Going Deep

Another day, another trip into Hell. Kyran touched the jar at his waist. It held the fragments of his daughter's soul. Gruen had sent Annabelle's soul into the deep recesses of that despicable plane. Creatures had ripped her apart, taking bits and pieces as souvenirs. Not something Kyran had been happy to hear about. Much less happy when he thought about how long it had taken. How mich it had cost him.

A pale hand touched his shoulder. The skin flickered violently, occasionally revealing the muscle structure. Kyran looked toward Eae. He hadn't been the only one to pay. "Is it time already or do you want me to deal with your... problems?" Delicate laughter dropped from full lips. "You can call them my siblings, Dad" She murmured. Kyran couldn't remember the last time he'd heard her voice at full volume. "And yes. Ahriman is struggling again."

Kyran pushed up from his desk. He checked the timepiece resting in the corner. He had a little time before his guildmate arrived. Hopefully she could find the dingy warehouse in Era. The redhead moved toward the in warehouse home. Half the warehouse had been remodeled into a series of rooms. A home away from home. The demon children stayed here full time. Kyran wanted them to be fully adjusted before they met Gaia, much less the tykes.

The roaring became clear the closer Kyran got. A shape sheathed in gold went flying past. A crunch announced its deposit into a wooden crate. "Medea, did you rile him up?" He asked mildly. The cat demon shoved her way free. She angrily opened her mouth. "Not this time, thanks. Eae? Take your sister out to cool down." The angelic demon nodded. Medea was dragged out of the warehouse. All protests were ignored.

Ahriman had successfully destroyed a good section of the warehouse rooms. It took Kyran longer to calm the wolf down than he would have liked. He led Ahriman out of the rooms. It seemed the demon needed to blow off some steam. The planned trip into Hell seemed like the best option. He hoped his guildmate wouldn't mind too much.

The redhead moved toward the entrance of the warehouse. He had to weave in and out of the boxes or pallets haphazardly placed. When he peered out, rain beat the pavement. Was his guildmate here yet?

PWC: 395

It hadn’t been all that long since she’d joined the guild and Alessia was still somewhat getting used to just how Meliora Vitae worked. She admired the premise of it and the idea of balance was one that she truly believed in but she’d admit that she’d struggled to get started within the guild. The members all seemed to be scattered, doing their own thing and seeming to lack cohesion. Perhaps it was simply the way of things but the tall black haired woman thought it was rather odd. It wasn’t like her previous order, one who kept a rather close eye on its members, too close an eye perhaps. That had been part of the reason why she’d left in the first place, that and the fact they thought she was heretical for believing in balance rather than simply that good was right and evil was wrong. Such a childish view in her opinion and one she’d argue and fought against since she’d been a child. Light and dark resided in everyone and it was by finding one's centre that true strength was found.

Walking through the streets of Era, the hooded figure would head for the warehouse district, where her job partner for the day was waiting for her. She hadn’t been told much about what the task would be but Alessia was prepared regardless. The force user wouldn’t have been called unless it was important, knowing that she was probably one of the stronger members of the guild and she pondered about just what this mission would be about. Her interest and natural curiosity had been attracted and as she managed to weave her way through the district towards her destination, her eyes would briefly move from left to right, in case someone would try something. Places such as this were always a little concerning and she wouldn’t be surprised if there was a thief or mugger about. Warehouses were lovely targets for such people. Naturally, she was unafraid of that happening to her as anyone who approached her would be handled swiftly.

At last, she’d reach the rather unkempt looking warehouse that she’d been summoned to and would find a red haired fellow looking out of the entrance. Waiting for her?

“Hi there.” She said cheerfully as she entered earshot. “I’m Alessia. You’re Kyran, right?”

(390 Words)
(785 TWC)

Kyran smelled the person coming before he saw them. Being a slayer had its little perks. He glanced around, noting the other nearby presences. Thiefs, nare do wells, and other unsavory types using this section of the city. He smiled slowly, letting those watching know it was a bad idea to fuck with him or his stuff. Watching someone try would be amusing. Between three demons and a battle junkie, they might - very small might - make it out in one piece.

The cheerful voice caught him off guard. He looked at the black haired woman, a little dumbfounded. Ahriman growled behind him. Thw sound jolted him out of his social ineptitude. "Apologies, still getting used to being back. Yes, I'm Kyran. Thank you for responding to my request so quickly, Alessia." Like a half remembered dream, the old persona of WFTC GM slid into place. Ahriman growled again. Kyran snapped a sharp look at the beast. His cloak had fallen down to reveal the shaggy black wolf's head with burning red eyes. "I'm sorry for him. He's going through some growing pains. Please come inside."

Ahriman's retort was a sharp sound. The sound imitated the breaking of glass if glass screamed upon shattering. The wolf demon took a menacing step forward. Kyran pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ahriman, we do not have time for your posturing and dominance bullshit!" The last word cracked like lightning. Power lanced through Kyran's blue eyes as he looked up. "She is a guest and you will treat her as such." Ahriman's defiance lasted only moments longer. He touched his nose to the floor. "The mating affects this one. I apologize. Mastering myself. Difficult."

Kyran stepped into the warehouse and touched a hand to his son's head. The wolf had spoken clearly. A marked improvement from his usual speech. The slayer would have been proud except he couldn't place the wolf's reaction. Why would the mating have him posturing against a female? A problem for another time.

"I also apologize once again. Come in, please. Can I get you anything? Water, tea, cocoa?" He wrung his hands. Everything in him wanted to charge straight to the portal. Their destination wouldn't be pleasant. Kyran feared the longer his daughter's soul fragment remained there, the more it was corrupted.

PWC: 385/780
TWC: 1170