No need for formality.

[Justice]

The room had an all too familiar scent of home. Baator, what little the creations of the family knew of it, and how much they never would. The smell of ash filled the air, with an arctic chill of the frozen wastelands. She loved it, and in turn - basked within it. Raising her hands, it seemed as if she drew a square, following the natural flow of the room. An enchantment of the impregnable type. Words shared within these walls, stayed within these walls only. Emotion, words, thoughts...nothing was released from this room.

Lemures aligned each and every entrance and exit of the room, creatures that took command from her, or Feroz only. This evening she did not sit upon the throne but in a more, less formal sitting room. “My pet.” Her sultry voice finally broke the silence... “I’ve been sent parchments for you from Lord Bel within the Bronze Cathedral.” Her hand reached to him, a thick rolled up mass of papers. “Their newest plans for their troops and war machines. You might find it interesting.”

Within her oversized chair, she turned to look at him, her eyes were narrow, a far off look upon an unemotional facade. “I sense a disturbance among the family.” Her lids fell over mocha hues as she bowed her head in concentration.

“They should be sent to Avernus to reside among the rabble of devilkin for their blasphemous thoughts.” A growl rumbled within her chest. “More deviant then organized, a shame really. I sense Jaden, Dusa, Akaru, and Destiny. My, my, my what a troupe.” The right side of her mouth perked ever so slightly. “Make it known my dear, Jaden and Dusa are not to be trusted, even within your sight, they are devious and manipulative.” Words she needn’t really say aloud, but did anyways.

“Hmm.” She squinted her eyes, biting her lower lip. “Do you feel that? Someone else.” Her eyes widened slightly. “It can’t be....” Shaking her head she looked back to the obsidian god before her. “Seems we may be in for some company my sweet.” She couldn’t help but laugh slightly, never a dull moment, never....

[Open thread. But note: Everything before your first post cannot be used by your character, as a spell has enchanted the room.]

[Feroz Darkfire]

Entering the room at her side, the protection extended over the regal queen of the Darkfires was as stalwart as always, absolute in it's might and impenetrable in it's own right.  It mattered not whether he preceded her or followed her; even with his face absent, one would be a fool to presume her unprotected.

Though his senses were false and extraneous due to his nature as a construct, that fact didn't subtract an atom from his pleasure of indulging in the homey feel of the room they entered.  Feroz much preferred the choking atmosphere of Baator over the the largely untainted skies of this realm; this room was as close to a slice of home that one could summon.

Separating from her side, the Obsidian Devil traversed the circumference of the room, eyes of smoldering coal -- no windows to any soul were they; studying the entrances and exits and the vengeful spirits lingering at one and all.  While doing so, the unmistakable tingle of Justice's magic rippled over him, pulsing to the outer reaches of the room and settling into the stonework, nay, the very flow of existence surrounding the room.

Profuse in it's emanation, the viscous cloud that wafted atop his ebony crown in lieu of physical strands of hair burned like the refuse of an errant flame.  He turned, daring to exist as a treasured creation of unprecedented strength, heeding to his master's words.

Drawing near to her -- as he would have regardless of her gesturing; for the moth knows naught but the flame -- he took hold of the proffered parchments, turning aside only to spread several across the table before Justice.  A skilled mind pored over them as was Lord Bel's purpose in relaying them to him.

Though his eyes never strayed from the information splayed before them, his response came hard on the heel's of Justice's words.  "My Master, as you well know -- I trust no one."  They both knew it be true.  The affairs of the material planes carried no weight with him, and thus he regarded all as one, and one as all, save Justice.  "As long as I am by your side, no matter the odds, your life remains an undying star."  To her visage his gaze would leap for moment, resolute in an otherworldly zeal reserved for none but her.

Like her, he too awaited the entrance of whomsoever may desire, a finger slowly sliding across the blueprints referred to the Bronze Citadel.  It would seem more than a large portion of advice he offered previously had been taken seriously.

[Justice]

She watched as he spread the schematics across the table, and though he showed no true emotion, she knew he enjoyed looking at his work on paper. The corners of her mouth raised and a soft smile as she snuggled down and became more comfortable. Relaxing - a simple pleasure she got not too often.

