A Forbidden Date Night Part One

“Just one night. Even just an hour.”

“Well. We’d have to be careful. More careful than most. No one would understand.”

She still sounded like glass, as though even the slightest breeze would shatter her. Though he knew that was not the case, Florita had always puzzled Novevu. She was something he could not fathom, he did not understand the need for plant life, she was not life; she was not his twin or the selfish bitch who he did not want to think of lest his mood be ruined. She bit her lip, anxious and slightly embarrassed that Novevu had found her in paint stained clothes, unruly hair and surrounded by millions of cups that either contained coffee, tea or something that looked like murky paint water… she wasn’t sure.

He had arrived just after dusk, the banquet hall that was usually filled to the brim with creatures of all sizes, times and places was silent. Being cleaned and returned to a much nicer, cleaner state for tomorrow’s guests. The only creatures who were still there, were the ones who had fallen so deep into a food coma, beds had to be provided so they could sleep it off. He had tried not to dress too fancily — in case someone who wasn’t an animal saw him and reported it to the gossip queen of the Ancients, again he was trying not to think about his niece.

She stood up from where she had been sitting, and stepped behind a curtain, she cleared her throat.

“I’ll be out in a moment. Just… make yourself at home.”

He could hear her clambering about, she even swore at one point — something about a missing earring? He wasn’t too sure. He looked around her studio, it was lofty and smelt like Lily of the Valley, Frankincense and something he couldn’t quite place. Choosing to sit on one of the multiple cushions thrown about the place, he almost had to double check to make sure there was nothing sleeping on it before he sat down. There was a soft crashing and he nearly opened his mouth to call out but when a field mouse did actually run out of her loft — much to Florita’s annoyance he stifled a laugh.

“Sorry about that.”

She found herself blushing all over again, patting her cheeks in hopes of cooling them down before she turned beet red, Novevu stood up and offered her his hand, for many of the other Ancients, Florita’s scent was overwhelming. Her claimants smelt like Roses but she smelt like every plant to ever exist and plants yet to be.

He wondered what she thought he smelt like, she looked drop dead gorgeous, now. Novevu had been around plenty of appealing, to die for individuals and course she knew of his soulmate problem but they hadn’t come back for such a long time that he was practically on the market. Something about the flowers in her hair, her bare face and the fact she was so dainty yet strong enough to kill an army with just a snap of her fingers. She was everything that he could have been if he had been given life rather than the force he had been dealt.

They found themselves on a beach, Florita he had noticed was bare foot - he was partially glad now that he had chosen a beach. She let go of his hand just long enough to run on the sand, her skirts flowing behind and around her as she spun and giggled. He had to remind himself that she was younger but also the vibrancy inside her was not as a result of life but her own special kind of magic.

“Hey, old man. Coming?”

“Tes illit. Yota Iu ia Xlov.”

{My love, time it is slow.}

Florita would have melted if she could, she would have been a literal puddle if anything, they moved towards the candle lit table where a small group of puppies awaited them, Florita crooned and gasped as they came running. He snapped his fingers, afraid they would ruin her outfit.

“Oh my! They are are cute as they come.”

Once he reached them, he pulled her chair out and snapped his fingers again, causing the group of miscellaneous canines to sit at Florita’s feet, she sat thanking him with another one of her heartbreaking smiles as a human approached holding an ice bucket with a bottle of Champagne.

“First course sir?”

A Forbidden Date Night Part Two

“Olyveti is doing alright.”

She was barely able to concentrate on the food, her entire being was focused on Novevu, his scent, his words… she had to stop herself from drooling over him! She looked down at her bowl, she had been so busy gushing over Novevu and his thoughts she had barely paid attention to the meal… then again neither was he really paying attention to his own plate.

“I hope everything is to taste?” He asked nervously

“Of course.”

They went back to staring at the other, she picked at the Ratatouille, as another glass of wine was poured for her by the over eager human staff member who was hovering over them — it was driving her slightly mad but she refused to make a fuss over something so in significant. She shut her eyes just for a moment and allowed her senses to focus in on Novevu’s scent.

Woodsmoke, Citrus, Vetiver, Old Books, Cloves. All things to describe Novevu’s scent, her eyes opened just as he reached over the table to place his own hand in her own which had been resting lazily. He squeezed her hand, it felt like utter electricity and she had to refrain from squeezing back, lest a vine grow from her hand to wrap around his own. Florita was afraid her powers would try to revive Novevu, even though there wasn’t anything wrong with him.

“Florita. Aren’t you afraid of me?”

“Why would you think that? Scared that Destodai has caused me to think of you as the devil?”

He laughed, part of him was glad that his niece had no influence on how she saw him. He had always worried that, he was nothing but a monster even to Florita who did not seem to judge, who did not seem to intrude… she felt like peace and safety and everything he wished and wanted, but how long would this last? How long till she saw the demons that everyone saw and fled? His heart began to hammer in his chest.

“Tes Utoi. Gevi dos.”

{My Dear, Calm please}

It jolted him back to reality and they moved onto the next course, neither of them was actually hungry for food — and their canine companions could tell as they looked back and forth at their master adoringly and protectively at this new person who they had not met properly but already loved so. They had moved onto dessert and Florita found herself bursting into outright laughter. He gave her a look of confusion.

“Of course. I never thought the rumours were true. But you must be the one who keeps stealing my Pomegranate trees.”

Realising one of his deepest darkest secrets had been revealed, he blushed furiously opening his mouth to apologise.

“Aik, Aik, Tes Illum fiak…”

{Ok, Ok. My love for…}

“Hos, Iü Aik, Te kilm vaen.”

{No, It’s Ok. I am glad}

A Forbidden Date Part Three 

They ran their fingers along each other, both of them absentminded but glowing nonetheless. They had lost themselves in time, and were none the wiser as the sun started to slowly creep up from underneath the shadows of night. She was the first to rise up, as she did a rain of petals fell out of her hair and she blushed. He ran his fingers over her lips.

She had always personally thought of death as a power, as something of a sterile unmarked force that did what it had to do indiscriminately and so it came as a surprise that Novevu was covered in scars, though many of them were faint, some were still raised and jagged. Who would do such a thing? She knew he was a fearsome warrior and that he got his hands dirty but she hadn’t expected so much.

On the same thread, Novevu hadn’t expected for Florita to begin to cry tears of nectar, he had expected normal tears, like the ones that humans shed, her skin rippled like the wind, the vines that kept her together seemed to flex and relax, when he was being a little too rough, cuts would appear and flowers would emerge, all kinds. Until she looked she was partially a whole garden.

“Why are you crying.” Wiping away her tears with his fingers.

“Because one so old should not be so marred with scars of a lifetime. Is Death not peaceful? Is it not painless?”

“If it were, I would not exist. If not for the scars I would not feel so alive. Come, let me hold you.”

She fell back into his arms, her tears still falling, he didn’t mind; running his hands through her feather soft hair. They remained tangled in each other long after the dawn of the new day was upon them.

Novevu dreaded having to see her return to her realm, the puppies were worse they yelped and winced, nudged at her feet and practically pleaded in their own way for her to stay. He had made sure to send her off with a bundle of gifts, and a promise to visit soon.

Once she was departed from his realm, he fell back into his bed which still smelt like her, which pillows and some of the sheets were dampened with her sweet-nectar like tears. He began to pick up the petals and the reminders of the evening they had shared together, placing them in a crystal vase of a sorts. Once he was sure all parts of Florita were contained. He sealed it, preserving the contents, it would give him comfort knowing that some small part of her was still within his realm.

“Why does it smell like a florist in here, the good kind. Not the artificial kind.”

Xainayne’s voice, was unwelcome, if not a little bitter. He turned to meet one of his closest friends, confidants, former lovers… business partners. Now. Novevu, gestured towards the bar, which Xainayne took up as an offer to get day-drunk.

“Florita was helping one of my pups get over an upset stomach.”

“What did you feed it?”

“More like what I did not feed it, but it found.”

Xainayne sprawled himself out on the couch, whereas Novevu remained standing. Drink in hand hoping that his lie would stick and no further questions about his whereabouts would be asked.

Florita, in the meantime had returned to her loft, placing her usual sign of ‘not to be disturbed on the door’ she cleaned up her studio, somewhat meticulously, now that she was utterly alone and his scent encompassed her like a hug that kept on giving. She wondered what this new relation with Novevu would become. Willing a cup of tea into existence from the palm of her hand she sat down to drink it whilst observing the new blank canvas that awaited her. She was inspired to paint and she decided she would paint his soul. It would be the only way she would be able to preserve any part of him whilst she was away from his arms.

Soul Crafting and the plan to kill Death Part One. 


“What’s that?”



Florita came to a halt, three steps ahead, turning around to walk towards the plant that seemed to intrigue the younger of the pair. Florita reached her hand out and stroked the silkened leaves. The plant, aware of its mistress crooned and seemed to shift in its terracotta pot awaiting to be praised, watered, shifted to a better place of growth.



“This is how should I say.”



Florita gestured with her free hand as she continued stroking the plant, one vine had now wrapped around itself Florita’s hand. Destodai tried to hide the envy on her face, failing she looked at the floor instead. Life. Souls. Bah. What did it matter, living creatures all ended up in the fucking void? What was the point of her mother trying so hard to craft such fragile things when… Florita, a segment of life but not quite could create objects of near permanence?



“This will kill an Ancient,”



Destodai’s jaw dropped, what— no why on Earth did Florita have such a plant in her arsenal. Florita moved away from the plant in question as Destodai tempted to know exactly what made this plant attempted to touch it, before her fingers could even touch the yet to bud plant. Florita’s vines wrapped around Destodai preventing her.



“Don’t touch it. Never touch it. I am immune because I am the reason it exists.”



Her tone was serious, dripping with venom… Destodai had never seen her preferred maternal figure so mad. Once Florita was sure that Destodai wouldn’t attempt so much as to even think of touching the plant, she let the treasure go.



***



“Did you know Florita had a plant to kill an Ancient. Isn’t that I I dunno illegal? Doesn’t that make her a threat.”



“As much as Zyphinex escaping is. It is unlikely to actually work. She probably just told you so to keep you from touching her plants. You know how she is.”



Her mother’s tone was condescending, and there was something else… fear? Destodai bit down the protest that seemed to want to scream forth towards her mother… a plant that could kill an Ancient, why it was perfect.



“We could get rid of Novevu. Then none of your work would ever go to waste.”



Novea, who had been crafting another soul with her artefact, a small iridescent mannequin, the features of what appeared to be a child was being formed, as well as a dark black skull on the chest, indicating that she was indeed making another death claimant for Novevu. However, unlike most brand new souls, the soul that Novea was currently moulding seemed ancient with nearly a hundred layers upon it. Destodai, curious sat down opposite her mother and watched… she had never been very good at moulding souls let alone giving them particularly interesting… ideals and what not. Heck the mannequin even had a name! No new soul, heck not even relatively medium aged souls had a name. Yet this one did; and it wasn’t just their first name they were given but a new one… a new name, for a new identity but the same soul. She watched as her mother added raven black hair.



“Tell me about this soul. Why is it so old?”



“About three thousand life cycles long.”



Destodai implored her mother to continue speaking. Novea, who was concentrating on crafting the mannequin’s lips looked at her daughter and sighed, how was she supposed to explain… Destodai still had so much to learn. Nevertheless. Novea traced the name plate which Novevu had strictly instructed the person… whoever they were to be given. Novea rinsed her hands in crystal clear water before drying them.



“So, who is this person? Why is Novevu keeping them around.”



“This person, has kept Novevu company. Since the dawn of the mortal realm. They have lived through every age. But they are not his soulmate. I told you about that when you were a child. This person is whom Novevu considered his best friend, his confidant, his how should I say… right hand man? We know Xainayne is his left-hand man.”



“Why entrust a claimant such an important duty.”



“It’s all in the details.”



Destodai traced the letters on the name plate, DeVian. What a strange name. It was one letter off the word ‘Deviant’ she could see glimpses of all of the lives they had lived. Well she had lived. Indeed, this DeVian had been by Novevu’s side this entire time. It made Destodai partially envious that this person had lived so many lives and was allowed to just erase it all for the next life. Novea who was now working on DeVian’s eyes sighed.



“Unlike you and I, Novevu can only destroy anything… anyone he loves. He gets lonely. He may have your aunties and uncles for company but it’s not the same. Having someone whose been there to keep his conscious. Is important for a man whose content with the idea of destroying the balance between the houses.”



