These types of venues were easy to blend into. There were always so many people, it made picking a spot and fading into the crowd a simple task. Especially for Jaffe. Sadly, she couldn’t rely on the luxury of being incognito after Gabi had told her to make sure she was right at the front of the stage. It was odd to believe she wanted to come out to an event like this in the first place, but then again she did say something about being invited by some people she knew. Maybe that was how she managed to get them access to the front row to begin with. 

Location aside, this would serve to be a good opportunity. At least until Gabi chose to arrive. There were more than a fair share of humans around who could be considered potential merchandise. Some claimants around as well, but none of note… if the two who had accompanied them weren’t involved. Both were trouble, both were what she could consider idiots on several occasions. 

The last words Mist had left Jaffe with before dumping Vevina and Gideon on her. Normally she’d have refused, but seeing that Lizbett was apparently acting as Gabi’s current form of transportation she’d at least be able to utilize Vevina as a chauffeur. Maybe that was why they were both standing with her in the middle of all these people. 

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to one of these things. I hope the performers are at least worth something,” Vevina commented. 

“We’re not here to play around.” Gideon was oddly vigilant. “Just keep an eye out for trouble, and make sure nothing happens.” 

“That’s oddly caring of you.” 

“Do you want to be on the receiving end of whatever Gahbriogyva decides to do if something happens to her pet?” 

“You know I can hear your dumbass, right?” Jaffe commented to which Gideon clicked his tongue. 

“As if I care. Do you know who I am? The only reason we’re here is to make sure nothing happens to you two. So just shut up and let us do our job.” 

“Interesting choice of words. I think I’ll tell Gabi.” 

“…please don’t.” 

“I wonder where she is anyway,” Vevina commented while looking around. “I’ve never known her to be late to anything. You’re sure this is where she said to meet her?” 

“How am I supposed to know? I spend more time working than coming to concerts. Money isn't going to make itself.” 

“This isn’t a concert, It is a music festival. You will be watching a series of bands playing back to back, with several special attendees.” 

“Well at least she gets it.” Vevina’s confusion set in the moment she turned her head to see Ikaria standing among them now. “What are you even doing here?” 

“No, seriously. What are you doing here? I don’t remember telling you to come with me.” Jaffe asked. 

“You don’t remember because you never did. Gahbriogyva took me with her and told me to make sure you came to the right place. In her own words, that idiot might get lost. So cute, but so stupid. Maybe I’ll strap her down tonight and spread her—" 

“And that’s about the point you shut up! Just tell me where she is. We only decided to come here because I told her live concerts aren’t that great. If she’s not going to show up then I don’t need to be here.” 

“Just shut up and watch.” Vevina could see the sublime rage on Jaffe’s face. Gideon just laughed. 

“The fuck did you say?” 

“That is what Gahbriogyva told me to say if you get impatient.” 

“I don’t know if she’s being a jackass or an idiot, but this is great.” Gideon commented while merely enjoying the show. 

“Just be a little patient.” Vevina suggested. “I’m sure she has a reason for being late. Especially if she had Ikaria with her.” 

“She said it was because I’m cuter than you.” 

“Okay, what's that supposed to mean?! Never mind. Maybe just focus on the music and try to enjoy yourself.” 

It’s be crazy to say she wasn’t worried, but it was difficult to ever be worried for the sake of someone who could most likely level an entire city if she found herself needing to. Gabi had always been a busy person; maybe she was just dealing with her job. All the meetings and calls she dealt with made it seem almost impossible for her to get a properly clear schedule, but she always seemed to have the time to do whatever she wanted if she really wanted to. Perhaps that was one of the perks which came with fame, but there was no point thinking about it now. 

It didn’t take long for the music to begin and the crowds of people to start cheering and singing along with each band. It felt weird to begin with, especially considering the type of music Gabi normally sang, but having her at what essentially amounted to an alternative rock concert didn’t seem to fit her personality at all. Or at least, that was until a specific band came from backstage and began to play. The melody was surprisingly upbeat and the singer sounded extremely familiar. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been nearly as interesting as it was for Jaffe, but it was difficult to ignore when Gabi was both the lead guitarist and vocalist. 

“You can’t be serious,” Gideon commented as he watched her performance. "Under normal circumstances entry to this place would have ended up costing a fortune if anyone knew about this."

“Well, at least now we know why it was taking her so long. Maybe now you can be a little less snippy with everyone.” Vevina teased, but upon looking at Jaffe it became obvious she heard none of it. 

As much as Jaffe was focused on Gabi, so too was Gabi focused entirely on her. The water claimant was entirely entranced with the stage and Gabi clearly put on this whole performance just for her, but no one else would notice that… or at least not until Gabi started getting closer. 

Jaffe could feel her heart racing faster with each of Gabi’s steps until finally she was right at the edge of the stage. She had been known for essentially doing whatever she wanted when in the spotlight during concerts of any type. It was one of the main drawing points for all of her performances. But it was overwhelmingly clear that she was planning something crazy the moment she reached out to her specifically. Against every fiber of her being Jaffe took that hand, and before she could even refuse found herself pulled right up onto the stage. Maybe it was the hundreds of eyes now on her, an occurrence normally avoided, but being nervous was an understatement. There was a difference between being in public and being the source of everyone's attention.

She didn’t know what to expect, but all she could do was focus on Gabi as the woman circled her with guitar in hand. How she could move around so freely without missing a single note made her talent even more overwhelming, but her singing was what made her impossible to ignore. Even when covering for another band’s singer she sounded perfect. But what Jaffe noticed more than anyone else was the large smile she displayed, as if she truly loved to sing like this. Or maybe it wasn't the singing itself, but rather who she was singing to. Jaffe knew it was a different experience for both of them, and Gabi personally looked as if she were enjoying this more than normal. She wanted to curse her for this, but even Jaffe had to admit that this woman knew how to make her feel special. But then the song began to close and she could feel a bit of disappointment for it to end so soon.

Perhaps that feeling would have remained if Gabi’s movements hadn’t slowed to a deliberate approach with her final notes and words. Making certain now that everyone knew, if they hadn’t figured it out before, that she wasn’t singing for them. Of course not, she was singing for Jaffe alone. And that was why the moment the instruments stopped and her singing had finished, Gabi immediately gave Jaffe a kiss everyone could see. At first there was silence, but that silence soon erupted into screams and cheers... excluding a certain two spectators.

“Shit. We’re going to have so much work to do when we get back to that house,” Vevina complained. 

“Does it really surprise you? The amount of times she’s said that she doesn’t care who knows, it was only a matter of time before she did something like this.” Gideon responded with an aberrant frown. 

“I hate social media and we’ll no doubt have to help manage it for her.” 

“I don’t understand. Why would this matter for your jobs?” Ikaria asked. 

“Gabi is a celebrity. Because of that, most of her life involves public image. And until now no one even knew she was even in a relationship. Now she not only gave them that information, but also a face to put with it.” 

“They’ll be hounding her for questions and appearances on crap shows twenty-four-fucking-seven, and we’ll have to help manage those schedules,” Gideon clarified. 

“I see. I am sorry for your loss.” Ikaria responded. 

“Fuck you.” 

Meanwhile, Gabi was as pleased as ever. Of course no one could hear their conversation, but that didn’t really matter to the two of them. She was entirely focused on Jaffe who, by now, had realized what was really going on. 

“You seriously set up all of this in a few days?” Jaffe asked her as Gabi began plucking the strings in the heaviest melody she could manage. 

“Yes I did. Are you stunned? Shocked? It looked like you enjoyed yourself to me.” 

“You really did all of this because I said concerts are overrated? Fine, yes, I enjoyed it. Are you happy now?” Gabi’s smug expression made the answer clear. 

“Happy as can be. Now get of the stage! I still have more songs to sing!” 

Jaffe could only imagine the amount of death threats she’d start receiving in the mail because of this, but it wasn’t bad to see Gabi this happy. Maybe she had been waiting for an opportunity to make everyone know, but that could only be the type of thing Gabi could think up. Literally declaring that’s Jaffe was hers in front of the entire world. That part of her personality was entirely cute form Jaffe’s perspective, even if it naturally boiled down to Gabi being as possessive as any person would be if they felt like they owned you. But she couldn’t say it wasn’t nice to just watch Gabi dance and sing on stage. Especially not when she was constantly looking at her and no one else.

---

Upon returning home it was what you might expect, the doors to the building bursting open as Gabi and Jaffe could barely keep their hands off one another long enough to keep their balance. Stumbling into the building and sloppily closing the door behind themselves. Their shoes kicked off near the front entrance as Jaffe lost her balance and fell backwards only for Gabi to immediately jump on top of her on the floor. It was always a treat to see her like this, the carnal instincts of Gabi and her madness. As if she could fully devour her at any moment, but settled for the little nibbles at her souls. 

“You know, I hate how you always do the most to prove yourself right.” Jaffe said between kisses. 

“What can I say? I just want you to understand firsthand why I’m good at my job. So do you get it now, dummy?” 

“Yes, I get it. You’re very cute, Gabi.” 

“You mean I’m the cutest.” 

“Wow you’re a brat,” Jaffe responded to finally get a frown out of the winged claimant. 

“I can still kill you at any time you know.” 

“Really? Then do it.” 

“Oh I’ll show you exactly what I’m gonna do to you.” 

“Ahem.” The voice dragged both of their attention to the stairs. At the top of which stood Mist in a blue onesie with a disgusted expression. “I’d like to hope you two could at least contain yourselves until you reach the bedroom, but I suppose that’s expecting too much.” 

“Mist!” Gabi shouted as she jumped up to her feet and straightens herself. “So, uh… what the fuck are you doing here?” 

“I’m working.” 

“Working at two in the morning?” Jaffe asked as she also lifted herself to her feet but with less enthusiasm than Gabi. Mist's sanity snapping could have almost been audible. 

“Yes, wORkiNg aT TWo iN tHE mORniNG, dumbass! I don’t get days off, and after that crap you two pulled yesterday I’ll be even busier starting today. I expect a raise.” 

“You should expect to not walk away with you life if you ever talk to me like that again.” 

“Then you’ll be having a fun time handling all of this work yourself, because at this point I do the work of three people in a portion of the time! I honestly don’t know why I work for you, but I’m never going to get married at this rate because I’ll be taking care of you and fixing all your messes!” 

By now Mist wasn’t even talking to them anymore. Instead more like venting her frustrations to the realm as she continued down the hallway to the offices. Her words fading until eventually becoming muffled yelling once the door was slammed behind her. Both Gabi and Jaffe stood as if unable to register what had just happened. Mist was normally the most well behaved of her staff, but maybe all the work was finally starting to get to her. 

“You should really give your maids a vacation. At this rate she might try to kill you in your sleep,” Jaffe laughed as she looked at Gabi who was nowhere near as pleased. 

“I’m going to fly her to Egypt and throw her through a pyramid, and if she survives that might amount to her punishment!” 

“Oh fuck, that’s so hot.” 

“Why do you always say stuff like that? It throws me off.” 

“Because it’s true, stupid.” 

“I’ll kill you.” 

“You’ve said that before, and if I’m remembering correctly we spent that day a steamy mess. Was that your attempt at killing me?” The very reminder made Gabi’s face red. 

“Let’s not talk about that right now.” 

Thankfully she wasn’t without company, although that company was Sharoleen. The woman who had a tendency to say what didn’t need to be said and often end up punished because of it. But it was because of how talkative the air claimant was that Mist had personally asked her to keep their boss company. Although it took considerable effort from Gabi to not drag her through the floor. 

“This sucks.” She pouted as she picked up another folder full of what amounted to useless information in her mind. 

“I’m sure you’d rather be bundled up with that other cutie instead~.” 

“Yeah... I mean, no? Hah, what?” 

“You’re so cute! What I wouldn’t give to be that young again.” 

“What are you talking about? We both look the exact same age.” Their conversation came to a close the moment the door swung open. “Have you ever heard of fucking KNOCKING?” 

There might have been time for a proper response… but instead that response was the throwing of a loosely sealed bottle of water at the darkness claimant’s head. Just loose enough to burst all over her and leave Gabi soaked. Sharoleen could see the woman freeze and looked back across the room to see Ikaria standing around as if nothing strange had happened. However, it was clear upon seeing Gabi’s face that her time here had run out just as soon as if had begun. 

“Ikaria!” Sharoleen couldn’t even form the right question as she watched her slowly back away and close the door. “Oh dear.” 

 

“I knew we’d have a lot of work,” Gideon said to Vevina as they ascended the main stairs. 

“Can you stop complaining already? It won’t make the work go by any faster. We should try to get as much done as we can before Mist gets back or we’ll have to worry about her more than Gabi.” 

“You say that, but… what the fuck?” Gideon paused as they watched Ikaria hurriedly emerge from one of the upstairs halls and descended the stairs right by them. “Wait. What are you doing here? No one said anything about there being company here today!” 

When she didn’t respond Vevina quickly followed after the almost robotic claimant, but the moment the main entrance was opened and she found herself outside all she saw was Ikaria sprinting down the road as quickly as she could. The first thought was the only reasonable thought, especially with how easy it was to piss their boss off. Even people as oblivious as her could understand when they were in eminent danger. Perhaps that was why Vevina just closed the door and returned to her assigned work. 

“What was that?” Gideon asked as she returned up the stairs. 

“I have no idea, but let’s just try to avoid Gabi for now and act like we saw nothing. I have a bad feeling about all of that.” 

“If we avoided her based on bad feelings we wouldn’t be working for her.” 

“Well, it is difficult to argue a paycheck of the size she offers. You can’t say she’s stingy with money, but she does have more than anyone rightfully should. So long as we aren't being used as furniture I don't care.” 

 

Sharoleen looked at Gabi who, by every measure of the word, was the living example of livid. She couldn’t fathom what was keeping the woman from rushing out the room and hunting Ikaria down, but her attention soon shifted to the door as if expecting the claimant to return and apologize. The type of thought which served to be the reason she ended up being the most punished of her employees, but she was too kind to change. However, that did not stop her from asking her questions to Gabi's dismay. 

“I wonder what that was all about.” She spoke in her consistently bubbly tone. “Would you like me to… go get her?” 

“Don’t worry about it, she’s fine.” Surprised by hearing a voice other than Gabi’s, she turned to find Jaffe leaning over the winged claimant who was now completely dry. “Gabi isn’t mad anymore. Right?” 

“The only reason I didn’t snap her neck was because I could smell it was you. Although, I did have to calm down a bit it. Why are you like this?” 

“Aw, are you mad?” 

“Shut up!” 

“Look how cute! She’s throwing a tantrum.” Jaffe wouldn’t have even noticed the teasing getting to her if Gabi hadn’t snapped the pen between her fingers in half. 

“Don’t tease her, Jaffe! You know she gets embarrassed easily,” Sharoleen pointed out before the stapler which had been resting on the edge of Gabi’s desk collided with her head. Even still she didn't stop smiling. “See?” 

“Get out!” 

“There there, you’re alright. No need to be embarrassed about being a brat.” 

“I hate you two so much,” Gabi whined as she placed her face down on her desk. 

“You can go now, Sharoleen. I’ll take care of the big baby. Make sure Ikaria doesn’t get hit by a car or something stupid like that. And go buy some donuts or something for lunch. Donuts sound good right now.” 

“Sure thing! Do you want anything Gabi~?” 

“…just get me a coffee please.” 

“Aye aye! I’ll be right back!” She said as she floated out of the room and closed the door behind herself with a subtle gust of wind. 

“You think she’ll fly there in broad daylight again?” Jaffe asked as if suggesting a bet. 

“Please don’t jinx her. It took a lot of work to convince the world she wasn’t some magical fairy the first time she was caught floating down the road after being sent to do errands.” 

Gabi lifted her head and attempted to continue working, but that was impossible the moment Jaffe rested her head on her shoulder. She already had a strong sense of smell, but when she was this close it was difficult to focus on anything else! That was why she instead placed all the paperwork down and spun around in her chair. No words needed to be shared, not when she opened up her arms as if accepting the disturbance itself as something she’d be willing to entertain. But Jaffe knew it wasn’t that difficult of a decision for her as she sat on Gabi’s lap. 

“There’s something about having someone who can lift me without effort that makes me rock hard.” 

“Oh shut up,” Gabi chuckled while humming a song. 

“New song? Or just one I haven’t heard.” 

“Nothing special, just a melody in my head. By the way, I’ll be expecting to see you at all of my concerts from now on, your cute face inspires me. That and intercourse immediately after.” 

“Ugh. Intercourse. Why’d you say it like that?” Jaffe pretended to heave. 

“Fuck off! I'm a delicate young lady.” Gabi responded by lifting Jaffe and slamming her back on the desk. Placing herself, instead, in a position of dominance before stating it in a different manner. “You will do as I’ve asked. Correct?” 

“You know, I’m pretty sure we could get through one session before Sharoleen gets back.” 

“Don’t try to change the subject, just…” Gabi looked at the door before looking back down at Jaffe. Fuck. “Clothes off, now.” 

“You’re so thirsty.” 

“Don’t blame me when you’re sore after this.” 

There wasn’t a single smile on the firelit balcony of the Chisuke son’s residence… aside from Cyva who approached the table and set down three respective glasses for each of them. She filled her own glass with white wine and Gahbreal’s with a deep red spirit. Arthur received the same as Gahbreal. The three had rarely spoken with one another if Gahbreal’s past lives were excluded, but they were clearly at odds with one another… well, excluding Cyva. On one hand Gahbreal was entirely dedicated to his ideals, and those ideals included a peaceful relationship between all claimants. Arthur was not opposed to the idea, but Arthur was also involved with Gabi. That made him the exception. 

“So?” Cyva started as if expecting him to already know her question. 

“Is there something you wanted to know?” He responded before sipping from his glass. 

“What else? How many times have you tried to knock up my hot daughter?” 

Arthur was surprised. Not entirely by her question, but by Gahbreal who nearly choked to death on his drink. From what he knew the man was a stoic reminder of the natural order of power, even if he’d become more watered down compared to his past. He didn’t flinch of cower from anything and remained a formal example of what values claimants should be. That was why is was so frightening how easily this woman he called a wife topple his demeanor and caused his barrier to crumble. 