“I know you do not. This, my dear, is what sets you aside from all others.” This among many things. Her family could not fathom the lives Feroz had lived through. The Archdevils he served. He was not only a hero among their kind, but a martyr many times over. To his words she would smile and nod her head.

“I am forever safe within your presence, and comfortable to boot. It’s nice to have an old friend and confidant at my side always. One thing I will never curse the name of Asmodeus for.” She caught his eyes as they swept over her and she placed her hand upon his. “Soon I may have to make choices that could very well divide this family, permanently. I would want no other at my side when I do so.”

With that, her gaze went from his to the blue prints. “Lovely work, if I do say so myself.” She nudged him playfully, and with a heavy sigh, once more became comfortable in her make shift throne. And though, her thoughts did not waiver, nor falter. There was one thing she could always hold true to. The creature before her would never be swayed by the material things of this plane.

[Akaru]

Pictures lined the walls with torches found in between. The hall held a slight omniscient glow to it as it casted shadows in various directions. Echoes of boot thuds reverberated through, giving the obviousness to the approach of someone. It was someone who took stride with an apparent agenda in mind. The weight of the concussion given by the sound made it evident that the person walking was male.   As the thuds came to a halt just outside the door to the room that Justice and her new ‘pet’ resided in, it was then evident what that agenda was.

The door to the room was not opened, the knob went untouched. It was only that a mere moment later after the sound of boot steps stopped, the form of Akaru Darkfire flashed into the room. His form came to view, first like a still frame negative, and then gained his natural composure. His eyes were set on Justice. His feet moved, carrying him in stride toward her. His complete disregard to the existence of her pet Feroz was obvious and went without saying that he could care less about the man being here. This would only take a moment of her time. In that instant, he felt the life force of Destiny fade to nothing. In his now complete lack of compassion, he was unable to muster a hint of care.

Akaru approached the desk of which Justice sat behind. He stopped, pressed both hands on the tables top and leaned in slightly. A fire burned in his icy blues as he stared at her. His actions were not of his usual show of respect out of fear for her, no, his actions were of a man who stood to be free.  “No longer shall I be your pet. No longer will my fate be decided by your lies and manipulations. This is my life I lead and I am my own. You want sexuall deviants for devils to populate your own ignorant fabricated world of supposed Darkfires, you have it. But you will have it without me, and now without Destiny as she has just died. I tell you this not out of threat, but out of warning. A war is coming to your front door, a war you or your ‘pet’ here will not be able to avoid.” He shot a cross glance at Feroz to note his lack of fear of the man.

He stood erect now and turned. Strides were again taken, this time to the door for an exit. He cared not to hear a word of what Justice had to say in reply. When he stopped at the door, his head turned slightly to the left as he looked over his shoulder. “When we cross paths again, Mother, it will not be on healthy terms.” Akaru then stepped through the door the same way that he entered. His presence then was no longer felt in the Castle. 

[Dusa Utvara Darkfire]

All things be they for ill or good must come to an end and this foolishness would find its end this day. The air would seem to grow warm as if some unseen fire had begun to grow within it, a slow cry beginning to echo from within the confines of the estate as pure demonic force found itself born into existence. Then it came like a great storm baring down on them all, with the pure resolve of one whom has simply had enough. Hellfire itself fell upon the halls and chaos ensued.  Guard after guard would find themselves propelled through the corridor by unnatural force, before being deposited in a heap upon the floor before all whom had gathered here almost as if they had been placed there to bar Akarus path.


What happened next would likely be the most bizarre feat any of them had ever witnessed. First came the cry's, unspeakable cry's of pure agony which echoed deep through the halls seeking to permeate the very souls of all whom dwelled within. Then as if it had all been some sort of twisted nightmare it stopped, only to be replaced seconds later with terrified pleas for mercy " Please my lord I.. I will do anything just... spare me" This was followed by a slow serpents hiss. " Scum like you serve the world better laying in your own blood " Then the end came a sound like a water skin being punctured with a dull object its contents spilling outward, and a long dread filled scream.


Then came the foot steps, slow ominous and forbidding, one after another as if counting down to some fabled demise until finally as if it were some climaxing moment within an occurrence of pure sexual degradation the entrance filled with pure and burning flames driving back anything in their path, yet stopping upon the apex their core parting to form a sort of passage.


