Craig’s fears about rogue magic are substantiated in the worst way when he runs afoul of a violent mind controller

Previously:

Craig was split into Claire and Chad inside the Merge Necklace but came back together. Being merged with previous versions of Lily, his girlfriend, and Red, his former bully, allowed him to see them and himself from a different point of view. He wants to reconcile with Lily but also has to wrestle with the knowledge that Red has been attracted to him even back when she was Hank.

Craig

The first rays of dawn looked like they were about to crest over the horizon, but for now, the world was cast in an expectant half-light.

Craig made his way towards the gym. When he finally checked his texts, he found that Lily had been at his dorm room all night awaiting his return. They agreed to meet at the gym which was halfway between them.

When he woke back in his own singular body, he discovered that the Merge Necklace was likewise once again in one piece. He could feel the weight of it as it hung from his neck now for safekeeping. His hand kept drifting to it, finding the ancient gem in place of the seashell he was used to wearing.

The vivid memories of sharing a body with a piece of Lily were forefront in his mind. Knowledge of her devotion to him and the struggle of having a magically charged libido gave him a new perspective on her.

Dumping her because I thought she was going to dump me? Stupid.

At the same time, there was another thought in the back of his mind, like an itch begging to be scratched. He had seen Hank’s memories of him and that put their accidental kiss in an entirely new light.

This isn’t the time to be distracted by Red. I have to man up and repair things with Lily.

Turning a corner, Craig saw Lily waiting for him in front of the gym. She hadn’t changed, still wearing the hell out of a slinky cocktail dress that hugged every curve. When she caught sight of him, she gave him a big wave and hopped up and down with excitement.

He cut across the parking lot towards her and could tell from her posture that she was buzzing with anticipation. He hadn’t gotten halfway there when she broke into a run, unable to wait any longer.

She had her arms out to embrace him as she hurriedly approached, but as she got closer, she appeared to second guess herself and stopped a few feet away. They both stood frozen, looking at the other, but full of conflicted emotions.

Craig didn’t know how to start. Every apology or excuse felt inadequate.

How do I explain what happened overnight? Does she still want me back?

As the silence stretched out longer, a sense of unease settled between the two. The tension built, straining for something to shatter it.

“I’m sorry!” both blurted out simultaneously.

A few awkward chuckles followed, but Lily pushed through.

“You were right,” she started, “I cheated on you with Red. We didn’t have sex, but I… touched her in ways I shouldn’t have. I thought I was teaching her to accept her new body, but looking back I can’t believe I could be so naive. I acted like some sex-starved slut and I should have known better. I’m so sorry. I understand if you don’t want to forgive me.”

From this distance, Craig could see the bags under Lily’s eyes. Her previously loosely curled hair was now a frizzy mess and she looked like she was barely keeping herself together.

“I don’t think you meant it,” Craig replied carefully. “Something happened to me and I think I can understand why you would need someone to fill your sexual needs.”

“No!” Lily protested. “You were right about everything. I thought having a strong body meant I could be strong. I thought I could control everything and make it right.”

“And I love that about you,” Craig interrupted. Lily paused, her train of thought derailed and Craig used the opportunity to keep talking.

“Your heart is always in the right place. I don’t doubt that, even when you make mistakes. And I think you’re stronger than you realize.”

“Oh, Craig. I…”

“Is this dipshit bothering you?” an overly loud voice cut in.

Craig jumped and his arms raised reflexively to protect himself.

Lily turned to see a young man approaching the pair from the direction of the gym. He walked with an exaggerated strut, carrying a gym bag and showing off his musculature in a too-tight sleeveless tank top.

“It’s about time you came back,” he said to Lily. “You didn’t have to dress up for me, but this looks much better than the baggy shit you were wearing last time. I can tell you’re a girl who likes to show off her body.”

He nervously ran his hand over his buzzed black hair, unintentionally drawing attention to his receding hairline. The large aviator sunglasses dominating his face served to obscure his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Lily said with strained politeness. “I was trying to have a conversation with my…” She paused to look at Craig, obviously remembering his declaration the night before and not sure if he was still her boyfriend.

