Waking : Antagony :Papercuts Pt.1

“You let them leave?” Talon made no attempt to disguise his disappointment upon his return to Drifa. While Nei and Presia still sat at the table he had offered to his intriguing guests, the Djinn had gone.

“Let them? I sent them off on another glorious adventure in far off lands.” Nei smirked up at Talon. “I’m fine by the way.”

“I can see that.” Talon removed the distractions from the hall and stepped through the space where the table had been to approach Nei. “I wanted to speak with them about your time in Eden.”

“I think I was there.” Nei deliberately mocked him as he playfully turned to Presia and made his playful query. “Was I there?”

“You were indeed, Lord Frost.” Presia was glad to see his humor remained after his trauma, and delighted to see the dynamic of Drifa was still unchanged.

“I guess you can just speak to me then, huh?” Nei jumped to his feet in front of Talon. “Unless of course you had some other agenda?”

“My office.” Talon scowled and pushed past Nei toward the stairs.“Absolutely.” Nei bowed after him before he turned to kiss Presia. “Come on, you pretty thing. We have to speak about Eden.”

“Before we share our tale I have a question of my own for you, Talon.” Presia sat gingerly across Nei’s lap as they settled in Talon’s office for what she assumed would be a lengthy exchange. “I have had auguries of an arrival here, beyond that of the Djinn…”

“That is none of your business, witch.” Talon glared at her. “Nor is it what I asked your Master here to discuss.”

“Ease off, Talon.” Nei warned. “I don’t need to tell you a fucking thing.”

“The arrival is long overdue payment for services rendered.” Talon gave his explanation curtly. “Beyond that it is not your concern. It is a private matter.”

“Keep it that way.” Presia insisted. “It should not force the Circle into turmoil.”

“You are not a member of this Circle.” Talon reminded her sternly.

“I’m about ready to walk out of here, Talon.” Nei smirked at him. “I’m not Karas. I don’t have to take your shit.”

“Despite your insufferable attitude, Frost.” Talon chuckled. “I actually value your place here. I just wish you remembered what it was.”

“Let’s just get story time over with.” Nei started to mindlessly braid sections of Presia’s hair to pass the time. “I don’t want to spend all day in here.”

Nei was cautious with his tale; there were dealings in Eden that he was certain were better left there. Fortunately for him, he had slept through many of the details of the climax of events and couldn’t do any real harm. He focused his storytelling where it would do the least damage; his own involvement, which seemed to entertain Talon well enough.

“You were foolish to put yourself in jeopardy for strangers.” Talon scolded Nei for the act that nearly killed him. “You are not invincible. You should remember in the future that bravery is often a worthless virtue.”

“No praise for the noble sacrifice?” Nei laughed at Talon’s fatherly tone. “I think I sense genuine concern under those insults.”

“It is purely selfish.” Talon chuckled. “I don’t feel like training your replacement.”

“I heard you were pretty pissed about my near death experience.” Nei retorted smugly. “So worried that you had Karas waiting at my door day and night.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. A member of my Circle was attacked.” Talon attempted to write off the vampire’s assumptions as he noticed several messages arriving on his tablet. “Lucifer wouldn’t give me answers; I had no choice but to get them from you.”

“Spare me the quote from the employee handbook, Talon.” Nei laughed and hugged Presia playfully on his lap. “Just admit you love me.”

“Would it make you less irritating?” Talon asked coldly as he responded to his messages. Nei’s quiet laughter and lack of an actual response was answer enough. “I thought not.”

“You don’t need to say it.” Nei grinned at him. “I know it’s true.”

“If you fell so quickly, you had minimal exposure to these fascinating creatures. These Djinn.” Talon decided not to waste any more time on Nei and pressed on. “Presia, you had more dealings with them.”

“Enough to know they are complicated and should not be underestimated.” Presia answered as honestly as she could without revealing the nature that would appeal to Talon most; their need to find a Master. She felt no one could benefit from one of the Djinn allying with Talon. “They were however given the Council’s permission to inhabit Tsuriai unscathed. I don’t suggest you make trouble, Talon.”

“I am not in the habit of making trouble.” Talon waved them off and turned in his chair. “That will be all.”

“Welcome back, Frost.” Nei mocked Talon’s lack of manners as he led Presia from the room. “So good to have you back, thanks for the story. Have a great fucking day.”

“Good evening, Nei.” Talon chuckled.

“Don’t fucking call me that!” Nei shouted as he left an icy wind behind him on his way out of the office. He turned to Presia and smiled. “Talking to some people is like squeezing lemons with papercuts. Now what is going on with this vision of yours?”

“I don’t know for certain.” Presia admitted her frustration. The visions had been minimal and she had been distracted by caring for her Master she only knew that there was a source of conflict that could drive a wedge between members of their Circle. “There is not much to go on. I just feel it will cause trouble with our First and Second.”

“Fuck it.” Nei shrugged. “Let them kill each other. I’ll take over, you take four-arms’ office.”

“And who will be our Third?” Presia playfully indulged his idea.

“We’ll get a dog.” Nei shrugged. “Who is gonna complain about it?”

Waking : Antagony : The Goodness in the World Pt.2

“I suppose we will have to let your pet out…” Kage anticipated the request Neka was sure to make once she embraced him upon his return.

“Yes!” Neka licked his face in a moment of girlish joy before she became suddenly still and quiet and leaned back in his arm. “Can Neka ask you something first?”

 “You can ask me anything.” Kage touched her face and felt the pangs of helplessness a parent feels when they see the face of a deeply saddened child, that moment when they would reorder the very universe if it was in their power to correct whatever horrors had taken the happiness from their child. “What has you so upset?”

“Why would Mom be sad?” Neka couldn’t look at him when she asked, fearful he would be disappointed with her questions. Or worse, angry.

“Lilith has nothing to be sad over.” Kage kissed Neka’s forehead and puzzled over her question. “What do you mean?”

“Not Lilith.” Neka raised her arm and shook her wrist at him to display her half of the crimson bracelet she shared with Kaneko. “Neka’s Mom.”

“Nexus?” Kage almost couldn’t speak her name out of guilt for his part in her suffering and death. “Neka, you know that your mother is gone. Nexus cannot be sad.”

“But she is.” Neka shook her head insistently and tried to explain. “She sings to me sometimes, Today the song is sad.”

“Neka, this is not amusing.” Kage closed his eyes a moment to keep his calm. His lack of experience with children was making this difficult for him, but he could only assume she had concocted this nonsense to deal with everything she had heard. “Perhaps it is time you stop accompanying me when I attend Council.”

“Neka is not lying, Daddy.” She wriggled out of his arms angrily and took his hand to lay it over the bracelet. “Just listen.”

Before he could slap her for her defiance, Kage was brought to his knees by the soft hum that ran through him. Neka was right, the song was a sad one. Without words and still able to convey the weight of crashing seas of pain and despair. The anguish was unbearable. Kage let his fingers fall away unable to deal with it any longer.

“I should not have doubted you.” Kage ran his fingers through Neka’s hair. “Have you told anyone?”

“No.” Neka hugged her father suddenly. “Are you angry with Neka.”

“Does she speak?” Kage lifted Neka and started down the hall.

“Sometimes.” Neka cuddled against her father. Sharing the burden of her secret suddenly made her feel closer to him. She spoke quietly as they continued their stroll. “Neka can’t always understand her though. It helps if Kaneko is close.”

“This should stay between us, Neka.” Kage was trying to decide which of his vying emotions to embrace at the moment, but he was certain he didn’t want any outside agitation helping him make the decision. Even in his kindness Lucifer had a knack for the deepest cruelties. The gesture of preserving Nexus’ soul, of containing it in the bracelet Kage himself had given her, and then of splitting it. Kage thought it was to accommodate the children, a way for them to carry her memory. But the soul was not merely preserved, it was severed and alive. Silenced by its separation.

“Neka won’t tell anyone.” Neka wiped her face and put on a brave smile as they stopped in front of Bishop’s room. “But Neka thinks Kaneko will share our secret.”

 “That will be fine.” Kage tugged a bit of her hair and opened the door for her. He had no doubt that Lucifer was well aware of this secret as well.

“Bishop!” She ran to him and knocked him into the wall with her greeting. “Did you miss Neka?”

“I did.” Bishop pushed against the wall to steady himself before he looked up at Kage and wished he could offer some kind of sympathy. The frigid glare he got in return made him realize that it would not be a welcome sentiment.