“I can assure you I haven’t done anything of the sort… yet.” 

“I’ll fucking end you right here!” Gahbreal started before Cyva calmed him down as best she could. 

“It’s fine love. It was, how do you say it? A joke? A joke.” 

“Please don’t joke about my daughter like that.” 

“Fine, fine. For you… but I am interested. That girl is tough, can you imagine how rough the two of them could get? You might serve to learn a thing or two.” 

Gahbreal placed the glass down and placed his hands over his face. “When is my daughter coming back? I can’t take much more of this.” 

“You’re surprisingly calmer than she is with stuff like this,” Arthur remarked as he finished his one drink. 

“That because my mother taught me a great deal of self control. Enough to persists for several lifetimes. Meanwhile, Cyva doesn’t seem to think Gabi needs that type of discipline.” 

“She doesn’t.” Cyva didn’t argue. Merely stated what she believed was fact, and what they better accept. 

“As you can see.” 

“My, how frightening. I’d almost be inclined to believe you if she didn’t throw punches with enough force to make some aikekunai blush.” 

“What’s real love without a bit of pain, your highness?” Arthur could see Cyva’s attention shift to Gahbreal as she spoke the words. The wolf merely rolled his eyes. 

The night air was enough to calm Gahbreal’s nerves, and the cigarette between his lips was meant to aid that endeavor. He rarely had the opportunity to sit outside and relax like this; even less time to do so with his daughter. The other two weren’t necessary, but he considered it a price he’d have to pay in order to have his daughter’s company. He was anxious, troubled with every moment she wasn’t near him. He knew she was capable of defending herself, as much as he hated that fact, but he also knew the types of dangers which lurked around the world. It was why he released a held breathe and his shoulders relaxed the moment he saw Jaffe round the corner of the home carrying Gabi like a child who’d asked for a piggyback ride. 

“We’re back, and as you can see she didn’t want to wait until we got here,” Jaffe commented as Gabi lifted her head. 

“I can hear ya, stupid. Now give me that kiss you owe me.” The winged claimant lifted her reddened face while attempting to place overly teasing kisses on Jaffe’s face. Jaffe merely dropped her to the ground in response. 

“I told you only if you didn’t get drunk. Clearly you’ve failed at that, and you still suck at drinking.” 

“Can’t I get a reward for effort?” She asked while lifting herself from the ground and stumbling over to the woman. She wasn’t begging, but she was certainly trying to seduce her. “Pretty please? I ain’t gonna forgive ya if you don’t.” 

“I’ll say it as many times as I need to. You’re such a fucking brat.” 

Gahbreal was both embarrassed and disappointed to see his daughter acting in such a shameless manner. Cyva was both elated and pleased to see her daughter acting in such a shameless manner. Both of their respective ideals could be seen clearly on their faces, Gahbreal once again covering his face with his hands as Cyva laughed and leaned closer to him as if to cheer him up in a way. Arthur merely found himself surprised again to see how much trouble the aikekunai of darkness allowed his daughter to cause him. And also wondered why he’d allow it. Then again, she had a certain way with having others give her what she wanted. Perhaps that was why Jaffe did eventually relent and give her the kiss she wanted, but only after Gabi covered her neck in kisses of her own. 

“Look at them, they’re so cute!” Cyva whispered to Gahbreal who looked about ready to faint. 

“Just give me the drinks,” Gahbreal demanded to Jaffe who tossed the strongest thing they’d retrieved to him. “And just like that, I can’t be bothered to care anymore.” 

“Seien Sie nicht so ein Wermutstropfen. Wenigstens ist sie nicht böse.” 

“That’ll only last as long as she continues to get what she wants,” Arthur responded to which Gabi’s mood immediately shifted. Her eyes like red spirals focusing on him entirely. 

“Oh? Sounds to me like ya got jealous because I’m the one who gets the most attention.” 

“Sorry to say, but not everyone lets their emotions run rampant based on such trivial things.” 

“Hmm? Is that right?” 

Gahbreal’s eyes went wide when he watched her release Jaffe who, despite the situation, didn’t care to intervene much. Cyva was still smiling nonchalantly. “What is she doing? Why is she going near him?” 

“So you don’t care? Right?” Gabi started while placing her hands on his shoulders. “And to think I was almost willin to give ya a bit of attention to cheer you up. It almost makes me sad.” 

“I don’t need your attention, and pouting won’t get you anywhere with me, Gahbriogyva.” Gahbreal nodded in agreement with Arthur’s response. 

“Really? That’s too bad,” Gabi responded as her hand lowered to his chest and she pressed her body against his. 

“Fuck, this is kinda hot~.” Cyva said while leaning against Gahbreal. 

“Please don’t say that about our daughter,” Gahbreal responded. 

“What? It is. And she looks just like a little Kikana but with my curves. You know mommy has the goodies.” 

“That's very inappropriate, and I’m not going to play along with your games Gabi. You can give up now if that’s all.” Arthur's response caused her eyes to relax.

“Hai~,” the very remark brought fears to Gahbreal’s mind. 

She took a step back, Gabi’s smile like a beacon of dread for everyone present… or at least everyone except for Cyva. Arthur specifically felt as if he had been careless, knowing Gabi enough to know there was always some form of punishment for refusing to give her anything she wanted or insulting her at all. He allowed her to get close, allowed her any amount of control, and before he knew it his feet were in the air. Why she was so strong made no proper sense and he found himself partially cursing Eric the moment his back was slammed against the ground through the table between them all. 

“Oops! Apologies. I ain’t so accustomed to dealin’ with royalty. I thought you’d be a whole lot stronger.” She spoke while standing above him. 

“This is great!” Cyva commented while leaning back in her seat and continuing to watch. Jaffe just looked as if this were expected at some point. Gahbreal was less than pleased. 

“That was my favorite table!” 

“We can just get another one, dear.” 

“I had that specially made…” 

It was only a matter of time before Arthur jumped up from the floor and attempted to get ahold of Gabi, but the woman was quick to move away. Her wings carrying her several feet back towards the fields surrounding the home. “Get back here Gabi!” 

“Hmm, I might be willin… if ya beg, doggy.” 

“Don’t tease him too much Gabi, he’s sensitive!” Cyva called out to which Arthur responded first with a glare. 

“You know nothing about me!” 

“I know, but you just seem like the type.” 

“The type?” 

“If you give her attention she ain’t gonna stop,” Gahbreal told him only for Cyva to punch him in the stomach. His lack of reaction spoke volumes. 

Arthur, on the other hand, was done playing around. He quickly pursued Gabi who did everything in her power to keep him from getting close. Seeing Gahbreal’s lack of action made him wonder if he either didn’t care or simply believed he’d never be capable of catching his daughter. Then again, she almost seemed to be moving slower than normal on purpose. Avoiding him by feathers while… genuinely enjoying herself? 

---

It was odd, actually. Now that he thought about it, this didn’t make too much sense. Why was she being like this? He knew from Jaffe that Gabi was terrible with alcohol; even the slightest amounts could measure up to several shots in her system. That was why they kept her from drinking when he was around or it might just turn into a fight to the death, but this didn’t seem anything like what he had expected. This playfulness, her expression which lacked anger entirely, this might have been the most calm he’d ever seen her. She was truly, genuinely having a fun time with him? Or at least until he launched himself in her direction and closed that feather distance, but only enough to get ahold of an actual feather which was promptly pulled out. 

“Ouch!” She yelled before inspecting the damage. Arthur was just surprised that she was even capable of showing physical pain. Or at least until she closed the distance between them in an instant. 

“So now you’re mad?” 

His question went unanswered, but the smile on her face served to prove him wrong. It felt as if she were attempting to plunge him into the earth beneath them. They had gone so far away from everyone else that it was difficult to even see them now, roaming off into the vast expanse which made up Gahbreal’s farmland, but that just meant there was less of a reason to hold back. A proper fight with Gabi was almost something he never expected to indulge in. A treat normally inaccessible due to her own tendency to hold back. But this would be a good opportunity to see how durable she really was. Even if she refused to put her everything behind her actions, he could still learn something from force.

A reversal, turning the force of her own attack around upon their descent and having Gabi collide with the ground instead. He thought this would have been a proper lesson for her to some degree, but looking at her when the dust cleared... she was surprisingly unharmed! A bit of dirt here and there, but she didn’t even seem fazed by the impact. Wasn’t she just acting hurt after I pulled out a feather? The question itself was valid, but he certainly had other things to worry about when he noticed her expression change again. 

“Well, look at you. I can get used to power like this, but you're not my type.” Her smile was reminiscent of something he could just barely recall, but not enough to remember why. And her eyes, their red glow was soft like euphoria… 

“I think that’s enough. With this I believe you get the idea of the difference between you and I.” 

Arthur’s words were accompanied by his attempt to lift himself from holding her down, but the moment he gave her the slightest bit of leeway she grabbed hold of him again. This time, however, he was prepared to fend her off… or at least that was how he felt until he was pulled back down to the ground again. Once again on his back, once again with her over him, but this time much closer. It felt almost like every time he pushed himself further she was prepared to match it. There was no sense behind the depths of her strength! It was nothing like this when they were falling from the air; she wasn't so strong he couldn't push her off, but the effort to do it wouldn't be something he could just throw out without causing ample damage to the area. 

“That power of yours is intoxicatin, but I ain't gonna let ya have my Jaffe. We can share, so long as you stay strong enough to contend with me.” 

“You realize she’s already mine, correct?” 

“That’s what you say, but I can promise ya that I’ll be marryin her before you. All of her, her everything, will be mine. Because I love her more.” It was difficult to move, having her straddle his waist while her hands kept an unnaturally tight grip on his wrists. She was barely capable of keeping him in place, and he knew she could tell. 

“You won’t be capable of holding me down here forever.” 

“I ain’t gonna need forever. I just need maybe, five minutes… possibly less?” 

“What are you talking about?” 

The question was met with a response he’d never felt from her before. It was common knowledge that Gabi was a minimalist when it came to fighting and rarely used her abilities. Her wings were essentially the only thing she cared to utilize, and she often said they felt more like a part of her being rather than a part of her element. However, the flash of red from her eyes now seemed to block out everything. As if it seeped into his very mind and choked out every other thought… save for herself. The world around them nothing more than darkness with every shred of light replaced with crimson. Now he could see her fully, and it was terrifying. As if she were forcing him to see her as a lover. 

“Before you made it sound as if you didn’t want my attention, but now I’m gonna make sure I prove ya wrong. At least a little.” 

“Is that right? And how do you plan on doing that?” 

“Isn’t it obvious?” She responded while tearing her shirt off without hesitation. “With the most carnal and barbaric forms of intimacy and love. Or are ya scared?” 

His mind wandered back to Cyva’s comments until settling on a single one. Maybe this family was more dangerous than he’d thought, and the daughter had managed to be the worst of them all. This had managed to be the first time she’d shown any real form of emotional affection to him at all. And she was going all out. Akin to the advances she’d make on Jaffe at all times, it was easy to understand how she always gave in when being made to fight this battle himself. Her black hair pooling around his head as she leaned in closer, her bare chest pressing against his own as she nestled her head against his neck. Jaffe often called her a brat, but wasn't she more akin to a succubus? She never kissed him, and yet now she gave so many. Her eyes, like two small puddles of blood, were drawing him in. 

“You think I’ll just let you do whatever you want? I’m not going to give you control that easily.” Arthur’s words were followed by him finally flipping her on her back. Now Gabi was looking up at him with a large grin. 

“Don’t get too excited now. You can do whatever you want, but I’ll only be havin Jaffe’s babies.” 

“You’re drunk, and Jaffe is right. You are just like your mum.” 

---

“Have they really been fighting for that long?” Gahbreal asked while continuing to drink his new and stronger drink. 

“I’m sure their fight is very serious, dear.” 

“Yeah. If I know Gabi well, she can fight for days before she’s satisfied,” Jaffe added. Gahbreal had no idea why the two of them were laughing so much. Or at least not until he heard Arthur and Gabi making their approach. 

“Well it may have been at the cost of my favorite table, but I hope you both at least got that out of your… system…” 

He paused for several seconds, looking at the two of them as if some illusion might be broken if he didn’t blink or turn away. All of Gabi’s clothes had been completely discarded and replaced with Arthur’s shirt. Arthur, on the other hand, was shirtless and covered in the remnants of of Gabi’s lipstick. He had no comments to say at all and returned to the seat he had been occupying before the ruckus. Gabi, on the other hand, returned to Jaffe and sat on the woman’s lap. Jaffe squinted her eyes in Arthur’s direction for a moment before grabbing Gabi's breasts and finally breaking the silence. 

“Gabi fights me a lot rougher than she does with you, so she loves me more.” The words were beyond petty, but clearly truthful when she forced a kiss from Gabi who gladly gave it up. 

“Really? Gahbreal might stand to learn a thing or two about fighting from you two,” Cyva commented. 

“I can teach him anything you’d like about a fight,” Jaffe winked. 

"Please stop teasing pa."

“Fine, sweetheart. So, my little angel, did you get what you wanted out of your lover’s fight?” Cyva asked. 

“Mhm. I got exactly what I wanted, as always. But I wouldn’t call him a lover.” 

“You say that now? You certainly weren’t acting like that before,” Arthur responded. But Gabi smiled. 

“You should just remember what I said earlier. Jaffe is marrying me, not you.” 

“Woah, what?” Jaffe commented. “I don’t know what happened exactly, but now I’m very interested. You have a tendency to sign me up for things without asking me.” 

“Are you saying that’s a no?” Gabi asked with a dissatisfied frown.

“Stop doing that! You can’t just pout or seduce me and get whatever you want out of me!” 

“Hmph! I could with Arthur.” 

With that Gahbreal stood up and, without a word, turned away and wandered off into the night shaded fields of the farm. Cyva sighed as if expecting this to happen eventually, but still upset that it did. She stood to her feet and dusted off her dress. Without any words herself she bowed in an extremely formal manner, before turning to follow after her husband. 

“When are you coming back ma?” Gabi asked her mother who shrugged while holding a finger to her own lips. 

“If I had to make a suggestion, it would be to turn in for the night. If I get my way out there, and I know I will, your father and I will be having a fight of our own.” 

“Ew. Stop.” 

“Do you really have room to talk?” Arthur asked her, but this time was met with the normal angry glare. 

“And do you want to go fight again?” 

“Sorry, not gonna happen. You’re going to be mine for the rest of the night. I think he’s already had enough of you,” the blonde woman said as Gabi nearly burst into a violent rage. 

“Then next time don’t invite him along!” 

“Have fun you two, don’t play too rough!” Cyva said before also disappearing into the fields. 

“Is she going to be okay looking for him out there?” Arthur asked. 

“You’d be surprised,” Jaffe responded. “That woman can find him no matter where he is if she wants to. It’s almost unnatural.” 

“How do you know that?” Gabi asked Jaffe with a slightly disgusted look. 

“You’d be surprised what I learn when it matter.” 

“Fuckin stalker.” 

 

“This battle looks rather dreadful from my perspective,” Xainayne commented as her eyes skimmed over the papers in hand. “Tell me, what do you think we should do about this?” 

The male standing at his side reached for the documents and gave them a long and respectful inspection before his response came. “My opinion matters very little on these types of matters, Xainayne.” 

“Nonsense. I asked because I’m curious. Aren’t you my aikekunai, Marz?” 

The male's eyes did not turn away from his ancient. Although, a short sigh did slip through his smile. His eyes were like shattered blue moons, his skin the color of fresh oak. Despite his choice of clothing being leather armor and dark cloth, he was rather thin and looked as if he’d never fought a single day in his long life. Still, no one would dare to challenge him. There was a reason he had been chosen as aikekunai. He wasn’t chosen for his combat prowess, he was chosen simply as a dedicated claimant… and one of Xainayne’s most trusted companions. 

“Well then, if it is my opinion you want I’ll be glad to give it… I find this battle to be terrible. It looks as if we’ll be at a constant disadvantage. We’ve never been on good terms with the house of light, but a fight against them like with other houses involved will likely cost us heavy casualties.” 

“You think so too?” Xainayne asked while retrieving the documents and looking over them once again. “Still, we can’t ignore this. I’ll send our regulars.” 

“I’d advise against that. Our losses will be too great.” 

“I’m not changing my mind.” The ancient’s response caused the male to frown. His hand covering his beard before he could muster a response, although he looked rather afraid. 

“If that is your decision, I will go as well.” 

“What? No, that’s unacceptable. You are no fighter.” 

“I apologize, but I can’t just sit idly by while my fellow Dimea risk themselves for the sake of our house. What aikekunai would I be if I did not do all that I could for them?” 

“For one, you’d be an aikekunai that survives.” 

“Survival means nothing if I’m filled with regrets.” His response wasn’t incorrect, but it wasn’t what Xainayne wanted to hear. 

“Hmm… fine. Then you may go.” The words were laced with disapproval, but there was still a strong sense of care behind them. Perhaps that was why he turned to a far corner of the room and addressed the other presence among them. “You will accompany him. And make sure nothing happens.” 

“Of course, Xainayne. I will serve my purpose well.” 

“Good. Marz, keep Kana close. She will be your advisor and extra sword. Do what you feel is right and I will await the outcome of your efforts.” 

“Yes, my lord. I will not fail you.” 

 

---

Marz didn’t even know what had happened. It was all going so fast, the battle around him much worse than he had anticipated. There wasn’t a moment to rest or recuperate. Not a second to take in what was going on around him… or at least not until Kana threw herself in front of a blade to protect him. It felt like ages, watching as she fell to the ground. Watching as the smog-like blood poured from the place her arm once occupied. Even so, in that moment, she didn’t seem to hate him. She chose to look in his direction and smile even when the blade struck her again as she lay dying on the ground. He couldn't turn away. He couldn't bring himself to not acknowledge the actions of this person he didn't even believe he could call a friend prior to this battle. Someone who used very few words and even fewer actions, throwing away her everything for him. 

Tears… a catalyst… a dread upon all the realms. Both heaven and earth shook as the battlefield itself was met with no roar in anger, but a scream. A cry of agony. For the first time ever, Marz despaired. For the first time ever, Marz choked on his own air. And for the first time he supped on the sweet liquor of madness. And it was that madness which sprang forth like a wave of terror. 