“This wimp?” asked Shades, incredulously. “Maybe you’re a little slow, but there’s no way he’s better than me. I’m fucking jacked and I have a 9-inch cock.”

Lily scowled, her expression equal parts confusion and contempt.

“We’re leaving. Come on, Craig. Let’s get out of here.”

“Oh no, you’re not.” Shades said, cutting them off. “It’s because he’s tall. ISN’T IT?”

Craig recoiled at the explosion of anger. Over years, his body had learned to associate that tone with pain.

Huh, I guess he is kinda short.

“Superficial fucking females,” Shades muttered to himself. He started fishing in his gym bag for something. “Wouldn’t know a real alpha if he fucked her in the ass.”

“Tell me the truth,” he said suddenly, his hand closing around something. “Can you honestly say this guy can provide for you? That he could protect you from danger?”

“I…” Lily started, but then paused. She gave Craig a conflicted look.

She doesn’t believe in me. She doesn’t think I’m strong enough.

Craig’s shoulders slumped.

“That’s not important. I love him.” Lily tried to recover, but they had both heard her hesitation.

Shades scoffed, a satisfied grin plastered across his face. “Last chance. You know I’m right, girlie. Just come with me.”

“Get away from us, you jerk!” Lily lunged forward to push the young man out of her way.

“STOP.”

Lily’s body froze in place.

Craig’s eyes were fixed on the purple light streaming out of the gym bag. The hand that withdrew was now adorned by an ancient gold ring with a glowing purple gem. It was bulky and Craig thought he could almost make out worn cuneiform when the gym bag fell to the ground and something flashed in the corner of his vision.

The fist slammed into Craig’s jaw, throwing him to the ground. The pavement swam around him and his vision darkened before his consciousness was brought back by a kick to the gut. Craig whimpered in pain and curled into a ball, holding his stomach.

“This is the natural order. You could have taken the easy way, but it looks like you both needed a lesson. I’m in charge here. It’s time to show this loser his place. KICK HIM.”

Craig looked up to see Lily turn toward him. Her eyes were clouded with purple light. She planted a foot and pulled back a leg before stopping, her muscles taut and rigid.

“No,” she whispered through her clenched jaw, barely audible.

“What?” Craig’s assailant whirled to confront Lily. “Y-you can’t say no! It’s not allowed! This ring means any woman has to do what I say!”

“No.”

The soft word rang out through the still morning air.

“You fucking cunt. This means I’m your master. I should have known that a female so obsessed with getting muscles would be deluded into thinking she’s the equal to a male. I bet you think you’re a "girl boss,” playing at being in charge. Well, I’ll teach you that a woman's place is at the feet of a dominant man. I don’t care how long it takes. Now COME WITH ME.”

Craig watched the ring glow, emanating purple light. Lily turned to follow, but as though in slow motion, her muscles straining.

“You fucking bitch!” Shades exploded, unable to keep his emotions in check. “Why won’t you accept the truth?”

Craig’s stomach dropped when the controller turned his attention back to him.

“Love? Really? For this beta cuck?”

The next blow was a stomp that ground Craig’s face into the asphalt.

“No, stop.” Lily’s voice was growing stronger.

Craig covered his head but the next blow struck his midsection. He felt an explosion under the right side of his ribcage. Tears filled Craig’s eyes and he howled in pain.

“You can stop this. Tell me you’ll do what I say, or I keep kicking him. Promise me.”

The assailant paused a second before swinging his leg back to kick again.

“Stop. I’ll do what you want. I promise.”

“YES!” the tormentor exclaimed as his artifact flashed with purple light. “The ring will hold you to that. Let’s go.”

Craig looked up to see Lily’s body go slack and start to walk away robotically. Her face was expressionless, but tears ran down her cheeks. The two disappeared behind some parked cars and Craig heard an engine start. He tried to get up but a flare of pain in his abdomen brought him back down to the ground.

I couldn’t protect her. I was too weak and she needed to save me.

Craig wailed in despair, pounding his impotent fist against the uncaring asphalt.