What stepped through those flames, would be perhaps expected, perhaps unexpected but it meant to change the course of these events forever. He would come like the embodiment of evil clawing its way from hell, eyes trained from the entrance directly on Akaru and Justice his movements slow and graceful an almost amused look on his face this would be none other than the Overlord himself Dusa Darkfire.


He was clad in only dark silks, his black hair accented by a great red streak falling across his pale face as if they attempted to hide his crimson eyes.  Attached to his side the blade of Ayen hung menacingly awaiting the call of its master to seek the sweet taste of blood. Yet it would not find itself drawn as he halted fire withdrawing behind his form before it vanished entirely. Instead as if he were truly insane the man began to clap in the manner he might have had he just witnessed the most spectacular of shows all of this while still holding some unfortunate corpse by its intestines which he noticed a moment later with a sort of O look as if he had forgotten what he held and then dis-guarded it behind him. The sound would echo so out of place in this scene as if he had somehow meant to assault the entire meaning of the event with naught but a single and oh so simple gesture.



Then he began to laugh almost mocking the room with his insanity. " Ha hahhah  Akaru well done my brother, you indeed have shown your marvelous force of will but let me ask you this, what purpose will battling your family serve?" He turned as if taking them all in for a moment " All of you each and everyone of you have walked the wrong paths. Not one of you is anything short of fit to rule over all you see, this is your right of blood you are Darkfires. Yet I come here and I see naught but you all sitting complacently hiding within your own intrigues. Did you not learn from the mistakes of my father? Oh how pitiful he was when I destroyed him, an unworthy pile of shit " Pausing he seemed to glance around the room a smirk spreading across his face as he looked at Akaru " You have such potential and you will one day be among the most powerful of your name brother but for now allow me to light a path for you. "



That said he stepped forward with a purpose making an almost menacing bow to Justice " My Dear dear aunt it has been so long, I do hope you will forgive me "  He then took them all in with a glance but spoke to Akaru " You say your built for war, yet you would cut off your right hand before a battle " He gestured to Justice now meaningfully " This women is in her own way a credit to her name beautiful cunning, she possess all of the allure of a hypnotic serpent and with it she has taken all she has desired, though she may have strayed from the path if she is not a true Darkfire I do not know what is, to loose her now would be a grave mistake I am sure she can be forgiven for doing what is only in her nature . Be your own man brother, but do not let your pride blind you from a true advantage. "



He punctuated this by casting a side long glace at Justice, before moving back to the center of the room. "No our blood is not our enemy, those who appose our will are. We deserve to rule from the highest of status and look at what we have been reduced to, barely the status of a minor noble house with much less power pathetic." He finished his words with a note of utter disgust, before focusing on one person and one person only though his eyes bore into Justices soul his words were for everyone in attendance. " I am no fool such as my father, I will not cast out those whom would be likely my greatest assets as alleys, nor will I bring rot into my own family. You are my blood and I would lead you to greatness, so that my brother Akaru and all of our family will once again know the power we once possessed" He finished this by stepping forward and extending his pale hand to Justice " Yet I cannot do it alone I know strength when I see it and to do this I will need all of it, the true strength of every Darkfire united. Side with me and through the pits of damnation itself, I will lead us back to our true glory and all may bask in its radiance. You are all my family and for you I will bleed the blood that stands within my veins, all I ask of you is the same in return. "



He stood there his hand still extended to Justice and now she had his full attention " Come will you help me build a new empire for our family a true empire? Share  with me your strength and I shall not fail to share with you mine, but deny me and I will still see my dreams reality and when I do as will all Darkfires you will have a place in my Utopia " There was such fierce determination in his eyes, this was not the fierce young conflicted demon he had once been, forever in his fathers shadow but a true overlord who truly believed he would not falter.

[Feroz Darkfire]

"Thank you, My Master."  Though somber, his voice held a vast appreciation for her compliment.  With her nudge came his warm hand, settling on her slender shoulder as she relaxed and made herself comfortable, something she'd been hard pressed to do throughout the past few weeks.  One could only hope that she would be able to continue to do so, with a pleasant evening ahead of her.

However, 'the best laid schemes o' mice an' men, gang aft agley' -- and devils were no exception.

Thus, came her child.

