The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

The city of Dubai was alight, the cool night air brushing past the large buildings. A glowing silhouette that housed some of the wealthiest people and tourists in the country. Of these people Nier was not the richest, although he strives for complete longevity for what he did have. Most of his subordinates would call him a mediator; the people who were closer named him a protector. Meanwhile anyone who had to personally deal with him saw him as no more than a thug or gangster... and they wouldn’t be wrong.




On the outskirts of the main part of the city; away from the large towers and tourists, a medium sized mansion sat in the calmness of a normal living area. A place that was seemingly normal, although the beat of a familiar thud rung out from the interior. Within its walls, deep in the basement of the mansion, you’d find Nier and a few of his subordinates completing another “job”. A gloved fist dripping with blood rested at his side and, respectively, a man sat tied to a chair before him; bloody and battered from the beating he had been receiving. “I’d rather not continue this... I just need you to tell me who you’re workin for”
, he stretched his arms a little and placed a hand on the unknown man’s shoulder. “Can you do that for me? That’s all I need... we can all go home early tonight if you just talk to me.”




The man looked up to Nier slowly before spitting in his face. “Do whatever you must, but tell all of your friends that Farhad will not break to your methods of torture!” Nier didn’t move an inch as the man spoke; only turning after he had finished to remove his gloves and place them into a nearby waste bin. “Towel, please”
, he spoke as one of his companions handed him a white towel, allowing him to wipe the blood from his face. He fixed his silver hair which gave off an almost metallic glow before tossing the towel into the same bin with the sullied gloves. “How will you handle this, Nier?” “Well he clearly doesn’t understand his situation. Unable to... comprehend the air of the room. So I’ll just have to teach him a little.”
He opened a suitcase that sat on a nearby metal desk, revealing a pair of leather gloves covered in deep crimson stains. “You know, I prefer to sleep. In fact I’d probably be asleep right now. Instead I woke up this morning and heard someone was extorting specific people within this city”
, he said as he fixed the gloves comfortably over his fingers.

A silence fell over the room as Nier moved to stand in front of him. “So, Farhad was it? My mother lives here in Dubai you know; and it’s my duty to make sure she doesn’t need to worry any more than she already has to. I was born here. This is my home and as a person in my position it’s my job to show you proper hospitality... free his hands and hold one of them down.”
one of the others approached the captive and unbound his hands, keeping one of his arms secure behind his back. Nier, on the other hand, grabbed his free arm and held it outstretched. “I won’t accept anyone attempting to cheat my family or anyone else’s for that matter. You misunderstand the situation you’re in so I’ll enlighten you”
, he stated as he held the captives arm outstretched from the wrist, placing his free hand against Farhad’s elbow and applying slight pressure. “Just as easily as bones break or tendons snap your boss will have you replaced. When that happens we can get what we need from your replacement. So, Farhad... let us see if you’ll break before your bones d-“


Bz

Nier paused for a moment and released the man’s arm. “Excuse me for a moment. I have to make a quick call; you may continue here as you please”
, he said before exiting the room. He reached into his pocket as he ascended to the upper floor of the building, pulling out a small silver cube that vibrated softly in the palm of his hand. Once he was out of listening range from the others he closed his eyes and spoke. “My lord. Give me your instructions and I shall accomplish whatever it may be without fail.”
he opened his eyes to find himself in a place that would transcend the understanding of most people, although he had been to this place many time in the past. Infinite things cascading from the walls like waterfalls; weapons, armors, shields, banners, random shapes, etc. all made from differing shades of shimmering metals and in the midst of it all sat Nammay.

“Kneel vessel, thou hast forgotten where you stand and whom you stand before.”
Nier’s eyes widened before he quickly fell to his knees and dropped his head to the ground with a ringing thud; blood now slowly beginning to pool around his head. “Good my vessel... Now to the matter at hand. The wellspring of information hast given me knowledge of a book which thou shalt retrieve for me. Its location is unknown, however it is said that it originated from the citadel. I will not bother with too much rhetoric; go and retrieve this book for me. Make haste and do not cause too much trouble between the other Houses. Where you go is thine choice alone and how you handle conflict is up to thee, but as I said... make haste child. Time is of the essence and failure is no option here.”


Before Nier could even lift his head he was back; upstairs in the mansion he was so familiar with. With the screams from the basement now reverberating in his ears he decided to quickly make his way back down. Fuck... that was pretty sudden. I guess I’ll have to get some sleep at a later time.
he entered the room with the others and one of them approached him quickly. “What happened to your head? Why are you bleeding?” she asked, Nier removing the gloves and placing them back into the suitcase. “It’s nothing to worry about, Yarah. Just ran into something by mistake. Make sure our friend here either give us what we need or he doesn’t walk out of here; I have some other important business to attend to”
, he said as he grabbed another towel and wiped the wound on his head.

