Black holes and Revelations

[Ryan - Loki]

The yellow sun was high in the sky, letting everyone know that midday was upon Ithoria. The flora and fauna were out in full force, lapping up the beaming heat rays while they lasted. Fortunately there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. The colour to everything seemed brighter and more vibrant for some reason; the grass more emerald than ever, the sky a clear ocean blue, and the assortment of flowers that were scattered across the grasslands made it look as if a rainbow had fallen from the sky and broken into hundreds upon hundreds of patches, which had then rested on the grass.

Just east of Jerrick was calm and peaceful, not a single man, woman or child around to disturb the wildlife or destroy the beautiful scene that had begun to transpire on this beautiful day. However, all was about to change.

In a sudden explosion of flames the quiet of the day was filled with a mysterious whooshing sound and the crackling of the flames as they licked against each other. For a good few seconds the pillar of flames continued to remain in its position, unmoving and unwavering. By this point the wildlife had scattered and fled in fear and the vibrant colours of everything in the vicinity had gained an unnatural tint of red and orange due to the fire.

As sudden as the flames had appeared the intensity picked up, as did the noise they were making, before they vanished and everything had returned to its normal, vibrant colouring. The grass underneath where the flames had been where not even burnt, though in place of the flames now stood a man with a woman within his arms; it was Loki. Slowly he took a few steps forward, revealing two burned footmarks in the grass where he had been standing. He moved slowly only because of the struggle he was having. The portal had drained him far more than it had done back within the city when he had used the ability, but he had expected as much considering he had travelled quite some distance this time.

Loki slowly lowered himself to his knees before lowering Sophia onto the soft grass. She was still unconscious. With her now lying on the soft grass he sat up and looked down at her properly, up and down the entirety of her body. She looked different, yet the same. The realisation was an odd sensation. She looked good though, as good as she was in her memories, better even. Just looking at her made part of him stir and harden. But he forced those feeling away. There was much to talk about, and she would give him the answers he sought…he just had to wait for her to wake up.

[Sophronia]

Sophronia felt warmth crease over her body. She smelt the fresh aroma of flowers and sweet grass around her. She wanted to open her eyes to see if she was dreaming but her body wouldn’t comply. She felt drained again, but craved no souls. Again she tried to open her eyes. She saw the sun above her and closed them, moaning as her head started to pound. Sitting up slowly she looked around and saw a beautiful field of flowers. Her eyes danced over the different colors of pelts. The sky was so open and blue if she had wings she would fly into it. The breeze was warm as it blew her hair around her still pale face. This place was a little piece of Heaven.

She then felt someone behind her and turned her head to see Loki. Her icy blue eyes watched him as she remembered all that happened. But pieces were missing. Loki… he was her master’s enemy, a man who was almost considered a God. He tricked her master and took Hell over. There were others too, The Lords of Hell. Faces came to her but now names. There was more but she couldn’t find it. He was more wasn’t he? She had a gut feeling there was more to this man but if she couldn’t remember then it wasn’t a real problem. He was her master’s enemy so he was hers.

Sophronia was about to stand to attack but she felt as if heavy chains were wrapped around her arms and legs. She needed to feed and she could do it here. She let her sense run out to find any others near by. She was met with emptiness; they were the only people around. She then turned her back on him and closed her eyes if he was going to kill her she might as well have something beautiful to look at while she died. Again…

[Ryan - Loki]

Eventually Sophia started to groan and move about; she was waking up. Not wishing to seem weak Loki forced himself back onto his feet with a grunt of his own and stood tall, as if nothing was wrong with him. It wasn’t ideal, but he could act and hide his emotions just as well as Ryan when it suited him. It was a good few moments more before she had finally regained herself enough to notice her surroundings. She sat up and turned around to look behind her, finally noticing Loki for the first time.

