punish with such horrible torture?"

Praetor finally spoke. "Well, love-boy, because in failure I don't have anything more to lose. But if I win, I will get it all back. Look!"

Vic turned back and saw the spectre. It was not a large monster, but humanoid in form, like a boy with dark purple skin. It was naked with an erect penis The erection was not merely sexual; it was a pure manifestation of sinful lust.

Startled, Victor suddenly realized just who he was looking at. Zacky.

"Zacky? How is?"

"I didn't need corrupted love this time because this boy's heart is pitch black with pure hate and evil. I awakened his power, and bang! Behold the advanced spectre, the love demon!"

"Why would you do something like that?"

"Because that thing is much more powerful than a regular spectre. Still don't get it? I'm not here to collect love ... that thing and I are here to destroy you!"

Praetor was expecting Vic to show fear, feel hate, or hesitate. But instead he looked... sad. It was reasonable, but unexpected. He looked almost normal, but not unfocused.

"All right, Praetor. Release him, and we will duel."

"I'll not give you any chances. But I like your determination. I warn you: if you take the time to purify him, you will kill him. So think fast. Now do your thing, so we can settle this."

"Gods of love, grant power to me, the brave one, who accepted this mission. CHANGE MY HEART!!!"

Praetor admitted it felt good to be engulfed by the Eros champion's aura. But Vic was his opponent. He cannot fail now.

Transformed, Vic lost no time in attacking Praetor, who tried to counter with his gladius sword. Metal strike to metal. Vic countered the sword using his bow as a blunt weapon. And to Praetor's surprise, Vic shadowed him very well.

"Dammit! This boy knows how to fence? These powers aren't child's play. But don't get cocky, child: your powers can't win over training."

And yet, maybe by a curse, Vic managed to disarm Praetor. And with a full swing of his bow, threw him away. While in flight, Vic shot some arrows to stop him.

"All right. That nagger is out. Now I need to purify Zacky, fast."

But when he looked around for the spectre that once was Zacky, it had disappeared. Vic had fought with Praetor first because he knew Praetor could attack from behind while he fought Zacky. Vic needed to control his emotions, so he would not fail. He knew he could win--he just needed to focus.

Zacky finally made his move, trying to hit Vic at his back. He defended himself with the bow. No longer a cute and fragile boy, Zacky was a spectre now; he was probably was very tough and Vic felt no need to restrain himself. And Zacky was fast, probably as fast as Praetor.

They were fighting at close range, simultaneously dodging and trying to land a blow on their opponent. Zacky was much fiercer than the knight spectre from before.

But the chance came and Vic hit a direct blow in Zacky's belly.

"It's over. Turn back, Zacky. Healing Love PUNCH!"

It was Vic's ace move. A direct hit. Vic passed through Zacky as if he was made of light. Now Zacky was down, too.

Vic was relieved, until he felt something. Love. Broken love. But it was not from Zacky.

The source was standing in the doorway of one of the classrooms. Davis, naked and obviously injured. When he saw Vic, he darted back into the room, scared.

Before Vic could catch him, something grabbed him and pulled him away.

Zacky. Vic suddenly realized he hadn't truly been purified.

"What?" Vic asked, more out of surprise than anything else.

"Vic, you really think you can defeat me?"

"You have your mind back?"

"I never lost it!"

Vic escaped from Zacky's grip. "Before you came," Zacky said, "Praetor and I had a heart-to-heart. He said I need to destroy you. All right."

"All right? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror? You're a monster now."

The purple thing grinned "And I like it! This power he gave me... it's all I've ever wanted. And once I destroy you, the Misitos will grant me--"

He never finished the sentence. Vic punched him in the face.

"I spent the last few days investigating you, Zacky. If you were with the Misitos, that's all I need to know. Bastard!"

Vic was angry. He had given Zacky the benefit of the doubt, but he and that cursed power were made for each other. But his anger would not resolve the situation. He could not purify Zacky, and Zacky was strong enough to overpower Vic.

Praetor, now free from Vic's arrows, came to Zacky's aid. Now Vic was in trouble. Praetor was not a weird guy and his skills with the sword were good. And Zacky was much more powerful than the former spectre.