Farren looked away from all of it and laid on the cold floor thinking of his situation. His own life hinged on the infatuation of Kage’s child and he did not much care, but the fact that his daughter’s life was still in the balance left him feeling helpless. Her fate was precarious.

Lucifer’s family was often full of rage, lashing out at one another and thoughtlessly leaving others in their wake to suffer. Now he had seen them closer, they were even capable of murdering their own. How little would it take for his innocent child to be the next order of death that Lucifer gave?

His powerlessness to protect his own child made him feel ill, but for all his sacrifice he wondered if he even deserved to. Was he any better than his wardens? Of all those he had dealt with, the only creature that seemed worthy of protection and sympathy beyond childhood was Bishop, and in his naivety that poor soul had given himself over to the mercy of the merciless.

Farren pleaded to existence that there was still goodness in the world and that it looked after Evadia.

Waking : Antagony : The Goodness in the World Pt.1

There are two gifts in life as precious as breath itself,

They are the most often squandered

And most tragically mourned.

Time and Love.

The more we lose of either, 

the more precious they become.

Yet we test them both endlessly; carelessly.

I am guilty of this more than most.

Why?

When I have so much to lose?

Kage found some small peace in meditating and gathering chaos to himself while he waited on Lucifer. It seemed the only way to clear his mind of troubles was to fill it with the vast darkness of the void. It was working well enough to calm him that he hadn’t noticed his Lord’s return until he felt the hand on his shoulder. Only then did he pull himself away from the blissful nothingness.

“Still angry?” Lucifer walked past him and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Not angry, my Lord.” Kage answered sullenly as the last of the dark mists still twisted around him cooling the skin of his fingers as it settled there. “Concerned that all of these decisions will have a lasting effect. I beg you to stop hurting them. It only makes it harder on the rest of us.”

“Always begging on their behalf.” Lucifer smiled at him. “It was for your benefit that I didn’t tear that arrogant fool in two for striking me.”

“I’m relieved, but it is not for them alone.” Kage wanted it understood that he was not attempting to side with his friends over his Master. “You worked for this Council. For a chance to bring us together again. I feel like Zakesalek is once again falling apart, do you think we could hope for reconciliation after another parting?’

“You may be right.” Lucifer laid back on the bed and started laughing. He had too many demands on his attention and was not putting enough focus where it belonged. He often set the board too carefully only to let his temper get the better of him and kick it over. “I will find some way to appease them, Kage. You as well. “

“I don’t require appeasing.” Kage stood and straightened his tie. “I don’t even require your explanation. I do as I am asked.”

“I would like to get on with our lives, Kevas.” Lucifer knew that Kage was still sore over being denied an answer regarding Maefyl’s sudden strengths. It was not worth fighting over. It was an exploit Lucifer had dealt with. It had been an exhaustive effort to create another cell to house the divinities. Separating had not been an easy task either, but it was done. “I took care of the business with Maefyl. You can stop worrying over it.”

“I didn’t ask.” Kage answered stonily. 

“Are you through moping about it then?” Lucifer teased. “Or should I start begging for your understanding and patience?”

“You can have whatever you need of me, but I have left Neka for far too long.” Kage bowed his head and avoided the bait. He needed a pleasant distraction and it was clear that Lucifer wanted someone to toy with. “I will send Lilith to join you.”

Waking : Antagony : (Untitled)

“You look tired.” Gabriel saw the piles of journals surrounding Maefyl and could not begin to imagine what he had exposed himself to thus far, but he was still diligently looking for answers. Gabriel hoped he was not doing so at the cost of his own sanity. “You need a break from all of this.”

“Give me a little longer.” Maefyl insisted, closing the book in his lap to accept Gabriel’s desire to lean in and kiss without breaking any promises to Lucifer that he was the only one to see the books. He was glad of the moment of warmth from Gabriel, but it was bittersweet with the anguish his poor angel felt after his visit with Samael. Maefyl sighed and stroked Gabriel’s face before he stood. He shouldn’t leave him alone, but the longer this took the longer it would hurt them. “I just need more time. There has to be something here.”

“There is not.” Lucifer stepped over a pile of his journals and sat in a nearby chair. “Well; there is plenty. Just nothing that is going to satisfy the questions you have. I hadn’t started writing yet.”

“Convenient.” Maefyl glared at him.

“If you want your answers.” Lucifer oozed with a confidence that mocked Maefyl’s efforts. “You are going to have to grow up and have a conversation with me.”

“Maefyl, just come home.” Gabriel had witnessed too much unneeded cruelty for one day. He was uneager to stand between these two as they waged another war on each other.

“He can clean up this mess first.” Lucifer grinned at him cruelly. “I shouldn’t have to pick up after you anymore.”

“You clean it up.” Maefyl threw the journal he had been reading hard at Lucifer and glared at him as Lucifer caught it easily between two fingers and smiled back unstirred. “Consider it step one in proving how much you give a shit.”

“What is step two?” Lucifer asked as he watched Maefyl through the books that quickly moved across the room and found their proper places on the shelves around them. “Should I write this down?”

“Go fuck yourself.” Maefyl grabbed his cigarettes from the small table beside him and prepared to leave.

“I’m not quite the deviant you are.” Lucifer taunted him. “You’ll have to send me the instructions for that one.”

“Enough.” Gabriel grabbed Maefyl’s arm and pulled him closer. “Both of you.”

“Since you are going.” Lucifer pushed for one last twist of the knife to see how far he could take it. “You should pay your respects. What’s left of your ex-wife is in the hall.”

“You sick fu…” Maefyl moved to lunge at him, but before he could attack he nearly vomited from the pain that hit him as Gabriel removed him from the situation.  He landed on his own bed seconds later still reeling from the pulse of pain from Gabriel’s use of the collar that bound them so completely together. Worse than the physical pain was the look of disgust on Gabriel’s face before he headed of toward the bathroom.

“Stay out here girls” Maefyl insisted sadly as he followed after Gabriel. Stopping in the doorway to watch the angel quietly running a bath. “I should have just left when you asked. I’m sorry.”

“You let him bait you.” Gabriel pulled the ribbon from his hair and tossed in onto his suit jacket on the floor. “Again.”

“I said I was sorry.” Maefyl could still feel the pain seeping through him as Gabriel attempted to regain control of his temper. “You could be a bit less effective at letting me know you’re pissed off.”

“I should let you suffer longer.” Gabriel snapped at him. He was hurting himself just as badly, an unfortunate side effect of how deeply they were bonded but it wasn’t physical pain he was fighting with. He was wounded far more by Maefyl’s sudden renewed concern over Shiroi. “You are fortunate I’m not a cruel man.”

“Just a stubborn one.” Maefyl rushed over to Gabriel and pushed him over the edge of the bathtub into the water hoping to shock some sense into him. “And you can stop being an asshole now. My urge to choke the smug out of Lucy has absolutely nothing to do with Shiroi. Not in any way that should matter to you.”

When Gabriel hit the water Maefyl felt most of the frustrated tension melt away from him. He was still far from over the day’s events, but he was at least clear enough to focus. Maefyl knelt beside the tub and turned off the water before he pushed the hair away from Gabriel’s face.

“Samael tore her to pieces, Maefyl.” Gabriel wished he could spare the details, but they were so well etched in his memory and Maefyl’s gift would ensure he would see every grotesquery.  “It was worse than I anticipated. If he had let me, I would have been kind.”

“Would you?” Maefyl smiled sadly at him. “I know you would have tried to be, but she always pissed you off.”

“I am not Lucy.” Gabriel looked at him crossly. “I would not torture someone for my own pleasure.”

“I know.” Maefyl shook his head. He had already seen the day through Gabriel’s eyes like he had witnessed it firsthand. They had both seen plenty of death and played their fair share in much of it, but Maefyl could feel the weight Gabriel felt for so long wanting Shiroi gone. That guilt and the extreme nature of her death was part of what had made Gabriel so quick to snap at him. He needed an outlet and he found it in the assumption he had lost a part of Maefyl. “I just wanted you to remind yourself of that. You aren’t responsible. You didn’t do this. So stop torturing yourself.”

“Forgive me.” Gabriel sat against the wall of the bath and slicked back his hair. “I hurt you without reason.”

“You don’t need to ask my forgiveness, you idiot.” Maefyl climbed over the edge of the bath and sat beside him. “With the amount of shit I put you through, I think you’re entitled to slap me around a little now and then.”

