Fantasy The Dying World Beneath (IC)

[Daniel Reaving]

Ariella

Ariella was relieved to say the least as the man came to aid her soldier. Watching closely as he used the magic of there world to heal her soldier she couldn't help but smile softly at the angel as he aided her men though the smile turned to a frown as her thoughts turned to those left behind. Hearing him speak to her of seeing if she would stay she gave him a soft smile and nodded as she stood up. "Yes I will stay. We travel to meet others and share our knowledge with those who deserve it so that we may open relationships with others. We have come across many world strewn into chaos and have helped, though others where far to gone to be saved so we cleansed them. I like to think of my people as peace keepers. It is only right that we aid in the saving of this world." She said softly before again a small frown came over her face and she looked back to the hole leading down to the battlefield. Then she looked back to him. "Excuse me a minuet but I must do something. You are welcomed to join me if you'd like." She said softly to him as she made her way to her ship which was already being set up as a small Head Quarters. Men moved all around bringing things off the ship by way of a massive ramp on its Starboard side, two guards stood at the end of it on the ground on either side of the ramp each holding a skeletal shield and long spear. As Ariella walked up they boded there heads to her and she returned the bow. If the angel did follow the guards would block him from coming on board but notify him that she would be back out in a minuet. Soon Ariella did come back out though not in her armor. She exited the captains quarters in an elegant but revealing attire (The clothes in her appearance photo) her hair now done up in a pretty fashion. Quickly she made her way down the ramp. Giving another bow of the head to her soldiers. Looking to the angel once more she once again sent him a thankful smile. Then she turned to the hole once more and again the look of sadness came over her face. Slowly she walked to the edge of the hole. Once she got to it she got down on her knees, sitting gently on them she stared down to the chaos below. Slowly the frown only grew as she gently brought her hands to her chest and closed her eyes. "Vahil, Stahdim monah avok. Aak un mahlaan, Drun niin kotin krahus kun ahrk brud niin hofkiin. Wah til wivas, til monah, ahrk til kiir. Lif niin ko faad do til ragnavir wah jaaril til hofkiin." She spoke softly and gently. Taking a deep breath she repeated the words then repeated the process two more times before she rested her hands in her lap and opened her eyes once more to look down at the battle once again.
DergTheDergon​

 

[DergTheDergon]

Whilst gazing at Virel’s genuinely pain-stricken from, the conflict within the wrathhand towering before her grew fiercer still every moment. One side of his mind was screaming at him to go not further with this, to don the gauntlet once more and continue where he’d left off. It implored him to realize that this was all a trick, that Viriel was the last being he should ever be giving the concessions he’d already given her, nonetheless do something so risky as to attempt the Binding despite her being a lust Demon. However, despite the thoughts of this nature that ran rampant through his mind, Tyrellius’ sense of mercy for the weak was being tested and drawn out very masterfully right now. He knew all too well that Viriel wasn’t weak nor dull; that if he caved and removed the chains as she wanted, she may very well be able to somehow manipulate him despite the Binding, albeit indirectly.

Again, despite this and all the other reasons he had not to do this, he was utterly sick and tired of causing suffering. Demon or no, he couldn’t stomach one more broken soul at his feet… at an Angel’s feet, and one who has served his Lord for many thousands of years, no less. He was supposed to be a being of kindness and light, yet he inflicted so much pain and death unto living beings. He no longer felt as if it was justified for him to kill, when killing any other being would’ve garunteed his fall. After all, from what he knew, a Hellhound and a Lilin were both confirmed to be fighting against the forces of Hell. So… were they really innately evil? Was it truly a certainty that this Succubus, despite her reputation, was truly trying to trick him? It may have simply been his fading determination to do what he was created for, but despite years of experience dealing with Demons and their tricky ways, he wasn’t so confident that she wasn’t being genuine. All these dark, confused thoughts ruled his mind with an iron fist, only growing stronger as she flinched away from his hand at first, only to move her head towards his hand. Noticing this, he began channelling the Binding ritual, his eyes glowing and his body giving off a feint holy energy. Through all of her pain, however, she may not have even felt it.

Once his skin touched hers, just as he was cautioned about many times by God himself, something in him changed along with Viriel’s powers being sealed until he will her to use them. He was not corrupted now, not exactly; the morals that held him duty-bound as an angel, though conflicted with others as they were, still remained. However, a part of him awoke that he never knew he had as thier skin met, and it was immesurably strong. Suddenly, he desired her, wanted her. He took upon himself an attribute of the very being he had been duty-bound to keep isolated and void of influence in heaven until he gained the information he wanted from her; now, that was behind him.

His eyes were wide for just a moment as he realized this, only for the “oh no” moment to fade in favor of a deep, afffectionate gaze. It had become unclear who had trapped who, but in reality, perhaps they’d trapped each other near-equally. Regardless, his mind was, at this moment, blank other than the feelings he held towards Viriel, minus the hatred he’d always held for her kind. Pity, gilt, confusion, and something bordering on fondness, to be exact. It was clear in his eyes. Trepidation began to manifest along with these feelings once he’d realized they’d taken hold of him, fear joining the empathy and kindness in his eyes. He was shaking, especially as Virel strained against the chains in such anguish.

However, taking note of this, he supressed the feelings as best as he could so that he could still remain focused. With all the leeway he was about to give her, his job of keeping her in here and getting vital information out of her, which he was still adamant on completing, had become even more important. If he gave her much more leash at all, so to speak, it would be far too easy for her to escape, or worse. Still, she’d convinced him quite thoroughly to remove his armor and her chains by now. Sighing heavily, and looking down for a moment, fists clenching. God sees all… what was he thinking as he looked upon Tyrellius now? The Wrathhand shudderered at the thought. Still, finally, he ended up caving one hundred percent just a moment later.

“Very well…” he said, masking his deep empathy for her as much as he could. “Just be wary of using your powers… I am still duy-bound to never let harm come to innocents in any way. I cannot release you from this prison at all, unless you give us vital information and it is confirmed to be true, and should you try anything I can now hurt you more than even before. There will simply be a lack of constant pain, and the ability to move freely… but only within this cell, for now.”

Then,he found himself slowly reaching behind his back and unfastening the bindings of his golden chestpiece, even though just a moment ago, he had told himself he wouldn’t do just that. Viriel had made it clear that she genuinely craved the comfort of someone else, and after seeing her in so much pain, a part of him deeply wanted to give that to her. The part of him Viriel had unknowingly just awakened, the inherent human nature present in even all angels to a degree, wanted it for itself as well. The thoughts running through his mind at this moment were quite sinful, adn he knew that… but right now, he was too muddled to feel a repulson against these thoughts, they simply running wild as his eyes wandered over Viriel’s body in a way she was certainly quite used to indeed.

Once his armor had been doffed, his underclothes were revealed, a simple shirt and trousers. He was qite reluctant to take off his other gauntlet, but did so after reminding himself that he could always hold her back with his newly-established mental connection to her if she tried to take advantage of this situation in the dastardly ways he knew she could.

Finally, all that was left was to remove her chains. Before he did so, however, he looked deeply into her eyes. There was both sternness and softness of a similar intensity within them, but he only let the former be heard in his voice as he spoke. “Remember what I said… if you take drastic measures because you see an opening, I wll be forced to do the same.”

With that, he muttered a small incantation that left her bindings removed. With tha,t he stood before her, tense and fiercely observant, but a little more comfortable now that he was no longer causing another great pain. He couldn’t help but notice, as well, how truly beautiful her from was…. His eyes wandered over her more hungrily then before, her touch having clearly awakened in him that which reflected her nature.

Noticing what he was doing, he blushed slightly and forced himself to meet her eyes and keep his own blue orbs from wandering from there. “Now that the pain is gone, I implore you… tell me where Hell is. Tell me everything you know of Aeshma and his forces. If our scouts go to test out these facts and find them true… I may be able to let you free of this cell, though not from my sight. Understood?”

Daniel Reaving (side note: I want to keep a lot of the things Viriel would know a secret from ya’ll, if you do decide to have her tell him. If not, I’ll find other ways to work towards revealing these things ;3. Just say she revealed the truth to him if you think she’d do that. Anything else is fair game though ;333)

 

[Daniel Reaving]

Viriel

It was easy to know when he had lost to her. As he spoke she stared up at him with thankfulness as a small smile grew to her lips. Watching him remove his chest piece she couldn't help but look him over. Biting her bottom lip just slightly, Though she knew she had to keep in character, at least for now. Hearing his words she nodded to him. "Ill do all that you ask just please. Make it stop?" She asked once more though she already knew he was gonna make her wishes com true. Watching as he removed his other gauntlet leaving him completely armor less her powers started to fill up once again and it showed as the scorch mark on her forehead began to heal up a little quicker. With this she also had a clearer picture into his mind due to there mental link, she could see everything he wanted to do to her, all the thoughts running through his head that were of her. Before she could only see the dirty ones but now with the link she could see any thought that was directed at her. She couldn't help but blush just slightly as she saw how he wanted to be th person to show her something other than pain. It honestly amazed her. Sure she had seduced angels before, made them fall to there knee and beg her to take them as her slaves.

But he was different. His feeling seemed to sprout less from her seduction and more from something else. Grant it she wasn't complaining at all, If she played her cards right she would soon have an angel as her personal servant but still it fascinated her. Keeping her thoughts to her self as he stared into her eyes and told her to remember his words she eagerly nodded to him with a small smile. "I promise." She stated almost immediately. Then with a small incantation the chains dropped off her body and to the floor with a loud clanging sound. Taking a second Viriel glanced back at her wrists. The chains where indeed gone, leaving behind rather bad looking wounds on her wrists but she didn't care about that right now. The tears started to flow again as she looked back to him with an utterly thankful smile. As he spoke to her of telling him what she knew she nodded softly. Having noticed his blush she knew he had been staring and honestly found it cute. When he was done she let a second or two pass. Then she lunged at him. Grabbing him by the collar of the shirt she tore him down to her and as he fell forward onto her. She kissed him, Closing her eyes as she fell back wards with her lips pressed against his they soon found themselves on the floor. Gently Viriel slid her arms around his neck, holding onto him lovingly as gravity pressed him down onto her.

After a minuet of kissing him Viriel slowly broke the contact of there lips but didn't let go of him. Keeping his face within few inches of hers she sent him a sweet soft smile. "Alright ill tell you." She said as she gently removed her arms from around his neck and placed her hands against his chest. Gently she pushed him up and made him sit on the floor before she crawled into his lap, Siting side ways in his lap she then nuzzled her nose into his neck. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder before she spoke "I know your not gonna be happy with what I say but there is one thing of great importance you need to know. Any way to get in you cant do it without me and I cant do it while in here and you're scouts cant test anything without being killed. Aeshma set our armies up in a specific way, The only lesser demons who can open portals to and from hell are known as casters, and they are very very weak creatures. Made so that they cant be captured and used against us. The only others who can open portals to and from hell are being like me, Lords of hell and Aeshma himself. If you want in your gonna need me." She said softly to him taking in a deep breath as she looked at her wrists. She then proceeded to tell him anything else he wanted to know. What was true or not he wouldn't know and she did. Though one thing was common in her explanations. There gonna have a really hard ass possibly impossible time getting there if they don't release her.

Once she was done telling him all he wanted to know she looked up to him. The look she gave him was soft, full of gratitude and comfort. Having locked eyes with him for a couple seconds she maneuvered her self into a straddling position on him. Looking deep into his eyes as she sat on him she leaned in and hugged him tightly. Pressing her body to his as she held on. Honestly that's all she wanted to do right now. She just wanted to rest like this, rest while sitting like this with him. If she had to be honest with herself the warmth his body gave off was comforting, Was this feeling of comfort what it was like for normal people to sit in gods light? And if it was, Why was is such a simple feeling? Either way she knew one of a couple things where about to happen, either he believed every word she said and had enough faith in her that he would let her out with him, Two he would be skeptical and she would have to convince him some more before he believed her. Three He would have believed an ounce she said and leave her in the cell alone once more. Or four he would pay attention and just sit with her. One thing was for sure though and that was she didn't know what he was gonna do, She just hopped it would be in her favor.​

 

[Rustic]

Chase wasn't concerned, or even very surprised, with the tense initial start Beckah gave to their conversation. That was a hunter for you. He was, however, a bit surprised to see things shifted. She suddenly started... laughing? He tried to keep a pleasant expression, but he tensed up ever so slightly as she did, and his canine ears obliviously flicked in discomfort. He wasn't really sure how to take it. Thankfully, though, he didn't have to wonder long; once she kindly made a point of clarifying her feelings, he relaxed again, happy to hear it. She even took him up on his offer of a handshake, too! How sweet. He still couldn't say he was feeling too great, but his smile widened a bit at her kindness, his natural optimism kicking in despite himself. Which was good, because he needed a few happy thoughts once she made mention of his tail. His face fell a bit just from the reminder, but he quickly recomposed, not so willing to give up his attempt at raising his spirits just from a stray comment. He decided just to nod emphatically to her comment regarding how good a disguise it was, and to just... push his complaints about it to the side a moment.

Easy enough, considering he'd asked her something else, technically. He hadn't really been expecting a full-fledged answer, but surely enough, she had something with her and everything. Pretty cool! Nobody ever gave him mission stuff... but then, he'd probably just lose it if they did. He was almost curious enough about whatever she had with her to try and get a little closer to read it, but he resisted the urge in knowing she was about to tell him anyway. However, when she does come out with it, it's not exactly what he expected to hear. "Oooooh..." he started to trail out after she said Caroline's name. He... hadn't known Caroline was leaving. He couldn't say it bothered him so much - it was actually a bit of a relief to him, everything considering - but it still felt really bad to be finding out like this. Especially when he'd left her so suddenly before. That was kind of awkward, but... knowing Beckah was probably looking for some signs that this wasn't a problem, he put his palms up in front of himself and waved them nonchalantly.

"Yeah, no! No problem!" he said quickly, trying to assure her. Even in the light of his previously ambiguous response. It might've been hard for her to know if he was sincere in saying it for that reason, but knowing that fact, and wanting to make up for it, he changed pace a little bit. He pointed to the weapon strapped at her side.

"You have that sword, so you stab stuff like she did, right?" he asked rhetorically. "That's just what we needed!" And it's clear he means it this time, too, since his hands raised up again and clenched up in an adoring, genuinely excited way. Which matched his similarly eager voice. Indeed, even when his hands more calmly fell back down to his sides, he was noticeably more cheery than before.

"I can't wait to see how you'll do," he added with a fond sigh. Though, once he did, he seemed to flinch a little, as the thought reminded of the angels still crowding around, with who he was still considerably less pleased with. It really would've been just the thing he needed to to see her fancy weapon in action right now, but unfortunately, that had to wait. Which he thought was a shame, considering, if the two of them had been allowed to try and gut these angel guys, Chase would at least get a chance to see an expression on their faces that wasn't so anemic. Ah, well. In any event, he took only a few moments to oddly and distantly gaze in the angels' direction before turning back to her alertly, vaguely aware she'd responded in the affirmative. And, though he'd barely caught that reply, his eyes brightened again as he processed it.

"Ah, cool!" he cheered, giving a big smile. "Let's get to it, then!" Without another word, he suddenly rushed on ahead and off towards the direction the angel's were wanting them to head towards, the hotel. At first completely regardless of her own pace, but once he ran for a few seconds, he promptly stopped and his tracks to look back and allow her a chance to catch up with him. And, after that, it seemed to be fine. He patiently took up a stride that matched her own, all the while letting his long, white sleeves billow in the slight wind. It might've seemed, for a moment, that he had nothing else to add, and they might be walking in silence for the duration of their trip, but once they two of them reached what he thought was a sufficient distance away from the angels, and it at least appeared they wouldn't be following, he gritted his teeth a little, and looked over to her in slight exasperation.

"So really I kinda wanted to get up to something here," he admitted, "but, oh well..." A job was a job, he supposed. Just because they were in a cool new place, it didn't mean they got to enjoy it. Boringly enough. Straight to bed just to wake up in another few hours and be shoved somewhere else. It made him run a nailed hand carefully through his hair in thought, before he looked over to her with another sort of appraising look.

"Hey..." he said slowly. "You seem like a nice enough lady. Can I ask you something real quick?"

"You're... okay up here?" he asked. "With all these... y'know?" He made a small, wiggling gesture with his fingers that seemed to suggest what he didn't say, which was, of course, 'supernaturals'. He was getting kind of tired of referring to them out loud, honestly. Forced him to think about them. And it wasn't only them that was bothering him, unfortunately... "The angels, too?" he admitted a little more quietly, giving her a guarded look as they walked together. "Is it weird they give me the creeps?"

Halexia

 

[DergTheDergon]

Tyrellius couldn’t help but notice the way her eyes scanned over him as he worked to remove the things that pained her from his own body as well as hers. Her expression was difficult to read, but knowing her kind, he knew the sorts of thoughts that were likely running through her head. He felt a shiver at thinking this; a shiver of both fear and anticipation, in truth. The former was derived from who he was, and the latter, from what he’d become upon simply touching Viriel’s darkness-tainted, naturally tempting flesh. Part of him knew that it wasn’t all manipulation, either.As his mind showed her, he was tired of causing so much suffering, and longed for the opposite; to give someone his unconditional, and complete affection. This was why he played so easily, and knowingly, into Viriel’s hands. He nodded solemnly as she begged him to make it stop, already having begun that course of action. He unfastened her chains as he whispered, in a tone rife with both utter defeat and pure, unbridled kindness, “do not worry… these chains shall hurt you no longer.” He found himself then casting them to the ground with a fair amount of disgust, once he freed her from them.

He felt that, perhaps, though it may have simply been wishful thinking, that a part of her didn’t wish to manipulate him and instead simply allow him to show her the kindness he so desired to prove to himself that he could show anyone at all; perhaps, she even wished to reciprocate it, somewhere within her, and over time, he could reform the Demoness in a way. This was his hope, anyway, during the time of great weakness he was currently experiencing. Besides, in all honesty, he’d felt attracted to her the moment he’d first laid eyes on her. Such was a succubus’ allure, he was aware, and he was also aware that she could not have earned her rank for no reason. Yet, as Viriel blushed, this unexpectedly innocent expression from her causing his eyes to widen, he found himself only sinking deeper into his growing attraction to her; her reddened cheeks gave him further hope that he could perhaps transform her , turn her to the light, at least somewhat.

He felt her dark energy permeating the room once more after her bindings had fallen from her, however he found himself unafraid. He could feel, due to this bond among the want to control him, to make her hers, that she genuinely did feel an attraction to him, although it was likely purely of a primal nature. He also felt genuine gratefulness for relieving her pain, and a fondness of the idea of being treated gently, nothing like how anyone could imagine Aeshma treated her. Her genuine response, her promise to do as he had bid her to, caused a warmth to spread over him. He was falling for a succubus, but strangely enough, each moment he spent with her made the angst he felt when thoughts reminded him of this dissipate in favor of further fondness for her. That thankful smile of hers, seeing the pain no longer on her face even as she inspected the wounds her captivity had given her, served only to expedite this process that was occurring in his mind regarding her.

When Virel suddenly threw her weight towards him, his first instinct was to attempt push himself up and away from her- yet, the moment he felt the contact itself, he ceased in resisting, relaxing his body whilst a surprised, muffled gasp left his mouth once it had met hers. He had never in his life kissed another; such actions were forbidden among angels as it is said that once one gives into feelings of attraction to another in any way, one is no longer an angel. At this moment, however, no thoughts, not even those, colored his mind; he found himself diving headfirst into the moment; into the bliss he now felt, his eyes closed and his body tingling as he found himself kissing her back, propping himself up on his arms so as not to cause her even a modicum of discomfort. She’d certainly had enough of that for a while, one could imagine.

Once she’d separated her lips from his, he found himself staring into her eyes, dumfounded, his heart beating, he still and relaxed. It was difficult to think of anything besides what her warmth felt like, how she smelled, how her lips had tasted. He nodded in assent when she said she’d tell him, and began to listen.

A frown began to grace his features as she elaborated on for whom the gates of Hell opened, when speaking of the living anyway. He had to admit, the strict lockdown she was describing made sense, or God would have likely been able to quell the uprising of Hell. Either way, Tyrellius had no true way of knowing if or not what she said was true. Her words may simply be an elaborate ruse to get him to let her go, or bend to her will in some other way. Now, howeve,r what choice did he have? He’d come this far.

There was one saving grace should he decide to trust her words, at least. Even if she were doing this solely to escape from him entirely, which he was not going to allow her to do of course, their bond allowed him to know where she was at all times, and it also prevented her from taking lethal action against him and anyone else he deemed as a friendly target. With this in mind, an idea then popped into his head. What if he simply escaped with her and did a bit of recon that way, trying to convince her all the while to turn from hell and help his cause? He would surely be cast from heaven soon anyway, having willingly accepted her kiss and embrace. God already knew, of course, but he was not one to directly intervene in anything that occurred of this nature anymore, unless it affected the entire Earth lie the uprising of Hell that was occurring was currently beginning to do. So… more or less, this was likely the best course of action the Wrathand could take right now; if not the only one he could see that could prove fruitful in a positive way.

He slimed a bit as he answered the rest of her questions. She told him of Hell’s infinite legions, and that the only way the tide could be stemmed was to take all of the highest ranking Demons out of the action. They already had Viriel in no position to serve Aeshma, which Tyrellius took as a good sign as long as he could keep at least a bit of control over her. The biggest threat was Aeshma, and then there were others. There was Orthrus’ Brother, Cerberus, the Guardian of Hell who would likely participate in the battles over the largest human cities on earth’s surface, but likely nowhere in Deepvale. There was also Cerus, a Fallen Angel that had been with Lucifer since he was cast out of Heaven; Cerus was Satan’s left hand, whilst Aeshma was his right. The fallen normally acted as an Assassin of sorts, notorious for stealthily killing many of God’s most powerful Angels in past confrontations single-handedly. He may end up going for some of the Supernaturals or Humans on Heaven’s side if they proved meddlesome enough, and Vireiel would likely know that the Dragon Xaira would likely already have a mark on her head for her instrumental role, as well as her Lilin companion. Orthrus would certainly have one on him as well, by demands of Aeshma. He didn’t like his prey getting away, as one would imagine. These were Lucifer’s top forces, and if they were eliminated, Earth would have the best chance of surviving the invasion.

The look she gave him after she was finished telling him all of this vital information distracted him from his frustrations surrounding the matter, if only briefly. He smiled back, even though he knew he’d never be welcome in heaven again, and everything was about to change. He wouldn’t even be able to relay Viriel’s information, as any other Angel who saw him now would know, at a glance, that he had had contact with Viriel. The influence of such a powerful Demon could be sense easily by any other Angel in Heaven. He knew what he must do... and as she embraced him, the thought only solidified in his mind as he wrapped his arms about her gently, hesitantly, yet relaxed as he found himself reveling in the feeling of being close to her. He was beginning to understand the near-irresistible allure of a Lust Demon once

they set their sights on you. In his moment, however, this realization held no fear; instead, it only held pure bliss. He was already falling for her more every moment…

He simply held her silently for a good while, closing his eyes and reveling in the feeling. Afterwards, he finally opened his mouth to speak once more.

“Thank you, Viriel… .your information is very useful. If what you say about the gates of Hell is true, then I see but one viable option for you now… for us. We escape, together, and we go looking for an entrance to Hell that is unguarded. Keep in mind, as long as I am alive, you cannot return to your old life, and you cannot kill me. The bond I established between us ensures this. However, I promise that I will never hurt or betray you, despite the power I have over you, though I will certainly use it if I feel you are trying to escape or do anything rash. Whilst now, I can never go back to Heaven… I still feel that I must serve it, as this entire world is at stake. Also, if you see fit to make me your slave… I’ve in mind a more… equal sort of relationship for us… and I will do all it takes to achieve that.” The tone of his voice as he said this encompassed an equal fondness and a firmness, as if laying down rules for a future lover. More or less, that’s exactly what he was doing. Even if she was completely acting out her gentle actions in order to manipulate him, he held out hope that he could reform her in some way. Being Fallen now, she was all he had, he realized.
Daniel Reaving

 

[Daniel Reaving]

Viriel

Viriel was to much of her surprise enjoying the angel. The gentleness he showed her, The love he already had for her despite what she was shocked her. She wasn't saying it was a bad thing though. As she felt his arms wrap around her mid section she smiled gently and pressed her body tighter to his. Leaning her head into his neck she nuzzled him gently. She had to admit the gentleness was a nice change for once. Sure deep down she loved the way Aeshma would treat her, Loved the ways he would violate her and make her his toy but, This feeling this angel gave her. How he was so gentle with her, How his actions showed a deep care and a want to treat her like a lover, It was blindsiding to her. As these thoughts ran through her head she tightened her grip around his neck a little and nuzzled into him more. Then when he started to speak she looked to him to show he had her attention. Hearing him speak of them needing to run away together she couldn't help but let a small smile slip onto her lips as she listened to him. She noticed the tone he spoke with and it only brought a faint blush once more as he finished his words. Taking a second Viriel thought about all he had said then spoke softly.

"I-I do agree we need to escape now but your forgetting something I told you. Long ago all permanent gates that stayed open from earth to hell where destroyed. These days any gate to hell is temporary these days besides the one that we opened in that town. The one we opened in that town is the first permanent gate to hell on earth in over a few thousand years." She told him softly. Knowing the info wouldn't really please him she frowned just slightly and leaned into him more gentle kissing his right cheek. "I can open portals to and from hell but I cant carry more than 20 people through it. And even then its a strain on me to do that many." She said softly as she placed a hand on his chest and used it to stand up. As she did it was clear the effects of the chains and armor where still effecting her. Her legs seemed weak and she was putting most of her weight onto him to get up. Once up she gently grabbed one of his hands and pulled him up to his feet, her leaned against one of the walls till he got up. Then she grabbed onto him wrapping her arms around his left arm she entwined her right hand with his left and looked at him. Again it was a thankful look that she gave him as she pressed her self against him. After a second she brought her face to hi shoulder and nuzzled it as she spoke. "Thank you."

Despite knowing they had to leave Viriel made him stay still for a little bit so she could collect some strength and regain her bearings. The chains had cyphened a lot of her dark energy and with that it took a good amount of her physical strength. Once they got to a safe place she would need to rest or risk draining herself even more. Once she felt she was ready she looked to him. "So how are we to escape? Undoubtedly god has seen what has happened and has sent others to stop us.... So how will we escape?" She questioned softly as she gently pulled him to the bars making sure to still have a good hold on him in case she started to collapse.
DergTheDergon​

 

[DergTheDergon]

As he gazed affectionately into Viriel’s eyes, Tyrellius felt her pleasant surprise at being treated so gently by her enemy. AS he saw these thoughts transpiring within her mind, images came to his own; images of the conflict and angst in his own mind as he gazed into the dying, pained eyes of high-ranked Demons Viriel had likely known before he’d hunted them down. Centuries upon centuries of these conflicted emotions finally had brought him to his breaking point, he supposed… but right now, in her arms, gazing into Viriel’s blushing face as a genuine look of surprise, akin to a young girl learning that her crush likes her back, was plain in her eyes, he found that he did not regret this at all. Her reactions made him hopeful that perhaps he could coax some good out of her heart, however small. That could only lead to good things, couldn’t it? He supposed that only time could tell.

Her words, in retrospect, made a lot of sense; Lucifer was much too clever to allow the gates to remain open. If he had ever left one gate open for long, it would have been very possible that Heaven could’ve liberated all the beings of earth from Satan’s influence a very long time ago. His frown mirrored her own, empathetic one, though it softened back into a neutral expression the moment she kissed his cheek. He was about to ask her what they could possibly do regarding sabotaging Hell in some way with that in mind, before she told him of her magics, and a hopeful gleam came over his eyes. The success of evacuating the citizens of Deepvale was in large part due to a group of powerful supernaturals, and Tyrellius had also heard tell of extremely capable humans who’d been in the mix somehow. If he could g a in the aid of ones like them… a plan was forming in his mind. In order to act on it in any capacity at all, however, he and Viriel needed to escape this place first.

Nodding in respectful, considerate understanding to all that the demoness had said, he then watched with a mix of affection and empathy as she gently pushed off of him to get up, gently grabbing onto her hand and standing up in turn. He attempted to entwine both of his arms behind her body to support her in standing steadily then, yet he was unable to as she instead latched onto him of her own accord. His left hand gripping her right, he found his heart beating a little faster as she nuzzled him. Her subsequent thanks shocked him, honestly. None of her kind had ever thanked him before, and in fact he’d thought them incapable of gratefulness for the longest time. However, the words she had spoken made it clear that this was not the case. “Y-you are very welcome, Viriel…” was all he could bring himself to say in response.

They ended up staying like that for a while, Tyrellius holding onto her whilst he thought on what all this meant to him; what he was about to do. He was about to defy God Himself , and God knew it. Thankfully, it wasn’t exactly as hard as Viriel had thought it would be… for now.