She stared at him for a few seconds before something seemed to click within her and at that precise moment as she attempted to jerk upward towards him. She didn’t get far, falling short basically where she was sitting. She had seemingly strained herself to a point of fatigue that surpassed even Loki’s current state, though she hadn’t done anything as far as he could tell; this confused him, but right now there were other matters that were higher in his list of things he wanted to know. Finally she seemed to give up and turn her back on him. She was awaiting her fate, he knew, but her fate wouldn’t be what she clearly expected.

“I could do anything I wanted to you right now, and you couldn’t stop me…” his voice was a soft hiss, seemingly a whisper, but as always it was deceivingly louder than it seemed. He took a step closer to her, so he was just behind her, and he reached his hand out. The skin on his fingertips skimmed the skin of her shoulder, contact barely being made at all, before he stopped and moved his hand away again. Taking a deep breath he turned and took a few steps away from her, his back to her now. “But I won’t.” the statement would likely surprise her, he believed.

“Sophia, what has become of you?”

[Sophronia]

Sophronia was shocked when he made no move to strike her down. She opened her eyes slowly and watched as the flowers dancing in the evening wind.

“I could do anything I wanted to you right now, and you couldn’t stop me…”

She knew that but it didn’t scare her. She would take and not even give him the satisfaction of her fears. She could feel him behind her, his fingers brushing her shoulder. A chill ran over her skin then a sharp pain. She closed her eyes and bit her tongue as the pain subsided.

“But I won’t.”

Her ears perked up and she turned her head to him. What was he up to? Something wasn’t right with him, not just the sleeping power and the fact that he was her masters, but he seemed to know something. She turned her body so it was facing his back. Tilting her head to the side as she examined him.

“Sophia, what has become of you?”

“ My name is Sophronia, S O P H R O N I A. Im the loyal servant of the Lord and Master of Hell, Lucifer. I have no idea what has happened to your ‘Sophia’. ” She wore an emotionless expression as she stared him down. Then she started to giggle as whispers came to her mind. “ I see… you killed her…. She was an angel, her blood was sweet wasn’t it. She wanted to be free from the pain… She was alone…,” she seemed to be speaking to herself but was speaking with her master. “ She never gave you her heart… she said it belonged to someone else. But when he never came for her she gave it away…to Master. ” She smiled at Loki and giggled. “ Oh well I guess she’s dead. Now you gunna kill me? If not Ill just be on my way…”she said as she started to rise.

[Ryan - Loki]

“My name is Sophronia, S O P H R O N I A. I’m the loyal servant of the Lord and Master of Hell, Lucifer. I have no idea what has happened to your ‘Sophia’”.

Loki’s fist clenched and shook when his arm tensed, at the mere mention of Lucifer. He still hadn’t forgotten what the Lord and Master of Hell had done to him, and a thousand and seven years to boil on it hadn’t helped subdue the content and pure hatred he held for him. Though Loki still had his back to Sophronia he could still picture in his head what she was doing behind his back, though it truly surprised him when she began to giggle.

“I see…you killed her….She was an angel, her blood was sweet wasn’t it. She wanted to be free from the pain…She was alone…” she wasn’t talking to him, not truly, her voice was distant, as if she was listening and repeating what someone else was saying to her, but Loki couldn’t hear anything; he knew what this likely meant. “She never gave you her heart…she said it belonged to someone else. But when he never came for her she gave it away…to Master.”

“…you know nothing…” Loki’s voice was full of anger, though as low as a whisper.

“Oh well I guess she’s dead. Now you gunna kill me? If not Ill just be on my way…”

As she began to rise Loki spun around to face her. “You’re going nowhere.” his booming voice left no room for questioning. His eyes were burning furiously, the flames within seemingly burning outside of his eyes as if the very flames of hell resided within them. “You stupid, pathetic creature,” he spat, slowly walking towards her. “How can someone be so blind to the truth and know so little about their own existence…or have you truly become the whore of that lowly bastard that calls himself the prince of darkness ?” perhaps his words were harsh, but she had pushed him to this place.