“I’ll have to add this ridiculous moment to things you put me through.” Gabriel put his arm around Maefyl and pulled him close laughing as he began to cry. Here leaned against each other after another horrid ordeal; the two of them fully clothed sitting in the bath, their hair a mess. Gabriel couldn’t be more grateful for moments like these. Even when he noticed the sneaky hands creep around the edge of the bath with a camera. “Don’t you dare, Sanguine.”

“Oh, damnit.” She giggled and ran off as fast as the flash.

“I’m exhausted.” Maefyl just latched his arm around Gabriel and fell asleep.

“Aren’t you going to take him to bed.” Gory asked from the counter.

“In a moment.” Gabriel closed his eyes feeling foolishly content with his ridiculous situation.

Waking : Grimm : The Ghost of Reason Pt.3

“That’s not fair.” Taranis growled as Kryss held him aside by the ear and checked his phone. No matter how hard he trained, Kryss was miles ahead of him.

“I said to wait a minute.” Kryss glance over at him and laughed at his struggle before he sighed heavily at the message from Ansel and slid away his phone. A second later he let go of the pup’s ear and surprised him with a swift kick to the side. “Pay attention.”

“You only win because you cheat!” Taranis recovered quickly and pounced at him, but as usual Kryss deflected every blow.

“Taranis is a big shot.” Aurora laughed through her impromptu melody on his behalf as she teased Taranis, carelessly plucking at the strings on her guitar. “Thinks he’s actually got a shot. All bark, no bite, no class. My dad is gonna kick his ass!”

“Damn it, Aurora!” Taranis whined as Kryss kicked the back of his knee and he hit the floor.

“Language, language!” Nat scolded playfully as they entered the hall. “My little rock star.”

“Hi, mom.” Aurora waved her greeting and went back to picking out a melody she had been working on. She only glanced up long enough to smile at a warm welcome between her parents and to steal a glimpse of Taranis pouting impatiently on the floor. There were other guests, but until she was introduced she stayed out of the affairs of her parents. 

“Is Kage here?” Evadia looked up at Tsumi’s Third hopefully as he came to greet everyone. She displayed her neatly tied scroll and smiled with hopeful enthusiasm. “I brought a letter for my Father.”

“I’m afraid Lord Kage is not available.” Kryss answered sadly watching disappointment wash over the child’s face. “Lord Eidolon is unfortunately busy with a guest of his own as well. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Evadia quickly wiped away a tear that tried to escape as her ghost reminded her that the chance of a visit had been slim. “I’ll just leave this in the mail.”

“Aurora can keep you company afterward.” Kryss offered and let her stroll off before he made note of Geoffrey’s expression. “You seem just as disappointed. Is everything okay?”

“It is probably nothing.” Geoffrey watched Evadia make her somber delivery and stare sadly at the unmoving door. “I was only hoping for a word with one of the Circle if she managed to have her visit.”

“You realize I am one of the Circle.” Kryss managed a quirky smile as Geoffrey turned to him in a moment of panic.

“I meant no offense.” Geoffrey bowed deeply and chided himself silently for being so careless with his words.

“Relax.” Kryss laughed at the angel’s overreaction. “I know I’m not the preferred company around here, but I’ll help if I can.”

“Bullshit.” Taranis muttered to himself. “We’re better company than those stuffy Watchers any day.”

“Cool it.” Nat quietly scolded Taranis and they made goofy faces at each other while the conversation continued. “Adults are talking.”

“As I said; It may be nothing.” Geoffrey tried to regain a bit of grace as he continued. “I just sensed something off this morning.”

“Impressive.” Luka remarked and looked to Kryss for his agreement. The angel had sensed a presence that was quite adept at hiding itself without making any effort.

“Well it isn’t nothing.” Kryss explained quickly as he knew they would likely be faced with the uninvited guests very soon. “We are aware of it though, and it’s nothing to concern yourself over. Tsumi is ours to protect.”

“I spent so long as guardian of sorts.” Geoffrey was relieved and yet the affirmation of something in Tsumi made him worry. He admitted he was out of line to put himself in the middle of it. “It is taking me time to adjust to life here. I’m supposed to be staying out of trouble, not seeking it out.”

“You’re still a guardian, Geoffrey.” Gigi climbed up his red hair and tugged at it until he focused his attention on Evadia. The girl had sat a few steps behind Aurora to listen to her play. 

“You did nothing troublesome.” Luka added. “You sensed danger and were looking out for her well-“being. It is part of raising a child.”

“Maybe you should go and join her.” Kryss focused on the door and gestured with authority toward the stairs. Ansel was returning and Kryss feared he was not alone. “Nat, go with them.”

“You may as well show yourselves.” Ansel suggested as he entered the hall and joined the pack. “We’re bored of hide and seek.”

“Is this how you greet guests?” Ria coalesced in front of them as he answered Ansel’s invitation to join them. “So defensive.”

“We expected better from servants of the Falcon.” Threa rose out of the earth behind Ria and clung to the back of his coat before peeking around him at their hosts.

“Geoff.” Evadia tugged on Geoffrey’s arms until he picked her up and held her. She held tight as she could to him as she stared at new arrivals in the hall. “It’s the monsters from before.”

“I won’t let them hurt you, Evadia.” He watched the source of her worry angrily as the child shivered in his arms. He had never seen her frightened.

“Neither will my dad.” Aurora assured the girl quietly. “We get rid of monsters in Tsumi.”

“If you wanted a warmer welcome you should have tried knocking.” Kryss heard Evadia’s whispers to her guardian angel and grew all the more defensive. They were all warned to expect the Djinn at some point and to be cautious in their dealings. No conflict unless it started on their end, but wariness advised because they were treading through uncharted waters with these creatures. “Why have you been sneaking around in the shadows?”

“Why are you here at all?” Kaneko asked angrily from the balcony. Eidolon had sensed them in Tsumi and hoped they would depart, when they entered the hall he was furious but he was dealing with Azrael’s grief. If he were to take Azrael out with him it would only agitate the Wyrm and sadness would turn to fury. Eidolon asked Kaneko to speak on his behalf so he could gauge the situation from a distance and keep his promise to look after Azrael.   “Lord Eidolon is too busy for a social call. If you’re here to start trouble…”

“He lets the girl speak for him?” Threa stepped beside Ria and eyed the Falcon’s bride curiously. “Interesting.”

“The girl is his bride.” Kryss cautioned the Djinn. “And formidable on her own.”

“We are aware of who she is.” Ria smiled and bowed his head to Kaneko. “You can inform the Falcon that we mean no harm.”

“You didn’t answer Kaneko.” Kaneko tapped her foot angrily. “Why are you here?”

“If you mean no harm, why the stealth?” Taranis blurted out angrily. “You expect anyone to trust you?”

“Please.” Ria gently wrapped his arm around Threa’s shoulders. “You all misunderstand our intentions completely. This hostility is misplaced. We are eager to make friends in Tsuriai, not enemies. We are simply inexperienced.”

“We will be no trouble.” Threa nodded. “It was agreed.”

“You better not be.” Kaneko jumped onto the railing and perched there. “We have a really angry Wyrm up here and Kaneko would be happy to let him out.”

“An empty threat.” Threa shrugged. “And we have done nothing wrong.”

“We just want a chance to get acquainted.” Ria looked to Kryss for an agreement. “Is that reasonable?”

“She’s still shaking.” Aurora noted as she noticed Geoffrey trying in vain to soothe Evadia. “What’s wrong?”

“She doesn’t want to talk.” Iesu answered for Evadia and continued despite noticing the shock on the faces of those that could hear. He kept Evadia’s terrified eyes fixed on the Djinn and started to explain. “She has seen that creature torture children to gain freedom for itself.”

“Shh…” Kaneko shifted to them and clamped her hand over Evadia’s mouth. She hugged them close and told the others to play nice a moment while she took them home. Instead she took them upstairs to Eidolon. Kaneko sighed as she sat them on the couch across from Eidolon and the grieving Azrael. “You can’t do that. You can wish he was dead all you want, but don’t start trouble, kid.”

“Sorry for the noise.” Karla played proper hostess as she rubbed Azrael’s back. He had been wailing against Eidolon’s chest for hours. “He is really upset. Can I get you anything?”

“Kaneko is going to make sure things stay quiet outside.” Kaneko gave Eidolon a quick kiss on the cheek and went back to the hall. 