“Actually, God will not send other angels after us in this situation. He is aware that my intentions are still Angelic, and that due to this bond I have established between us, you will only be able to influence me so much now. He tends to be rather passive with we Fallen unless he sees that we are actively plotting against Him in our minds. However, that does not mean it will be easy to escape. The only way out of purgatory is through Heaven itself. You will need to disguise yourself…. Surely you can make yourself unrecognizable for a time with those magics of yours? I know of a little-known route down towards a very secluded corner of Earth’s surface. We shall figure out further plans afterwards. Come now, Viriel… let me see how beautiful you look in less… hellish clothing.” His tone was almost flirty, her presence clearly affecting his behavior a little.
Daniel Reaving

 

[Daniel Reaving]

Viriel

Unable to hold back a smirk at the angels words she giggled just a tiny bit as she let go of his hand and took a few steps ahead of him. "You love my current attire don't lie." She responded playfully as she took a little bit to think over what to wear. It clearly had to cover much more skin than her current attire, had to look elegant and more so angelic which was probably the biggest issue. Taking a deep breath in through her nostrils as she closed her eyes and focused in deeply. Then a second later her clothes began to glow a seductive pink color as they morphed and changed on Viriels body. After a minuet the glowing dissipated to reveal the dress she was now wearing

Spoiler: the dress

Looking over her self in the new dress she then looked to the angel and spoke. "I wish I could do more for my appearance. Under normal circumstances I could change everything about me and make me look like a completely different person but right now I don't have the strength to do much more to my appearance than this." She informed him as she made a cloak form over her shoulders. Once done she looked to him and reached out a hand.

"We should hurry. Once we escape we are gonna need to find a hiding place so I can regain my energy." She said as she pulled the cell bars open with her other hand. Once the angel took Viriels hand she Made her way out of the cell. Peaking around cautiously as she pulled him to his side. "Are there any other angels in here?" She questioned him softly. The question was mostly due to the fac that avoiding them would be in there best interests. Cause if they did run into one undoubtedly conflict would ensue and Viriel wasn't in the best shape to battle at the moment.
DergTheDergon​

 

[PanOtterPus]

Orthrus chuckled through his pain, though he didn't know why. This wasn't a particularly funny moment. However, the hound couldn't help himself. It had been... Gods knew how long since someone last cared for him this much. It made him so overwhelmed with happiness he had no choice but to laugh and hold her, soothing her.
"It's ok, little one, it takes more than ol' Aeshma to kill this dog." He knew it wasn't true, that he was lucky to be alive, but Tyra didn't need to hear it.

Hearing the bidding of goodnight from one of the angels, Orthrus decided the better make their way inside." Looks like it's bedtime, I know I could sure do with s'more rest." He smiled warmly at the woman. "How bout we bunker down for the night, and though I promise no funny business from this old man, I'd be greatly honoured if you wouldn't mind keeping me company again."

Not one to wait for answers, Orthrus began to make his way slowly inside, clutching his side as he did so, hoping Tyra would follow but prepared to respect her decision if not.

------------------

Gabriel couldn't stop the smile that appeared on his face. As much as he didn't trust this place - heaven or not - Fufer's happiness always swelled his own. Even the sudden change in Chase's usual terminally cheerful demeanour did little to change Gabe's own mood.

He watched along with his companion as the young man left them, closely followed by an angel. Gabe figured they'd probably be kept on close watch, the only humans here. Next thing he knew Fifer's resolve had returned and she promptly led him into what would serve as their accommodation for the evening. Perhaps through nerves or excitement, she wasted no time in turning off his cloaking device, turning his attention on even more in the process, placing his hand in return near her own device, waiting for his choice.

Silently, he pushed the button, causing Fifer's scars to return to the surface. His excitement made way for some deeper expression on his face - sheer devotion. Gabe lifted a hand and placed his palm against her scarred face, gently stroking his thumb over the maze of bumps.

"Trust me, I don't need reminding that my whole world is you... Us. I will now, and always, take the real you, in any form it comes," were his last words before he closed the distance between them and pulled her into a long, deep kiss.

DergTheDergon Halexia

 

[DergTheDergon]

Collab post with Aukanai and Rustic​

Upon meeting her eyes again, it was clear to Emanuel that Mihn saw something profound in him. The mesmerised look in her eyes both warmed his heart and made him a little sad. It was wonderful to feel wanted, but knowing that he was forbidden from returning what he saw in her eyes, despite wanting to, was rather torturous in all honesty.


However, the sadness utterly dissipated when the Tanuki then uttered his name, if only for that moment itself for now. He even found himself smiling while meeting her eyes, the smile only growing when she announced her own name so jovially. “Mihn…” he repeated softly. “A lovely name.” It was this lovely exchange that caused him to relax for now… until her distressed next few words snapped him to attention. Clearly, she needed him to stick around, so he brought his hand gently to her shoulder.


At which, Mihn glanced back at him with glossy eyes. The action in its own right was just enough to cease her worries. It was as if the angel’s hand was there to steady her, and she felt as if she would fall if he were to take his hand away.


“Thankfully, it doesn't seem I’ll be needed for more rescues, so I’ll stay by your side as long as you need.” he said as he looked towards the nearby portal, now closing as the view of deepvale was replaced with the white of heaven’s floor. The gentle grip upon her shoulder only grew a tad more when Mihn then asked what to do.


Those words might have been enough to raise the tanuki’s spirits. Frankly, she had been bummed out at the idea of the angel leaving, but to hear the answer she had been hoping for, Mihn might have found herself getting all giddy over it. Even that tightened grip on her shoulder was adding to it, as she discreetly shuffled just a bit closer toward the angel.


“Well, it is up to you what to do. Have you any family or friends you want to check up on? We could go looking for them, ensure they’re alright.”


There was a pause.


Mihn had been too caught up in fawning over how handsome the angel before her and how nice he was. That the warm feeling enveloping her had distracted her from almost everything. But, upon the posed question, she had to look up and blink dumbly before the words finally registered in her mind.


That’s right! She had to find...to find who? Oh, right, to find Xaira! Her beloved big sis was sure to be around. And yet, a part of Mihn was sternly against the idea. For a moment, she might have opened her mouth to respond to Emanuel, but she could barely mouth out Xaira’s name.


“I..I,” Mihn stuttered before finally giving up as her voice seemed to break and she gave a rather emphasised shrug.


Wouldn’t finding Xaira mean that the angel would leave quicker? Mihn was not yet content, not like she would ever be. Besides, wasn’t it a better option to stay where she was? If for the sake of Xaira herself. Surely, her big sis was coming for her, right?


Mihn’s initial reaction, or lack thereof, caused the Angel to blush. The look on her face made it very clear she was staring at him, and yet it was only a moment or two later when he realized that he was staring right back at her, causing him to glace away before chastely meeting her eyes once again, expression neutral.


The pink-haired, mesmerized girl seemed to mouth a name, said name indiscernible to Emanuel, no sound even coming from her mouth as she visibly hesitated. When her voice finally emerged, it only came forth in the form of an unsure beginning to a sentence that quickly came to an abrupt end before anything except a stuttered ‘I’ was siad. Quite a few questions came to his mind in light of this: did she have someone in mind? It seemed so. Could she remember thier name? If she could, why was she hesitating? Another question that brought an oddly equal sense of both warmth and a slight guilt to him then cropped up in response to those that had passed through his mind before it: was she hesitating in telling him about her close ones because she was so comfortable being by his side?


Taking a moment to answer whilst all these thoughts ricocheted wildly about his mind like a pinball, he then took a deep breath, meeting her eyes with his own soft, luminescent orbs, and spoke in his usual soft manner, his tone albeit showing concern for her due to her odd behavior. “We… could simply wait here, see if anyone comes to find you,” he suggested. Perhaps that was what she was trying to convey? “The other angels would likely know by now that you are being chaperoned by me, after all.”


He then clapped a hand onto her shoulder, the gesture gentle, a smile of equal gentleness then appearing on his face afterwards. “Come, let’s sit down, relax for a while. Should you get tired, I will escort you to a safe, warm room. It is rather late, after all.”




Xaira’s cheeks blushed a rather bright crimson as Naomi reminded her, through her innuendo regarding her sisters, that Lilin had an amorous reputation for a reason. Once the slight embarrassment faded a few moments later, though, Xaira took slight comfort in knowing that the mess she and her lover had made of the place was nothing out of ordinary for the sisterhood of succubi she belonged to. She only looked flustered once more, however, as Naomi then confessed, albeit indirectly, that her sisters would gladly take the opportunity to barge in on their sister’s intimate activities, given the chance.


Xaira once again felt her flustered state fade in favor of loving, mirthful warmth as her girlfriend fawned over the reveal of the Dragoness’s own sisterly figure, though not of flesh and blood.


“Yeah, it is… guess that's why it felt so damn right to spend the evening with you... ” Xaira managed, still beaming for quite a few reasons indeed. It was as she just hinted: despite only being her girlfriend for a couple days at best now, Naomi was already family to her, and very close family indeed. She also had a feeling that she’d always consider the Lilin as such, no matter what the future held for the pair. “I can tell you're really eager to meet her, but still, thank you so much for taking this little detour from our fun with me…. it really does mean a whole lot to me.”


Naomi’s eyes could only lid fondly at Xaira’s gratitude. For as bold a woman her partner was, she was also kind. There were a lot of things to love about her. “I wouldn’t miss it,” Naomi assured as she continued her prep.


Standing up and ensuring her pants and blouse were in good order whilst her lover simultaneously tidied herself up, Xaira then wrapped her strong, scale-speckled hands about Naomi’s voluptuous midriff, her Viridian eyes gazing softy into Naomi’s own mesmerising peepers before her lips pressed firmly and passionately, yet briefly, to those soft and glossy lips of her lover’s.


“Alright, let's go meet your own future sister-in-law now.” Winking and giggling a little, Xaira took Naomi’s soft hand proceeded out the door whilst providing details. “Now, knowing Mihn, she probably is sticking with the angels, since they’re so nice. If she made it, anyway…” deep concern colored her voice, causing her to walk faster back towards where the portal had been just moments ago, slowing down just enough to ensure she wasn’t literally dragging poor Naomi along behind her.


Fortunately for Naomi, she was quick to catch on - and just quick in general - so to Xaira’s swift stride, she moved to pick up the pace. She could certainly understand the need to be quick about this; it was, after all, sometime around midnight now? Later? It hardly seemed like it could be so late, feeling still so awake, but she supposed that was just the time. And it was a pretty late hour to be attempting to catch someone, nevermind a tanuki, of all possible things. For a moment, in light of the circumstances and seeing Xaira so worried, Naomi frowned, but as Xaira turned around to see if she was keeping up, she put on an optimistic face, and squeezed her hand gently.


“It’ll be okay,” Naomi softly assured, keeping at Xaira’s former pace to catch up to her side. She did so carefully, as not to say anything she couldn’t make sure of. As it was, nobody could guarantee Mihn had made it safely except God (a name which caused Naomi some trepidation for a moment, since she was still sort of in shock the entity… actually existed) and whoever she was with, if she was with anyone. But no matter what the truth was, they’d get through this together. She decided to take the initiative in making sure of that trying to think, for a moment, what might be the most helpful. Once she did, an obvious thing she’s immediately embarrassed she hadn’t already thought of occurs to her.


“Mihn has a sort of… general appearance, right?” Naomi asked, to confirm what she’d already assume. It would be an odd thing if Mihn didn’t, existing in a society like Deepvale’s, but it really didn’t hurt to ask, in these types of situations. She could be an odd duck, for all Naomi knew about her. “What kind of girl are we looking for?”


Xaira found herself blushing as it was brought to her attention that she forgot to mention something rather important. Tilting her head to the side in thought, she then looked her lover in the eyes and gladly gave her the details.“A-ah, yeah, good details to sort out. Her favorite form is a pink-haired young girl with green eyes. We might hear her before we see her though, depending; the girl has lots of energy and is pretty damn expressive, for lack of a better word.”


To that, Naomi thoughtfully nodded, pursing her lips. Knowing that, it shouldn’t be too hard to find Mihn, then, but… who knew what the future would truly hold for them? In any case, Naomi wasn’t keen on letting Xaira wait long to find out. Once the two of them had made it down the hotel floors, and Naomi got her first glimpse of some soul’s soft white plumage, she tugged Xaira over and along to the woman in question, an angel on duty of some sort. Naomi wondered, for a moment, if the two of them might be bothering her doing something important, but she quickly threw that idea away from her mind. It didn’t really matter to her what the angel was busy with; this was important, too.


“Excuse me,” Naomi called as they ran up. The angel, upon hearing Naomi’s call in an otherwise empty space, perked up right away, looking to the two of them inquisitively… and maybe a little nervously? Naomi wondered if the two of them were breaking some kind of curfew; they had been busy with other things, so it would certainly make sense if they’d missed an announcement. Regardless of that, Naomi still approached, stopping once she’d arrived only for a moment to catch her breath, before she inevitably continued.


Upon seeing the angelic woman, Xaira nodded towards her Lilin girlfriend before subsequently approaching her, back straight, hands respectfully clasped together in front of her, and smile upon her face as Naomi presented the predicament the two of them were facing.


“My girlfriend and I were wondering if you’ve possibly seen someone? A tanuki. Her name is Mihn, she usually has pink hair-”


“Mihn.” The angel cuts Naomi short to repeat the name in a gentle, kindly way, and to simply nod. Which Naomi actually found to be a little odd, and somewhat disconcerting, but…


Xaira’s eyes widened in tandem with Naomi’s own surprised reaction as the woman made it clear that she was aware of Mihn’s presence.


“In fact, one of us has,” the angel said. Naomi simply sighed in relief, upon hearing that. That was the weight off of their shoulders.


“I could show you both to her, if you’d like?” the angel asked.


Relief shot through her as the Angel went on to explain that she could lead them straight to the girl. Accompanying that relief, however, was a nearly equal sense of trepidation. It was a bit scary to her that all of these angels seemed to know who’s who and where they were at all times, though she supposed that they were dealing with God here, someone Xaira was honestly still getting her head wrapped around actually existing, and she had a feeling she wasn’t the only one.


“That would be greatly appreciated,” Naomi responded. The angelic woman in front of the two of them nodded kindly, looking a little more confident than before. With that, she extended a hand outward toward Naomi and Xaira, too, and lead a way forward. All the while looking quite pleased. The gesture sort of confused Naomi a bit, but all the same, she looked toward Xaira with a hopeful smile, as if to nudge her with the same light tone. Even if Naomi still considered herself skeptical of Heaven’s aura, she could certainly find nothing wrong with something as innocent with this conversation. Not to mention the inherent hope here. Regardless, Naomi looked backed toward the angelic woman, who, as promised, was already leading them forward, floating off toward wherever she was headed. Naomi followed her as well, ready to go wherever it was the angel was was leading.


Nodding respectfully towards the angel, she then followed her, her hand clinging to Naomi’s semi-tightly. She was a bit worried about Mihn, after all. The walk to where she was seemed like forever to the worrywart of a surrogate big sister, even though it was only out the magical hotel and a short ways out into the vast stretch before the Pearly Gates to Heaven proper.


As it turned out, the three of them didn’t have very far to go, in the scheme of things. While it felt like they’d walked for quite awhile, once the three of them finally stopped, it hadn’t seemed to take as nearly as long as Naomi might have otherwise expected it to. And once it looked like their promised person had came into view, Naomi’s eyes lit up fondly, and she looked to Xaira with what is surely the same excitement she had had before. More of it, even, as, with seeing what looked to be Mihn now, she could hardly contain herself. She did relatively well at it, despite everything, but she still smiled in a way that was almost goofy. “That’s her, isn’t it?” Naomi asked, looking to her girlfriend gleefully.


Xaira’s eyes widened and a smile spread across her face as she saw exactly who the angel promised to lead them to. The Tanuki seemed engaged in conversation with a male Angel, who seemed to have been kindly keeping her company. The weight on Xaira’s shoulders seemed to fall straight off as she took in this sight. At Naomi’s question, she turned towards her, bright smile on her face, and pressed her lips to here Lilin lover’s for a brief moment, whispering “yep, it sure is…” once she pulled away.


Turning back towards the angel, she met her eyes and said a very heartfelt “thank you so much.” Her eyes were nearly tearing up, but she managed to retain her composure to say one more thing. “You can return to your post now, you’ve helped us more than you know.”


Taking Naomi’s hand and all but dragging her, she then ran to close the distance between the couple and Mihn. Raising her voice as she did so, a joyful grin spread even more over her face.


“Hey, Mihn!” She shouted. “Didn’t forget about your big sis, didja?” Once close, she let go of Naomi’s hand in order to spread her arms. “Come here, little sis. I’m so glad you’re safe…” her eyes then began to trickle small tears down her face.


And though Mihn might have been deeply enthralled by the angel Emanuel, her senses were still active and she was still aware enough to hear the shouts of a familiar voice.


Emanuel was startled to hear the voice of Xaira, but once he noticed that she was here for Mihn, his face lit up with joy. “Well then, looks like someone was looking for you after all,” he said in a gentle voice. “Go ahead and reunite with her; I won’t be going anywhere for now.”



Just on signal, Mihn looked up - almost in a flustered manner. Her time with Emanuel might be cut shorter, but she was still just as thrilled to see Xaira again. That much was obvious as she excitedly leapt to her feet and barrelled straight towards her.


Xaira’s face lit up like fireworks when she saw that familiar face recognize her, immense relief spreading through her as if she only just now had come to understand that Mihn truly was here, safe, and definitely still herself, all things considered.


“Xaiiira!!” With a thundering cheer, and at just the right distance to do so, Mihn jumped up as the momentum of her sprint collided her into Xaira, her arms instinctively reaching out and taking a tight hold. “Everything’s so wild and strange, and - hey, why are you crying, big sis?”


Mihn’s jovial cry of her name caused Xaira to chuckle even through her tears, bracing for impact as the tears really began to flow now, scale-patched arms spread wide. Xaira found herself thrown slightly off balance by force of the girl’s impact, despite how small she was. After regaining her footing, though, she wrapped her arms gently about Mihn, but then held her firmly for a moment. “I-I was worried, Mihn… Y-you could’ve gotten killed out there… s-so I’m overjoyed that you’re safe…” she explained and Mihn only further snuggled into Xaira’s form.


The tanuki could almost feel the same relief that Xaira was experiencing, but her smile trembled slightly. Finding herself resting her arms over her sister’s shoulders, she took a minute to take in a deep inhale. Down in Deepvale, it was the worst nightmare one could muster up, and Mihn had been terrified - she still was when the images of the demons would flash back into her mind. But, here she was now, safe and secure with Xaira now with her.


“Everything really is wild and strange lately, though… you’ve got that right.” She held the girl even tighter and that, shuddering as she then began to regain her composure, letting out a deep breath and closing her eyes, reveling in the feeling of having her dear younger sister in her arms again.


The two of them might had stayed in their embrace for a few silent, blissful moments. If only just to reassure each other that they were fine and in one piece. But after a while longer, Mihn might have fidgeted a bit in Xaira’s arms as she glanced up. Her lips slanted somewhere between a smile and frown. At this point in time, her emotions were mixed. The aura of heaven had almost all soothed her, but her wandering thoughts seemed to urge on the concern.


Xaira was utterly relaxed for a moment as she took in the warmth of her little sister against her,


“But now...what about-”Mihn gently bit her lip as eyes trailed away from Xaira’s face. What will become of the place Mihn had so fondly come to call home? Was it beyond saving? She didn’t really want to think of it, for just as much as she as had come to settle in Deepvale some years ago, there were still memories of the world on the surface that she could remember. Yet, that didn’t wash away the sense of loss settling over her. It was the small things about Deepvale that mattered, all the nostalgic things about it.


Mihn’s concern for the fate of Deepvale was mirrored in Xaira’s eyes as the Tanuki expressed her trepidation surrounding the place they called home for so very long. “I… don’t know what’ll happen to Deepvale now.. but I promise you, someday we’re going to take it back.” Her voice was soft, in a kind way a well as a sorrowful way as she spoke. “For now… we’ve just gotta stick together, sis. We’ll come out the other side of this alright, I promise you that.”


As Xaira might have moved her arms away, Mihn turned her head to glance back towards Emanuel - then Xaira again. Uncertainty of the immediate future was painted on her face.


Emanuel watched the reunion with a smile on his face, nearly verging on crying. It was quite the bittersweet thing to witness, and it made him think of how grateful he was to be one of God’s highest servants at this time of strife. He’d played a part in bringing two souls who clearly brought great light into each other’s worlds, which warned his heart to know as he stood nearby the reunited sisters, smiling toward them.


As Xaira saw Mihn glance over at the angel, she turned towards him. “Hey, thank you for staying with her sir, keeping her out of trouble.”


Emanuel chuckled at this, nodding and bowing towards the pair. “It was an honor. Besides, I remember that you two were instrumental in helping the other citizens of Deepvale escape. You’ve their gratitude and all of Heaven’s. Besides, she’s been no trouble at all.”


Xaira found herself chuckling as Emanuel said that Mihn had been no trouble for him. “Don’t mention it; just fighting for my people like I always do. Word of warning, though… she might’ve behaved herself so far, but Mihn’s a tricky one… gotta watch her like a hawk.” Gazing back over at Mihn then, she smirked and ruffled her hair, at which the tanuki let out a pitched giggle. It was a notion that Mihn would happily smile widely at with closed eyes and slightly tinted cheeks.


Chuckling a bit, the angel kneeled before Mihn and met her eyes at eye level. “Go ahead and spend some time with your sister, Mihn. I will be here until you need to depart, and even then, I could still find you and visit you, should God give His permission.” Emanuel then leaned in and gave her a gentle, brief and chaste hug, separating from her and nodding.


When the angel’s words had reached her ears, Mihn’s expression seemed to switch just as quickly as it had come. From giving that adorable and goofy smile at Xaira, that smile fell away into a mishaped ‘o’. Perhaps a surprised look of sorts, but she seemed to be squinting and looking to the side. Finding her cheeks turn a shade darker as the angel hugged her, Mihn was almost struck frozen in place from this close contact.


Xaira found herself smiling at Emanuel’s sweet words, but she couldn’t help but notice the look in his eyes as he gazed into Mihn’s. It seemed to convey something more than the loving kindness angels had for all beings. An attraction similar to her own love for Naomi, maybe, if angels could even feel that. Xaira decided not to dwell on it, though; might’ve simply been her imagination.


Xaira allowed Mihn another moment with her saviour before she took Naomi’s hand, smiling widely at her, and then back at Mihn, once she might’ve turned back towards her Draconic big sister. “Mihn, there’s someone I want you to meet.”


At least as Xaira spoke again, Mihn’s mind and body started to work again. Blinky slowly and her goofy smile returned as she tilted her head in Xaira’s direction. A mixed look of curiosity and excitement crossed her porcelain face.


“This is Naomi… my girlfriend. Naomi, this is Mihn, who might as well be my sister by blood at this point.” She grinned, absolutely giddy. Now, Mihn had been introduced to a few partners of Xaira’s over the years, so she might’ve taken notice of the deep affection in her voice and on her face now, that had never been there before.


All the while, as Xaira and Mihn had been having their teary reunion, Naomi had been standing by as calmly as she could. Which wasn’t very, considering she was still continuing to fail at containing her happily sympathetic smile. She really could hardly handle watching such a triumphant scene without making some larger, sappier response than she was; this really was a depth of emotion she wasn’t sure she’d ever witnessed until today. She had been so caught up in trying to keep cool, in fact, that the angelic man - Emanuel’s - bow in her and Xaira’s direction had almost went completely unnoticed. Very thankfully, though, her eyes had widened at the last second in response, and she emphatically nodded to the acknowledgement, returning his bow with an impromptu curtsy. It was just good manners, after all.


But then came the moment of truth itself; Xaira’s introduction of her to Mihn. Comparatively, it was… far less elegant. Instead of the formal gesture she’d gave Emanuel, to Mihn, she just waved. Really hard and really quickly. If she hadn’t properly emphasized just how excited she was about this before, it was likely more than apparent now. She was, frankly, just super jazzed to be doing the whole couple thing, and meeting someone new and… ah, it was hitting her all at once. Knowing that she had probably overdone it a little, though, her grin tempered off into something a little more shy, and her face reddened a little modestly.


Despite that, she tried to speak with a facade of confidence. “It’s really nice to meet you, Mihn,” Naomi said warmly, looking toward Mihn with full, hopeful eyes. She knew that this might be awkward, considering Mihn had probably recently seen Xaira and probably not with her, but… well, she was determined to make this work out for the best. By habit, she extended a hand outward for the young woman to shake, if she wanted, utterly forgetting from the hearsay she’d heard thus far that that probably wasn’t her style.


For first impressions, Mihn was the sort to give one odd first thoughts. Just by the way she seemed to jump on the spot in reaction - as if she was getting some sort of electric shock. But, one would not just smile wider at it, nor would they give that excited sharp inhale. If anything Mihn loved the most, was meeting new people. Regardless of who they were, or what they were. But, having meeting someone who was equally as important to Xaira, as Xaira was to her, was just a flood of excitement and joy.


And, at first, Mihn seemed to delicately leap forward to return the handshake. But she quickly grasped Naomi’s hand with both of her own, “nice...nice, it’s more than nice! It’s awesome! We’re going to have so much fun together!”


If the tanuki’s excitement was not clear enough in her words, it was sure to be made evident. If only it might have happened too fast to completely understand it initially, Mihn just tugged Naomi into warming hug.


At first, to Mihn's sudden and lively reaction, Naomi rapidly blinked. Every action Mihn took was so quick and unexpected that there wasn't much room for Naomi to process it from one moment to the next. It was not, however, unpleasant by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Naomi's eyes continued to sparkle excitedly through every second of it. When Mihn excitedly took Naomi's outstretched hand in both of her own, Naomi's more careful veneer seemed to quickly fall away, replacing itself instead with her honest wonder and delight at this whole situation. Both of which exponentially increased upon Mihn pulling her into a fond, spirited hug. For a moment she just stood there, in awe of Mihn's tenacity, before taking a deep breath and reciprocating with the same intensity and strength.

"I think so, too," Naomi said breathlessly. And though it was somewhat lost in her soft, overwhelmed tone, there was clearly a shared undercurrent of excitement there. She really couldn't wait.


Perhaps of the initial mood of the hug evaporating, Mihn eventually let go of Naomi. Then, after giving the woman a long stare she spun around to come face to face with Xaira.


“Hey-hey,” seeming to repeat herself over as she pointed back towards Naomi frantically, “she staying? Yeah?!”


Still grinning widely like an idiot from just how excited the two most important people in her life right now were to be meeting each other, Mihn’s question caught her off guard, causing her to blush a bit as she looked over at Naomi lovingly, smiling and then winking before turning back to Mihn. “Yes… she’s a keeper for sure.”


Naomi had just been moved to stunned silence by the whole exchange. One thing was clear though; she was just as pleased as punch. Once she had let go of Mihn, she'd moved a hand over her mouth in her usual attempt to try and control her smile, but now more than ever, she was failing spectacularly. Especially when, to top it all off, Xaira reaffirmed her interest with the cutest blush she'd ever seen. It was all just... so much love at once. She almost couldn't handle it. Her covering hand moved instead to the corner of one of her eyes and her other hand gripped her wrist. She was doing all she could not to cry, but was ultimately preparing for the worst. She wanted to say something in response, but... she doubted she even could without getting teary. So just gave a quick, deeply appreciative nod to Xaira, and tried to focus on settling back down.


Hearing her big sister’s response, perhaps the tanuki might have eased her general excitement of meeting Naomi to some degree. With the way she had ceased her common habit of bobbing up and down on the spot, she stood almost stoic. Her hand delicately coming up, as her index finger gently pressed against those blush pink lips.


Mihn’s response caused Xaira’s head to tilt, as she giggled a bit. Was she surprised so much by the answer that she’d come down a little from her excitement of meeting her? Or was it something else? “Whatcha think, Mihn?” She then asked, hoping to glean more of what was causing her little sister’s response.


Breathing in deeply and fixing up her posture a little more, Naomi gave another nod in response to Xaira - though, this time, indicating her interest in the same answer. "Yes! I... " she attempted to speak, faltering all the while. How long had it been since Naomi had been such a stuttering mess like this? It would be embarrassing if she wasn't just so caught up in the moment. She readjusted herself a little again by brushing her short bangs back thoughtfully. "I'd love to know, too," she finished, finally returning to form and looking back to Mihn keenly.


In the current stance, it might have seemed that Mihn was trying to gather her thoughts and what to say next. But, that really was not the case, her head with riddled with everything but the situation she was in. Classic Mihn, hopping from one thought to another far too quickly, quicker than the moments that passed. So, when Xaira’s posed question was heard, the tanuki’s posture broke and that faint blush returned to colour her cheeks. What did she think? It wasn’t much to think about, however, and maybe Mind stood there looking a bit dumbfounded. To think it was clear enough already, and that Xaira didn’t already seem to know the answer to that question, Mihn wasn’t sure how to properly express her answer. She was never good at these direct, verbal answers, and found more comfort in the fact that her actions spoke louder, most of the time.


But, after a pause, Mihn opened her mouth and in a jolly clap, tilt of the head and toothy smile, she let out a giggle, “It’s...great!” Then she was moving towards Naomi to grab her hand again and direct that smile towards her, “I’m so happy! There so many things I want to show yo-” Mihn paused again, glancing away for a second as her mind came to remind her that Deepvale was probably on its last legs by now. All the things she’d want to show Naomi would be gone with it. At least, she shook her head and tried to focus on the positives.


She was safe, and she was with Xaira and Naomi. She was happy here, at least. There will always be a chance to make another home, Mihn knew that much and would try to get over it as quick as she could.