They quickly disarmed Vic. Without a bow, he fended off Praetor's sword with his gauntlets. That exposed Vic to Zacky, who moved to punch him hard. To finish him off, Zacky copied Vic's move. He didn't pass through Vic, but the cursed energy he emitted burned like hell.

Vic was thrown back by the cursed energy blast. Knowing he was outclassed, he made a hasty retreat, running away from the duo and hiding in a classroom. He needed to form a plan. Praetor really wanted to destroy Vic. He didn't have the luxury of time for planning, and he knew defeating Zacky would kill him. Vic wanted cry... but not now.

In his distress, Vic felt that broken love again. It came from Davis, who was also hiding in the classroom, sitting on the floor. Seeing him there, Vic was shocked and a little revolted. Davis was still naked, and some blood had dripped and pooled between his legs.

"Davis?"

"Vic? What is... are you?"

"Long story. What happened to you? And how can you see me?"

"Zacky. That bastard! He did just like you said he would. He wanted to turn me into his lapdog. I refused ... he hit me and tried to rape me. And I think he did." He had a hand on his stomach, as if it was wounded. "But I'll be fine. He just shoved in a dildo, just once. But it felt like I was being stabbed. Then that freak in armor appeared and ... did that really strange thing to Zacky. His cronies pass out when that happened."

"And did you see him? And Zacky?"

Davis spoke hesitantly and very quietly, but he was smiling. "Yes. I... I think you suspect but... I am what people call a `medium.' Not always, but sometimes I see things other people don't see, and have great instincts in my gut. It never kicked in with Zacky before... until you warned me. Well, that's the short version of a very long story. Your turn."

Vic ripped some scraps of his chiffon to use like a bandage for Davis' rear, and gave him a little weak slap to keep him awake.

"Davis... I'm sorry. I didn't act fast enough. But don't worry. I'll resolve this mess."

"Have a plan?"

"No."

"Ideas?"

"Separate them and defeat Zacky."

"I saw you fighting. And you're not that good."

"Davis, please."

"This is serious. I know a thing or two about fighting. Pay attention." Even though he could feel his strength ebbing away, he quickly he gave some tips to Vic, then fainted.

All Vic could do now was pray he could resist long enough for help to come. "All right. I have a few tips. Now, how can I separate those two? Both are formidable opponents. Praetor is a good fighter and Zacky is fast as hell, even with that ugly cock... cock... cock. Oh! He's gotten cocky! I can use that."

Vic was ready. He took a deep breath and went to fight again.

The duo had expected Vic to return. Praetor was still recovering and Zacky didn't need to look for Vic. Praetor was satisfied with the results of the demon spectre who used a person full of hate instead of corrupted love and an object. He was actually afraid of the boy, but together they could destroy the champion.

Unfortunately, people with so much hate were scarce and too unpredictable to be trusted allies, even to the Misitos.

Praetor was lost in his thoughts when the champion appeared to face them again.

"Zacky!" said Vic. "Do you not have remorse? You've lost all that's made you human. Wait, no. You haven't been human for a long time."

The spectre that was Zacky merely nodded. "Yes, so why we were having this conversation?"

"You can be filled with this curse energy as much as you want. But it will never change the truth. You were a hopeless fake dreamer and a sucker."

"You really think you would affect me with this small talk?"

Zacky came fast, but Vic had already assumed a defensive stance. Praetor followed Zacky to flank Vic, but the difference in distance was all Vic needed.

Zacky once more hit Vic with the move he'd copied from him earlier. Vic had no time to react; Zacky was far faster than he was.

Confidently, Praetor prepared the final blow to destroy the champion of Eros. But just before impact, Praetor felt something in his chest. Vic had put his hand there. At first Praetor surmised it was a weak plea for mercy, but changed his mind when he felt the enormous energy in that hand.

"Love Impact!!"

The energy in Vic's hand burst forth and threw Praetor away. Zacky had little time to process what had just happened. Vic hit with a punch to his face. And another, and another.

That punches were stronger than ever for Vic had never fought like this before.

"Davis. Of course, you know how to do punches right. Thanks for the 101. I can feel the power within me."

