The Fallen

The pain seared again and she arched forward against her bonds, screaming in agony as her flesh grew bright in the darkness.

"Stop trying to remember!" He struck the cane down across her thighs again. Such was the process of breaking them in. " If you stop trying to remember, the runes will stop hurting and we can move on.."

Sobs racked her as the pain began to die in her chest. The runes darkening back to burnt flesh as her head hung down, tears rolling down her cheeks. It was several moments of silence in the darkness before she was calm enough not to sob with each breath. "Why?.. Why can't I protect them and remember them?"

He had taken the role of trainer because he could be heartless, but it didn't mean he was absent of a heart. This was the reason why - because he did care so much and wanted to share it. He leaned back away from her against the rocky cliff face.

"To remember is to risk them, to put them in danger.." His voice was soft as he spoke, looking out over the cave. Despite the darkness he saw everything as though it was mid day. He watched the coming and going of the others, those sparing in practice. " When we become Fallen.. we are removed from humanity to keep them safe. The dangers we fight would consume them if they knew.. Its the one part of the pact they still are bonded to."

She went limp against the bands that kept her up right, unable to resist the weight of this new life. A life she had been chosen for and chose apparently. Though she didn't remember. She couldn't. " Ignorance is bliss or so they..." as she tried to remember who said the saying her skin seared to life again where the runes were etched in to flesh just below her collar bone. Flame within her skin it seemed and she screamed again, bucking against the bonds for the pain.

He winced, remembering was the hardest habit to break in the new Fallen, this time he let her buck and scream till she was unable to.

"We all go through this.. do not think you are alone." He tried to sooth her again with his words." It is vow we all take. We all bare the runes that lock that part of us away. " His fingers found his own runes in the same place as hers, just below his collar bone. Long since etched in to his flesh it had been a long time since they had blazed with life. The skin was smooth scar tissue now, it would be sometime before hers would ever look like that.

"Tell me again... tell me how we are chosen or chose.. " Her voice was hoarse but strong.

 At least she wasn't trying to remember.

"At the beginning of time, there was only light and darkness. Guardians of the light fought relentlessly against the creatures of the Void who only knew how to devour. Some of the Guardians though, grew tired of the endless fighting and sought to make peace with the Void. With some of the Void they found kinship in a desire for Peace, but in others from the Void they saw a chance for power.

The Council of the Guardians found out what they considered betrayal by their comrades and banished them from the light. But since they were not creatures of the Void, they had no home there either. They retreated to a space between the light and darkness, welcoming any others who sought the same thing as they - Peace from the Endless War. Time passed and this place began to develop life of its own because of the presence of light and darkness in something close to balance, as well as peace.

As time passed, the strongest of the Guardians sought Peace there, but they were followed by the Voids strongest warriors. The war came to the space, but to the surprise of both sides the Fallen as they had become known fought back for the peace of their land. And they had a fierceness unknown to either side - this was because they had something to protect, they had a reason to fight. The Void strived to welcome or seduce them to the darkness, while the Guardians sought to "claim" them by right. The new war this brought nearly destroyed the very thing they had fought for. They soon saw that if they didn't make a bargain with the Void or the Light - they would have nothing worth fighting for and be back where they started for better or worse.

The called a council truce to meet, a chance to bargain with both the Guardians and the Void. They wanted to be free from the war, but wanted to protect the new land, as well as the new families they had. It took weeks of arguing before the agreement was made that to exist in the space between light and darkness was to remove them from the war and thus remove any power they had been granted to fight the war. They had to forget what they were or where they came from to be allowed in - but by the same turn to remember was to elect to go to war.

The Fallen knowing that it would just invite the war back to their door step said they would only agree that if it was not to go to war, but serve as guardians for the space. Collecting any who remembered to keep them from telling others and training them to help in policing the space - thus removing the Guardians or the Void from responsibility to protect it.

The Void seeking to disrupt this potential power twisted the deal, refusing to agree unless the Fallen who remembered were also forced to forget what they were protecting. This started a new round of arguments till an old Maji who had been since before anyone could remember offered to create runes - these runes would allow the Fallen to remember they had something to fight for, but not the details of who or what it was.

The Fallen unsure of what the Maji was offering was the first to agree - eventually the Guardians and the Void also signed off on the pact. But not before one more ratification was made - should wide spread knowlage happen, either side have rights to invade and collect any they wish to fill their ranks for the endless War.

So you were chosen at birth because of simply existing, you chose to become a Fallen because you remembered, you believed and you knew you had something worth fighting for.." He carefully rolled the cane back and forth between his fingers as he came to a end of the story.

" I just wish I could remember if it was really worth this.." She signed softly, wincing as those runes burned slightly but not as harshly as before. She wasn't sure if it was because she was getting used to it or if that was just a warning not to try.

"To become Fallen any more.. it has to be. I've been among the ranks for far too long, more and more there are gaps in the arrival of new Fallen. Because we can't remember.. we don't know why. But the only thing we can think of is we are fallen far in to myth and legend - which stops people from either believing in us, in the war or in having something to protect." He didn't like the thought of that begin true - to be forgotten when you were fighting to protect something, to be forgotten by that very thing felt like a sour dose of poison.

Loving the one who broke you.

She stared intently at the screen as the words scrolled by. Not taking anything in really, more so just trying to distract her self. Going in to the chats late at night normally offered some reprieve from her insomnia providing her with humor or a good debate. This night was different though, when she hopped in to the chat room there had been a discussion that made her insides churn going on.