Nier made his way back upstairs to a lit up living area where a middle aged woman sat quietly watching the television that rested on an adjacent wall. “Hey mom, I’m going to be heading out for more travels; an important wellspring to follow up on”
, he informed her as he approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I don’t now how long this may take.”
“Do be safe, my little Bed-Bug. Don’t push yourself too hard and make sure you get lots of rest”, she said with a soft smile. “Oh, and do try to find a wife while you’re away. I’m sick of seeing you come home alone at your age.” Nier made his way to the door with a chuckle and stepped outside before turning around once more. “Sure thing mom; make sure you take care of yourself as well. The others will clean things up downstairs. Love you.”
He closed the door with a sigh and made his way to a motorcycle that rested by the gate of their home. I’ll have to find a place to start before anything. I’m already exhausted just thinking about all of this. Well, at least I’ll get Some time away from work... kinda.

She checked her watch again. And again. And again. He wasn't tired of talking, though. It was like the fucking slideshow from hell. Her hands were freezing off the damn bone already. How long had they been in the meeting? An hour? Two? A year? Ever since her father had started making her sit in on these slow deaths, she'd found a new definition for the word 'boring'. And a face to match.

"And I think this quarter, we can make a real push with R&D's newest project. The people are gonna love it!" A round of applause following the statement prompted DeVian to follow the social cue, snapping her attention back to the speaker. This had undoubtedly been the worst use of her time all week. And it was kind of irritating to have to stick around and shake hands.

She slipped out of the room without wasting another second after she was finished with the formalities. This was her last meeting of the day and the drinks she was looking forward to couldn't come any sooner.

A wave of dread washed over her. DeVian froze in place, her hands white-knuckle gripping the wheel as every muscle in her body just... stopped. It was all so fast. It was how she knew Novevu wanted to talk.

One moment she was turning the keys into the ignition and the next she was falling on her ass in the Void.




"Slacker, slacker, slacker!" came the Ancient of Death's voice, laughing like a hyena, bouncing off of the great nothing that was the Void. He took no physical form at first--it was as though every part of his realm was also him. As if by just being there, one was communicating with him, even if it was in complete silence.

"Nov--"
she started, adjusting her position to kneel before him.

"No, no, slackers don't get to call me by my name. Master, though, master--haha!--that I like." His voice was everywhere around her as if he were circling her, laughing at her, having a jolly good time mocking her. His voice returned to its usual depth, the echo of it making it sound like there were eight of him speaking at the same time. "I will accept a bow."

DeVian did as she was told. It had been longer than it should've been since she last entered the Void. Life in the human realm was... busy. She had a lot on her plate. Being a daughter of Death didn't make any money. It didn't pay any bills or attend any business meetings.

"Master, then. My apologies."


"I expect a lot more in the near future. I have a task for you to finally prove your worth in this house."

"So you're going to hold a grudge forever? Lo siento, okay?"


His laugh rattled her very bones. It was thunderous. "Not sorry enough. DeVian, the task that I am giving you, it must be completed. Do you understand me?" There was no trace of that laugh now.

"Yes, Master."


"How? I haven't even told you what it is yet." That same maniacal chuckle banged at her eardrums. "There is a manuscript in your realm that you will retrieve for me. I am sure I do not need to reiterate how important this is."

Really? He's trusting such an important mission to somebody he considers a slacker?

Her mind began racing. How the fuck was she supposed to fit in looking for some vague manuscript or whatever between her already full schedule? Was he being, like... serious? Was there no one else to ask?

Of course, though, there was no way in hell she was going to say no to his face. Or... Void.

Just as her doubts took a turn for the extremely hesitant, Novevu decided to show himself. It was almost as if there was a light behind him, but just enough to accentuate his form. He was sitting upon a great throne, easily twenty feet high, with his legs crossed, staring down at his descendant in amusement. He was a dark figure with light working just enough to silhouette him.

"For some reason you are making me wait for your acceptance of this mission."

Dev's head shot up, panic surging through her. "I... Yes, Master. I accept."


"Good. I always like to give the illusion of a choice. I am not privy to the knowledge of where in your world the book is, but it reeks of the power of the Citadel. This task is your life's priority. Disappoint me and it will be the last thing you ever do. Do not make me wait so long to see you here again."