The last punch was to the stomach. Zacky fell back, dizzy. Even his erection, the result of the ghastly energy the Misitos had planted in him, faded.

"How... how you..."

"Not so cocky now, are you? You really think a move you ripped off from me would work twice? I am the champion of Eros--I never get hit by the same move twice!"

Vic delivered a strong punch to Zacky.

"This is from Davis!"

And another.

"This is from all the kids you bullied and broke! And this--this one's from me!"

Vic prepared to deliver the final blow, recalling everything Davis had told him about how do a punch. The position of the legs, the spin in the waist. How to rotate his body to maximize the strength.

Vic's pink energy was flowing to his fist. The moment Zacky realized this, he tried to run. Vic did not move; he just prepared the best move he could. And when he was ready, he acted.

"Love Power PUNCH!!"

Zacky's attempted escape was useless. The power from the move fired Vic's aura like a laser, large enough to cover Zacky from head to toe. Pure energy burned Zacky, while he felt his own powers swiftly ebbing away.

The move was more than just a new power to defeat Zacky. It was the way Vic put forth all his feelings and anger. And it bore fruit.

Zacky exploded. Not like a destructive bomb; all the curse and corrupted power flew from him in one great burst. A dark smog aura covered most of the floor. But then it started to dissipate, burning in a pink warm light from Vic's move. It was beautiful.

Vic was exhausted, but he needed to see Zacky once last time. He was human again, alive, covered in bruises from Vic's move. He tried to say something, but fainted.

"YOU!!" Praetor finally appeared again, this time with a bloodlust. "From me do you not escape!"

Vic wasn't sure how he could defeat Praetor now, but he didn't need to. Praetor suddenly dropped his sword, his body contorting in pain.

"Vic. Sorry about all that."

"You!! Dammit, Rabbit! Coward!"

"Custard?" asked Vic, astonished. "Wait, we arrived here together. When did you run off?"

"The moment I saw the black blood wounds on Praetor. Just from that I knew what I needed to do."

"What did you...?" Praetor asked, angry.

"I cannot fight like Vic, but I am a Priest and apprentice from one of the greatest Erotes alive. I know my ways in occultism and I know ectoplasm when I see it."

"Ectoplasm?" asked Vic.

"Praetor is a ghost, possessing a human body. So I ran like a crazy to exorcise this building. The reason he has stopped fighting is that he is being expelled from here. Your power is useless, Praetor. You cannot force your presence into the realm of the living. You are defeated."

"You..."

"Do you want that I should shove salt into your mouth? Because I really want to know from who you got your body."

Praetor was in great pain. If he forced against the spell, he would be banished to the afterlife. Defeated and useless, for now he decided to retreat.

Before that, however, Vic wanted a last word with him.

"Praetor, I don't know how you died or what the Misitos promised you, but they won't help you. Please, allow me to help. But if it's not my help you want... you are a great warrior. When we meet again, we will duel. Just us. Do not make another spectre, not with a human. Just give me a sign, and we will settle this."

"You... of course. It is a deal. Until then, don't lose. This will be my privilege. I swear as former prefect of Praetorian guard."

He finally disappeared. Vic would not show mercy the next time, unless Praetor changed his mind and deserted from the Misitos.

"I don't think we'll see him for some time, Custard."

"Good, but the Misitos have other apostles. Another one will come. Look, his sword was left behind. I think it can be useful."

Vic was not interested in that. He needed to see Davis.

He was still where Vic had left him, and was still alive. In fact... he looked happy. And Vic did not feel the hints of broken love from before.

Vic said to Custard, "The targets were not what I thought they would be."

"I know," Custard replied. "I'm so sorry, Vic."

"It's all right. Davis is strong. If he needs help, I'll give him all the help he needs. It's my job, right?"

"Yes... Now, about Zacky?"

Vic thought for a moment. "He was a big asshole. But I think the Misitos don't see any value in him anymore. For now, just help me to come up with a story to explain all this mess. I'll have a lot to tell Davis when he wakes up."

"Sorry."

"Why? I'll love explaining this to him. Talking with him was nicer than I'd expected it would be. It's funny; he saw me as angry, and I saw him as a target and possible trouble. But in the end... we now treat each other same way."

"What way?"

"Friends."