Bubblegumhottie86: How do you love someone who broke you?
MrSChilady: You mean broke your heart or broke you mentally?
Bubblegumhottie86: Both? Either? 
Fun2run78: How can you break someone?
Bubblegumhottie86: Easily - they give up what makes them independent or an individual to become yours, only you don't see it or want it, or miss use it where you break them emotionally. 

Fingers had been tugging at the steel about her neck as the conversation rolled on past that, but those first few lines stayed with her. Lingering in the back of her mind like a kid kicking around a tin can in idle thought. Was she broken? Some might say so. Her chest ached at the thought and she pulled the laptop closed. Unable to let go of the discussion or the feelings it caused her she slid the laptop to the couch next to her, staring at the black screen of the tv in thought. Maybe a book would help her tonight.

She eyed the bookshelf from where she sat, considering the titles from a distance. Was reading really better right now? The countless titles that lined the shelves carefully organized had similar themes one might argue of being "broken" emotionally in some way. Her favorite series had it as an on going theme with the way love triangles played out. Someone was always broken emotionally as well as their heart - but in those stories someone else had always been in the wings, waiting to catch the other person. Vigilantly there to help put them back together so that they didn't have to try to love the person who broke them anymore - least not in the same way.

Yep. No point. Her hand pulling on the steel collar in frustration and sadness. She didn't want it there yet wanted it there, she didn't want to love him yet she did love him. She wanted to launch him in to the sun on a nucular war head with extra amounts of C4 as good measure, but she wanted his arms around her with his voice telling her it would be okay, that he loved her and was sorry.

There was no having your cake and eating it too. It was more like having your cake shoved unconsensually down your throat when you were sick with strep and unable to say no. Yep, that about sums it up - eyes rolled as she thought to her self with a groan head flopping back against the sofa pillows. She pulled her laptop back in to her lap and opened it, letting it take its time as it woke back up so she might return to the chat room.

Maybe they had finally moved on from the topic that hit so close to home. And maybe pigs came in shades of turquoise and sang french lullaby's.

Bubblegumhottie86: I guess I was hoping to know if anyone had been able to move on with the person who had broken them and find a happily ever after..

No rest for the wicked, or for the broken hearted.

Daughter of Hell

The infant cooed and reached for the fingers dangled over her, despite the scales and claws that made them up. Karau, the demon who held the infant smiled a wicked grin.

“She’ll serve well.” The multi tonal voice cut through the air as yellow eyes turned from the human child she held. The angel stiffened in discomfort at the voice, and possibly the fact it was doing buisness with lords of hell.

“The bargain stands.. With the childs gifts and the lords of hell transferring their power, she should be strong enough to destroy Kasedya and the power he’s stolen.”

Abaddon shuffled impatiently in his robes, his eyes on the dark skies above. “Yes, and this bargain is not just for us Raazel, it is for the balance of all. “

The angel glared in Abaddons direction but didn’t have a reason to argue.

“The more we linger here the more they may notice. If they haven’t already.. we must get her to the sanctuary till the others can join us.” Abaddon turned to the others, ignoring Raazels searing glaze. “Save your anger for the battle of another day Angel.. “

Karau continued to wave a clawed hand over the child, smiling wickedly - which was about as lovingly as a demoness might be able to. “Yes yes.. lets get her away before the world falls asunder.. darkness for all who wonder..”

The soft cooes of the child vanished in to shadow as Raazel lingered, waiting for them to part. His role in this chess game that should help bring balance back was nearly over. Once he was sure they were gone, he twisted his cloak about him crouching low, with a sudden jump skyward the cloak became wings and he was gone.

None of them seemed to notice the small creature with large eyes watching from the cliff side yards away.

Court of Hell : Ember

A hearty pull in of air was quickly followed by a wispy trail of smoke exhaled.  It spoke a thousand whispers and lies, just like the bodies on the floor gyrating to the thumping beat below flashing lights. Impassive eyes watching, hunting for her prey as she leaned on the rail above them all. Never seemed to be worth her time, yet she always found some sense of ease in these dark crowded clubs. No one asked questions, no one knew names - even though the humans seemed to think there was some key in knowing someone.

Idiots. Cattle. Fodder for the machine. All of them. The remnants of the cigar she’d been dragging on finally crushed in to the steel that made up the grate of the railing. Sputtering out embers of life upon the floor like a whore who couldn’t swallow it all. Eventually her prey would show, pattern of habits was something predictable about humans. She rolled a shoulder, the leather jacket she wore creaking softly as she did, but only she would hear it. The music drowned out the sounds of anything but the primal base that gave the building its own heartbeat. Maybe she should have dealt with them sooner. The idle thought played through her head, as a movement near the entrance caught her eye.

“Ah.. dinner has arrived..” She spoke to no one - and expected no one to hear - as she looked to the entering female. A glowing ghost of a beauty with pale blond hair tugged at a dress too short as she moved through the bodies. Only Ember could see the blazing rune marks etched into the girls aura. She’d been marked for removal of the entourage of a warlock who thought she was two timing him. While the girl was innocent - at least in that - Ember didn’t care, bounty was paid and she was hungry.

Back to the shadows she stepped, allowing her to move more swiftly towards her target as a moving body of smoke. No one in the club would notice - all of them too high or drunk, or in lust with something that kept them blind to the subtle caress of clawed hands as she moved bodies out of her path. Just as she was about to pull the girl towards her, she felt a tug behind her - not quite a physical one, but a telling notice of attention that shouldn’t be there. That moment of hesitation would cost her the prey she was hunting. The girl was pulled away by a dark figure, one that locked eyes with Ember. Heat warmed her belly, lips curling into a snarl.