The ground beneath their feet quaked, the sun dimming to nothingness and light being snuffed out in all its forms until nothing could be seen. Amid his wails the blue eyes resting within the dark widened for all to see, like searchlights letting them all know he could spot them within the veil of deep shadows… just before the sound of bones cracking and flesh tearing echoed across the war zone. It was then, just as those eyes seemed to rise a foot higher than they once were, that the wail of madness became a war cry of pandemonium in a woman’s desperate voice. What was once blue, now red like distant, exotic stars. Amid the dark, the ground beneath those eyes now covered in a viscous liquid like nothing anyone has ever seen before. Pinkish red in color, the scent of fresh fruit and the feeling of deep foreboding as a pool of luminescent, steaming blood coated the earth. 

No one knew when the order was given, but light had begun to pressure the darkness. Pushing it back, attempting to keep it at bay. The sun had shown itself once more, although now it was clear that the darkness itself had a source. Retreating to the place those screams had once originated. How far would it have gone if no actions were taken to stop it? What disaster might have occurred if they did not act? None of it mattered. What did matter was that the darkness had been forced back to those red eyes until it was almost snuffed out entirely. Then, with one final order now clear to be heard, it was done. 

“One more push! Bear down on them with light!” 

The darkness dispersed just as it was nearly all pushed back; the force alone enough to dim the battle field for a moment before the sunlight which once illuminated the fight had returned. Several seconds passed without a word or action, but that could only be seen as an understandable shock for most. Marz, the aikekunai once standing at the head of Xainayne’s forces, the man known as being so weak and kind their enemies didn't even care to send someone equal in title, was no longer present. Instead, his position was occupied by a woman who towered over everyone in sight. The clothes which he had once been wearing unable to accommodate her size and had fallen to the ground in tatters. Her nails like claws, her hair a long veil of white falling to the ground beneath to be dyed red by the liquid pooled at her feet. Her skin was akin to light peach, but her cheeks held a soft pink tone much like her lips, and her eyes were less red and leaned more toward the same. She was now entirely silent. Not a word or a sound leaving her person as she looked down at her hands and body. Almost as if she didn't know what she was herself. However, that silence was broken when Kana’s wide eyes needed confirmation. 

“Marz?” The name dragged her attention towards the woman who still lay on the ground in a pool of her own dark blood. The very sight seemed to insight violence in her gaze. 

“Marz… I do not know… I believe that's who I am, or was...” She didn’t even flinch when the same claimant who had cut down Kana approached and plunged his blade into her stomach. Perhaps it was realization, or possibly just pure nature, but her response was merely to smile. “Ah yes, now I remember. I was asleep for so long, the shock was appalling. But there are so many eyesores around me.” 

Kana did not know how to respond, but no responses were needed. All she could do in her injured state was watch as the woman grabbed hold of the claimant in front of her and plunged her teeth into his neck. She almost looked to be in a state of euphoria as she tore out his neck and chewed the meat thoroughly, licking the liquid right from her lips before releasing him and watching as he fell to the ground in one final struggle of death throws. She didn’t even bother removing the sword from her stomach as she moved forward and stood over him. 

“You slaves don't know your place. If you are not an aikekunai, no... if you are unworthy of me then you have no business sharing the same war!” 

Her foot rose into the air before slamming down on his chest. The force alone collapsed the earth beneath her; the very ground shaking as if suffering under the pressure of her strength. Her voice like a maiden’s lullaby carrying through the air in a laugh only a true monster could make. Madness in all its forms. But her attention soon returned to Kana who was struggling to remain conscious. It was only then she removed the sword from her person and held it in her left hand; her right lifting the woman who had thrown herself in harms way for her, and holding her very close. 

“What are you doing? Leave me… I’m dead weight,” Kana said as her head was rested against the woman’s neck. 

“Nonsense. You're very warm. If you would sacrifice yourself for me, then it is my desire to make a sacrifice for you. A sacrifice of the entire world if I must. So hold on to me and trust that I will keep you alive.” 

That was when a voice caught her attention. “You won’t just walk away from here, demon!” 

The white haired woman’s eyes turned to face the source, a male standing amid the now timid battlefield. The fight had all but stopped in its entirety, no one knowing what was happening any longer, but this one person was bold enough to speak. And upon seeing them for what they truly were… she smiled. A smile that could make anyone’s blood run cold. 

“Yes, of course... I am the demon you say I am. So then? What type of demon would you call me, human? What fanciful title have your crude tomes and scrolls made for someone such as I? A demon who is prepared to devour your world whole?” 

“You monster! A demon beyond demons, born from blood! You’re not just any demon, you’re their patron! Their mother! Their queen! Lilith!” A human concept. Born of religions that only made her chuckle. 

She raised the sword coated in her own blood into the air, watching as the red dripped down the slender blade and covered her fingers. “Yes. I like it. Queen of the Demons. Haha… HAHAHAH! All hail ME! All hail Queen Lilith!” A declaration stained in blood as she held the weapon in her hands at the ready. All it took was a single swing, a dance-like twirl, and the blood covering the sword itself scattered outward in all direction like a blade. All claimants and humans who stood too near, regardless of affiliation, house or ranked, culled in a single swift motion. Those who did not die immediately crying out in agony before flailing about wildly on the ground... as if driven mad. 

“I desire retribution. I desire lives to pay for the one you attempted to take. And my desires are no mere thing, they are a force of nature. So I will show you the weight of my desires!” 

“There. Now we are even. If you wish to continue I shall gladly oblige… However, if this woman in my care dies in that time, I will not stop here. I will take account of every house involved in this battle, every family and every line, and I will bring a war upon you the likes of which no living soul will ever be capable of imagining. A nightmare made reality as your houses and your ancients are swept away a cast into the null... Extius preserve you, if you are worthy.” 

 

“Who are you, exactly?” Destodai asked with a clearly disgusted expression seeing the completely nude woman before her. There was no warning of her arrival, and only questions arose when she watched her place the comatose Kana down on the table. Every step she took  left a bloody footprint in her wake. 

“You will heal her. I desire her alive.” 

“Excuse me? Why would I do something like that? I don’t even know who you are, and I don’t really care either.” 

“I suppose I can understand your reasoning, but that is because I actually have value… perhaps an example is in order,” she sighed as she approached the nearest claimant she could see. 

Her steps were surprisingly light for someone so tall, her eyes analyzing the male who stood watch like a guard to the treasure of life. Her movement were difficult to truly know, but her fingers carefully rose to his face and rested gently on his cheek. Like someone would treat their lover. It confused Destodai for only the moment it lasted, as her hand gracefully slid down his cheek and to his neck, across his shoulder and down his arm until their fingers were intertwined. The treasure may have asked if she planned to seduce her to death if she refused, but then she bore witness as the white haired woman tore the male's arm clean from the socket. He didn’t even have enough time to scream before his skull was crushed between her fingers and she began literally ripping his body apart limb from limb. Bones shattered, flesh ripped and blood splattered everywhere. Gore as if it were her right to exact it upon others.

By the time she finished there was only a pile of claimant flesh on the ground, and she gladly licked the source of his life from between her fingers. “So? Have was my example satisfactory?” 

“It tells me you’re a murderer, if nothing else.” 

“Good. That is all you need to understand... Now weigh the cost. Save a single life or watch as I gallivant through your realm snuffing out life one by one along the way until all that remains is you and your mother amid a realm no longer of life, but of violence and blood. Once we get there, I suppose you will be met with the realization that your mother is worth far more than you, and then you will be made to weigh your life against my bite and my hunger.” 

“I hope you aren’t stupid enough to think anyone would let you get away with that.” 

“Let me? I am Lilith. Aikekunai of Xainayne's realm of darkness. If anyone wants to stop me from doing what I desire, they will need to kill me. But you are currently assuming I would let you live long enough to see that outcome.” 

“You’ve made quite a few threats to me today for someone I’ve never heard of claiming to be an aikekunai. As if Marz doesn’t exist.” 

“Foolish girl, I am Marz! Or at least his better half. Needless to say, I am done talking. I prefer actions over words, and I suppose you simply will not understand unless I make this more... dire.” There wasn’t even a proper chance to retaliate or avoid Lilith’s hand grasping her arm. Her grip was unimaginable and her nails dug into the skin like daggers. “You have ten seconds to start or I will begin my massacre, and use this arm as my weapon of choice to do it. As I said, no more talk from you. Only actions.” 

“And you expect me to work with a single arm?” 

“Seven… six… five…” 

Throughout all existence there are many who would claim to know the difference between good and evil, but the question remains the same no matter how long history chooses to stretch… What decides what is good and what is evil? Some say it is clear cut, that there are certain things we should know and not know. However, what of those who refuse those standards? What of those who have been spurned and betrayed? Cast aside? Thrown to the pits and trenches to suffer indefinitely under the guise of what is called good? Is it good when a child is punished for their mistakes? Is it good when a man or woman is slain for their actions? Is it good to live? Is it good to die? Or do we simply choose based on morals we decide for our own benefit? Is that how we justify killing for the sake of good or stealing for the sake of others? But then what of those who suffer from the good we do? What of those who love… and are left unloved? 

The tower bell tolls, their chime heavy on the howling wind as multiple people emerge from their homes and businesses to approach the chapel in the center of the town. The sky filled with an endless gray, as if droplets of rain might pour down upon the earth at any moment. Men, women and children alike moving through the dirt and stone streets until clarity filled the town and all had been gathered in the place of worship. There was something to be said about a trust in God among humans. A belief that living a life of good would earn them a place amid eternity… If only they knew the truth… that their bones would turn to dust, never to be seen again as their souls are either devoured by the Void and its hounds or sent to Elysian where their fate might be melded into something anew if they're lucky. Nevertheless, they gathered in ignorance, misplaced trust which should have been hopelessness. Bound by invisible shackles to their wishes for something greater than themselves. As if simply doing whatever they want constitutes gaining a reward.

How foolish. 

“Welcome, everyone.” The priest standing at the head of the chapel, watching as everyone occupied a position and settled down, addressed them with a smile. “So many familiar faces, as always. I’m glad to see everyone in good health. Now. Let us pray.” 

Their hands all clasped together, eyes closed as well as mothers and fathers urging their children to do the same. As if blocking out all the world so that they might better commune with their God. All lowering themselves to their knees and lowering their heads in reverence with their hands clasped together. Hearts and minds in alignment. Spirits and souls tethered by this one true ideal they shared. It was only after an ample amount of time for everyone to prepare had finally passed, the priest began to speak. 

“O Heavenly Father, bless us on this day. We thank thee once again for allowing us to gather without worry and with peace of mind and heart. We remain unworthy of your love and protection, yet still you choose to deliver us from the woes of this ever sinful world. I pray to thee, beg of thee, continue to protect us all in such troubling times. Protect the children that they might grow healthy and strong. Protect the mothers and fathers that they might nurture them and help them grow…” 

…Amid the gathering a single boy opened his eyes. He was still young, no doubt less than six years old as he looked out the window. His attention captured by the sounds of rain falling upon the roof and tapping against the glass panes. The sun remained covered, but its light still illuminated the world even in its hidden state. However, as he searched for the source of light, he spotted something entirely different amid the clouds. At first it was barely visible, a spec high on the sky far from where they occupied the earth below, and yet it became clearer and clearer. Larger and larger. The distance closing until it was plain to see the massive spear of onyx and obsidian encroaching on their location… He couldn’t even make a sound before the impact. 

The roof of the building collapsed without putting up even the slightest fight. The spear large enough to destroy a small building entirely, but only taking up a large portion of the chapel in comparison; protruding from the ground and up into the sky like a dark spire. Yet even that was taken into consideration, the projectile having impaled the ground while shards of its outer shell were scattered everywhere and pierced anyone who had managed to survive the initial impact. Bloodied mist filling the air from the bodies which were completely decimated, the ground coated in a mix of fresh rainwater and liquid death. Amid this carnage, only one remained. The priest who had managed to survived only due to the podium protecting his most vital organs from the scattered shards. But he was still heavily injured, lying on the ground as his legs had been damaged and several cuts and gashes lined his torso and arms. The bleeding didn’t seem to stop. 

In that silence, accompanied only by the melodic beats of raindrops all around him and the occasional echoes of thunder, he wept. Lacking the ability to understand. “Dear God… what did we do to deserve this?” His question unanswered... but perhaps that would not last for long. Footsteps from outside clicking their way towards the main entrance. Then a child’s voice as the doors were pushed open. 

“Wow… you’re so strong mommy!” 

“Of course, if I’m not strong then who will protect you until you’ve grown up big and healthy?” The voice was both caring and compassionate. Filled with understanding and love. 

“Will I be this strong one day too?” The child asked with excitement. 

“That depends on you. I’ve learned that power isn’t so easily gained. It takes hard work and a lot effort,” the woman spoke as they entered the building. She had to duck her head just to get inside, skin akin to the gray clouds looming overhead with eyes like rare stones focused on the child held in her arms. “But for now you should only focus on being a child, gemstone.” 

“Please!” The priest called out. Immediately, her eyes snapped to his location. “Help!” 

“Look, gemstone. This man is injured, a survivor. Notice how he doesn’t even care for our appearance. That is the nature of those who are desperate. Weak. Willing to do anything for survival.” 

“Are you going to help him?” The child asked. 

“Well, that also depends.” The woman responded as she pulled a small and slender blade from her black coat and tossed it on the ground in front of the male. “His choices will decide how I respond.” 

“What are you doing? What am I meant to do with this?” The priest asked with confused wide eyes. 

“Pick it up and choose. I’m the one who sent that here,” she said as her leather boots somehow clicked against the floor like glass to stone, finger pointed to the large stone which had slain their entire village. All but him. 

“You did this?” He asked in disbelief. 

“Yes. Does it surprise you?” 

“But… why?” He asked her, but his question went unanswered. “Why!” 

“Does it matter?” Her response left him at a loss for words. “You know it was my doing, now how will you respond? Everyone, your friends and family, all slain by my hands. You have a weapon. Now, how will you respond?” 

At this distance she was so easy to see, black hair tied back in a sleek ponytail as to not interfere with the eyepatch covering her right eye. Her left was completely unnatural, like an amethyst geode within the center of an eyeball. Then he noticed the scar around the eyepatch, less like a cut and more like shattered stone. The girl in her arms looked almost entirely similar but with blue eyes and a head of brunette hair tied in pigtails. She was taller than him, uninjured as far as he could tell, but his anger outweighed the details. She had slain everyone he had ever come to know and love, and with that on his mind he grabbed the blade and forced himself to his feet. The pain in his legs like nothing he’d ever felt before as he lunged forward to strike with the weapon… but it merely snapped in two upon colliding with her skin. 

“What… what are you?” 

“Mommy?” the girl said with a worried and saddened expression. It made him flinch. 

“You saw his choice for yourself, gemstone. There’s no need to cry.” The woman said as she reached her hand out towards the onyx and obsidian. The shards which had split off and impaled countless people converging on her position and melding themselves into a slender sword of pure black. The blade as thin as paper. “Fools are fools, but there’s courage in foolishness. So, I will at least say he’s a courageous man.” 

“What manner of evil are you?” The priest asked, but the woman merely held the weapon to his neck and sighed. 

“Normally you’d ask who instead of what. There’s no need to be rude just because you’re going to die. Your God has failed you, but perhaps that’s a blessing in its own way. I’ll let you in on a secret before you die. Morality? Good and evil? It’s all subjective. If you’re prepared to call someone evil then you’re prepared to deny their evil existence.” 

“An evil existence should be denied.” 

“Perhaps, but I find these lofty praises to someone that doesn’t exist more evil than anything else. The false hope you gave these people in believing they’d accomplish something by living how you deemed correct? That sounds like an evil to me. Especially when the Void was waiting for them, just as it is waiting for you.” 

There was barely any effort behind the stroke of the blade across his throat. The gargling and gagging as he choked on his own blood and air filled the chapel as the child on her arms turned away. She simply looked at the girl and smiled to calm her. It wasn’t enough to alleviate all her discomfort, but it did make her less anxious and content. She still clung to her as if death were to be feared, but that only meant she’d need to learn that death is only to be feared if you can’t combat it. A lesson she herself had learned a long while ago. However, she still held the same smile when she turned back to the male who was quickly approaching the realm of death. 

“Guh… ca… ugn…” Whatever words he attempted to use with his final breaths failing him. 

“A shame. Even now you fight. I’m certain a child of yours would have grown up to be quite the heroic figure. You like to pray, don’t you?” She asked as she stabbed the weapon into the floor at her feet. “I’d suggest praying you’re reborn as a claimant. And particularly one that isn't my enemy. You'd be blessed with a second chance.” 

“Zorelle,” a voice at her back made her head turn slightly. 

“I wasn't expecting you. What do you want, Kana?” 

“You’re being called. There are new recruits, and Lady Lilith requested that you specifically train them.” 

“Interesting. Defensive units then… and is this a request, or a desire?” 

“Do I even need to say it?” 

“No, I’m smart enough to know the answer to that. I’ll be right there.” Her attention turned back to the girl in her care as she smiled again. “Looks like you’ll be going back to your brothers and sisters for now, gemstone.” 

Zorelle sighed as she appeared standing within the blue-lit room. It was the only room in the entire manor which featured lights which weren’t entirely reddened, and also the only room one could appear in without the worry of being attacked on sight by any guards on patrol. To her surprise, Kana had been waiting on her arrival. That alone didn’t bode well as the woman never spoke often to anyone aside from Lilith herself. She treated Arc’l like an idiot, and she treated her like a throwaway subordinate. Even so, she never did anything rash or unpredictable. Not unless Lilith ordered it. Perhaps that was why her red eyes returned to their normal blue state upon sizing her up for several seconds and finding no flaws within her appearance. Always looking for weaknesses and flaws to exploit in some manner. 

“You’re as on-edge as ever.” Zorelle’s words were calm and blunt. “Has something happened?” 

“No. I merely prefer your company over the rest of the rabble.” 

“Is Lilith not present? I’d expect you to be right behind her at all times. If you could manage.” 