Naomi eyes widened just a tad at Mihn's sentence abrupt end. Just as suddenly as Mihn had remembered their circumstances, Naomi had as well, and it was just as harshly sudden a cut to her. Though, it stung even more to think that these circumstances might hurt Mihn more, if the young woman had ever been anywhere else, like so many other residents. Still, Naomi kept a brave face. Her expression acknowledged the sadness of the thought on all four of their minds now, but she smiled sympathetically, and lightly squeezed Mihn's hand a little tighter until she quickly came back around.


“I mean..I’m sure we’re going to have lots of awesome adventures together.”


To that sentiment, Naomi nodded emphatically. No matter what happened going forward... they could all at least do it together. That was more than enough reason to feel fortunate and to be optimistic.


A few moments after Xaira asked her question, she realized that Mihn had more or less already answered her question. Still, she supposed she wanted to hear confirmation, reassurance that she insofar approved of this new, sudden lover of her sister’s. After all, Xaira hadn’t so suddenly introduced someone as her girlfriend to Mihn without her seeing the two of them together at all up to that point; before now, anyway. Though, it seemed that Mihn could feel that there was something more between these two, as Xaira herself could, maybe… or maybe there was just something about Naomi she really liked. Either way, the Tanuki’s confirmation that she thought it was great brought a smile right to her lips. A wistful and sad look then replaced it as Mihn realized, mid-sentence, that she couldn’t show Naomi the wonderful sights and experiences Deepvale had previously had to offer. Xaira rested a hand on the Tanuki’s shoulder at this, stroking it tenderly for a moment.


The Dragoness’s smile then returned as Mihn rephrased her question, causing excitement to well up deeply in her Draconic adopted sister. She was right; in focusing on the overwhelming feelings of love in this moment, she’d lost sight momentarily, as it seemed Mihn herself had done, of the adventure which awaited them in future. There’d undoubtedly be a lot of danger and hardship as well, but Xaira fully intended to make the most of all that would come, with these two at her side. For the first time ever, she now felt surrounded by family… it was a wonderful feeling.


“You’re right, sis… we’re definitely going to if I have anything to say about it.” Xaira smiled warmly as she gazed into her sister’s eyes, then turned to Naomi and gave her just as beaming a smile, though the moment was brief, as she soon turned to address the angel. “Could you perhaps get us a room for three?” She asked. “Mihn’s probably pooped… and uhh, so are we. We had been invited in with Naomi’s sisters but, if the both of them agree I think us with a room to ourselves works best.”


Emanuel nodded in understanding. “Easy enough. Let’s head that way.” He then looked to Mihn and smiled. “You taking her up on the offer? I will be here in the morning if you still wish to visit with me.” There was a sad look in his eyes, subtle, but there enough for Mihn to find it if she looked hard enough. But the only response he seemed to get from Mihn was a simple nod, it wasn’t as if there was any other answer to it.


He didn’t want to let her go back down on the dangerous surface, but apart from having orders from god to do so, it was clear she had a family of sorts, whose joint efforts during the evacuation made it very clear they had a very good chance of being able to protect Mihn when she needed it.


However, he felt like he needed to ensure her safety. This was a bit risky and not exactly within the code of angels, but he had to.


“Before we go, though,” he said, concentrating and producing an ornate, sparkly, sky-blue pendant on a silver chain that radiated with magic. “This is called a Guardian Angel’s Charm, Mihn. If ever you are in dire need, it will summon me to aid you.” He then looked to Xaira and Naomi, realising that they may have trepidations about the charm. ‘I want to do all that I can to aid the cause. If you speak to me through it, by simply pressing a thumb upon the center of the pendant first, you will be able to summon me for a short time should you need extra support. I simply ask that you use it only when you truly need it.” He then began to hand it to her.


A brief explanation that might have left Mihn tilting her head slightly, but nonetheless her eyes seemed to gleam at the sight of the pendant. A unique object, to say the least, and it was all so interesting to her, that she eagerly accepted as it was placed gently into her hands. Was it a fragile thing? Mihn fiddled curiously with this new treasure. Perhaps she had opened her mouth to voice her thoughts which was quickly cut off at Xaira spoke up - instead a hushed sound of awe came from her as she continued to distract herself with this charm.


“Thank you, I don’t see a reason for her not to have it. It’ll give all of us a little peace of mind, I think. But I’m not sure if Mihn’s the one to trust not to abuse it… just warning ya.” The angel seemed confused as to what Xaira meant, which only dew a bit of a laugh to her. “You’ll see what I mean.”


Simply raising an eyebrow at Xaira’s words, he then decided to let it be for now and looked to Naomi, then Mihn, and back, searching for their thoughts on the matter in their expressions, and the words that they may have been about to speak.


Naomi had been passively attentive through the explanation, but at its end, when there was room for final judgements, she couldn't say she had any. It seemed like the ideal feeling, but for some reason, her mind still wasn't at ease. She felt bad about it but... she couldn't say exactly say why she still felt wary. Maybe it was the sort of... familiar nature of such a gift being tied to a busy man who Mihn didn't know very well? That seemed suspicious, certainly. Then again, it wasn't like Naomi herself knew Mihn too well yet, and she was already just as gung-ho about protecting her, so... It seemed more likely this was an ugly anxiety, then. In any case, she tried to fix the slight, thoughtful frown that had appeared on her face in the meantime with a more supportive smile, feeling any signs of distaste on her part were probably undeserved. This was, as far as she could prove, a selfless thing for him to do. She would be happy. Conscientiously.


"How thoughtful," she praised temperately. Though her tone and words were mostly friendly, there was still a subtle distance to them she couldn't shake, especially in contrast to her recently ecstatic reception of Mihn. She was aware, and maybe a little conflicted about it, but in the end, it was probably appropriate enough. There was no point in anything but honesty with this man, especially since this level of scrutiny would be expected. Divine or otherwise, magical artifacts were magical artifacts. One of the first things you learned living in a magical society was not to be taking them from strangers. That withstanding, though, she turned her attention back to Mihn, for who she again adopted again a more warmer look. She didn't say anything, but she she did tilt her head questioningly, as if to ask or gauge her interest in such a thing. Beneficial or not, if Mihn looked remotely uncomfortable with it, Naomi had no qualms with potentially annoying an archangel by helping her throw it out, frankly.


As she looked over towards Naomi and saw the thoughtful frown upon her visage, Xaira remembered in that moment that, as much trust as she felt towards this angel, he was indeed trying to hand her little sister a strange artifact she knew nothing about. She felt guilty in that moment that she’d been so quick to trust him on this, considering Mihn’s importance to her. She’d always been one to act on feelings before allowing her mind to rationalize nearly any given situation. Especially when Naomi spoke up and expressed clear lack of the trust Xaira herself displayed, she instantly felt as though she had been too hasty. Casting an aplogetic glance her way, she simply looked to Mihn to give her own answer whilst taking Naomi’s hand, trying to reassure her. She was not so certain why she felt such implicit trust for these angels, and was at this point thinking it may have been due to the Archangel that had essentially invaded her mind during the battle of Deepvale that began this whole mess. It was a discussion for another time, likely back on the surface with no holy beings in earshot.


In response to Naomi’s sentiment, Emanuel looked to her and smiled warmly. He found his eyes wandering back toward Mihn’s rather quickly though, as he could tell that Naomi didn’t exactly trust him. He understood, though, and thus only responded to the trepidation in her expression, body language and voice with kindness. He was created to do such in all situations when interacting with all except the forces of hell, which despite Naomi's race, she certainly was not a part of. This was made clear simply by her kind countenance, which was ironically rather Angel-like at times itself, as Emanuel gathered from his rather limited experience of her. “I am grateful for the sentiment, madam. I wish to protect the little one throughout the trials ahead,” he replied, “along with as many others as I can aid. This seemed like the perfect way.” There was nothing besides gentle kindness in his tone as he addressed Naomi, though Angels tended not to stray from such a tone often to begin with.


Naomi listened politely, although when Emanuel said 'little one', she felt like her brain had shortcuited for a moment. Despite herself, her stare turned blank, and her eyes blinked hard one or two times, as if she was worried she hadn't heard him correctly. Well... if that was how the man was addressing Mihn, maybe her earlier concerns about his motivations were now proveably unwarranted? Or weren't they? It's an odd term of endearment to her, but maybe not unreasonable for an angel of indeterminate age and... actually, that line of thought just made this situation weirder, and Naomi abruptly decided she did not want to give it anymore thought. She just continued to listen as best she could, even as she couldn't quite shake her somewhat distant expression. She had to push a lot of things from her mind, and it's a bit embarrassing, to say the least. Still, she made a point of giving him a nod, thankful for his explanation all the same. She held Xaira’s hand subtly tighter too, not sure if she was going to start laughing or crying at her own wandering imagination.


With that, his three guests of a sort in tow,Emanuel continued walking towards what had been named “The Serenity hotel", a name Xaira had rolled her eyes at when she saw it. Angels seemed to always be flowery types, as evidenced by them conceiving of the aforementioned name, but she admitted that it made a good deal of sense and fit the frankly too perfect vibe of this place perfectly.


Glancing between Naomi and Xaira, Mihn might have stayed silent as they continued moving towards that weird hotel thing. She wasn’t sure what it was, not that she tended to know what a lot of things were called. But, simply, her mind and attention was still on the pendant in her hands. She might have held it up to watch the soothing lights of heaven shimmer with it. It was pretty, but it wasn’t as if Mihn really had a deep value or understanding for the importance of what it was. If it was to be used only in dire need, it must be rather special. Though Mihn wasn’t sure what situation would even be considered dire.


She might have looked up at Emanuel then with a questioning look, “but..when should it be used? Like-,” Mihn thought again for a second, before continuing, “like, it is a ‘oh no, im going to get ran over’ kind of danger? Or is it ‘oh no, there’s a insane bloodthirsty thingy who’s about to eat me’ kind of danger?”


Sending a brief glance Xaira’s way to see if she wasn’t asking a bizarre question. Though it wasn’t as if Mihn really payed attention to how strange something she said might be.


Naomi's had already been trying to keep a lid on her own amusement, using her best poker face, but Mihn's question somehow managed make it even harder. Before Mihn could turn to questioningly glance at Xaira, Naomi rushed to cover her expression with her hand, worried she wouldn't be able to contain herself. There was no real reason she should be on the verge of cracking up - this was a reasonable query Mihn had posed - but she couldn't help herself. She looked over at the other two participants of this conversation curiously, incredibly interested in seeing for herself what the answer to this was supposed to be.


Xaira noticed this expression out of the corner of her eye, which in turn made her realize how funny Mihn’s reaction was, if in a certain light.



When Mihn turned to Xaira after asking her question, she would’ve seen the Dragoness look over at Emanuel and raise an eyebrow, cocking her head sideways. Whilst she had a feeling what he’d say, she was curious about his Answer, and judging by the grin upon her lips, rather amused regarding this… interesting exchange.


At first, Emanuel squinted in confusion at Mihn’s, in his opinion, rather off- color query. Then, he smiled warmly as he answered thusly, though unbeknownst to him, the answer might’ve been unwise:


“All kinds of danger, little one. I intend to keep you safe as much as one being, Angel or not, possibly can.”



Xaira almost visibly shook her head at that, but she’d already warned Emanuel who he was dealing with, so she kept her mouth shut… at least until Mihn finds an excuse to summon him when she’s nowhere near in real danger, to give him the obligatory ‘told ya so’.


“Ooooh, right,” Mihn nodded, mainly to herself, before she found herself glancing away again to looked at all the other supernaturals around as they walked by them. She might have took a minute to wonder about them too and how they were dealing with the whole situation, here in Heaven.


Naomi, in the midst of cooling off, took the angel’s answer in stride, though all the while curiously wondering what might come of it. That would truly be a test of what kind of person Mihn was, wouldn’t it? Regardless, she decided just to keep walking forward, feeling, whatever it was, it would certainly be a problem for another time. In the silence that followed, more pressing issues resurfaced in her mind. The obvious, of course. What would go on after tonight, what kind of life they’d be leaving once they’d left. They were more idle thoughts than anything, though. In all honesty, she somehow didn’t find herself all that concerned. However, she did frown for a moment, in wondering if that might be because of the angelic magic around here, and what that could mean. In any event, it was just something to idly consider until the four of them arrived, and sooner than later they do, coming to approach the room they’d been promised was their own.


Maybe after finally getting to the door on the room they’d be staying in for the night, Mihn might have felt a sudden hit of fatigue. Finally having the chance to properly stop, all her tiredness and the strain the injuries - even after being healed - had taken a toll on her. So after a brief farewell and bid goodnight to the angel Emanuel. Mihn was the first to nudge the door open and creep her way inside the cozy space.


Still Keeping gentle hold of Naomi’s hand, Xaira followed Mihn, who in turn followed Emanuel to the door. She glanced sidelong at her Lilin lover to gauge what sort of mood she was in, mostly to surmise whether or not to postpone her talk about the Angel and this whole Heaven situation or not.


In return, Naomi had a cool, if not a bit thoughtful, expression, mind still lingering about what she’d been thinking about on the trip over. Still, she easily took notice of Xaira's eyes glimpsing toward her own, and in return, she simply stared back alertly. It seemed as if they both had something on their mind, so she let the serious air between them stay as it was, but gently squeezed Xaira's hand in reassurance. There would be time to address things soon, she was sure.


Because they were nearly to part ways with their angelic companion, however, Naomi turned to face him for a moment, adopting a genuinely warm look. When all was said and done, despite everything else, he’d done Mihn - and Xaira and Naomi herself, even - a considerable kindness. Things had worked out for the best they could have because of him - maybe even for reasons they weren’t even aware of. Whether or not it was his duty, that was worth acknowledging and appreciating, she thought. So she did. “Thank you,” she said to him quietly, her day’s worth of relief seeping out through her tone. She made a gesturing glance toward Xaira too, knowing the sentiment was shared between them.


Xaira shared a brief smile with Naomi, then, before then directing it at Emanuel and nodding. The angel smiled back, giving the both of them an appreciative bow.


“My pleasure.” As he flew back over the gate, a warmth spread from his heart outward as he thought back to their sentiments, as well as, and even especially, Mihn’s very clear gratitude. He decided to, if nothing else, flag down the three of them, or at least her, before they were likely sent back down to the surface in one area or another.


Seeing Mihn rush inside, Xaira nodded to Emanuel, who’d already bid Mihn a good night as the Tanuki entered. In return for Xaira’s and perhaps Naomi’s acknowledgements, Emanuel nodded back to both supernatural women, smiling kindly, then bowing. “Sleep well, you two.” With that, he turned about and spread his wings, flying back towards and then over the gate to Heaven proper, looming in the distance.


“Well babe, let’s get some much needed rest,” Xaira said, stepping into the room with her Lilin lover in tow.


“Much needed,” Naomi sighed, a tired but relieved smile on her face. She giddy as all get out when they’d been leaving, but something about everything they’d done in the meantime had worn her right back out. If not physically, then maybe emotionally. It hadn’t felt like so at the time, but it’d been quite the emotional roller coaster, in retrospect. She was happy to have another chance to relax.


Xaira giggled and nodded at Naomi’s retort, relaxing just a little more despite everything the pair had experienced. It truly felt like everything was going to be perfect for as long as the two of them were in that bed, wrapped in each other’s arms.


“I’m...tired,” Mihn lazily sighed as she would have glanced around the room and caught sight of a comfortable looking couch. At which, she shuffled towards with a content look on her face of the long awaited nap to come to her in just seconds. As she bent down, her arm stretched out to assist herself, but no...she was not going to sleep on the couch. Instead, almost at the exact moment she had lowered her body to the floor, the magic of the shapeshifting happened. And where a pink haired girl was just a moment before, a tiny four legged dog creature slid right on under the couch - with the shiny pendant. But, perhaps that fat, fluffy tail stuck out from under the couch.


For Naomi, seeing Mihn suddenly up and disappear was... interesting! It had certainly not been what she'd been expecting, anyway. She was surprised, certainly, but not by too much. The young woman was a tanuki, after all. She had been wanting to say more to her before she'd headed to bed, actually, but, seeing as Mihn had already disappeared into her own little hidey hole, she figured anything like that could wait for morning. "Good night, Mihn!" Naomi simply said cheerily, waving to the couch she had disappeared under ineffectually. Mihn probably couldn't see her, but it was the thought that counted, right?

Naomi’s cheerful way of bidding Mihn goodnight, complete with a wave in her general direction, nearly caused Xaira to let out a giggle, but she stifled it just in time to ensure that she didn’t startle her little sister as she settled into sleep, clawed, scale-speckled hand just barely

“G’night, Sis,” Xaira said, having half a mind to give the Tanuki a kiss on the forehead goodnight like she often did, yet the Tanuki ended up disappearing under the couch before she had a chance. When she said she was tired, the girl certainly hadn’t been kidding. Xaira let out a chuckle and a small shake of the head at that. Turning to Naomi, she then said, “she’s so precious… I’m lucky to have her in my life. But… I feel even luckier to have you…”

Naomi chuckled a little - half in hearing Xaira's own amusement, but partly in hearing her glowing praise. "Really?" Naomi asked tilting her head a little coyly. It seemed like Mihn was truly a bright presence; it was honestly odd to think Xaira could consider herself so lucky to know Naomi when Naomi was... well, herself. A rather safe person in a room of exciting people. Still, she didn't doubt that that was her partner's true feelings on the matter, and to that, she sighed contentedly.

"I feel lucky you feel that way," she said honestly, looking into Xaira's eyes tenderly.

Grinning widely, she then pressed her lips to Naomi’s, green eyes closing shut as her lips closed in kind against the Lilin beauty’s, every sensory stimulation seeming to be a gentle reminder to the Dragoness that as she said, she was lucky to have Naomi in her life indeed.

Naomi returned the gesture happily, the feeling it elicited almost akin to that of coming home. Feeling that gentle but honest press on her lips, she could viscerally feel just how lucky she was, too, and she cherished every second of reassurance it brought her.


Breaking the kiss, she stared lovingly into her eyes for a moment before she remembered something, green orbs coloring with slight trepidation. “Naomi, I feel like we should have a talk about this whole Heaven thing… but, maybe in the morning. For now… know that I don’t trust the angels much more than you do, if at all… b-but it feels like something is… influencing my mind.”


She then shook her head. “Something to worry about when we’re not about to pass out, though.”


While Naomi certainly agreed in regards to needing to talk - and found herself deeply relieved to hear that fact said expressly - she frowned upon hearing it was something that would need to wait. That didn’t compare, though, to her reaction to hearing Xaira carefully try to attempt to explain that she felt like something might be… ‘influencing’ her. Naomi’s face immediately went pale, and though she waited for Xaira to continue without interrupting her, she had clearly not let the subject go by the time Xaira suggested they should.

"Is it?" she pressed in almost a whisper, her hands gently grabbing Xaira’s shoulders, and her voice coming out a little more forceful than she'd have intended through her bubbling sense of worry. Was this an overreaction? She wouldn't have assumed so, but then, Xaira didn't seem all that worried about it herself, from how casually she'd brought the suggestion up. All Naomi really knew was that even the suggestion played to her already latent fears regarding this place. She gritted her teeth, genuinely looking to be on the precipice of a much bigger emotion, before her eyes darted over to the rest of the room, and she emphatically shook her head, dismissing the thought all together.

Xaira’s eyes widened as, in response to her offhand comment regarding how… not herself some of the Dragoness’ thoughts surrounding this place and the angels had been, Naomi expressed deep concern. The look in her Dragonic girlfriend’s eyes then softened with gratitude and love, a small amount of guilt in there as well; guilt for making her Lilin lover worry so much. He found herself resting her own hand upon her lover’s shoulder, about to open her mouth to say something, though she was unsure what to say to ease Naomi’s mind after letting such details slip.


"No... it is," she said quietly, breathing out with a huff and looking back to Xaira carefully. She pulled her hands back down to her sides. Seeing the room around her, she was very much aware of where she was, and why maybe this simply wasn't a good time. Besides that, there wasn't really very much either of them could do about it right now, anyway. It left her with a bitter taste in her mouth to admit, but she supposed this was just the position they were in. Still, she tried to readjust her attitude as best she could, falling slowly back to the more relaxed atmosphere of before. The revelation would probably hang overcast on her mind until she fell asleep, but... looking at Xaira, at least she knew she wouldn't be without comfort.

Xaira couldn’t help but breathe a bit of a sigh of relief as Naomi changed her mind. She felt a little bad, now, about dropping that bomb on her only to postpone it and expect her to sleep, but, considering how draining the last 24 hours or so had been for the both of the lovers, perhaps Naomi’s exhaustion was at least partly what made her back down for now. Xaira was doubly grateful for it, both because she needed rest, and because she needed time to even gather the words to explain what had been going on in her head.

"Let's get to sleep," she sighed with a tired, but fond smile.

With that very much welcome agreement, Xaira led Naomi across the room to the luxurious king-size bed on the other side of it, all but flopping onto it with Naomi in her arms, kissing her as she began to wrestle with the covers and take great care to drape the covers more over Naomi than herself. Besides, cold-blooded they may be, Dragons still tended to be naturally quite warm indeed, even in Humanoid form, as Naomi would know quite well by now.

Naomi just intertwined with Xaira gladly, letting her partner's gentle touch and her warmth finally relax her. She was torn between giggling lightly at the soft sensation of her Xaira's light kisses on her skin and letting her eyes lull close, feeling no more peaceful feeling in the world than feeling so loved. Ultimately, she doesn't have to, because the two of them settle in once they're both nice and comfortable.

“Good night, Naomi…” Xaira said quietly, her voice lowering into barely a whisper as she then said, her eyes slowly drifting closed all the while as her hands rested gently around Naomi’s body, “I love you.”

"I love you too," Naomi whispered back serenely, letting herself utterly drift off with the peace of knowing that even a day like this could finally came to such a satisfying close.

 

[Halexia]

Chase had seemed somewhat pleased to meet Beckah, which had somewhat surprised her, she was expecting at least a little animosity from her colleagues for replacing their friend "I have to say I was not expecting to be welcomed so quickly" she said with a slight scowl of confusion "although I am glad of such a warm welcome" she laughed at his comment "yes I do 'stab stuff' I have always been rather fond of the sword and I must say I am glad to hear it is needed as I wouldn't be much good with any other weapon"

Beckah noticed his flinch it seemed she too had forgotten where they were or that the pair were currently surrounded by angels but as quick as the tension filled the air its seemed to disapate as Chase began to walk towards the hotel
"I am not sure that would be a good idea" she replied in response to his mischievous sounding comment then "ask away" in response to his question, after he had asked the question Beckah gave him a curious look "the supernaturals you mean?" she took a sharp intake of breath then let out a deep sigh "I will never be okay with supernatural beings I will save my reasoning for that for another time, preferably one where we are not expected to be nice to such creatures, and I would class the angels to be supernaturals too, I mean they have powers and they are not human... even if they are supposedly a 'peaceful race'" she said doing the quotation marks in the air with her fingers.

Rustic
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"you do know that I can tell you are lying right?" Tyra said although it sounded muffled with her head buried in his shoulder "not even a hound of Hell can hide the sound of his heartbeat from a vampire" she smiled in spite of herself, Orthrus' hearty chuckle was a welcome sound one that, just a few hours earlier, she never thought she would get the chance to hear again.

As he broke out of the hug at the sound of the goodnight wishes of the Angel Tyra became disheartened, it was however a short lived disapointment as he had invited he had invited her to share his room, or had he? The young hybrid was unsure if she was just hearing what she wanted to hear, but trying to stay optimistic she followed him anyway, then noticing he was still in a great deal of pain she put her arm around his waist "put your weight on me, I will aid you" she said "I may look fragile but rest assured I can handle more than you would expect of me and you seem a little unsteady" Tyra then decided to bite the bullet "as for your offer to stay with you... do you really think I would let you be alone in your condition, too right I am going to stay with you for as long as you want me to"

PanOtterPus

 

[Rustic]

Chase had given a nonchalant shrug to Beckah's suggestion that striking out wasn't such a good idea. She was right, of course, but it wasn't as if that usually stopped him from doing anything. It was, however, a strong enough deterrent for the moment at least, so fortunately for everyone, there was nothing anyone had to worry about. Peaceful night in Heaven ahead, ho hum. But, after that was when he'd asked if it was fine to ask her something. His curious face had brightened for a moment at her again accommodating response, but it was only for a moment. He was still thoughtfully considering his actual question even as he asked it... and feeling a little antsy about it. Making a bad impression with her on a temporary team would be one thing, but even having run off, he liked what he had with Fifer and Gabriel. He didn't want things to change anymore than they were changing, or had already changed. It was getting to be too much. He just wanted another teammate who could like him so that everyone would keep getting along. Especially now, what with this already stressful mission getting increasingly topsy turvy.

Thankfully, on that front, she'd given in response the sort of answer he'd been hoping for. "You're sooo right," he said back, immediately breathing out a sigh of relief once she had finished. "I mean, they're nice or whatever, but those're the ones you gotta look out for." Then again, thinking about it more, Chase couldn't say he'd wholeheartedly put them with the supernaturals in the same way she said she did. The angels were like helping them? For whatever reason? God or something? Not the mention the guy that'd taken him up here had been kind of really cool, too... The more he thought about it, the less sure about it he was again, and the more his waning confidence showed on his face, until... "I don't know," he impulsively admitted in his frustration, suddenly frowning with concentration and shaking his head. He twirled a finger through his hair. "It's confusing," he said quietly, with a small, resigned sigh, still looking pensive about the whole thing.

That look continued, through silence or otherwise, until he finally thought to change the subject to something else he'd thought about as she'd talked. "But yeah, I mean, I get the, um..." he said, starting to approach the subject but faltering. He wanted to bring back up what she'd said before, about her reasons, while navigating his own... awkwardness, about sensitive stuff. "I get why you wouldn't wanna talk about why," he finally managed, half-looking her in the eye for a moment carefully before looking back toward the halls ahead of them. "A lotta people don't have really happy reasons for joining the Guild, I think." He'd always thought that was kind of sad, when he'd realized it. It was pretty sad still to him now, too, actually. To think that there was probably a sad reason she was here with him. His lips pursed for a moment, before they broke into a shy smile.

"I hope you like it here, though!" he said, looking back toward her hopefully. "I'm sure you've helped a lotta people." He didn't know what exactly was up with her - if maybe she wasn't just a personal person - but he hoped that, for any reason she was here, that that made her feel a little better about it. It certainly made him feel a little better to think that. If nothing else, everyone in the guild at least was getting to help make sure nobody else had to know about any of this. They were making the world better! ...Or something like that.

Regardless, not too long after that moment came what they'd been looking for; their rooms. If the names on the doors were any indication. Funny how those were just somehow there. It surprised Chase how quickly they'd found them, too. Good organization, he idly guessed. But... "Oh, hmm..." he said, moving away from that thought for a new realization. "That's it..." It had been surprisingly nice getting to know her even a little bit, so it was a little bit of a letdown that they were already parting. He had so much he was still curious of about her, now that he knew she was the type who'd answer his questions. But oh well. His slight disappointment was visible for a second or two until he shrugged it off. Wasn't much to be done about it. When it was clear there was nothing else to say either, he nodded to her finally.

"Guess I'll see ya tomorrow then," he said, making his fingers into a peace sign and lifting them in in cheerful salute, "part-ner!" His smile widened into a grin, too, letting things end off on a cheerful final note. She'd been invaluable company, after everything that'd happened, so it was the least he could do. Once she finished with her own goodbye, he gave one last nod before he took the handle to his own door, twisted it open, and twirled off into the room beyond.

Halexia

 

[DergTheDergon]

The Previous Day​

Watching Viriel closely, Tyrellius found himself deeply anticipating how beautiful she would look in Angelic clothes, his built-in Angelic trepidations regarding her more or less subsiding from his mind as he took in the sight of her. Mesmerized as he was, though, he was fully aware that if he allowed her presence to take hold of him enough, he’d be doing her bidding in no time. He didn’t want that; he wanted to be on equal ground with her and he was going to do all he could to earn the right to be on her level in her eyes. After all, this was no simple fall from grace; this was a fall from grace and then straight into love with the Demoness before him; and as far as the part of him that was still Angelic was concerned, love made all equal, no one above another. He swore to himself as he stood there in awe of her that he’d keep a lookout for her tricks from here on out, but only become closer to her and not by any means gain distance to protect himself.

Tyrellius found himself stunned by her powers of transformation, as well as the dress she chose. He felt for a moment that something was amiss, before he realized that the voice within him that whispered to him his duties, the voice of God himself, had all but disappeared.

Tyriel was determined to find a way to still serve the good of all as much as he could despite being fallen, as well as to keep Viriel from such a fate as those many Demons he’d killed before meeting her on this fateful day. He knew that many Demons would never change, but Viriel… he saw in her the potential to change the world in ways God Himself didn’t think was possible, hence resorting to using the hatred His enemy spread in order to combat him. At least, that was what Tyrellius saw in God’s zero-tolerance policy on Demons; whether he was right or wrong simply did not matter to Tyrellius now; he’d gone much too far for that.

Tyrellius smirked at the Demoness’s all-too-true comment regarding her demonic attire, blushing slightly. “I cannot lie; they have a way of… showing off your assets.” The side of him that Viriel had awakened was the only conscious part of him at the moment, as likely shown by how he seemed, though it was not entirely true, like he’d let his guard down around her. He watched with mesmerized fervor as she eventually decided on an outfit and began to magically manifest it onto herself before his eyes, the reddish tint on his cheeks intensifying as he found himself imagining what she looked like beneath the convenient pink veil surrounding her mid-transformation.