Before Akaru entered, Feroz was well aware of who he was.  The Obsidian Devil had been with Justice long before Akaru was created by her hands, and was there when the sniveling whelp was touched by Asmodeus' blessing.  New pet?  The boy's ignorance was astounding, but then again, that frame of mind seemed to reign supreme in the scores of devils who could not truly call the Nine Hells home.  It seemed humans had more of an effect on these creations than even they themselves thought.  Truth could not be brought to their attention, could not liberate their minds; their ears were closed and the heart's eye followed suit.

Lifting his head, Feroz simply watched as the devil slipped through the door as though it's structure were smoke and mirrors, and marched onward to accost Justice.

He listened.  The child wanted attention while it threw a tantrum; perhaps because it wasn't given the new toy it wanted?  No matter the reason, Feroz displayed no hostility.  Akaru showed no harmful intent toward Justice -- at the moment -- so Feroz cared little for what he spoke of; war and ill tidings to the regal woman who gave him the spark of existence.  As stated, the Obsidian Devil cared nothing for the matters of these material planes.  Justice Darkfire's life was his only business here.  It was unfortunate, but it seemed Feroz was being underestimated; it was fortunate that it was a common occurrence and therefore, the Obsidian Devil was used to it.

Akaru made strides to evacuate the premises but before he could do so, another presence made itself known, bearing such a dazzling display of devilry that a human would curl up and die and a lesser devil would tremble in horror.  There were none of either of them in this room -- this was no feat bizarre enough that Justice, Feroz and surely even Akaru had never seen before.

As before, Feroz did nothing, he waited and watch, took heed and listened.  As long as Justice's well being remained without threat, there was no reason for him to stand forth.  Dusa stepped forward, entering the realm of Justice and Feroz's space, the serenity of their world and extended a hand to her.

And now there she sat, center stage, attentive eyes waiting to hear her speak.

[Justice]

It would of course seem evident to those that did not know the history of Feroz and Justice, that the scene upon entering was almost intimate. In fact, that was not the case. Years upon years they spent together within the Nine. Friends, and only just that. Although the thought that those around them misread their energy was laughable at best.

She felt his anger before he flashed into the room as if he were a magician. He spouted his dialog uninterrupted. In fact, all she had to offer him was a matter-of-fact half smile. She was not as ignorant as he assumed. She did note one thing, his lack on knowledge on what he spoke. Never did she see him as her pet, but her perfect creation. A name he failed to live up to on this day.

As quickly as he came, he left, and with a raised brow, she glanced at Feroz. A shrug before she went back to looking over the schematics sent to Feroz. What came to pass next was something that words eluded her. There was no spectacular feat in her eyes, just annoying noises and  nuisance.

The self proclaimed Overlord has arrived. A smirk stole her features as she tossed a glance to Feroz. Her words silent, sent directly to him and him alone. Dusa however, picked up almost where she left off. And when his words ceased, finally....she offered her own.

“First, and foremost, allow me to enlighten you on a few things. You see, it seems you have been ill informed.” She did not stand, or offer greeting. She had had her fill of this game. “The toy swords you and your brother carry so proudly have no effect in this plane. This is not your fathers realm, this is not the land in which they were born. This is my land, a gift blessed upon me from Asmodeus.”

“Second, do not speak of me as if I am not before you. Not only is it rude, but it makes you scream of ignorance. My path is straight, set before me from our God himself.” He locked his eyes to hers, and for what? Soul searching? He would be disappointed in his quest.

“If you wish to be lead into greatness, join the ranks. I stand under no one other then Asmodeus. All have been given tasks they were all unable to fulfill. The failure my dear, is not the woman before you, but the wolves that run from the sheep.”

“Upon your fathers land you may have been Overlord, but here I am Queen. I will however agree on a few of your points.”A surprise, perhaps, but through his babble she noted a few components of importance. “I cannot do it alone, and thus far the creations that have come to me are unable to perform the simplest of tasks. I need strong leaders, fearless warriors, which they all proclaim to be, but can show no proof. Rest assure of one thing though, it is not your utopia I seek, nor will it ever be. Such blasphemous words against the unprecedented ruler of the Nine? You should be ashamed.”

Her words were hissed through gritted teeth. It would seem they all had forgotten who they were and where they came from. “So the question is, will you join me, and bring this family not only back to its glory, but to the truth that is written within its history?” She glanced at his hand that now violated the space set out by Feroz, only to return her gaze back to his own.