“Lady Lilith is currently out. She said she was hungry, and also made it clear she wanted to taste a human from Death’s domain.” 

“Novevu’s aikekunai?” Her surprise did not stop her stride down the long and lavish hallway. The muffled sound of her heels on the carpet, the multitude of paintings on the walls. It was what you’d expect from a den of fiends or a mistress of demons. “My, our lady sure does enjoy her dangers.” 

“There is no danger. She would not be felled that easily, regardless of the house or ancient.” 

“You don’t know the same Lilith I do. She still listens to Xainayne. She won’t do anything which upsets him, and getting on Novevu’s bad side would do just that.” 

“If Novevu and his aikekunai are so easily upset by one dead human, my respect for them wanes.” 

“Hah! I didn’t know you respected either of them at all.” 

“Novevu is too emotional for their own good, and Xainayne is a fool. The ancients are examples of their own follies. I respect their power, but I will not respect their characters.” 

“You see Novevu as emotional? I suppose I can understand. Although you’ll need to reconsider when I shatter Flori to rubble and take his place.” 

Kana did not smile or smirk, merely looking in her direction with a half-sarcastic glare accompanied by raised brows. “Funny. I don’t even respect you now.” 

“It’s not about respect, little shadow. It’s about knowing your enemies… but on to less important topics. I hear you had a daughter recently.” The very subject made the woman’s eyes flare. “Don’t be so irritable, it’s no threat. Just wondering if you’ve taken her on any field trips to your battles.” 

“She is still young. Learning. That will be for a time when she understands her position and the power she must bear.” 

“It’s never too early to show them the allure of a battlefield. They’ll never get used to seeing the dead and causing catastrophes if you don’t introduce them to it early on.” 

“Your children are all little monsters. Unlike you I do not have the luxury of bearing so many. I will take my time with my daughter and perfect her properly.” 

“I’m only on my thirty seventh, don’t be so cold. They only need to learn the concepts. If they die it’s because they didn’t learn from watching. I make sure certain lessons are clear to everyone from the start. That is how you nurture a proper heir or heiress to an empire. Matriarch’s like myself often lack the time to teach each little one separately, so I just show them the importance of being a proper claimant warrior and leave the rest of their growth to their other parent.” 

“I swear, you have more spouses than some fire claimants I’ve seen. Your lessons are roguish and brutal. They lack grace and decency.” 

“Who needs grace in battle?” Her words were carried with laughter as they finally reached their destination. Entering the hall where those she was meant to train had been gathered. They saluted both her and Kana, but the two barely paid them any mind as Zorelle raised her voice to make one thing clear to both her and them. “All a real warrior needs to understand is the difference between the weak and the powerful. If they can take those lessons and use them as a catalyst to avoid being the former, then they may just live long enough to become the latter.” 

“You say that as if you don’t care for their lives.” 

“I care, but I refuse to coddle. I will not baby them. Not unless they are the child of the one I truly love.” 

“Those children will grow to hate you.” 

“They don’t need to like or love me. All they need to do is survive. If they can do that I don’t care if they even attempt to come for my head one day," she said as she tapped her finger against the side of her head, a click like to stones echoing through the hall. "But that would only serve to prove them never having learned a fundamental lesson.” 

“And what would that lesson be?” Kana asked as a sword of pure crystal formed from Zorelle's very skin to be impaled in the ground at her feet. By now her attention was entirely on the new soldiers, and her expression was both merciless and serious. As if telling them from a glance that these next for hours, days, weeks or possibly months would possibly cost them everything if they were ill prepared or unsuited to understand a very important concept: That Zorelle Kinoz was not to be considered a claimant capable of showing them any kindness. No matter who they are. 

“I’m a cruel woman in both life and battle; my guard is never down. When they grow up seeing villages razed and kingdoms toppled, men and their wives and children cast into the Void without mercy or second thought and civilizations erased with a smile, they should remember that I was always the one who showed it to them firsthand... and I’m always willing to make more examples for anyone I deem worth the effort.” 

Invitation to Hell

“You’re telling me that Gabi is having a meeting right now?” Jaffe inquired of Mist. 

“Yes. That’s the third time I’ve said it. Surely it isn’t that hard to believe.” 

“Well no, but to think she could hold a decent conversation.” 

“You’re really the only person alive who can get away with insulting her like that... Now, if you’re done here, you can leave. I’m actually pretty busy myself.” 

Jaffe watched as the woman sifted through paperwork like less of a living organism and more along the lines of a well oiled machine. Among Gabi's employees, she was the most difficult to really discover anything about. And it wasn’t because she hid anything from people. She grew up on the northern fringes of Greenland among a tribe of water claimants native to the mountains of those lands. Nomadic by nature and constantly moving throughout the year, they’re rarely ever seen unless you choose to go out of your way and seek them out. However, they are extremely secretive people and don’t take kindly to anyone outside of their tribe. 

Mist herself didn’t care to speak about herself at all and, despite her stern expressions and snappy personality, she was known for being extremely lazy when not at work. Clearly Mist isn’t her real name, but there isn’t a single person alive who doesn’t call her Mist Daughter, including her own parents. There are no records of birth or papers to truly confirm who she’s even related to, meaning it remained a difficulty to even know if her biological parents still lived. But there was one thing for certain, she and Jaffe shared the same house. Sometimes it felt as if that were the only reason she ever tolerated her presence… or at least that and her relationship to Gahbriogyva. Needless to say, she was still no fan of company. Her face always blanketed with sour expressions whenever anyone was nearby. 

“So… who is she meeting with?” Jaffe asked which caused the woman to place her pen down on the desk. 

“You’re seriously asking me something like that?” The question was followed by her eyes turning up to stare her down. “We’re not all lucky enough to get on Gabi’s bad side and get punished with sex, Jaffe. I actually like my job and life.” 

“Don’t lie. You like the paycheck, greedy bitch.” 

“Isn’t that what a job is for? Besides. If you want to know then go see for yourself. They’re in her main office. I’m not going to stop you.” 

“Wait, really? You won’t try to get in the way at all? Today must be a good day.” 

“Do you think I’m stupid?” She crossed her arms over her chest. 

“You really want an answer to that?” 

“Just get out of my office and do whatever you want,” she said as her hazel eyes returned to her work. “None of the staff will get in your way, so long as you stay out of theirs. I can’t be so sure about Sharoleen, she likes to slack off by any means necessary. And if you run into Freddy he’ll likely watch your every move.” 

“The cook?” 

“Yes. He doesn’t like to talk, but he dislikes strangers even more. Especially when they’re around Gabi. Now get out. I’m busy.” 

“That’s pretty rude of you. I should tell my girlfriend about this behavior.” 

“By all means. You can also take that opportunity to tell your girlfriend that I quit. My job doesn’t involve having the trash from my house bother me all fucking day. Now go.” 

Arguments didn’t really exist with Mist. She took her value into great consideration, and it was clear that it would take years to have anyone else replace her in even the smallest capacity. They both shared a similarly agitated stare, but it was only for a moment. The impasse was plain to them both. On one hand Mist could easily find herself dead if she ever attempted to do anything to Jaffe, and on the other Jaffe would find herself heavily at odds with Gabi if she caused her most trusted employee to suddenly quit without any real warning or notice. Especially when she did the majority of the busywork. So, she simply left. Nether of them having gotten away with any real victory against the other. Or at least not until Jaffe knocked a vase near the door onto the floor... 

Each step was as cautious as the last. Sneaking up on Gabi wasn’t ever easy, and at times it felt as if she could smell someone bleeding across the state if she needed to. But within her own home, it was like she could smell the tiniest change which ever managed to take place. That was why everything needed to be calm and precise. Every movement had to be well thought out, and as she reached the door to Gabi’s office the first thing she noticed was Vevina, standing outside the door looking at her phone. She looked extremely disturbed, but that might have been caused by the formal maid outfit which had replaced her normal attire. Jaffe nearly laughed, but when Vevina also noticed her there was a silent agreement. Words that needn’t be spoken. 

With that she returned to looking at the device on her hands, and that left her to make her move. First approaching and placing her ear against the door, but of course there wasn’t a single sound to be heard. 

“Seriously?” Vevina whispered. “You thought you could spy on her like that?” 

“What? It was worth a try,” she whispered in return as to not be noticed by whoever was inside. 

“For an idiot, maybe. She’s Gahbreal’s daughter. I've been outside the door this entire time and I haven't heard a thing, you’ll have to get in there somehow if you want to know what’s going on. Although I doubt you’ll do that unnoticed.” 

“Do you know who she’s talking to?” 

“No… but I did see them. A cute girl I’ve never seen before wearing an extremely expensive dress and ushanka. She looked like Gabi’s type.” 

Jaffe was clearly unsettled by that last part. “You’re trying to piss me off, aren’t you?” 

“Hey, I’m just saying what I saw. I’ve never seen her before, but you’ll know what I mean when you see her.” 

“Yeah, sure.” How many people did she know who wore an ushanka?

Jaffe was done talking. Now was the time to see what was happening on the inside. Opening the door wasn’t an option; instead she melted down into a pure, clear water before sliding under the door. Almost immediately Jaffe was met with Gabi’s voice along with the sight of the guest she had been informed of. Cute was an understatement. Short, reddish hair under the hat and reached just beneath the ears, Prussian blue eyes which looked unnaturally lifeless, but perhaps it would be best to correct Vevina on who they were while she was still alive. Jaffe knew who this was. A peach long-sleeved ribbed midi dress with a black wool long coat. The ushanka rested on their head comfortably, and it was just as black as the coat… like it absorbed all light around it. 

“I asked you to come here because I was wondering why the manor chose to send my grandmother so many odd requests. She can only accomplish so much, and especially after so much time being left in the dark.” Gabi was agitated. More than normal. 

“Не будь таким кислым.” The male voice accompanied her steady movements towards Gabi’s desk. “As far as I understand, they were trying to keep Kikana out of our business. Ей это не подходит.” 

“My grandmother is not as soft as you believe.” 

“Your grandmother has her goals, and the idea was that her focus would be better suited to those. Доброта не идет нам на пользу. Kindness does not do us well. Kikana, in comparison, is very kind. But now she wants to be a part of her son’s life, no matter how little. Your father will not agree, but we would be foolish to go against her desires.” 

“And what makes you say such a thing?” Gahbriogyva rose from her seat. Jaffe could tell the answer would decide a great many things, with fates included. Her eyes growing wider, her wings opening up as if to display a threat.  

“Because she is both the ancestor of a founder and mother of our leader. Saying no to her would be saying no to Kana, which would be the equivalent of refusing Lady Lilith herself.” 

There was silence, but only for several seconds. Jaffe salivating at just what might be learned from the topics being discussed. Gabi’s entire family was a goldmine of secrets with the majority of claimants still having no idea that she was even a part of that family. Kikana, Gahbreal, Mayray, Hellfire, those were the only four who carried their family title and were public about their identities aside from the main family. And their main family only ever left their estate when being called on to fight by either Xainayne or Lilith… and the estate itself was hidden away! So if this was the topic they were discussing, any slip of the tongue could be worth millions… Or at least until she noticed a twitch of Gabi’s nose. 

“Well then, I suppose I can be pleased with that answer.” Gabi started as she returned to her seat. “Tell me something, Addie.” 

“I feel as if I have been here for hours. What else could you possibly want from me?” 

“Don’t be so strict. You know you could always just work for me and be paid well enough. All you need to do is put on a maid outfit and do as I say.” 

“I’d much rather drink the blood of a nature claimant… they always tastes like dirt.” 

“You’re as mean as ever,” she responds as she kicked her shoes off and casually removed her stockings. 

“…Okay… Have you spoken with Zorelle? She has been bugging me to convince you to see her. Says she’d like to see if you are as unhinged as you once were.” 

“What? I’ve never even met that woman. What could she possibly know about me?” She answered while removing all of her rings and placing them in a neat line on her desk. 

“Well she seems to think otherwise. Then again, it would be a good opportunity for you to visit the manor for your first time. I could arrange an escort. Set up a dinner party. Something lavish and exquisite. I’m certain everyone would be pleased to meet you.” 

“Addinia, I don’t think there’s a single person alive who wouldn’t be pleased to meet me.” It had been odd already, watching as she nonchalantly removed every article of her clothing, excluding her black dress. However it wasn’t until she reached into her shirt and removed her bra, that the Desdon male had finally found his expression shifting from curiosity to confusion. 

“Okay. Do you care to explain why you are undressing yourself in front of me?” He half demanded as she proceeded to remove the rest of her underwear beneath her clothing. “Блин. How are you so good at that?” 

“Alright,” Gabi finally spoke up. Her head tilted to the side ever so slightly, as if offering her neck like a gift. “We don’t have too much time, so let’s make this quick.” 

Addinia was extremely unsettled at first, but that was only until he noticed the liquid silhouette forming at Gabi’s side before finally taking the shape of Jaffe. Her teeth dug into her neck like fine blades, but not so much to cause discomfort the winged claimant could not handle. Meanwhile, Gabi was still interested in continuing her conversation. It also seemed as if Addinia was stunned by the sheer openness of their relations. But more than that… he seemed entirely jealous, but not of the relationship itself. 

“You remind me too much of her,” he said with a turned up nose. 

“I heard that Kana wasn’t too fond of making such open shows of emotion or friendliness.” 

“Not Kana. You remind me of Lady Lilith. You do realize that most of her manor could easily be qualified as a brothel. Right?” 

“Sounds like it could be fun,” Jaffe joked as the nibbles as her neck became kisses instead. 

“Hmm, maybe.” Gabi responded while placing a finger on Jaffe’s lips. The residual darkness staining her fingertip before she pulled it away and licked it clean. “You were listening, weren’t you? We could go.” 

“That sounds like a trap. Don’t make me hurt you, Gabi.” 

“By all means. You know I’d enjoy it.” 

“You always act like as much of a whore as possible when there are others watching.” 

“What can I say? We’ve both been busy and I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get properly treated like a toy, although I doubt you could really rail me how I want right now.” 

“I know what you’re trying to do… and it’s working.” 

“Good, but I was serious. We could both go. I doubt anyone would mind me bringing a guest, and if they do I can just destroy the entire building. Right, Addie?” 

“Yeah, I’m not going to let that happen.” Addinia was quick to respond. It was two parts, one a threat and another reassurance. No one would turn them away but he would clearly defend the property even if it cost him his life. And Gabi knew very well the measure of his life. Addinia Desdon was not to be trifled with. He was, after all, taught by her own father. “I will leave you two to your… relations. I’m returning home.” 

“Sure!” Gabi responded as her and Jaffe fell out of the chair and onto the floor. Neither of them seemed as if they’d relent to the other taking control. 

“I will call you to set up a date. Постарайтесь не утомлять себя.” The words were a farewell accompanied by his exit. It was unnatural. Akin to what Gahbreal did to get around but clearly different. Addinia was a natural Desdon, after all. It only made sense that moving through void-drawn spaces was something he’d be taught. But once he was gone the heavy scent of Novevu’s house left along with him. 

“You always have interesting company,” Jaffe said as she finally managed to pin Gabi down. 

“Don’t act as if you don’t know my favorite type of company. Addie is cute enough to work for me.” 

“You’re the only person who can get away with saying shit like that to him. He’d most likely drain the blood of anyone else and toss their corpse to the Void as feed.” 

“Well that’s because he knows me.” Gabi responded while placing her hands on Jaffe’s hips. “So he knows I’d probably break his spine if he ever tried that. But don't worry about him. Right now it's your spine that's in danger.” 

War is like a plague directly on the land itself. The earth scorched underfoot, streams of blood collecting in pools with the bodies of victims left behind. Corpse after corpse piling amid the conflict which always has an equal a chance of ending as never ending. Cancer upon the land, an affront to peace and tranquility. For claimants who fight for the sake of peace it serves to act as a virus which never seems to stay healed for long, if ever at all. When one war is won another is lost, when one war ends another is started, the never ending cycle of balance being disrupted and upheld. The world awash with desperation, and the realms bleeding with their elemental life. 

“Hold the line! Don’t give them a single inch!” Zorelle called out as she raised her shield forward. 

The claimant of earth was no simple commander. Versatility and adaptability making up the greater parts of her capabilities, she could lead any group well. It didn’t matter which house or whether they were human or claimant, all that mattered was if they could properly follow orders and fought with the determination to see those orders through. However, this battle was not so easily won. 

When she had received a request to help subdue a small militia of claimants and humans, the expectation was that she’d receive a small band of soldiers to command as well for the search. Instead, she found herself leading a village of armed farmers and a handful of claimants with them to defend a village of nobodies. She couldn’t help but feel disgusted at the start when summarizing their capabilities, but it only grew worse upon realizing that none of them had any military background whatsoever. Their bodies were capable of handling harsh work, but they weren’t attuned to weapons or moving around with armor at all. Now she found herself fighting with them to defend something they lacked the supplies to even truly defend. 

“What do you want us to do, leader?” The male called out while hiding behind a small wooden wall. 

“What are you talking about?” She responded in a disgusted tone. “I told you to hold this line, didn’t I? So do it! None of you will be capable of pushing, so we will fight defensively and prepare for the worst!” 

In her mind she wanted to simply decimate the enemy forces as quickly as possible, but that would prove to be more trouble than it was worth. She did not know the extent of the enemy, nor did she know which houses were involved. In her care she only had humans and five nature claimants, all of which were utterly lacking. Then again, she wasn’t keen on expecting much from Florita’s garbage. Considering the finer details she might have burned this place to the ground in the past, but now it wasn’t just her decision to make. 

“You! Fovey!” Her voice caught the attention of each one of them. “Ugh! I don’t care which of you answers me, but one of you will! Have you discovered the claimants among the enemy?” 

“Not yet,” one of them spoke while crouched with their eyes closed. 

“He’s sent several creatures in the direction of the attacks, but none of them have managed to either return or get close enough to the enemy without being slain.” The nature claimant next to them answered. 

“Damn it! That leaves this open to many… wait.” She paused for a moment as if lost in thought. 

“Miss Zorelle?” 

“Tell the humans to fall back!” 

“What?” 

“Now! I know what’s happening! This place isn’t safe!” She didn’t wait for a response before rushing out into the open with her shield. 