Once her new attire had manifested onto her form, the widening of his eyes and the smile forming on his lips made it very clear how lovely it looked on her, even before Tyrellius spoke his approval. Of course, he did so regardless, as it slipped from his lips without any prompting whatsoever.

As Viriel explained that she could do a lot more to disguise herself if she had more of her power, Tyrellius chuckled whilst shaking his head and smiling to her cheekily. “Viriel… not only am I confident this disguise will certainly do… it looks… divine on you…” he smiled a bit at that last comment. He meant it genuinely, in part, yet he also meant it as a lighthearted pass at her less-than-divine nature. Not to mention, his own now-sullied divinity, in a way; a part of him that, at this moment, didn’t really matter much to him.

“There are others of my kind here patrolling the general area around the exit I had in mind, but that is what your disguise is for. Simply keep your head down and I doubt anyone will take much notice whatsoever. Our larger worry is, it’s rather… uncomfortable to escape in the way I have in mind. It requires passing through a barrier that only mortal souls were ever meant to cross. We will likely feel as though our very beings are being torn apart… but it is the easiest and quickest way, and will not truly harm us. Come.”

He then took her hand in his, his grip strong but gentle, and walked the both of them away from her vacant cell and down the vacant hallway, the distant and angered utterances of eternally imprisoned Demons the only sound to be heard other than the sound of the pair’s footsteps. Tyrellius was silent until he halted at another empty cell a bit of a distance away from where Viriel’s had been, and looked this way and that to ensure no other guards were patrolling in this area before he unlocked the door.

“This cell once housed a being that was born of a Nephilim, a being born of a pairing such as ours. One’s blood ties them to one of three planes within this universe while living: Heaven, the plane of the Living, or Hell. For example, your kind and mortals cannot enter Heaven without angels bringing you here, and your kind have limited ability to manifest on earth by yourselves… or, you did until recently. Regardless, this being had within him the blood of all three. Thus he was able to create a portal to one of these other planes this way by using the combined Holy and Unholy power within him, and he simply disappeared after that. We know not if he is alive or dead now, but there is still a residual rift here because of that. With the energy I have in reserve, I believe I’ll be able to force it fully open again.”

He then approached the far wall of the cell, placing both hands, palms flat, upon it. Taking a deep breath in and closing his eyes, he then opened them once more, his irises glowing a luminous blue that faintly lit two small areas of the wall before him. Soon, his hands began to glow the same blue, the light encompassing the bare gray Purgatory wall with greater coverage and intensity in equal measure. Over a brief span of a few moments, the light covered a circle of the wall, the diameter spanning over both his hands and the area between, above, and below them. The light then suddenly became a window to a secluded grove in the middle of a forest; the sort of place that would only be on earth. Something was odd about this forest, however; the light barely streaming in from above enough to see seemed unnatural in its purplish coloration; akin to the artificial sun over Deepvale, yet not quite the same.

“This must be where the Nephalem was able to escape to…. Let us follow in his footsteps and see what sort of life we can create together… I hope for one that transcends the trappings of Heaven and Hell combined… despite what we are.”

With that, he took her hand and began to walk through the gate. The grove on the other side was quite large, and the treetops so overgrown as to inhibit flight, the tree trunks themselves growing so close together they likely felt as constricting to Viriel as her cell did, not to mention how claustrophobic it made Tyrellius, who was used to the abundant space Heaven provided. Strangely enough, though, leaving that place made him feel so free that the trapped feeling this forest gave him barely crossed his mind compared to a strange joy, like the feeling of a large weight lifting from his shoulders. Finally, he felt free of having to kill for a god that otherwise condemned one for violence, among other things, such as the need to suppress his base desires entirely.

“Well, here we are… somewhere in the Beneath. If I knew where, I’d tell you. Thoughts, Viriel? I suggest we find shelter and rest, soon… we will need our energies replenished for the trials ahead, I’m sure, and I’m feeling quite drained as well.” As he spoke, he simultaneously surveyed the unlikely pair’s new surroundings for himself, beginning to put together a list of what the two would likely have to keep in mind down here.
---
Ariella’s elaboration on the nature of her stay, and who her people were, fascinated the Angel before her. He gained a deep respect for her and her followers as he thought of the selflessness and boldness it would take to spend your life traveling to worlds you have no knowledge of, as well as fighting against a multitude of globally life-threatening crises.

“I suppose I shall follow,” he decided as she offered to allow him to , standing from the spot in which he’d just finished administering treatment to Ariella’s injured soldier and following her toward her ship, taking in the sight of it from afar with great interest. He patiently nodded and waited as he was told by her guard that he was not allowed in, though he was concerned as to why- until he saw that, clearly having changed within the ship, she had desired privacy for an entirely non-suspicious reason. Her attire seemed…. Out of place here in heaven, but he ignored that and simply greeted her with a smile as she came back out.

Watching as she made her way to the slowly closing portal to Deepvale, his visage dampened with sorrow, seeing her kneel. What the foreign language she was speaking in, to his observations she was praying for the lost souls and those still fighting. He approached the edge beside her and said his own prayer just as quietly, staring forlornly into the mass of swarming demons below, quickly destroying all that was left.

“Heavenly father, I pray that all souls lost this day may find eternal peace, love, and joy here beyond Heaven’s pearly gates and in your arms, lord. Amen.”

With that, he then stood and subsequently turned to Ariela, still crouching down next to him and staring into the portal even as it closed, and gently placed hand upon her shoulder. “ I must tend to other duties now. I pray that you rest well and are prepared for what is to come tomorrow. I suggest you not linger here, and rest upon your vessel soon. Until we should meet again.”

With that, he took wing and sped through the night sky, back over the gates to report about everything Ariella had mentioned to him. He was glad that you wish to fight alongside the Supernaturals, as even with all of God's forces, they would need all the help they can get against hell's Legions from here on out.
---

The Next Morning​

The moment heaven had brightened, lit not by anything like the Earth’s sun, but seemingly creating its own, evenly distributed light that radiated from every surface as well as the Sky itself, Angels made their way through the hotel they’d conjured up for the Deepvalians the night before, knocking on doors and announcing that everyone should “report to the Pearly Gates, please”. The same angel that had spoken with Ariellla the night before made sure to stop by her ship as well, relaying to her and her people the same message and ensuring that they made it out in front of the Gates with the rest of the supernaturals contained here.
---
As had become habit for the Huntress, FIfer’s eyes opened the moment the light began to flood in at full intensity through the window. The first sight her eyes met with this morning was that of Gabe’s sleeping face. Fifer’s arms had been just about glued to the circumference of his chest for the night’s duration. As everything about his presence and this moment filled Fifer’s senses, she had half a mind to fall asleep again, but she knew that her and Gabe couldn’t stay and enjoy their new love forever. Life had to go on, and besides, they both had a world to help save. After lying there and enjoying her bliss for a few more of the most heavenly moments she’d ever experienced (for several reasons), a mischievous smirk spread across her face as she tilted her head sideways, her lips moving to meet with his and wake him up in a way that she felt would be the perfect end to their night in heaven. Whether they thought of Heaven as the place they’d spent the night in, or as each other’s arms, either way of thinking about it was correct in Fifer’s eyes which gazed lovingly into Gabe’s. One passionate smooch followed another, Fifer’s hands beginning to move on their own over his back. It would surely rouse him.

The moment he began to stir, she parted her lips from his and said “good morning”, her voice still groggy. Despite herself, she blushed as he responded. The prior night, she had let her usual, rigid persona fall away entirely, and she’d become putty in Gabe’s gentle, yet skilled hands. “Gabe…” she began, her tone soft and still but a whisper, “where have you been all my life, huh? You accept me for me, scars and all… you’re caring, funny…. You’re a damn hunk…. A-and yo really know how to please me too… I could do this all day but, I think ya get the picture, honey.” Wrapping her arms as tightly about Gabe’s form as they would go, Fifer laid with him like that for a for more moments before reluctantly letting go. “We’ve gotta get dressed and hear out the angels again… so, let’s find out what God’s plan is for us, huh?” Giving Gabe one last, fleeting peck on the lips, Fifer then began to move to a sitting position on the side of the bed, subsequently standing up and stretching a bit more than she normally would, letting Gabe get his fill of the view, since he’d made it clear that he enjoyed her body as it was. Truth be told, Fifer still felt a little ashamed showing herself off, and so ceased doing so quickly, all the while reminding herself that she could strut her stuff as much as she was comfortable with around him. The thought caused her to smirk as she gathered her clothing from the white marble floor and put it on, piece by piece.


Once the both of them were dressed, Fifer then looked at her watch, then to Gabe. Our “escort” should be here any second now. L-let’s make ourselves decent, fast.” She blushed as she met his eyes and vivid flashes of the passionate events of the night before flooded her mind. “God damn, I’m a lucky woman,” she whispered breathily, smirking as she turned back around and finished up her morning routine, complete with activating the cloaking device, her ears growing longer and her scars disappearing once more. She smiled fondly and her heart beat faster for a few moments as he remembered the moment Gabe had turned the device off the night before, then said the sweetest words that had ever been said to her. He was the first person that Fifer could ever say, without a doubt in her mind, accepted her one hundred percent. That meant far more to her than she could ever convey.

Almost the very moment that Gabe had dressed as well, there was a knock at the door. Fifer sighed. “Well… guess it’s time to figure out what’s going on… and hopefully meet up with Chase and find he’s doing okay…” Taking Gabe’s hand in hers, she walked him to the door, grabbed hold of the handle and swung open the door to find an Angel looming in the doorway before the couple, looking them both over and nodding. “There you both are.The others are being escorted a better place to discuss your… predicament. Come now, time is of the essence.”

Others? As in, a hunter (or even more than one) other than Chase? Had another Hunter made it here to replace the missing Caroline? That was a relieving prospect, and Fifer was curious to see who outside their little group had managed to make it down here alive in time on such short notice.

The angel, seeing the quizzical-cum-suspicious look on her face, explained. “

Fifer then met his eyes, showing the distrust and displeasure she felt. “We’ll be right out.” The angel shook his head. “I apologize, but I was told to keep a close eye on the two of you. I humbly ask that you finish preparations for departure so that we can be on our way.”

Fifer rolled her eyes. She understood the mutual distrust, she supposed, but all she was going to do was give Gabe one last depp and passionate good morning kiss to start what would presumably be quite the long day off right for the both of them. In fact, thinking on it for only a second or so, she suddenly had quite the cheeky idea. She could kiss him anyway. And so, she roughly grabbed his shirt, leaning in and making sure to kiss him as deep and hard as she could, while letting out a moan to accompany it. The Angel, seeing this, went bright red and muttered something along the lines of “I’ll be waiting for you outside” before vacating the premises not unlike a young child who’d just seen his parents kissing like that. Breaking the kiss, Fifer grinned cheekily at him. “Maybe that’ll teach him not to rush us huh?” She said, winking before promptly shaking her head and sighing, taking his hand one more time.

“We should probably go before I decide to stay here all day, though damn, it’s tempting...” she said, her voice gaining a husky edge for a moment that likely reminded Gabe vividly of the night before; just what Fifer wanted. Smirking at him, she then emerged and continued to follow the Angel to the destination he had laid out of the pair, ensuring Gabe was at her side for the walk.

The Angel moved past the still-gathering crowd of supernaturals, Fifer’s grip tightening with unease around Gabe’s hand as she followed suit, born of the uncertainty of this situation coupled with the presence of so many supernaturals making both her suspicions and her senses go haywire.

Two angelic guards, both female one might note, stood guard at the entrance to an odd floating gate that had appeared off to the side of the main gate to Heaven, tiny compared to its aforementioned grand counterpart. The angel accompanying Fifer and Gabe then turned to them, smiling kindly and gesturing towards the gate. “These two Listeners here will lead the way. They are the purest of the angels and the only ones allowed direct communion with God.

Within the pure white expanse were already two other Angelic females, along with Chase and Beckah, who had been found and woken earlier for this meeting of sorts. One object stood out from the nothingness around it, contained in the very center of the room. It was a massive, ovular ring of swirling sky-blue light with an image filling the area within it. The Hunter would have all easily recognized it as a vertical version of the portal in Heaven’s floor that had brought everyone up here from Deepvale. In the center of this one, the hunters clearly saw the front of the guild building, and around it, people going about their days in real time. Fifer’s eyes widened at this. It was scary to her that anyone, even God being who He was, knew exactly where she worked miles below. At the same time, however, she felt a sense of relief that she was going to be able to return there in a way much easier than she’d gotten here. She also felt a healthy dose of longing to return after this long, dangerous, insane journey. The first thing she wanted to do when she got back was let her closest friends know that she wasn’t dead, and update them on her relationship with Gabe, which they had been cheering her on about ever since they’d gotten together. A thought crossed her mind that made the Huntress smile, then: ‘We’re finally coming home, Director. Just wait ‘till you get a load of all this.’

Then, finished with ogling her mind-boggling surroundings, Fifer turned to Chase, the look upon her visage deeply apologetic. “Good to see ya, Chase… I’m… sorry about last night… it was rather… selfish of me… I didn’t realize how much the changes in the group had affected you, especially with Caroline’s disappearance.” The normally very blunt and deadpan woman apologize in a tone of utmost sincerity, and even a little timidity as she clung to Gabe’s hand but this time went out of her way not to make it look too amorous in front of Chase. She didn’t want anything to happen to the camaraderie the three of them had established just because Gabe and herself were far more than members of the team to each other now, and she hoped she had made that clear to Chase just now.

Her attention then turned to the woman that she inferred had replaced caroline, nodding in acknowledgement and letting go of Gabe’s hand just long enough to close the distance and offer her other hand to Becka. “You’re… Beckah, right? I’ve seen you around the guild. You probably know my name too, but I’ll introduce myself anyway. Fifer O’hara.” She then looked to Gabe to introduce himself in kind. Fifer was also silently thankfuly to Beckah that she’d apparently been keeping Chase company. Once introductions had been passed around, a deep and profound-sounding voice wasted no time in speaking, echoing about the chamber in the process.

“Greetings, Hunters. Before I continue, know that my Angels shall take action to protect you if animosity arises among the Supernaturals regarding you, or indeed if any shall, as I shall be sending Vaela here with you, baring my tidings and the answers to any questions your guild may have. All I ask in return for all of this is that you do your best to convince them to join our cause. During the times that Demons have made it to the surface, a Hunter has always slain one ever since your order was born. In fact, the three of you, Chase, Fifer and Gabriel, had a hand in killing a Demonic wolf-hybrid not so long ago. Your people will be invaluable to saving the earth, though you cannot do it alone. This is why it is necessary to work with the supernaturals. The hatred that drives you to hunt them is born of old animosity born from fear, and nothing more.”

Fifer wasn’t exactly pleased to hear thi,s though not surprised, either. Seeing as she had been given a free pass back to headquarters, however, she said nothing and simply remained holding onto gabe, listening intently to the primordial voice and honestly wishing God would stop speaking. All the hunters likely did. He did have more to say, regardless, however.

“I also wish to address the distrust towards my Angels, and even myself, that you all feel. I understand and have no qualms with this either, though if we are to save Earth we must work in true unison. I am asking not for you all to devote yourselves to me. Such is not even neccesary to reach beyond the pearly Gates after death. I am not so vain, contrary to how I am portrayed below by many. I did create the sentient races of this world, and as such I understand the need to rebel and to question that I myself have bestowed upon all of you. Many ‘non-believers’ have gone to Heaven for their good deed. However, I do wish you all give my angels due respect; they know not what they do; how they cause you suspicion. I do not expect you to take my word, either, though I offer my reassurance, whatever it may be worth to each of you, that they do not intend any ill will towards any of the inhabitants of earth; I know as I have designed them that way. Please, I implore you to work well with them. I shall be sending one of my Oracles down with you. She is the one that has brought you here.”

Hearing her que on behalf of her Lord, Lyralla then spoke up herself. “My name is Lyralla… it is wondrous to meet you all.”

Fifer only gave her a nod of acknowledgement in response, followed by the Huntress looking around at her allies’ reactions; Gabe first, Chase second, and Beckah third. Truth be told, she didn’t trust Beckah yet; she’d never worked with her after all, and Fifer had learned to remain moderately suspicious, yet still distantly friendly, towards each unfamiliar person until they prove themselves trustworthy, if they ever do.

“So, God, hear me out for a second,” Fifer said, the name ‘God’ sounding strange and a bit hesitant on her tongue. This was due not only to since all she was hearing was a disembodied voice and had no eyes to meet with her own, she considered what she wished and did not wish to say before speaking up further.

“I’m on board with this, if only ‘cause it looks like there’s no other choice, but… I just want to make things clear: Hunters don’t believe in you, almost unanimously. It’s going to take some doing to convince our boss, who I’m sure you know is the one person you’re absolutely going to need on your side, that the whole world is going to end if we don’t work with powerful beings we don’t know much about. Hunters fight those kinds of creatures, we aren’t too inclined to trust them.”

“I knew that you would ask, Fifer,” said God’s echoing, primordial voice, “yet consider this: Ms. Crowne knows that Demons are the worst of the worst, and has connections that I can tell you with certainty have given her information that has led her to come to the same conclusion that you all have, having seen it firsthand: Demons will destroy the Earth unless a monumental effort pushes them back. She believes she has lost her best team by now, as well. Her desperation will allow her to listen to my Angel, I promise you.”

Fifer looked down and frowned for a moment, taking and tightening her grip on Gabe’s hand subconsciously as she considered the diety’s words. After a few moments of visibly intense deliberation, she heaved a sigh and lifted her head. “Well… not going to lie, you have a point. As long as these three are with me, we’ll do it.” Even as she said that, she knew that in reality, they truly had no choice. God, confident that they would go through with this regardless, was silent for a time before speaking again. “The four of you may enter when prepared, and my handmaiden shall follow. Please, go forth. Time is of the essence for all life on Earth.”

After one long, yet final moment of deliberation, Fifer raised her head, met eyes with chase and Beckah both for a brief moment each, then locked eyes with Gabe for a slightly longer moment, before nodding in agreement with what she felt was right to do. She had to go along with this, if only to complete the task that had gotten the team into this mess they were now in. “Come on, let’s get this over with and go back home, team.” With that, still hand-in-hand with Gabe, she stepped ever closer to the portal, every step seeming like an eternity as she wondered. She wondered how it would feel, what the others would say, if they’d even believe the Angel’s story as God had assured that they would… so many uncertainties. Two things, however, was indeed certain to her. She was either going to play a part in driving the Demons back, or she was going to die trying; and she’ll have a hell of a team to back her up, especially when more join the cause as she knew they would. They’re hunters, after all, killing menaces to humanity is their job; and this is most important mission any of them have ever had, by far.

When each Hunter passed through the portal, they felt an intensely dizzy sensation, their bodies not taking the shift from the spiritual space of Heaven to the truly physical surroundings of earth as well as they’d taken the opposite change in environment. Fifer found herself nearly falling over, but grabbed Gabe’s arm at the last moment and was able to steady herself with him.

The hunters then finished their split-second journey behind the guild hall, the only people around being the guards at the nearby entrance to the Guild Hall. Upon seeing, to their eyes, four hunters deemed missing at this point appear right before their eyes, they panicked and raised their assault rifles against them. In well-trained reaction, Fifer began to reach for hers before she stopped herself, and raised her hands. “It’s us. Fifer, Gabriel, Chase and Beckah. We need to see the boss. Now.”

Both guards glanced at each other, stunned, and keeping the same expression, back towards the suddenly-manifested, very real Hunters before them. After this pattern repeated a few more times, they finally turned back toward the hunters, holstered their pistols, and then found themselves squinting in disbelief at the Angelic woman that was also standing with them, a slight distance away. “I… I’m not sure how you’re all here or even alive, but it’s a relief… but… who’s this? She doesn’t look…”

“Human?” Fifer interrupted. “It’s because she’s an Angel. They saved our asses so now we’re sending a message from God. Also, He actually exists, I guess. Look, it’s been a long few days. Can we just see the director?”

After standing in place for a few more moments with a mutual deer-caught-in-the-headlights look in their eyes, the guards turned to each other, seemed to collect themselves, and then turned to open the door. “...Alright, follow us,” one of them said. “Regardless of all the weird shit going on, it’s great to see you guys again. We were sure you were dead.”

The angelic woman, hands folded at her waist, continued behind everyone at a slow pace, keeping respectable distance from the hunters so as not to arouse further distrust so early on.

When the Hunters passed through the doors and began walking through the busy guild hall commons, the chatter in the air quieted gradually as more and more people recognized the four that had entered behind the guards, not to mention the inhuman-looking being that put many of the hunters in the room on edge, whispering amongst each other while a few even grasped for their weapons, just in case.

The guards both shouted at opposite sides of the gathering crowd to make way and to not be alarmed they made a straight shot for the elevator on the far side. Once they’d gotten things more or less under control, one of them called up to Elizabeth's office and let her know that the Hunters who’d been sent underground had returned, and that they’d brought some rather suspicious company. Her response wasn’t what he’d been expecting. There was no surprise in her voice, just the usual all-business tone she rarely seemed to stray from.

“Good. I knew they’d make it somehow. Escort them and their guest in, and keep particular eye on the latter. I will call a few other guards near my office just in case they’ll be a problem.”

Almost every hunter in this branch of the order was gathered here in the commons at the moment. Seeing the mass of hunters abound here, Fifer found herself keeping an eye out for those she was best acquainted with, acknowledging their presence with a nod, a wave, or simply a knowing look, whatever seemed appropriate for the person in question. She knew she owed them explanations, and promised herself silently that she’d give them just that whenever she had a breather between surreal things happening to and around her. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.

When they’d made it up to Elizabeth’s office, she was pacing in front of her desk until the very moment they all walked in; her hair was disheveled, and she looked rightly as if she had not seen much sleep or direct sunlight for a while; the dire nature of this situation was just as clear to her as it was to the hunters, it seemed, even though she still did not know exactly what had happened.

Four guards were already inside the large, elegantly furnished office, four chairs for each of the hunters already set out in front of her desk. Elizabeth moved behind her desk and motioned ot said chairs as the group’s two escorts, entering the room last, closed the door behind themselves and stood guard of it, just in case things were to get out of hand. The Angelic woman glanced warily from guard to guard, and then rested her eyes on the intimidating woman she needed to convince of God’s plan.

Looking over all 5 of the guest in her office, Elizabeth rested her head in her hands for a moment, before lifting her head once more. As she spoke, tiredness resonated from her voice just as much as it was visible in the bags in her eyes. Clearly, the last few days had understandably been just as rough on her on it had everyone else. She continued pacing as her words spun from her mouth at a furious pace.

”I understand you all must have been through hell the last few days, but well, so have I. Three different world leaders have been breathing down my neck demanding to know just what is down there. When we lost communications despite our comms having been proven to send clear messages between this headquarters and the International Space Station for God’s sake, I thought I wouldn’t be able to ever give them an answer, or see some of my finest hunters ever again. So, now that you all are here by some miracle or other, I need to hear. What the hell happened? All of you give me your accounts, please, one at a time. And you.” She then pointed at Lyralla, the angel that had been standing quietly and nervously nearby. Crowne looked the woman over for a good long moment, suspicion in her eyes clear. “When my Hunters explain why the hell they brought a nonhuman here and didn’t even bind your arms, I’ll see what to do with you.” Lyralla simply nodded, having expected a reaction like this, and continued to politely stand there, hands folded in front of her stomach and posture regal, yet nervous.

Fifer went first. “The others can explain the rest, but I know you want the most important facts first, so, here it is. What we found down there was, as you expected, the motherload of supernaturals. It’s… worse than just that, though… the others were all being slaughtered by Demons. Thousands of them.”

The director’s eyes widened. “What? How?! Demons can only individually manifest on Earth, and only a handful at a time.”

“That’s how it used to work, yeah,” Fifer said, “but now they’ve found a way to make some sort of portal to let all of ‘em flood through. There were… way too damn many…. We would be dead if it weren’t for her kind, much as I’d rather not admit it.”

Elizabeth turned toward the pale woman with luminescent blue eyes that Fifer had nodded toward, and looked her over scrutinously. She then sighed.

“Let me guess... She’s an angel.”

Fifer nodded, to which the Director sighed lowering her head and massaging her forehead. “I had a feeling this was bigger than us mortals… I’ve met a half-angel before, so I had a feeling. However, as good as you beings are reported to be, I still need be cautious.” Lyralla nodded in assent, finding a smile tugging at her lips at the pleasant surprise of Elizabeth’s sudden change in tone from hostile to understanding.

“Thank you, Fifer, but I’d like to hear the rest from your comrades. Details, people. How in hell did you make it back here so fast with no connection to the surface and an army of demons in your way? I’d also like to hear any ideas or concerns you may have about the future of this mission. We need to formulate a plan fast.” Her eyes flitted from Hunter to Hunter in the room expectantly, the director folding her hands behind her back as she primed herself to listen.
----
Xaira stirred the moment the light began to stream into the window out of well-ingrained habit; she’d done the same every morning for the vast majority of her adult life insofar. Unbeknownst to her, it mirrored that of that of human “monster” hunters. The only true difference was, she dealt with creatures of a sort even they weren’t very likely to encounter, creatures that truly were inherently evil, and incapable of reasoning beyond that unlike the sentients of the Beneath. Being early (and quick) to rise was necessary in that sense; besides, she’d grown to enjoy the peaceful and quiet air early mornings seemed to hold, even down in the Beneath, but of course flabbergastingly so up here in Heaven. The place held an air of “too perfect for a living being” to her, which she supposed was the point. Allowing these thoughts to float by in favor of relishing the moment, The dragoness’s attentions then moved to the lovely Lilin whose warmth all but enveloped her body. She gently and lazily stroked her lover’s wondrously soft hair, brushing the fusicha strands of her bangs away from her eyes whilst gazing fondly into Naomi’s peaceful, dreaming visage, a face that exemplified pure beauty to the eyes that gazed upon it in that moment, in everything from features to the expression that currently rested upon it. Xaira would so love to simply relish the sight of her more, not to mention the sounds of her gentle breaths and the feel of her warm, peacefully resting body up against her Draconic lover’s, but that all would have to wait for now. Being able to luxuriate in mornings like this was yet another thing to fight for in the days to come, Xaira figured.

Moving her head so that it rested against the side of Naomi’s, she then whispered into her ear. “Wakey wakey…” She pulled Naomi close then, beginning to gently caress her back and lay kisses upon her cheeks and neck until she woke.The moment Naomi stirred, Xaira smiled at her, and aided in waking her further by planting a full kiss right on her lips. “Let’s go see what the Angels want and out what we’ve got ahead of us. I’ll go find Mihn.”

Then Xaira, hair and clothes still disheveled from her slumber, reluctantly moved to the edge of the bed and sat up, brushing her hair behind her ears and smoothing the uncooperative strands over with her hands, before standing up and moving over towards the couch Mihn had slipped under the night before.

Reaching it, she peeked underneath. If her Tanuki younger sister was still there, Xaira would wake her as gently and non-startlingly as she could before coaxing her out from beneath the elegant gold-silk loveseat. Having lived with Mihn for quite a while, she by now would assumedly know how to wake her up, or, if she were already up and adam, where she’d most likely be right now. Once she got the Mihn situation figured out, telling her that they were about to head out to the plaza and listen to what the Angels had to say, she looked across the room to see how Naomi was faring. “You ready, babe? Let’s get out of here.” To Xaira, it already felt like she had the family she’d always dreamed of having. In this moment, she thought that if Earth (and of course, herself, Naomi and Mihn) survived this ordeal, which the Dragoness would fight with all her strength, fangs and claws bared, to ensure. Xaira had always felt like one of the guys at heart, truth be told; these thoughts of resolve made her once again think of this, a smirk creeping over her face at this thought.

“Let’s get going, girls. We don’t wanna be late to the party,” she jokingly called out, hands dramatically on her hips and her foot tapping exaggeratedly, signaling that she was ready to go, but despite her words patiently waited until her two favorite people were gathered around her.. Once they were, she stepped out and opened the door for the both of them, then entwining her right hand with Naomi’s left as the trio made their way up toward the looming, sparkly gates of Heaven proper.
---
Within the chamber that Zerah still remained, the newly-reinstated angel having spent the night there (likely more in contemplation than in sleep), there was stillness and serenity abound in the very air he breathed until the break of dawn. The only sounds Zerah would be able to hear were his own breaths, and the soothing, faint, ambient sounds one could always hear in the background within Heaven. When this pure, tranquil space began to brighten, however, the voice of God spoke once more.

“My child… I can sense you have come to an understanding, a point of resolve to truly repent from actions you have taken in the past that did not serve all righteous beings. I ask one more thing of you to solidify this resolve inside of you, and to serve the good of all in the process. Soon, Hell’s legions will attack another settlement within the Beneath; I will send you, other Angels, and the others there to protect the Righteous among the Supernaturals there soon. There, you will find another of my closest children known as Tyrellius, and likely not far from him, the very Demoness you helped to capture. Tyrellius has fallen farther and faster into the same trap that you have, one set by Viriel no less. You have seen her wickedness and trickery first hand. I ask that you, with as much help as you can gather due to the danger, deal with the threat of tem in some way or another. Viriel must be destroyed or once again subdued, though if at all possible, Tyrellius’s safe return would be invaluable to our cause. If he has fallen too far, however… you know what must be done.”