“Then we should get rid of him.”



Novea’s glare destroyed any hope of that happening and so Destodai, now bored moved towards the cradle that currently held a sleeping infant, who was sucking on her thumb and dreaming easily. Eviax. Destodai picked the sleeping infant up and rocked her. Before placing her back down, placing a kiss upon her forehead before leaving her mother to her work. She needed to find out more about this particular soul — and not just that how she was going to get rid of Novevu with that plant Florita seemed too guard with her life.



***



“Uncle!”



She rubbed her arms furiously, why the fuck did Novevu have to live in such a frigid place, the only other place she could think of with no sense of temperature was Daenu’s realm. Between trying not to freeze and clapping her hands over her ears, Destodai had no idea why any of the Ancients seemed to think was an appropriate place for anyone to live. Then again, she supposed the people who were sent here, were damned. She waited for the large obsidian doors to open before stepping inside; immediately engulfed by canines of any and all sizes, she toppled over and tried to play dead; it was only after what felt like an infinitesimal amount of time did she sit up. Novevu was standing over her, wearing tracksuit pants, and a black t-shirt. No socks… he was bare footed. She took his offered hand gingerly, she’d have much rather gotten up herself but alas. He was the Ancient, she was the treasure.



“What a surprise to find you here in my realm.”



“Trust me, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have a purpose.” dusting herself off and half cursing the dogs for leaving their fur on her new Chanel coat.



“I need to know something.”



“So, you’re no more pleasant than the last time we saw each other, what is it you want to know Destodai.”



“Who is DeVian. Why is her soul so old and why the hell do you keep her around rather than letting her go to Elysian?”



Novevu was taken aback, he had expected Destodai to make some bratty demand, thus he was left in a position of vulnerability, Destodai seemed to be pleased by this and crossed her arms as he led her towards the living part of the Void’s gigantic main palace. As they walked, Novevu still refused to say anything and at this point Destodai was starting to think her uncle was not just an idiot but deaf to just her words.



He gestured towards the seats that adorned his near vacant living room, she could half imagine how she’d decorate the place if she was the Ancient of Death. Sitting down, she crossed her legs and watched as he busied himself in the kitchen to get together some tea? She didn’t drink tea? She opened her mouth to protest but at the appearance of Noxvon she shut her mouth and decided to pick at her manicured nails. She had never actually spoken to Noxvon, then again did he even speak? Nor had she ever seen his face, he was always hiding under that dark grey cloak of his. Her ears trained on the conversation that Novevu and Noxwon were having. Damn it, ancient tongue… she was rusty and so most of the conversation they seemed to be having washed over like a murky muddled tsunami.



“Cake?”



“What kind of cake?”



“We have Carrot, Devil, Funfetti.”



“Devil. One slice please.”



She had never thought of Novevu as a cake eater, wasn’t that something that her mother was better known for. As he approached her, her eyes widen at the sight of the candles around coming to life with purple flame — wasn’t fire meant to be something only Phita had domain over. She racked her head… of course, Novevu had created Xaina and Xaina created Phita. She added that tidbit of information to her lexicon and nodded in thanks as he poured her a cup of Scottish Breakfast, she shook her head when he gestured to the cream and sugar. She didn’t like either in her tea — how did he know she liked Scottish Breakfast so much?



“You have the same taste for it as your cousin.”



“My cousin?”


“Yes. Noxvon. Likes it just as much as you do. Though he tends to lace his with a heavy helping of cream and Irish Whiskey.”



“Oh.” Her cheeks becoming pink.



“So, what brings you to the Void, I can see you’re clearly uncomfortable here.”



“I wanted to ask you a question. The same question you haven’t answered yet.”



“What can I say, the soul you are asking me about it one that has been around for a long time and has always opted to be in my house.”



“Don’t you… feel a bit bad? Keeping the soul though. Instead of releasing it to Elysian.” She took a bite out of the cake, it was heavenly. Damn.



“If the soul wanted to go to Elysian. I would let them. But they’ve decided to stick by me. I don’t discourage loyalty.”



He was infuriating, giving her such textbook answers. Why the hell was he being so evasive? Why wasn’t he like his daughter… Xaina could never seem to shut up. Heck she should have gone and asked about the soul with her aunt? Was she her aunt? God… using familial terms was a nightmare when it came to them. She rubbed her neck, and continued taking a bite of her cake. As she savoured the taste of rich chocolate cream, Novevu was picking at his Carrot cake. It smelt familiar… Florita.



“Does Florita come here often?”



“No. She bakes though, and no one will eat it. It seems like a shame to waste it. So I volunteered. She sends me six cakes a week. We usually finish it by the time the week is up. If not then Noxvon will bribe one of the other treasures to eat it,”



Why the hell would Florita be so comfortable around Novevu? Weren’t they supposed to be like enemies. She put this next tidbit into the same portion of her mind that picked at things like this, she took a sip of her tea now that it had cooled just enough to not burn the roof of her mouth. When she thought about it she had no idea how her mother was related to the man who sat in front of her, then again Ancients could change their appearance so in reality there was no way of knowing if the face she currently saw was even his true face or just some unfortunate soul who had pissed him off enough to be forever be etched into his physical form. He then spoke.



“Why are you here to ask me questions?”



“I barely know anything about you Novevu. I got a bit curious.”



Which wasn’t a total lie but alas, when one of his eyebrows rose in question she waved away anymore conversation. She hadn’t even realised she had been eating so fast because the first slice was gone and had been quickly replaced by her second slice… and three cups of teas already! It was like time did not pass in the Void. Perhaps that was another reason why Novevu never ventured far out of his realm, Death meant an end to time… nice. She got up, wiping her mouth and thanking her Uncle for the company before making her way back to where she had been earlier, Florita’s realm; the fields.



Realising no one was home, she stepped into the greenhouse and directly towards the plant that she had been so fascinated by hours prior… was it hours? Or had being in Novevu’s realm taken more than that? She looked around mindful that most of these plants were probably busily chatting away with Florita even from a distance… which meant, she came to a halt. The plant had been moved… it was gone. She cursed, of course Florita must have realised what she was up to. She was about to leave when one of Florita’s claimants came through holding the plant. She ducked behind one of the many counters and waited, listening to the claimant place the pot back in its place. A sun lamp being applied. She waited until she was sure the Greenhouse was empty before standing up and approaching the plant. Mindful of the fact, that if she did try to touch it and it killed her… well she’d be in a bloody sorry state. Picking up a twig from one of the work benches which seemed to have an assortment of dead tree limbs meant for something? She poked the plant and watched in horror as the twig seemed to disintegrate before her eyes until there was nothing left.



“What are you doing here?” Florita’s voice snarled.



She whirled around. Her favourite of the Ancients did not look like her usual self. Instead of the blonde hair, with plants adorned in her hair and on her skin. She was met with a woman with hollow eyes — her eyes were missing and she smelt disgusting. Like Rotten apples, she was missing teeth as well. Destodai terrified moved away from the plant and toward the exit. However, was prevented from doing so by the plants that closed off the exit. Florita observed the plant that Destodai had been examining moments ago before turning an accusing finger towards Destodai.



“What did I say about this plant.”



“That it could kill an Ancient.” Destodai stammered.



“Exactly. What did you do? You touched it.” Florita’s voice screeched. She sounded like a fucking banshee.



Destodai looked around, hoping to find a weapon of some sort, her heart was hammering and she was genuinely afraid she would meet her end here. She scrambled to her feet just as one of the decayed vines of Florita wrapped around her ankle and pulled her down. Florita came to stand over Destodai and jabbed a finger at the younger girl’s chest. Like no voice, Destodai had ever heard before came out of Florita’s lips.



“You are forbidden from entering my realm. Till the end of time. Till death itself succumbs over you. Even then your soul will never be permitted a place in the Fields.”



Before Destodai could plea, apologise… she was whisked off back to Elysian, never to step another foot within the realm of the Fields again.

The Yellow Room: Part One


“Mama?”


He clawed at the walls, his eyes shutting at the sight of the fluorescent lights. Why was everything yellow? His hair, his eyes, even his usually transparent white skin was yellow. He turned left, right, tried to find a way out but found naught but more yellow. Tiles, terracotta perhaps? It smelt like sunflowers, daisies, mustard… urine. He tried to remember to his best ability what had led him here, he sat down on the floor utterly defeated — his mother would let him out if and when she felt like it. Or perhaps, if he was lucky Novevu would come to save him from this place. He clapped one hand over his eyes to save from seeing anymore of the dreadful colour, he wanted to be encompassed by darkness, he wanted to be in the shade, where he was safe but there was no space for that. 


—Three Human Days Ago—


“Castle. Decimal. Fungus, Gallows, Hipp— “


He had been taught the word so many times, he looked up at his mother who was making something, it had four legs. He swallowed and tried again. He had gotten better at avoiding his stutter, but nevertheless.

"It starts with H..." 


“Hippopotamus.” His mother’s tone echoed in the background. 


“Hippopotamus!” He repeated cheerfully. 


He reached for his pretty cup and took a sip of the deep dark liquid within and beamed, his feet swinging to and fro as he continued to read aloud for his mother. His mother rinsed her hands and stood up, he shut his book and waited as she seemed to be reaching for another material in her collection of objects used to create souls and creatures and all kinds of other things, when a shaggy grey-white creature seemed to run into the room, barely avoiding the furniture as his mother retrieved the scroll of parchment that hung off of the dog, Xainayne got onto his knees of the wooden chair, hopeful to see what news there was. 


“I’ll be back, keep reading. Call for Grandma if you need something alright? Risix will be over soon and you can both go play with your cousin.” 


He nodded as his mother seemed to slip out of existence and off to the next realm, the Void. He opened his book again, there were so many words left to go on the page he was stuck on. Works like Hippopotamus, Igloo, Jurisprudence… words he didn’t know or could not remember how to say without his mother’s guidance. He was at Practicality when he realised that the dog hadn’t left… his mother had forgotten to open a portal up for the dog to follow back to the Void. 


The canine who was now asleep, sounded like it was snoring. He climbed off the chair and walked towards where his mother’s work sat, waiting for her return. He then looked at the note that was left by his uncle. Maybe, Xainayne decided he could help this pup get home! His mother would be proud of him. He stood up on his tippy-toes and stretched…


It had barely occurred to Xainayne that the items on the desk were so close to the edge, but it was far too late to do anything about it when projects that Novea had been working on toppled and shattered into a hundred, million colourful fragments, the noise had certainly woken the dog up and realising his mistake he bent down to try to clean it up, to put the pieces back together but only managed in turn to cut and shed his own blood.


“What did you do.” 

He had never heard his mother so angry, he wiped his bleeding hands on his shirt and turned to look up, her eyes were glowing and he wanted to desperately hide underneath the table. He also noticed, the dog was gone. Gone back to the Void. He swallowed and opened his mouth to explain, he had broken his mother’s work, and had ruined the new shirt he had been given, less than four days since being given it, it was striped and he loved it! 



But now all of the parts that were white, were smudged with obsidian black liquid… a sign of his power and what made him different from her. He had seen his mother bleed before, and his uncle. Gold and Silver. It had been explained to him previously that everyone bled a different colour except for his grandmother and his grand aunt who did not bleed because they were time and space. Therefore, not living but also not dead. He knew that his cousin, Xaina bled a kind of iridescent milky, almost pearl like substances that was rumoured to smell like Vanilla candies.


“Mama—” He began


She shook her head, scooping him up in her arms and healing the cuts, by merely bleeding on the wounds until they sealed up before his eyes, wow he hoped to be like her. How could would have be, to be able to heal any kind of injury or illness by merely blowing on it? He hoped she wouldn’t be too mad, but when she started to move, without putting him down his heart began to pound and he began to squirm, turning his head this way and that to determine the route she was taking. When the realisation finally settled in the deepest, darkest pits of his stomach he began to wail, screaming. Hitting at her chest hoping she would not be so cruel as to send him into that dreaded place again. 