FUCKERS! It was her kill! She growled, startling some of the more aware club goers as she barreled after the girl, knocking bodies out of her way - for all they could see by nothing. Had they, screams and chaos - a symphony she loved most - would have erupted in a chorus around her. Her claws out as she reached for the girls wrist that was out behind her like a welcome card. She closed around that fragile thing with a death lock.

“Nur’ish na, bali tolic!” Flames erupting about her prey and those with a physical lock on her. She wasn’t going to play this game in human land. The sudden shift of realms brought the target down to her knees as she began to vomit her last meal. Her attempted savior was unaffected by the shift - figures - a snarl was on her lips as she let that guise fall away. No longer some petite human with dark wavy hair and soft brown skin. Instead she stood an impressive seven feet with cloven hoofed legs, a belted skirt of chains with hooks and barbs about her waist was all that clothed her. After all her skin was now charcoal black, with fire cracks that smoldered leaving marbled lines across her. Only those teeth were white, hiding the flame breath she could unleash, a snarling gate to the end of those who stood before her now.

The male stood calmly before her, but the girl was still feeling the effects of realm shifting and was now babbling. She was hungry before, but now she was starving. She took stock of the figure robed in black, as she did he slowly drew runes with his hands disposing of his shielding.

“Tur’ka..” she hissed as she saw his protection runes, serpent tongue parting her lips. She felt her tail crack behind her in her annoyance. Apparently buisness decided to interrupt her meal. “There are easier ways then taking my meal to get my attention…” that voice rumbled softly as she relaxed some.

“ Accept my apologies for my self and my Master, Enk’a Queen of Embers” The hollow voiced responded. The formal title made her twitch, hands flexing as she stared at the human who dared call her so formally.

“This better be good.. “ she muttered as she reached out for the girl who now wailed in horror. Natural reaction for humans when they’ve been dragged to what they call “Hell”. Hand twisting in the girls hair to pull her up. “ I’ve this kill fair and square.. she’s mine to claim..”

He waved his hand dismissively.” This isn’t about the girl, she was used only to get your attention.” She felt her eyebrow twitch. She had been baited? A hiss released smoke and flame passed her lips, the action causing her dinner to faint. She paused, and for good reason.

“My attention? Because a summoning is too hard these days? Now how am I to know that this meal isn’t tainted?” She growled, stepping closer to him, careful inspection of the runes about him spoke stories as she listened carefully. All resulting in a low growl as she jerked the girls head with such force to cause the neck snap.

“ As I’m sure you are now aware of who sent me and that I am to be a replacement meal as it’s believed someone in the Court of Sin wants you gone.” The monotone voice he had made her roll her eyes as she ran a clawed finger down the front half of the body she now held. Slicing through the flesh, gutting it so that the organs - or what should have been organs spilled to the ground. What fell in its place were rune marked bottles, each one would have been enough to weaken her had she devoured her target. The “proof” of what he spoke. Her hand closed down tighter, flames rippling out feeding on the remains as it was consumed in ash.

“Tur’ka becons and I’m just supposed to come running. I left the court, I am no longer the Queen of Embers.. “ She bitterly hissed, brushing her hands together as the male remained impassive as ever. Court had never suited her - or been suited for her as some might say. Demons like to scheme and play for power - she was happy to be a tyrant warrior taking bounties for heads away from all the political games. She was never pleased when she had been chosen in battle for the throne. With it came a weight she didn’t like and games of the court - along with trying to stay alive.

“Master calls. We all must come when he calls.” All she could do was roll her eyes at his words. She felt the urge to shake the empty vessel before her till all his bones were broken. But it wouldn’t result in much. The consumption of him would take her to wherever in existence Tur’ka was waiting for her. And that was all she had left, she had not eaten in weeks - they knew this. She wouldn’t have the power without devouring a soul to realm pass and retain a mirage at this point.

“Did they pack you with a sippy straw too just for me?” She remarked sarcastically as she drew flame runes in the air, overwriting the weaker runes of protection that he had. She paused for a moment and went to brush the transport rune, only to be shocked by it. A hiss - he knew her well enough to put up protection spells on the runes, of course. Who better then your father to make sure you can’t fuck with something.

“ I’ve been filled with souls of other fallen followers to allow for sufficient nutrition for your Highness to regain much of her strength.” Monotone emptiness still speaking as she looked at him. “ More than what a normal human would provide.” Ah a touch of pride - even when empty they had that much when they were sacrificed.

“Lets just get this over with, shall we?” He was well versed enough to know to lock eyes with her, as her hands hovered on either side of his head. A gasp allowed a whisp of smoke from the fire beginning within him to escape. “Now now.. its only a end..” She whispered to no one as she locked her lips down over his, pulling hard just like she did on the cigar earlier. But this time, she drew him in. The soul of his existence and those of others who had been placed in him to feed her. She kept pulling till she felt ash on her lips.

That lone rune of transport now hovered over her. She stared at the blazing blue flame with annoyance as she rolled possibilities about. So the girl was bait. Either her father did it to weaken her enough so that she could be dragged home, or someone was out to kill her. Either way she was damned - and now a pawn in a game she didn’t want to play. She brushed the ash from her lips, taking in the landscape now of where she had dragged them. Her only safe space, the one piece of realms she claimed and viciously had protected.

“Nit’ra my Goddess of Flame and pain..” A quivering voice piped up from behind her.