“Join the others, my child;” He said. “Go forth and put the past behind you. I trust in you to spread my love throughout the earth, and to ensure that Lucifer cannot accomplish his goal. Have faith, my son; not only in me, but in yourself as well.”

Only a moment later, a doorway appeared in front of him, leading straight to the town square before the gates to Heaven. Zerah now knew what God bid him to do next, and so the Lord quieted His voice for now, allowing him to, in his own time, come to terms with the weight of being thrust back into the role of Angel in a time of such great need whilst he saw to the duties that entailed, laid out before him within his revealed memories as well as in the Lord’s words to him on this night.
---
An Angel all mortals gathering before the massive portal that had appeared before the gates to Heaven proper would remember the face of, the Archangel Tyrael, hovered above the aforementioned mammoth gate to yet another part of earth. The image on the other side was of an underground city a bit more victorian-looking than deepvale and noticeably more sprawling, with forests surrounding it. Regardless, it was clearly another settlement within the Beneath. His gaze shifted slowly and methodically from one end of the vast open space before the Gates to the other. As he watched and waited silently for all to be present, other Angels, among them Emanuel, were seen more or less corralling the gathering, angsty crowd in a gentle way, appealing to shouts of confusion and outrage by calmly telling them that Tyriel was about to answer all of their questions. Among them was Emanuel, who was purposely conducting his duties near the hotel so that he could catch a glimpse of Mihn, Naomi and Xaira before the proceedings formally began.

When Emanuel saw the three approach and join the crowd, he smiled and waved slightly at Mihn first, then Xaira and Naomi second. “Good morning, you three,” he said cheerily, to which Xaira nodded, giving him a kind yet slightly forced smile in return. Naomi especially might have noticed by now that Xaira seemed to be sharing more in her distrust of the Angels since the night before. The moment that he seemed to be more preoccupied with Mihn’s undoubtedly adorable reaction to his greeting, Xaira leaned into Naomi’s ear, whispering as quietly and non-visibly to her Lilin lover as she could.

“The way he acts around her… he might not have given her that amulet for pure intentions like he said he did. ‘Til last night though, I seemed to naturally trust them, and once I realized that, it didn’t…. feel like me… that’s why I feel like they might’ve made me trust them, somehow… it might be just my imagination, but...” she sighed, seeing that Emanuel was still paying attention to Mihn after Xaira had explained this, the dragoness sighed, tightening her grip slightly on Naomi’s hand.. “Let’s just see if that pendant seems to do anything even slightly concerning to her.If it does, we gotta do something about it… but honestly, she’s so happy about the thing that I’m honestly hoping we never have a reason.” Xaira sighed, holding her lover’s hand tighter and gazing into her eyes, a composed look in them despite her previous worried words.
---
“Welcome, denizens of the Beneath, and good morning,” the Archangel began, his tone friendly, with a hint of the slightest stern edge therein; akin to a well-meaning yet strict teacher.

“You are all here because God has seen in all of you the potential to beat back the denizens of hell, so that all beings who rightfully belong on Earth can reclaim their lives, and perhaps establish a better one for all. If you are able in combat, we humbly request that you fight on the frontlines, as your abilities will be as valuable as any of us angels who shall be fighting alongside you, and give us the greatest chance of winning this war. It will require many long battles with Demonkind, fraught with dangers most life-threatening. As our lord is most gracious, however, should you perish in battle versus the forces of Hell, you will be allowed passage beyond these very pearly gates behind me despite your pasts. We will be doing all we can to prevent loss of life on this battlefield, of course, yet even God’s own power is… limited, or he would have sealed off Hell to begin with. This is why your roles in this are vital. We will be ever grateful for all of you that choose to fight. Those who cannot shall be allowed shelter here until we have secured a safe place on earth for you to live, and the gravely injured will be taken here to recover as well. As for why you see what you see within the face of this portal below me, God has decided to aid the next settlement within your Beneath He has confirmed that Lucifer plans to destroy. We have been told that it is known as Witchhaven, and that it is governed by the descendants of an ancient coven of witches, hence the name. Some of you may have heard of it, or may have even seen it with your own eyes.”

Xaira’s reaction to the name Witchhaven made it clear that she was among those people, the dragoness’s eyes widening. “that’s where my parents live,” she whispered in Naomi’s ear, transfixed as she took the rest of the archangel’s announcement in.

“We are still making preparations among ourselves, but when we are ready we shall lead all of those combat-adept among you through the portal do that we can to intercept Hell’s legions, and hopefully establish a rapport with the locals beforehand. I personally will announce this occurrence. For the time being, if any of you possess unanswered questions, I and my brethren you see here will be glad to rectify that. God’s blessings, brave souls. Thank you for your time.”

After the Archangel had said his piece, some of the gathered crowd resumed chattering amongst themselves. It was not long before Emanuel gracefully landed near Mihn. “Good morning, Mihn. I came to check up on you in case you decide to go with the others. You know what to do if you get into another predicament, so… do you think you’ll be alright from here?”

The dragoness found herself noticing a famililliar wolf nearby once more, the one that had attacked Naomi on the night all of this started. Nearby him, just as before, was that mysterious girl who looked teenage at a glance that seemed to follow him around all of a sudden, wherever he happened to go; in fact, it almost seemed like it was the other way around, which was suspicious to say the least. Deciding that the pair needed to be confronted soon, Xaira turned to Naomi and squeezed her Lilin lover’s hand while tapping her shoulder with the other. Then, Xaira nodded subtly in the direction of the wolf and their suspicious female accompaniment loitering near the edge of the crowd a small distance away, as much as she’d rather not stir unpleasant memories up for Naomi.

“Naomi… I don’t know why the angels brought... that monster here, but I really don’t feel like they should’ve…. I’m going to confront them. I have to, for you and everyone else they could hurt if they get too out of hand; both him and that girl who’s hanging around them… I have a feeling she’s up to no good herself. Stay here and look after Mihn, alright? I promise I won’t do anything stupid; and even if things get out hand, I really don’t think all these winged sticks-in-the-mud are going to let anyone get too hurt, right now. I won’t be long and I’ll be visible the whole time, babe.”

Then, laying a quick, soft kiss upon Naomi’s forehead, She sighed, and with a roll of her shoulders and a crack of her neck and her knuckles, she began to stride over to the Big Bad Wolf to grill them on why they’re here and who their new compatriot is. However, the Dragoness wasn’t sure if one could assuredly call the young-looking woman their “compatriot”, exactly. Xaira noticed as she continued to stride over to them that they seemed to be acting rather indifferent towards each other. However, that was none of her business. All that concerned her regarding them right now was if they were going to endanger Naomi or anyone else in all this.

Xaira took quick, even strides towards them, boring holes into both sets of the unlikely pair’s eyes with her suspicious glare subsequently, settling on rollin’s and then speaking to them.

“What have we here? Looks like someone let the dog out of the doghouse. Whoever it was, I don’t think they were in their right mind.” Xaira said, her tone and expression equal parts suspicious and . “I don’t know how you got here, or why God, who is supposed to be able to see into your heart, is allowing you to even be here, but all I have to say for you is this: you so much as lay a finger on Naomi ever again, or anyone else here, I will find you and knock you out cold again… and I might not stop there this time.”

Her piercing glare then changed its target once more, as she then turned to the young, pale woman beside him and raised an eyebrow, tilting her head as if to ask “And you. I’d be careful what company you keep, little girl.” She pointed an accusing claw straight at Rollin’s nose, before crossing her arms and meeting the girl’s eyes cautionarily. “I don’t know what this piece of work did to keep you around, but I’d suggest you go your own way soon before you get yourself hurt.”

Crossing her arms, she turned back to Rollin, clearly thinking of them as her only real concern at the moment. Alisha might be able to tell that, right now, the dragoness was paying very little attention in her general direction. She didn’t think either of them would try anything here, and she was rather confident that the girl would be intimidated to infer that Xaira had won in a fight against her lupine company, if only just barely, the night everything started to go to hell (and quite literally). It would be quite easy to show her that she was wrong, would Alisha be so inclined.
Aukanai Rustic Daniel Reaving PanOtterPus Halexia

 

[Rustic]

Chase slept through the night well. Relatively.

…Not really. He’d left Beckah in a high mood, but everything that had happened afterward was clearly adamant about not working out for him. For once in his life, he’d tried to go to bed almost immediately after getting inside, knowing he wanted the next day to come quickly, but unfortunately, he had had issues in doing that. To put it simply, he had no idea how to get the disguise off. He’d tried, of course. He’d fiddled with it an excruciating amount of time, flipping over himself and contorting into poses uncomfortable even for him to try and get something to work, but for some reason, despite all his efforts, he still couldn’t find the off button. Which sucked. And it was only made more frustrating by the fact that he knew should've known where the off button was, but he'd literally just forgotten. Forgetting the only thing that could conceivably make him comfortable here; that was just typical of him.

Anyway, at some point he’d simply given up on it all together and decided, in a storm of frustration, to just try and fall asleep anyway. Which had led to a second issue. As someone who’d never had to sleep with ears and a tail and some very sharp nails, he had never realized just how much of a hindrance said things could be. And it hadn't really seemed like they would be, either, when he’d decided at the time he’d try and work past them. After all, he could just plop onto on his side and fall sleep like normal, right? Wrong. Someone as lively as Chase occasionally had problems getting to sleep anyway, but the inumimi traits only served to exacerbate his difficulties considerably. It was one thing, trying to sleep with the events of the day running through his head, but then there was a hyper awareness of his unfamiliar senses to deal with, too. His tail would flick like crazy and get uncomfortably twisted under the sheets, his ears would attempt to flick against the fabric of his pillow and perk up at any sudden noise, and if he accidentally held the blankets too tightly to himself, they’d rip, causing him to nearly scrape his hands open a few of times.

He thankfully did manage to pass out at some point, but only by forgoing covering at all and sleeping in a crouched up ball. Which, obviously, wasn't very comfortable, to say the least. Which had been issue three. But, for all the issues he'd had, he'd at least gotten something. Which was the best he could say. So, he woke up a bit exasperatedly to the first knock on his door. His eyes shot open immediately, his tired mind immediately racing to recall why. It didn’t take much effort, however. The angels. Right. His eyes lidded back down sadly toward his sheets, and he gave a soft, pouty sigh. He didn't feel very tired, at least, but he could feel his body craving a more proper rest, knowing fell well whatever high he was riding now wasn’t going to be sufficient to last the day on. He didn't care enough about whatever the angels' had to say to pull himself up, even knowing he had no choice. It left him frustrated that he even had to try. He wished they'd just leave him and his team alone.

Knowing that wasn't going to happen though, he didn't waste too much more time moaning about it. By the time he’d heard the second, slightly more forceful knock on the door, he’d already made up his mind. He sprawled out his curled up limbs onto the the bed, set his arms down, and then pulled his sore body reluctantly onto his feet. He still ached from the day before, he had to go, regardless. The sooner the day got started, the sooner he’d be going home, after all. That was what he wanted to believe, as dutifully pulled himself into the work of getting his clothes back on. His ears flicked in increasing annoyance as the angel outside of his door knocked once more, though.

“Wait a minute…” he whined as he struggled with a strap, starting to lose his patience. Getting himself fitted with his knife holsters in a safe way, unsurprisingly, took time, among the other things he had to do, and he certainly wasn’t going to rush just to satisfy a schedule, especially of an angels' design. As he continued, decidedly taking his time, he eventually heard what was apparently a woman mumbling behind the door, but he didn’t care enough to try and figure out what it was she was saying. He just kept at it, rolling his eyes. After a few minutes he found himself almost finished - covered, with only a few things left to tighten and zip up - when the same angel, for some unfathomable reason, decided she would come in for him regardless. His eyes widened at her intrusion, and the expression he adopted on seeing her face was not kind.

“Ah, I’m sorry," she immediately said, looking at him and seeming to suddenly realize what she'd done. "I just…” She tried to say something more, but all she could seem to do was shamefully cover her face, unable to bear looking at him at some state of undress, which he really didn't understand. He might be embarrassed if he was any less put together, but she could see his chest. Big deal.

But, honestly, Chase didn’t have the the time or the patience for her seemingly artificial modesty, or for her to say anything to her own defense. Both were excuses. He'd already not been too happy with how things were going, but now he was just stunned, frankly, that she would cross a line and come into his own private space like this. It made his heart begin to beat startlingly quick, and his breath come quicker in his throat. That felt like a threat to him. He continued to fiddle with his belt, now a bit more aggressively, but he started to stare at her rigidly, and refused to take his eyes off her at all. “If you’re sorry, then get out, he immediately challenged, cutting her a quick, skeptical look to her intentions. He kept his tone neutral as best he could, not trying to escalate things unnecessarily, but it was still abundantly clear from the forceful way he enunciated his words that was putting him on edge. He didn't trust her. She needed to not be here. For a moment, the angelic woman in question didn’t seem sure of what to do or say or that, swallowing hard at possibly his audacity or his unexpected hostility, before she abruptly bowed and shook her head.

"My apologies,” she said softly, sounding utterly sincere, but leaving an unshakable edge in her voice. Her voice conveyed a similar wish for peace, but she ultimately stood rigid, like a challenger. “I was asked to stay with you..."

Of course, he didn't care to hear that. At all. Before her voice had even trailed off his teeth had gritted. All he had heard her say was 'no', and that just wasn't acceptable. She had to get out. It wasn't debatable. All he needed was another minute. Couldn't they at least give him that? His hands tied his belt with a sense of finality, and finally he turned his whole body to face her. "Get out,” he growled, his eyes narrowing. The fact that she couldn't even basically respect him was making him mad. Who did she think he was? She looked back up at him uneasily, seemingly ready to open her mouth to try and object again, but Chase had no intention of giving her any more room to argue.

“Get out,” he demanded again more forcefully. She had told her already; she wasn’t allowed here. She was threatening him. Why? He didn't know, but he did know that he wasn't just going to walk her walk all over him. The angel, seeming to finally understand some of his anxiety, did start to backup a little at his command, but while she might’ve thought her slow careful motion was enough, it simply wasn't.

“Get out!” he now shouted, eyes widening with in honest rage as he curled his hands up into balled fists. He could feel himself actually shaking where he stood as he did. He couldn't go and hurt her. He wanted so badly too, to force her out himself so he could assure for himself he'd have safety and peace, but he could only stand stiffly and hopelessly in place, straining with everything in him not to move. He saw her trying to leave, but he still couldn't stop himself from continuing to yell, the words almost losing their meaning as he struggled to just not lose his grip all together. “Get out! Get out! Get out!”

He continued, eyes falling away from her and to the floor in front of him uncontrollably, until he heard the door 'click' back closed. And suddenly, he was finally alone again. The relief swept over him all at once, and he fell to his knees, all of the anger in him seeming to fall away at once. Thank God. He looked down to his still trembling hands and nervously let them slowly come open, his body still rushing with adrenaline and his mind mostly blank. After everything was said and done, now that he on his own again in this silent empty hotel room, he was mostly just anxious now. Upset. He had mostly just been upset in the first place. He didn’t know what to do. He couldn't even think, didn't know what he should do to fix this. He wasn't even mad. Was that because of the aura here? Should he be more upset? He didn’t know, and not knowing only made feel worse. He hated this place for that so much. He placed a shaking hand across his chest, trying hard to breathe, just to calm himself down, and he winced, feeling his stupid nails pierce his skin a little. It shouldn't have helped, but the sudden, sharp pain is at least something to focus on, a small spot of clarity. He held onto himself just a little tighter and tried to focus on that, and just continuing to breathe. Having at least a small part of his mind back, the first thought that comes to him is that he still needs to get going, and he knows it's the right call. He kept breathing, but he started to fix the rest of his outfit as best he could. The marks he'd made were bleeding now just a little, and drops of it were dripping down his chest, but whatever. It was fine.

He took a few more moments, to wipe the blood away and to try and press the marks he’d left closed and gather himself up. He was going to go out and do what he had to do. That was all he let himself think, and it helped. After what couldn’t have been more than a minute, he, as calmly as he could manage, walked back and opened the door, to see more than just the angel before waiting for him. Accompanying her now was a second, for whatever reason. The angelic woman from before, upon seeing him again, flinched a little, but he paid it as little mind as possible, and tried to cut to something else.

“You guys ever heard of privacy?” he asked, the words coming out almost automatically. He wasn’t smiling, and the words sounded almost sardonic, but he at least looked at them both with a quizzical look, suggesting he was at least only joking, rather than actually questioning them. It was all whatever, really. He studied the two of their responses for only a second, not really caring what they were, before finally tilting his head to see the woman standing behind the angel he didn’t recognize, his new teammate from the day before. “Hey Beckah,” he absently remarked, giving her a small, enigmatic look before glancing back toward the angels again. It was good to see her again, but now was not a good time to chat. Since it was clear they all had everything they needed, he simply walked out of his room, almost pushing the angels in front of him over as they moved to get out of his way. When he’d passed them, he simply beckoned them forward, Beckah included, and only slightly slowed his stride so they could pass him and lead the way.

He was getting home. That was all there was to it.


The angels were not terribly chatty after that. It went without saying that Chase wasn’t much in the mood to talk, either. He hoped she had more sense than to ask him about what had happened, but any questions she might’ve had for him were still met with noncommittal, distant sounding answers. Which was true to what his mood was. He did, after all, usually feel a little empty, after getting so mad at people. Even if the angels weren’t real ‘people’, they were kind of people, so he did feel a little bad for snapping at one of them. It’d been a small while, since he’d done that to anybody. It almost felt like a step back.

...Since the angel had mostly deserved it in his eyes though, and he'd kept his cool more than he'd have even expected himself to, he didn't get too bent out of shape. He refused to, frankly. It took him some time, but as he passed the pretty landscape again on their way, he took some time to try and further recuperate his mood. It'd taken away a lot of the energy he'd had upon waking up, but he wasn't about to let it ruin his day, not when it had only just begun. He had to keep going. He kept that in mind as they were passed off, and the two of them eventually came upon their final destination, some weirdly large room with a portal like before sitting in the center of it. Chase eyeballed it questioningly as he came to a stop, his tail flicking in interest. With his more negative emotions behind him, he could thankfully get a little pumped about what all this stuff was. His mouth fell open a little as he observed, and when he recognized what he was seeing, and he looked toward Beckah with wide eyes.

“It’s the Guild!” he pointed out a little obviously, but keenly. He quickly turned back to watch the people in the image flit around, obviously enraptured with it. He even started to smile a little too, once he got a good look at the faces inside, and he had a chance to recognize and recalling what he could about each one. Though… he found himself a little disappointed when, after a little bit, he couldn’t find any of the Naves. It occurred to them, then, to wonder how they were all doing. He didn’t have the faintest idea of what was really going on, or what anyone below must’ve thought was happening. Was everyone okay down there? Did this mission matter so much? He wondered that, for a few more seconds, before he turned, hearing the sound of more footsteps approaching from behind him. Seeing Gabriel and Fifer now, he almost completely forgot what had transpired before; he thoughtlessly waved in greeting toward them and gave a carefree smile. Despite everything, it was just good to see them.

Once they got near, he looked back to the portal to observe it with them, but he wasn’t thinking about it very hard anymore. His mind was mostly blank watching people go by until Fifer shifted where she stood, and he saw her look toward him. He looked back at her too, but his face fell a little upon seeing her very sorry gaze. He listened intently, his ears flattening sympathetically.

“Ah, um…” he muttered out once she was finished, not really sure what to say. He hadn't really been expecting an apology, nor was he sure he wanted one. His eyes looked to the ground for a moment, a little too uncomfortable to keep meeting her own. “It’s okay,” he finally said, looking back up and reaching up to carefully touch the back of his neck. “I'm just sorry I ran off… it wasn’t very... ‘professional’.” Chase rarely resembled anything near ‘professional’, but still, even he had his own standards. He felt pretty lame, for having made a scene over it. Granted, it hadn’t been the only factor that had made him so tense, like she'd mentioned, but still, it really shouldn’t have been what had ultimately caused him to run out. After all, none of it was really his business anyway. If they wanted to make out or be together or whatever, that was what they should do. And he vocalized that thought for the both of them.

“It was dumb,” he said sheepishly, glancing over to Gabriel as he said it, too. Almost feeling worse with him, as he didn’t ever have as good a gauge on what the man was thinking. ‘Probably not anything good,’ he thought sadly, flinching very subtly before looking back to Fifer. “You two should do what you want,” he ultimately said, with a small nod. They didn’t need his permission, but, it was clear that they were both kind, considerate people. He wanted to make sure for himself that they didn't feel bad about any of this, considering they hadn’t done anything wrong. To try and show his sincerity in believing so, he gave them both a small but warm smile. He was honestly happy for the both of them, even knowing what it could mean for their future as a group. That’s all they needed to know.

Once that was done, more or less, Fifer had turned her and Gabriel’s attention toward Beckah. He let himself watch happily as the three of them got introduced, bobbing very slowly up and down to try and keep himself from getting restless. And, though he had already introduced himself to Beckah before, before God could speak, he waved to her amiably again, as if just to remind her that he was still here as well, and just as happy as Fifer and Gabriel to make her acquaintance.

Past that though was when the Big Man himself decided to show up. Sort of. When an echo-y, omnipresent seeming voice started to speak, Chase blinked furiously and turned his head up, not really understanding what was going on. He did understand that he had been greeted though, so to God’s rhetorical address to the group, he waved upward. “Hey?” he questioningly interjected in response. It didn’t seem to matter though, since the voice continued speaking without acknowledgement, regardless. After a moment, Chase began to settle down a little where he stood, just accepting the weird circumstance for what it was and making more of an effort to try and understand what was being said. Which was a lot to take in at once, so he tried to break it down for himself in bite-sized chunks.

Chase could only purse his lips as discerned it, though. The angels were supposed to be protecting them, they were supposed to be recruiting supernaturals, and supernaturals supposedly weren’t evil, huh? He wanted to be wrong in that assessment, but he knew he probably wasn’t. He couldn’t help but feel a heavy sense of annoyance in knowing that, however. Especially when it came to the ending part, about the hunters' fear of supernaturals being ‘just’ a fear. He had figured out, what with the voice talking about ‘his’ angels and stuff, that this voice was of God, but maybe God was wrong sometimes? Because otherwise, what the being had said simply had not made sense. First he would make the angels, and now this? No matter what he was saying, Chase had both scars and memories that proved what was being denied. The others did too, if Beckah's insinuation from last night had meant what he'd thought it did. There was no reassurance that would erase that, even one coming from God himself.

In any event, God kept speaking, much to his dismay. At the very least the deity was kind enough to admit the angels were kind of awful. Or, at least, that was what Chase had taken from what he'd said. None of the other stuff really mattered to him. The stuff pertaining to Heaven wasn’t really relevant to someone who didn’t plan to die soon, was it? In any event, at the end of everything, he frowned, not really pleased with what he’d heard. At least now they were outright being asked for their help, not just being herded around, but that didn’t make him anymore happy about what they were being asked to do. He was fine with the end goal - saving the Earth sounded exciting, and it was unambiguously the right thing to do, especially considering everyone and everything he loved was down there - but achieving that by trying to work with monsters? Didn’t sound possible. Or appealing.

Still, when Fifer looked at him, he ultimately shrugged. His trepidation about this whole plan was obvious from the dissatisfied look he wore, but his ultimate opinion seemed to fall on ‘whatever’. He’d all but ignored Miss Lyralla’s introduction, though, and that was probably an even better gauge of his whole opinion on this subject. He’d decided to do whatever he was asked to. As best as he could, anyway. He wouldn’t feign liking it, though.

Fifer seemed to share an opinion similar to that, since her question to God in response seemed to suggest as much. That was one of the reasons he liked Fifer so much, he guessed. He felt like he could honestly trust her to speak for them. The details of her question beyond that though apparently didn’t concern him, so he just waited until God was totally finished, frankly pretty bored. When it was over, at least, Fifer announced it was time to finally go! Positively ecstatic about it, Chase's hands curled up at his chest, and he smiled wide.

“Woo!” he shouted, letting one of his hands pump up and his voice echo around the chamber. He would've gotten even more excited about the echo, having not expected it, if he wasn’t so absolutely focused and delighted with going home. As it was, he looked at them all with overwhelming enthusiasm and starry eyes. “Let’s!”

Once Fifer and Gabriel had made their own way through, he wasted no time almost dancing into the portal beside Beckah. The really weird and trippy sensation of being sent back through down to Heaven was disorientating, sure, but on instinct, instead of falling back, he threw out his arms to the sides to keep his balance. But that was the position he was in when he, and the others, appeared in front of the Guild Hall. He hadn’t been looking in the direction of the guards at all - his head had turned toward Beckah, actually - but by the time he turned toward them looking around, he simply gave a baffled glance to their pointed guns. He wasn’t even worried they’d shoot; really, he was just mystified that they had even thought to threaten to. Surely they were better trained than this? Nonetheless, he lackadaisically raised his hands in the air with a playful smile. Not taking either of them seriously, but complying because everyone else was, really.

His hands fell back down to his side when the two guards finally got themselves together and think to lower their pistols. He shrugged at their question, too. Not in response, but just in general, since neither of them were looking past Fifer too hard, anyway. On that note, Fifer answered things better than he could anyway, really. While she did, though, he looked back to angel they'd mentioned with a dubious look, still not sure how he felt about her presence accompanying them. He wasn’t thinking much, for the brief moments he stared at her, but he did see her shift a little uncomfortably under his gaze, which made him happy enough. He was distracted by that for a moment until he looked back, having registered what one of the guards had saying. Oh. He quietly folded his hands tightly together in front of himself. Everyone at the Guild had thought they’d died? He gritted his teeth a little, somewhat worried and somewhat embarrassed to be hearing it. He already didn’t feel good about having left for so long, but Sam… oh geez. Poor Sam.

He absentmindedly nails dug down into his intertwined hands at the thought… before he idly noticed that his nails were back normal again. Huh. He looked around, and surely enough, no tail, either. Must’ve been something about the portal that had fixed the magic? Or maybe it was God? Either way, he couldn’t help but be thankful. He breathed a deep sigh of relief, happy that stuff was finally off him. And really, he counted his blessings, too. If there was anyone who would've had trouble seeing him like that more than he himself had, it would’ve been Sam. Luckily that wouldn't be an issue, and he was going to get a chance to see his little brother soon! And the rest of his family! He smiled as wide as he could at that, happily and mindlessly following behind the guards and the rest of his team as he reveled in finally being home. It was so, so nice to be back. Heaven didn’t really compare.

On that note, once the four of them, plus their angelic stowaway, were finally allowed to move through further into the guild, Chase’s eyes had started to dart around, already determined to seek out the Naves. He didn’t have much luck in seeing much of anyone until the guards came to a stop, however, the two of them looking to commune with Miss Crowne. A fortunate pause, because it left the group right in the middle of the commons room, where almost every other hunter who hadn’t gone with them had now gathered anyway. Standing in the middle of where the crowd had parted, he knew it was only a matter of time before he’d be spotted. Sure enough, within another moment or two, he saw a familiar blonde make his way to the front.

The motion was almost a blur as the figure stepped out in a rush towards Chase. It was a heated moment of intense relief and messy tears as Chase was taken into an almost desperate and tight hug. From there, it was nothing but stuttered whispers and shaking hands. But, that was to be predicted. Just seconds ago, Chase had been presumably dead in action. Seeing him standing here now, alive and well, brought overwhelming emotions to a very relieved Samuel Nave. So much so, his arms stayed tightly wrapped around Chase and his head resting against his shoulder, as he let the tears keep falling.

“I... I thought you were gone forever,” the words themselves were even more of an indicator just how much Sam was feeling, “Are you... still you? You were gone for so long.”

Chase blinked, honestly not really knowing what all he was feeling right now. He was still elated to be back, in a way, and he'd known that Sam would probably be a little upset, but being taken so suddenly by his brother now, and seeing for real how much this whole situation had hurt him, things were different. He probably was sort of in shock, left with a feeling almost like was he was out of air, and not just because of how tightly he'd been hugged. He hated so much to see Sam cry like this, and most of all, he hated that he'd been the cause, whether it was in his control or not. For a moment, Chase looked like he might just start crying too, but he resisted, knowing what he really wanted to do. Without any further hesitation, he hugged Sam tightly in return and gave him a wide grin.

"I think so!" he chirped in response, subtly swallowing hard to try and suppress anything other than his relief. He wasn't lying, after all. There was probably stuff that could be considered - like the fact that they'd went to Heaven, so maybe they'd died? - but he still felt like the same person. And to him, that seemed to mean everything was fine. Nobody had to be worried anymore. Chase didn't know if Sam knowing that would make things okay now, or if this was something that might take awhile to work through, but that was okay, too! He was just happy to have this chance to hold Sam close anyway, for however long they would have until he had to go with the others. It was an indescribable comfort, and he'd direly missed having it, especially after what he'd been through.

"I'm really sorry," he added, remembering what Sam had said about how long he'd been away. "But I'll always come back," he assured, letting his happy smile melt into a peaceful one.

It almost seemed that Chase was always able to soothe Sam’s worries, perhaps all because his words were of truth and Sam had that complete and utter trust in Chase. He’d always had. And such was almost reflected in Sam’s eyes as he moved to look at Chase’s face. Just seeing that soft smile was enough to ease him as he wiped his tears away. Perhaps Sam might have said more, but he just hugged Chase again, keep a silent moment to just breathe in the reality that he was really back.