[Akaru]

Silence was the sound while darkness enveloped the senses. Motion was halted as confusion to this set in temporarily. “What is this?” He thought to himself. Akaru’s departure was interrupted. But, who was responsible for it? In this state he could tell nothing for certain. When sight returned, it would be that of the door to the room, on the inside, that he seen. His eyelids fluttered slightly as he realized what had happened. He turned around to reveal to himself who it was who kept him from leaving. The sight was that of Dusa Utvara Darkfire. “Why?” He kept his thoughts separate from being heard by others.

It must have been that Dusa followed Akaru’s energy trail to this room and entered just as he was trying to phase out. At this moment, there was an interruption placed upon Akaru leaving. The thought that Akaru had really left was plausible by the fact of being in a sort of limbo. His energy at this point was just as faint as his appearance, which is till his physical self re-manifested.  Dusa spoke as Akaru stood there listening. He described plausible things and pointed out a few flaws in Akaru’s actions. He agreed.

Indeed, Akaru had been harsh and out of place in his actions lately. It would be evident that nothing outside the room was related with that which took place inside the room. However, upon Dusa’s entrance, he might have been able to catch a little reverberation of Akaru’s words as they echoed off the walls. He watched with an almost humorous look in his visage. Dusa’s hand was extended now, an offer of alliance of the sorts. Something Akaru wasn’t sure that Justice would go for at all.

Her reply fell to the levels of atonement that Akaru thought it would. She took Dusa’s offer of alliance as if he wanted her to fall under his command. To be honest, Akaru got that perception as well. He thought himself that it would have been better to ask her to stand alongside him instead of requesting her to stand under him. Justice was strong willed and probably would never go for that. As she herself stated, Dusa is the Overlord of the Darkfires in his father’s realm. Here, it was a different world. One ruled by the iron thumb of a Queen, a Queen named Justice who stood down for no one.

Akaru, though completely lacking compassion, felt he had dishonored his stand point with his mother. The words he said to her moments ago, placing a promise of unhealthy terms upon their next meet. Days before he had vowed to protect her at any cost, this day he broke that vow. Akaru noticed that sometimes when he opened his mouth, he made a fool of himself. At that point, he took an instant oath to never again loose his tongue. This oath was one of silence.

[Dusa Utvara Darkfire]

He shook his head as he listened to her speak he had expected nothing less. He had crossed paths with Justice many times.  Yet each time bore something new. He knew one thing every time he was around her she had accumulated another male admirer. Yet she had traits he had to value they were traits many of his blood now lacked thought they were once so common of his family.  He eyed the one who had stood silently the entire time. He wasn't sure if he should kill him for insolence or laugh.  He guessed he had some sort of anti social disorder he reminded him of another head once met in her presence completely focused on her well being. He supposed a bodyguard who did his job well was the best kind.

Yet he stopped his pondering a moment later gesturing to Akaru " she will not bend to my leadership as I suspected brother" He looked at her a moment more seeming far off almost thoughtful before he spoke. " Your a tribute to our blood my aunt a shame you will not join me but you know I cannot accept anything but the title of supreme overlord. " He said it as a simple statement of fact.

He then turned to the silent one with a look in his eyes like he meant to speak. " Mind that your silence is not misread as insult my friend she scurries amongst the wrong crowd at times it would be a shame if one of them saw you have an accident" There was no threat in it it was advice. Yet suddenly he froze mid step he could almost feel it. The disturbance created when one traveled through the fold. Yes he was coming there was no mistaking this mass of souls the disturbance was undeniably the one he had worried would come all along.


Making a swift bow he turned and made toward the door looking over his shoulder as he did. " Mind your shadow my aunt for I think it is about to knock on your door "  Then again he doubted she would need to be told that if he felt it so must she have. 

[Feroz Darkfire]

It seemed that, to the trio of male devils in the room, Justice had responded exactly as was thought she would.  Feroz expected nothing less, Dusa expected nothing more, and Akaru knew just what was coming.  To that end, the entire conversation was devoid of point or purpose; if they already knew how Justice would respond, then why come and waste both breath and time presenting such an offer?  A most curious decision indeed.

She spoke first of the Blade(s) of Ayenee [not blades of Ayen; Ayen was the capital city of Ayenee at one point and has no blades of mention], a subject they'd already discussed.  Though undeniably a blade of power, the mystic influence they reverberated in the home of their legend, carried no weight in this realm.  Sad, but so.

