abandoned The Art of Corruption [Neptune x Wonderlandess]

[Neptune]

Participants: 

@wonderlandess (Alice Madeline Drake)

@Neptune (Zelru)

[Neptune]

Blood red eyes peered up into the sky, observing the startling blue colour of the summer afternoon. There were only a few clouds dotted here and there, fluffy and cheerful looking but doing nothing to stop the merciless heat from beating down onto the grass that had long since turned to hay from the lack of rain. Despite this, birds flitted across the sky in quick, darting movements as they seemed to dance with one another as they searched for food for their young. Even though the grass was mainly dead, there were a few flowers and weeds that persistent, valiantly defying the hot sun. It was around these that small butterflies congregated, their delicate wings fluttering as they seemed to hover anxiously above the wilting flowers, as if they could bring them back to life with deft kisses.
 
The sight made a sneer of contempt curve on Zelru’s lips. Their little struggles in life meant nothing to him. He only concerned himself with his own desires and wants, even if they deliberately walked all over other people. He didn’t care who he hurt, as long as he got what he wanted, he was happy. And it was for that reason he was hanging around this stupid school, hidden behind one of the buildings where no security cameras were and the teachers rarely ventured. He was further hidden by the shade of the overhang, which in the bright sun made it difficult to make him out. It was just as well that the heat didn’t bother him, as he was wearing a thick, well built three-piece suit with a white shirt with a black tie. His appearance was immaculate, without a single scuff or even spec of dust to marr it. He would not stand for it. A faint wind stirred the dead air for a few moments before it died down again, making the heat feel even more oppressive.
 
The moment Zelru was waiting for arrived when he heard the faint ringing of the bell that signified the end of the school day. A few moments later, the air seemed to ring with the chatter and laughter of young adults as they began to spill out and head in their way home. Zelru remained where he was, waiting. It didn’t take long before he could sense someone coming. He turned his head to the left, watching the corner of the building as he could also sense someone else trailing them. The presence felt feminine, and it was clear that they were trailing the first person. Perhaps wanting to get them into trouble or something. Well. Zelru would take care of them later. 
 
He watched as a rather scruffy looking young man turned the corner. His clothes looked as if they had seen better days, but it was more from being worn out than dirty. They were also slightly too small for him, as if he had them for years and had simply grown too tall for them. He was the perfect target for Zelru. Alone, and vulnerable. Easy to manipulate. The young man glanced over his shoulder as if he was aware that he was being followed and yet unable to see who was actually trailing him. He turned back, squinting his eyes as he had trouble seeing Zelru, who said in his aristocratic British accent, an accent he had cultivated long ago, “I’m here.” 
 
The boys expression cleared, “Oh. Oh good.” He said as he came even closer, looking even more uneasy than before, “So… do you have it? Are you going to keep your side of the bargain?” He asked. Zelru almost told the boy that his question was exceptionally stupid. Of course Zelru kept his end of a bargain. When it came to bargains like this, he always kept his end of the deal. Not only did it instill trust in his target, but these deals were always heavily geared in Zelru’s favour. Humans were as foolish now as they were back when he had been a pathetic little ant, crawling on the surface of this world.
 
“Of course I am, Ryan.” Zelru responded, before reaching into his suit jacket and pulling out a vial. It was made from some kind of darkened glass, but something moved around inside of it, glowing softly. He handed it over to Ryan, who took it with an awed expression. He stared into its depths, mesmerised by it. He then glanced around them to see if there was anyone watching before he slipped it into his pocket. He then looked back at Zelru with a grin, “Thanks, man…” He said. “Just make sure that you don’t lose it.” Zelru responded.