“How can you, a creature that blindly believes everything that your coward master whispers into your ear, even begin to comprehend the reality of my past? You, who would listen to a bias lie, without questioning it!” his voice was rising with each second, his anger growing. The ground beneath them began to shake, softly at first but then somewhat more violently. By now he was standing in front of her again. He lifted his hand towards her throat, as if he was about to grab it, but he simply remained as he was. Slowly his eyes began to calm, as did the shaking within the ground until it had completely faded into nothing. Then and only then did he softly place his palm against the side of her cheek.

“…let me show you, the truth…” and with that his hand, the one upon her cheek, burst into flame. The fire completely covered his arm. It was hot, as fire is expected to be, but Sophronia would find that it did not scold her nor did she find its heat uncomfortable. As soon as the fire touched her skin images flashed into her mind, taking her away from reality and thrusting her into Loki’s memories, memories long since past, memories of Sophia. Places they had been together, the battle between himself and Dimitri that she had been present for and the scar Loki had suffered across his chest as a result, his death at the hands of the missile and how Lucifer had defeated him though a loophole, his resurrection and being frozen in time, images of her face and her burning amber eyes.

Suddenly all of that, and more, were ripped away from her and she found herself back in the field. Loki had broken contact with her, the fire covering his arm having subsided and him stumbling backwards away from her. He looked drained, stumbling as if he was having trouble standing. He finally steadied himself and stood up straight, and though he wasn’t panting for breath his chest was moving deeply and more rapidly than usual. He felt as if he was going to vomit and collapse.

Sophronia would still be awash with memories that Loki had shown her, but that was not all, emotional transference was also a by-product of showing her these memories, his emotions, or what little he felt. “THAT is the truth of it…” he finally managed. His voice was low, not a whisper, but a quiet hiss.

[Sophronia]

“You’re going nowhere.”

Sophronia turned to tell him that he had no power of her till she saw the buring in his eyes. She stood her ground as he approached her.

“You stupid, pathetic creature, How can someone be so blind to the truth and know so little about their own existence…or have you truly become the whore of that lowly bastard that calls himself the prince of darkness ?”

She glared as his tone rose and he seemed to be infuriated with her. Why would she question her master? He gave her life and made it posiable for her to be free.

“How can you, a creature that blindly believes everything that your coward master whispers into your ear, even begin to comprehend the reality of my past? You, who would listen to a bias lie, without questioning it!” his voice was rising with each second, his anger growing. The ground beneath them began to shake, softly at first but then somewhat more violently. By now he was standing in front of her again. He lifted his hand towards her throat, as if he was about to grab it, but he simply remained as he was. Slowly his eyes began to calm, as did the shaking within the ground until it had completely faded into nothing. Then and only then did he softly place his palm against the side of her cheek.

She felt the ground rumble and shake as he came closer. She didn’t look away from his eyes as he reached for her neck. Then as soon as it came he calmed in front of her. The burning in his eyes had faded and the ground around them had stilled. Then softly, he cupped her cool cheek. His hand warm and powerful and in a weird way she felt save.

“…let me show you, the truth…”

Then Sophronia saw fire come from his hand, but she did not flinch away. She was not afraid. She was then falling into his mind’s eyes. She watched as images of herself and him and many others passed through. She tried to stop them from coming but they did. As she watched in horror the amber in her eyes broke free as she screamed.
“THAT is the truth of it…”
She was then trusted out of his mind and she held her head to try and compose herself. She could feel him inside her head. Her breaths came hard as she tried to form words. Loki. And she was Sophia. Bloodly tears welled up as her life seemed to clip back together in her head. She gritted her teeth as a sob passed her lips. Why?