—Present—


He patted his growling stomach, Ancients did not eat, but that hadn’t meant his body didn’t like imitating behaviours meant for lesser mortal creatures. He bit at his thumb harshly, watching as his blood prickled to the surface, he licked at it, the heavy taste of black liquorice had been the only company he had, had for the past three days. Apart from the destroyed walls and the broken furniture — he had managed to release a burst of his power an hour or so ago and now he had nowhere to sit and nothing to do except bite at his thumb and wait for his mother to collect him from this putrid smelling, hideously decorated… yellow room. Why had his mother done this to him? It was not as if, he had broken her stuff purposely. It had been an accident but she hadn’t left him explain. He hated being a disappointment. 


“Pa! I found him!” 


Why was his cousin here? He stood up… his legs nearly buckling underneath himself as the door to the Yellow Room opened and the scent of Vanilla and Charcoal filtered through, a stark contrast to the smell that he had gotten accustomed to. His cousin was quick to support him as his uncle gave him a once over. He felt pathetic but refused to cry. 


“Come, we will go home now.” 


“Where’s Mama?”


“Asleep. When you didn’t come to dinner last night. Xaina and I decided to look for you. Xaina, help your cousin to the Void. I will clean this place up and go and speak to Novea about her parenting ideals.” 


“Yes Pa.” 


Xainayne was reluctant to leave the room that had become his world for three days. He had been inside for three days and the entire time his mother hadn’t considered any of his needs. As he limped beside Xaina who was chattering on about something trivial he was grateful for once that at least his cousin would be raised by someone, an adult who cared.

Inspiration and Graduation

“Within all the realms it is important to remember the hierarchy. Among claimants, there are rules. Laws. Tenets which must be followed. The masses make up the claimants; within their ranks some gain prestige and with that comes certain duties. A champion, an aikekunai, a treasure or an ancient. All with their own duties, all with their own strengths. Among them are the houses and among the houses are the roles of the claimants. Knights, Spies, Peacekeepers, Stitchers, a role or more for every house and a place for the claimants. And yet the claimants are still children of the ancients, in their own perfect way.” 

A single finger would lift into the air, and with it an inky and deep substance would remain in its place. A spare hand holding open a book which rested on a single page, and yet the words on that page would seem to be almost entirely meaningless to anyone reading them without the knowledge of their origin. However, to the one holding it, that single book held infinite value. Each page told a story of a friend made and a promise kept. Love in every single letter and word, as if she herself could personally feel the connections formed with each phrase. That was why she carefully copied those words down in her own way. Glyphs formed in specific ways, words and phrases combined through sigils and shapes. One phrase made in repetition to form a circle, another phrase within that circle, and another within that circle. Layer upon layer, and the outcome was given a name with a single soft incantation… 

“Dancing Lights, Spirit’s Flights, Illuminate my way. Dancing Spirits of Light.” Words aligned like a spell being cast. A poem. A rhyme. A lyric on the lips and with it the words came to life. Swirling into a pool of light before splitting off into wisps of light which scattered and illuminated the area as if creatures had been born and made to explore. “Remember to stay close!” She’d call out before they’d all return to her general surroundings. 

Their light revealed a vast scriptorium. Books as far as the eye could see, and ancient artifacts collected and stored in perfect preservation. However, she did not stop to look at them all as one might normally be compelled. Her eyes strayed around, but her lips continued to move and tell their story. As if reading to a child or teaching a class. Faintly, if listening closely enough, you could just barely hear the childish laughter of the dancing lights as they explored what they could while remaining close enough to be within her sight. Like children in a grocery store remaining within sight of their mother, and yet she did not seem to understand their joy. She aimed to protect them, but she did not know why. It was merely a feeling she couldn’t shake off, but the blame for that was tied to her mother. 

“All claimants have value. All claimants are to be loved. Without that love, they stray; when they stray, they become a source of sadness. Both for their ancients and their kin. Nurture them. Raise them. Care for them like the children they all are. Just as the mortals care for their own, so too should we do the same. An ancient is no more than a benevolent parent watching over their countless children, all vying for their attention and love. Coddle them, appreciate them, and in turn they will never fall short of you. Teach them right, lead them well, and you will raise a loving child. Claimants are to be loved, for it is love that makes them all beautiful.” 

For a moment, one of the lights darted toward her and halted just before colliding with her head. The woman came to an abrupt stop, her head tilting to one side as a small smile formed on her lips. The lights hovered closer until it revealed its shape to her. Like a small fairy made from light, its wings much like a butterfly or moth, and for a moment it tapped against her nose before darting off with the others again. Scattering among the shelves of books and items as a sigh escaped her lips. Her brimmed hat lowered as if to hide the features of her face, and with a long exhale she would continue onward. Her words carried through the silent air accompanied only by the clicks of her shoes. She wore no heels yet still walked almost entirely on her toes. Dressed in black with golden accents all over. A midi dress with buckles and belts in several places, earrings which seemed to almost glow with a subtle golden light within them, and a design of black leaves in a specific spot atop the brim of her hat, right beside the crooked point which leaned slightly back.  

A part of her found it dreadfully disturbing that her guardian had allowed the mortals to begin calling her a witch, but she felt it was even more dreadful when the claimants began to do the same. The very thought of it tired her out, and it caused a sigh to escape her. It was only when the dancing lights returned to her that she smiled and calmed her mind. If others saw the things she did as some form of magic, then who was she to argue or complain? If magic is what it was then she enjoyed that magic. And if magic made her some mage or witch… she didn’t have it within herself to complain. Some were recorded in history as Kings, Queens, Lords, Master, and Warmongers. Executioners, Hunters, Murders, Evildoers… Heroes… but she rode the line between all of those. She didn’t choose sides and she did not fret over details. She did what she thought was best when she thought it was best, and that alone was enough. If the titles and roles everyone else received acted as the proof that they were living or had lived a life worthy of that title, then she would be content with her own. Even if it was embarrassing, it meant she had lived and was still living. 

“A mother, a father, a son, a daughter. Are we not all connected? Then who are we to judge our family? Sometimes someone must die for the sake of others, but if it is for the means of love, we cannot fret. Just as you love with a smile, you grant solace with a smile. Although some of us do not smile nearly as easily as others.” The words made her pause. A small smile, a softened expression, and the feeling as if she were having a conversation with someone she’d longed to see. Was longing to see. A guiding hand atop her head as she spoke the final phrases. “That is why we must always be willing to try our hardest for everyone. Even you. For you are loved. I will always love you, even at your worst. A love just for you. Because what claimant can hope to live a full life is they have no love within it?” 

“A good choice.” The voice at her side startled her. A slight jump in her shoulders as she froze before turning to see the figure at her side. They hovered over her like a specter. Someone accustomed to monitoring and watching over others like a strict librarian. Wearing what looked like a shawl covered in white moth fur over a dark dress with tribal markings. with skin coated in what looked like black, chitinous plates above pale white flesh at her joints. As if she were more insect than humanoid, and the moth mask over her face made from that same chitinous material did not help. Neither did the two devilish horns which protruded upward from it, but her pale white hair brought her some ease with the loosely crafted braid at its back. 

“I-I’m sorry! I mean, apologies! I didn’t notice you there, Master Zammoia’lyore…” she responded to the woman whose eyes could barely be seen from behind her mask. Several colors peering from within. However, she proceeded forward. 

“You were reading an excerpt from the Vall collection. Correct?” Zammoia asked. 

“Huh? Oh! Yes. I’ve been trying to memorize it.” She responded while following behind the woman. Her steps keeping pace to remain slightly behind her. 

“I remembering how difficult it was to get that woman to sit down and write anything. Now she’s so busy it proves impossible to even get her to sit still, and when she’s not busy, she’s always playing around. I swear that woman will be immature for the rest of her days,” she paused as the fairies approached her and seemed to examine her. “Then again, that’s the only reason she could think the way she does. Innocence is a product of beauty in the right hands.” 

“Do you truly believe she loves everyone?” She asked the Rhihon. 

“Why do you ask? Do you believe it to be impossible?” 

“I don’t know.” 

“Well? Do you love me?” Zammoia asked her. A question which made her face burn a bright red. 

“I-I don’t know!” 

“You’re too adorable for your own good. If you want to understand Audomattadjia, you will need to understand love the way she does. A love that merely exists. For instance, you are my apprentice and I love you. It may not be romantic love, but there is love nonetheless. The love a master shares with their apprentice.” 

“You love me?” She asked without raising her head. Her expression hidden behind the brim of her hat. 

“Of course I do. Audomattadjia Vall believes in the idea that love is the source of all things good in the world. It’s why so many flock to her side, even if she’s unaware of it herself. They look up to her as someone who loves them unconditionally.” 

“Is unconditional love truly that rare?” 

“Think about it. If I had not met you, I wouldn’t have felt anything for you. That’s simply the way I am. I would meet you with caution, just as I did. I would gauge who you are, just as I did. For the normal person it takes time to love… but for Audomattadjia she just loves everyone. Even the people you wouldn’t expect.” 

“Do you think… do you think I could do the same? Do you think I could love everyone in the same way? Would that make me…” she paused as if the thought itself was taboo to form into spoken words. 

“Of course I do.” Zammoia responded. “From what I can tell already that type of compassion is in your blood. You may lack the words to voice it, but the capacity to love is enough to make anyone smile.” 

Zammoia’lyore lifted her finger and, in the air right in front of them, she began to copy the same motions that the girl previously had. Sigils and symbols carved into the air, but rather than ink it was left in the form of a burning, colorful script. As if every form of flame were being carved out into a passage of verses and cantrips. Then, once done, they would all swirl together into a mass of flames which burned red hot before calming to a subtle pink hue. Then the flame would split off into several floating sprites. Scattering and dashing around as if playing a game with the dancing lights. Darting through the scriptorium in all directions in a round of tag with no real winner. Just the fun and joy of interaction itself. She’d turn her attention to the girl, and with a light bit of surprise, she’d take in the sight of her apprentice as she looked up at the flying lights and flames. An expression of wonder and joy, a smile both warm and inviting, and eyes shimmering with something she felt was familiar. Then she herself would smile. 

The Rhihon would lean forward and remove the mask from her face. Beneath it, a face so pale it was almost difficult to imagine without seeing it. Lips, nose, ears, eye leashes and eyebrows, even her hair all the exact same stark white. Only her eyes were vibrant, with irises and pupils sharing the same compound patterning and shifting colors. Her expression melted her apprentice’s heart. It wasn’t new or something she hadn’t seen before, even having seen the same from her own guardian at times, but it still made her heart flutter. Looking directly into her eyes, as if to say there was no reason to hide. As if to share every single kind word she could think up, but Zammoia did have her own words in mind. 

“When that troublemaker asked me to look after you, I was almost prepared to refuse… but when I saw you, I knew it would be worth it. I’ve helped you sharpen your abilities and you’ve provided me with the needed company. I believe you can be whatever you want to be. If that’s a claimant who loves everyone, then I believe you can do it.” 

“You’re talking like you’re done teaching me already.” She chuckled, but Zammoia only offered her a somewhat hurt smile. 

“I am.” The words made her shutter. “In all honesty, I haven’t been able to teach you anything new for a while now. Save for a few tricks. I can’t keep you here forever, though.” 

“Then I’m going back home?” 

“That’s right. I can proudly say that you are no longer an apprentice, although being my apprentice would only really make you a scribe. But that’s not what you are, now is it?” Her hands rose to her face and rested on her cheeks. Keeping her steady yet holding her attention. “We all have our titles. Our names. Our monikers. So, as my apprentice, it is my duty to officially name you. What is your name, dear?” 

She looked at her and, for a moment, thought to give her the truth. A truth behind a promise, but a promise she must keep. “Koa.” 

Zammoia’lyore gave that same somewhat hurt smile again, but she did not hesitate. “Then as your master, Zammoia’lyore Rhihon, Moth Maiden of the Scriptorium and among those considered heretical, I name you apprentice no longer. In honor of the one who watches over you, and in your own name, you are a practitioner of my techniques. And so, you will be Koa the Glass Witch. Your love of the elements is extraordinary, so make sure you put them all to use.” 

“I will.” A simple answer, and yet her excitement was easily hidden within it. 

“Now run along. You should be more than capable of returning home on your own. Use the knowledge you have at your disposal to find the way, if you must. Always remember that.” 

“I will.” Koa responded before turning and whistling in a way which echoed off the walls and shelves. Shortly after a regular looking broom would come floating down from above before stopping in front of her and beginning to sweep the floors. “Stop that. You’re knocking up dust.” She said before grabbing hold of the item. 