“Un’ti Mit’k” She responded calmly, the imp and his assistants chittered softly as she greeted them. It was one of the reasons she selected this place. The fire imps were hard as fuck to kill, and were fiercely loyal to her alone. The crackled ground, charred black from the flame and lava that seeped from it like open wounds helped it feel like home. “ Has the Grand King been here?”

Chitters and chirps erupted behind her, they fought to share information with each other to ensure she was informed. But the cacophony of voices just confirmed her father had been here seeking her.

“ Nine moons ago - he came! He came alone! Called for you he did.” One voice cried.

“Yes yes! He roared with anger and pain!” Another added.

“ He slaughtered many, but we did as you commanded, no one in! Not even him!”  A calmer but more eager voice spoke up, closer than the others.

“Ah Nit’x .. “ She turned to look down to the smooth fleshed creature that looked like living lava inside a childs body. “ Well it seems he requests.. my council. Ensure the Nru’k remain on guard, and have the Loi’nx on more rapid patrols. I don’t know if we have reason to worry, but guard our home. Prepare for war as needed but underground. Raise more Lem’tu if required.”

As she spoke he turned, hands writing runes in the air that burned with life that flew in to the group of imps gathered, orders searing into their charred flesh to be carried out. “Underground my Goddess of Flame and pain?” He looked curiously up at her, not questioning the order but ensuring he heard her correctly.

“Yes, we may have the Court of Sin at play - we don’t want them to know we are aware.” She stared at that blazing blue rune again. “I must meet with my father to learn what this is all about. But I want our guard up. No one passes - unless marked by my rune. You understand me? “

“Forever till ash death my Goddess!” The little imp cried as he drew a rune and then slammed it down into the ground below. Ensuring that all imps and creatures within the area would know the command. She saw the blaze of lights before her as the order etched itself into the flesh of the creatures who roamed the realm of smoke and flame she called home. Rally cries of honor and acknowledgment of the command became the response.

“I shouldn’t keep him waiting any longer.. “ She sighed, dragging a claw along the palm of her right hand allowing black liquid to bubble up, puddling there for a moment before she wrapped her hand around the lone blue rune that taunted her. The shock wrapped her now, making that chain skirt dance violently as she was suddenly being shifted. Taken to wherever it was her father had called for her from. Leaving the tribes of Imps behind to follow her orders.

Night Demons : Revelations

Pain. It was such an on going theme. Annoying. Thunder brought my eyes skyward again as I shoved the boulder sized chunk of building off of me. All around me the sounds of battle raged, blade meeting claw, roars of anger and pain. In to the darkness above me I stared as the rain poured down - this was no war anymore. They were attempting to exterminate us. Those that had been kin to us, shared with us so long. Heat boiled under my skin as my hackles raised. This was to be our end if Kabil had his way.  

“Its over Celest! It’s always been over… your cattle was too blind to see. Lucifer never intended for elementals to survive so long.. you’ve outlived your need..” He called from the darkness above. Was he teasing? “ It should have ended in Rome.”

Then something clicked in the back of my head, like a light coming on. Still staring dazed at the pouring sky above, lit by lightning which only highlighted the war raging in the sky above and the rooftops for the flightless. This had been his goal all along. The reason his clan had tried to use my packs as hunt fodder, the deaths in Rome that wiped out the original elder council that would listen to me and reason. It was a build up to this moment. Something new took light in my core, a new fire I’d not felt before but some how felt familiar. Like an old friend. It began to spread through me like liquid honey, warming my limbs, renewing them.

“ Whats wrong Celest? “ That mocking tone called from the darkness, as my head bowed staring at my hands in confusion. “ Finally realizing that you won’t win this time?”

He drew in, knowing better than to approach too closely with his taunts - he hasn’t officially won yet. That heat, it felt like it was boiling now. I struggled to look around me, gain bearing. What the hell was going on!? I felt suddenly so heavy, and despite my enemy being before me I could no longer stand. My rage doubled inwardly as I dropped to a knee, my hands out before me to brace the sudden drop.

“Aww… looks like I finally broke you.. that wild spirit of a leader.” He crooned with malice and a sick joy. My stomach turned. The heat that had been molten in every limb now felt as though it was going to pour out my chest. The heat was more than I’d ever felt before. My muscles twisted and writhed it seemed under my skin, I couldn’t stop from crying out in pain. I heard the soft drop of his feet on the broken shards of the building he had just thrown me in to before I felt his hand in my hair. Twisting the wet locks painfully to cause me to cry out again. “ Ahh now thats a sound I’ve always loved. Your pain and suffering.. “ My eyes struggled to focus as he turned my face up to his, my only response was to snarl, baring my fangs at him. “Now now you oversized house cat.. “ His hilt came down hard on my muzzle but he held me there. FUCK my head was spinning, though to some small piece of me I was grateful it wasn’t entirely his fault. Something was happening to me, and for fucks sake I wish it would hurry up.

“You know at one time.. I had thought to take you.” He leaned closer, speaking as though one might to a lover.”You have always been a prime specimen of your breed. Not many fire deamons you know lasted beyond the first years. But you.. “ Was he looking at me with wonder? Just when the night couldn’t get any weirder.” there has always been something special about you. Such a shame you never saw it… such a shame it has to go to waste.”

He shoved me to the side hard, I struggled to keep my arm under me as I skidded into a wall. The pressure in my chest felt unbearable now. It was like I was going to explode. Glass tore at my flesh, cutting through leather armor as I struggled back to my knees. I refused to die on anything but my feet with this bastard. To bad the pressure building in my chest refused to let me get there.