Sophronia then turned her head to Loki and watched him. Then with all the strength she could muster she threw herself at him and toppled down to the ground. She pounded on his chest as tears streaked her face. “ Why?! she screamed at him. “ Why did you make me remember!? I don’t want to remember! Why did you bring me back!? You didn’t care about me then! So why bring me back now?! ” her sobs had long been shaking her body but she did not let him up as she gripped the front end of his coat. “ You didn’t care about me… You didn’t even come back for me… I was so scared and alone… I gave you the last thing I had… and you left me. YOU DIDN’T EVEN THINK TO COME BACK FROM ME! I waited so long for you… You promised to come back for me…I didn’t believe him when he said you weren’t coming back. Then he showed me. You and the others… I watched you… everyday waiting… but all my hopes of seeing you again were shattered. He said he could help me forget. Make the pain stop hurting.” She had stopped sobbing and was talking as if she were in a far off place. “ I told him I would do anything to be free of the suffering. I would even take back what I had given freely to give to him. And I did. ” She pulled the collar of her shirt lose to show him a pink jagged line that ran over her left breast. “ He has both my soul and my heart. I will obey and follow my Master, no matter what. ” Slowly she pulled herself up and moved away from him. She felt cold and empty, she shivered as the breezed seem to carry a chill. Wrapping her arms around herself she whispered, “Again, I ask again why you brought me back? A hollow shell of my former self. Why, Loki? DO you know the pain I went through? Do you not care? There is no hope for me. Im nothing now. There is nothing left of me to give to you Loki. Sophia is dead, and I am what’s left. Sophronia, a Soul Eater who preys on the weak and sick. ”

She looked up and had to smile as she watched the swallows fly over head. She remembered what it was like to fly. To see the world as no other could. To taste that bit of freedom of clean air and clear skies. She felt the creep of pain crawl up her spine and knew she had to leave. She could stand to be here it was too firmilar to her and images were killing her.“There’s no need for you to answer me. These ‘happy memories will only be a bad dream once my master as see to me. Goodbye Loki” She then started to walk away from him and down the hill away from her past.

[Ryan - Loki]

Without a moments notice Sophronia was upon him. She pounced like a cat and slammed hard against his chest. Usually he would have been able to steady himself in preparation, but in his current state her weight alone caused him to fly backwards, his back slamming against the hard dirt below with a thud. It hurt, even knocked the wind out of him a bit, though he attempted to hide his weakness; showing it would not serve him.

“Why?!” she screamed, pounding her fists into his chest. “Why did you make me remember!? I don’t want to remember! Why did you bring me back!? You didn’t care about me then! So why bring me back now?!” She was crying furiously now, her body shaking from the trauma of everything her mind had just been forced through. “You didn’t care about me…You didn’t even come back for me…I was so scared and alone…I gave you the last thing I had…and you left me. YOU DIDN’T EVEN THINK TO COME BACK FROM ME! I waited so long for you…You promised to come back for me…I didn’t believe him when he said you weren’t coming back. Then he showed me. You and the others…I watched you…everyday waiting…but all my hopes of seeing you again were shattered. He said he could help me forget. Make the pain stop hurting.”

She had stopped sobbing, though now she was talking much as she had been earlier, as if she was repeating something she had read or been told. “I told him I would do anything to be free of the suffering. I would even take back what I had given freely to give to him. And I did.” Slowly she pulled down the collar of her top, revealing a jagged scar that ran down the length of her chest, or what he could see of it at least; he knew what it meant before she explained. “He has both my soul and my heart. I will obey and follow my Master, no matter what.

“Again, I ask again why you brought me back? A hollow shell of my former self. Why, Loki? DO you know the pain I went through? Do you not care? There is no hope for me. I’m nothing now. There is nothing left of me to give to you Loki. Sophia is dead, and I am what’s left. Sophronia, a Soul Eater who preys on the weak and sick.” she had moved off of him now and had stood up. She was looking down at him. “There’s no need for you to answer me. These ‘happy memories’ will only be a bad dream once my master as see to me. Goodbye Loki.”