This wasn’t like her. She’d normally never do something so ridiculous, and especially not for the lives of mortals or anyone from the house of nature. Perhaps she was growing too soft, or perhaps Lilith had managed to rub off on her in the wrong way. That woman had a way with her words and actions, easily drawing on certain individuals and making them flock to her side like knights to their queen. She wasn’t kind by any means, but she protected her allies. It hadn’t always been that way, but when she started, it had begun to rub off on everyone. There was an order to the way her faction of demons moved beneath her, and she was no stranger to it. 

It took a moment for the other claimants to realize what she had discovered, but soon they came to understand her realization. There weren’t many things which could cause creatures under the command of a skilled nature claimant to simply abandon their tasks or duties, but there was certainly one thing which served to make it possible. Taking so many things into consideration wasn’t something just anyone could do on the fly, but it wasn’t something they needed to do. Their task was simply to follow orders; that was why the humans were gathered and made to flee. The Fovey soon followed upon seeing the fire pour from the trees in their direction. Fire bathed in light. Less like natural flame and more like soaring suns. 

“Hurry up before I let you die!” Zorelle’s voice was like a scourge upon the earth as she raised her shield. She didn’t attempt to dodge, instead intercepting the attack and nullifying it with her guard. 

“I wasn’t expecting this,” the voice emerged from the tree-line as a male dressed in what could only be described as rags stepped into the open. “Zorelle Kinoz, Lilith’s shield, protecting Fovey? Where's your Kinoz pride?” 

“Don’t flatter yourself. I do what I do because I was told to do it, not because I chose to come here.” 

“What a shame. I thought you’d shed your Kinoz ways to become some hero of justice, or something boring like that, but instead you’re still as arrogant as ever.” 

“You’d do well to remember your place. I can smell you from here, hybrid.” She turned up her nose with the words. "Solaria's stench does very little to hide you."

“Hah! Those are harsh words, but words will only get you so far. While by brethren hide away we choose to fight. We will pave the way four our kin. What will you do when words mean nothing and only steel matters? What will you do when blades and bludgeons are all that matter? What will name mean then, when Solaria’s house does what it does best and fights?” 

The time for words ended, the solar claimant rushing forward in a burst of light and fire to collide with her shield. It wasn’t a weapon of any sort, simply his first against her bulwark, and even still there was enough weight to make her smirk. He wasn’t strong enough to give her reason to fear or be worried, but he wasn’t weak enough to leave her lacking enjoyment. This was meant to be a battle of attrition, but now she might be capable of getting some little pleasure form it… There was nothing more pleasurable than slaying someone with courage, after all. 

“Don’t regret the answer I have to give, Excia!” 

Their exchange was quick, each strike shaking the ground beneath their feet, but Zorelle steadied it with her element. Protection of this place was the priority, after all. And as such she continued to fight while keeping the land steady and the fight in her favor. Or at least it seemed that way until she noticed a shift out the corner of her eyes. A brightness through the smoke from within the trees, a molten orb of solar energy hurtling towards the village she was meant to protect. Then several more emerged in the same manner. 

“Sorry,” the male’s voice caused her to frown. “This isn’t just a fight for us, after all.” 

“Craven!” Her voice echoed through the air as she tossed her shield towards the first of them all. 

The collision was vibrant. Like a flashing light as the orb burst into a spray of brilliant flames, then she placed her entire focus on pure defensive. She didn’t plan to cause any great changes to the landscape, but there would be a time to set things to normal after this was all done. That was why several shields of pure crystal were formed from minerals within the earth and scattered across the sky to intercept each projectile. It took a considerable amount of precision, and specifically precision she could muster, but it certainly left her open to the impact against her cheek she could not defend. However the wild claimant was not entirely surprised to see her not budge in the slightest. Her one good eye locked onto him with a considerable amount of malice while his fist bled against her. 

“Don’t look at me like that. I had to at least try, but enough of that.” His fist uncurled into an open hand which quickly took hold of her jaw. “What kind of claimant of Solaria would I be if I weren’t born to kill claimants like you? I'll turn that crystal shell to molten magma.” 

In her mind she wasn’t too worried, but her body reacted in expectation of what was to come. Her eyes growing wide as she watched the palm of his hand begin to glow as if batched in the very sun itself. She could feel the heat on her skin, directly through the crystalline layer which always remained as a last resort of defense. 

She wasn’t expecting reinforcements, and she wasn’t going to ask for any. This was her responsibility and she wouldn’t allow anyone to interfere by way of some cowardly request. She’d endure and bury this entire lot of trash if she had to! To hell with the consequences and to hell with the results. Zorelle Kinoz will not fail, even if it costs a few burns to the skin. The words she used to convince herself as she continued to stare him directly in the eyes and pour all of her focus into defense. The very moment the opportunity arose she’d pin him to the earth with one hundred spires of stone. Make an example no one would ever forget! Yet deep down, no one was ever exempt from the fear of death... nor the hunger of the wolf...

“That is more than enough,” his words brought silence to the entire battlefield. His hand grabbing hold of the arm right in front of her. “I prefer to forgo displays of overwhelming force, but I can make an exception this time.” 

“You? What are you doing here!” The claimant cried out as he attempted to pull his hand away to no avail. 

“What? Is it truly that difficult to comprehend?” The question was followed by the hymn of cleaved flesh and the guttural yelled which accompanied it. “You’re playing with my teacher, and a friend of my wife. Did you believe I would let you go unscathed?” 

“Wolf! I’ll have your head!” The claimant yelled as he rose to his feet. 

“You will address me properly, boy. I do not care for you or your ancient. The sun be damned. You and your band of runaways should have remained in your realm where you belong, but instead you chose to reach where you have no business. Now I will remind you of your station in the order of things.” 

“This is my fight, Gahbreal! I don’t need you to interfere!” Zorelle said, but he did not show any sign of backing down. 

“Don’t take this the wrong way. I’m not doing this for you. I already allowed you to lose an eye under my care. Lilith will not forgive me if I let you take anymore damage. Just relax, and let me show you my rage.” 

He raised his hand forward and his eyes flickered before settling on a red which could twist the hearts of even the most dedicated claimants. His armor, black as the deepest night, clung to him like shadows to the earth and his cape seemed to melt into those very shadows themselves. His axe did not separate from his hand, but it looked as if it were pulsating violently as darkness converged on their position, like snakes slithering to their nest. And it was in that very moment he raised his voice. Loud enough for all enemies within earshot to hear. The convergence of darkness, the convergence of madness. The overwhelming power he bore collecting in a way no one had ever seen before. 

“Excia... Half-light… let me introduce you to the terror of full, true darkness. Something you will never have the power to defeat. Witness the disaster that makes me an aikekunai, and in it experience madness and despair in their highest form.” 

He did not yell despite his raised voice, did not show an outward display of anger or hostility. Like a father reprimanding his children, and yet the punishment was a sound and strict death as darkness cascaded forward like a sea of nothingness across the land. It rose into the air and snuffed out the small suns crafted by the lost claimants. Zorelle watched in both awe and horror, a sea of darkness blacker than the depths of space or the deepest pit of the void, choking out everything it touched. She could hear the screams from within. The sound of bones cracking and twigs snapping unable to be differentiated from one another. And then it quickly became silence. 

A rush like water crashing down a river as the darkness returned to its master. The blue silhouette which accompanied it like a guide to his heels, until it sank into his shadow. His shadow was like moving ink, as if it were alive, and within it she could see the endlessness of what could only be considered her interpretation of madness. As if it were looking back at her. A monster of its own accord, barely kept on its leash. It wasn’t hungry like the Void. Instead in was simply filled with endless, insatiable malice. A want to corrupt and defile the minds of everything it touched. The very solidification of madness, incarnate desecration, defilement and agony— 

“Zorelle.” 

“Huh?” Her eyes rose to meet his, a slight glint of red within the geodes she uses for sight. 

“If you stare, it will only eat away at you.” 

“Of course… I apologize.” 

“Don’t apologize, teacher. Just be vigilant and cautious. There are some fates worse than death. Darkness is a curse of its own. Do not fall victim to it.” His eyes surveyed the aftermath of what had transpired. She hadn’t even known he was planning to show up until he was already there. “You’ve done well. Let us return to the manor.” 

“And what of repairs? I can have this place back to its original standard in a matter of minutes, if you’d will it.” 

“No, leave it to the ones who live here. They could use the exercise. Their own weaknesses caused our intervention. We merely solved what they could not. Leave them something to do with their worthless lives.” 

“Lilith would scoff if she heard you talking like that.” Zorelle’s statement attracted his glare. 

“Normally I’d cut you down, but you speak true. That bluntness has saved me from her ire far too many times. Perhaps it’d be in my best interest to take up a relaxing hobby. ” 

“Try cooking. I cook for the kids whenever I’m at home. It’s rather relaxing.” 

“Cooking?” He questioned her suggestion as he held his hand out in her direction. “What good is cooking when my partner prefers fresh blood? Forgive my rudeness, teacher, but I prefer a blade.” 

“A good meal transcends specific tastes. You’re as capable as ever, so I’m sure you’d find a way to please her without killing a new person per meal.” She responded while taking his hand and being swept away into the shadows only to come out on the other side in the familiar red halls of Lilith’s home. "And there's no need to call me teacher. You surpassed me a long time ago."

“I suppose we will see, when next I fetch her from that cell. Perhaps this coming week... teacher.” 

“Stubborn boy. You’ve missed her that much already? It hasn’t even been a month.” 

“Perhaps you’ll understand when you find your one true love. It is different from the run of the mill lay you encounter on a regular day. You find yourself craving their company more and more. The idea was that we’d grow stronger together, but it feels as if she had been softening me up.” 

“It’s called becoming a dad, Gahbreal.” 

“I have no children.” 

“Say what you will, but I’ve seen the way you treat the younger members and you’re subordinates. You care for them more than you let on.” 

“Perhaps, but I will never forget my purpose. Compassion aside I have a goal to reach. Peace through blood. I’ll cleanse the ranks of claimants with a fine blade; cull the lost with a careful eye. Don’t forget our mandate, nor our ideals.” 

Zorelle watched as he walked away. A part of her wondered what type of dedication it took to move in complete silence while wearing a full set of armor, but this wasn’t just any person. This was Gahbreal. In comparison to the other aikekunai he was still rather young, with only Arc’l as a predecessor to this life… but that meant very little considering the means of his upbringing. An ancestor of Kana and one of her own personal students at one point, and he had been raised for war and battle of all kinds by his father. That was how he had managed to remain among the five most notable aikekunai. 

Whether it be a blessing or a curse, Gahbreal was born with the same gift Lilith had managed. A closeness to darkness few truly had… tethered to madness in a relationship even fewer could understand. A secretive man who considered the importance of face value over letting others know the potential which basked in his shadow. He intended to etched the names of claimants who could not be controlled into has axe with their blood, and stamp them all out from history in a manner no one could truly combat and understand. In that regard, the only one standing in his way was Xainayne, and she knew he hated the ancient for it. Their minds worked very differently, but that was to be expected. He had always been willful, but that was just a result of the way he had been raised. The ideals his family had come to make a staple of his family. 

“I won’t forget… the ancients can only be counted on for so much. We do what we must, to insure a proper peace among the claimants. That is the mandate of the Hell Lilith has created.” 

The wet tapping, warm dripping of deep red fluid. Crimson glory falling to the floor in a puddle of lost life and exquisite taste. There was no place more peaceful within the entire realm, upon her royal seat where red flames flickered to illuminate the throne room. A throne of dread, a throne of terror, a throne lined with skeletons, crimson cushions and gold. A red carpet leading from the foot of the seat down the steps ahead and across the room to a large set of double doors, and at those door stood two figures draped in full plate armor of gold and tabards of black with a single red insignia on the chest… a single red cross turned on its head. No representation of what she was, but of what they made her out to be. In one's hand a halberd, on the other's side a large scimitar. 

A knock at the door and they would move, a sign that they were still alive and not just decorations of standing armor. Their hands resting on the doors before both moved in perfect unison to push them open, and stopping only when they had been left fully ajar. Then the clicking of heels proceeded inside with careful consideration and moderation behind every stride. Addinia was the first to arrive, and the only one to present himself in the throne room so quickly. Of course he would be, it was his primary duty to watch over the manor and manage its security. That was why he was both the first to show his respects and the first to know of her arrival. He was always the first. It was difficult to ignore when everyone’s mortality could no longer be differentiated. Lilith's sudden arrival's always put him on edge. 

He only stopped when he reached the steps which led directly to the throne itself. There wasn’t a single other living soul he would ever lower himself down to his knees for. His red dress, the fanciest he owned, with a floral design of black spider-lilies tucked perfectly beneath his knees. The ushanka he always wore not in sight, his head of muted red hair instead exposed alongside his eyes which held a blue the red illumination could not overtake. His thin arms and shoulders exposed, legs covered completely with long leather boots, black lipstick the same color as his eyeshadow. He only lifted his head once he had shown his respects. 

“I have come, my lady.” His voice was low as he raised his eyes. A white dress draped over a woman who looked as if she had been crafted from pearls. Hair as white as her clothing, but eyes like that of a blood-drunk vampire. The same color which covered her lips and dripped down her neck. Her legs dangling over one side of the throne, a human held tightly in her arms and lying over her own body, and yet her teeth had to release their neck where her tongue cleaned the wound left behind. 

“Such formalities are not your way, Desdon.” 

“I apologize, my lady.” 

“Don’t apologize,” she commanded with a voice softer than anyone could muster. The force of a demand with the comfort of a mother. The woman in her arms moved ever so slightly, but she merely held her carefully and allowed her to rest. “Do not waste my patience. If you wish to be treated like any other Desdon, I can always oblige you.” 

“Don’t bully the poor boy too much. You know he cares for your approval more than anyone else here.” Zorelle’s entrance was as one might expect. Relaxed. Calm. She only stopped once she reached Addinia’s side, and she did not lower herself aside from a standard curtsy. 

“How unusually caring of you, Zorelle. Can I not have my fun with the child? He is always so strict. It makes it easy to tease him,” she chuckled as she stood and placed the human woman's tired form down on her throne. “Come, Addinia.” 

“Y-yes.” 

He was clearly nervous, but he still stood and approached regardless of those feelings. His own eyes remained lowered as if to keep from looking her in the eyes. Addinia stopped a few short steps away from her throne, his lips pressed together, hands shaking as they clasped themselves over his waist. Lilith, however, merely sighed. There was clearly kindness in her expression, but Zorelle could see the traces of something deeper on her face. Her brow curling, the corners of her lips turning up slightly, yet her eyes themselves were as egregiously full of understanding as she remembered. Despite that, her expression was blatantly still… Contempt. 

She stepped forward until Addinia’s eyes could see her bare feet on the red carpet before him. He refused to raise his head; allowed himself to sink into a layer of fear he did not truly understand. At times he felt his fate had been more cursed than he originally intended. It was Gahbreal who chose him as an apprentice and Gahbreal who chose to bring him into this place, but it wasn’t until he met Lilith that he came to learn the fear of Desdon. The fear of Death. It was the one thing Lilith did not catch when it came to Addinia’s fearful expressions, even now as her hands moved to clasp his cheeks and lift his head so they could truly look at one another. In her eyes he was like a scared little cat, but for Addinia? It was a thing she did not understand a thing she would never understand, the wide eyed stare he refused to break as if a single turn might end with his head lying on the ground at her feet.

“Do not be so afraid, Addie.” Her voice attempted to reassure him, but her stare was enough to almost make him cry. “You are one of my special children. Weened on my blood. I will never hate you.” 

“I-I know! I apologize...” 

“You apologize far too much, when you have done nothing to apologize for.” 

“Perhaps you should say those words with less malice.” His voice made alarm bells chime in all their heads. Everyone except for Lilith, whose smile immediately turned to a frown. “The boy is violent, but his heart is soft. He's sensitive to the types of strong emotions and urges to tend to let off. If you intend to act motherly, then do it with a courteous and honest smile.” 

He could feel the hand stroking his head before Addinia could even register him standing at his side. It was a familiar warmth he’d never forget. His eyes shifted along with Lilith’s to his side; it was there both Addinia and Zorelle spotted Gahbreal in a more comfortable state than they could have ever recalled. Black pants covering his legs and fastened tightly with a belt. His feet and chest were both bare due to a lack of shoes and shirt, but he did wear an untied robe. It was his presence which caused Addinia to smile slightly. However, both he and Zorelle gave focus to a specific thing which would normally be unseen. A tattoo covering his chest. An almost deity-like figure with four wings, a sword in one hand and an axe in the other. Over the figures shoulders a woman embraced them with their head tucked against its neck. The symbolism was… impossibly open to interpretation, but easily could be related to a number of things. It only made Zorelle wonder what she might find on his back. 

“As always you are on everyone’s side but your own wife,” Lilith commented as she placed a kiss on Addinia’s cheek. He went flush, all his worries melted away once again by her forward behavior as she returned to her throne and stood at its side. 

“Don’t be like that. We both know you have trouble when dealing with Novevu's particulars. If I don’t defend my apprentice, you’ll eventually run him away.” 

“What? I would never run!” Addinia responded with a newly agitated attitude. 

“Don’t get so worked up, kid. I’m just making a point. I know you wouldn’t run from this; that’s why I chose you. But I will always see your fears. Those are things you will never be capable of hiding from me, no matter how powerful you become. It's my job to know those things as your teacher.” Gahbreal said as he approached Lilith and tapped the woman resting on her throne. 

She was groggy at first, but upon seeing his stare, quickly jumped up and bowed before stumbling out of the throne room and into the halls in an exhausted daze. Zorelle simply waved at the woman with a smug smile. Gahbreal then exhaled sharply as he sat down on the throne and turned his attention entirely to Lilith. She was clearly still upset, but she relented nonetheless. Becoming a formless black mist before reshaping on his lap in her original position. Legs dangling over the arm of the chair while her head rested on his shoulder. His earlier words had clearly made an impression upon her. She was now entirely focused on Addinia who had no snarky response or snappy reply. Instead he stood motionless with his fists balled up at his sides. How often had she seen him so frustrated? 