“ See thats the difference between our breeds..” I struggled to speak as I looked up at his approaching form. The broken light glittered off his blade as I kept on. “ I saw power in everyone.. I saw their raw power.. their beauty and unlike you.. I let them decide how it came.”

“Such sad words for the end of the Queen of the elementals..” Her crooned again. There was that word again. But then I was seeing stars, this was pain. But not from him. For fucks sake it felt like something was trying to rip itself out of me. Now I could say I knew what it felt like to have a chest burster. My bones cracked and I roared, with flaming breath this time which made him step back. Well.. that was a new trick. I wasn’t given time though to marvel at it as the next wave of pain sent me back on all fours. My insides were suddenly at war.

“Whats this? Some new trick you’ve been keeping from me?” He hissed, disappointed I couldn’t tell him to go fuck himself at the moment my lips only curled against my teeth. It felt like my back a was splitting open, I couldn’t stop from crying out, my claws digging into rubble and office carpet for bracing.  Well at least I could count on him to watch whatever was going on, more pain as my muscles twisted under the flesh. I was putting out so much heat right now I was no longer wet. I could hear the faintest sounds of droplets sizzling as they attempted to pelt me. More new tricks. I had to say the night couldn’t get any weirder.

And then, it was done. Like turning a light off and on. Over. Slowly I stretched my shoulders and then I felt something new, the beat of heat against me. Wait. What. The. Fuck. My head snapped up as I tried to figure out what was going on and thats when I heard a familiar voice in my head. “My beautiful girl.. you’ve finally awakened..” I knew that voice.. it was.. it was home. That was the only way I could describe it, was home. Such peace and clarity. I looked to Kabil who was stuck in a state of shock, awe and… wait was that fear? I could also see as clearly as day. Not like before - there was such a clarity and rawness I had to blink and glance to the hole in the building, it was still night but I could clearly see the fighters on the rooftops. I knew which were mine and who were his as though I was standing next to them.

“No.. You.. This..” He suddenly was at a loss for words. It looked like he was struggling to remember something. “ Why now? If.. if it was to be why not Rome?” My head tilted as I stared at him, faintly aware of the heat I was now projecting out. I was careful to roll my muscles as I stood. I felt better then I had in ages. I felt like my self. Which was a weird thought in its own way.

“If this was.. then..” He was still blabbering like an idiot. Giving me a chance to steal a look over my shoulder. Wings? Flaming. Wings. Well THAT is new. I tested them stretching them to their full span, watching as bits of paper caught fire as they brushed desks. More lights seemed to be going on in my head. Memories coming to light, things that brought a rather cruel smile to my face. Some that weren’t mine. But yet I knew.

“Oh dear oh dear Kabil.. Such a naughty boy we’ve been. “ The voice was mine, and it was others. He bleached. “ You claim to know what Lucifer and Lilith want.. as though speaking for them. Destroying the firsts to gain power..” I tisk tisked softly, as I wagged a finger at him.

“NO! This isn’t how its supposed to be!” New rage filled his face as he charged in my direction. It was as though I was watching it in slow motion, my hand jerked back and fire sprang from the tips, a whip of smoke and ash forming in my hand recoiled as I swung forward cracking him across the face. A red burn left in its wake across his cheek as he stumbled back.

“ The elementals were the true demons, the first… and you saught to take their powers for your own. “ Another tisk tisk followed as I began to advance on him. “ Very naughty indeed. “ I roared in his direction again, I felt the flames burst past my lips with intention of setting him ablaze. He stumbled back before he turned, attempting to take flight to the sky above, but the burst of it hit against his back launched him across the way in to the building across the street.

No thought was given as I followed suit at a leisurely pace. I stopped at the edge of the building, looking down to the streets below. I seriously hope these things aren’t just for show. I gave a soft beat against my skin before I jumped skyward. It was like floating, the wings keeping me in mid air as I looked in to the hole I had made with Kabil in the building. It was then that I got a good look at my self in the reflection of polished glass windows, my wings weren’t the only thing made of flame. My eyes seemed to blaze, as well as my hair. I no longer had a feline form, but I was still very female. More lights went off in my head. This was my pure form. A form I had forgotten in the ages of living on earth along side mortals. This is what heated that core inside of the beast.

I could hear the sounds of battle slowing around me. I could feel eyes on me, of both sides trying to figure out what had happened.

“It is time child.. Wake them.. Remind them of what they really are..” That voice whispered again in my head. It was as though my body knew what to do like muscle memory of fight training. But this, I was drawing up something. I could feel a pull as a wind from my swirling heat raged around me. I drew on every memory to fund this, pulling from my core. I could feel the pressure as it expanded beyond my skin. My wings beat harder moving me higher in the sky - as this was for them all. Not those that raged in battle here, but in other planes, other existences where they may be hidden.  It was time to remember.

Something snapped inside - releasing it all. I no longer had control. I watched as it pushed out this hellstrom I had brought to earth. Scathing winds rippled over building tops, knocking my kin to their knees. Some even flat. Into each of them I watched wisps of my heat enter them, wisps of smoke. I could hear Kabil raging, shouting for them to take out my kin while they were down, but none listened. To confused and scientific in their methods for their own good - they were compelled to watch what was happening. The wind blistered their skin as they fought just to keep upright. Not all of them were pure demon it would seem. I watched in awe though - getting to see what Kabil saw when I changed. It was as though the flesh was melting from the bodies of my kin. The first I could see was Marc, a wind elemental, it was like staring at a contained tornado. Besides him Lorn was shaping up, an earth elemental, it was as though rocks were hunting him down. I could see them rolling across the roof tops to build his massive form back up.