As she turned and began to walk away Loki slowly pushed himself up onto his feet, no longer hiding his fatigue as her back was to him. “…I’m not finished…” he muttered. When he was standing properly once more he brought his hands up in front of his body, as he did an explosion of flames erupted all around them in a large circle, cutting off her escape. He knew it would only prove to weaken him further, perhaps even push him past his limits, but he would not bow down to the restraints this new world had saw fit to shackle him with. These flames were piping hot, even for Sophronia ; he would not have her leave until he was through with her.

Now that he had stopped her Loki moved to the top of the hill that she had been moving down. “There is EVERY need for me to answer.” he bellowed, his eyes fiery once more. “It was your Masters fault that I never returned. He tricked me and caused me to be stuck in a realm between life and death for seven years…SEVEN YEARS!” He was shouting again, his anger flaring like a sun that was about to go supernova. “And the moment I regain my body I was frozen in time for another thousand.” His voice had calmed and lowered to a normal level, though his eyes showed his fury better than the volume of his voice could ever.

“What if I,” he paused, considering what he was about to say, the implications and the lengths he would have to go to in making sure they were met. “If I could get you back what you’ve given up?” He decided to rephrase his words. “No, I CAN get you back what you’ve given up…but you must come with me.”

[Sophronia]

Sophronia groaned as she saw the flames surround her. She had to smile a little on the inside though. They were almost fighting like a couple. “…I’m not finished…” Oh yes they were. She turned half way to him and crossed her arms over her half covered chest. He was starting to annoy her. But he looked somewhat handsome when his was all riled up. She noticed his eyes sparked and turned a pretty ruby red. His facile features were hard and edgy. She could tell his was clenching his teeth the way his jaw was set. But all and all he was what she remembered before. The only thing was something was missing. She ponder while he spoke and all but only half listened.

“There is EVERY need for me to answer. It was your Masters fault that I never returned. He tricked me and caused me to be stuck in a realm between life and death for seven years…SEVEN YEARS! And the moment I regain my body I was frozen in time for another thousand.”

He had paused and looked as if his was debating something. She watched his eyes and knew he was still mad. Even though his voice was low, it still had a rough edgy to it, and his eyes were still burning.

“What if I,… If I could get you back what you’ve given up? No, I CAN get you back what you’ve given up…but you must come with me.”

Then it hit her. The feeling of hope and love for the man in front of her, when he made her promises. It was gone. She touched her empty chest, and felt for a single beat. Nothing. She closed her eyes and stood for what seemed like an eternity. She could feel nothing. No love, no heartbreak. Only hate for those around her remained. She let her hand drop to her side as she turned to face Loki. Her eyes were a pale gold now and were slowly being swallowed by blue. She looked tired and wore thin. The heat from the flames around her were starting to turn her face pink. She took one step toward Loki and stopped. “ I’m sorry Loki but what I have given freely cannot be taken back. Unless he gives it back. ” Her smile was genuine and was almost heartbreaking to look at. “ We both know Lucifer will never hand over what he has sawed after for years. I’m his little piece of heaven,” she used his exact words whenever he saw her, “ and the perfect bait to kill you.” She gave him another smile, making her face look angelic. “ It’s ok to let me go Loki. This is how it was suppose to be… ” She closed her eyes and turned her face upward. “ I’m ready… ”

[Ryan - Loki]

“I’m sorry Loki but what I have given freely cannot be taken back, unless he gives it back. We both know Lucifer will never hand over what he has sawed after for years. I’m his little piece of heaven, and the perfect bait to kill you.”

He knew she spoke the truth; in fact his entire plan was focused on Lucifer’s egotistical nature to always be above and ahead of everyone, especially when Loki was concerned. It was perfect, a plan that could not fail. He was positive.