“We... all thought we lost you but... you’re back... and it’s like a miracle,” he mumbled softly, just not wanting to let go of Chase, regardless of how much he realized that Chase had a place to be shortly. But at least, Sam pulled away and rested his hands on Chase’s shoulders. “Diana... has been so worried... she was so persistent on sending a rescue mission... but it didn’t seem possible.” There was a pause and Sam glanced away for a second before looking back at Chase and letting a smile curve onto his lips to match, “I know the others need to see you just as much, we’ll wait for you...” Sam glanced towards the elevator. There was important business to attend to, Sam knew that much, and so he eventually stepped back to let Chase get to it. He was just so, so relieved that Chase hadn’t died. That was all that mattered to Sam right now.

Chase had continued smiling, though the made mention of Diana had caused him a brief moment of panic, only obvious through a slight widening of his eyes. He had really worried everyone, hadn’t he? The realization of such hit him again, and made his heart ache dully in his chest. He'd been grateful he'd gotten to see Sam, but he then felt the immediate weight of how much he yearned to see the other Naves, too. Still, he let that feeling be a positive one as he looked Sam in the eyes hopefully. All he could focus on was how good they all were to him. They’d even wait a little longer for him, even after all this time. His smile widened a little more in appreciation, and he had to look down for a second to really take in and handle all the joy he felt. Before Sam stepped away, Chase took one of his brother’s hands in his own and squeezed it tightly, still too overwhelmed to let him leave without one last gesture.

“Thanks,” he said, his voice practically dripping a sincerity and depth of gratitude. He knew none of them had a choice about him leaving again, but that wasn’t the only thing he was thanking, and that much was obvious from just the feeling Chase had put behind it. He was thankful to have people that cared, that they even thought to worry that he'd been gone, let alone this much. It was times like this that he could barely contain how much he loved them all, how lucky he felt that they were in his life. So much so that Chase knew that if he kept standing there, he'd probably get all choked up about it. Thankfully, though, it was past time that he got going anyway. He gave one last nod to Sam before finally letting go of his hand and hurrying behind the rest of the group to the elevator. At the very least, he could leave now that everyone would know he was okay. Even if he couldn’t be with them right now, nobody had to worry anymore. He let that thought carry him forward as the doors closed, leaving him again sort of alone, having to return to an unfortunate mission that had really yet to end.


The four of them, plus the angels and the guards, eventually made it up, where a very familiar woman was there standing. He was surprised to see Miss Crowne in such a sorry state, actually; he frowned as he studied her, never having expected to see her so caught up like this. He'd been acquainted with her for a considerable time, actually, what with his dad having to work in such close contact with her, so he found himself sort of worried about her. That feeling quickly dissipated, however, once he saw their escorts start to move across the room. He’d noticed the other guards too, even though he hadn’t heard her calling for them earlier, but the escorts moving behind him was what had grabbed his attention, especially considering their destination was the door. He automatically gave them both disdainful looks, an accidental byproduct of a sudden shift in his mood inadvertently managing to effecting his face. He balled up a fist anxiously, but slowly turned himself back around and mindfully forced himself to try and ignore it.

He didn’t like being left without an escape. The elevator ride to the underground he’d prepared himself for, assured himself beforehand that he’d eventually get out, even if it'd still managed to make him real tense. He'd had no warning about this. However, he at least tried assure himself now. The guards were just a measure to keep people out, and certainly not one to keep him in, he thought. He’d be fine, he could leave whenever he wanted to, and that wasn’t right now. He still had a mission to do, after all. He breathed deeply as he convinced himself of that, as he moved to take one of the seats that had been set out for them. Miss Crowne started speaking almost immediately. Besides her complaints - which he barely understood but probably shared - she wanted to hear from them about how things had went, apparently. Not before pointing out the elephant in the room first, though.

“Yeah!” he cheered, looking back at Lyralla, happy to have heard someone rightfully call out her suspiciousness. Someone should have tied her hands. However, almost immediately after thinking that, he paused, and then lightly slapped his face and started to laugh. “Oh, duh!” he suddenly said, turning back around in his chair and looking over to his teammates. “She meant us, haha!” They were they ones that should’ve done it! Haha! Well, hindsight or whatever. And God’s spiel from before, he couldn’t forget about that. Still, his outburst was enough to settle his mind for a moment, since after that, he cheerfully listened to what Fifer had to say for them all. All right, as usual. That made things way easier.

To the Director’s casual mention of having met an half-angel before though, Chase blurted out - in the middle of the woman speaking, no less - a mildly confused, “Huh?” Because as much as he didn’t like interrupting her, that was a funny thing to only just now have mentioned. Luckily for the whole of the group, Miss Crowne was more than used to ignoring and continuing through Chase’s interruptions, and she effortlessly did so, if not without maybe a glare in his direction.

Fortunately though, she didn’t have too much more to say. Instead, she passed the torch off to the three of them who’d yet to speak. At the prompting, Chase of course rubbed his hands together. He liked talking, but really, he pretty much always assumed his was going to be the least valuable account anyway - considering his terrible memory and the fact that he just wasn’t particularly good at speaking. That in mind, he was determined to hurry through this. "Um, okay, so…” he said, placing a finger to his bottom lip and pondering where to start.

"Got there... stuff was like, bad. Getting torn up. The monsters were all fighting. I guess they were going against the demons, since, there were like a whooole lot of ‘em, wrecking stuff. Then we got attacked by the demons… but then this angel guy came along! Uh, he talked to us about our souls… I wrestled him a little… then he carried me in his arms…”

That part was weird to recall, actually. It occurred to him that he usually couldn’t stand being in such close contact with strangers. Especially not supernaturals. Maybe it was something about the man’s angelness? Anyway…

“Then we were in Heaven, so I guess we like died? Then we got called out… then uh…”

He faltered in his colorful retelling for a moment, not really keen on talking about what happened next in his own timeline of events, running off from Fifer and Gabriel. He imagined it might crop up on Gabriel’s account - and that would be totally fine, as the man had every right to say it - but he was a little too embarrassed to do it himself.

“I met up with Beckah-” he picked up again, though he paused once more to give her another quick look and a friendly wave, hoping she was holding up well, still. “She’s nice!” he added, looking over to Fifer and Gabriel happily. Their looks seemed to, among other things, be goading him to continue, however, so he hurriedly attempted to finish.

“Nearly stabbed an angel…” he mumbled, trying to gloss over that for his own sake, not wanting to be reminded… before he smiled, reaching the end. “And then we came back!”

And that was it. He continued to beam happily, a little proud of himself for managing to hit, in his mind, the most important parts.

“Anyway, after this, we gotta wrap it up,” he said, looking to Beckah and Gabriel before turning to Miss Crowne again to drive the point home. “I gotta see my family.” By which he of course still meant the Naves, rather than the Hauers. His father was fine, if the man didn’t already know or if he cared, and the rest of the Hauers… haha, that was a funny joke. They weren’t even allowed at this branch of the Guild. Anyway, the point was, he had to go be with his real family, and he was adamant about doing that soon. He gave a pointed look at Miss Crowne, hoping he wasn’t about to have to test whether or not he could go.

DergTheDergon PanOtterPus Halexia

 

[Aukanai]

ALISHA SPHEAR

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE ANGSTY VAMPIRE

The morning, supposedly, had made its appearance in this annoyingly calm place that was Heaven. It wasn’t much of a morning however, Alisha never kept track of time, she slept when she want and woke up when she wanted. Whether that was in the middle of the night or the middle of the day. It never bothered her. But what did bother her, right now at least, was the irritating order and peace this place was kept in. It was against what she was feeling currently, but she just wanted to tear that down, cause some tension and create a bad situation here. But, Alisha had no real feeling about it, it was just a plain nothingness, and she hated that.

But it wasn’t something she spent too long pondering as she lay in the spacious bed she had outright claimed to herself. As she began to sat up, her eyes blinked slowly as if to recall to the events before she got here, and it all came slow back to her mind. Even as she moved to walk into the other room, she paused and blinked a little dumbly at the sight of the other being so uncomfortably conformed to the couch, clearly not big enough to snuggly lay on for the large form.

Oh, that’s right, she’d dragged the big bad wolf from their cell and all the way up and through Heaven. What a fun thing to remember.

A smirk flickered onto her lips at the potential of her fun for the day. At most, she’d be able to torment the wolf to her heart’s desire. It wasn’t as if she would plan it thoroughly, more so that she’d let what happened, happen and take advantage of whatever may come. She’d take things with a twisted smile and a laugh - if it all only went exactly her way.

For now though, the first thing to do…

Alisha moved towards the kitchen, where it was still open to the other room and her view to where Rollin was still sleeping. As if to make herself something to eat - if she actually felt hungry, she would have reached down into a cupboard and pulled out a pan. What she intended was not to cook however, as she turned the pan left her hands in a blur and flew across the room to hit the floor with a sudden bang. Loud and startling enough to jerk Rollin awake in surprise. And, if it had been enough to cause them to whip around in either panic or shock at whatever possible attack it could have been, Alisha found herself laughing at their reaction.

Though, such entertainment and amusement did not last for much longer than twenty minutes, Alisha just wanted to get on with this day and figure a way out of this place. The aura of this place to overwhelmingly calm and that was only so much more she felt she could take of it.

”I’m leaving now, it’s your choice whether you want to be dragged along by your neck or not,” Alisha stated blandly, Rollin really had no say in the matter whether they wanted to go along with her or not. She was a force that they should by now not to go against, unless they wanted to wind up like last time.

So, practically pulled Rollin out of the room behind her, she didn’t even bother to close the door behind her. What was the point, surely they weren’t expected to stay up here in Heaven much longer. Alisha wouldn’t stand for it. She’d fight the angels - even God herself to get out of here. Regardless how much of a bad idea that was.

The walk back to the area before the gates was quiet and Alisha didn’t bother to say much nor look back at Rollin with a taunting glare. The crowd was pretty much all gathered by the time the duo got there, and it wasn’t much of a wait until the angel began speaking. But Alisha didn’t seem to pay much attention, as she glanced off to the side. She could still hear what was being said, and perhaps she might have perked up a bit even at the mention of a battle. Anywhere and anything to get out of here, and Alisha was always itching for a battle. Or at least, just a battle, but she wouldn’t been able to even understand just how brutal this battle was to be - or rather, this war against Hell.

”I’m going down there,” she stated simply, her eyes only just moved to glance at Rollin’s face, ”and you must already know, you are too. I’m gonna need a meat shield,” a smirk and snicker followed closely.

It wasn’t that she wanted to help anyone, or any cause, she just wanted to fight. But that didn’t instantly mean she was on anyone’s side. If someone so happened to get in her way, she was going to stab them regardless - whether they were on Hell’s side or not. She didn’t care.

”At least try to stand on your feet longer this time, though.”

Alisha might have continued to torment and poke insults and fun at Rollin, if it were not for her to be interrupted by a very rude dragon.

That was mistake one.

But Alisha kept her cool. She stood with a slanted frown and crossed her arms as she looked up at the taller female. Just by looks, this dragon was strong, perhaps she would be a good challenge? Alisha made brief eye contact with the woman, and just by that suspicious glance and the overall suspicion directed toward the duo, Alisha could only find herself smirking in amusement and mixed irritation. Yet, the woman just raged on words towards Rollin, almost completely ignoring Alisha.

The second mistake.

However, finally Alisha was given the attention she always felt she deserved. As the woman glanced down at her, she was matched with a haunting look in Alisha’s eyes. Perhaps a threat, a challenge, or just the teenager’s anger flaring up at the dragon’s heated confrontation. What words fell out of the woman’s mouth, were not the wisest to speak. At least, not to Alisha. This girl was almost a ball of fire, and her anger was just enough to scorch one. At this point, Alisha felt insulted.

That was the final mistake.

It was all but a dark, silent stare boring into the side of the woman’s face as she turned back towards Rollin again. She’d had it with this dragon. So much so, in such a swift motion, she had slid forward and just about re-enacted what she had done to Rollin, and knocked the woman clean of her feet.

That wasn’t the end of it, though. Even as the woman hit the floor with an obvious thud, Alisha was standing over her in a second. Glancing down with a hardened look, somewhere mixed between annoyance and enjoyment. But, as she crouched down to toy with the woman and poke sharp nails against her neck, there were a clearer glint of Alisha enjoying this.

”If you’re going to come and start shit, you should be prepared,” and at that, the teenager practically positioned herself to sit directly on the woman’s stomach as she used her legs to pin the woman’s arms. ”You’re kind of a let down, I thought you’d be more of a challenge than the wolf.”

Alisha might have intended to torment the dragon more, but she felt herself glance up and take a long stare towards another woman not too far away, who seemed to be watching them. With a bit of squint, she continued to send a stare before she glanced back down at the woman underneath her - whether she was struggling or not. Either way, Alisha eventually began to lift herself up and off the other.

It came with sinister intentions though. Even stepping back as the dragon got back to her feet, Alisha didn’t give much room for recovery. And, with a swift turn, applied a hard kick to the woman’s side that might have left her stumbling accordingly to the rough impact. If by now, it would be clear enough to the dragon that this ‘little girl’ was a stronger being than she appeared to be.

Spoiler: mobile

The morning, supposedly, had made its appearance in this annoyingly calm place that was Heaven. It wasn’t much of a morning however, Alisha never kept track of time, she slept when she want and woke up when she wanted. Whether that was in the middle of the night or the middle of the day. It never bothered her. But what did bother her, right now at least, was the irritating order and peace this place was kept in. It was against what she was feeling currently, but she just wanted to tear that down, cause some tension and create a bad situation here. But, Alisha had no real feeling about it, it was just a plain nothingness, and she hated that.

But it wasn’t something she spent too long pondering as she lay in the spacious bed she had outright claimed to herself. As she began to sat up, her eyes blinked slowly as if to recall to the events before she got here, and it all came slow back to her mind. Even as she moved to walk into the other room, she paused and blinked a little dumbly at the sight of the other being so uncomfortably conformed to the couch, clearly not big enough to snuggly lay on for the large form.

Oh, that’s right, she’d dragged the big bad wolf from their cell and all the way up and through Heaven. What a fun thing to remember.

A smirk flickered onto her lips at the potential of her fun for the day. At most, she’d be able to torment the wolf to her heart’s desire. It wasn’t as if she would plan it thoroughly, more so that she’d let what happened, happen and take advantage of whatever may come. She’d take things with a twisted smile and a laugh - if it all only went exactly her way.

For now though, the first thing to do…

Alisha moved towards the kitchen, where it was still open to the other room and her view to where Rollin was still sleeping. As if to make herself something to eat - if she actually felt hungry, she would have reached down into a cupboard and pulled out a pan. What she intended was not to cook however, as she turned the pan left her hands in a blur and flew across the room to hit the floor with a sudden bang. Loud and startling enough to jerk Rollin awake in surprise. And, if it had been enough to cause them to whip around in either panic or shock at whatever possible attack it could have been, Alisha found herself laughing at their reaction.

Though, such entertainment and amusement did not last for much longer than twenty minutes, Alisha just wanted to get on with this day and figure a way out of this place. The aura of this place to overwhelmingly calm and that was only so much more she felt she could take of it.

”I’m leaving now, it’s your choice whether you want to be dragged along by your neck or not,” Alisha stated blandly, Rollin really had no say in the matter whether they wanted to go along with her or not. She was a force that they should by now not to go against, unless they wanted to wind up like last time.

So, practically pulled Rollin out of the room behind her, she didn’t even bother to close the door behind her. What was the point, surely they weren’t expected to stay up here in Heaven much longer. Alisha wouldn’t stand for it. She’d fight the angels - even God herself to get out of here. Regardless how much of a bad idea that was.

The walk back to the area before the gates was quiet and Alisha didn’t bother to say much nor look back at Rollin with a taunting glare. The crowd was pretty much all gathered by the time the duo got there, and it wasn’t much of a wait until the angel began speaking. But Alisha didn’t seem to pay much attention, as she glanced off to the side. She could still hear what was being said, and perhaps she might have perked up a bit even at the mention of a battle. Anywhere and anything to get out of here, and Alisha was always itching for a battle. Or at least, just a battle, but she wouldn’t been able to even understand just how brutal this battle was to be - or rather, this war against Hell.

”I’m going down there,” she stated simply, her eyes only just moved to glance at Rollin’s face, ”and you must already know, you are too. I’m gonna need a meat shield,” a smirk and snicker followed closely.

It wasn’t that she wanted to help anyone, or any cause, she just wanted to fight. But that didn’t instantly mean she was on anyone’s side. If someone so happened to get in her way, she was going to stab them regardless - whether they were on Hell’s side or not. She didn’t care.

”At least try to stand on your feet longer this time, though.”

Alisha might have continued to torment and poke insults and fun at Rollin, if it were not for her to be interrupted by a very rude dragon.

That was mistake one.

But Alisha kept her cool. She stood with a slanted frown and crossed her arms as she looked up at the taller female. Just by looks, this dragon was strong, perhaps she would be a good challenge? Alisha made brief eye contact with the woman, and just by that suspicious glance and the overall suspicion directed toward the duo, Alisha could only find herself smirking in amusement and mixed irritation. Yet, the woman just raged on words towards Rollin, almost completely ignoring Alisha.

The second mistake.

However, finally Alisha was given the attention she always felt she deserved. As the woman glanced down at her, she was matched with a haunting look in Alisha’s eyes. Perhaps a threat, a challenge, or just the teenager’s anger flaring up at the dragon’s heated confrontation. What words fell out of the woman’s mouth, were not the wisest to speak. At least, not to Alisha. This girl was almost a ball of fire, and her anger was just enough to scorch one. At this point, Alisha felt insulted.

That was the final mistake.

It was all but a dark, silent stare boring into the side of the woman’s face as she turned back towards Rollin again. She’d had it with this dragon. So much so, in such a swift motion, she had slid forward and just about re-enacted what she had done to Rollin, and knocked the woman clean of her feet.

That wasn’t the end of it, though. Even as the woman hit the floor with an obvious thud, Alisha was standing over her in a second. Glancing down with a hardened look, somewhere mixed between annoyance and enjoyment. But, as she crouched down to toy with the woman and poke sharp nails against her neck, there were a clearer glint of Alisha enjoying this.

”If you’re going to come and start shit, you should be prepared,” and at that, the teenager practically positioned herself to sit directly on the woman’s stomach as she used her legs to pin the woman’s arms. ”You’re kind of a let down, I thought you’d be more of a challenge than the wolf.”

Alisha might have intended to torment the dragon more, but she felt herself glance up and take a long stare towards another woman not too far away, who seemed to be watching them. With a bit of squint, she continued to send a stare before she glanced back down at the woman underneath her - whether she was struggling or not. Either way, Alisha eventually began to lift herself up and off the other.

It came with sinister intentions though. Even stepping back as the dragon got back to her feet, Alisha didn’t give much room for recovery. And, with a swift turn, applied a hard kick to the woman’s side that might have left her stumbling accordingly to the rough impact. If by now, it would be clear enough to the dragon that this ‘little girl’ was a stronger being than she appeared to be.

 

[Aukanai]

MIHN KRIPT

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE TRICKY TANUKI

By the time Xaira had awoken and made her way to wake up the cheery tanuki, she would have glanced underneath the couch to find no sign of her. Instead, Mihn had eagerly perched herself upon the kitchen counter, swinging her legs back and forth, happily enjoying herself to a cookie she had found in a jar. Except, there seemed to be two issues about the scene. The first being, there was no jar - at least, not anymore, all it had been reduced to was broken pieces of glass after Mihn had found the only way to get the cookies was to smash it open. The second issue, was that after shapeshifting back into her human form again, there ceased to be any clothes on her. So, here she was, sitting naked on the counter, but happily nonetheless.

It was a normal occurrence for Xaira to behold, but eventually, Mihn had been nagged into putting some clothes on. And, as the others prepared themselves for what was ahead, Mihn had opened the door open and sat in the entrance to wait for them. If it hadn’t been that she was still eating the cookies, she might have ran off without them already to find something to do.

But once the other two were ready to head out, Mihn leapt to her feet in just as much excitement as her wide smile showed. Perhaps by now, she had come to forget about the events previously in Deepvale. Or rather, it was as if she was just finding other things to think on. Mihn was never one who dealt too well if she continued to think of the negative points.

With a small cheer, Mihn skipped out before Naomi and Xaira, seeming thrilled to find adventure for the day. Yet, as she skipped, suddenly she was reminded of the pendant as it jostled around her neck in her active movements. For a second, she paused and glanced down at the pretty thing, the angel Emanuel crossing her mind as she glanced at it. Emanuel sure had been nice! She wondered if she’d see him again today.

And that very thought was answered as the trio made it to the town square, where Emanuel himself greeted them. Mihn eagerly waved back, almost jumping on the spot in excitement before she finally settled down when they were closer.

”Good morning!” Mihn impulsively replied, with not much to follow it up with, it was just a nice greeting. But, after a moment to think, Mihn tilted her head at the thoughts in her head. ”Are there easier ways to open jars?” she blurted out in question, maybe getting a slight nudge from Xaira to not bring up the broken jar, and Mihn instantly giggled, as if to make it come off as some joke.

But it wasn’t too hard to cover it up as the angel standing at the gates began to speak. It took just seconds for Mihn’s attention to tune off though, she wasn’t really keen on listening for too long. Besides, she could just ask Xaira later. Her big sister was always able to break it down in simpler terms for her to understand.

Once that was over with, the tanuki glanced dumbly at Naomi and Xaira.

”What’d he say?”
Trying her best to wrap her mind around their answers, to understand the situation. But, it was much harder when she got distracted by the feeling of a breeze and suddenly Emanuel standing beside her. She perked up happily though and gave the angel a thrilled smile.

“Yeah!” A simple answer which might have indicated that she hadn’t quite pieced together the question entirely. But, when it finally did register in her mind, she glanced down in uncertainty. Did she really want to go with the others? She wanted to stay with them, but she didn’t like the idea of being stuck in a battle, when she was not ready for battle.

Her concerns were quickly whisked away though. Both hearing and seeing Xaira walk away from the group, Mihn turned around to see what was going on, as did Naomi and Emanuel too. Watching as Xaira approached two beings that Mihn couldn’t figure out what the issue of them was. Not like she paid much attention to this either, and her sights directed elsewhere.

She’d seen something else that caught her eye and she took the chance to slid away from the group as well while Naomi and Emanuel were occupied. Neither of them seemed to see the tanuki skipping off until it was too late.

By the time they had, she had already disappeared into the crowds and out of sight. She just wanted to explore now, with what little time she had left up here. And so, glancing from supernatural to supernatural, she became to steer herself into a backwards walk, as if to look all around her, taking occasional spins to see it all. Of course, with this, came her narrowly missing those walking around here. But, still, there were not collisions.

Well..that was until..

Mihn spun back around to look in the direction she was walking. But she hasn’t spun around quicker enough and she surely had a rough collusion..right into someone’s back. A very tall someone’s back. She’s practically walked into them face first, but she didn’t move away too soon. Instead, her hand only came up to press against the back and seeming push her off and away gentle.

”Oh, hey there!” Was the only thing she said as she looked up at the person’s face.

Oh - it had been another angel. And having already good impressions of angels from meeting Emanuel, Mihn seemed to categorise all angels to be the same kind and caring. So, in response, she gave this angel a big, warm smile.

”Your back was really soft to run into,” nodding and continuing to smile widely, Mihn might have come to think that was a perfectly good compliment to add.

Spoiler: mobile

By the time Xaira had awoken and made her way to wake up the cheery tanuki, she would have glanced underneath the couch to find no sign of her. Instead, Mihn had eagerly perched herself upon the kitchen counter, swinging her legs back and forth, happily enjoying herself to a cookie she had found in a jar. Except, there seemed to be two issues about the scene. The first being, there was no jar - at least, not anymore, all it had been reduced to was broken pieces of glass after Mihn had found the only way to get the cookies was to smash it open. The second issue, was that after shapeshifting back into her human form again, there ceased to be any clothes on her. So, here she was, sitting naked on the counter, but happily nonetheless.

It was a normal occurrence for Xaira to behold, but eventually, Mihn had been nagged into putting some clothes on. And, as the others prepared themselves for what was ahead, Mihn had opened the door open and sat in the entrance to wait for them. If it hadn’t been that she was still eating the cookies, she might have ran off without them already to find something to do.

But once the other two were ready to head out, Mihn leapt to her feet in just as much excitement as her wide smile showed. Perhaps by now, she had come to forget about the events previously in Deepvale. Or rather, it was as if she was just finding other things to think on. Mihn was never one who dealt too well if she continued to think of the negative points.

With a small cheer, Mihn skipped out before Naomi and Xaira, seeming thrilled to find adventure for the day. Yet, as she skipped, suddenly she was reminded of the pendant as it jostled around her neck in her active movements. For a second, she paused and glanced down at the pretty thing, the angel Emanuel crossing her mind as she glanced at it. Emanuel sure had been nice! She wondered if she’d see him again today.

And that very thought was answered as the trio made it to the town square, where Emanuel himself greeted them. Mihn eagerly waved back, almost jumping on the spot in excitement before she finally settled down when they were closer.

”Good morning!” Mihn impulsively replied, with not much to follow it up with, it was just a nice greeting. But, after a moment to think, Mihn tilted her head at the thoughts in her head. ”Are there easier ways to open jars?” she blurted out in question, maybe getting a slight nudge from Xaira to not bring up the broken jar, and Mihn instantly giggled, as if to make it come off as some joke.

But it wasn’t too hard to cover it up as the angel standing at the gates began to speak. It took just seconds for Mihn’s attention to tune off though, she wasn’t really keen on listening for too long. Besides, she could just ask Xaira later. Her big sister was always able to break it down in simpler terms for her to understand.

Once that was over with, the tanuki glanced dumbly at Naomi and Xaira.

”What’d he say?”
Trying her best to wrap her mind around their answers, to understand the situation. But, it was much harder when she got distracted by the feeling of a breeze and suddenly Emanuel standing beside her. She perked up happily though and gave the angel a thrilled smile.

“Yeah!” A simple answer which might have indicated that she hadn’t quite pieced together the question entirely. But, when it finally did register in her mind, she glanced down in uncertainty. Did she really want to go with the others? She wanted to stay with them, but she didn’t like the idea of being stuck in a battle, when she was not ready for battle.

Her concerns were quickly whisked away though. Both hearing and seeing Xaira walk away from the group, Mihn turned around to see what was going on, as did Naomi and Emanuel too. Watching as Xaira approached two beings that Mihn couldn’t figure out what the issue of them was. Not like she paid much attention to this either, and her sights directed elsewhere.

She’d seen something else that caught her eye and she took the chance to slid away from the group as well while Naomi and Emanuel were occupied. Neither of them seemed to see the tanuki skipping off until it was too late.

By the time they had, she had already disappeared into the crowds and out of sight. She just wanted to explore now, with what little time she had left up here. And so, glancing from supernatural to supernatural, she became to steer herself into a backwards walk, as if to look all around her, taking occasional spins to see it all. Of course, with this, came her narrowly missing those walking around here. But, still, there were not collisions.

Well..that was until..

Mihn spun back around to look in the direction she was walking. But she hasn’t spun around quicker enough and she surely had a rough collusion..right into someone’s back. A very tall someone’s back. She’s practically walked into them face first, but she didn’t move away too soon. Instead, her hand only came up to press against the back and seeming push her off and away gentle.

”Oh, hey there!” Was the only thing she said as she looked up at the person’s face.

Oh - it had been another angel. And having already good impressions of angels from meeting Emanuel, Mihn seemed to categorise all angels to be the same kind and caring. So, in response, she gave this angel a big, warm smile.

”Your back was really soft to run into,” nodding and continuing to smile widely, Mihn might have come to think that was a perfectly good compliment to add.

 

[Rustic]

Convincing themself to get out of bed was usually the hardest part of Rollin’s morning.

It required, among other things, finding a reason to bother getting up at all, which they sometimes had trouble doing. Not today. Their survival instinct was still alive and well, apparently, since, at an unexpected, ear-shatteringly loud ‘bang’, they jolted awake. They yanked their uncomfortably contorted form up from the couch they’d laid themselves out the night prior and jerked their head toward the presumable direction of the source. All the while, their heart was practically beating out of their chest, and their breaths were short, quick, audible huffs… until they got a glimpse of it. A frying pan. No gunshots or anything like that - no, just a frying pan. Who the fuck had they’d gone with that was throwing frying pans again? In that moment they had no clue, but inevitably enough, their memory came flooding back when they then turned their head to glimpse where it’d been thrown from. Right. Standing by, bemusedly watching them struggle, was the girl they’d met the day before, Satan herself. Now they were caught up on the joke.

“Fuck.” All they could do was give a heavy sigh where they were sitting, one of their hands reaching up to exasperatedly rub their face as they heard her begin to laugh. Where to even begin with her? Things had only gotten worse since the two of them had gotten here. Even though they’d both decided on sleep once they’d gotten in last night, it still hadn’t come easily. Rollin vaguely remembered hurriedly downing their last hidden ounces of whiskey, falling on their ass, and getting a door slammed on their head, and only maybe in that order. And those events were probably not the only ones; just the highlights of what they could conjure up from memory at whatever o'clock in the morning it was now. In any case, it wasn’t like any of that shit mattered now. They were wide awake now, which was what mattered. That was usually the hardest part. With it out of the way, they at least had to motivation to finish sulking and force themself to their feet. One way or another, that was going to have to happen, so they at least wanted to do it of their own accord, while they still could.

