Febwhump Day 14 - Becoming the Monster
A/N: Meeting Joran was the one part of the zhian'tara that terrified Jadzia. Sisko was frightened too, but no one else needed to know that. Set during 'Facets'.
He hadn't expected the transferral to be so…anticlimactic.
He was expecting a big cloud of consciousness to come flying through the air, and his body would react as his thoughts and willpower fought for dominance.
Joran's consciousness appeared gradually in his mind, manifesting in the same image Benjamin had seen in his file on the Trill homeworld. He gave the incoming man a nod, his own consciousness being gently pushed aside as he graciously allowed the visitor to enter. Joran.
Benjamin.
"Benjamin?" Jadzia asked hesitantly.
Better let her know you're here. Sisko voluntarily took a step back. And don't try anything stupid, mister.
"Hello, Jadzia," Joran's voice was higher than expected, even through he was using Benjamin's vocal cords. He made his voice sound melodic, and Benjamin realised this was probably some sort of sick irony.
"If you need me, I'll be right outside." Odo said quietly.
"As will I." The Guardian chimed in, both men taking a swift exit.
As much as Benjamin had initially protested their decision to leave the two of them alone, he'd allowed Jadzia to have final say on the matter. It was her zhian'tara, after all. He was merely a vessel.
He realised Joran was staring intently at Jadzia, moving his eyes up and down her body repeatedly. He probed the musician's thoughts and came away with a sense of disgust. What a creep.
I can still hear you, Benjamin.
Then take note of my thoughts, Joran. Sisko was already feeling uncomfortable. I expect Jadzia won't let this conversation go very far if you keep this up-
"It's good to see you again, Jadzia. Tell me," Joran asked in a sickly sweet tone, "Have you been practising your music?"
Jadzia's face was unreadable, bordering on stony. "Yes. When I have the time."
You interrupted me! Sisko allowed his shout to reverberate around his mind, despite the discomfort it brought.
Joran ignored his protest, twisting his mouth into a smile that made him nauseous. "Good. Do you think of me when you play?"
Benjamin could tell Jadzia was nervous. She kept her hands firmly tucked behind her, her eyes darting between his own and the floor of the cell. "…Sometimes."
"I'm glad. You're a very pretty girl, Jadzia. Very pretty. But unfortunately that's all you are." Joran's delight was evident, his true desires practically dripping from his tongue.
Stop it right now. Benjamin stepped forward, intending to retake control if things got out of hand, only to be halted by Joran's own defences. He struggled against the mental barrier the Trill spontaneously created, his panic rapidly building as it refused to budge. The Guardian said I should be able to take control! What's going on?!Jadzia!
"You're nothing compared to Lela, Torias or myself. A pretender," Joran taunted, relishing in the younger Trill's visible distress. "You must realise that by now."
Stop it, Joran!
"You don't know anything about me." Jadzia's voice took on a sharp edge, her gaze narrowing.
Yes, Jadzia! Don't let him intimidate you!
"Only what I can see. A little girl not worthy of the noble creature nestled inside her. You're overwhelmed by it. You're in over your head. And they said it was a mistake choosing me for joining," Joran let out a delicate laugh before resuming his serious demeanour. "But there is one hope for you, Jadzia, and that's me. My strength is within you. You don't have to be afraid of it."
"I'm not."
"Then use it let me show you how to use it. Lower the forcefield, Jadzia. Lower it, and you will never be afraid of anything ever again."
No! No, Jadzia!
"No."
Benjamin threw himself against the barrier, slamming his fists in frustration. Dammit, Joran, let me in! This has gone too far!
I disagree. I'm quite enjoying this.
He realised a second too late what Joran had in mind, unable to stop as his forehead was slammed repeatedly into the forcefield surrounding the cell. Electricity rippled through his body with each blow, and although Joran was unaffected, Benjamin continued to scream silently. JORAN!
"Joran! Stop it, you're hurting him!" Dax's voice climbed in pitch. "Benjamin, take control! Now!"
I'm trying, Old Man! I'm trying!
He barely registered Jadzia deactivating the force field, his body spasming uncontrollably.
You know what? Joran waved his hand and the barrier slid aside, allowing a small gap for Benjamin. I'm feeling generous.
He prepared himself to squeeze through, only for the barrier to close as he was halfway through, pinning his hips firmly in place. Pounding his arms against the wall, he desperately tried to throw himself forward. Joran, no!
"Benjamin?"
Joran began imitating hyperventilation, placing a hand against Benjamin's chest as he attempted to put on a panicked façade. "I think that's enough of Joran for now."
"Are you all right?" Jadzia asked worriedly, placing a hand on his shoulder. Joran smiled wickedly. "Surprise."
He growled as he wrapped Benjamin's hands around Jadzia's throat, forcing her back against the wall of the cell as he pushed on her trachea. Benjamin was glad that Joran had greatly underestimated Jadzia's true strength, and cheered silently as his body was thrown backward. Fight him, Jadzia!
The flurry of punches to the face was the distraction that Benjamin needed. He managed to finally push himself out of his trapped position and threw himself at Joran, tackling the Trill's consciousness. Get the hell out of my mind.
He grabbed Joran's shoulders with the tightest grip he could muster, pushing the Trill to the farthest point of his mind. He felt his nerves and muscles come to life once more as they began to obey him, and he threw his arms up in surrender. "It's all right, old man! It's me."
It took an agonisingly long moment before Jadzia believed him, immediately kneeling by his side. "Are you alright?"
Benjamin nodded, panting as he rubbed at his face. "Thanks, old man."
Jadzia did a double take. "For what?"
He gave her a relieved smile. "For not breaking any bones."