“It’s ok to let me go Loki. This is how it was supposed to be…” she closed her eyes and tilted her head back so her face was looking up at the sky. “I’m ready…”

“Well I am NOT ready.” he hissed, the flames licking upward with the varying intensity of his voice. “Either you come with me and I do this or I go without you, and I still do this.” His face was still stern, though he had stopped clenching his jaw. “The only difference is that if you don’t come you’ll lose me all over again, because I don’t know when I’ll be able to return afterwards.” was he really making the right decision? It felt to him that he was, though it also felt out of character, even to him. Either way he had already made his choice, there would be no talking him out of it.

“I will give your master something that even he couldn’t possibly refuse. Something he has wanted for over a thousand years.” A small smirk caused his lips to curl upward at the corners of his mouth. He held out his hand, palm open, extended down towards her. “I always get what I want.”

[Vahn x Dimitri]

The ring of fire that surrounded the two of them began to become tainted in a color that was unnatural for flame. It became a solid black color that actually served to darken the area within to the point than almost nothing could be seen inside of the ring, with the exception of the bit of light from the sun that still shone in. It was definitely an eerie and ominous feeling that would penetrate the core of any regular human, but these two were no regular humans.

The flames were still completely under Loki's control, except for the shift in the color in them. But now something much more disconcerting filled the air, as far as Loki was aware. The voice that began to penetrate the air was one that may, or may not have been too familiar to him with the exception of a slightly deepened tone from all the time and struggles he's had to endure on this god forsaken planet. "The only thing that her master wouldn't refuse is what I have started the process of giving him, Loki. There is nothing in any plane that you could give to Lucifer that would be more appealing to him than what is already underway."

From the center of the ring, in between the two of them, emerged a pillar of what seemed to be smoke. Rising from within the pillar was the figure of a man, clothed in a black cloak, with facial features similar to someone Loki may have once known, but everything else about said person seemed different. His hair, the look in his eyes, his attire, his posture, all were scarred and changed by the information he had gained over the years the warriors of time have been asleep, and to his joyful news, weakened. However, they had agreed that it would not be in their best interests to kill Loki now, even though in his weakened and tired state, it would be child's play.

"It's been far too long, Loki. If only it could have been longer." The figure walked out of the portal and towards Sophronia, holding out a hand and forming a barrier wall between Loki and the two of them, shimmering a bright red but with the sound of screaming voices to anyone who approached it. Much has changed in his mannerisms and the shield was no longer meant to simply block out intruders, it was meant to damage anyone who touched it as well. He held up his hand to maintain the shield as he circled around Sophronia once. She may have just been Lucifer's little piece of heaven, maybe even an object, but to him, she would always be something more. He wrapped an arm around her as he stood behind her, watching to see Loki's reaction and to see if Loki could actually guess who it was that was foiling his plan, yet again.

[Sophronia]

“Well I am NOT ready.”

Sophronia turned toward him and had a heartbreaking look across her face. Why was he making this so hard for them? It was over. She had lead astray and in the process lost him. Even if he retrieved her heart it was still broken. She could honestly believe there was nothing left of it.

“Either you come with me and I do this or I go without you, and I still do this.”

He was upset but seemed to be cooling down. He looked forein to her with his bright eyes in anger. She remembered his laugh and smiles. She even remembered the small dimple in the side of his cheek. She had hung on to those priceless pictures in her mind years ago. Crying and cursing over them as well. Now she felt she would never see him smile again. She was jarred out of her thoughts as he spoke, or shouted, at her.

“The only difference is that if you don’t come you’ll lose me all over again, because I don’t know when I’ll be able to return afterwards.”
She felt a little piece of herself die, and found it quite odd. Why was he so intended on saving her? Just so he could flunt her in front of Lucifer? Or was just all together out of his mind. Either way his was request was absurd.

“I will give your master something that even he couldn’t possibly refuse. Something he has wanted for over a thousand years.”

She had no idea what he was thinking. What would Lucifer want other then Loki dead. She eyed his hand and was about to reach out when she saw the fire turn black. She recoiled her hand and took another step back as smoke started to seep between them. She watched with dull eyes as her companion arose. His dark cloak covered most of him but the dark leather armor made him stand out. His voice was deep and demanded his attention.