It was happening everywhere around me, new roars, old forms, a reunion that was unlike anything the earth had seen before. Kabils necromancers weren’t ready for this. The shock on some faces did manage to make me smile.

“ Brothers.. Sisters…Children of the elements.. Children of the firsts..” I called, my breath becoming hot with the words as I called to them. “ Remind these wizards.. these false deamons - who the real deamons are!” I felt a new rage within me. I felt their rage, their renewed memories with the return of forgotten strengths and bodies. A new war.. a different battle had erupted then.

I watched in awe for a lingering moment as they all fought. Chasing them across rooftops as they attempted to regroup. One skittering away as a violent windstorm ripped at his clothing taking him away to parts unknown. I watched as earth was taken back from the buildings and turned in to new weapons against our enemies. Some seemed to take flight and simply flee. Somewhere below Kabil was in a fit of rage close to insanity, I could hear him ranting.

“ NO.. You weren’t supposed remember.. you were supposed to die!” He raged, blade swinging blindly as he flew at me. Narrowly I ducked avoiding his swing, but I was quick to close the gap.  My fist making contact with the side of his head with a solid crack.

Night Demons : Before the war

Every. Thing. Hurt. Oh the fucks I could give though, pulling the scarf tighter about my head, I could hear the police sirens behind me and picked up the pace. Had to get to safety, two blocks to go still, sadly they were New York city blocks. I turned down a dark alley and avoided the clutter of trash in my bruised shuffle as I tried to slow my pace to look like any other vagrant. Oh the world of hurt he was going to get when I found him.

Twists and turns of the south side Bronx finally brought me to the front of the dive bar that acted as a club hub for those of us who identified as night demons. The girls dancing out front parted as I approached, silent nods disguised in their drunk appearing glee. I only growled at the door man who was quick to ensure the path remained clear in  through the door. Ignoring the shouts from the line that had no doubt formed about 9pm. Cause after all - I looked like fucking shit right now.

Marcus was the first that found me, sliding up next to me as we struggled through the mass of gyrating bodies.

“ You look like shit - more than normal, lass. Rough night?” He asked in the south London accent I was sure he faked.

“ Fuck you Marc, I need to see David. NOW.” The music hiding the growl that followed. The dark look I gave him was enough however to have him shove forward and keep his mouth shut as he worked to get me to the stairs, ignoring the girls attempting to sway his attention. My fingers fumbled with the buttons of the coat I had stolen as I began to shed the layers I had picked up to hide my self. It was sometimes good to have a reputation as an evil bitch - when you were pissed off no one bothered you. Bodies continued to part like the sea behind Marcus as he led me to the stairwell up to David’s office.

As we reached the top of the stairs it was clear Marc was finally picking up my scent - he was trying to outrun me to the door ahead of us. I couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of the wana be male model speeding ahead of me.

“Be warned - she’s pissed. “ He announced as he broke the threshold breathlessly.

“ DAMN RIGHT I AM… That fucker is going on a pike if I find him tonight.” I hissed as I pulled the scarf off my head. “I mean fucking look at me! That asshole beat me with a brick from the monument library’s foundation for fuck sakes!” I opened my arms as though I was going to be crucified so David could see the drying blood on my shirt and the bright purple bruises forming on my arms and chest.

David calmly stood and began to circle me, his eyes didn’t hide his worry despite the calm mask his face maintained.

“He was so desperate to get to her he took me out in public!” I growled again, my tail violently flicking behind me. “ In front of humans no less. I had to leave a dummy copy behind for the police just to make it back here. “ The soreness of my trip and exerted energy was settling in, it felt like my bones ached. Maybe I had broken something initially. It was hard to tell now.

“ Did he get her?” He asked moving to the windows over looking the club below.

“ From my last conscious moment - yes. I blacked out for a second..” I growled lowly, looking to the floor. Oh how I burned in annoyance right now it was a wonder my clothing hadn’t caught fire.

“ When I came too I had humans standing over me, I had to crawl to an alley for darkness to mask the change and leave the dummy copy behind. Hopefully someone of our clan is working tonight. “

I was expelling too much energy right now. Marcus had crawled into the corner and was trying to edge around the room to make an exit. I was torn between just ripping him apart in the office or curling up on the floor right there. David caught my eye though and shook his head. Was I that predictable now?

“You are going to end up blacking out if you do that. Just relax - your safe. “ His voice like water was refreshing, but I also knew it was him trying to reign me in using his powers. Something we often fought about. A soft hiss slipped past my lips as i watched him, allowing my glamour to drop. Sometimes it was better to keep a human skin, my teeth clenched as my fur felt tight from dried blood and made bruised areas ache more.

He only rolled a shoulder as he moved back to his desk. His eyes going over the map of the city.

“ I knew they were an obsessive bunch.. but I don’t get why Mika has.. “ I began tugging at my clothing, wincing as the dried blood pulled at the fur below. “Struck their fancy so much.”

“ Neither do I or the elders… this is a problem.”

“ YOU THINK?” The sarcasm dripped from my lips as I turned from him. His heavy sigh was his only response to it.

“You should really begin behaving like a alpha.”

“Oh you mean like a proper responsible high demon, or better yet a ‘human’? I tried that.. cost me a few of our kin remember? “ My ear flicked back at him as I rolled my head groaning softly. “ Since I’ve become known as “That evil bitch” no one seems interested in treating our cubs and kin for hunt amusement. I think its working out quite well thank you..”