“I apologize.” Geoffrey bowed his head as he laid his arm around Evadia’s shoulders. “I know I am supposed to prevent things like this.”

“You can’t keep him from speaking.” Eidolon noted somberly. “I don’t expect you to. Despite what the expectations of the others may be, I know the limitations of what you can do. I also understand that she is a child and Iesu is his own entity. There will be times when things are at odds. I can honestly say that you have all done remarkably well to adjust so far.”

“I seem to recall you being against my release.” Iesu answered calmly.

“I was.” Eidolon admitted. “Not for any wrong you or Evadia had done, but for the wrong that could be done through you.”

“And why is that beast weeping?” Iesu asked. “Some theoretical chance that someone could exploit to cause him pain?”

“Point taken.” Eidolon stroked Azrael’s hair as the wailing started to quiet slightly into a far more manageable sob. Evidently the conversation was interesting enough to distract him from his grief. “Still rules are rules and you all agreed to live by them.”

“I wasn’t attempting to expose my nature.” Iesu explained. “The girl associates those creatures with her loss. It sent her into a shock of sorts.”

“I can’t say that I blame her.” Karla remembered the terror of the power they used, but Evadia had been through so much. She noticed Eidolon’s empty tea cup and stood to go make more. “She lost everything.”

“But she was given a Geoffrey.” Gigi hoped to ease some of the worry and sat on Evadia’s shoulder. “Come back and give him a hug before he cries.”

“Just keep in mind; all of you, that we cannot be the ones to start a problem with the Djinn.” Eidolon insisted on more discretion. “Your recollections of the events in Eden are yours, but I advise against sharing them when it will provoke others to violence.”

“I don’t want to start any fights.” Evadia wiped her face and leaned against Geoffrey. “I’m sorry. My ghost was only trying to help.”

“Your ghost has my word that I will tell your side of things to my pack in detail when I can ensure they understand not to retaliate and cause further trouble.” Eidolon was somewhat flustered by the secrecy between him and the pack over the events in Eden anyway, and there was a simplicity to Iesu’s defense of Evadia when she was frightened. Even if it first wounded those that heard it, the truth often led to better understanding.  Perhaps it would even be better to stop concealing the identity of her ghost, but that was not a decision he was willing to make on his own. “Until then…”

“I’ll be more careful.” Evadia nodded and found relief in the tight embrace of her guardian angel who seemed to take the news even better. He squeezed her so tight she could barely wriggle her arms. “Can you… I left a letter for my Father.”

“I’ll be sure that he gets it.” Eidolon accepted the warm cup of tea from Karla, letting his fingers graze hers as he took it. He sipped it awkwardly as Azrael shifted against his chest and whined. “You should be safe enough to return home. The Djinn seem content pestering my wolves.”

“Thank you, Lord Eidolon.” Geoffrey stood and bowed his head and was surprised and a bit anxious to see Evadia step closer to the other couch. “We won’t keep you any longer.”

“Mister.” Evadia tapped Azrael’s knee until he looked at her puzzled. She rubbed his knee softly and tried to express the odd compassion she felt. “I know you don’t like me very much, but I’m sorry you are so sad. I’m sad too sometimes. I hope you can be happy again.”

“Ondota Kalu.” Azrael muttered and patted her head softly. He was bewildered by her behavior. Why should this child give him sympathy? Azrael gingerly moved her fingers from his knee and curled against the couch in a state of confusion. Bombarded by so many emotions he had reached a point of exhaustion. He huddled there and let tears run down his face almost paralyzed by uncertainty and sadness and hoped Samael would return soon to rescue him from it. “FeFe.”

“Did I make him mad?” Evadia looked at Eidolon sadly.

“No.” Eidolon smiled as he stood and grabbed a blanket to toss over Azrael. “He is tired and seldom receives that sort of kindness from anyone but Samael. You just surprised him.”

“Let’s go home.” Geoffrey offered his hand to Evadia and she took it.

When they were gone, Azrael pulled the blanket over himself and tried to sleep and Eidolon watched over him from his desk while Karla kept a closer watch from the opposite couch.

“Lord Eidolon.” Karla asked quietly as she pondered the visit. “Are you really going to tell them all what happened? Aren’t we supposed to leave it alone? I knew the risks when I went, we all did. But the resolution is shaky at best, I don’t want to be the one to knock it over.”

“While I realize some truths make it difficult to keep the peace, would you respect me for serving a silence that denied others the right to make decisions with a full understanding of what they were dealing with?” Eidolon posed the question before he tried to explain his position. “Truth is delicate, and I’ll use prudence. For example, I couldn’t risk having it exposed when it would light a fire of rage in my wolves at a moment that could have endangered them, I won’t however let them go on endlessly assuming that these Djinn have done no wrong. They attacked you in Eden. Had it been a matter unattached to the council…”

“I know.” Karla smiled at him. “I guess I’m just so used to everyone hiding things I started to think maybe it was for the best.”

“How disgustingly divine.” Eternity scowled. “Hide the ugly parts to make the truth pretty?”

“Or worse.” Eidolon muttered to himself as he thought of how much Lucifer had hidden away. Hiding the truth had not done them any favors. “Besides I will not be branded a hypocrite by those that I care for. I can’t ask the pack to stand beside me if I can’t remain honest with them.”

“De haka na vonek kuraxa.” Azrael mumbled in his sleep. 

“What was that?” Karla asked quietly afraid that their conversation was going to wake him up.

“He wants to go home.” Eidolon rested his head sadly in his hand and sent a message to Gabriel hoping that there was some news of Samael being finished with the gruesome task at hand. The response was cold and precise. 

It is done. Lucifer is being informed.

Eidolon felt crushed on Azrael’s behalf. Returning home would only be the next stage in his grief.

Waking : Grimm : The Ghost of Reason Pt.2

They were only blocks away from home when Geoffrey spotted familiar faces and relief started to replace his sense of dread. Some of the reasoning for selecting Tsumi as home may have been selfish, but they could have not chosen a Circle more adequately protected. Natasha, the vampiric bride of Tsumi’s Third waved an exuberant greeting from across the busy thoroughfare.

“Who is that with Nat?” Evadia waved and took Geoffrey’s hand before they accepted the excited offer to join them.

“Another of Lord Eidolon’s wolves.” Geoffrey pointed out as they carefully crossed to meet them. They had been in Tsumi only a short time and Evadia had yet to meet the entire pack. Even Geoffrey himself was only mildly acquainted with them. As they neared the curb he gently reminded her of their position. “Mind your manners. Lady Nat may be young, but she is still your elder.”

“I heard that; I am not old.” Nat latched onto Evadia and lifted her into a friendly embrace. “Hello there you adorable thing. Don’t you mind him, you just call me Nat. Have you met Luka?”

“Hi!” Evadia smiled and offered her hand in friendship to the fluffy eared demon awkwardly from Nat’s unending embrace. “I’m Evadia. Nice to meet you.”

“Such a pretty child.” Luka took the girl’s hand warmly. She had of course been informed of the girl and her caretaker. They were each extended special protection by Eidolon’s order. There had been only a brief explanation as to why. She only knew that the child was Farren’s and her guardian was once a soldier under Gabriel’s command. After greeting the girl she bowed her head slightly to the angel. “I am Luka.”

“I am honored.” Geoffrey returned her respect with an abundance of excess. “Eidolon’s wolves are highly thought of even in Heaven.”

“Where are you headed?” Nat released Evadia from her friendly grasp and sat her on solid ground before she reclaimed her bag of the days shopping treasures. “We don’t see you much.”

“The Circle.” Evadia took Geoffrey’s hand again. Dutifully playing the part of a child that needed him as she looked up and smiled. His mood had much improved already. She was thrilled at suggesting the outing.

“Making a quick delivery.” Geoffrey agreed. “A letter.”

“I see.” Nat gave a friendly laugh. “Well you should get a good show on your way through. Kryss and Taranis are sparring in the hall.”

“Fighting?” Evadia frowned. She had seen enough fighting to last a lifetime. She suddenly wanted to turn back and bring the letter another day, but any chance to see her father was one she didn’t want to pass up.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Nat leaned down and rubbed her face against Evadia’s in a motherly attempt to comfort her. “It’s not like that. It’s training, they are having fun.”

“It’s great exercise.” Levina added from behind them.