They didn’t have much of a say either way for the rest of their short stay, though. Not that they’d expected one. Regardless, when the time came around that Alisha was ready to leave, she made her exit in a decisive hurry, practically dragging them out the door without giving them much time to make a headstart. Not unless they’d wanted to try running, which they didn’t, partially because they suspected she wouldn’t have taken kindly to that, either. Still, they kept their bitching mostly to themselves for the walk over (save a few timely ‘goddammit’s and a ‘come the fuck on' as she occasionally punted them forward) to save themselves some early morning trouble they knew would inevitably come harder and more unavoidably later in the day. Maybe they’d be lucky enough to find another drink in the interim? Ha. It’s a thought that was at least enough to entertain while the two of them lined up like the rest to hear what the angels thought was important enough to announce.

They didn’t find the revelation shocking. It was what they’d expected to hear, and it had nothing to do with their own childhood home, more rural and further out. That being said, they couldn’t help but bear their teeth a little at the grimness of it all anyway. Who the fuck wouldn’t be a little bothered by basically an announcement of the grandest scale war history would probably ever know? Of course, they felt stupid immediately after wondering that, sense they immediately accidentally get their answer by absentmindedly turning their head to observe Alisha. Of course she looked bored by it all. It didn’t even look like she was paying attention. They wondered if she didn’t understand the gravity of this situation, or if she was just that obstinately impudent. Before she spoke again, they’d settled on the answer being a mix of both, but what she ultimately said deepened the mystery. As for a response itself, though, their ears flattened with bored disdain, and they bobbed their head a little lackadaisically, like they were ready to get it over with.

“Yeah, death’s coming, and you’re hand-delivering it to me,” they disingenuously summarized, breathing out a sigh. “Can’t wait.” Whatever it was Alisha was, if she was serious about using them like a shield, they’d be as good as dead soon enough. Hell, even if she wasn’t serious, they were still sure they were as good as dead soon enough, by virtue of being forced to fight demons. But it was all whatever, really. They could say they enjoyed fighting, and there were worse ways to go, especially considering what all the angelic speaker from before had had to say about the perks of fighting this particular battle. Death just might be preferable, in their particular case, all things considering. Before they had time to do any of that considering, though, one of their many problems decided to rear its ugly head again. Though, this particular problem was a she, and she made it immediately clear upon her approach that she was still a mouthy one at that.

She started off strong, of course, by pulling out the laziest epithet she could find. Somehow she was so astute as to notice that wolves were similar to dogs, and so found it fit to she switch out their actual species with the more lowly animal. So clever. So strong was it an insult too, that it had been recently used by a slightly more creative teenage girl. It went without saying, then, that the words hardly grazed them as they fell from her lips; partially because of how many times they'd heard them before, and otherwise because of the irony they were accompanied with. Intermixed in her speech was an unintentional mention, in insult no less, to Alisha, who’d of course let them out. Took a real super sleuth to guess that as a possibility, but it seemed their lizard friend here was no Sherlock Holmes. They had to really hold themself back from heartily chuckling in the dragoness’ face as she started the hilarious and unwitting digging of her own grave. And what a good place to bury herself she’d chosen.

“All dogs go to Heaven, didn’t you know,” they dully retorted, idly shuffling a hand to their pocket as they sized up the shorter woman in kind. At the reference to a ‘Naomi’, the wolf looked up and around for a moment to survey their surroundings. Sure enough, they see what they expect to: the lilin from last night. They see her looking back too, but all they do is let their gaze linger a few seconds before they glanced back at the dragoness, who was too busy ensuring herself a hearty serving of crow to eat to notice. They were glad to have the limited palette of expressions of their more wolflike form offered in those very moments, because otherwise, they would’ve given away this game already by grinning like a goddamn idiot. Instead, they just swished their tail idly swished back and forth and waited, until...

Right on cue, there was an imperceptible blur of motion marking Alisha knocking Xaira clean off her feet. It finally gave Rollin a chance to laugh, so they guffawed, their scratchy, low voice practically choking on their enjoyment. After every other thing life had thrown their way lately, this was something for them, finally. They made the gesture quick though, not keen to draw God’s fateful eye back their way with hubris (or Alisha’s attention, more realistically). After their moment of initial joy, they settled down into a smirk, and fumbled around in their pocket for a light. Nothing had changed, as for the position they themself were in, but they still couldn’t help but feel smug as they had the luxury of all but ignoring Xaira as she struggled uselessly. They were about to get a cigarette lit, actually - still listening and silently yucking it up - until they see what Alisha’s looking at from the corner of their eye.

They stop what they’re doing and put away their pack for a moment to observe. It is, of course, that woman Naomi again, and they'd known she was what they’d see before they'd even looked over. They had pretty keen sight, too, so they could tell even from where they were standing what her expression was like. Wide-eyed, panicked, not really sure what to do. Like prey. Still, they had a good feeling from their other encounters with this woman what her ultimate decision would probably be, so while Alisha seemed satisfied with the sight and looked away, Rollin just kept their dead stare, and shook their head toward her. Bemusedly, sure, but also seriously, in warning. As a reminder that she should know the routine by now. Especially after what she’d just seen Alisha accomplish.

But no. Of course not.


The morning had been a far better time for Naomi.

Of course, nothing could’ve beaten the way she’d come to consciousness that day, anyway. In the midst her deep, restorative sleep came the gentlest touch against her skin. In a haze that felt more like a dream, she ever so slightly registered the serene brush of her hair as it slowly lifted up and lightly and methodically fell back into place. She felt the sun somewhere distant, too, but still, there’d been far more warmth inside her as her body tingled from tranquil, intimate touch. It was so blissful, uncomplicated. It was a truly unmatched feeling, to be loved like this. Any ending to this moment would have came to soon, but regardless, it eventually came for her anyway. But, as kindly as the news could be broken, Xaira had given it to her, and so her partner’s rested voice tenderly signaled the start of the new day.

Ah. She laid pleasantly still for a few moments, soaking up the remnants of her peace in the form of Xaira’s breathtaking kisses trailing along her skin, but she did her girlfriend the courtesy of waking up quickly, which she found graciously rewarded with the most adorable kiss. Which Naomi took her time to savor as she let her eyes slowly open to take in Xaira’s gorgeous face again. She could think of nothing more divine, even having seen the landscape and creatures of Heaven itself. Or, well, maybe that was a bit too cheesy a thought, but still, and Naomi took her time in soaking all of her in again, still in honest disbelief that this was the life she’d been so taken so suddenly by. Despite everything, it felt truly like a blessing, something too perfect as to have happened by accident. Oh, but no matter how it’d happened, she felt lucky for sure.

In any event, that moment had had to have its end as well, and when the two of them came apart again, it was apparently time to find Mihn. She nodded to Xaira’s suggestion of personally doing such, and gave herself one last moment or two to luxuriate before the rest of this day unavoidably came. It was likely to be another ordeal, maybe more so than the day prior, but… she still stretched herself out anyway, and climbed (somewhat sluggishly) out of bed and to her business. The day was coming, whether she liked it or not.

So, she gave herself no time to sit and worry. Running a hand across her hair to settle it down, she quickly made her way to the small space’s kitchen. For no real reason than to sit in a place where it would not be obtrusive to have a light on, really. But, as fate would have it, while Xaira was busy searching beneath the couch, Naomi’s mouth dropped open a little at the sight of Mihn just sitting out on the counter. It hadn’t appeared that there had been some sort of accident - not with the very casual way Mihn had propped herself up - so Naomi had had to assume the broken jar shattered everywhere was intentional. For… whatever reason. Why it might be didn’t occur to her in the moment, but after the initial shock of seeing it wore off, she ultimately shrugged it off. The jar had belonged to none of them anyway, and for whatever reason it’d been broken, Naomi felt sure there had probably been no harm done. That thought out of the way, then, she had lightheartedly waved to Mihn.

“It’s been a good morning, I see,” Naomi jovially commented, half-questioningly. Only half, of course, because really, what good morning didn’t start naked after a good meal? It was decadence at its finest. But, hearing Xaira still rummaging around, Naomi looked back toward her for a moment and pointed forward. “In here, dear,” she called back lightly. She walked further into the kitchen, and to the cookies sitting out, she merely tilted her head.

“Those do really look good…” she said. Then, without much prompting, she went to the business of getting the glass picked up. They were probably all about to leave, after they had all prepared for the day, but old habits died hard, and she could hardly stand to leave this place the hazardous mess it was. Especially not while Mihn was sitting naked; goodness, Naomi shuddered in considering that. No need for anyone to get glass anywhere but the trash today. That's what she said to herself, anyway, as Xaira presumably let Mihn know it was time to get dressed. Naomi had curiously looked back for a moment in hearing it, but hadn’t stopped in her task at all, casually picking up the glass closest to Mihn for obvious safety reasons.

“Already?” Naomi asked, inquisitively blinking. Generally, if anyone was bothering to get dressed, they were leaving, no? Still, regardless of the answer, it didn’t take long for the three of them to need to get going. When Xaira asked if Naomi was ready to go, she’d took another second or two to ensure her outfit for the day was in suitable condition before she responded, “Looks like it.” To which Xaira signaled for the door. So, without further ado, Naomi waltzed on over toward her, and happily intertwined her hand. Then, with Mihn bouncing on ahead, the three of them headed out. A picture perfect scene.

The three of them, of course, eventually made it to the gates proper. And they certainly were not alone. So many people were crowded around, it was almost intimidating. They did not have a chance to join in, however, before they found themselves greeted by a familiar face. To Emmanuel, Naomi gave an amiable grin. She wasn’t feeling it, but seeing him only suddenly and vividly reminded her of what Xaira had told her last night, and if that had been remotely right, she wasn’t about to give anything away to him. If it made any difference. Really, though, she found herself rubbed the wrong way by his seemingly unaware cheerfulness, and it especially lingered as she subtly listened in to Xaira as she spoke covertly. To what she heard, though, she could only give a somewhat amused… and vindicated smile.

“Mmmhm,” was all she secretively needed to respond back with, reciprocating Xaira’s tightened grip on her hand and staring back at her with slightly lidded, confident eyes. Maybe, just maybe, she was feeling a little undeservedly smug too, to have her suspicions shared, but she’d keep that feeling to herself. The only thing important now was that they were on the same page. It wouldn’t be good to be wrong or right, frankly, but as long as they had that.

Naomi actually found herself a little taken off-guard then as, in the midst of thinking so, the promised announcement unexpectedly began. She stopped and turned to listen to it as best as she could, even from the distance they were at. Fortunately, it was no trouble, with how smoothly operations were running here, all things considered. Unfortunately, that was about the end of the good news. The speech that followed actually sounded rather bleak, despite the angelic speaker’s neutral wording. All ‘good’ living things were essentially going to war to prevent eternal damnation. Naomi moved in a little closer to Xaira as the speech went on, a somber mood falling over her. Assurance of an afterlife or no, death was no small matter, and she was reading between the lines right, there might not be a shortage of it waiting for them.

Not to mention Xaira’s own revelation adding to the weight of things; this place, which they’d surely have to depart to, was where her family was living. Not the happiest conditions for a reunion. As the speech began to wind down, Naomi gave a heavy-hearted sigh, running her free hand through her hair in contemplation. Possibly the only thing that stopped her from becoming too overly anxious about it, in the end, was Mihn’s immediate question of ‘what’? Despite herself, she chuckled a little - or a lot a little - softly. There was still subtly a sadness to it, but as she looked back at Mihn, she bitter-sweetly smiled, and tried to find the right words.

“...Nothing good,” she ended up just joking frankly. It was not the most optimistic thing to have said, then, but right at that moment, gentle honesty seemed to be for the best. The only sweet thing someone could really say about a war was a lie, after all. Regardless, she tried to shake her more dark outlook off as she attempted to give a simpler, less dire retelling of what the angel Tyriel had told them. “There’s… going to be fighting against the demons and we’ve-” Naomi looked at Xaira for a moment, signalling her own uncertainty as to if the ‘we’ here meant all of them, “been asked to help, it seems.” There was really no telling what else it would mean, but… if there was anything else Xaira wanted to try and explain, the question belonged to her anyway. After they’d both spoken, Naomi wasn’t entirely sure if Mihn had gotten what she need to hear out of it, but, Naomi simply nodded back to Xaira, sure that anything that had been missed could be rectified as needed. It certainly was no trouble.

What did promise to be trouble what was Xaira had decided to point out next. Naomi looked at Xaira as she processed everything her girlfriend was saying with an expression that, unfortunately, neither of them probably enjoyed her wearing. Though Naomi wanted to attempt to look supportive, the furrow in her brow and the look in her eyes suggested what she was reluctant to say out loud: she wasn’t so sure about this plan. She understood the idea of needing to confront the wolf at some point, but… was here and now truly the best time? She bit her lip even as Xaira talked. There were a lot of unknowns. The angels, the people around them, and most strangely of all, the girl the wolf had picked up to travel with. She couldn’t say she agreed with the conclusion that had ultimately been reached. She gave a small smile regardless, to not seem as if she had already made up her mind the negative, but as Xaira finished, Naomi breathed in a small breath.

“Sweetheart,” she murmured quietly. It’s a word taking place within the span of a breath, but it attempted to convey a lot. Her honest, overwhelming love, for one. She had not chosen the pet name in frustration; she had meant it’s saccharine, cutesy affection in earnest, despite how anxious this situation made her. As… questionable as she found this plan. She sincerely loved Xaira’s overwhelmingly heroic spirit, more than anything. Sure, there was an exasperation to her voice too, but it was clear that that was mostly for this situation, that would put them in such a position to begin with, and especially for the wolf who would show now of all times, to again cause this sort of trouble. She couldn’t say she completely say she was happy to be doing it, but… “I will,” she replied, with warm eyes and a nod. Her lips curled into a peaceful smile at Xaira’s departing kiss, but as her girlfriend moved off, she felt a little colder than when she’d started.

She still wasn’t so sure this was for the best, but this - and Xaira - was what she had supported, so she intended to see it through. To that end, she couldn’t help but watch very vigilantly as the encounter occurred. She didn’t mean to - and surely she was aware at the back of her mind of what she’d agreed to be doing - but her mind couldn’t help but laser focus her attention at the very precarious situation Xaira was in. She did remember what had been said about what would or wouldn’t be allowed here, and while she generally agreed, she couldn’t help but wonder just how much would could happen before things were fixed. But of course, this was just what was happening, so, she had to remind herself of that, and try to keep herself from biting her nails as the scene in front of her unfolded.

She didn’t think she had been watching for very long, either, but once she finally had the presence of mind to turn, her heart nearly leapt out of her chest as what she saw. Or didn’t see. Mihn. Mihn. One of Naomi’s hands grabbed at her chest as her eyes started to dart all around in search of the tanuki. Oh dear. “E-Excuse me,” she mumbled out absentmindedly, looking at Emanuel if she didn’t already have his attention. “Did she…?” she said, almost inaudibly, looking at him in the slimmest of hope that he’d seen where she’d went to. When the answer was clearly no, Naomi seemed to utterly deflate. “Oh, God…” She put a hand on her face, doubled over slightly, and loudly groaned, her body actually bristling a little with frustration. How, she wondered? How had she managed this? In the span of a few minutes, she just had a hand in creating two very different problems pulling her in two different directions. She’d been staving off her anxiety, but now it hit her in full force, as she felt herself start to struggle to breathe from the panic of not knowing what to do.

She almost felt like she could scream, but before she let her, she instinctively jerked herself up. She was okay! She would be fine; she just had to figure this out. She was good at figuring out things like this, even under pressure. She had to be. She looked around to see Emanuel. Maybe he could...? The thought crossed her mind for a moment that she could ask him to help look for Mihn, but after a second or two of staring blankly at him, she just slowly turned her head to a different direction. She… wasn’t sure she wanted the angel finding Mihn before she did. And if Mihn was in trouble, he would be, for better or worse, the one who would end up finding her anyway. For quick reference, to better try and help her better make a decision, Naomi looked back to see how Xaira was currently doing.

She looked at the scene with Xaira with wide eyes. Sure enough, her nightmare had been realized, and the girl she’d had a sinking feeling about was now kneeling pleasedly over Xaira, as haughty as could be. If that wasn’t enough, Naomi felt almost like a deer in headlights when that same girl, at that same moment, decided to look straight at her. And that look told Naomi what she already suspected; that girl was danger. Alisha didn’t look actively malicious, she looked bored. Hungry for something. She looked like a teenager, frankly, and that what was most damning. If she wasn’t going to bother looking like she cared about the angel’s domain in their faces, there was no telling what she was capable of. That wolf, too, eyed her up with an equally irreverent stare, just to make matters worse. She swallowed hard with a still tight throat, but before she had even seen Rollin shake their head, she had already made up her mind. She started walking forward, knowing what she had to do.


The lilin’s approach was gradual, but only at first. Rollin could only sigh as they saw it happening, but they'd already known the fate was probably ineluctable. Still, they rolled their shoulders as they started to walk to greet her, confident this wouldn’t be much of a problem. Maybe they’d miss whatever show that dragoness would put on trying to fight the devil, but hey, this little rendezvous promised to be its own reward. They didn’t actually like interacting with this Naomi, whoever she was, but proudly being the most bitter and spiteful creature on God’s green earth, they’d enjoy doing so this time purely because they’d been promised some consequences. Oh boy, the dragoness sure was about to get a lesson in challenging dumb drunks with nothing to lose. Naomi went from what felt like zero to ninety as she took flight quickly toward them, but steadying themself just right, they confidently took hold of her fist in their hand as she tried to get the first hit on them.

“Oh no,” they admonished, baring their teeth threateningly with alert, confident ears. “Not now, princess.” She wasn’t about to ruin this. If she was going to insist on joining, she was going to end up part of the spectacle. Naomi gritted her teeth, still trying to push forward, but with no luck. Rollin scoffed in seeing it, and consequently seeing her transform to defeat her limitation. She had a cute new power. Good for her. Not a lot beat a good kick in the chest, though. So they did that. They lifted one of their long legs quick and kicked her square in the chest. Naomi of course stumbled backward, but having seen it coming, she’d at least had some time to avoid the worst of the force by moving first, and so she managed to stay on her feet. Still, she struggled to catch her breath a little as she called out.

“Xaira?” she asked, trying to sound calm. She also tried, the best she could, to look past the wolf in her way to see how her girlfriend was doing. Could Xaira really hold her own against that girl, she wondered? In any case, Naomi gave another glance toward Rollin. She wasn’t sure she could hold them off, but she’d damn sure hold their attention if she needed to. She bit her lip for a moment, and then, decisively charged forward again.

DergTheDergon Aukanai

 

[Rustic]

It had been a rather long night for Zerah.

There was no real shortcut to dealing with revelation. No matter how some might try to go about it, it would be impossible anyone to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. It sometimes came to be that mortals only did so in death, but eventually, every act had to be answered for. Zerah did not, and could not know, how many more times in the span of his life he would need to answer for things he’d done. All he did know, laying unearthly still, feeling the weight of every breath that slowly passed through his chest, was that he hoped this would be the worst. He’d spent hours here, lamenting what he’d done just as much as what he’d went through. Selfishly and selflessly grieving the person he was. It had been cathartic, but much like bleeding out poison, it had been a painful last resort. But, it had been enough. He knew this grief would linger long after today, but it at least no longer consumed him. There was finally room in him to return to the person he had to be.

With immaculate timing, once he’d made that resolution for himself, his quiet meditation came to it’s end. Light poured into the space he occupied once more, and among it, he could feel the Lord’s presence before him once more. He raised from the bow it had fallen into and lifted himself onto his palms, to receive the word given to him. A request. Though he tried to hold steadfast in the face of it, he couldn’t help but flinch upon hearing the circumstances surrounding it. Namely concerning the demoness he’d crossed paths with before, Viriel. Having witnessed what she was capable of himself, he knew it was likely a tragedy, what had befallen Tyrellius. Still, he looked toward the light before him with a soft determination. His heart already ached with concern, but that was likely all the more reason this task had fallen to him. He did think much of it, regardless; here, he was sure. After such a storm, all that was left in him was a fresh resolve. He would - he had to - do what he must, as he was asked.

A peaceful daze followed him as he saw a new gateway appear, natural light from the outside once again beginning illuminating his features. It’d felt like so long he’d dwelled in this space, it almost felt like he’d be departing for the world, rather than simply returning to it. Either way, it was time for him to go. The voice of God now again gone from him, he was left to what he had to do. And so he faithfully took it. After a long, affirming breath, he raised himself back to his feet, and without another word, he crossed back over, returning to duty.

Just in time to catch an announcement, it would seem. Zerah looked on in dismay as the archangel Tyrael floated overhead, a crowd gathering beneath the man in droves. Before he’d lost his memory, even a single mortal presence here would have been significant. Now so many walked Heaven timidly, on the last safe ground afforded to them. It was disquieting, just how quickly this long-standing peace had been disrupted. At the very least, though, his mood from before stayed with him. He could feel some of his usual nervous energy begin to return, but after some consideration, he found a small spot of hope. If the tide could be turned, it could just as well fall in their favor. He held onto that thought as Tyrael’s speech commenced, spelling out mostly what he unfortunately already knew.

Once the announcement was over, there wasn’t much else to be said. Witchhaven, then. That would be where his new task would begin. Now that much of the magic from before had subsided, he had to say, he had a lot of… concerns. Not about God’s plan, really, but in his own capability of seeing it through. He could hardly imagine he’d be enough to take down Viriel, let alone Tyrellius, Heaven forbid. Would he really be able to manage? Would it be best to use the time that had been allotted to him to seek out help for that task, or should he be offering his aid to the angels who were making preparations? It wasn’t long before his mind was again nervously wandering, but, before he could get too lost, he, very unexpectedly, felt a hard push against his back.

It was… a confusing occurence, to say the least. It broke through his thoughts immediately, leaving his expression utterly blank as he instinctively turned to figure out what was happening. In turn, a blithe pink-haired young lady started up at him, emerald eyes glittering curiously. He… wouldn’t have thought much of her, naively assuming at first that she must’ve made some quick mistake. However… she didn’t really make much of an effort to move away, which started to baffle him a little. Instead, she simply extended a greeting. He stared at her for a second or two, actually, expecting more, but that had apparently been the extent of what she’d wanted to say.

“Ah… hello,” he responded, blinking awkwardly. He couldn’t really think much at all until he saw her give an earnest smile, which promptly snapped him out of his stunned state. No, that was right. He probably shouldn’t just be looking at her so clumsily like this. It was hardly becoming. He tried to give a small, kindly smile back, but his furrowed eyebrows only amateurishly continued to suggest his perplexment with her, especially at her next comment for him. He wanted to even fathom why she’d think to say it, but again, he was left drawing utter blanks. Still, it… sounded like a compliment? And so he could only take it at its face. As… unsure as he was on how he could even respond.

“I’m, um, happy to hear it,” he settled simply, nodding his head once in an overly polite way, like he’d taken it into consideration or something. Nope, wrong. He didn’t know the right way to respond, but he knew it definitely had not been how he’d chosen. Had so many years of being an angel actually taught him nothing? Maybe his memory was still a bit hazy, having only just been given back to him. Or maybe he was just making excuses for his own ineptitude at formality. He’d have to work on it, anyway. He bit his lip a little unsurely in the meantime, but nodded once once again.

“...My apologies for being in your way,” he said, his eyes closing for a moment in what looked to be honest regard. “Could I, perhaps... assist you, at all?” The offer escaped him before he could consider it, but this time, at least, it felt like a good thing to say. She was of a disposition where it was hard for him to discern whether she might be looking to leave or if she might be looking to find her way back toward Heaven, but he could actually help her with either. Neither would take much time, after all. And, if she was looking to go down to Witchhaven with the others who were departing, that might mean she could assist him. If she would be willing to, that was. In any case, his smile looked briefly more easy as he looked back toward her. If nothing else, she seemed very pleasant, so no matter how this turned out, there should be no trouble, right?

Aukanai

 

[Daniel Reaving]

Viriel

Viriel smiled softly as he commenced on her clothing. Smiling as he took her hand she followed him. Clinging to him to make sure they stuck together despite the minuscule chance they got separated. As they approached the cell Viriels eyes looked around cautiously before they entered the cell. Listening to her new lovers words she took them in and thought over them as he opened the portal. "A nephalem." She said softly before looking up to the opened portal. Taking note of the scenery before she leapt through it with him.

As soon as she stepped through an instant feeling of relief washed over her. Finally being out of that dark place was like the first gasp of fresh air after almost drowning in water. Smiling happily as she listened to tyrelius before nodding. "I agree my sweet. I feel like I'm about to pass out and need rest." She said to him. Using the last of her energy she held her hand up into the air and a purple light appeared in her palm. As the light grew more her clothes changed back to her demoness outfit with her two swords on each hip and her muskets in there sheaths in her lower back. With it came another sigh of relief as she had sapped some demonic energy from her realm of hell to keep herself going till they found shelter. "Shall we?" She asked lovingly as she entwined her hand with his and stepped close to him. Gently resting her chin in his shoulder as she nuzzled his neck before she started forwards with him to find shelter.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next morning came winner than Viriel had hopped it would. As the sun had set Yesterday they had managed to find an old abandoned cabin. It had been clear it was just recently left she to the cleanly was of the home and the still fresh food in the pantry. Making sure there were no signs of its previous inhabitant would return. Viriel took the seclusion to well... Grow closer to Tyrelius. As the sun broke through the windows of the quiet cabin today was showing to be a better one. Gently starting to stir as the sun hit her face Viriel's eyes slowly opened to the welcoming sight of Tyrelius sleeping peacefully under her. Her head had been on his chest and her body on his as they had slept. Taking a small moment to study his features she then smiled and slowly sat up. Letting the covers they slep under slip off her bare body as she sat up on Tyrelius. Letting out a soft yawn as she stretched her arms up into the air she took a second to look around there temporary home before smiling. Last night had done wonders for her if she had to be honest. Having the good rest she needed in combination with the happenings of Tyrelius had fully recharged her. Running a hand through her hair she looked down to her lover underneath her and smiled down at him. Leaning forward she placed her hands on his chest and gave him a gentle push to try and wake him. "It's time to wake up my angel." She cooed softly as her tail whipped around happily behind her. Her little wings stretched themselves out as she pushed once more on his chest as a playful smirk slipped over her lips.
DergTheDergon

 

[Daniel Reaving]

Ariella

Ariella had accepted the angels words. Giving him a good bye. Though instead of getting sleep Ariella helped her people and those surrounding the ship. Seeing as the hotel had not been exactly enough room Ariella and her men had taken in some of the refugees, giving them tents and food as well as aiding any wounded near by. It wasnt till very late that Ariella had finally retired to her quarters to rest.
---------------------------------------------
The next morning was one of morning for Ariella. The losses her people sustained weighed heavily on her heart as she got up and dressed. Getting the message from the angel she had met yesterday she quickly got ready before heading to where they were instructed to. Her 3 generals accompanying her as they made there way off the ship. First stopping to make sure the injured men were alright and making sure any refugees that stayed with her people got up as well. Once done Ariella and her generals made there way for the gathering by the gates. The group that had formed was large already making Ariella frown. Having hopped to be near the front her and her generals headed to where the crowd was less dense on the sides and moved into it from there soon hitting the front of the group. Curiously Ariella looked around curiously subtly looking for the angel she had met yesterday.
DergTheDergon

 

[Affili]

Taxian


The false sun above the grove wavered and phased momentarily in response to the sudden chill that enveloped the entire grove. The air just above the ground stirred in a circular fashion as a brilliant light tore through what should have been a sky. A smaller beam of light shot through the tear at a tremendous speed, followed by a wake of blackened flames that burned and singed everything they came in contact with; reducing rocks to molten puddles and scorching trees within moments. The abnormal tear imploded on itself a few moments later, then sent a violent shockwave out in all directions that travelled for a few hundred meters before finally dissipating to nothing.


It was all so much worse than Taxian could have ever imagined. the first time he had passed right through the grove instead of landing; passed right overhead before vanishing only to reappear over a large lake. In fact, the Nephalem could still recall skimming across the vast lake for what seemed like an eternity before finally plunging into its cool inviting depths.
Oh how he wished there had been another lake to plummet into this time. Oh how he wished.

Every bone in his body ached. Thrumming pains wracked through his entire core as he spat blood and spittal from his broken jaw. A lesser being would have surely perished the very moment they entered the tear. His skin was torn and rend and Taxian could feel the blood leaking from his wounds at an alarming rate. He flopped onto his back in a fit of coughing resetting his jaw in the process around a wince of pain.The Nephalem would have gladly used both hands to do this but alas, one of them hung in a unnatural position so he did the best he could with his working hand while slamming the broken hand forcibly onto the ground to reset that wrist.

Taxian propped himself up just enough to see the long gorge he had left in the ground and could not help but chuckle at the shear insanity of it all as a few bits of a trea dropped to the ground nearby with a loud thud.


He would need time to heal and regain his strength that was certain, and would have been more than content with just laying there for a while so that he could heal, but providing he was in the correct time period of this Earth, a disturbance in the planet’s energies of this magnitude would surely catch the attention of a few people, and in his current state, there was no way he would be able to resist. The Nephalem would need to find a place to rest so that he could safely recuperate unmolested for as long as he could.


Taxian spent a few minutes focusing his energies till the more serious of the lacerations knitted themselves shut to the extent that the wounds were not gushing crimson rivers anymore. It would take much longer for him to fully heal himself after such an ordeal and that was what concerned him the most.