Marcus shoes on the floor and the click of the door was my warning. Gee thanks you fucking whelp. Though at least he knew better than to be in the room when his alphas fought. To my surprise though rather than being knocked across the room, his hands came down carefully on my arms, though he could force me he only urged me to turn to face him.

“I know you're upset because they got to you, and got to her.. But we don’t know the whole story here. “ He was being restrained. Any more he knew when it was better to keep those emotions in check, my tail however flickered wildly behind me in my rising irritation and aggravation.

“This is beyond that.. the plan failed. We failed. They got her and we’ve no fucking clue as to..”His hand was quick to come down over my muzzle, glaring up at him didn’t win me my freedom to speak.

“Stop. This is not Venice. This is not Rome. “ I could feel my self vibrate with old rage as my ears pressed back. “We will get her back. Jack made sure she was given a tracking mark. I need you calm, healed and ready to lead. Not bent out of shape over a lost fight and a girl who we have no idea if shes one of our kind or something else. “

I felt my shoulders slump against the weight of the logic he had placed on me. I hated it when he was right. Almost as much as when I lost a fight. I shook my head shaking away his hand, leaning back from him. Even glamored he was a towering impressive sight in his tailored suit and slicked back ebony hair. His soft blue eyes and caramel skin belying the real beauty he kept hidden. Once upon a time our roles would have been reversed, and it would have been me calming his rage - but twisted and tainted demons seen fit to change our balance. The sick humor wasn’t lost on me even now. How things, events and time can change you.

“ Sometimes I hate that you of all of them are my Yin. “ I managed a sigh as a slid to move past him. The jeans I was wearing creaked in protest - meant for my glamored form, not my muscular larger feline frame. If I wasn’t careful I’d lose them - but given the blood stains and vomit on one leg, it might be worth it just to let them go.

“Yes, well I can’t fix time nor the ironic fates as they have been.” He sighed, not moving from where I had left him to look out over the club below.

“If I find him… elder or not.. I will rend him. This is the last time. I don’t care if I’m caged by the council for it or banished… that.. “ My words dissolved into rage filled growls as my hands clenched at the air - imagining his head there, bleeding and bruised. “ It makes me wish I had killed him in Venice or left him for dead…. It makes me regret kindness..”

“The folly of kindness is reserved for humans. At this point… if things went the way you described.” At his words I turned abruptly, hackles raised.

“IF THINGS??” I roared in his direction. He put his hands up as though he was trying to calm me by waving me down or maybe he was preparing for an attack. My rage blazed to life in hot heat, I could see the wisps of smoke rising as my clothing finally began to smolder. “ You of all beasts know better…”

“I’m not saying you are lying.. but the council has to be open to seeing your version of how it went down. Your last visit to the chambers wasn’t exactly what many reflect upon with fondness.”

“ Lucifer skin you.” I hissed as the man made materials melted and sprang small fires to life as I tried to pull it back in.

“ Yes, if I recall correctly that was what you told the council before leaving last time.” His eyes rolled before he locked eyes with me.” This little show of yours benefits neither of us. You're going to end up passing out and forgetting things we need to know..”

My only response was a snarl as I snatch up the chair in front of his desk and threw it at him, despite the protesting muscles of my arms. I didn’t care if it hit him or the window, nor the fact that the wood frame was turning to charcoal in my hand and smoldering as well. I listen to it splinter as it hit something, my hands tore at the remaining fabric and pulled its now further tattered remains away, grimacing as it pulled at fur. Sometimes the inventions of man fucking sucked. Plastic clothing fiber - great idea unless you catch fire and it MELTS to you.

“Yeah cause the council always knows best right?” I called sarcastically over my shoulder as a moved naked to the door. A low growl was my only warning before I felt his weight against my back and we collided with the reinforced door. Tonight's theme apparently was Pain. “ Celiest, these aren’t the old times, we agreed to the forming of the council. Hells fire you could be leading it…”

Old wounds and pains have a way of setting new fires, my head snapped back before he could finish in attempt to break his nose and shut him up. It went farther though and I hit his collarbone with a soft crack dislocating it, he’d feel that for a while at least. He knew me too well, his sigh buzzing past my ear. I could feel him fighting the urge to change as he pressed against me, muscles pulsing below the layers of cloth.

“I’m sorry for that…” he growled softly near my left ear before slowly releasing me. The weight of the night was starting to press in on me. He may have even been adding to it, I was no longer sure. I was weak from expelling so much power as it was. Rage can be an amazing fixture for energy till it goes out. My forehead dropped to the door I now used to support my weight.

“I’m old Zapherua… I’ve outlived too many of our cubs and kin. For the last hundred years the council has been idle.. something isn’t right.. even for demons. “ I murmured over my shoulder, fighting the urge to shrink to the floor. “ And I think that girl is the key..”  I felt so heavy. My legs gave below me as I sank down, my heat withdrawing back in to my core.

“ I know my dear Cerlistria, I know..” His voice was again near my ear. I could feel his hands pulling at my body, lifting me up against him. Cradled in his arms I felt a wash of energy over me, mending my wounds. “ Right now though.. you need rest. “

I couldn’t fight it anymore and darkness overcame me

6000 years earlier in the wild forests of what would become the border area of Russia and Germany

The biting cold wind was a signal of the coming winter. It always felt better at this time of year to remain in my true form. A thick fur coat was a bonus, also helped to have easier access to that inner heat. The wood creaked and protested as I flexed my claws, I had dug deep in the branch to keep my balance against the stiff wind that kept trying to take me off of my perch.