“She isn’t fond of violence.” Geoffrey explained as he smiled back at a young demon that was surely one of Luka’s pups. “I respect your pack and its discipline, but those ways are not suited for everyone.”

“True enough.” Luka swiftly ended the debate. It was not her place to push her ways on another child. The angel was doing well with the girl from what she could see. Though it was clear she missed the bond of a real family. The child seemed nearly crushed when Levina greeted her mother and took her arm. Luka quickly extended an invitation almost out of pity. “We are all headed in the same direction. Join us?”

“If it is no bother.” Geoffrey was about to decline politely but Evadia gave him a hopeful squeeze of the hand and he changed his mind quickly. “We would be delighted to.”

Ansel had been watching the exchange from a distance with Levina. The two of them had been tracking the unfamiliar wind blowing through Tsumi. When he sent Levina to join her mother, he noticed the slightest change in the wind. Just enough to confirm what Kryss believed.

As Kryss suspected when he sent them all out that morning, the hunters would be acting as bait. Just as Ansel was following the presence that had arrived uninvited in Tsumi, it was following them. It was also more than one.

Ansel removed his phone from his pocket and sent a message to Kryss sharing this new revelation before he moved on to follow Luka and the others on their journey back to the center of Tsumi.

Waking : Grimm : The Ghost of Reason Pt.1

“How is this?” Evadia displayed a beautifully written scroll to Geoffrey for approval. She rubbed at the ink on her hand and waited.

“Very sweet.” Geoffrey read the heart felt letter she had written for Farren. Genuine thanks for all he gave to protect her, a plea to be well, and hope for more time to get to know one another. “I’m sorry you haven’t seen more of him.”

“I’m glad I can see him at all.” Evadia sat up straight in her chair and glanced across the table at what her caretaker was working on. “What are the funny scribbles down the side? “

“A funny sort of language angels once used.” Geoffrey answered her honestly as he always did. “A habit of mine when I take notes, I’m afraid.”

“Angelic script.” Gigi answered more plainly. “Remember, living here is just as new to him. He is trying to fit in.”

“With picture books?” Evadia teased. 

“Magazines.” Geoffrey nodded a bit embarrassed with his lack of experience. “Unfortunately most of my books don’t deal with humans as they are now, I’m not very fit for this.”

“You’ve cared more than most.” Iesu answered through Evadia. A skill he was using more carefully and with Evadia’s consent. “Had you not accepted the role…”

“Let’s not think about that.” Geoffrey shook his head. “I was glad to accept. I don’t regret it. I just don’t know how to manage things just yet. I’m afraid in the time it takes me to figure it out, you will be off on your own.”

“Could I stay?” Evadia knew why he was concerned. It was a thought that kept creeping into her mind as well. She would grow quickly and it was expected of their kind to move on. She was unsure that she wanted to. She was adapting to life in Tsumi and she was fond of her foster family. “Once I grow up. We can still be like this, can’t we?”

“I would like that.” Geoffrey assured her. “I think we have a lot to learn from each other.”

“I think so too.” Evadia smiled until she saw worry wash over Geoffrey’s face and he rushed to the window. “What’s wrong.”

“I don’t know.” Geoffrey admitted. “I thought I felt something.”

“There are so many powerful demons in this city.” Evadia shuddered. “It’s hard to keep track of them all.”

“I’m fairly certain it was not one of ours.” Geoffrey explained. It was only a moment but he felt the chill of something that did not want to be felt. Years of protecting Heaven’s gates gave him keen enough senses to know when something was where it shouldn’t be. He looked at the sudden worry on Evadia’s inquisitive young face and smiled to ease her mind. “It may just be someone going to see Lord Eidolon.”

“And if it’s not?” Evadia paused and picked up her scroll from the table. It may be better to assume Geoffrey’s concern was just the overprotective nature of an adult looking after a child, but he seldom looked so troubled and Evadia wanted assurance that all was well Tsumi. “Do you think we can deliver this today?”

“As long as you don’t get your hopes up.” Geoffrey agreed to the trip with a bit of sadness evident in his tone. There was no hiding from each other her reasoning for the delivery. Any chance to see her father was one worth taking, but he had just frightened her and she wanted to be sure Farren was okay. “I don’t like seeing you upset.”

“I will be completely hopeless.” Evadia gave her promise with bow.

“That is…. hilarious.” Gigi laughed as Geoffrey shook his head. Evadia’s innocence was so charming you could do nothing but love her completely. “You are both hopeless.”

“So, we can go?” Evadia poked at Gigi with the scroll.

“Yes, of course.” Geoffrey hugged the girl suddenly. He could not imagine how any of the Council had ever found her threatening. She was so charmingly innocent. She was thoughtful and inquisitive, eager but mindful of others. Even Iesu within her didn’t seem to pose a real threat to anyone and his anger calmed with each passing day. It was heart-breaking to know they had debated over her right to live. “Let’s go.”

Waking : Grimm : Bad Seed

“Don’t expect me to go without a fight, Samael.” Shiroi screamed at her Master as he entered and started throwing everything she could get her hands on in his direction. “I should have known you were lying; like everyone else. You swore you would protect me always.”

“Let’s not do this, Welak Isa.” Samael easily deflected her nonsensical attacks as he shook his head in disappointment. Decorations and furniture smashed against the wall behind him and he countered her verbal assault. “In the one promise I failed to keep, you have broken hundreds.”

“Fuck you.” Shiroi cried loudly in protest and tried to appeal to his sense of devotion. “I’ve been loyal to you.”

“Loyal?” Samael laughed. “In light of your past we kept you in such a way that gave you no chance to act on any disloyal urge you may have, but we are not blind to the way you pine after Maefyl.”

“And it’s okay that the two of you chase after Gabriel like schoolboys!!” Shiroi shouted angrily at the insult. “You are such a fucking hypocrite.”

“Neither of us ever promised you exclusivity.” Samael defended coldly. “You; however, have failed at every turn to live up to the bargain.”

“Bargain?” Shiroi laughed wildly. “The two of you gave me no choice.”

“And you in turn have left us no choice.” Samael scolded her as he approached. “We made every effort on your behalf.”

“You’ve done nothing on my behalf!” Shiroi screamed at him as she backed away. “Everything you do is calculated and cruel.”

“Everything you have done is thoughtless and selfish.” Samael grabbed her throat and pushed her to the wall. “All those that love you have suffered for it. You can’t even see the pain you cause by your very existence. Even in death you are tearing things apart and you don’t care in the least about the damage you’ve done.”

“Please, Samael.” Shiroi begged sweetly hoping for reprieve. She poured every ounce of seduction she could muster in her current situation into each word in an effort to change his mind and win back favor. “Kaleka, Vasun. Give me one last chance to love you properly.”

“No, Welak Isa.” Samael thrust his hand into her and began to unravel her soul. “Your love has been toxic to everyone it touches, I will not allow it to poison my Azrael any longer.”

As Shiroi screamed Samael ripped further into her abdomen and reached upward inside to tear out her heart. The horror on her face was only matched by the feeling of remorse he felt in the act. Not for Shiroi, but for Azrael. The pain he was causing Azrael only fueled his rage and while he began to absorb the energy of her soul he started to shred the body that housed it.

“It is done, IsaAnku.” Samael emerged from the room drenched in his efforts. “Go home to your fetnakalu.”

“I can clean this up and inform Lucifer on your behalf.” Gabriel offered as he looked past Samael to the grotesque display. Tattered bits of flesh clung to the walls and broken furniture; in the center of the bloody destruction was all that remained, the head Lucifer had demanded. “You can join Azrael.”“No.” Samael insisted as he righted himself and went to claim Shiroi’s head from the floor. “I’ll take Vasun Lucifer his prize. Go home, Gabriel.”

Lucifer had only just returned from ensuring Maefyl could do no further harm when he sensed Samael’s arrival at his gates. He sat eagerly on his throne awaiting what he hoped would be a brilliant display from the more vocal of the Wyrms. As the doors to the hall opened Samael came inside with a strange confidence that surprised Lucifer. 

Samael walked the hall dragging his offering behind him by the once lovely hair ensuring it left a mess behind that spoke volumes of his distaste for Lucifer.

“I’m certain I gave you a box to put that in.” Lucifer sneered at Samael as he continued his deliberate approach. There was a quiet purpose in each step and it excited Lucifer to see Samael so enraged. “I suppose I can forgive the mess to be rid of this problem.”