And so, on her words drifted, splitting the fragile foundations of the offer laid before her and clearly marking what was to be and what would not come to pass.

It was a shame that Feroz bore no ability to read the thoughts and hearts of those in his presence; a most useful ability it would have been.  For instance, if he'd known Dusa thought he was a new male admirer, he would've laughed outright.  On the other hand, most Darkfires -- or even other devils knew very little of he and Justice's history, therefore assumptions were often drawn that were far off the mark.  If Feroz had also known, that Dusa was contemplating the choice to kill him or to laugh, he would have thought, once again, that he was being underestimated.  Woe to the devil that made the wrong decision.  ...truly unfortunate that he could not know these things and thus, could not respond as so.

However, Dusa did see fit to lend his sage advice to the Obsidian Devil.  The flashy devil reminded Feroz of Solaris; a supreme ruler and almighty powerful devil, insulted by the silence of a lowly devil who stood back respectfully and kept his tongue still.  Why would a mere bodyguard speak in the presence of one such as a great overlord?  Would it not be rude to do so?  ...Yet, on these planes, it seemed that was taken as offense.

And with that threat; that was not a threat, but a sliver of warning with a dash of advice, Dusa made haste for the door with only Feroz's silence lingering.  There was no need to return words.  Nothing had changed, it was always as it had been.  With Justice's life in his hands, Feroz feared no one, and trusted no one.  Foes far more powerful than he, sought to erase his presence and failed.  The Obsidian devil cared not -- let them come.

If -- IF -- they had the will and their hearts were not shaken.

Within her mind his words resonated.  "Master?" The question was clear; what would their next move be.

[Justice]

At first her eyes befell Akaru. There was so much potential, so much time to mold the perfect being he was. She merely shook her head, there would be a time and a place for them to exchange more words, but for now, other things were in motion.

A nod she offered to Dusa. His words were his, and only his. In his land he could be whatever he desired, in hers though, he would be no better, no less then the rest. And as of now, the rest was spread out, building their kingdoms, least, that’s what they should be doing. “Have a safe journey.” Her words were honest, true. She wished no harm to come to him, only that he would see the lies that filled his head at the hands of her brother.

And then she felt it. The being that Dusa had spoken of, and more then likely the reason he left. She raised a brow slightly, and passed her gaze now to Feroz who spoke. “Our path here has not ended. Shortly we will be heading to those that summon me, as of now, the pair are at least entertained. "

A half smile perked the corner of her mouth. She had felt him when he entered her world, only now he was close, very close. “We have more company dear Feroz. And this time, it should be interesting.” She wasn’t sure if she had shared the story with Feroz, but knew he was aware, everyone was aware of the day the Queen sold herself in a deal, a deal she twisted herself out of due to unforseen happenings.

[Zetsumei Surudoi]

The wind wound itself through the surrounding lands echoing with a sense of sorrow and yet purpose, and in the distance he stood staring ahead as if his every thought were some how carried away on that wind.  Yet with the absence of his current thoughts came others of a far older nature, or was it perhaps just the air of his land dredging it up. He remembered how she had looked once, he had rescued her from a situation and she had been resting in his hide away, how beautiful she had looked so peaceful far from the manipulations and her duty. This was how his heart remembered her and he could not let it go, his sleeping goddess the one he would lay down his very life to protect. He had never felt like that for anyone but in that moment she had become his world. Yet his world had shattered, and this his downward spiral had begun an inner war which had very nearly brought him to his demise.



Now as he stood today that war was only partly behind him. He had been cast aside and yet these feelings still lingered. He had even managed to regain some amount of the humanity he had lost, but it was to no avail the pain the heartache they lingered on within his soul like an ocean vast and wide a divide within him he could never hope to fill. Was this what the term heart broken was spoken in mention to, this hollow ache?  Yet in spite of all of this there was no choice for him but to come. Should anything happen to her, he would have been forced to kill anyone whom had even so much had lain eyes upon it and not stopped it.  That and he was certain though Dusa's words were always laced with silver, his actions hidden behind a guise of ignorant arrogance, he meant her no good will.