He slowly pulled himself to his feet with a grunt then scanned the area surrounding him before making his way towards a large hillside off in the distance hoping to find an alcove of sorts eroded into the earth that he could seal himself away in for a while.


The pain within Taxian’s body made the walk seem like an eternity, step after agonizing step but after a while he came upon a suitable area that tunneled into the hillside. The very thought of using his strength to seal the entrance with stone made the Nephalem cringe so a strong barrier would have to suffice for now. He plucked a jagged stone from ground then etched a few glyphs comprised of complex angelic script on either side of the entrance way from top to bottom. Given what energies he had left, Hellfire would be more potent and violent if not a little on the volatile side, so that's what Taxian would fuse into the glyphs to activate the barrier. An aura of a violet haze emanated from the Nephalem as he poured whatever strength he had left into the glyphs and after a few moments, an opaque wall of black flames erupted between the glyphs. Bound by the scripting they would be unable to spread and forbidden to wreak havoc upon their surroundings less anything should pass through the wall.


Taxian grew light headed, a tell tale sign indicating that was all the strength he could muster gone for now. He stumbled towards the back of the cave before collapsing against the back of it and falling rather unceremoniously to the ground. He would awaken once more after several hours and that is when he would be able to focus on healing and replenishing his full strength.

 

[DergTheDergon]

After rising to her feet from looking under the couch for Mihn, the next place Xaira checked due to past experience with her surrogate sister’s often… eccentric morning behavior due to Xaira’s propensity to sleep in, was the kitchen. Beholding the sight before her, she sighed and rubbed her forehead, before chuckling a little as she approached Mihn with an amused smile. “Y’know, I want to half let you roam around naked just to see how those white-winged pansies would react, but as tempting as it is, this is a serious thing we’ve found ourselves in. “Please get dressed, Mihn.” Sighing, Xaira went about hastily cleaning ufp as much of the broken glass she could find. “Just ‘cause we’re freeloading here doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. Same rules as my place, alright?” She knew Mihn very likely wasn’t listening, but as nuts as Mihn drove her through her futile efforts to try and train some decency into the cheeky Tanuki, she’d decided she’d never give fup on her so situations like this had become a staple of her life. In all honesty, it didn’t bother her much either, unless Mihn really went out of her way to make her elife difficult, which did happen on more occasions than she’d like to admit. However, she was family, so she always found herself forgiving the girl and maybe being a bit too lenient with her at times. Xaira often amused herself by thinking that if she ever had kids of her own, Mihn would’ve taught her by then how to actually discipline them, because in all honesty, watching over Mihn felt like taking care of a particularly unruly toddler at times like this, even though she was MUCH older than one. After all is said and done, though, she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Naomi’s utterance of “sweetheart” caused Xaira to pause, her chest aching with guilt for worrying her. However, that feeling clashed with and was ultimately won over by her determination to do something about that wolf having been allowed into heaven, when he most assuredly would’ve been dragged into hell upon death, at least judging by his actions.

That glare of Alisha’s caused slight alarm to spread through her, yet again pushed aside by the strength of her conviction. However, only a moment later, she then learned that such conviction was less than a boon at times such as this. It was useful to power through enemies she rightly judged the strength of, but the moment she felt her pack painfully and audibly hit the floor, she realized that she’d been WAY off about sizing up this mysterious, spiteful woman.

It had been a long time since Xaira had underestimated an enemy. Just what sort of supernatural was she? The dragoness thought she had learned her lesson regarding such things a long time ago due to her profession as a hunter of the most hostile creatures in the deepest depths of the Beneath, but apparently not. It took ending up on the floor in one swift motion, courtesy of a girl who certainly didn’t look capable of toppling a 170 pound lean fighting machine like herself, to realize she still had quite a lot to learn indeed.

The steadily increasing pressure of her deceptively strong opponent’s foot into her body caused a sharp pain as even her Draconic bones strained under the stress. This snapped her out of the state of shock she’d been in, and that was when she heard it.

“Naomi, stop!” Knowing her, it was a waste of breath, but it was the only thing Xaira could do at the moment to try and keep something like what had happened to Naomi the fateful night they’d met from happening again. If that scumbag of a wolf ever injured her again, Xaira swore it would be dragon time and fire everywhere until they were done, nevermind how peaceful heaven is supposed to be. Keeping the peace was already out of the question, anyway, she’d gone too far and so had the wolf. Xaira had always been an all or nothing type, for better or for worse depending on the situations. She was starting to think that, maybe, this was one of those “for worse” ones. She realized, all of a sudden, that if she’d let Naomi convince her that she didn’t have to go through with this, maybe she wouldn’t have ended up in the clutches of the same wolf who had injured her the night before.

That was it. She was never going to be so reckless again. She had the beginnings of a family started with Naomi and Mihn, and she clearly wasn’t doing the best job of keeping them safe at the moment, as much as she’d much rather she were.

Overpowering her with strength seeming out of the question, speed tactics seemed to be next. A lot of opponents didn’t expect such a tall and muscular woman, with a heavy and powerful draconic tail to boot, to be swift, but she certainly could be if she focused in on doing so. Realizing this may be her means of fighting element of surprise with element of surprise, she swiftly whipped her tail toward the foot pressing onto her, standing with grace that she was banking this entire moment would surprise her opponent in kind.

The love, drive and desperation she could feel in Naomi’s voice even as she screamed and otherwise voiced her pain further fueled the building of the same feelings within the Dragoness’s heart that then became the adrenaline behind her powerful tail sweep she hoped would be her recovery. Mid-motion, she glanced over toward Naomi. That a split-second view of her lover’s predicament was all she needed in order to focus all the emotion wracking her in this moment into fury. Adrenaline coursing powerfully through her veins, Xaira swiftly came to a stand. It seemed as though speed was the key here against this deceptively strong opponent of hers.

Returning the girl’s earlier foot-on-the-chest maneuver, also pinning her arms down with both hands, Xaira grinned. “Who’s laughing now?” she said, the remark directed, along with the Dragoness’s gaze as it was spoken, back over at Rollin. “She’s strong, but I seem to be faster. And my girl packs a bigger punch than you remember, doesn’t she?” She then mentally kicked herself as she realized this may not be time to be snarky. It was a habit; a habit that had just gotten her, and Naomi, in serious doodoo.

Satisfied with her comment, she then locked eyes with the young woman beneath her, mentally preparing for another overpowering show of strength from her.

When all this was over, she thought, she was going to tend to Naomi in every way she could, find Mihn, and not make such a bold move again. All of this made her realize that she was prioritizing her sense of justice over her growing family now, which not only made her feel guilty, but was clearly dangerous to them, especially around the likes of this Wolf and their feisty new partner in crime, if calling her such a thing was at all accurate.

At this time, nearby angels had become alerted to this altercation. “Cease this violence at once!” Boomed the voice of an angelic warrior as he and several others began to close around the four supernaturals in order to ensure no others were hurt. However, they hadn’t reached the site of the fight yet. There was still some time before they arrived at the scene, and judging by the past behavior of Xaira’s assailant, she was going to take advantage of it as best she could. SO, Xaira stood as ready as she could for the next dirty trick she was about to pull, falling into the mindset she often used when fighting the wickedest creatures of the Beneath. After all, this one seemed to have quite the wicked streak herself.
Aukanai Rustic

 

[DergTheDergon]

Even as Virel led Tyrellius to Shelter, he could feel that this was it. He had fallen. There was no going back to serving God. He felt numbed when he thought about it, confused yet lulled away from the problem entirely by the allure of Virel’s touch and sultry voice. Once they’d reached the abandoned cabin, for the first time in his life, Tyrellius moved utterly past his inhibitions and felt the freedom he was sure all Fallen angels felt when they committed their first act of lust, in his case, after living a life that felt deeply restricting to them. No wonder Zerah was the first Fallen he’d heard of that had ever redeemed himself… the pleasures of a life away from God’s laws only felt more alluring as the

The next thing he knew, he was stirring from a deep, restful sleep the next morning, embracing Viriel as visions of their passion the night before danced wildly this way and that through his mind. for the first time, no regrets were present with those thoughts, he realized to his own surprise. He partly felt in this moment as if Virel was his Savior all along, and wondered with a self-defeating grin and shake of the head why God hadn’t struck him with lightning just yet.

Letting such thoughts float by so as he didn’t lose the magic of this moment, he smiled at Viriel before leaning in to kiss her. In doing so, he forgot all about the weight of his choice, his duties as an angel, all of it, if only for a fleeting moment. Such things had beforehand been commonplace in his each and every moment. That led him to an epiphany of sorts: here and now, he was selflessly giving his full love and attention to another being instead of slaughtering other beings, and the former certainly felt more “right” to him than the latter, no matter the cause. God was certainly who had created him, but did he truly have the end-all be-all purpose in mind for him? Right now, it certainly did not seem so, as right now, he certainly regretted killing all those hundreds of Demons that had been begging for their lives without a split second’s worth of hesitation more than stealing away with a woman, even if she was the Succubus Queen.

However… to say he completely trusted Viriel right now was certainly a gross overstatement. Besides, he had a goal here other than simply being with her. He was going to try to reform her, as even though he could sense a domineering and manipulative tendency in all her words and actions, he was not only well aware of them, but also aware that she enjoyed the true affection he showed her. This showed a desire for things that could only be achieved through a way of life less focused on the dark desires she’d likely used her life as a vehicle to indulge in and little more beforehand. She showed promise, this much was clear, and he felt that if he was able to reform her as he planned, he’d be doing something far more righteous than killing for a living, even if the Creator of all living beings on Earth felt they needed to be eradicated. Having such hatred toward a species that, despite their evil nature, still have regrets as well as desires beyond the carnal didn’t seem to fit the image of benevolence He otherwise indeed did fit. Whatever his divine reasoning, Tyrellius certainly felt more accepting of Viriel’s arms in this moment than of God’s hatred of her kind. As such, he slipped further into them, at last seeming utterly comfortable snuggled against her.

After resting silently for a few more moments like this, Tyrellius spoke softly. “I believe it’s time we get going from this place. If we stay in one place too long, no doubt we’ll be found. I’ve no doubt we’re being looked for, even here… after all, God always knows where His Angels are… even though I am no longer His, and instead yours.” With that, he kissed her back sensually. Viriel had likely never been kissed in such an innocent, loving manner before, and Tyrellius was hoping the unfamiliar feelings of true affection would help her to see a different path to her existence than she’d led thus far.

Reluctantly, after lying there with her for a few hours that had felt to him more akin to a handful of minutes, Tyrellius’ eyes went wide with the shock of feeling a sudden and powerful shake of the ground, along with a signature of mixed Divine and Holy magics that carried similar potency.

“You feel that presence, don’t you, Viriel? Our people’s mixed bloods, in one being. A nephalem. I… I told you of one such being, remember? I a feeling… it might be them.” He paused for a moment. “I feel that… it may be best to avoid them. However, they would certainly sense our auras in turn… we must be cautious and prepare. Mind you, I will not engage them in direct combat, should you have an inkling to do just that.” He sighed. “Please get dressed, my love. We’ve little to gain from staying here, aside from pleasure… it would be best to either remove ourselves of the being or investigate them, lest they catch us off guard. Thier mixed bloods make them very powerful, in a vastly unpredictable way. Besides, while lying with you is wonderful, and has made me feel the most freed and blissful I have ever felt, we need to ensure that we aren’t found by my own kind, nor yours. That also brings me to one last point...

He sat up, looking her in the eyes whilst a stern look mixed with the gaze of affection he’d been giving her all morning. “if we need to fight other Demons, you will do so, correct? I admit that I… am afraid. If you’ve a chance to betray me and return to Aeshma, what reason would you have not to?”
Daniel Reaving

 

[DergTheDergon]

Before the hunters all filtered through the portal back home, Fifer anxiously gazed upon Chase as he began to respond to her heartfelt apology unsurely, FIfer squeezing Gabe's hand for comfort, deep empathy in her eyes as she looked at Chase. A few moments later, however, she found herself smiling slightly in relief when she said he was okay. It seems that he wasn't really expecting an apology, though Fifer strongly believed he deserved one after the night before regardless. She even felt her heart warm a little, as Chase earnestly said, in his own innocent sort of way, that he endorsed the pair’s deepening relationship. She’d honestly not been expecting such a sentiment from him, nor talk about being “professional,” for that matter. Whatever prompted such a thing, though, Fifer had found it very sweet of him.

Fifer found herself flashing back to the above-mentioned moment as she witnessed Chase’s tearful reunion with Sam in the now-bustling guildhall, the latter being a young man she had even more motherly tendencies toward. All she knew was, she couldn't really bring herself to be her usual blunt, candid self around those him, even less than chase; he felt as though such a kind and seemingly fragile person deserved it. She took a note to herself to check up on Sam and see how he was doing later, and for now waved and smiled at him after him and Chase’s touching meeting had gotten cut tragically short. She wasn’t bothered if he didn’t seem to notice her due to how overwhelmed by emotion the Guild’s resident field medic likely was at the moment, but if he did catch on to her kindly wave, her half-charred smile stretched even wider for a moment.
Aukanai

Fifer found herself looking over her teammates as Miss Director, who might as well be the God of this building even though an Angel was present in the room, delivered her ultimatums. She found it somewhat amusing, even satisfying, to watch Lyralla squirm uncomfortably in the presence of such an authoritative human woman that carried herself with much more pride and confidence than the creator of the Earth itself. Uncannily, Fifer used to joke about such things often behind the woman’s back, but now that she’d actually met God, she was surprised to find she’d been telling the truth all these years, joking nature of the statement aside.

From the perspective of the angel herself, she honestly wasn’t expecting a human to be this authoritative with her knowing what angels were and whom they served, but wshe chalked it up to the human fear of all beings that possessed supernatural ability, which did certainly include her kind. Either way, Lyralla did her best to listen as This was the team she’d gotten this far with, and it looks like they wouldn’t be done fighting against odds that were heavily stacked against them for quite some time indeed. Thankfully, it wouldn’t be just them for their biggest mission yet, what was looking to be full-scale war against Satan’s army. More of the best would be sent with them as Elizabeth had said. Fifer had a few guesses as to who’d be called to join this life-or-death game, but seeing as she never could predict Ms. Director’s administrative decisions, she caught herself trying to do so again before ceasing.

Elizibeth paced this way that furiously in front of her desk, clearly very agitated about this entire situation as one would imagine someone of her position would be. She carefully considered the words and opinions of everyone before seeming to come to some sort of conclusion, and took a deep breath before folding her hands behind her back. This gesture let everyone in the room know that she was beyond serious about all of this, not that she wasn't always. It was a kind of mission it was clear she wouldn't accept any failures from, yet she knew was the riskiest mission her Guild had undertaken by far.

Chase's signature retelling of the events of the last mission caused the Director to roll her eyes, though she listens with full intention she knew that, despite our shortcomings, Chase was definitely an honest sort, to a fault one might say. Honesty was what she was looking for right now, so while she didn't have many words for his personal take on the situation, she still uttered an honest and polite reply, knowing that pointing out the unprofessional nature of Chase’s actions was futile, and in fact unwise, on her part. She had become content with the way he acted over time, helped along by sympathy of knowing his situation, through connections with the Hauer family and a distaste for how they’d treated him in the past. “Thank you, Agent Hauer, for your contribution. I like it when Hunters don't mince words.”

There had been quite a bit of word mincing going on there, on the contrary to her statement, however she felt it was Paramount to make Chase feel comfortable in the situation as it was rather clear that he was not as such. It was no question that she would send such a skilled Hunter as him on the mission, along with his entire unit due to their propensity to get things done.

As for others to bring on the mission? She paused to think this over for a moment. She immediately found herself considering the Nave family Hunters, as well as a certain Amel Grand. However, she knew that due to each of thier own circumstances, they’d have to serve as backup of sorts rather than part of the the initial frontlines. Samuel, for example, would be safest to send in once it was clear, if it was every clear, that the forces of Earth had a decent foothold against the forces of Hell. After all, the boy was gifted in field medicine, not defending himself, adn she wasn’t about to lose him as fast as she had a feeling she might if she sent him now. Each of the other Naves would have to be contacted to ensure smooth entry into this difficult task. Amel was a different story altogether, seeing as he already had a mission in progress that may, Elizabeth realized in that moment, have to do with the Demon invasion in some capacity. It dealt with sightings of a being with red skin and eyes of an even deeper red that glowed intensely, with claws and a tale.A Demon, to be sure. The creature itself could by many different types of Demons, and for all she knew it. could be scouts helping to plan for the second half of the invasion plan. If she had her way, they wouldn’t even get there, and so she decided in that moment that she’d allow AMel to continue with his mission just to be sure. With his efficiency though, she was confident that he’d be back to fight in the main forces soon enough besides. The Naves were all tied up of their own accord as well, and a few of them, such as Diana. May not want to join besides.

Speaking of the Naves, though, Ms. Crowne then remembered that Chase and the Nave trio of Hunters were quite close, given her previous observations of the four of them. Giving them some time to reunite and mingle before sending Chase off might be better for the boy.

Fifer found herself hugging Gabe’s arm a little tighter, and smirking over at him for just a moment, when the Director wasn’t looking, when they mentioned they’d have th night all to themselves. She had decided that very moment that she was going to use that opportunity to pick up where the two of them had left off the night before. After all, she had a feeling that they wouldn’t have the time for such things for a long while after this, due to a long, gruelling and life-threatening mission. All the more reason to blow off some steam beforehand, she thought with yet another smirk. The headmistress gave the pair a knowing, yet subtle roll of the eyes at seeing Fifer’s flirty body language with her hawk-quality observer’s eyes, before getting straight back to business.She ensured that she listened intently to digest Agent Matthew’s take on things while pausing to roll her eyes at Fifer’s cleaning, which to the headmistress looks blatantly unprofessional and rather like a schoolgirl in her first Romance. Granted, Elizabeth wouldn't be surprised if Gabe truly was her First Love. However, it seemed rather ridiculous and out of place to her that one of her usually most well-behaved and dutiful Hunters could be spurred on to act such a way, even by feelings of love.

With Gabe’s side of the story told, The director sighed heavily before speaking once more. “Well, even sure what else to say in response except for that nearly all of my deepest fears regarding the situation have been confirmed, and that you all have a heart battle ahead of you. However, it seems you will have other… allies, by your side. She nodded in the general direction of Lyralla to solidify her point, who looked downward dejectedly for a second in response to the woman’s hesitation to call her an ally before meeting the director’s eyes and nodding at her subserviently. Miss Director then continued her briefing without so much as missing a beat. She made sure to also express these concerns to the hunters during her lengthy debrief-cum-briefing in case any among them, namely Chase and Fifer, wanted to request the aid of any of those particular hunters. Fifer nodded in understanding at the considerations, but clearly wasn’t exactly happy about them, except maybe teh decision of not risking poor Sam’s life right off the bat. The did need all the help they could get, after all.

“Moving on, since the jig is up and everyone knows you’re all humans, we’ll be taking those belts from you. I assume the disguises were affective, yes?” Fifer nodded, a bit a of a smirk spreading across her face. “They were pretty convincing until God himself announced our humanhood to everyone. Oh, and they turn off and on fine, too.” Fifer shot Gabe a knowing grin at that, looking into his eyes. Elizabeth opened her mouth to ask why on earth she’d powered down the disguises at all, but then put two and two together at seeing the couple’s locked gazes, and let the moment pass with a noticeable red tint to her cheeks that she blatantly ignored as she moved on to address further, and arguably more pressing, matters.

“But yes, since time is of the essence, Agent Hauer.” Turning her gaze back toward Chase’s visage, she then spoke in a gentler tone than perhaps he was expecting of her, not to mention what she was about to say, and do for him. “I will notify each of your Nave comrades of your safe arrival so that they can meet with you before I make a decision about where to send you all, though it must be soon. Believe me, if I didn’t have to I wouldn’t pressure you all like I’ve been… I certainly wouldn’t have taken such a risk as I did sending you down where I had if it weren’t for that. I digress, all of you will have a short reprieve, perhaps the rest of the day, before you all are to get going. I will ask that you all report back here first thing in the morning, however.” Fifer simply nodded back at her. Once the others gave their own forms of acquiescence, they were then dismissed with a gesture toward the door. “Good luck out there, hunters. Don’t make any dumb decisions tonight, and get some well-earned rest.”

After they were all dismissed, the group was allowed to take the elevator back down to the lobby. Once they’d started heading down, Fifer turned to everyone, looking them all in the eyes with her armk looped into Gabe’s. “So… we’re all going to have to risk our lives even more than we all have until either we kill an entire army of demons or they kill all of us…. Aaand we’ll have to work with other creatures that might as well be demons in our eyes, too… how are you all feelin’ about that? I’d be lying out my ass if I said I wasn’t scared… but I’m also pretty excited…. A-and I trust in you guys. I have a feeling we’ll all pull through this shit together. Just get some good rest and make sure you’re all ready for the biggest damn fight of your lives tommorow.”

There was a deep sternness in her voice, though it was likely clear it was out of concern and respect for all involved. There also lied a softness in her tone that Gabe would be somewhat familiar with by now, and Chase to a lesser extent, those two more so out of everyone else in the guild, except for a certain Samuel Nave, who inspired her motherly side to come out more than anyone else. Beckah definitely seemed able to pull her weight, and Fifer had her of the woman’s own achievements, so she felt more or less like she could trust her too. She’d still be cautious around her for a while though, mostly out of social anxiety relating to new people. Most of those who interacted with her on a consistent basis thought of Fifer as level-headed, but that was only because she’d had a lot of practice hiding what’s really going on in that noggin of hers.

Rustic PanOtterPus Halexia

As the elevator came to a stop and the automatic doors swung open, Fifer walked out, Gabe still on her arm and the woman seeming not to even be fathoming letting go for a while, and waved to the others as they headed off.

“Hey, Gabe,” she whispered, “how about we spend the night at your place? Might be our last chance for a while to spend some quality time together, ‘cause tomorrow, we start bringing the fight to the biggest enemy we’ve ever faced by a longshot.” a bright crimson tinged her cheeks at her own innuendo, mixed with anxiety, worry, and honestly a bit of excitement. After all, if they all survived theis they’d have played a huge part in history by being among the first to start the fight to save the world. Afterwards, as had become routine for them before their recent trip into the unknown, they left the guild together and headed for Fifer’s car. Of course, she insisted on driving them both to and from work nowadays.

Anxiety then began to sit in as her mind continued to race about his insane, truly life-or-death situation she was about to be thrust even further into the very next morning.They were going to be fighting in likely the largest war humanity has ever seen with forces most humans didn’t even believe in, and thus, they’d failed to get support from any world power apart from England. Elizabeth was sure they’d come around. However, of course, Fifer was less worried about less of humanity and more worried about having to work with supernaturals on such a critical mission after a lifetime of fighting against leagues of their kind who seemed to live for nothing but causing suffering to hers. However… she had a feeling after the last few events that they weren’t all like that. In fact, some of them seemed to fear humans the same way humans feared them, which was odd to her, until she considered the fact that she was one of many humans that dedicated their lives to killing them, for good reasons since all the surface supernaturals at least seemed to be evil, but still.

This train of thought was then cut short as, all of a sudden, Fifer realized she hadn’t been paying attention to the road for a good few moments, which frankly outright terrified her. To center herself, she reached over and gently grasped Gabriel’s hand until she made it to his place, a route she’d memorized by now. Afterwards, she all but pulled him in, giggling a little. It was clear that her plans were… after all, they both knew they wouldn’t have much time to enjoy themselves for a very long time after this.
PanOtterPus

At some point as her and Gabe wound down, she found the time to reach out to a few of the Hunters that might’ve been wondering if she’d died. Among them was Amel. She had a feeling he was too busy chasing down his next target to worry about her, whether that was his next job or his next one night stand, however, she wanted to make sure he knew she’d still be around to make sure he didn’t get himself killed before he got the bad idea that topped all of the ones he’d had before it and finally granted his own deathwish. After all, he often felt like she was the only reason he was alive, not to mention had a decent living now, ever since she’d gotten him recruited into the guild. Her email to him consisted of this:

“Amel,

In case you heard I died in my last mission, they obviously lied. I assume the director told you about the demons, ‘cause she told us about your current mission. Just dropping you a fair warning: if you get yourself killed before you ever even get back to the guild, I will personally take a shotgun to your dick.

I don’t expect you to respond to this, but I do expect you not to do anything insanely stupid between now and whenever you can help us on the frontlines.

Just don’t be a dumbass, please.

Fifer”

Aukanai

Once business was taken care of, the night passed all too quickly before once again, she woke up in Gabe’s arms and found herself savoring every moment with all she had before they had to get ready and go.

PanOtterPus
---
The next morning, the time had come for the Hunters to reconvene. Fifer drove Gabe It was the very moment of dawn, and Ms. Crowne had been pacing back and forth in the main hall for the past half hour, after arranging a contingent of guards to clear and then stand vigilant in the very centre of the Guild Hall’s central lobby. There were twenty of them in total, and they stood around the perimiter whilst in the center stood a circle of angels standing guard themselves over a portal, Lyralla in the very front. The portal consisted of an otherworldly Ivory and Gold twisted frame, and in the centre sat a shimmering oval that produced a moving image of the victorian-esque town of Witchhaven; said image was greatly akin to a live camera feed projected through a seemingly viscous, flowing, ocean-like surface. The Hunters that were due to arrive here any minute now would certainly recognize it as the very same type that had brought them back to the Guildhall, clearly powered by the magics of Heaven. To the restless, weary woman pacing between the door-facing gap between her gaurds and where Lyralla and her fellow angels stood, the gate felt like a conduit of pleasant, yet nearly overwhelmingly powerful energy.

The moment her hunters arrived, she stepped toward them as angels began to part and stand guard for the Hunters’ passing. Once the whole initial group was present, Elizibeth herself stepped aside. “I have no grand speech to give you,” she told them all. “You all know of the importance of this mission, as well as my belief that you’ve the ability to see it through. Reinforcements will be sent your way as soon as possible, as I’ve said. Your objectives are to secure the town and cause the enemy to cease assault on it by any means neccesary. I understand you’re fighting alongside some rather untrustworthy allies now, but we all know there’s nothing worse than demons. If I didn’t believe this was the entire human race’s best chance at survival, I wouldn’t be tasking you all with such a feat. That being, I have fiath in all of you. Good luck.’ With that, she stepped aside. Fifer, bold as always, led the seemingly long and arduous walk to the portal that was only around twenty paces from the door she’d just walked in. However, the entire time, she was squeezing Gabe’s hand so hard her knuckl;es were turning white. The supernatural energy she felt right now was overwhleming, not to mention her anxiety over the coming fight, and it’d only get worse. Stepping in, there was that blinding flash of light and that odd, wobbly sensation again before she landed right the portal said they would. Before she even got a good look at her surrounding,s she turned around to make sure all her companions had made it safely and gotten their barings. These companions included Lyralla as well, not that she was quite happy about. This. The girl simply remained quiet and docile whilst waiting for the others, anxiety clear on her face. Her aura told Fifer she’d definitely be a boon as long as she helped them fight, and Fifer had no logical reason to beleive she’d betray them… yet, anyway. Still gripping Gabe’s hand like a steel vice, she waited for the others to surface and orient themselves before starting to lead the group in exploring the outskirts of the town.

She she waited , she couldn’t help but notice, in addition to the confusing conglomerate of nearby supernatural energies she now expected of Beneath settlements after Deepvale, she also felt an also expecting looming mass of demonic energy off to the east, adn strained to see before realizing, thankfully, that they haven’t arrived yet and thus the hunters had a chance to establish a foothold. Also, however, off to the west, there was another faint, but clearly powerful signature that felt like a volatile mix of holy and demonic energy. A Nephalem? Fighting Angels and Demons? The latter seemed more likely, but it still begged investigation whilst they had time, especially since it only felt like a small group of beings, if even more than one. There were even fainter signatures similar to that nearby to the first, a similar mix of powerful Demonic and Angelic. She made sure to relay all of this to her comrades once they’d all arrived, before motioning for them all to start taking positions around the perimeter and letting the angels that were constantly arriving and mobilizing handle the negotiating. In fact, archangel Tyriel had been tasked with just that, the man heading through the gates with an aura of business about him as usual.

PanOtterPus Rustic Halexia

Nearby, another portalappeared, this one certainly coming straight from heaven Fifer noted. This one included an additional regiment of angels to the one arriving from the Guild portal. Among this elite regimen directly from the Pearly Gates was Zerah. He had been given free reign to help with fighting the invasion, though was also tasked with finding Tyrellius and Viriel near the outskirts where God sensed them and bringing them to justice. He had also been cautioned regarding Taxian, the Nephalem God also sensed nearby; he made it clear to Zerah that he should be treated with caution for now and avoided if possible, describing him as unpredictable, powerful, and potentially dangerous. However, if encountered, God let him know that due to his current state, Taxian was likely to be able to swayed to help with the invasion, and perhaps with the Tyrellius and Viriel situation as well. The top priority above all, however, was, of course, the stemming of the coming Demonic raid.

Rustic

Meanwhile, taxian would likely be able to sense the appearance of two Heavenly Gates at Witchaven, which was about a mile from his location. He was very likely to feel the increasing Demonic energy signature further east as Satan’s army spready that way. From his other direction, two powerful signatures, one born from each of his halves, could be felt coming ever closer as well.

Affili