“Next time solve your own problem.” Samael flung Shiroi’s bloodied hair into Lucifer’s lap as he left the severed head at her father’s feet and looked down at him angrily. “I tire of cleaning up after you.”

“You chose to keep her.” Lucifer remind him wickedly as he flicked aside bits of hair thoughtlessly to the floor. “As I see it, the fault lies with you.”

“Which reminds me.” Samael brought a blood drenched lump from his coat pocket and leaned in to press it against Lucifer’s chest. “I brought this for you as well. I thought maybe it could fill the void where yours once was.”

“Charming, Samael.” Lucifer smirked as Shiroi’s heart fell to his lap. “I shouldn’t have to remind you that I did you a favor. It could be Azrael’s head at my feet.”

“I shouldn’t have to remind you of our deal.” Samael smacked Lucifer hard across the face. “If you don’t want me to claim another of your children to replace her, don’t you ever threaten my Azrael again.”

“We’re finished here, Samael.”  Lucifer grinned up at the scowling Wyrm as he stood. “You know I always reward loyalty and obedience. You’ve done a great service removing a troublesome card from the deck. I’ll see to it…”

“Save it.” Samael spit at Lucifer’s feet and vanished from the hall.

Lucifer looked down at the remains of a seed he should have never planted and stepped over them to go and tend to family worth his attention.

Waking: Grimm : FF : Wide Awake and Dreaming Pt.3

“When Frost woke, it was to the strange utterances of another of Presia’s visions. Still sleeping in his arms but speaking her haunting message to the morning air that spilled into the room.

“So near death the cursed ones sleep.” Presia unknowingly shared her dream. A vision of a tragedy to befall Frost’s kind. “In his blood they wake as the savior suffers. Feathered twins gaze on the birth of power; Children of blood see the birth of impossible passion. New hope born in the pain of the long dead.”

As her vision shifted to more personal glimpses of what the future held she woke and clung to Frost in a panic. She had no way of knowing when and the augury was still hazy, but the clarity of Frost falling near lifeless in her arms snapped her from sleep.

“Morning.” Frost comforted her in as warm an embrace as his cold skin would allow. “You talk in your sleep.”

“Was it bothersome?” Presia laid against his chest and calmed herself.

“The talking, no.” Frost kissed the top of her head. “Just strange to hear such a pretty thing talking about blood and curses. Feeling up for a walk?”

“Sounds nice.” Presia would have been just as content to stay against his skin, but after a lifetime confined by four walls the freedom to explore was not something she could turn down very easily. “May I ask where we are going?”

“Eventually to see if I have work.” Frost smiled. He could not begin to imagine spending every waking moment of his life in the same room. Even if he preferred solitude to the company of others there was some comfort to be had in knowing there were others, that there was beyond the walls we use to get away. He thought it was time for Presia to experience some of it for herself. “First I thought we would just walk.”

“No destination?” Presia sat up and looked at him. As he let his hands slide along her arms he kept his eyes on hers and Presia knew the suggestion was meant as a gift to her. “Lord Frost, you don’t have to…”

“I’ll make this easy.” Frost interrupted and shook his head as he pushed himself out of bed. “I want to walk. Come with me.”

“Thank you.” Presia giggled as she pounced at him. Holding him in a tight embrace as he caught her in his arms. 

“For telling you what to do?” Frost laughed. “You are going to take some getting used to.”

…

“I just think the two of you should focus less on this.” Nei checked his phone for the usual updates on the goings on of the world. “Go live. I suggest somewhere warmer.”

“You mean you don’t want us to stick around?” Twaer teased with tears of understanding in her eyes.

“You are charming.” Nei smiled. It was not the Djinn that worried Nei; while he would much prefer things go back to life as usual, it was Talon that had him on edge. “And considering what I owe you, I will gladly host your frequent visits.”

“My Lord Frost thinks you should see more of the world before you settle.” Presia understood his worry and aided his efforts. “Of course you would be welcome in Drifa, but you should first see what Tsuriai has to offer.” 

“Can I take some of these?” Twaer grabbed some of the berries.

“Of course.” Presia nodded. “Take the lot. We’ll be sure that Talon knows you enjoy them.”

“Thank you both.” Ifre stood and bowed his head. They had given him enough to think on. “I think we will do some traveling. I’m glad I decided to help you, Frost.”

“So am I.” Nei offered his hand as he stood. As Ifre awkwardly accepted the gesture he smiled. “Don’t get into any trouble. We’ve had enough of that.”

Thalia had wandered through most of the first and second floors. There had been only one locked door on the second floor and it yielded no response to her knocking so she simply moved on assuming the room was Talon’s and he wanted privacy as she wandered through the house. The idea that he wanted time to himself was soon put to rest as she entered a large bathroom and met the gaze of her Master.

“Sorry.” Thalia turned away quickly to hide the flush in her face. “I didn’t realize you were… in here… naked.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Talon had not been bothered by the intrusion in the least. In fact, he was amused by her reaction and saw the visit as an opportunity. “Come here.”

“But you’re…” Thalia turned and stepped closer reluctantly. She let her self breathe a sigh of relief when she was close enough to notice the layer of dark petals that covered the surface of the water. Even with the blessedly convenient veil of decency she tried to keep her focus on his face as she spoke. “I was just looking around like you told me.”

“Thalia.” Talon moved forward and leaned on the edge of the tub playfully to address her. “This is your home. I would like you to enjoy it, but you are going to have to get used to me.”

“How?” Thalia felt defeated by the very concept of trying to accept her place in this place. Talon himself was another matter entirely. “And do I have to get used to you naked?”

“I haven’t decided.” Talon beckoned her closer and sat a large sponge on the edge of the bath before he turned and made himself comfortable. “But, just in case.”

“I…” Thalia let herself laugh a moment in hopes it was in jest. “I hope you are joking.”

“I am not.” Talon looked back a moment cruelly to make it clear he was being anything but facetious. “Come now, be useful.”

“Fine.” Thalia kneeled beside the bath with a sense of determination to prove his obvious insult unwarranted. Her father sent her here to face her destiny and she was going to do so even if it meant serving the ego of this demon. She pushed up her sleeves slightly, careful not to expose the fur of her less likeable qualities and took the sponge in one hand, dipping it into the fragrant water as she tried to make peace. “Talon, I want to be useful. I just…”

“Then do as you are told.” Talon splashed at her playfully. “I am trying to make this simple for you.”

Thalia scowled behind his back. There was hardly anything simple about what he asked. She breathed deep and filled the sponge and tried to think about anything but the demon in front of her as she brought it up one of his arms, with another hand she moved aside his hair, carefully laying the long perfect braids over his opposite shoulder before re-soaking the sponge and bringing it up his back. She cringed at the sight of his crest and couldn’t help but breech the subject once more. “I still don’t understand why you did this.”

Talon turned slightly to give her a confused glance.

“To my family.” Thalia explained as she looked away and focused on the petals in the water. Talon had said he valued his possessions, but she wondered if her value was like that of those petals; something to be fleetingly adored than forgotten. To think her father suffered for something so trivial made her furious. “My father is in mourning over this.”

“He shouldn’t be and neither should you.” Talon took her wrist to pull her closer and her resistance brought both her arms into the water between them. “I made a claim on what would likely be a unique creature. I was right to do so. When you came through my door I was glad I had already left my mark, it saved me the trouble of doing so now. You are spectacular, Thalia. Simply lovely, I am proud to have you.”

“I’m not all that lovely.” Thalia quietly protested as she sat back trying to wring water from her sleeves. “Just different.”

“Stubborn.” Talon splashed her from the tub soaking the rest of her modest attire. “Just take the compliment.”

“Now I have to change.” Thalia dropped her gaze to her clothes pouting.

“Excellent.” Talon clothed himself as he stood and stepped from the bath. He patted her head as he passed her. “You’ll have a chance to…”

“Not in front of you!” Thalia’s voice was shrill with panic. She remembered suddenly his desire to see his stain on her and now assumed this whole game with the bath had just been a means to force it.

“I was going to say choose a room for yourself.” Talon frowned at her. “If you keep insisting that I am full of ill intent I will be delighted to indulge your twisted fantasy.”

Thalia shook her head in frightened protest to the idea and fought the urge to cry as she followed him from the room. She was going to have to choose her words far more carefully or she was going to drive Talon to live out the worst of her fears. He had been patient, but with each cruel assumption she uttered she could see his humor fading.