“Fine. I understand. I will try to calm myself. But I can only do so much after you broke my favorite toy,” Lilith said as she pouted slightly. 

“Don’t whine. As cute as it is, these people look up to you. And that toy was a living thing.” 

“Don’t worry!” Zorelle called out with a smile. “I already know just how cute she is, so it’s no real surprise.” 

“Zorelle!” Lilith cried out, but Gahbreal merely held her down. 

“Come now, don’t be so agitated. We rarely get any time to ourselves and I can’t keep you away from the Prism forever before someone realizes you're gone. Let’s just relax. Tell everyone else to go on break, and we will just spend the day to ourselves.” 

“If you were not so sweet I would have killed you already.” Lilith said with a smile. 

“I thought you chose me because I had the type of power you enjoyed.” Gahbreal responded with a smile. 

“Well, there is that too, but it is that nature of yours which I love the most. So, why not show me more of that sweet side? I was not expecting you to be up so soon after last night, but seeing you so lively makes me feel lively as well.” 

“Ew,” Addinia said as he turned and walked away. All the tension from before seemingly gone. “As much as I enjoy love stories, I’d rather not be present for… this.” 

“Sadly I agree,” Zorelle also spoke up. “While I’d love to stay and chat, I’m a busy person. I’ll be back tomorrow. Thanks for another early vacation, Gahbreal.” 

“There they go. Now we are both alone,” Lilith whispered as the others left the room. 

“You ran them off so skillfully... I’m almost frightened. You do realize they were here for a meeting, right? Now we’ll need to call them back later.” 

“That is fine. What type of royal subjects would they be, if they did not do as their queen desires?” She asked while placing short kisses on his cheek. “They will be back when I call, and we will get personal time to ourselves. It is simple. I have been wanting to taste you again ever since you fell asleep last night, and I cannot do that while they are at home.” 

“You talk like they’re children.” 

“Should you not treat your close companions, especially when they are so young and cute, like your own children?” Lilith asked while interlocking her fingers on the opposite side of his neck, as if using him as a means to dangle back without falling from her favorite seat. "Kindness is kindness. Care is care. Love is love. You are a strict teacher, but I am a strict mother. Perhaps in time you will eventually come to learn the joy I find from protecting these little ones. Then, and only then, I am certain you will learn to view some claimants as your own children." 

Change does not happen overnight. It builds. It rises. It takes considerable push and pull. No matter what anyone may believe that fact will forever remain the same… or at least that is the way it should be. For the most dangerous and extreme of change is that which takes place in a matter of moments. The change which can be spurned by a single discovery. The change which is brought upon by distress, rage, corruption, desperation, anxiety, and above all else… madness… A change more despicable than all others. The change which makes a hero into a villain, an angel into a demon, and can transform a god… into a demon. 

 

Her eyes flickered open, chest heaving as she gasped for a deep breath of air. It felt as if she hadn’t taken in any oxygen for hours. Recalling what had happened before was difficult, and she could feel her very mind still repairing; the gray matter which had been destroyed recalibrating and restoring itself within her freshly sealed skull. Her senses returning along with the function, reality settling in with realization, cold turning to sticky, sickly warmth. Her eyes twitched about wildly within their sockets, locked onto the wooden ceiling overhead covered in stains of sprayed blood. Her entire body felt numb, immovable, as if it weighed millions of tons. It wasn’t until her fingers and toes began to twitch that the shock set in and she began to lift herself from the ground. 

“Wait! Listen to me Lilith!” A voice so familiar she’d never forget it. 

“Baramecht? What has happened?”  

“Don’t move, don’t speak, just listen... my time is slipping away. Just give me a moment to speak.”  

“What is going on?”  

“Listen to me Lilith! Don’t look at anything but me, okay?” Had he ever raised his voice to her like this? It made her flinch. 

“Okay. Speak.”  

“I’m retracting our promise.”  

“Wha-”  

“There is no point to it now, and I very well can’t allow you to starve... I’m not living through this; I don’t have the strength left to keep clinging to life past helping you... but I want to replace our previous promise with another.”  

“A new promise?” What was he talking about? She did not understand. 

“Yes, please, for both of us. You will not know how to feel, but I want you to feel angry. I want you to feel rage. I want you to let your emotions run wild but target them towards anyone who would ever do something like this again. I want you to feel everything I can feel so that you can make it all a reality.”  

“Your promise is for me to make the promise a reality? I do not-”  

Her mind felt so fuzzy, she could not make sense of it still. As if her brain were struggling to keep up. Its functionality still attempting to regain its composure. 

“Lilith... please… that was not my promise, but a predatory request... my real promise is for you to fulfill my last desire...”  

“Tell me your desire, my soul.”  

“I want you to get revenge... I want you to make certain that the ones who did this are punished in the worst possible way... I want you to... to seek out your desires and meet them all, but at the same time make sure no one ever must suffer like this again... please.”  

She did not understand why her sweet and kind Baramecht was talking about revenge. Betraying who he had always been so casually. What could cause such a thing? 

“Baramecht.”  

“I know I'm speaking out of anger! I was too weak... to protect you... to protect her. But I will not have you held back because of me! So please... be yourself. Don't change for me or anyone else, but feel. Nothing is wrong with you. It’s everyone else... they don’t get it... they’ll never understand...”  

“I... I don’t understand this. Baramecht?! What happened?!”  

“Feel it all... you’ll need that emotion, that anger, that same rage I feel. It will guide you correctly. Can you do it? I want you to kill me.” His words seemed dazed. Almost as if they were fading away. 

“Me? I couldn't. I-”  

“Please... I can’t bear the thought of at least not being yours for one last time...”  

She might never know what drove her to do it. The sensation of her teeth on his flesh unlike the way it had ever been in the past. Dreadful, distasteful. Both terrifying and disgusting. She hated herself for it, despised herself for it, but she could not bring herself to turn away such a sincere desire from this man who had crafted her child. 

“Ah, yes... this cold sensation enveloped by a goddess' warmth... I’ve missed it... don’t worry, you won’t have to wander alone for long... Your papa is coming... to find you in... Elysian...” 

The feeling of emptiness brought on by holding a corpse with no life within it. The dread of that corpse being someone you’d have hoped to never see perish; a life you’d have never believed to be one you’d take of your own accord. The only thing which weighed on her more heavily was the realization of what had truly been lost. Her heart retching, bile wanting to rise from her stomach and yet all that came up was blood. The foreign sensation of a body intermingled within her own flesh, small enough to fit within her, scattered in unfamiliar pieces. Her fingers clawed into her own flesh, gripping at what was meant to be whole and yet what she tore from her body was nothing more than parts of her own design intermingled with that of another. A pool of black and crimson blood littered with small limbs.

“What will you do, Lilith?” Zorelle’s voice made her hands twitch. “I won’t pretend I understand how you feel right now. But I know for certain you won’t remain idle for long... Not after this.” 

“Zorelle.” Kana’s voice was far less than kind. Normal hostility now a warning. 

“Kana. Be silent. While I’m normally more than willing to play your games, today is not the day for that. I said I understand, but I never said I agree. What has been done can never be undone. The ancients act is if nothing has happened. The last thing I will do is have you bar my words with that small shadow you bear.” 

“How so very unlike you. To take anything seriously involving a child… Do not insult me, girl. Learn your place and remain silent.” 

Zorelle’s eyes went wide before tightening to enraged slits. A glint of red never before seen behind her stare as her blood along with the very earth beneath their feet began to boil and quake. With the tightening of her fists came the crumbling of the very ground; a blasphemous rage the likes of which Kana had never seen before. Her normally delicate control of the Kinoz element, practiced and perfected to crystalline control, no longer refined as it normally would be. Stone and rock helplessly moving along with her own rising emotions as jagged crags and cobble broke off from the ground beneath their feet and rose into the air. 

“You are both so kind.” Lilith’s voice was unlike anything they’d ever heard before. Devastated. “You two are both mothers. You may not have faced the same situation, but I am certain you can imagine it clearly. I will not belittle you in that way.” 

“Lady Lilith-” 

“However, you are both forgetting someone. He is surely the most agitated of us all. Isn’t that right… Arc’l?” 

Both women turned to view the male standing a short distance at their backs. He did not speak, did not move, did not utter a single word. However, in his silence there was a clear difference. The red which had always glowed beneath the mask covering his face was gone. Shadows and air-like darkness seeping between the cracks. He was calm, but just barely. Resistant to his own downfalls, but only temporarily. Fighting the urge that drives his house to madness with willpower and immunity. Yet it was something he could accomplish for only so long. He was yet mourning.

Then he answered, “I would not put my anger above anyone else’s. Lady Lilith.” 

“Then just tell me plainly. What would you do? How would you feel rage?” Lilith asked as her eyes turned to the horizon. A part of her did not want to return home. Instead looking on the setting sun with a tense stare, where stars and dark clouds rested. “I was asked be angry, but I wonder if I can truly do such a thing.” 

“I am immune to madness, Lady Lilith. Would my opinion here truly be of worth?” 

“It is because of that immunity that your opinion matters most. Unaltered. Uncorrupted. Tell me what you feel, tell me how to feel! Your anger is the most pure of us all.” 

“My lady… do you want to see them destroyed?” 

“What?” She asked. 

“Your enemies. You must destroy them without mercy or regret. If anger is your desire, then make your enemies suffer from it. They’ve taken something which can never truly be replaced! So take from them everything and leave them with nothing but suffering!” 

Kana was confused, Zorelle even more so. They had known Arc’l to be a strict claimant and an even stricter man. He rarely ever spoke out of line and even less than that, he rarely ever spoke his mind. Levelheadedness was his creed and his dedication was as stalwart as his sword for Lilith. Emotions had no place in that and everyone knew it. It was why he viewed himself as no warrior or servant, but instead took the the moniker of knight. It was both a goal and a cage. A reminder of what it truly meant to be in his position and do as he was asked to do. It was why he fought so valiantly even when he often lacked the power to see his battles through at the start. And so Kana asked. 

“And why do you care so much?” Her words drew Lilith’s attention, but the woman did not scold her. Instead she turned her eyes to Arc’l and nodded. 

The male lifted his hands to the helmet covering his head and unclasped what held it in place. The simple act of that alone allowed shadows to pour from within as he lifted the metal and held it at his side, but not before he lowered himself to a single knee. Both a sign of respect for his leader as well as an act of grief. Kana was taken aback, having forgotten the sight of his face. Zorelle was shocked upon seeing his visage for the first time. Like a living shadow held together by stitches of his command. 

“My house finds me detestable. Lacking the qualities to fully control darkness; instead barred only to the shadows. My power is weak. It does not exist without light because shadows do now form without both dark and light in tandem. I am an unsightly abomination among my peers... You understand that well, Kana.” 

“Arc’l, I didn’t mean-” 

“I will not tolerate excuses!” His voice rose along with the return of the glow to his eyes. Building like a red sun forming in the depths of space. “Our lady was the first to acknowledge my existence as more than garbage! The first to ever treat me as more than trash to be trampled underfoot! The very thought that there may have been another among my kin to treat me with such kindness... it brought joy I could once never imagine. A joy I see now even the other houses would stamp out.” 

His eyes began to glow unbearably. So much so that they began to illuminate the entire area, like a beacon of darkness in the midst of the night. Blinding. Like a spotlight of crimson cascading over the landscape. And so he placed the helmet back over his head, the visor now glowing a bright red as it always did as he lifted his head to view the one person he called both friend and queen. His solemn stage of mourning now extinguished and replaced by stoic anger. A return to his standard, but with a newfound hatred. This was the moment Arc’l changed indefinitely. The moment he was fully engulfed by the deep rage which was dwelling in the depths of his soul. Less like a knight... and more like a feral wolf. 

“Then tell me, Arc’l. What anger would you advise me to wield?” 

“The anger of revenge, as you said Baramecht asked of you. The anger of retribution.” 

“And how would I wield it? Is it this burning feeling in my chest or this ringing I still hear in the back of my mind?” 

“Allow me to give you my opinion just this once, my lady… Craft a place that none might escape and have it guarded by those like myself. Monsters every realm would easily abandon. Castaways who will be your wardens. Create a place of terror and despair. A place to throw the most lost of us, and leave them to my kind to have endure a lifetime of torment. That will be how you gain revenge on them. All of them.” 

“How would that be revenge? But most importantly, how would that prevent something like this from happening again?” Lilith’s words sparked pain in Kana’s chest. Anger in Zorelle’s. But Arc’l showed no such things anymore in his voice. 

“It is simple, my lady. The revenge will be eternity. The humans have a concept for a place of everlasting suffering. A place where everyone fears to be; where their pain is eternal. Your enemies will come to fear such a place, hide themselves away for all time to avoid it, and yet you will have hounds… wolves… who will always seek them out. That fear will be the preventative measure, and those who do not fear will come to learn the weight of eternity.” 

“And you believe this will make a change?” 

“You asked about that burning in your chest and ringing in your mind. That will not fade by normal means. However, this isn’t about that. This is about helping you fulfill your promise to Baramecht. This will make a change, I can promise you that. But it will not change the pain in your bosom.” 

“I see. I understand.” 

She did not sigh or show sadness. For the three of them it felt more like she had finally come to understand the concept. All her life she had been having fun and enjoying herself. Discovering the things she desired and seeking them out. But right now? In this very moment? She desired retribution. She desired a world wiped clean of the filth which had taken from her what she felt could never be truly replaced. She desired nothing more than revenge, as Baramecht had made her promise, and Arc’l had shown her the way. 

“What will you do, Lilith?” Zorelle asked again. This time with less emotion and more concern. But upon seeing Lilith’s red glare turn up towards the stars, she knew a choice has been made. 

“I will gather a select few claimants. I will become their patron. And I will make them into my dedicated thralls. I will not choose from any of you. You three will be my anchor, but you will also be my wolves. The others I choose… they will be my chosen; the things I wish not for you all to become. They will watch over the domain I create. So tell me, Arc’l. What is the name of this place humans fear so adamantly?” 

He rose to his feet with a stern devotion before responding. “It goes by many titles, but the original has always remained the same. Hell. A place they say is filled with demons and torment. Eternal suffering and punishment for the damned.” 

“How fitting for what they call me,” she paused as her eyes lowered back to her friends. “Then I will make just that. A place for my demons to reside, with I as their queen. I will craft a place no being would wish upon anyone, but I will wish it upon others and see them brought to heel, and they will find my Hell to be a nightmare beyond all nightmares.” 

“Are you certain of this, Lilith?” Kana asked her. It was an action which would normally be met with a punishment, but Lilith could clearly see her truthful concern. And so, she responded. 

“I am certain... Starting from this moment I will claim that title as my own... I am Lilith, Devil, Queen of the Demons. And those demons will become a nightmare for anyone who would lose their way. They were the ones who wished to craft a devil, but little did they know that there is no god to save them from one... No god throughout all the realms.” 

The scene was as horrific as always, considering the work which needed to be done. Corpses strewn across the ground and lying amongst piles of crumpling rubble. Blood flowing and pooling in places where normally it would have no business, but this was the business of the alpha among wolves. That was why, as several claimants cleaned up the lifeless bodies, Gahbreal stood among them as both watchman and overseer of everything taking place. The head of his axe halfway into the earth as his hands rested upon the base of the haft. His eyes, dark stars in the moonlight, scouring the ruins for any sign of abnormality… and yet all he spotted was one amid the fissures. 

“Move quickly! You have a long journey ahead of you!” He shouted before turning his attention to a specific group. The one which rounded up the survivors of the slaughter. “Those are to be brought to the manor! Once there, you will leave them in the care of Ardess! He will take care of the paperwork!” 

His eyes peered downward to his side, and there he would see the one outlier and abnormality among it all. The child who, despite the bodies and claimant blood all around them, was more focused on consuming the sandwich held carefully in their possession. Lettuce, tomato, and sliced brisket with what looked to be a homemade mayo filled with peppers and red sauce. Every so often a small, black gloved hand would brush away the crumbs which fell on the red dress, but no such care was given to the crumbs which littered their cheeks and mouth. It caused the aikekunai to sigh. An action the child noticed. 

They quickly finished their meal and brushed the remaining mess from their lap, standing up quickly and patting off the black stocking of dust and debris before reaching back to the stone they had been seated on and grabbing the black ushanka from where it had been resting. It was clearly larger than it needed to be, nearly covering the entire head of soft red hair and almost falling over the Prussian blue eyes which now looked up at Gahbreal with expectations he could never understand. Attentive, excited, energetic. This was none other than Addinia Desdon, Gahbreal’s second apprentice and the boy whose unhealthy obsession with death landed him in the care of the Wolf. 

“You can at least try to keep yourself in a clean condition,” the aikekunai remarked as he reached his hand down and wiped the crumbs from his face with his own glove. “Formality aside, it is also your duty to remain presentable for others.” 

“Why?” The boy responded. 

“Because you are my apprentice and the people we interact with will not tolerate such sloppiness.” 

“Why?” 

“Must you question everything?” His response was met with a… somewhat absent stare before the boy turned his attention to the bodies being gathered. His smile was uncanny. 

“Gahbreal!” His sudden outburst nearly caused the aikekunai to jump out of his skin. 

“What, child? And speak softly. There is neither a reason nor a need to yell. We will be returning home soon, so whatever you want to ask you need to make it quick.” 

“Okay.” His voice now lowered to a whisper. Gahbreal could feel his nerves twitching. “I was wondering, why can’t I go behind the throne room?” 

“Because you can’t.” 

“Why?” 

“For the love of… it simply isn’t a place for you to be. There are many places within the manor you should not go, and that section of the building remains at the top of those restrictions.” 

“Even more than the lower levels?” That question was the one which truly caught his attention. 

“Who told you about that place?” 

“Miss Zorelle. She said not to go down there or she’d kill me herself.” 

“Ah, so she caught you trying to sneak your way down the stairs in the throne room? You should know she tracks your movements closely. Especially when you have a tendency to go where you do not belong. But, if you were so willing to go down into Hell, why have you not attempted sneaking your way behind the throne?” 

The question made the boy pause. It was an odd interaction. Almost as if there were traces of shame within it before he responded. “The lady at the door is scary.” 

