Even with the accident, Egan and Hazel we’re accepted into the gang (up to the DM which gang and what name), as the hazel managed to bring back some of the magical objects that had floated through the water after the explosion, alongside a barely conscious Egan.The two then joined many missions to retrieve and steal goods for their new “family”, although Egan never considered the gang such thing. And his mistrust would be well-placed very soon. A big mission in Treve would change the course of their lives once again. Seemed simple enough at first. Sneak in, retreat expensive magical item and sneak out of a noble’s house, father some other riches along the way if possible. However, that’s not how it went. Hazel and Egan we’re teamed up with other three gang members that we’re quick to use them as a distraction and ditch the two to the hounds as they escaped unharmed.
       They were taken to prison, Hazel assuring Egan that the two would be rescued by the gang sooner or later…the day never came and the lovers we’re dragged somewhere else, a glimpse of hope for freedom quickly taken away when the two proceeded to be thrown at a gladiator ring. They were used to doing everything to survive…but this was different. Fighting for the lives to entertain the rich and powerful. At first, Egan didn’t want to fight, having to be dragged out into the ring and kicked into the dirt. However, the fear of dying, of losing Hazel drove him to give his all, going as far as shifting during the fight and using his fangs and claws o rip through his enemies.

The crowd seemed to enjoy the show.

And so, Egan slowly turned into their champion, the untamable. Always thrashing his way into the ring, not wanting to participate and then promptly being the last one standing, blood covering most of his body, specially his mouth and hands. And with more money coming in to watch the new champion, the more Egan had been put through, tortured and poked like a cornered animal.

Years of fighting for his life in the ring took a toll on Egan, slowly stripping the humanity out of him. Killing became second nature to an otherwise sweet boy, even if mischievous. And yet, Hazel was his anchor. She fought just as hard, and cried along with him in the cold nights in their cell. He was thankful she was still alive, even if still covered in soon-to-be scars, much like him. But once again, luck wasn’t on his side. It never was. When Egan is on the ring, he goes blind with fear and rage, not aware of the bodies that head his way or run away from him. He just has survival in his mind. The knowledge that the moment there’s no one else standing but him, he can go back to Hazel’s arms. And that blindness, this instinct and condition to survive, to attack…is what took everything away from him.

So far, Egan and Hazel never fought against each other in the ring. Lucky, he thought to himself, and so far then, he was right. But not any more. His last fight in the arena was the fight in which Hazel was placed into battle against him, without his knowledge. When he heard her scream his name, it had been too late. The taste of her blood on his transformed maw, the sound of her gargling in it as she pets his dirty fur with tears on her eyes. When he de-transformed, all he could do has roar, deep in sorrow, his tears falling on her now lifeless body, cradled within his arms.

The memory got forever ingrained on his mind, the blame haunting his every dream. Blame that he put on himself…and in those who put the two on this hellscape to begin with. The noble woman sitting in the chair, making the calls…thumbs up or down, cold eyes enjoying every death by his hand amused to play god just because of the money they had. Egan had reached blind rage before, but his time…it took all of him, consumed him like flame. The shard had triggered, and he was quick to claw his way to the elven woman, he never knew her name, never bothered. He would not bother now that his claws ripped her apart, her eyes in fear of the monster in front of her. She made him that, her and all the other sickening nobles paying to watch the show. The triggering wild magic was what kept him alive, as too many guards would easily overwhelm him. Teleportation and other random magical effects kept them at bay and Egan, somehow…escaped the arena.

Now, he was a wanted man, the posters of his face were quick to find their way in every street in Treve while Egan was unaware of it, too busy losing his mind through the dark alleys, trying to find his way out of the city. When he gained enough control of his senses, he managed to escape the walls, using his stealth to slip out of the city in the dark of the night.

He was finally free…but at what cost.

       It has been 7 years since that fateful day. Somehow… Egan found himself doing good over the years despite himself. All in honour of Hazel, all to try and amend for his mistake. Stealing from and killing the rich and powerful, to help those less fortunate. Freeling slaves on their way to Bayford, getting rid of greedy lords to give a decent life to small, poor towns. Whatever he could do.

       He’d never be a hero, nor dare call himself that. But not a villain, either. Or at least he did his best to that. However…he’d forever consider himself a monster, always avoiding having any intimate touch, or relationship. Always fearing to commit the same mistake.
       His purpose now was to do anything he could to overthrow anyone in power, anyone causing others the pain that they’ve caused him, the lack of freedom and choice and a happy ending. He couldn’t have it…but he’d damn sure give it to others.