“ Anything?” Zapherua called from his pacing below, circling the tree should I not keep my balance. Such a worrier.

“ The heards of the two legs are moving… south it seems. “ My nose flared as I drew deep in the scents on the wind. “ Malinar’s pack is following I think.. “

Even without looking I could tell that got a head tilt from him.

“Wonder what that little snipe is up too..” I muttered as I began the descent down easily head first, using my claws to keep me latched to the trees trunk.  “ He normally leaves them to their business.”

“Well he was always curious about them… maybe they are in trouble?” A thick brow raised as he watched me come down, ever vigilant till I was back on the ground next to him. The wind picked up again swishing our fur around madly before it died down again. When it was like this it was always hard to tell the age of the scent - it carried so well from far distances when it was like this.

“ They are trouble..” I shook my head at the thought. These creatures had been ruled off limits to the packs by mutual agreement. We didn’t know what they were capable of or if they were poisonous - too risky a meal choice. “ But he’s has too many young cubs and yearlings with him for us to not see what's going on.”

That was all he needed to hear, starting ahead of me at a quick pace. I followed, nipping at his tail when it brushed too close. I could have caught up easily, but it made the run more fun when I taunted him. His only response for now was to growl in annoyance and pick up the pace. Soon I was no longer able to nip at his tail as we tore through the forest sounding like on coming thunder as our paws beat the freezing ground.

The forest grew thick forcing us to duck and weave through the brush, forcing us apart as I took to the heavy lower limbs of trees. Here it was easy to find a path with the leaves gone, I could see a way ahead of me as I jumped from branch to branch - causing the trees to shake from the sudden weight. My nostrils flared at a new scent and it was like being struck. The scent of fresh blood hung heavy on the air. I nearly cracked a branch to halt my self from my rapid strides. Suddenly spinning in place to spot my mate.

“Blood.. Its fresh…” I called out as I worked to relocate him. My head snapping in directions trying to find where it came from.  

“ I know.. Head higher if you can.. find the source.” He was somewhere to the east of me. “ We’re close..”

I growled softly and shuffled among the trees to find one that could support my weight higher. Wood splintered from the impact as my paws slammed down in rapid succession, claws sinking into the wood as I hoisted myself skyward. It wasn’t long before another wave of the scent rushed at me, carried on the wind as I looked southward again. This blood smelled sour and sweet. I hung from the side of the tree staring out, ears up listening for anything but the wind was making it hard. Higher I went, ignoring the protest and moving in to risky placement upon the top of the tree.  Somewhere its got to let me hear the world again.

The tree swayed against the wind and my weight as I strained to listen south.

“ STAY back..” Someone roared, but I couldn’t recognize the voice. The winds screaming distorting it. I took advantage of the swaying tree and leaned with it deepening the sway till I could jump to another tree top. I kept up, gaining momentum as I headed in the direction I heard the roar from. Jumping from tree to tree was nothing new, thank Goddess for that. Noises of a battle became clear as I made quick work of the distance. And then a howl.. My wolfs howl.

Speed was picked up, I was no longer jumping from tree to tree but bouncing off of them in my rush to find him. I could make out a clearing ahead, the sounds were louder now as I closed the space to it. Risk or not - I knew where I was needed. I could smell my kins blood among other. Concern and anger sparked inside, fueling the motion as I hit the last tree near the edge. I had only a moment to take in the sight of slain cubs and Zapherua’s larger form circling a two leg hunter.

The reverberation of hitting the tree at the pace I had forced me off, down into the clearing with them. Paws pounding the ground as I dropped  as if from nowhere behind the hunter. The sound must have been deafening for his poor ears, he dropped his crude weapon as he fell to his knees hands on either side of his head. Restraint was required - beyond not knowing what they were capable of, we also knew they were delicate. Not like us despite looking like one of our forms.

Zapherua moved in, but I shook my head, motioning with one paw towards the crude weapon it had been wielding. The hunter didn’t move as he moved in to sweep it away - I assumed still reeling from the sound. A head butt from me to his back dropped him the rest of the way. I wanted him under foot to ensure he didn’t go anywhere, placing a paw on his back. Huh, look at that so large it covered most of it. Damn these creatures were small.

I could feel him tremble through the furs he wore over his back. And then the smell of urine hit the air. Ew.. he thought I was going to eat him. A low growl and snarl as I looked down - his noises were guttural and distorted.  Now that this issue was dealt with - just what in the skys name was going on here?


Sometime in the late Bronze age....

The bass of the drum rocked my insides. I felt the heat of the night and bathed in the glory of the moon as the tribe sounded the warning drums. Intruders had made their way in and were being funneled in towards where we now waited. Unsure of who our surprise guests were I felt the ripple of my glamour fall over me, like being doused in water then frozen in ice as the magic fell in to place. A furious shake of my head settling the long pale blond locks over my shoulders.

My mate groaned as he did the same, pacing in a circle still. We both wore the guise of humans, but were anything but. Night deamons was the term given to us - since many of us only felt safe to even risk an appearance at night. Though the sun was no enemy for us - some or our cousins weren’t so lucky. My fingers roamed across my now furless flesh and the slightly different shape it took in subtle ways.

It was always intriguing that we found this form, once upon a time I felt I knew why - anymore though the memory escapes like a rabbit running in to the under brush from predator. The only penalty it seems of immortality was a shitty long term memory.

The grass and ground shuddered - seems our kin chose to welcome the guests in true form. I didn’t stop the smile from crawling accross my lips as I looked in the direction it came from.