“You’re scared of Virr? Hah! Perhaps I expected your heart to be more solid than I should have.” Gahbreal started as he placed his hand atop the boy’s head and smiled. “Addinia, they’re called your allies for a reason. Fear is good, it opens the path to courage, but misplaced fear will only give way to weakness.” 

“What does that mean? Is it good to be scared or not?” 

“You’ll learn the answer to that on your own, but I will give you a hint.” 

“A hint?” 

Addinia was surprised to see Gahbreal lower himself down to a single knee. His mentor had always done a proper job of teaching him what was important with a stern and strict demeanor, and what did not follow those guidelines were often left without elaboration. However, this was clearly different. He didn’t smile, but the words were purposefully worded to ease Addinia’s worries. The boy, of course, took note of this. 

“You are my apprentice, which means you are destined to become a wolf. If you are plagued by fear then learn of those fears in your own way. Courage is good, but your life is more important. The time will come when you will need to face what is on the other side of those doors, but for now you need only worry about your growth. Do you understand?” 

He was slightly hesitant, but pleased with the answer. That was why his response was coupled with a smile. “Yes, teacher. But I would like to know one more thing.” 

“Well, make it quick. We’re just about done here,” he said while standing up and retrieving his axe from where it had been resting. 

“Yes, teacher.” He paused for a moment, as if wondering which words to use before asking, “Is it really only Miss Lilith’s room behind the doors? The tower looks big.” 

Gahbreal looked at him, partially disturbed at his curiosity before sighing again. “You ask exhausting questions, so I will answer in as simple a manner as possible. The tower at the back of the manor houses Lilith’s bedroom, yes. However, the tower holds many rooms for certain individuals. You will most likely meet them someday, but for now it is not your concern.” 

“Are they important?” 

“More than that. They are all particularly dangerous, but that is their nature. Claimants like you and Zorelle are wolves. While you technically fall under the umbrella of my Lilith, you work directly under me. The claimants in that tower only answer to Lilith.” 

“They don’t listen to you? But why?” He could see the real confusion on Addinia’s face. 

“Because I lead the wolves, I’m at the apex of the pack. But Lilith leads the demons, and she will always be their queen.”  

The choice of instrument today was none other than the piano, its notes carrying up the tower like a atmospheric melody. However, they also traveled down the hall and flooded the throne room with a song akin to what could once be heard in a grand hall of the past and present. The only thing missing was a voice to calm and please the senses, but that was unnecessary. 

Within the throne room itself rested a large table used solely for the purpose of meetings. Its circumference capable of accommodating at least twenty people, and yet it only held three individuals this time. Addinia clad in a fancy dress with the same blue as his eyes, Zorelle whose relaxed demeanor gave way to the typical idea of how little she really wanted to be present – especially when she only wore a night gown – and Ardess who looked as if he were prepared to break into a vault. The three wolves under Gahbreal’s command, all sitting comfortably in places of their own choosing, but Zorelle was first to speak. 

“So then. Is there a reason you called us here, Addie?” The question was laced with disapproval. 

“What are you talking about? I scheduled this meeting three weeks ago and reminded you all of it today. Are you telling you forgot? You even had this huge fucking table set up for some reason!” 

“I’m telling you I didn’t care and I still don’t. Also, I didn't have this things brought here. It's always a hassle to have it moved anywhere.” 

“You’re both very… kind, today.” Ardess gave his opinion only to be met with a glare from both. “Fine. Be that way. At least it seems Virr is in a good mood today.” 

“What do you mean?” Addinia questioned him. 

“He means that she normally doesn’t play music unless Lilith is present,” Zorelle answered while sipping from the glass of wine at her seat. 

“Not only that, but she also only typically plays only when Lady Lilith specifically requests it,” Ardess added while leaning forward in his seat. “That or if there’s a specific occasion.” 

“Are you telling me that Lady Lilith is here today?” Addinia asked while looking over a series of documents laid out in front of himself. “I was hoping to get through all of this. It’s getting close to the time we train new knights for security. But I suppose that means we could always just ask her opinion on the matter instead.” 

“Wait. Don’t you find this odd?” Ardess started. 

“Odd? How so?” 

“I lead the advance teams in collecting the Lost. Zorelle is in charge of most paperwork as well as being tasked with making sure the security team is properly trained along our Lady’s Red Knights. And you, Addinia, are head of security itself. Nothing and no one passes through this place without your knowledge.” 

“Just get to the point, Ardess.” Zorelle’s patience was quickly fading away with each passing word. 

“Fine. Fucking ingrates. Addinia, when was the last time Lilith returned without your knowledge?” 

“Well, typically I'm the first person to know.” 

“Exactly. Yet you don’t? And not only that, but Gahbreal always accompanies her and immediately calls on us within the hour for a direct rundown of the manor’s current functionality. It has been that same way for over several thousand years.” 

“You’re... right,” Zorelle responded. Her brow now furrowed as several possibilities flooded her mind. “Lilith must not be here, and Gahbreal would come to us first before anyone else. Virr wouldn’t care to play music for no reason, so that would mean…” 

She couldn’t even voice her conclusion properly, but it was indeed correct. Zorelle was currently the longest standing member of Lilith’s entire faction among anyone in the manor and the longest standing member among anyone at all with both Kana and Arc’l having perished in their own respective ways. She knew every single thing there was to know about the building, including every single room and who inhabited which areas of the manor. It was her, after all, who Lilith came to when looking for a person to help build the structure. So it was only natural that her posture would straighten and her head would be first to turn in the direction of the area behind Lilith’s throne the moment a heavy creaking door could be heard in that direction. 

The piano continued to play its melodic harmonies, but now a voice like no other could be heard accompanying it. Several seconds later and another voice would join it of the exact same harmony but with differing keys. It felt as if their very ears were being blessed with each note, as if a symphony of angels had descended down from the very heavens themselves just for them, echoing throughout the entire throne room and possibly the entire building itself. Addinia was surprised to hear such a beautiful voice, Ardess was entirely entranced, but Zorelle seemed both flustered and terrified. It wasn’t until the singing ceased along with the piano’s melody that the cacophony of footsteps could be heard approaching from the hallway behind Lilith’s throne, and with them multiple voices. 

“I will never grow tired of hearing that beautiful voice, Bethany.” 

“Thank you Monoterra. I can sing again if you’d like.” 

“Don’t pamper him! He’ll keep begging for more if you give him an inch, like the dog he is.” 

“Now, now. No need to be so hostile. I was merely complimenting her beautiful voice. Not like you can relate, Chaimen.” 

“The fuck did you say? I was singing too you ass!” 

“Calm down, both of you. If you can’t control yourselves, then it’s best if you refrain from speaking at all.” 

“C’mon. Don’t be so hard on them. You know that’s just how they talk with one another. If they don’t argue they’d probably never get along.” 

“Aslaen is correct, Matterrax. Just let them tease one another. It is good for them to interact, no matter if it is a bit overly hostile.” 

“Damn it. You’re too kind, Beth! Besides, we both know Aslaen would be the first to do something unreasonable the moment they go too far with their banter. Aren’t I right Dorre?” 

“…” 

“You could at least pretend to act like I’m talking to you.” 

“Yes.” 

“For the love of the sun. I pray to Ilnonta for all of you.” 

“Alright, let’s all settle down. The sooner we get this meeting over with, the sooner we can get back to doing what we all do best. Hell has its demons for a reason. The faster we get back to our posts better.” 

“Indeed.” 

“See? Even our soft spoke Dorre agrees.” 

By now all three of the wolves eyes were locked onto the stairs leading behind the throne. For Addinia and Ardess these were unknown voices, and yet for Zorelle it was merely a confirmation of what was to come. The Kinoz had already known these claimants well so it came as no surprise to her, it was only for the Dimea artist and Desdon murderer that it came as a shock when they all emerged from the behind the balcony and started their descent to where they sat. The first of them all being a giant of a woman clad in iron armor and black clothing beneath. A set of fully metal wings on her back and gladiatorial stilettos of the same material. She looked at them with eyes as red as dawn, her black hair emitting embers every so often as if flames were hidden within just above her tanned complexion brimming with the shine of Excia. It was clear from the start that she hated them, but her gaze immediately shifted and focused entirely on Zorelle. 

“Kinoz!” 

“Can you at least lower your voice, Matterrax. And I have a name. I’d suggest you use it,” Zorelle responded without hesitation. 

“Apologies. I wasn’t expecting any interruptions during our meeting. Will you stamp them out? Or will you force me to do it?” 

“That’s enough,” a voice directly behind the monstrous woman began. “I won't tolerate violence in this place.” 

He was barely any taller than Addinia, but his face was entirely covered with a black and white mask. In fact, his entire body was covered in a black cloak and red hood, all covered in a layer of permafrost. Two holes where his eyes should rest, but within those holes was nothing but a void of nothingness. He walked directly past her and proceeded to the base of the stairs before turning his attention back to Matterrax. A standoff for a short moment, before the woman sighed and her expression relaxed. 

“Fine. You win, Aslaen.” 

“That is good. It would have soured my mood to have been required to heal others so early in the day.” 

This voice was that of the woman who had been singing prior to their appearance and, despite how impossible it seemed, she was even more of a giant than Matterrax. Nearly twice Addinia’s height, breaching ten feet tall, and dressed entirely in gold and white robes. Her bare feet carefully took each step and her platinum blonde hair bounced with each footfall. Her eyes were like pools of molten gold, at their centers resting a red like purity itself just like that which touched her pinkish cheeks. Then, at her back, another could be seen. She looked entirely like someone who was to never be toyed with, dressed entirely in black and red with silver accents of armor. Her clothes were perpetually stained with blood and her hair brushed against her shoulders with a color like faded, dark wine. Her eyes, despite the red attempting to pass through, glowed with an otherworldly green. She wasn’t nearly as tall as the one who walked ahead of her, and she didn’t speak a single word. Skin almost gray like the color of decay. 

“As always, it seems something unexpected has happened. At least it is not like last time,” the male descending the stairs behind them started. 

Despite the looks of the others, he was the most average. A dark skinned male wearing a black suit and green tie. His eyes were purple, but within them traces of red swirled about like fish in bodies of water. An umbrella leaned casually against his shoulder as if to shield him from the red lights overhead. At his side walked another woman. She looked utterly feral. Dressed in leather bands, hide and furs, with metal pauldrons and vambraces depicting the faces of monstrosities. Her grayish-brown hair tied in long braids at the back, with the hair at the front moved aside to reveal a peach face much like her exposed arms and legs. Her eyes howled like red moons. 

“Can’t you ever just shut up Monoterra? You talk like such a pompous asshole.” 

“Please. Just because I have class does not make me an asshole. You are simply too wild for your own good.” 

“Wildness. Is good. For those who fight. Wildness is a boon. Do not underestimate it. The wilds will never betray. It is both blessing. And divinity.” 

A voice which had not spoken the entire time coming from the last to descend the stairs at their backs. A male with a head of hair filled with locks and braids of varying lengths. He was the shortest of them all, a complexion like creamed coffee against green and white garbs and gold plated accents of armor and accessories. Oddly enough his eyes were the only ones which weren’t red, but the moment he looked directly at them it was plain to see. As if it couldn’t be identified unless he gave you his attention. Like a creature hidden amongst foliage. 

“You’ve been quiet, Tallen. But at least you’re not an idiot like Monoterra,” Chaimen commented as they all reached the bottom of the stairs. 

Their approach was as intimidating as it could possibly be, even when none of them did anything to seem hostile. Almost as if their very nature was to be feared by any and everyone who laid eyes upon them. There was no order to the seats they chose, with Aslaen choosing to sit next to Zorelle who looked at him with disgust, Dorre and Monoterra taking their seats at either side of Addinia, Bethany choosing the furthest seat from all of them, Matterrax moving the seat next to Ardess aside to stand in its place as Chaimen took the seat next to her, and Tallen taking a seat closer to Bethany yet not directly at her side. Addinia was both appalled and disturbed by the lack of order, but was more concerned with what would happen if he chose to do anything irrational. It was more than obvious to both him and Ardess. 

“Should we wait for Ilieth and Kel?” Bethany asked to which Aslaen chuckled. 

“You know as well as I do that Kel isn’t going to show up. She’s still playing nice on Florita’s orders, although I doubt even Florita knows about her involvement with this place. She did a phenomenal job at hiding it. As for Ilieth, that boy never comes home unless Lilith herself is here.” 

“I suppose you are correct. I at least wish the boy were more willing to interact with us all.” 

“What do you expect?” Matterrax asked without expecting an answer. “Ilieth wasn’t brought here under the same types of condition as the rest of us. He doesn’t relate. And he doesn’t wish to.” 

“Even so, he is like family.” Bethany was clearly hurt. 

“He’s afraid,” Addinia could feel every hair on his body stand on end upon feeling Dorre’s hand petting his head like that of a cat. “He lost his family once. He fears the same of us... if we get too close.” 

“Hmm… I trust your judgment, Dorre. You tend to understand these things far better than the rest of us,” Bethany responded with a less than pleased look. Along with her response the woman finally stopped pampering Addinia who, despite all things, found himself feeling disappointed. 

“Well, that’s enough casual talk for now. Let’s get down to business.” Aslaen started as he stood and cleared his throat. It was only now that, within the darkness where his eyes rested that two small red glints could be seen. “Let us now commence with the meeting, as Lilith’s chosen. Watchers of her Hell, and demons of the lower floors.” 

There was a distinct tension looming over the entire room; one which Addinia was more than accustomed to experiencing. These people were all tethered to this place by a common entity which made certain to keep them in line. Lilith. He could tell just from being around them that without her they would all most likely be at one another’s throats. Of course it would be that way. He was the same without Gahbreal, after all. But that wasn’t to say there wasn’t a clear order to the way they all interacted among themselves. Their personalities differed, but they all knew who among them was the most capable when it came to conflict. That was why none of them ever seemed to challenge Aslaen at all, even if they disagreed with his decisions. 

“Let’s start this off properly,” he started while sitting back in his seat. “Seems we have some guests this time around. Two new faces, so perhaps it’d be best if they introduce themselves.” 

Zorelle eyed him like a blight. “You do realize it’s common courtesy to introduce yourself first, right? Besides, you’re just as new to them as they are to you. They walk these halls far more than any of you do.” 

“True. But there’s more of us and it’ll take longer before we get to them. Just let the kids go first, it doesn’t matter anyway.” 

“If it doesn't matter then why not just introduce yourself first? All these years and you’re still unbearable.” 

“C’mon, don’t be that way. We’re friends. Right?” His question made the gray claimant’s eyes twitch, but she relented in the end. “Good. Now then, hurry up. Introduce yourselves, then we'll introduce ourselves, and we can get this short meeting started.” 

“Fine.” Ardess sighed as he rose from his seat. With the second tallest of the group standing at his side, it only made him look even shorter than he already felt he was. “I am Ardess Dimea. Wolf. And first apprentice to Gahbreal.” 

“You’re his first apprentice?” Chaimen questioned him while leaning forward in her seat to get a better view. “You look… weaker than I expected.” 

“I can assure you, I’m not the fighting type. Me and anyone I work with focus primarily on capture and relocation. We leave the fighting to that one over there.” 

Everyone’s eyes turned to Addinia following his words. Zorelle pinched the bridge of her nose, almost as if knowing that such a statement wouldn’t go over well. Of course she was correct, watching as the male Desdon rose to his feet with a plainly pissed expression. He didn’t say a word, but his stare spoke more than enough for him. Ardess choosing to clear his throat before sitting back down in his seat nervously. Tallen could barely hold in his laughter. 

“Well. Now that you stand. Speak. Tell us who you are.” He chuckled along with the words. 

“Addinia Desdon. I won’t be saying it again. That one is my senior,” he said as he continued to stare down Ardess. “But he’s weak and worthless. I command the Manor Knights. That’s all you need to know.” 

“If he’s you’re senior, does that make you one of Gahbreal’s pups as well?” Matterrax asked him. 

“Yes. I will always be the best.” 

“Do you like hugs?” The question was almost so quiet it could barely be heard, but Addinia was thoroughly confused. 

"Well, this is a surprise. Dorre almost never asks questions directly."

“What? If I like hugs?” Addinia's brow rose.

“Absolutely!” Zorelle answered for him. “Addie loves hugs! He’s always begging Gahbreal for them.” 

“Shut up!” Addinia screamed at the woman, but he was quickly distracted by the woman who had chosen to sit next to him. Dorre. 

A part of him wanted to yell in defiance as her arms wrapped around him in a calm manner. But as his lips parted and his teeth were bared, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead resigning himself to tolerance as Dorre proceeded to shower him with an oddly alluring affection. This was the first time either of them had met, and yet she was so skilled at pampering he couldn’t resist allowing her to continue. She didn’t utter a single word, merely staying connected, as if breaking that connection would hurt her in some way. 

“Looks like she has found her favorite,” Monoterra stated as he watched the two. “Well then, since our guests have introduced themselves, it would only be right for us to do the same now.” 

“Then I’ll go first,” the woman standing next to Ardess said as she crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m Matterrax Excia! The one who watches over the fifth floor of hell. General of the Red Legion.” 

Addinia was shocked to even hear such a statement, but Ardess was immediately made uncomfortable. It wasn’t just because this woman was standing next to him; instead it was entirely due to her rank among the others. There was no doubt in their mind that she had to be the most physically strongest of the lot, or at least the most ruthless. The Red Legion was the title carried by Lilith’s personal forces who had gone by many titles in the past. Slayer Knights, Scarlet Destroyers, Crimson Scourge, Blood Fiends, and most memorably the Flesh Eaters. All titles gained from their respective actions and aftermaths of their exploits on the battlefield. It was a surprise to see her armor wasn't entirely stained with blood like the rest of the knights she commanded.

Lilith always chose to enter battle herself with her bare fists, but when she did take a personal battle seriously they were her own knights. Only numbering a few thousand and yet they always dealt more damage and caused more chaos than any other form of military force history could allow. They were all personally taught two methods of combat, either mastering the halberd or mastering the scimitar, and they were all taught by Lilith herself until they were perfect machines of murder and violence. Even the humans among her ranks were forced to go through the same trials, and they were only allowed to fight on the front lines after felling a claimant themselves in one on one combat. Their traditions were then passed down through their bloodlines to cultivate entire lineages of greater knights, capable of surviving well beyond what the average human could withstand. 