"The only thing that her master wouldn't refuse is what I have started the process of giving him, Loki. There is nothing in any plane that you could give to Lucifer that would be more appealing to him than what is already underway. It's been far too long, Loki. If only it could have been longer."

Sophronia pulled a lock of hair behind her ear and watch the two size each other up. She wondered if Loki could remember who stood before him. If he did would he try to kill him again in her presences? Her eyes danced between the two and saw how tired Loki was. She had to hold back from running to him and telling him to stop and go back, to not worry about her and move on. She wasn’t worth all the pain and agony he was going through.

She saw her partner shield them with his barrier. She hated it; the power always left a ringing in her ears and a splitting headache. She felt his eyes on her as she pulled her hand away from her head and turned as his hand came around her chest. She leaned into his warmth as his cloak draped over half of her. “ Master must be upset if he sent you… I thought you were out on a mission for him? Why did he bring you back? Then she whispered “ Do you know what my punishment will be? Are you to excused it or will he? ” There was a tremble in her voice as if she were a scared child. She rested a cool hand over his and tilted her head up to look into his eyes. She remembered telling him a long time ago that the eyes were the windows to ones soul. Yet now they were full of concern and irritation. Then she let her eyes slowly trail back to Loki to look into his. She couldn’t read him. But she knew her’s were screaming of helplessness, fear, and guilt.

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Bro I know i've said Dimitri has a huge scar across his face - you'll understand when you read my post. I got carried away with my creativity lol if you don't likey, just say, i'll edit that out.)

His eyes had dulled down to a plain red, having lost their pulsating glow when his anger had ceased to flare and dwindled to almost nothing. His hand extended, looking down at her and her up at him, Loki truly believed, even if it was for a second, that Sophronia was going to reach out and take his hand. She was considering it; he could see it in her eyes, in the way her body was positioned. Her arm began to move, his eyes slightly widening as it did, but then something unexpected happened. The flames that Loki had created all around them began to flicker violently as their orange and yellow glow faded away and was replaced with an unnatural black glow.

“The only thing that her master wouldn't refuse is what I have started the process of giving him, Loki.” The voice emanated from nowhere, but everywhere. It was deep, somewhat husky; it reminded Loki instantly of Ryan’s, though he knew it was not. It was familiar yet distant. Loki remained how he was, his hand extended outward towards Sophronia, though now his head was turning in search for the source of the voice, but there was no one there.

Suddenly a pillar of what appeared to be black smoke formed between him and Sophronia, blocking his view to her. It was a gut reaction, Loki pulling his arm back towards his body. From within the smoke a man arose, though Loki knew better, this was no mere man. He was completely draped in a black cloak, as well as black hardened and scared leather covering his body. He looked tired in his face, somewhat older too, but there was no doubt, this was someone Loki had thought to he was well rid of.

“There is nothing in any plane that you could give to Lucifer that would be more appealing to him than what is already underway. It's been far too long, Loki. If only it could have been longer."

“I could say the same.” his jaw had become so clenched that his words had almost become a mutter, though neither his voice nor his expression nor his eyes would give away his emotions this time; he was a stature, though his eyes had once more gained a faint glow. He wouldn’t dare look down at it but now he could feel it, almost as if it was burning deeper into his chest; the scar he had once been given by this man, a reminder of the battle, his negligence and the beginning of his vengeance.

What appeared to be a translucent black shield of sorts was suddenly erected between the two men, now cutting any chance of Loki reaching him or Sophronia without him forcing his way through. It was only then that the cloaked figure wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close to his body. She leaned in and whispered something to him, though the man did not reply. Still Loki remained emotionless, though an anger stronger than anything he had felt since being brought back into the realm of the living was being born within him. It was an effort to keep any of it from showing, especially within his eyes.

