The Scorpion and the Witch
A moonlit ruined cathedral stands atop a cliff overlooking a city engulfed in flames. Broken stained-glass windows cast crimson and violet light across cracked stone floors. The wind carries ash through the empty halls as two sinister figures meet in the darkness.
One arrives with slow, graceful footsteps.
The other drops from the ceiling with a manic laugh.
Tyrian Callows: (landing upside down before flipping onto his feet)
"Hehehehehe... what a delightful place."
Shaula Gorgon (without looking up from the magical sigils floating around her hand)
"It always does after hope dies."
Tyrian slowly circles her like a curious predator.
His scorpion tail sways behind him.
His crimson eyes never blink.
"You're the witch I've heard whispers about."
Shaula calmly meets his gaze.
"And you're Salem's favorite madman."
Shaula closes her spellbook.
"Your reputation spreads."
"You leave little mystery."
Tyrian bursts into laughter.
"I do love making first impressions!"
He suddenly appears inches from her face.
"What kind of witch enjoys walking through graveyards alone?"
"The kind that isn't afraid of monsters."
Tyrian begins clapping enthusiastically.
Lightning tears across the sky.
Several flying Grimm circle overhead.
A massive Nevermore lands atop the cathedral.
Shaula steps toward one of the broken windows.
"The world fears creatures."
"They should fear people instead."
"They say they're protecting someone."
He taps one claw against the stone floor.
Shaula watches the burning city.
"When hope realizes it has already lost."
Tyrian's grin somehow grows wider.
He spreads his arms dramatically.
"I enjoy that moment too!"
Shaula calmly raises one finger.
Purple magic dances around it.
"I prefer the silence before the scream."
A loud explosion echoes in the distance.
Another building collapses.
Tyrian watches it with childlike excitement.
"They always believe someone will save them."
"And when no one comes..."
Tyrian suddenly sits atop a broken altar.
"Most people call me insane."
"They fear what they cannot predict."
Tyrian nods enthusiastically.
"You don't kill because you're angry."
"You don't kill for revenge."
Tyrian places a hand dramatically over his heart.
"I think I'm going to cry."
Several Beowolves emerge from the darkness.
They instinctively bow toward Tyrian.
Tyrian scratches one beneath its mask.
"They know who's on their side."
Shaula looks toward the Grimm.
"Even monsters fear witches."
"The monsters follow Salem."
"If our worlds collided..."
"To measure one another."
"We would discover we have the same enemies."
Tyrian begins pacing excitedly.
His grin becomes positively feral.
"They always believe teamwork wins."
"They forget villains can cooperate too."
Tyrian suddenly points toward the burning city.
Shaula watches tiny lights appear as survivors gather together.
Tyrian sighs dramatically.
Shaula slowly lifts her hand.
Dark purple magic coils around her fingers.
Tyrian's blades glint beneath the moonlight.
His tail curls high over his shoulder.
Two predators observing prey that has no idea it has been found.
"I think we're going to get along."
Shaula answers in the same calm tone.
Tyrian extends one clawed hand.
The cathedral trembles as Grimm cries echo across the mountains.
Purple magic swirls around Shaula.
Tyrian's tail lashes eagerly.
The wind extinguishes the last candle in the ruined hall.
Darkness swallows everything.
Shaula lets out a rare, cold chuckle.
Tyrian laughs even harder.
"HAHAHAHAHA! This is going to be FUN!"
For the first time, Shaula joins in fully.
Their laughter grows louder, echoing through the ruined cathedral as the Grimm answer with howls beneath the crimson moon, heralding the beginning of a terrifying alliance.