“And one more thing,” Zammoia’s voice caught her attention. A warm smile as watched the girl lift the broom to waist height before sitting atop it. “You’re always welcome to visit your old master, because you will always be my apprentice. Now run along and stay out of trouble.” 

“Thank you, Master Zammoia’lyore.” 

Koa lowered her head in a final, respectful bow before ascending above. The Rhihon watched her for every second until she’d reached the top and was gone out of sight. She’d grown accustomed to the company, but a part of her was always used to being alone. Yet she was entirely confused as to why Koa had even been wondering about the topic she’d found her stuck on. Doubting her own capability to love, as if she weren’t among the handful of claimants that chose to enjoy her presence. A claimant which had switched houses due to specific circumstances and was now stuck in the shape of some chimera between human and insect. At times she often wondered if she would have been better off remaining a damaged Fovey, but times like this made her happy that she’d made the choice to commit to the house of fire. If not just to save herself, then certainly to be blessed with interactions like this. The scorn from most everyone else was almost worth it when her only apprentice acted as if she were the most beautiful person she’d ever seen. 

She looked at her mask and questioned when the next time would be that she could remove it. Then, with a sigh, she slipped it back over her face and returned her gaze to her own level. Everything was clean and tidy; everything was quiet and still. Then the subtle laughter filled her ears as the light fairies and flame sprites returned to her position and zipped through the bookshelves. One of the lights hovered to her and when she lifted her hand, it would rest calmly in her palm. Her eyes closely inspecting what lied within once it had finally lost the energy which had been keeping it at unreachable speeds. A carefully created and meticulously shaped little fairy which now lay with exhausted breaths in the center of her palm. Wings like her own, body shaped like her guardian, a mix between the two people she could only assume she knew most. And so, she held it close and watched over it as the creature rested. Yet she did speak as if to expect an answer from the small life in her hands. 

“I never figured out what house the girl belongs to. Even after all these years… I’ll have to confront Mati about it next time I see her. I can't imagine that troublemaker having a daughter of her own.”

Founding The Priestess of Blood

There existed a moment long ago when a single claimant was caught in the midst of a fierce battle. An enemy of unforeseen strength facing off against a party of claimants bound together under the veil of a single duty. It wasn’t unheard of for houses to ally themselves together when a situation arose where it was called for, and if those alliances were proper then clashes of ideals would not occur. However, one piece was always essential. Among the group, regardless of how capable they all were, a battle could easily become a savage display of violence. As such one type of claimant was necessary among them.

…

“Rayvas! Target her wings! Get her out of the sky!”

“Got it!” The claimant would respond before lifting his hands skyward. The Qwidu’s element surging at his fingertips as his palms moved to follow behind his target before, finally, lining up with the creature overhead, and a funnel of wind burst outward to engulf it and pull in down to the ground below.

“Marin! Orveyl! With me! Rayvas, keep her pinned!” The Rhihon would command with his sword burning a passionate yellow, almost on the cusp of gold. With him a Mucmoi whose large shield was lined with shifting blades and a Fovey darting ahead with her spear.

“You pests! Every last one of you should just die! Die and let me date this hunger!”

Her voice echoed out over the surrounding mountains and hills, her form like that of a reptilian hound with wings more akin to those you’d see on the back of a hawk. A maw lined with sharpened ridges and a tail long and thin enough to lash at them like a needle lined whip, but the most disadvantageous factor was her size. Shimmering silver scales and deep brown wings on a creature that could easily walk through a two story building. Large enough to be naturally strong, but small enough to remain fast and unpredictable, and its movements proved that much.

Marin, the Fovey lunged forward with her lance, yet she jumped aside with a steady trot before lifting one of her front limbs and aiming to pierce her with thin talons. It was only due to Orveyl’s, the Mucmoi’s, shield that she’d managed to come out unscathed. However, that was simply how they fought. The distraction had been more than enough for the Rhihon who had been acting as their group’s commander to slice through the creature’s wing and set the limb ablaze. A flame which could not be put out without rigorous flapping, coupled with wails of pain, which left it featherless and charred. Its eyes sharpened like knives as her anger became a seething venom on its teeth.

“Don’t let up now! Keep pushing!” The Rhihon would call out immediately.

“You’ll pay for this transgression, blood bags!”

A united force clashing against the beastly visage of a claimant turned monster. Their teamwork the threads holding their lives together while rage acted as the driving fuel for the creature which sought to tear them apart. The type of clash you’d expect to see in the tales of fantasy… and yet that isn’t what this was. This was no heroic tale of adventurers fighting monsters. This was incarnate violence against claimants struggling to overcome a challenge they could only hope to be prepare for. A talon striking at their sword, the shield moving between them to stop it, and the smile on her face when she saw their tactfully made choice to support one another. All the Rhihon could do was see the way their foe eyed the Fovey with terrifying pleasure.

“Marin! Move!” A call. A hope. Watching as she moved to attack, but slowed only when seeing the creature’s tail swinging in her direction at full speed.

Everything was moving quickly, every action had to be done perfectly to survive, and a mistake like this was fatal. A heavy thud, a crack and snap, but the Fovey had gone untouched. Instead it was the tail which had its bone’s broken against the force of a flying maul. The Fovey stepped back out of harm’s way, giving only a glance back to see the Origui who looked as if that single throw alone had drained all the courage she had, but with a nod the Fovey would rush forward and continue the fight. However, the battle did not stop just because she’d been saved. And while she was returning from just barley avoiding her own death, her and the Origui’s attention pulled away from the others, the first thing they’d notice was the Mucmoi having been knocked to the ground several feet away. Then they’d notice the Rhihon who’d been impaled on the creature’s talons.

A pause before her maw clamped down on his arm; then with a quick flick, flung him away where he rolled to a stop on the dirt and grass below. A slight struggle to attempt standing before falling back to the ground.

“I do love the taste of Rhihon blood, but this isn’t enough! I need more!” The creature hissed as her tongue gathered all the blood from her talons.

A growing agitation on the Fovey’s face and shock in the Mucmoi’s eyes before the two returned to the fight. A single command coming from her mouth. “Heal him!”

The Origui would remove her attention from the fight and rush over to the Rhihon’s side. A quick examination of him as she flipped him from his stomach and over to his back. Several coughs accompanied by blood. A hole directly through the center of his chest and his entire left arm severed. Devoured by the creature who no doubt felt it was only right for him to lose a limb after what he’d done to her wing. However, in the Origui’s mind, there was something else entirely. The moment he looked at her and their eyes met, she found herself recalling a conversation the two had shared prior, before they’d come this far. When they’d been camping out on their travels to reach where they were now. Several battles in and much more blood…

 

—

 

“Tell me something, Beth.” The Rhihon started while examining the fine lines of his blade. “I can’t help but notice that when you heal others there’s this… disturbance, behind it.”

“Ah. So you have noticed…”

“If you don’t want to tell me, it’s fine. I’m not going to badger you for answers.”

“No, no. It wouldn’t be fair of me to withhold it from you. Especially considering that you’ve been kind to me, even though I’m new to this… I am capable of healing anything, so long as my target is still alive. A leg, an arm, even several limbs at once if that’s the case… or so I assume. However, whatever I heal, I feel. Whatever damage I repair, I experience. In full something can’t be given without backlash.”

“Then why do you choose to heal anyone at all?” He would ask.

“For the most part it’s only been cuts or certain severed limbs, but the pain fades quickly with those and isn’t too imposing. But I have healed a shattered mind once; that was a feeling I don’t believe I can face again. It showed me just how much I don’t understand about what I’ve been doing. Everything has been superficial so far, but what if it’s grave? Incomparable? What if it’s too much?”

“You’re afraid it might kill you?” She did not respond, but that itself was an answer. “If that’s how you feel, then don’t do it.”

“What? But that’s what I’m meant for! My purpose for being created!”

“Who decides that? If it’s something you don’t believe you can do, then you shouldn’t do it. Or at least not until you’re certain. There’s no reason to take a risk that no one knows the answer to.”

“But what if someone dies because I didn’t act?”

“Would you rather die instead?” Another question she could not answer. “Look, kid. Compared to most other claims you’re still pretty young. It’s difficult enough to survive to the point you’ve reached now. That life shouldn’t be taken for granted or used haphazardly. Your ancient should have taught you that much, although I’m certain your treasure isn’t nearly as logical.”

“All I can do is heal and keep others alive. What purpose do I serve outside of that?”

“Well, you can just be you. Honestly, there are far too few kind claimants these days. If you can preserve that kindness by avoiding the pain you cause yourself, then I think that’s a better option. If the time comes I’ll even give you the push you need.”

“Is that really right?” She’d ask only to be met with a smile.

“We won’t know until it happens. Right? Besides, you’re a giant! Your strength can easily make up for it.”

 

—

 

That smile replaced with a bloodied visage, static scratching in her ears as she watched his heart beating inside of his opened chest. The organ shredded yet still attempting to keep him alive, but she could barely focus. Her breathing sped up, her pupils narrowed, fingers digging into his skin as she prepared herself to do what needed to be done, but… she could just barely hear his voice calling out to her through the sound of panic within her own mind.

“Bethany!” Her eyes locked onto his. An expression far more resolved than she’d anticipated with a fire burning in his eyes she’d come to know too well. When a choice had to be made, and he was the one to make it. “Go! Finish this fight!”

“Sombay…” she paused for a moment. The feeling of his hand squeezing her arm as if pleading for her to listen. Then she made her choice, to follow his command.

The other two had still been fighting. Barely capable of holding her back with just the two of them, and the creature was thoroughly enjoying their lack of manpower. However, it only took several heavy steps. Her hand sliding across the earth where it swept her maul up into her grasp. A thud echoing from the earth as stone cracked and crumbled beneath her bound. The two still focused on the fight and yet the creature turned her gaze to the side just in time to see the woman who’d launched herself directly at her with that same maul held overhead. A cry which grabbed all attention, as if confused whether to be heartbroken or utterly furious, but the following impact of her maul against the creature’s back was undeniably the outcry of every emotion she had been feeling in that moment.

The creature would cry out in the most painful way she could possibly muster. Slammed to the ground under the force of the Origui’s swing before twitching and audibly whelping from the absolute pain. Her body gyrating as its size diminished until all that was left in its place was a single claimant dressed in what could only be described as some deep crimson, tattered garb. Her pained face covered in tears and blood beneath a pool of messy hair as she clawed outward as if to escape the torment, but nothing could help her escape from her now shattered spine. Bethany stood overhead, watching yet unwilling to finish off their enemy, but when her head cracked open under the pressure of the Fovey’s boot she could feel a sudden bile build in her stomach. Or at least until the Fovey’s attention turned to her.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Marin demanded as she grabbed her collar and pulled her down to her own level.

“I-I was helping—”

“Helping?! You were supposed to heal Sombay! Where is he?!”

“Marin.” The Mucmoi’s voice pulled her attention to where the Rhihon still laid. However, both she and Bethany could tell that he was already dead.

“Seriously? That can’t be possible, you were right there! What happened?!” She demanded.

“He told me to help you fight.”

“Help us?! He could have helped himself if you did your job and kept him alive!” She tossed the Origui to the ground before turning her attention back to the Rhihon. “You’re useless. What’s the point of even having you around if you don’t even do what you’re good for?!”

“Marin.”

“You might as well have killed him yourself!”

“Marin!” The Mucmoi’s voice rose over her own. A moment for the Fovey to realize the damage she’d done. A look in the Origui’s eyes which told a thousand tales. It was like she wasn’t even seeing them anymore, as if she was no longer there with them at all.

The Fovey sighed. Grabbing her spear before joining the Mucmoi near the Rhihon’s body. Her expression was entirely different in comparison to his own. Somehow the dead seemed more at peace, yet it would not serve to quell the seemingly endless pit in her chest as she placed her hand on his own. As if something had been lost which could never be replaced. She lowered her head, but she did not cry. Gritted her teeth yet refused to utter a sound. She was angry, but she knew him too well to lash out. Whatever choice Bethany had made she knew he’d likely played a part it. Otherwise he wouldn’t look so calm even in death. All the Mucmoi could do was place a hand on her should as some simple comfort.

“What do we do now?” She asked him.

“All we can do now is returned and get an update on what to do. For the most part we aren’t even involved in the current battles. We’ve just been cleaning up messes caused by stragglers enjoying the chaos.”