“I am…” Thalia stifled a whimper as she began to apologize.

“Don’t.” Talon cut her off as they reached the stairs. “I’m sick of the sentiment. I know you are frightened of me, but I have given you no reason to be. I think we would both like it to remain that way. Have you been upstairs?”

As Thalia shook her head in response, Talon led her upstairs to the homes most impressive floor. Much like the first, a long hall at the front housed rooms to either end, but the large open room at the center was Talon’s. Thalia stood in awe gazing upward toward the ceiling of glass that captured the living beauty of Hell’s skies in its many panes. The room itself was like the rest of Talon’s home, simply and tastefully furnished but the light dancing on every surface here would make poets weep and Thalia was stunned into silence at the beauty of it.

“You would be welcome to share this room with me of course.” Talon playfully ran his slender fingers into her hair and enjoyed the shivers it gave her. He chuckled and let her step away nervously. “But there are others.”

“There was one locked downstairs.” Thalia bravely ignored his suggestion and moved the conversation in another direction as she stepped away to investigate the other rooms. “I thought it was yours.”

“It belongs to another of my most prized possessions.” Talon watched for her reaction with a wicked grin.

“Oh.” Thalia stopped a moment with her heart in her throat but did not dare to turn and question it. She would no doubt meet this poor creature in time and for the moment she could not further cloud her mind with horrid thoughts of what Talon was capable of. She pressed on and opened the door to the room beside Talon’s and nearly fell over as she stepped inside. It was a near perfect replica of the small apartment she kept in Drifa. “This is…”

“I wanted you to be comfortable.” Talon explained from the door. “I thought it would help to bring your things here.”

“Thank you.” Thalia saw her own brand of mess in the room around her. Her knick-knacks all in tidy order where she had left them. This was not a replica of the life she had left behind; Talon had somehow brought it all here. Thalia could not even begin to grasp the magic behind such a task, but she was standing in her own home. “I’m going to change; If you want to wait here, I’ll only be a few…”

“Lord Talon!” A shout from the entry downstairs broke the friendly exchange and left Thalia wide-eyed in disbelief. It was Karas.

“Go on and change.” Talon sighed as he turned from the room and started to scold his guest. “Must you shout? I came home to relax.”

“So relax.” Karas smiled at Talon as he showed up in front of him. “We can both afford to now. He woke up.”

“And he’s well?” Talon was impressed Nei had survived the Djinn’s risky remedy. 

“Perfectly” Karas nodded. “Arrogant as ever.”

“I suppose I’ll be returning to Drifa then.” Talon was eager to pry as much information from Nei as possible. “Do you have plans?”

“I guess not.” Karas admitted sadly as he checked his phone. There had been no word from Thalia. “You need something?”

“I’ve acquired something that may need looking after.” Talon grinned. “I should introduce you before I go.”

“Introduce?” Karas laughed softly. “I’m not babysitting your newest pet.”

“You’ll do whatever I ask.” Talon reminded him coldly.

“Fine.” Karas pouted and crossed his arms. “Where is it?”

“She.” Talon corrected as he grabbed Karas by his hair and took him to the door of Thalia’s room. “Will be living here. I expect you to help her get used to things.”

“Thalia?” Karas wished he could hide his grief at seeing her there. “What is she doing here, Lord Talon?”

“Paying a debt.” Talon grinned.  “Since it seems the two of you are acquainted it should make this simpler. I’ll return shortly.”

When Talon was gone, they both stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Each of them unsure how to end the pain that crippled their voices. The unbearable weight of their feelings left unspoken. It was a crash of thunder from the tumultuous skies outside that finally destroyed the silence between them. 

“Sounds like someone isn’t happy.” Karas attempted to change the mood with the clever weather forecast. Storms in hell were rare and according to most Watcher’s they were reflective of the moods within the heart of Hell itself, Lucifer’s castle. Karas thought it was probably best to get on with acclimatizing Thalia to her surroundings, if for no other reason than the lessons would distract him from the sick feeling in his gut. “The weather here is a bit different than Drifa…better usually.”

“I should have called,” Thalia knew he was trying to glaze over the horrible situation but she tried to apologize without giving too much of herself. “This happened so quickly.”

“I don’t understand why you…” Karas punched the door beside him. It only took the slightest nudge for him to give over to his raw emotion. “Damn it, Thalia! Did he touch you?”

“No.” Thalia looked away sadly. “This isn’t my choice, Karas. My father…”

“Hallax just gave you up to him?” Karas fumed. “For what?”

“Will you let me explain?” Thalia finally lost her composure and started to cry. “Do you really think that badly of my father?”

“No, of course not.” Karas contained his rage and hated himself for upsetting her. He stepped close enough to put his hands on her arms to comfort her and she fell against him weeping as she began to tell her story. Karas held her shaking body as if she were glass. He listened to every word as if she were chanting a curse against him. A tale that forever ensured his broken heart. By the time she had finished Karas had run through hundreds of scenarios in his mind that all ended badly. When Thalia wiped her face dry and looked up at him sadly he just forced himself to smile and hugged her gently before he stepped away.

“What now?” Thalia frowned at his sudden retreat.

“Now we do whatever the fuck he says.” Karas fought off tears to stick out his tongue far enough to show her his dilemma. 

“The locked room downstairs is yours…” Thalia sobbed as she saw Talon’s crest in black on the soft flesh of Karas’ tongue.

“Yea.” Karas looked aside defeated. “Welcome to the collection.”

Waking : FF : Wide Awake and Dreaming Pt.2

As he assumed, Frost’s sudden appearance with a woman drew attention and started whispers. The few shop keeps bold enough to ask were given the simplest explanation possible. Presia was sent as his betrothed to fulfill a promise made by his family when he was a child, they had not seen each other since they were children and were to be wed once they reacquainted themselves. Gossip would take care of the rest and both Frost and Presia imagined the story would become far more interesting by the time it reached their ears again.

“You have done more than enough.” Presia insisted on an end to the generous outing. “I can create these things on my own.”

“This is just as much for me.” Frost offered his arm after settling another bill and arranging delivery. “I should make an effort to learn about you if we’ll be spending time together.”

“I won’t be any trouble.” Presia smiled and took his arm. “There isn’t much to learn, but what would you like to know?”

“So many things.” Frost shook his head. Most of what he wanted to ask would be better left until they were not wandering around humans, but the thought made another question come to mind. “First, why hasn’t anyone noticed your eyes?”

“It’s easier for them not to.” Presia sighed. “They assume you are human. You told them we are affianced; their minds assume I am also human. Just as you have yet to notice my ears because the first of my kind you met were more like you. You assume all demons are.”

“Ears?” Frost slid her hair behind her ear as they walked and smiled at the slightly elongated cartilage that came to a delicate pointed edge. “Very pretty.”

“Thank you.” Presia smiled.

“I hope you aren’t bothered by this.” Frost laid his fingers over hers on his arm and spoke quietly. “I am what I am, though. I need to feed.”

“By all means.” Presia shivered not from the thought of his feeding but the feel of his fingers on her skin. Even if they had been warm she would have trembled. When she looked at him and met with his eyes again her own skin went cold. “I’ll stay out of the way.”

“Not too far.” Frost squeezed her hand gently. “I don’t need much room.”

Frost stalked a victim quickly and led Presia along to a quiet spot to pounce on it. True to his word he left her only a few paces away to grab the man and snap his neck to ensure there would be nothing to attract attention. Presia watched the vampire with a sense of wonder. He was quick and neat about his feeding and after he filled his veins he covered his tracks. Using the man’s own knife to make several wounds in the neck and emptying the pockets to fill his own. As he was finishing his practiced routine Presia came up beside him and he looked up at her and smiled.

“Okay with that?” Frost asked as he stood.

“I am.” Presia reached up and touched the side of his face. “You are warm now.”

“It doesn’t last long.” Frost smiled. “Hungry?”

“Not particularly.” Presia laughed. “It isn’t a need for me.”

“Home then.” Frost took her hand with the intention of kissing it and offering to walk her there, but Presia used the moment he closed his eyes to take the two of them into his sitting room.  He looked up and laughed. “That saves time.”

“I should have asked.” Presia started to sit on the floor as Frost claimed his chair.

“This isn’t going to work.” Frost stood again and offered his hand. “We’ll sit together.”