"No, no, mon cher, why would I cheat you?"
Evans smiled with all the charm he could muster. When he saw the woman's continued hesitation, he persisted, spreading the cards in his hands out for her. "One more trick, I beg you. Don't you want to see something cool before you go back to your boring trip?"


"Boring?" The woman giggled. "What's boring about New Orleans?"

"Well, I'm inclined to think anywhere I ain't can't be that good of a time."


"Fine. One more time. My girls already left me."

"I always like alone time with a beautiful woman like yourself. Pick a card, sweetheart."
He brandished them for her again, and from the blush on her cheeks, he knew he'd gotten her.

-


Evans whistled amiably to himself as the sun set behind his head and he shuffled through the wallets he'd acquired throughout the day. None of them seemed to be terribly interesting people, judging by the contents. There were a couple of cute pictures of the victims' children, though. Those, he paused at, but ultimately put in the garbage with everything else.

He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and exhaled, rounding a corner and disappearing under a low bridge. No city ever slept, but New Orleans truly embodied livelihood at night. There was no greater feeling than being out on the streets after the sun went down. In fact, as Evans consulted his watch, he figured he'd need to put some pep in his step to make his evening rounds in the Quarter.

The red-headed man settled his hands in his pockets, tripping over a crack in the brick and right into a bright, golden-hued room with only a grand piano at the center. He knew Elysian when he saw it. It was always the 'golden hour' here, but sometimes the setting was different. Today, he supposed, Destodai desired to play the piano.

"Oh, this is just the loveliest thing I have ever had the pleasure of hearing,"
Evans drawled, bowing briefly before the Ancient that he assumed had called him.

Destodai didn't acknowledge him immediately. She continued to play a song Evans had never heard, but it was, in fact, very beautiful. Moving, even.

"May I ask what brings me here, madame?"


"You may ask. But I do not answer to you."


"Am I already makin' a fool of myself?"


"Listen."
She continued her playing, her back turned to him the entire time. He waited patiently, despite the fact that it felt like she played for hours before speaking again. "I have something to ask of you."


"Anything, ma chérie."


"I am sure."
Her fingers moved delicately yet languidly over the keys. "There is a book in your world. It is from the lost Citadel. I require it."
A dark note played. "It is imperative that it is brought to me."


"Consider it done, then."


"This is no time for games, Evans. There is no room for charm. I will not accept anything from you other than this book in my hands."


"Mon cher, why would I ever cheat you?"
A confident grin rose onto his features. "That book is yours."


She let him stay in Elysian for a while longer as she played. Destodai never turned to look at him, but it didn't bother him. He was delighted just to be able to listen. At one point, he found himself on the verge of tears as she continued, reaching a sad and slow song. But just as the first tear was teetering on the edge of his eyelid, he found himself stumbling over the brick that had tripped him on his way into Elysian in the first place.

She checked her watch again. And again. And again. He wasn't tired of talking, though. It was like the fucking slideshow from hell. Her hands were freezing off the damn bone already. How long had they been in the meeting? An hour? Two? A year? Ever since her father had started making her sit in on these slow deaths, she'd found a new definition for the word 'boring'. And a face to match.

"And I think this quarter, we can make a real push with R&D's newest project. The people are gonna love it!" A round of applause following the statement prompted DeVian to follow the social cue, snapping her attention back to the speaker. This had undoubtedly been the worst use of her time all week. And it was kind of irritating to have to stick around and shake hands.

She slipped out of the room without wasting another second after she was finished with the formalities. This was her last meeting of the day and the drinks she was looking forward to couldn't come any sooner.

A wave of dread washed over her. DeVian froze in place, her hands white-knuckle gripping the wheel as every muscle in her body just... stopped. It was all so fast. It was how she knew Novevu wanted to talk.

One moment she was turning the keys into the ignition and the next she was falling on her ass in the Void.




"Slacker, slacker, slacker!" came the Ancient of Death's voice, laughing like a hyena, bouncing off of the great nothing that was the Void. He took no physical form at first--it was as though every part of his realm was also him. As if by just being there, one was communicating with him, even if it was in complete silence.

"Nov--"
she started, adjusting her position to kneel before him.

"No, no, slackers don't get to call me by my name. Master, though, master--haha!--that I like." His voice was everywhere around her as if he were circling her, laughing at her, having a jolly good time mocking her. His voice returned to its usual depth, the echo of it making it sound like there were eight of him speaking at the same time. "I will accept a bow."