“I guess you’re right. If we’re going to keep doing our jobs we’ll need to find a replacement, and we’ll need to make sure his body gets back to the Forge.”

“Agreed.” The Mucmoi responded. A moment of silence which felt like forever as she watched over him.

“This is harder than I thought it would be.”

“I know, but it must be done. We need to regroup and…” A pause. A silence. Then a question. “Where is Bethany?”

“What?” The Fovey responded as her attention was finally snatched from her deceased partner. However, all they could see now was the corpse of the slain claimant woman.

“She couldn’t have gone far. We need to find her.”

“She was right there! How did we not hear her?” The Rhihon asked as if the world would answer her question… and yet they’d gotten far worse.

“It’s because you did not care enough.” Their heads spun around. The Rhihon looking back at the body where the Mucmoi still remained kneeling. On the opposite side of the body, crouched with her knees pressed together and her arms crossed atop them, a woman with stark white hair flowing over her body and to the ground around her watched them. “I could hear the screaming from several yards away.”

“Who are you?!” The Fovey demanded while lifting her spear, but the woman merely laughed.

“Do you really have to ask something so obvious?”

She watched as the woman stood to her feet. No clothing, yet she looked oddly warm. A smile only a devil could wear with an oddly aromatic scent of fruits she could not name in that moment. What stood out most, however, were the eyes. Eyes which almost seemed to want everything all at once yet she could only think up certain wants in that moment from the vast list of everything the realms had to offer. Blood, flesh, organs, everything that she was to devour. That was what she saw within those bright red eyes staring directly at her. She knew who this was, but that only made another question pop into her head. Bethany wasn’t the only newest addition to their group that was missing.

“Where’s Rayvas?” She asked. The Mucmoi’s eyes immediately widened. “Where’s the Qwidu, Lilith?!”

“Hah,” she smiled in response. Her teeth accentuated like weapons of their own; all of them covered in a fresh coating of claimant blood. “I am surprised it took you all this long to notice. I stole him away the moment you all began your fight and he moved to the back lines.”

“Bethany! Where is she?!” The Mucmoi demanded as he rose to his feet. Facing off with the Dimea who gave him a clear glance.

“No need to worry. I have yet to do anything with the girl. She ran off of her own accord. However, I plan to keep track of her. I find it difficult to turn away when others could use my guiding hands.”

The Mucmoi, tired of hearing her speak, jumped forward at the opportunity to strike… but there was a clear discrepancy between the claimants they were and the aikekunai she remained. An arm grabbed, an arm removed in one single motion. Her fingers held like a blade and plunged directly into his chest, but only to hold him in place for the other to snatch his head from its shoulders. A man made into corpse. Tossed aside for the rats to feed on as she returned her attention to the Fovey. Perhaps this was why it took so long to identify the woman who stood before her. The way she was now? Covered in splatters of blood with her hands coated in thick red? That was the way claimants were taught to identify the devil among them.

“What do you want?” Marin would ask.

“It is simple, really. I want to thank you for making an opportunity for me to help someone find their purpose. But I must also be sure to let you know that I am well and truly agitated. You have done wrong by the girl, and I intend to have you pay for it.”

“I won’t just let you kill me easily!” The Fovey stated while lifting her spear to fight. However, just as she’d lifted it, Lilith’s hand gripped the weapon and held it in place. From standing several feet away to closing the gap in a moment. “What?!”

“All that talk for a man who couldn’t even kill one of my stray pets on his own. The least you can do is die the same.”

A hand stabbed directly through the Fovey’s chest, then an arm torn from its socket and dropped to the ground. Marin couldn’t even manage to find the words to say in the situation she’d been placed into. Fighting out of control claimants was leagues easier than dealing with an aikekunai. And the luck of having Lilith be the one was well below zero and fully in the negatives. A claimant who lived for the sake of violence and greed, known for her merciless displays of gore wherever she chose to confront others and this was clearly no different… and yet, when the woman tossed her now fading life towards the Rhihon, she couldn’t help but feel conflicted. She could have left her to crawl helplessly to him without a chance to make it, but she didn’t. So it was in her last moments that she’d considered a kindness in the Dimea others had managed to miss. A mercy of all things.

“I’m sorry…” words which would never reach their mark.

“Now then. I believe they said her name was Bethany… I’ll get cleaned up, then seek her out myself.”

For The Sake Of Love


The sound of distance voices woke him from his slumber, as if the softest unknown voice wouldn’t be enough. He certainly would have gotten up sooner if Haden hadn’t kept him awake all night and yet it was the same person’s voice who made him sit up in their bed.



“For the last time no! I’m not going to the Poles and that’s the end of that conversation!”



“But I’ll need your help if I’m to accomplish this objective. Please, I implore you to change your mind.”



What could this possibly be now? He stepped out into the open, relinquishing himself from their comfortable blankets and readying himself to go and see whatever situation Haden had gotten himself into today. The hall felt longer than normal as if some looming omen of horrible things awaited him the moment he rounded the corner and the moment he saw his small spouse talking to a person who was almost as tall as him he could feel the world shifting down a horrid path. He had brown skin, a smile that could make anyone feel like they were in the wrong and hair as silver as his own sword. Just looking at him you could tell he was one of Nammay’s claimants.



“Is everything alright out here? You normally don’t start yelling until maybe the afternoon and yet its pretty early for you.” Shinzo spoke as he made his way to Haden who gave him a loving smile.



“Not a single thing! Just getting rid of a pest who I’d hoped not to see for a long while.” Haden responded. It was as if he forgot not to show any signs of affection in front of others as he clung to the man without signs of letting go the moment he was within range.



“So… who is this anyway?” He asked the ice claimant who refused to answer, his attention instead fully on him and yet the question wouldn’t go unanswered. He wouldn’t allow it.



“I’m glad you asked! I am Nier! Master repair smith, warrior of Nammay and most importantly craft smith of marital items! Seeing you here with Haden has moved my heart the likes of which no other has done in the past. I’d say my soul has been moved, no, shaped by the confidence and structure of your separate passions combined into one single dedication. For allowing me to experience even the slightest fraction of your love and loyalty I will give to you both a gift the likes of which you’ve never seen before!”



Before Shinzo could even properly question who or better yet what he had walked into the boy was focused far beyond what he would have believed possible for someone of his odd nature. Multiple differing alloys floated and fluttered about in the air as if melding into the wind itself. His hand motions were intoxicating, as if tempered and mastered over years of experience, he didn’t even know how to react to what was happening. Almost as if by instinct the alloys parted ways and all that was left to mold together was bismuth and titanium, forming into a ball that spun and swirled until strains of both metal seemed to be weaved together like a ball of yarn that mixed into itself. Before either of the pair could react the metal separated into two smaller orbs which quickly wrapped themselves around their ring fingers.



“I have seen only but a small fraction of the love you two share and it has moved me to my core. So for you I have two gems to offer”, he spoke as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a rather fancy silken pouch. From the bag of mystery he drew forth two gems the likes of which would be ungodly to imagine being in his possession, Ceruleite and Cuprite. The rare gems were so beautiful Shinzo could see the amazement of Haden’s face as he watched the man throw them into the air. Two rather large daggers flew from his pockets as if moving on their own and began shaping and crafting them into whatever he desired, any doubt he was one of Nammay’s claimants could be thrown away at this point as the gems were cut down into perfectly symmetrical shapes then sliced in half and fitted into one another. The shaved pieces retrieved and ground into a vibrant dust which was absorbed into the make of the rings which hovered from their fingers and back towards the crafter himself before the half and half gems were directly connected to the shapes of the rings.



They were beautiful, the metals swirling about like liquid mixed into one another. The gem dust crafted from the excess materials made it seem as if the metal carried a sheen that couldn’t be properly replicated and the gems which were made to be symmetrical were a sight to see indeed. One of a kind, made to fit something the boy himself saw as beautiful. With an exhausted sigh he took them both in his hands and clenched his fists, an action that would prove to be paramount as once his hands opened up to reveal the jewelry they were found to be polished and perfected. A master of his craft indeed.



“This is my gift to the two of you. I’m just glad I got to meet both of you and make these for the occasion.”



Shinzo looked at the boy, Nier, what an odd person! He just shows up out of no where, granted he knows Haden and yet the first thing he does upon seeing them is craft them rings? He was almost prepared to tell him it was too much. They looked as if they’d cost hundreds, thousands, millions even with the attention to detail and yet when he saw the look of pure desire for them in Haden’s eyes he couldn’t turn them down. He wouldn’t let him get off easy however.



“I appreciate the gift, truly. You should help him Ai. It’s the least you could do for something like this.”



“I… well I suppose you’re right… I guess it’s only right that I aid ya with your silly mission lad. So when are we leaving?” Haden asked with a huff. He was going to hold Shinzo hostage today! Apparently those plans would have to be put on hold.



Nier smiled with honesty that was more unsettling than anything else. With a flick off his phone and a few presses he tucked the device away into his pocket and waited patiently. “We’ll be leaving now so we can take care of this before they wake up.”



Shinzo raised an eyebrow at his words. What did he mean by that? What did he mean by before they wake up?


“So tell me, what exactly are you two going to be doing? I don’t know what’s going on but I’d rather not send my wife into a dangerous situation without knowing what exactly it is. This isn’t something excessively dangerous is it?”



Haden seemed to be far too busy examining the ring to even pay attention to what they were talking about, but Nier was more than happy to fill him in. “Well you see Daenu has a new love interest, someone that I’m sure Haden hasn’t introduced you too as well, but I’d like to make them both a pair of rings as well. Problem is that Daenu has outright refused my requests in the past. So… I’m going to sneak into the Poles while they’re both asleep and do it while she can’t stop me.”



What did he sign Haden up for?! This sounded like an idea so horrible that Haden himself couldn’t come up with it! Who is this Nier and why is he so full of reckless abandon? An act of kindness with the rings quickly looked more like an uncontrollable obsession and it didn’t seem as if he thought many of his plans through in the slightest.



“Excuse me, who exactly are you again?” He asked the metal claimant as if trying to find reassurance in any form.



“Well let me tell ya, probably not gonna believe this one”, Haden cut into the conversation as he tucked the ring into his pocket. “This rather flamboyant craftsman who obsesses over items of marriage is none other than the lad who’s on a path to trying his hardest at getting married at the request of his mother. He won’t admit to it, but we all know he has a thing for Chaemai of all people. I assume he's been annoying her for quite some time now.”



“Well I asked her to marry me and she didn’t refuse, so it’s only natural that I try harder right?”



Haden laughed at his words before whispering in Shinzo’s ear, “it sounds wholesome beyond belief until you realize he asked her to marry him on their first proper day meeting. The moment he got the chance he basically popped the question without any warning. He's known her for a while, but he managed to stay rather respectful as a kid. it was almost as if Nammay knew he'd be a nuisance to her and was avoiding letting him meet her after he got a wee bit older.”



This boy was bold beyond comprehension! He had to take it back, he couldn’t possibly let Haden go anywhere with him and expect him to come back unscathed! He almost started saying what had to be said to get his partner out of this scenario and yet before he could even get the words out Gahbreal himself stepped out of the void and grabbed the two boys on the shoulders.



“Alright alright, it’s gonna be a tight squeeze, but Haden is just small enough to give me the room to take him with us. I’ll pick y’all up when you call for me again in the same spot. I don’t know what y’all are doing but let’s get it over with.” Before Haden could manage to lash out towards Gahbreal’s perceived insult they were both swept away into the void, gone from where they had just been.


Shinzo stood for a moment, wondering if this was at all a good idea before simply shrugging it off. Haden would be fine. Surely it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.

---

“Oh my, it’s just as cold here as I remembered it being”, Nier spoke as he looked about the area.


He kept his voice low, Gahbreal was always reliable in situations like this and he managed to get them both quite close to the place they wanted to be. This was surely Daenu’s place of residence. "Take care of your business and meet me back here when you're done. Send me a message and I'll be here to pick you two up", he disappeared as soon as his sentence finished.


“So loverboy, you stick close to me and you do everything I tell ya to do. You get me? Daenu isn’t very happy with me so if any of the other ice cubes realize I’m here we’re in deep shite.” He spoke as he casually opened the doors and scanned the entrance of the building. Empty. Daenu always enjoyed their privacy so there wouldn’t be many people around. It was all a matter of who they ran into if they did run into anyone.