“You don’t have to be so considerate.” Presia let him pull her to her feet and steady her with an arm behind her back. There was a feeling of belonging in his embrace that made her lose her train of thought and she just looked into his eyes.

“I don’t have to be inconsiderate either. We’ll find somewhere more comfortable to talk.” Frost gestured for the door and kept his hand at her back as he led her through his home to a cozy room with couch. “This should do.”“Thank you, Lord Frost.” Presia sat and waited for him to take a place beside her. As he did she leaned back to keep a sudden vision from causing her to slip from the couch.

…

In her lonely desert, engulfed in flames reaching once more toward the bright eyes of the one who reached for her from a cliff of ice. Now a more familiar figure appeared beside him with a grin she was well acquainted with. Lucifer raised his hand and brightened the crimson light of the stars before he grabbed the would-be hero by his wrist and aided him with an extended reach.

Presia watched her beastly hand become her own as her rescuer came closer and the flickering shadows left his face. 

“Frost…” Presia whispered as their fingers met.

The fury of the fire around her calmed and cooled as the flames became the wings on her back. Nei laced his fingers through hers and smiled.

“Presia.” His voice seemed far away as he spoke and Presia was distracted by the grin of the Dark Lord that set him to his feet and waited behind him.

“Presia…”

…

“Presia…” Frost held her face as he called out to her. The collapse had been sudden and the only thing she had spoken was his name. “Wake up, Presia.”

“Frost…” Presia blinked open her eyes. She realized her sudden augury was somewhat of a shock and quickly sat up to alleviate his worry. “Lord Frost, forgive me. I have visions.”

“Dreams?” Frost had kneeled close beside her in a panic and now sat back on his feet with other thoughts buzzing through his mind. “That involve me? You spoke my name.”

“I suppose I did.” Presia smiled at him. “Nothing to be concerned over. Probably my mind giving a name to a face it has been wanting to see.”

“Wanting?” Frost pushed back his hair and leaned on his hand as he waited for an answer. “A recurring dream?”

“Sort of.” Presia nodded. “It has changed recently.”

“They do that.” Frost smiled at her when she turned in shock at his understanding. “Your eyes are like the sky in winter.”

“More like ash.” Presia looked away.

“Ash then. It hardly matters. I think they are pretty.” Frost nudged her chin with his finger until she returned her gaze to his. “Just like the eyes I’ve been watching in dreams all my life through a wall of fire.”

“Then my thoughts reached you.” Presia felt tears run down her face. “I had no name to call out to. Just hope that there was truth in destiny.”

“Fate?” Frost sighed and wiped her tears. “While I’m flattered, I’m disappointed on your behalf. I don’t have much to offer.”

“I don’t have much to ask.” Presia held Frost’s hand against her face. “I only ask you let me stay close and allow me this warmth.”

“My hands aren’t all that warm, you pretty thing.” Frost pushed back her hair and kissed her cheek. “But of course, you can stay.”

“You had questions.” Presia closed her eyes and let further tears escape her eyes in relief.

“I’m sure you have some of your own.” Frost wrapped an arm behind her and pulled her close as he settled onto the couch. “No more tears. We’ll try and do this fairly. You know nothing about me either.”

“With my thoughts, I willed you a gift.” Presia rested her head against his shoulder. “A chaos to balance my own.”

“This magic?” Frost called a small swell of water into his hand and forced it into the form of a newly blooming rose before he froze it and tapped her nose. The flower of ice burst into a dust of snowflakes and Presia smiled up at him. “It is an impressive gift. One I can never hope to return in kind.”

“That you’ve learned to control it so well is gift enough.” Presia was more than impressed that he not only heard her near silent pleas, but grabbed hold of the subtle stream of chaos that carried them. To have learned to use it so well was amazing. “Your turn.”

“Lucifer called you by so many names.” Frost brushed the melting flakes from her lap as he tried to remember the ones that made him curious. “Esper, Siren. Are they titles for your kind?”

“Sirens are a young breed who have a similar skill, Espers are just gifted with sight. It’s a skill more than a title.” Presia continued carefully. “One of the reasons I was of concern to Lucifer was because he thought it would be amusing to give me the favorable aspects of so many creatures. He quickly realized it was a mistake when I figured out I could control them all.”

“I imagine he was more sore that you rejected him.” Frost smirked.

“I doubt that.” Presia took Frost’s hand to explain. “I think his advance was made to test the power of his own experiment. Lucifer never had interest in me. At least not in that respect.”

“He claimed as much.” Frost still doubted the sincerity of the claim. Presia was beautiful and from what he had been told powerful. Why lock her away if there was no intent to keep her. “I still don’t understand his willingness to use you as payment.”

“It may not be as malicious as you think.” Presia tried to make sense of Lucifer’s appearance in the vision and could only assume it was his doing. If anyone had the power to invade her gift to point out how great he was it would be Lucifer. He had done as he always said he would and found her starlight. “He knew of my visions. His play for your loyalty may have been the excuse to bring you to me.”

“I’ll have to rely on your insight.” Frost tugged at the tiny lock on the chain around her throat gently. “I know absolutely nothing about demons.”

“We’re as individual as anyone from any other race.” Presia blinked at him. “I should apologize for the way I greeted your arrival. I don’t dislike your kind, I’ve never known any personally.”

“Half-breed, right?” Frost laughed. “I am not familiar enough with the term to be insulted.”

“I only know it from the others.” Presia admitted. “Those close to Lucifer who find one of his favorites distasteful.”

“He has a favorite vampire?” Frost ran his fingers through the hair that had fallen over her shoulder. Soft dark brown hair highlighted with strands of red. “That’s sort of comforting. Though if it is Maefyl, the comfort is somewhat bittersweet.”

“He is the child of Lucifer’s bride.” Presia explained. “But he is also a friend to Lucifer.”

“Interesting family.” Frost pulled her into both arms and smiled. “I’m more interested in you. You’re the one who will be living here. You clearly dream. How often do you need sleep?”

“Much like food, it is not a need.” Presia let herself fall against him as he pulled her close. She could see he was testing his boundaries, but she knew enough of his kind to know there was no threat and no hope of intimacy regardless of how close destiny brought them. “I do enjoy the rest and it keep visions from becoming disruptive.”

“I give myself a few hours a night.” Frost held Presia a little tighter. “For the sake of decency. I can put that off until we get a second bed for you.”

“Is this embrace indecent?” Presia clutched his shirt as she pushed up to look at him.

“No.” Frost looked at her puzzled by the question.

“Then we can share a bed.” Presia suggested a greater trust between them. “And this embrace as we sleep.”

“We can try that.” Frost lifted her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. They were both quiet for the short journey and remained that way as he sat her on the bed and stripped to his pants as he walked to the other side. Once he climbed under the sheets Frost sat there watched Presia change her clothes; not for an easy glance which she didn’t give him, but with fascination for the magic that altered her attire.  Frost tried to keep himself from staring at the long hair that fell over her bare arms and back, but only managed to find himself tracing the line of her through the thin black dress that fell to her ankles. As she turned to face him he looked up to her smile and laughed a bit. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to stare.”

“As I recall, I’ve been given to you.” Presia stepped to edge of the bed and gathered her hair over one shoulder before she sat, gracefully pulling her legs onto the bed in front of her. “You can stare all you like.”

“Do you truly believe this is fate?” Frost rearranged some pillows and leaned back into them. “The two of us?”

“It no longer matters, my Lord.” Presia looked back at him. It was unmistakable for her. “It was already decided. I belong to you.”

“Rotten luck for you.” Frost laughed and opened his arm to invite her closer. When he noticed the flush in her face he sighed. “I can put a shirt back on.”

“No.” Presia slid up the bed and situated her feet under the blankets before she moved closer. She stretched out her fingers to touch him and paused. “Can I?”

“I won’t bite.” Frost took her hand and laid it against his chest as he put his other arm around her to pull her beside him. He had never been one to enjoy the company of others, never desired the constant presence of a companion, but looking into the grey skies of soul, the ash burned into the strange demon eyes, Frost felt more at peace than he ever had. The warmth of her back against his arm and her hand against his chest felt like the sun, it was as if Presia herself was the fire he had seen in his dreams. “Is this okay?”

Presia nodded.

“Get some sleep.” Frost kissed her forehead and smiled as he pulled her close. Presia responded to the suggestion as if it were an order and fell against him peacefully. Frost pulled the blanket up to cover them and held her as he joined her in slumber.