DeVian did as she was told. It had been longer than it should've been since she last entered the Void. Life in the human realm was... busy. She had a lot on her plate. Being a daughter of Death didn't make any money. It didn't pay any bills or attend any business meetings.

"Master, then. My apologies."


"I expect a lot more in the near future. I have a task for you to finally prove your worth in this house."

"So you're going to hold a grudge forever? Lo siento, okay?"


His laugh rattled her very bones. It was thunderous. "Not sorry enough. DeVian, the task that I am giving you, it must be completed. Do you understand me?" There was no trace of that laugh now.

"Yes, Master."


"How? I haven't even told you what it is yet." That same maniacal chuckle banged at her eardrums. "There is a manuscript in your realm that you will retrieve for me. I am sure I do not need to reiterate how important this is."

Really? He's trusting such an important mission to somebody he considers a slacker?

Her mind began racing. How the fuck was she supposed to fit in looking for some vague manuscript or whatever between her already full schedule? Was he being, like... serious? Was there no one else to ask?

Of course, though, there was no way in hell she was going to say no to his face. Or... Void.

Just as her doubts took a turn for the extremely hesitant, Novevu decided to show himself. It was almost as if there was a light behind him, but just enough to accentuate his form. He was sitting upon a great throne, easily twenty feet high, with his legs crossed, staring down at his descendant in amusement. He was a dark figure with light working just enough to silhouette him.

"For some reason you are making me wait for your acceptance of this mission."

Dev's head shot up, panic surging through her. "I... Yes, Master. I accept."


"Good. I always like to give the illusion of a choice. I am not privy to the knowledge of where in your world the book is, but it reeks of the power of the Citadel. This task is your life's priority. Disappoint me and it will be the last thing you ever do. Do not make me wait so long to see you here again."




"No, no, mon cher, why would I cheat you?"
Evans smiled with all the charm he could muster. When he saw the woman's continued hesitation, he persisted, spreading the cards in his hands out for her. "One more trick, I beg you. Don't you want to see something cool before you go back to your boring trip?"


"Boring?" The woman giggled. "What's boring about New Orleans?"

"Well, I'm inclined to think anywhere I ain't can't be that good of a time."


"Fine. One more time. My girls already left me."

"I always like alone time with a beautiful woman like yourself. Pick a card, sweetheart."
He brandished them for her again, and from the blush on her cheeks, he knew he'd gotten her.

-


Evans whistled amiably to himself as the sun set behind his head and he shuffled through the wallets he'd acquired throughout the day. None of them seemed to be terribly interesting people, judging by the contents. There were a couple of cute pictures of the victims' children, though. Those, he paused at, but ultimately put in the garbage with everything else.

He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and exhaled, rounding a corner and disappearing under a low bridge. No city ever slept, but New Orleans truly embodied livelihood at night. There was no greater feeling than being out on the streets after the sun went down. In fact, as Evans consulted his watch, he figured he'd need to put some pep in his step to make his evening rounds in the Quarter.

The red-headed man settled his hands in his pockets, tripping over a crack in the brick and right into a bright, golden-hued room with only a grand piano at the center. He knew Elysian when he saw it. It was always the 'golden hour' here, but sometimes the setting was different. Today, he supposed, Destodai desired to play the piano.

"Oh, this is just the loveliest thing I have ever had the pleasure of hearing,"
Evans drawled, bowing briefly before the Ancient that he assumed had called him.

Destodai didn't acknowledge him immediately. She continued to play a song Evans had never heard, but it was, in fact, very beautiful. Moving, even.

"May I ask what brings me here, madame?"


"You may ask. But I do not answer to you."


"Am I already makin' a fool of myself?"


"Listen."
She continued her playing, her back turned to him the entire time. He waited patiently, despite the fact that it felt like she played for hours before speaking again. "I have something to ask of you."


"Anything, ma chérie."


"I am sure."
Her fingers moved delicately yet languidly over the keys. "There is a book in your world. It is from the lost Citadel. I require it."
A dark note played. "It is imperative that it is brought to me."


"Consider it done, then."


"This is no time for games, Evans. There is no room for charm. I will not accept anything from you other than this book in my hands."


"Mon cher, why would I ever cheat you?"
A confident grin rose onto his features. "That book is yours."


She let him stay in Elysian for a while longer as she played. Destodai never turned to look at him, but it didn't bother him. He was delighted just to be able to listen. At one point, he found himself on the verge of tears as she continued, reaching a sad and slow song. But just as the first tear was teetering on the edge of his eyelid, he found himself stumbling over the brick that had tripped him on his way into Elysian in the first place.