Nier stuck close behind him as they checked every corner. He hadn’t prepared for the trip himself, but he was rather used to the cold. He would have preferred to wear something other than shorts and a button up short sleave shirt but would just have to plan better for next time. Haden however looked as if he’d be even more uncomfortable! He wore white leggings and what looked to be a casual yet comfy sleeveless dress. His hair was long again and tied up into a messy bun, no doubt concealing a weapon and on his feet… absolutely nothing. He didn’t even take into consideration that they had taken him strait from his home.



“Are you not cold Haden?”



“What? What are you on about now?”



“Well you just seem like you’d be cold wearing that. It looks like you didn’t plan on leaving the house today.” He could see the dissatisfaction slowly rising in his eyes.



“Well that’s because I didn’t plan on going anywhere today Sherlock, and I’m always cold. You act like you’ve never been near me before. Now shut up and lets keep going, we’re almost there and you’re working me last nerve.” He spoke with his attention trained on Nier as he ran strait into someone else.



They both looked as if everything were going down the drain, the plan so quickly ruined and yet this wasn’t an unfamiliar face. The girl stood with a look that told them she knew exactly who they were but didn’t want them to be near her. What she was doing here Haden hadn’t the slightest clue and yet Nier would at least attempt to work his magic with words.



“Well if it isn’t Natasha, beautiful as always I see!”



“Nope, I don’t want anything to do with whatever it is you two are doing. I knew one of you was Haden right away, but I’ll be damned if I have anything to do with whatever the two of you could possibly be doing here. I didn’t see anything.”



Just as quickly as they ran into her she took her leave. It wasn’t often she came here, but clearly she knew as well as everyone else that anything Nier decided to do was either borderline criminal or just absolutely unacceptable. Nat wasn't going to have anything to do with them here nor would she want to be around when they started doing whatever it was they had come for. With that possible disaster avoided they quickly continued on their way until they finally made it to their destination.



“Alright boy you listen to me, I’ve never known her to sleep anywhere but in this room. If we go in here and the two you’re looking for are in here we do this quick and quiet. Am I clear?” His smile was so off putting he could tell that the metal claimant was going to do something outright insane at some point, but they had already come this far. No need to turn back now.



Haden opened the door slowly, the room as neat as he last remembered it and just in front of them on the opposite side of the room awaited her rather large bed. On the bed wrapped in blankets they would no doubt find the two with Daenu clinging to Najya as best she could. It reminded him of Phita and he couldn’t keep himself from getting slightly pissed off, but this wasn’t the time for that. He’d save his grudge for a later time. His job now was to watch as Nier sprung into action, it was amazing how he could move so quickly and quietly.



He didn’t waste a single moment to make his way right to their bedside, Haden following slowly behind him. He wanted to ask him what he was doing yet refrained from speaking so closely to his ancient, her waking up would be their biggest problem. How did he always end up in these situations? Nier reached into his pockets and pulled out a small cube of a metallic material Haden didn’t even know anything about. It was sky blue and white gold, almost like snow brushing against the rays of the sun which held a spectacular sparkle as if diamonds had been ground to dust and mixed within the alloy itself. He seemed to knead it together with his hands before it melted into a liquid and floated into the air on its own. Haden sat impatiently watching the boy do what he did best yet when his works began making its way towards the two sleeping women he could feel the panic steadily rising inside of him.



“What the hell are ya doing lad?” He whispered to the Arabian male as he continued to stay quite focused with his work. “Have you lost your marbles?”



“Just give me a second, this wont take long at all", he whispered in response remaining quite focused.

“You’re going to wake her up if you’re breathing down her neck ya fecker!”



The liquid metal split into two smaller orbs which hovered over their ring fingers, twisting and shaping themselves around their target area into the shape of perfect rings. It was a captivating experience as always yet this wasn’t the time for awe amd admiration. Nier was clearly passionate about his work, too passionate one might say, but it only meant that his works were one of a kind and were either met with absolute approval or complete disapproval and Daenu was one of the latter.


“Now it’s time for the difficult part. Get ready to move.” He spoke as his movements slowed and adjusted.



“What do you mean by that? Nier, what the hell do you mean?”



The rings began to take perfected shape. Not a single mistake in their craft and yet he still seemed as if he had more work to do. They were both beautiful, made to be perfectly symmetrical as if crafted by the hands of gods and you could tell that was what he had aimed for. They almost seemed as if they were glowing, shining even without light and yet the blues and shimmering gold of its make heralded shades of malevolence and divine force. Nier was so serious it could be seen on his face as if his entire being were in the process of melting into his work and then, without even the slightest warning, the rings clasped themselves onto the two sleeping woman’s fingers before hardening and sliding of towards Nier who caught them both in his hand.



“Run! Run like everything is on the line!” The silver haired boy shouted as he dashed out of the room.



“What? Was that Nier! You little fucking sneak! And who’s this little girl?!”



“That’s Haden… you know that right?” Najya spoke as she lifted up from her rest.



“Bullshit this is Haden! He’s one of the most masculine claimants I have and not to mention an asshole! Why would he show up here wearing a dress?” Her words cut deep and almost made the ice claimant burst into tears which was more than enough convince her that this wasn't Haden. He held back the impending rage that swelled up in his chest and instead chose to turn and run behind his partner in crime as quickly as he could. Daenu rushed out of the bed quickly, not even bothering to put on clothes as her chase ensued. “Nier! You’re not getting away with this shit! You’ve crossed the fucking line this time!”



“What the hell is wrong with ya lad?! What’s the plan now? To just run until we get caught?” Haden spoke as the floor beneath his feet froze over and he slid carefully down the halls alongside the claimant who managed to run much faster than he had expected.



“No you see, I’ve thought it all through! We’ve got this so just make sure you don’t get hit.”



“Don’t get hit? What the hell are ya on about?” Just as his question ended sharpened spears of ice came careening down the hall in their direction. Haden just barely managed to slip by with his life while Nier seemed as if dodging attacks of this type was second nature, even smiling while doing it! “Nier ya tell me this plan right now because I don’t have the slightest clue what’s going on in that wee noggin of yours!”



“Okay, so we run yeah?”



Haden blinked a few times as if expecting him to continue. “Yeah, and then?!” His question only met with playful laughter. This kid was just as crazy as always! Haden had to speed himself up, opting to run along the ice that formed at his feet instead of sliding to increase his momentum while Nier continued running as if escape from danger was all he knew. How many times had he pulled a stunt like this to where Daenu knew him by name? Why was he so comfortable dodging her attacks? Why did he know the layout of the building so well? “Wait a jolly darn second! You’ve done some shit like this before haven’t you?” Haden questioned his companion as he ducked and weaved between multiple attacks.



“You got me there”, he said with a laugh. “Nammay brought me here once in the past and I asked her to marry me! She declined of course but then I asked her six more times and she forbade me from coming back.” He jumped and ducked around corners and decorations that rested about the building. With the same smile on his face he pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a message which only managed to make Haden even more skeptical of the entire debacle. “I've snuck my way in a few times before to ask her to marry me again, but clearly it was not met with kindness. Any who we’re almost home free!”



“That should be the very least of your feckin worries lad! She doesn't even think I'm me the wench, but she won't just let you run off if shhe knows ya!” He spoke as the onslaught of ice and frozen air continued to grow more frantic and sporadic. Daenu was clearly not having any of their shit today, he’d never seen her run so fast in his life! She was even distorting and misshaping the ice he was using, forcing him to resort to running on foot with Nier. “I’m not as fast as you are Aladdin, get me the hell out of here!”



As they continued moving Nier threw his two daggers forward, where he had them kept a mystery of its own. They flew forward and smashed threw the window they found themselves running towards before pausing in the air and flying back into he shirt. How was he so good at this type of stuff? What did Nammay have him do on a daily basis?


“Nier you little shit! Stop destroying my property!”



“Alright, we’re out of here!” He grabbed Haden by the wrist and dove through window, the ice claimant screaming as they fell towards the ground.



“You’re out of that damned mind of yours I swear! I hate you!”



“It’s not so bad! Look in three… two… one…” Right on queue Gahbreal casually walked through the void to hear Haden screaming like a girl with Nier who looked far too normal to not be cautious about.



“The fuck is going on here? You always do some shit like this Nier for fucks sake”, he spoke as a hail of ice shards came pouring down over them. “Holy shit!” He quickly sprung into action, moving to catch the two and using the force of said action to fall back into the void with his company in tow. It was disorienting to say the least, the nauseating tumble through the void. It made Haden and Gahbreal’s stomach turn yet the silver haired eccentric laughed the entire way. "You're not gettin off easy with this one Nier!"


Within moments they came rolling out onto the carpet of a familiar place, Shinzo standing in shock looking at the pile of previous company sprawled out on the floor before him. It hadn't even been all of thirty minutes and they were back in this type of condition? Haden specifically looked sick to his stomach as well as pissed beyond belief and the only person pissed more than him would be Gahbreal.



“Never again. I’m never helping ya with anything again.” Haden spoke as he stumbled up to his feet and leaned against the nearest wall. "I'm goin got be feckin sick... ugh."


“Oh come on. It wasn’t that bad was it? We got what we went for anyway so it all checks out”, he spoke as he pulled the two rings from his pocket and examined them. Both beautiful to say the least, as if crafted to be special even by his standards. No doubt the makings of of master. "Definitely worth it." Gahbreal on the other hand sprung to his feet and grabbed his collar with a look that spelled punishment in his eyes.



“Ten days! I’m locking you in the basement for ten fuckin days, you hear me? I can’t believe you with this shit”, he yelled as he dragged the boy through the portal and disappeared. Meanwhile Shinzo looked at his partner who still looked as if he’d hack up his entire stomach at any moment. For a person who drinks so much it was unusual to ever see him so nauseous.



“So did you have fun with Nier?” He asked with his hand over Haden’s shoulder.



“Oh you son of a bitch... ya owe me a blowjob for signing me up for that bull shite. Oh fuck.”



“But… your dick is gone”, he spoke as Haden proceeded to grab the nearest object and throw it through the window. “Property damage will not solve your problems. You should practice humility.”

"I can't stand you."

Birds That Burn

The slow jazz tune soothed the very air itself as patrons conversed and seduced one another. The vibrancy of shoes tapping, voices mixing and glasses being set upon the tables made for a somber tone when coupled with the bass violin and saxophone being played in the background. Smoke filled the air in a thin layer and that left a soft scent of cigarettes and alcohol which was being served out by only one man in this scenario.



His hands were skillful as always, the way he flipped glasses and bottles in tandem a means to make anyone interested in his capabilities and talents. The smile on his face was ominous, devious even, as if his whispers had tainted the air and his every sentence would con the sky itself with bittersweet lies and honeyed words. He wore a black shirt with a crimson silk tie that was covered halfway down by a vest with a floral inlay and embossing, black as well. His black slacks were nice and neat and the only thing that complimented his crimson suede and gold accent Chelsea boots were his cufflinks of the same color combination. His hair was medium length, swept back and clean accompanied by his clean shaven face. His eyes glowed a deep red that drew in more people than his company had been expecting.



“Well aren’t you popular? I thought the only reason anyone liked you was for your drinks”, Evyette spoke as she leaned forward to place her elbows on the countertop. She was stunning, he could barely keep his eyes off of her but that was par to the course for the boy. She had been planning to be his company tonight and as such she opted to match his style with a rather fancy crimson dress with black lace sleeves, black pumps with wraparound red lace and gold bracelets on each wrist. In fact he wasn’t the only one with his eyes on her, most of the people who weren’t watching him closely were ogling his charge.



“It only comes natural doesn’t it? When you do the types of things I do everyone always has their attention trained on you.” He flipped a bottle of tequila into the air and caught it upside down right above the glass he set in place. He popped the cap off and let it pour as his other hand reached into a small refrigerated compartment and grabbed a bottle of rather fancy looking orange juice. Did fancy orange juice even exist? He flipped the tequila back over and took a long swig as he poured just enough of the orange liquid to make a beautiful orange beverage that swirled the ice cubes about inside. “Although I’d have to say that I’m pretty sure everyone is more focused on you lovely.”



The ancient smirked at his assumption, her eyes following the cubes of ice which seemed to have started swirling around in the liquid on their own. “When you say it like that I’d almost believe you’re jealous.”



