A nostalgic stroll [ Aven ]

It was a simple operation, by far the least taxing he'd been dispatched on in some time. The Wizard wore a scowl, an odd contrast to his features. Not often was he in such a bad mood; then again, not often did Castor sick him on his own family. Bastard... you get a kick out of this, don't you? A searing pain shot down the young man's spine, radiating through the whole of his body, a punishment for rebellious thoughts, as always. That pompous windbag could've easily sent Hakon or Dimura for this mission, but the irony was too delicious for the Void user to pass up. A grit of his teeth, and he continued off the roof, landing softly in a nearby alleyway. An errant gesture, and a magic Circle appeared next to him, sending out a beam of dark magic energy which vaporized the trash bin beside him. Venting anger, but at least this wouldn't net him a scolding from Castor.

The young man let out a labored breath, walking toward the main road. It was for the best, anyway, he had to convince himself: if Aven got the stone, and remembered everything, he'd only be in more danger than he already was. That's right, keeping him in the dark was an act of mercy, not sabotage, he was doing it for Aven's safety. A step before he left the alley to tail Nessa, however, a light shone behind him, and if that wasn't telltale enough, an all too familiar voice rang out in greeting. "You wouldn't be stopping by without saying hello, now would you, Zane? You haven't forgotten your manners so quickly, have you?" Zane slowly turned to face the Angel, a sigh forming in his throat. So, this was why he'd been sent... neither Dimura or Hakon would be apt at dealing with Aviel's power, not when they could be affected by it. Annoying. "But really, how've you been? It's so nice of you to drop in: what's it been, four years since I last beat you six ways to Sunday?"

A wry smile formed on Zane's lips. A fan of banter, as always, but it was clear what Aviel was doing: buying time. He could sense a weakening in the Angel's power, no doubt he was still recovering from his last bought with Hakon. "I've been fantastic, actually, constant agony has a real charm when you get used to it. How's your wife?"

Aviel's cordial tone dropped like an anvil. "You really are a glutton for punishment, aren't you?" The boy was cheeky, as usual, but every moment he was talking was a moment Nessa had to spare. Not to mention, he had the advantage of Samira's presence in town: if Zane made any serious moves, she'd pick up right away, and they both knew that.

Zane tapped his foot impatiently. This was an issue... with the Wizard Saint of Purity holding onto the stone, Aviel running interference, plus both Samira and a God of Ishtar within sneezing distance, there wasn't a chance in hell he was completeing this mission. He felt the pain rising once more, but he shrugged it off. He'd take the torture later, the chance of him dying at Castor's hands was slim to none, compared to facing down so many monsters simultaneously. He waved a hand, and a portal opened not two feet in front of him, black and endless. "Maybe so, but round two will have to wait until next time. I'd ask you to give regards to the rest of the family, but we both know you don't have the stomach to break the news." A few steps, and Zane was gone without a trace, disappeared into the maw of the Void. Aviel shook his head, letting loose the tense breath he'd been holding. It was unnerving talking to Zane for many reasons, but if Aviel was to name the most prevalent, it had to be the fact he bore Aven's exact likeness: they were, after all, twins.

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[Word Count: 672.]
[Word Count Total: 7127/7000.]

Word Count Reached!