When he came there would be no flashy entrance for this man who was but a memory of the past. No herald of chaos, only a silence which seemed to settle upon all.  His appearance was made much like the wind he so loved to lose himself upon silent and gracefully. He approached the estates soundlessly making his way through the havoc the accursed demon  had strewn all about his body hidden in a great black jacket and hood which covered his body down to his feet, the hood pulled up over his face.  


He entered the room with a certain style to his walking which almost made him seem a cat stalking upon and open court guard glancing down at the atrocities the demon had left to mar the place what a mess indeed. He did not even look up for a moment nor did he remove his hood. Yet he seemed to freeze. The mere sight of her with another protector at her side, even perhaps a lover it stung at him in a way he could not identify pulling forth a deep inner rage which flared in his mind for the faintest of seconds before he vanished it. Jealousy was not fitting for him and it would not keep her safe.


Instead when he spoke it was not with an introduction but a simple question " Are you unharmed? " He couldn't think of anything else to say so knotted were his insides with his turmoil. Yet all the while he maintained his guise of deadly composure. He could not be sure of his welcome here nor could he be sure Dusa or his cronies were not returning. He would have to be on his guard. Yet how was one to remain sharp as the keenest edge with such insanity ripping them apart on the inside, it would almost have been better to become the demon than live with this, this endless sorrow for which he could find no cure. He wondered would she still read him with those eyes like no other, or would she simply greet him with the coldness with which one would greet a cast aside tool should someone return it to them from the trash.

[Justice]

It was first his broken heart that filtered through her mind. Time healed all? Hardly. It almost struck her odd, all they had been through, harsh words exchanged that he would even consider her a friend, let alone much more. As nearer he drew, the more she picked up on him. His journey was a short one as soon he was within the very same room with her. His voice was feeble, yet heartfelt. What little bit of humanity she had within her, ached for him.

“Indeed I am. You?” It made her smile, his still apparent concern for her. His first words in fact, wondering about her well being. She would be unseen by him, that was until she stood from her sitting place and turned toward him. Her mocha hues searched his feverishly. He was not well, so to speak. His mind in turmoil over what? Her? Still?

She moved toward him, her hand extended. He was, of course, welcomed here. There were things between the two of them that man nor beast could not take from either of them. Things she would never forget no matter what happened in either of their lives.

Would he take her hand? Even as she got closer to him, she left it extended. Almost yearning to feel his touch, something she knew she be forbidden by her, but after all, when did she ever play by anyones rules? “Come, make yourself at home.” She was somber, informal. They were past formalities.

[Zetsumei Surudoi]

He took it bowing almost stoically as he did kissing her hand. " I am .." he seemed to hesitate as if he wasn't sure what to say. " alive" That was as much as he could manage in the manner of thought on that. His hood fell back slowly his eyes meeting hers. His face was human once more obviously and his eyes held a certain hint of what they had once held quiet wisdom but  it was pushed aside  almost as if it struggled to shine through, like something held it back enchained.  How long had it been since he had felt her touch, her scent nearly drove him mad even from this distance. His mind was in chaos.


He had come here intent on protecting her, and with the reason to do so removed from the equation he wasn't sure what he had come for. Had he expected to find the soul he had left behind? Perhaps the tattered bits and pieces of his existence?  How could  he have been so foolish, yet here he stood staring down the only thing he had ever run from in his life.  He had never felt much in the way of pain save for when he lost his sister. She had been his only friend in life, and it had ripped him apart in fact it was the reason for his curse.

This though this had been different. He almost felt as if to not be were she was could cause him more pain than all the fires of hell. When he was away he yearned to return, yet when he did he never found anything but the cold remains of something that might of been. Yet still he always returned, did his mind think somewhere deep down it would be different? This time she would see the pain in his heart, this time she would come back to him? How foolish he had become.

His life was nothing and yet he refused to let go, of his endless journey looking for something he would never have again. Like someone who has seen through the door to a land of perfection and then seen it vanish before they could step through, he craved what he had once had a chance at, and he spent his life lamenting its loss yes how pathetic. The entire thing was so awkward but finally he found a chair and managed to sit. He had not thought this day would turn out like this, and now for once he was not sure what to do.

[Feroz Darkfire]

Leaving Justice to reminince with what seemed to be an old friend, Feroz took his leave.  Though absent, she would remain under his protection and thus, he had no fear for her safety.

[Exit.]