A company of adepts and veterans of war, incapable of backing down or rather unwilling to do so. They fight until they die, and even then some might charge you with the last moments of their life. They ignore pain entirely for the pursuit of their enemy’s lives. Trained to charge enemy battlements without falter, and to topple their defenses and walls with extreme prejudice. They were nothing like the Manor Knights who are all gilded artisans of their craft. Only very few people were cursed enough to witness the Red Legion, their capes dyed with the blood of their enemies and iron armor stained with so much red the deep gray was now a dark crimson. Beneath their helmets glowing red eyes peered through the slits, and they decorated themselves with the hanging bones of their marks like medals of honor and glory. They charged forth without care for their lives, only wanting for their enemies to die at their feet. While the other aikekunai were always free to request their aid, Lilith only ever offered a single squadron numbering ten knights. And all it took was fighting alongside them once to realize that it was a mistake to ask for them rather than Lilith herself. She spared lives, the Red Legion spared none.

For Matterrax to claim herself as their general, it could only mean one of two things. Lilith had decided she was capable of leading them properly, which had to be false considering how unmatched Zorelle was when it came to leading military forces… or the more logical and true explanation. Matterrax was no doubt the most dangerous and violent person in the entire building second only to Lilith herself. As far as Addinia knew the Red Legion had disappeared, but had they been in Hell all this time? 

“I suppose I can go next,” the male with the umbrella spoke up. “I am Monoterra Testua. Watcher of the second floor of hell, and the one who is in charge of the manor’s meal menus.” 

As he sat down the male wearing green and gold stood and began. “I am Tallen. Fovey. The seventh floor is my domain. I fight. I hunt. I kill.” 

“If you speak like that you will only frighten our guests, Tallen.” The tallest of them all stood to her full height before bowing her head. “My name is Bethany Origui. I act as the manor’s primary caretaker and personal doctor. I deal with anyone brought to the sixth floor of hell. You should introduce yourself next, Dorre.” 

The suggestion caused the woman who had been embracing Addinia to finally let go. She also gave a polite bow, but it was far more nervous than Bethany’s. “I… I am Dorre Ghevholla Mucmoi… Eighth floor… I handle records and information.” Her words were barely above a whisper. 

“Chaimen Lun. Lieutenant and vanguard of the Red Legion. I deal with the third floor.” She didn’t even stand, but she did still look entirely unpleased. With the position she claimed it made sense as to why she had a terrible attitude. 

“Well,” Aslaen started as he stood. “That seems to be everyone present. I’m Aslaen Widweim, first of Lilith’s demons and scourge of the lowest floor of her hell. My job is to make sure these kind individuals don’t get too rough with one another. But I digress, let’s get down to business. It’s time for the shifting of the floors.” 

“Already?” Zorelle asked with a raised brow. “Perhaps I haven’t been paying much attention.” 

“No, you are correct in feeling confused. This is rather soon,” Monoterra responded. 

“What’s the reason for this, Aslaen? Surely you have something to tell us.” Matterrax spoke with a violent stare. “I was enjoying my fun with this batch and so were the knights.” 

“Without Ilieth present the first floor has been quite stagnant. Not that it’s without its particulars, but they can’t be allowed to grow accustomed and complacent.” Aslaen’s purpose was all too clear now. 

“I see. We move them. Disturb them. Let them know. They cannot be. Comfortable.” Tallen spoke. 

“Exactly. It’ll be a simple shift. We’ll have new marks fill the first floor and have all the current denizens of hell shift down a floor. It’ll be fun.” 

“And what do you plan to do with the ones on your floor right now, Aslaen?” Chaimen asked, to which he looked in her direction. His face was still hidden beneath the mask, but anyone could tell he was clearly smiling. 

“Now Chaimen, you know that question isn’t smart… everyone on my floor has been dead for a while now. Most of them didn’t survive past the first few weeks.” 

“As ruthless as ever.” 

“I can send my people out to gather all the current Lost targets we have identified,” Ardess added to the conversation. “They can be allocated to their corresponding floors as well. There is never a shortage of those who’d find themselves condemned to this place through their actions.” 

“Take some of my knights with you this time,” Addinia demanded. “Have them kill anyone who gets in the way. You nearly died last time.” 

“Understood.” 

“Well, maybe it was a good thing to have you two here.” Aslaen returned to his seat with a content exhale. 

“Of course. Those two have been the leading force behind gathering all the dregs we’ve been sending to you all for the past several centuries. They do good work.” Zorelle’s praise was not something Addinia was used to hearing. 

“Speaking of that, I’ve been meaning to ask you a question Zorelle.” Aslaen began. 

“What? It better not be stupid.” 

“I assure you it’s not. Have you heard anything from Gahbreal’s mother? Kikana? I haven’t heard from her in quite some time. How long has it been? Over a thousand years now, I believe.” 

“That is… a rather touchy subject. Kikana and Gahbreal aren’t currently on good terms with each other. His current life, as well as the past few, have been at odds with her. As such, she hasn’t been around as often and I’m sure she won’t be until her real son is back. Because of that, she’s been tending to other matters.” 

“I assume those other matters are referring to Audomattadjia?” Monoterra concluded. 

“Correct.” 

“I swear. That woman does whatever she wants and more. I suppose the manor can function properly without her, but that does not change the fact that she is the descendant of a founding member. She brings stability.” 

“You should not speak of her in such a way.” Bethany began with a freshly displeased expression. 

“Oh my,” Aslaen started. “You’ve managed to make Beth upset.” 

“That was not my intention.” 

“Intentions aside, you should show at least a small degree of empathy. Kikana is still young, in comparison to us. Those who came before her were not the most kind or caring claimants. She is doing her best in her own way, and she raised Gahbreal in a way which gave him both power and stability… I am certain we all remember what happened when she lost Eva Rhihon.” 

The name was familiar, but not in the same way for all of them. Those titled as demons had rather understanding expressions on their faces, as if reminded of something they had long since forgotten. Ardess and Addinia knew only of Evagelyne Woxia. Zorelle’s reaction was surprisingly the most noticeable. Her lips curled into a frown, her expression becoming something far more sensitive and hurt. Of course this would be how she reacted. She was the person Kikana chose to turn to when it happened. Almost as if her fears had been made into reality. 

Lilith had chosen to be imprisoned before the event had occurred itself, and she was unwilling to turn to Audomattadjia at all. Her reasoning revolving around the selfishness of turning to someone who was no doubt hurting more than she was, but that was not the case. Even Audo had to admit at the time, no matter how terrible it felt, that Kikana was feeling the shock of it all far more than her. On that day both she and Zorelle were of a common mind, and both had to mourn the shattering of Kikana’s mental defenses. It was around that time she was no longer the woman who did as she pleased for the sake of fun… her focus was far more rigid and centered on the survival of her family. 

“That’s enough,” Zorelle finally spoke. “There’s no point in bringing up the past now. She’ll return when she’s ready… but I won’t be tolerating anymore insults towards her.” 

“You heard her.” Aslaen had no jokes. He could tell it wasn’t a matter to press. “I suppose this meeting is done. A request was sent in for a meal to be prepared, so I guess we can just wait for that now and socialize.” 

“Then I’ll stop pretending there isn’t a huge problem and ask the most important question. Where is Ilieth? He’s been shirking his duties for far too long.” Matterrax was not pleased as she spoke. 

“Get over yourself,” Chaimen responded. “You know she doesn’t function on the same stipulations that we do.” 

“Chaimen is correct. Ilieth does not tend to his floor often, and when he does it is not for long. It is not our place to determine when or where Ilieth goes. Although, I can understand your concern. I would like to spend more time with him.” Matterrax was clearly disgusted with the implications behind Bethany’s words. 

“I would like for him to do his job! The first floor is meant to be his domain. There are no knights there, only thralls directly under his command. They don’t follow orders from us, but without him they have no orders to follow. That city has become a home to its denizens when it should be a place of fear!” 

“It is a place of fear,” Monoterra responded. “Perhaps it is because you never visit the upper floors, but the first floor is rather well managed. Ilieth’s thralls are constantly feeding on its people. They all live, but they live in fear. It is what makes her floor so frightening.” 

“It’s the same for Kel’s floor. She set that place up to be an autonomous death trap. It doesn’t matter if she’s there or not. It serves its purpose.” Chaimen added. 

“You are all missing the point! What’s the point in dominating a floor if you refuse to truly watch over it? They don’t manage their Lost, and as such they don’t know how to truly fear them. How can they truly fear what they have not seen?” 

A moment of silence passed in which some didn’t much care to answer while others truly pondered the question. The observation itself wasn’t unfounded. It’s the same concept of a human’s gods. How can one truly believe or love a god if they don’t truly know it exists? However, a god only requires faith from its people. For fear to exist there must truly be something present to exude that fear. If there isn’t a being like that, could fear really be felt as it should be? And yet there was a good example for the answer to that very question among them. 

“So I have to ask, who the hell is Ilieth and why are they so important?” Addinia’s question caused Zorelle to laugh, but only for a moment. 

“Is he serious?” Aslaen asked the Kinoz, geode eyed claimant. 

“Sadly he is.” Zorelle responded. “I don’t believe they’ve ever met once. So it makes sense that this conversation makes no sense for him.” 

“Well, I suppose I should explain then… Ilieth was brought here by Gahbreal’s first life, and was expected to be an apprentice wolf. However, Gahbreal ended up leaving the boy in Lilith’s care. I won’t explain too much about Ilieth’s past without his permission, but Gahbreal believed they could help one another. And, as much as it pains me to say it, the young lord knew more about Lilith than any of us ever could.” 

“I don’t understand. How would the two of them help one another at all?” Addinia asked. However, Bethany answered this time. 

“Lilith had lost both her mate and child; Ilieth had lost his mother, father, sister and brothers. Both had lost everything they held dearly close. The primary difference is that he was still very young.” 

“Gahbreal saw it as an opportunity to supply the kid with a mother, and the mother with a child. At first Lilith was entirely opposed, but Gahbreal felt she was just being stubborn. Oddly enough, he was right.” Chaimen added while leaning back in her seat. 

“Just as creatures. In the wild. Lilith eventually doted on him. They grew close. So close she rarely let him out of her sight.” Tallen said as he placed his two pointer fingers together. “And Ilieth. He followed behind her. Like a cub learning. From a lioness.” 

Aslaen sighed, his elbow resting on the table with a soft thud. “Long story short, Gahbreal was right. Lilith eventually ended up loving that boy like her own, and Ilieth returned that same love. They cultivated a relationship only a mother and child could have, so Lilith sought to mark that relationship with something which would set him apart from every other claimant.” 

“What?” Addinia smirked. “She gave him some gift? Like a ring or something?” 

Before anyone could answer the main doors were opened slowly and, from the other side, entered several human servants transporting several different pallets of food. A variety of vegetable dishes and soups, as well as steaks of varying quality and a multitude of different types, from fish to creatures from within the realms. All of it seemed to carry an oddly red sheen, and the scent was otherworldly sweet and primeval. As if it had been sanctified by some sacred means as it was prepared. Yet it became clear to Ardess why that was the moment he was served like the others, each portion of the meal refined for his specific tastes… it had all be handled with perfect care, and treated masterfully with the sweet scent of Lilith’s blood. 

A meal like this would most likely drive the average individual mad with a single bite, and not just any madness. A madness that would have them hungering for more. More of their lady’s blood. A blood which, if not received, would cause a starvation great enough to have them satiate what they could not have with the blood and flesh of others. Almost as if having you become closer to Lilith in nature yourself, fully prepared to devour both claimants and humans alike to satiate that hunger. Their blood, their meat, their marrow, none of it off limits. Addinia noticed it just as Ardess did, even the sauce covering the meat having been made with her blood as a base, but nothing was as apparent as the wine glasses placed at each of their seats. Made entirely from crystal with golden rims, filled entirely with red so vibrant it almost emitted a pinkish glow. The unfiltered blood of their queen.

Aslaen was first to lift his glass, but he did not drink. He instead held it in a form of display. Almost as if making sure they saw it clearly before speaking. “The gift he received was her blood.” 

“Wait,” Ardess responded. “That’s it? We’ve all consumed Lady Lilith’s blood and grew accustomed to it. That was a requirement to even be allowed here.” 

“Not to consume, little Dimea. Ilieth received the blood the same as Virr. The human Lilith highly favors. For Ilieth to truly be considered one of her own, he’d need to be set apart from every other claimant. And so she truly gave him her blood.” Matterrax stated while pointing one of her fingers toward her wrist. “Through transfusion. The boy’s blood has been entirely replaced with her own. I heard it was a painful process.” 

“It was my duty to alleviate such pain for her,” Bethany added. 

“If I am remembering correctly, you described the pain as being the equivalent of having the liquid of the sun coursing through your very veins?” Monoterra inquired of her. 

“Yes. To this day I have yet to feel a similar pain, and yet she endured. Even in his mid teens Ilieth had both the willpower and resilience to withstand such strife. Meanwhile I, as someone who should have been far more devoted, could barely endure... My healing causes me to feel the same pain as my targets endured. I healed him as the transfusion took place. I understand how extreme that sensation was. Her blood scoured his body, ate away at his veins and attempted to destroy whatever it touched. I am certain that without my consistent healing, that blood would have liquified his body from the inside out. Unlike Virr, a claimant’s body was simply not made to withstand such a dramatic change. It is unnatural.” 

“And yet he endured.” Dorre’s voice was as quiet as ever. “She desired Lilith’s affection... and I choose to believe the blood reacted... Those desires made it feel at home.” 

“Philosophies aside, the outcome was clear.” Matterrax stated while finally sitting at her seat. 

“He powered through it. Endured and came out on top. Claiming the place as a true child of Lilith for himself. After that his body started changing shape as he aged to closer resemble our queen’s. Their eyes became the same color, just as their blood did. So did their hunger. Eventually the daughter Lilith had lost was returned to her.” Aslaen paused to take a small sip from his cup. “Honestly, Gahbreal is a husband who goes above and beyond. His foresight sometimes seems endless.” 

“What makes you say that?” Addinia asked. 

“Gahbreal’s first life didn’t care much for having children of his own.” Chaimen responded while scarfing down a steak from a creature he could not identify. 

“Please finish chewing your food first before speaking,” Bethany said before enjoying a small spoonful of soup. 

“You’re not my damn mother… anyway, Lilith asked Gahbreal about it a lot, and he always had the same answer. The chaos it would bring to have a child of ours exist would be too great, and if the ancients choose to oppose such a thing I would no doubt start a war that would last for an eternity. Or at least that’s if I’m remembering it correctly.” 

“Your impressions. They improve everyday. Have you been practicing? Or perhaps. Sharpening?” Tallen asked while clutching his own steaks in his bare hands. 

“Why thank you! I have been doing a bit of practice, actually. Thought I’d be funny.” 

“It is actually quite the useful skill. I can see you putting it to great use on the third floor if ever you found it necessary,” Monoterra added while eating what looked like lamb. 

“Do you mind if I ask one more question?” Ardess asked only to be met with a short silence. It was Bethany who finally chose to answer. 

“So long as it is brief I shall answer. A meal should be consumed while it is still hot, after all.” 

“Thank you, ma’am. Before the name Kel was mentioned… would that be referring to Kel-Anna Fovey?” Another silence. Bethany’s brow rose as if she hadn’t expected him to know her that well. It caused her to place her spoon down carefully. 

“Yes. Kel-Anna has always been a more… recluse individual. While she is almost a completely different person now, she used to be very troubled. She killed her mother by mistake while still an infant. Her father soon began to resent her and the claimants around her did the same. She was a Fovey living around Testua, after all. An outlier from the very start, and it only got worse as she grew older. Kel left the only family she had behind because they did not feel like family anymore. She grew distrustful of others and resentful of anyone who could not understand her. Eventually she began to kill and devour before Lilith even found her.” 

“But I heard she was a rather kind individual.” 

“She is now,” Matterrax spoke as she finished her meal. “Lilith got to her before anyone else, and encouraged her to do as she pleased while becoming one of her demons. Eventually Kel ended up in the Prism because she’d often go too far in the human realm with her kills. While she was there, Florita got to her. Now she takes medication to mute her hostile nature. We planned to take her back by force, but Lilith forbade it.” 

“Lady Lilith? But why?” Ardess asked. 

“Because Lilith is kind.” Zorelle’s response was unexpected, but filled with emotions most would not hear from her. Most notably, regret. “Lilith understands the difference between peace and strife. Enough to leave the choice to Kel-Anna. If she wants to return she will when she’s ready, but for now Lilith would rather she at least spend a small fraction of her life with joys she couldn’t experience before.” 

“I understand. Thank you. I have no more questions.” 

“Good. Now let’s get this meal over with so we can all go back to doing what we do best. The more time I spend around all of you the more it reminds me of the past, and I hate remembering what once was.” 

As unexpected as it was, not a single soul chose to contest Zorelle’s words and it left Addinia surprised. It seemed as if the majority of them had personalities which would contest with Zorelle’s, but none of them ever truly took any actions or steps to defy her in a forceful way. The closest to ever doing that was Aslaen and yet the two of them seemed to just tease one another more than anything else. They didn’t seem afraid. It felt more like an act of respect to just hear her words and do as they were told. He knew Zorelle was currently the oldest among those who walked the halls of the manor, but did that fact alone carry the weight to command everyone here with such absolute confidence? 

Addinia looked at the glass resting just within arms reach. A blink of the eyes and, within that split second of darkness, he could see Lilith’s face. Her expression which almost always seemed to be impossible to replicate. Perhaps it was only him who realized it, but he knew for a fact that Zorelle most likely knew the same. As well as Gahbreal and Kikana. No amount of effort could truly ever replace what had been lost. That word alone had meaning now. Lost. They all existed because of loss. They fought because of loss. Loss described them all in some way and loss forced them all to grow into what they were now. Loss was both their teacher and their guide, and Lilith understood loss. Perhaps that was why he spoke the words under his breathe as he lifted the glass to his lips. 

Yet Dorre heard those words clearly... and said nothing.