The moment the cubes of ice ceased to spin he poured a perfect amount of grenadine into the mix and placed an orange slice on the rim of the glass as well as a cherry which rested on the ice cubes. The drink was complete and in a condition he could be more than proud of as he slid it across the counter to the being he looked up to the most. “A drink with the hues and name of the blazing sun for my special guest. I wouldn’t say I’m jealous however, that would imply me saying that there’s anyone here who could outdo me.”



She took a sip from the glass, sublime as always. It was confounding how someone as temperamental and villainous at heart could have such a talent for making such delicious drinks. If he and Gahbreal could ever manage to get along then the two of them making meals would probably be something that no one alive could pass up on. He is a cocky boy, but that just made him more endearing. Too bad he hated Gahbreal the way he did and Gahbreal didn’t even know he existed.



“Tell me Hellfire, what makes you act the way you do? I spend so much time with you these days and you’ve been on rather good behavior. What makes you decide on violence for your answers so often?”



Her question caused him to pause for a moment, his eyes catching her gaze for a slight moment and he spied the curiosity behind her eyes. The red orbs locked onto her lips as she sipped from the glass, the imprint her lip gloss left on the rim sending a shiver up his spine before he continued serving out drinks to other patrons. A sigh escaped his lips which made at least five others swoon, a reaction that caused Evyette to roll her eyes. How thirsty could these people possibly be?



“The explanation for your question”, he started which caused the ancient of fire to put her drink to the side. “It’s not somethin so simple I can just explain it in public. I ain’t gonna lie to you, it isn’t somethin I much like to think about and I’d rather no one else think about it as well.” He waved off the ever growing crowd who whined in response which made him chuckle in a way so dishonest Evyette could see it was all a jest. He wasn’t happy with her question in the slightest. “I’m going on break for a few! Y’all can wait on me for a bit while I take care of something important.”



Important?



As everyone moved away from the bar and left him and the ancient with a moment of privacy he grabbed a bottle of crown royal and a cigar from a box under the counter. He took a long drink from the bottle and raised it as if offering Evyette some which she refused. Placing the cigar between his lips he took a deep breath as the end of the item erupted into a black flame which died down just as fast. A single draft and he seemed prepared to speak.



“When you grow up in an environment where violence is the answer to all problems then it only comes naturally. Everyone else looks at it as an act of villainy, but me? Well I see it as the solution to all my problems. I won’t beat around the bush and I ain’t makin excuses. I do what I do and I do it with pride knowing that when the deeds are done the world comes out in a better state than it was before. I don’t care for praise nor do I look for anyone’s guidance because waiting for someone else to do what must be done? Ell... it’s not worth the heartache.”



She could see the clear distaste for the topic on his face. His handsome features formed into something she hadn’t seen with him prior, regret. Whether it was regret for the actions he’s taken or simply regret for not taking the actions sooner she didn’t know and she wouldn’t ask. He was strong, talented and had a knack for making things go his way with a skill in combat that could rival Gahbreal if they ever managed to come face to face, but that situation had to be kept from happening.



“You’re rather caring. You know that don’t you?” She questioned the boy who raised an eyebrow in response. “I can see it in your eyes, as red as they are. You didn’t want things to turn out this way but you didn’t have much of a choice.”



“When your life hangs in the balance then there never is a choice.”



“There’s always a choice Hellfire, even when one of those choices leaves you in a poorer state.”



“Well when it’s to be what I am now and death then the choice is rather clear!” His voice rose above the music like a shadow looming over all the patrons. Many faces turned to see the once docile and well mannered claimant of darkness ready to set the entire place up in flames. The claimants in the crowd were cautious, the humans concerned. He looked back to Evyette who seemed shocked to see him raise his voice to her, coughed a few times and remembered to keep his voice down, cursed with an even deeper voice than his brother. “I apologize, but could have either died that day, unknown, uncared for by anyone and left to rot in my own filth by the people I cared for the most or I could take up arms and handle it all myself. I love combat, I love the feeling of it and I most certainly love the rage it brings... but that doesn't mean I don't know exactly what it does to me.”



Another hit from his cigar followed by downing the rest of his bottle and he seemed lost. How could a family craft two people so engulfed in trials and tribulations? It was as if they purposefully raised them to have them suffer and then left them behind. The only difference was that Gahbreal had Xainayne whilst he on the other hand? This boy was left with no one. Alone with people who’s lives faded away in his eyes and marred by constant struggle and a loss of hope. He lacked faith in anyone but himself and the ancient questioned if he even held faith in her.


“Hellfire, you still have the choice to be different. You’ve overcome your past and grown considerably since then. I wouldn’t call you evil or a villain, but you most certainly aren’t on the path of a good person.” She finished what was left of the drink he had prepared for her and was almost sad the beverage was gone. “I’ll have to ask you to at least try to overcome the urges you have, choose to make violence secondary to reason and I will help you where I can.”



The boy looked down at his gloved hands, he could still feel the stinging under his skin across his body. He dragged his teeth across his tongue and could feel the flesh that had healed it back together and his eyes died down the slightest bit to a crimson glow that matched his tie. “If you ask it of me then I suppose I can at least try… I ain’t gonna make any promises, but I can at least do what I can.”



“Good. Now make me another drink.” She shoved the glass back in his direction. "You'll be taking care of a job tonight correct? I'd like at least one more drink from you."


He grabbed the glass and smirked in her direction. “I could do that, but if I do then everyone else will end up coming over here for drinks again and our privacy will be ruined.”



The ancient giggled under her breath, an action that made the boy swoon as if his souls escaped his body. “And you say you aren’t jealous, you’re a terrible liar Underworld.”



“Well birds can sing songs that make people drop their guards but if a phoenix sings it will make for a better show, right?”



“What does that even mean.”



He leaned over the counter and clasped her hand with his own. “It means that liars are after unsuspecting normal people, but a con artist looks for the opportunity to exploit the ones who are most worthy. I’m no liar because a lie is bitter and I’m a fan of my sweets, dear Evyette.”



“Get back to work before your customers leave.”

---

The lights were rather dim as her eyes crept open. What was this place? Where was she? Thee two thoughts that hit her mind first as she came to. Her vision adjusted to the poorly lit environment and as they did the chairs and tables from the bar she was in just earlier that night came into view. Why was she back here? Last she remembered she was on the way home by taxi yet she was back?



“Looks like you came to. It’s about time love, thought I might have lost you for a second.” His voice made alarms ring in her head as she turned to see them, the two glowing red eyes in the darkness on the far side of the room. It was the barkeep, the man who had been serving drinks that night or at least those eyes gave it away. “You woke up just in time for the main event.”



“Please, help me! You have to get me out of here!” She tried to stand yet found herself tied to the chair. Was this the cause of her panic? She hadn’t even realized it until that moment but she was bound and unable to escape this place.



“Now come on, you can’t be that trusting. I suppose I’ll have to spell it out for you”, he took a few gulps from a drink or at least that was what it sounded like he did. He placed the glass down on the countertop which rang out through the room. “I’m the one who brought you here, but you’ll see why in a short moment. I believe it should be anytime soon now, I ain’t gonna hurt you so just play along. I’m under contract after all.”



Just as his voice ceased echoing through the building the door flew open, a man dressed in rather dingy attire rushing into the room. He looked as if he were trying to stay hidden or concealed from someone yet clearly was here for all to see.



“Diana! I’m here!”



“Farron? What are you doing here? I thought you were missing? You've been gone for weeks!”



“He was, until I decided he needed to be found”, his voice shot through their reunion. “Now you’re right here, standin in my damn face out of the rat hole you decided to hide yourself away in.”



“Who the hell are you and what are you doing with my sister?” The boy yelled. He seemed desperate, as if not wanting to be there yet having no choice. “If it’s money you want I can give you everything I have!"


The darkness claimant laughed at his offer, a sorry display for a sorry person. He was standing in his own bar and trying to offer him money? The price on his head alone was far more than he could ever give him and even so he wouldn’t allow him to escape. If it was his job to issue out punishment then it was going to be given out without a second thought. For the sake of his duty and the sake of his own desires.



“Don’t play games with me boy, I ain’t some toy for you to play around with. Long story short your sister dies if you run away from this place.” He walked across the room, rolling his sleeves up as he came into view of the brother and sister. “Now then, try to put up as much of a fight as you can. I’d rather not be bored with you like I was with the last two.”



“I don’t understand. What’s going on here?” The hostage asked as her brother drew a small knife from his cloak.



“You’ve got to be smarter than this! Two and two ain’t sparkin up for you? Your brother killed another claimant and has been running around hidin ever since. Now I’m not one to shy away from a bit of murder but it is my job to deal with him.”



“This is Gahbreal, Diana”, the mention of his name alone caused the boy’s eye to twitch for a moment. He could feel his blood boiling already. What a way to ruin his night. “You know him, the one who hunts claimants. Right now he’s hunting me so I’ll fight him. If I don’t he’ll kill you no doubt as he said.”



He walked back over to the counter where he laid down his glass and grabbed something from top, it had been sitting there the entire time and yet it was so dark it couldn’t even be seen. The moment he stepped back into their sight instantaneous panic flooded the boy who saw his weapon and knew he had made a grave mistake. The serrated edge of the sword, the rounded off and almost flattened tip of the blade, a signature weapon that anyone who was assigned to watch over him in the Prism would bring up. His executioner's sword. Rumors spread quickly yet were kept to a minimum, drowned out as no one even knew his name and yet there he was, standing right in his face.



“It’s you. That murderer who’s been locked away for over a century… how is this possible? I thought it was just a rumor.”



“Well a lie is only that when you don’t know the truth now isn’t it? You called me by a name I hate and I have to admit… It has pissed me of royally. Now you have a choice. Lift up that flimsy weapon and die a warrior’s death or lay down your weapon and die and honorable death. You can always try to run, but then you’ll just die a cowards death. Death is the only outcome”, his words cut through the air like razorblades. His threat felt so real it was hard to keep composure when listening to him speak.



He would have to fight, there was no other way! His sister was right here and if he tried to flea then she would surely die in his place only for him to be hunted down later. There was only one option now. He lifted his knife at the ready, it wasn’t much and looked at if it could easily break under pressure, but it was all he had for now.



“I’ll fight! I won’t cower away and leave my family to die!”



“A fine choice, but don’t believe it will change the outcome.” He lifted the blade to the ready, the action alone sending a shiver up his spine. Stories about this man were all shrouded in mystery, no one knew his name or what it was he was doing before he was imprisoned, but everyone knew he was a murderer above all else. That was the thing that remained true in all of his stories. He on the other hand knew the stories and knew they were all true.



The boy rushed forward with his dagger raised. He was clearly inexperienced and yet even if he were experienced it wouldn’t have changed things. Evyette’s claimant slapped the boy’s hand aside and watched as he struggled to make distance between them. A sigh escaped his lips as he pushed forward to close the gab immediately and send a knee strait into his stomach.



“Is this the best you’ve got? You’re talking about protectin your sister with power like this? You killed another claimant, a younger claimant and then you have the audacity to fight like this with me? Fight like your life depends on it! This isn’t a game boy!” His words acted as a rally and yet his actions acted as a deterrent.



Black flames with edges that held a crimson glow rose from the fingertips of his free hand, his right hand holding the sword with the flat of the blade resting on is shoulder. With a single swift motion he waved his hand forward and the flames enveloped the entire room. They didn’t burn and yet they were warm, somewhat comforting and somehow making the very air feel thick and agitating. The boy didn’t waste time to see what would happen next and simply rushed forward again, his attacks now more controlled as if learning from his inexperience on the fly. It was almost too bad he was going to die here with such potential.



“That’s it, push yourself even further! You wont satisfy me unless you die with a bit of fight in you.” The boy began to use differing attacks as if trying to catch him off guard. A poor attempt at technique yet it seemed the boy was at his limit. He was straining himself, speed lacking, strength unnoticeable. This had gone on long enough and the boy was useless, it only pissed him off even more to think the he killed some kid with this meager strength. It was always the weak who believed themselves in the right when murdering their own people. “That’s enough… you’re utterly useless. You could never be a warrior with strength like that. I’ll make sure you understand exactly what it is that separates me from you.”



He raised his sword from his shoulder to the Ochs stance, his eyes closing for a moment as if channeling something within himself. The flames dispersed from the sister’s position and filled the rest of the room, but that only made the boy wonder what was happening. Then things changed drastically.



