(Warning: This was a Halloween special. Thus, in the spirit of the season, it may be darker and may contain content that could be upsetting to some people.)
The man is known by many things, but his most well known moniker is The Alchemist. He is said to be able to grant any wish. For a price, of course.
Lucius enters his shop because of these rumors. The blonde's wish is complicated and this is his last hope to have it granted. Despite the shady part of town it is located in, the Alchemist shop is well maintained. Every shelf in the small front room is neat and organized, and even with the dim lighting it is easy to tell that there isn't any dust in the place.
Lucius is so distracted by the condition of the shop, he doesn't notice at first the smartly dressed man behind the counter. His green suit looks of another time period. Not that Lucius is one to talk, his own outfit gained him a number of odd looks on his way here. In his own case, though, it is due to his clothes attesting to him not belonging to the area.
“Welcome to my shop, Traveler. How can I be of service to you today?”
“I have a wish I desire granted. I want to help people.”
“Then why come to me? There are at least a half dozen places you can help others within walking distance of here.”
Lucius shakes his head. “You don’t understand. I have a power within myself that hurts everyone I get close to. I wish to atone for the harm I’ve caused by helping people instead of hurting them.” The green clothed man grins.
“Well, that is something I can assist with, though I must remind you that every wish has a price. It can never be refunded or returned once taken. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I will pay any price.”
***
A week later, another satisfied customer leaves the Alchemist shop. He gained a love potion in exchange for some antique he had no need for. What did he care about that old thing when he can now have the love of his obsession?
Inside the shop, the owner walks into the back room with the priceless artifact. After putting it on one of the shelves, he goes over to one of his previous acquisitions. “W-why?” The bound and blindfolded blonde asks with a strained voice. “Why are you doing this?”
“Aren’t you glad, Puppet? I granted your wish.” The alchemist coldly uses a needle to extract a few more vials of his captive’s blood as he replies. “You are getting to help so many people because of me, and all you had to give me in exchange was your freedom.”
“Sir, ple-” The man grabs his chin forcefully though there’s no roughness to it.
“One, Puppet, I told you to call me Master Shi. Second, as I warned you, there are no refunds. Everything comes at a cost and you agreed to pay this price. You belong to me now. That is never going to change... afterall,” he reaches out to stroke the tattered wings Lucius had previously kept hidden, “we are both immortal.”
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