His eyes shot open, burning with a rage so intense that the flames in the room began to flare up and dance about as if wanted after the lives of everything in sight. The boy who stood in them began to moved about frantically, seeking release from the blazing inferno that spread across his body like centipedes thirsting for his flesh. The smell of charred and burning skin filled the room quickly as the target flailed about in a sporadic manner, a dance of death that made the dark skinned boy smile in a way that only a man marred by evil could smile. His laugh melded into the crackling of the roaring flame and just as it did the flames vanished… the room clocked in darkness for a short moment before the flames appeared again, this time sticking to his sword, eyes profound and profane as he dashed forward toward the boy who had seemed to just calm himself from the burning that had been taking place.



The moment he came within range he thrust his sword directly into his chest, the unsharpened blade making a sound that could turn stomachs as it crushed his ribs and forced its way into the meat and bones of his latest victim. He didn’t stop however until he could feel the separation of his spine, the weapon passing through his vertebrae and out of his back. The serrated edge scraped against the bones and made a sound that was reminiscent of an old comb being dragged lengthwise against a hollow tube, the flesh that clung to the blade as he drew it back outward like strings of blood red threads, the threads of death he had personally drawn from the body of this trash, this filth!



The flames roared and burst forth, devastating him from the inside out as the crackling of fat and muscle could be heard echoing off the walls of the room. The flames burned the flesh that hung from his blade to ash in a matter of moments, a sign that his rage was growing as the flames once again engulfed his target who he quickly grabbed before he could even fall to the ground. The flames dispersed from his body as he held onto life with his final breaths, but this wasn’t nearly enough.



“You think you can die so easily? You think you deserved the caring clutches of the Void or Elysian? I’ll make sure your soul is beyond repair, beyond saving! You will suffer a death the likes of which all claimants, treasures even ancients themselves fear!”



As he spoke the flames burst from his body and engulfed both him and his victim, the look on his face so marred by rage he looked to be in pure pain! The fires didn’t crackle nor did they sound as if they burned with the life of regular flames, instead simply sounding as if a strong wind were roared throughout the room. The flames raged on like a tide of forgotten souls left to burn, tearing away at his very flesh as he screamed with his last breaths! Cries for mercy! Cries for comfort! Cries for his mother and father! Cries for his ancient as if he should dare! It only made the flames grow in magnitude and intensity! The shadows that danced about as demonic serpents damned by every living creature, burning away at him until all that could be seen were flames and a skeletal silhouette.



Darkness again, the shadows no longer present, just the same glowing eyes the woman saw the moment she came to. The sound of bones colliding with the ground rang out through the building and caused the woman still present to jump in fear. What had become of her brother? This man didn’t speak, he showed no signs or looking to give an explanation or even showing her mercy. Hints of anger, a desire for retribution swelled up inside of her against her will and yet she knew it would be foolish to even attempt going against him.



“You know, I’m a fairly capable hunter and yet I hate the thought of it. ‘Leave that to my brother’ I’d say as I watched and waited with a reliance on others. As a child I didn’t believe in my own strength, no, I didn’t want to believe in it. Then one day it hit me… the world that is. If I don’t get up and make the choices myself then no one ever would, if I don’t fight for myself then no one will, the weak cower behind others and wait for aid while the strong move the world on their own in the way they desire.” He approached the girl slowly and much to her surprise undid the bindings which held her in place. She didn’t run, didn’t even stand and instead opted to continue listening to his words. A wisdom she would have never expected to hear from one of the most least likely people.



“Why are you telling me all of this? What are you getting out of it?” Her question caused his brow to raise, a laugh echoing through the room.



“Girl I don’t want anything, but I can see it in your eyes. The vestiges of rage hidden behind the walls of a peace you wish to claim all your own. Hold onto that rage but don’t let it consume you. I ain’t gonna hold back if they decide to send me after you so I’d refrain from killin people. You get me?”



He was far too relaxed, didn’t even view her as n enemy which made a pressure build up in her chest. Was it anger for his need to underestimate her strength? Or was it simply relief that he wasn’t going to kill her right then and there? Either way she wouldn’t take his words for granted. Up until now she hadn’t even known a claimant like him existed and from what she had heard about the claimant hunter Gahbreal, the Wolf by his own choosing, this one was far more violent and incapable of mercy. Still it didn’t keep her from stepping forward with her question that seemed to come out on its own.



“Would you teach me to fight?”



“Pardon?” He questioned the girl who still managed to be around. He was surprised she didn’t run for the hills the moment she was free. “Now why in the hell would I do that?”



“You’re strong, I can tell. What I saw here tonight was a first person example as to how weak I am. I couldn’t even get up and help my younger brother.” He hadn’t even known the boy was younger, he had heard he was the elder sibling. “I can’t forgive you for what you’ve done, but I’m not so foolish that I’d ignore his own faults. He brought his fate upon himself. I’d just like you to help me become stronger so I can be of more use to anyone, everyone in the future.”



He didn’t remove the smile from his face. As he suspected, she was far to kind. Even with rage dwelling in her she pushed it back in favor of peace and understanding. It was a good trait with quality of its own and yet one that would prove to be her undoing if she went down a path of power. She would no doubt end up losing her life jumping in the way of an attack for the sake of someone else and he wasn’t going to waste time with something like that. Even so her boldness was something that couldn’t be ignored so he simply spoke the first words that came to mind, a chuckle escaping his throat.



“You’re far too noble. Gain a bit of selfishness and then we can talk. Pick up a sword and go struggle for a few decades and when you understand the meaning of true struggle and desire then come and ask me again. I ain’t gonna turn you down if I can see a look in your eyes that’s cryin out for power, but as you are now it’s not power you seek… its comfort.” He almost seemed to melt into the darkness of the room as his footsteps grew fainter and fainter. His word struck her to her very core and she wouldn’t forget them any time soon, exactly what he had hoped. Plant the seeds of desire and want, then let them decide for themselves. “Well have fun! Oh, and remember not to tell anyone about what you saw here today.”

4. the amalgamated soul and the champion ii


It was nearing five in the evening and DeVian was still sleeping. The apartment had mostly been quiet and seemed to move on around them. The death and electricity claimants had been confined to the bedroom the entire day thus far. Stasia couldn't be sure who, but someone had cooked breakfast. When she went to get it, DeVian made it obvious she wanted to keep whatever they were starting between them. She wouldn't let the blonde leave the room.

While it was a little inconveniencing, Stasia didn't mind too much. She understood, after all. It was a nice change of pace to see Dev have to dote on her for the simple fact that she didn't want anyone to know anything. Dev went out herself to get their food even though she complained about how tired she was. Whenever the blonde spoke to her was like trying to engage a zombie.

Quite honestly Stasia still couldn't believe she'd gotten this far. DeVian was certainly different from Amarjeet but there was no doubt in her mind now that Dev was Lucas's resurrected wife. Stasia had seen the British-Indian woman through her very eyes via the anklet Eviax had given her so she could appreciate their differences.

As if on cue, Dev rolled over and threw one of her arms out wildly, Stasia huffed a syllable of a chuckle to herself. While on one hand the bed was huge, the girl was the wildest sleeper she'd ever seen. The only up side was that she didn't snore. Stasia leaned back on the bed to watch her companion sleep. It was peaceful. For once, the death claimant wasn't scowling. Stasia imagined she could paint the lines of Dev's face, tracing her finger in the air over the woman's strong jaw and supple lips. Part of her wondered how a woman like DeVian Law could be alone, but then again, it made sense. She seemed like the kind of woman that perpetuated the idea that she only wanted company when she needed something. So now Stasia wondered: what was it that Dev had needed that morning? Sex? Attention? To be challenged?

It didn't matter. She could have them all as far as Stasia was concerned.

The secret stealer's insomnia had kicked in again. She found herself impatient for DeVian to wake, opting to attempt to busy herself by exploring the room. It wasn't extremely personally decorated, as if the tech heiress didn't treat it like a home.

Stasia hummed lightly to herself and approached the floor-to-ceiling windows that stared out into the waning daylight. The view was amazing. The sun was growing sleepy and peeking at her between tall skyscrapers. It made her feel small and huge at the same time, like the world was at her fingertips but there was so much of it that it was overwhelming. Looking out at the city like this made her feel like a young god.

She stayed that way for a while before going to sit in an armchair next to the windows. Now she had an idea for a dress she wanted to design but nothing to sketch it out on.

"Dev?" The blonde's voice was soft as she called out, not wanting to startle the woman. When she got no answer except for the deep exhales of continued slumber she moved closer. "DeVian." Still no answer. "Come on unless you want to be late." Besides, waiting around was boring.

The dark-haired Brazilian groaned in response and rolled over in the bed. After a pause she pulled the blanket over her head.

"Don't tell me I wore you out that much."

Dev groaned again. "You're still here?"

"Well you're the one that said don't go anywhere!"

"You heard that but not me saying don't use my bathroom? Funny."

"That's simple: because I ignored that."

DeVian made a much louder, more pointed groan and sunk deeper into the blankets. Stasia rolled her eyes at how childish the woman was being but didn't scold her for it. She could understand why she slept so hard; after clearing her schedule for the day, Stasia had seen how busy the woman could be. The schedule barely had enough time to eat and sleep and this was only one day. The designer could be busy sometimes herself, but never this much unless there was a Fashion Week she had to prepare for.

Stasia crossed the room in only a few long strides before she was standing over the heap that was DeVian Law. She stared down at the mass before yanking the white comforter and sheet away.

"¡¿Qué diablos crees que estás haciendo ?!"
what the hell do you think you're doing?!

The blonde was undeterred by the complaints as she dragged Dev by the ankle to the edge of the bed. The death claimant clawed at the mattress to try to stop it to no avail. Stasia wasn't just tall and slender; she was also crazy strong. It would've turned her on more if she wasn't busy being a groggy brat.

"Come on, sleepyhead," Stasia murmured as her fingers tapped lightly on her companion's leg. When the woman tried to pull away, she momentarily tightened her grip and released again when Dev stopped struggling. They repeated the process two more times before Dev eventually sighed and gave up.

Fiery hazel eyes trained on Stasia's for a long minute before Stasia grinned and asked, "What's this look for?"

"You're annoying me."

"You're so grumpy." She frowned for a moment. "Too bad it's not working."

"Aghhh... Fuck you."

"Do you mean that as a proposition or an invitation?"

"A threat."

That brought a smile to her lips. "Good."

---

"I still think it's muy childish to make me wear a blindfold," DeVian grumbled as Stasia's hand on the small of her back guided her forward. "My nose still works so I know we're on the water!"

Stasia rolled her eyes to herself and laughed at Dev's continuous complaining. All of them were half-assed and not doing as great of a job revealing the fact that Dev was excited to get where they were going as she probably thought. It provided a good amount of entertainment for her date, though. The fact that she'd let Stasia blindfold her at all told her that there was a level of trust and there was no amount of prickliness that could erase that.

"I think it's pretty sexy when you do that."

Dev ran back the last few moments of their interaction in her mind to try to determine what Stasia was referring to. When nothing stood out, she inquired, "When I tell you you're being childish?"

"When you speak in Spanish. It's, um..." She snapped her fingers to try to bring the words to the forefront of her mind. "I don't know how to explain it."

"It's because it's a romance language... O tal vez eres fácil. Todo lo que tengo que hacer es llamarte hermosa y eres mía."
or maybe you're easy. all I have to do is call you beautiful and you're mine.

"Hm... Maybe." She stopped pushing Dev forward and instead steadied her in one place. The smile in her voice was audible. "Alright, we're here." She smacked the death claimant's impatient hands away from her blindefold, taking it off herself. She came around the front to see Dev's reaction to the surprise. She watched as light hazel eyes widened and eyebrows rose in restrained surprise.

"Well?"

"Have you brought me to a second location?"

Stasia rolled her eyes. "So you don't like it?"

"Did I say that?"

"Stop trying to come up with new and interesting ways to cover up the fact that you're flustered and embarassed that I did something nice for you. Ready to go in?"

Dev couldn't decide how she felt about Stasia's verbal handling of her. It was not something she was used to; it was more bracing than anything, like being slapped in the face with the sea breeze.

Before them, floating on salty ocean water, was a a medium-sized boat. It was lit up with candles and moonlight, the light wood accented by the dark decorations. Dev felt warm looking at it. Stasia went before her and she took the moment to exhale a shaky breath, closing her eyes to gather herself. It was the most romantic thing she'd ever seen.