“I thought I had seen the last of you Joshuen .” the venom within his voice was clear as the day was bright. “Was killing you once not enough for you?”

Images of their last battle run smoothly through Loki’s head. It had been within an Elisean temple high at the top of the world in the North Pole. Loki had tracked the Soul Warrior and had decided it was time to teach him what it meant to come against a God and what price was the cost for inevitably losing. The battle had been a long one, lasting several days, and it had pretty much pushed Loki to his limits, though he would have never openly admitted as much. However, in the end Loki’s sheer power had overwhelmed the Joshuen and Loki had brought Bane, his sword of death and destruction, down and shattered Dimitri’s sword, Craving into his face in the process; the thought brought a sadistic smile to Loki’s face, especially since he could see Dimitri still wore his scar also.

Loki began to laugh, a quiet chuckle more than anything, though it did slightly rise in volume. Even though it was a quiet laugh it still had a hint of craziness to it. “Trust Lucifer to choose a lap-dog like you. He was always drawn to the weak.” He was referring to the countless other Lords of Hell that he himself had dealt with when they refused to follow the true Master of Hell; none of them had stood a chance against Loki back then, but now his power had dwindled for some unknown reason. It was a huge contrast when considering how powerful he had been when he had been brought back; to rise so high to fall so low in an instant. I will rise again.

“What do you want Soul Warrior ? Is it revenge? HAH. I say try it. And what’s with the change? Black leather and silvery white hair? Anyone would think you were trying to imitate someone.” a sadistic smirk now resided upon Loki’s face, his eyes now burning fiercely. “You can change your clothes and hair all you like, but you’re as pathetic as you always were.”

[Vahn x Dimitri]

A long time ago, Dimitri would have loved to go back and forth with verbal exchanges and insults until one of them broke the other, but the fact was that nothing could break him down at this point. He had one objective and had no reason to explain anything to an incompetent buffoon such as Loki. Instead of taking any of his words to heart, he did the best thing that anyone could do and tune them out. Suddenly, the place was a lot more peaceful without the shrill screech of Loki's annoying voice permeating his thoughts.

He turned his attention back to Sophronia and leaned his head down to whisper to her. Loki did not need to hear their conversation and he intended to keep it down at the level that he couldn't hear. "Master must be upset if he sent you… I thought you were out on a mission for him? Why did he bring you back? Do you know what my punishment will be? Are you to excused it or will he?" His breath was cool as he breathed against the skin of her neck and began to sigh. He shook his head softly almost as though in disappointment, not only on his behalf but for Lucifer as well. There is so much he could say, but decided it would be best to keep their conversation to a minimum since she already knew just how much trouble she was in.

Frowning lightly, he made sure that they locked eyes as he started to whisper to her. "My mission ended not too long ago and I was able to acquire what I needed to continue the plan. Sophronia, you are in serious trouble now and this has gone too far. He has asked me to purge the memories from your soul so that they never return. Even if your heart is returned to you, without the link to your soul, those will seem only like a dream that could never have happened. Whether or not he will discipline you beforehand, I cannot say, but we don't have time for this foolishness anymore. We need to get going."

Almost immediately after those words left his lips, the black smoke began to appear around them as it started to consume them. For the time being, their trip was back to hell until her entire punishment and the purging of her soul was carried out. It would take a good while for that to happen, but it was something that could no longer be avoided as far as he and Lucifer were concerned. Loki always had a way of meddling with plans and always managed to see things in his own light, never looking at the bigger picture. Fact of the matter was that Loki and his lackeys were just a set of cogs in the grand scheme of things. Smiling at that fact, he turned his face to make eye contact with him one last time, just before the smoke vanished, taking Sophronia and Dimitri with it.

[Sophronia]

Sophronia watched the two bicker to one another . The anger was building between them that ma her feel small. She watched Loki as he seemed to taunt Dimitri about their past lives. His eyes were burning with fury, even across the glen she could see the hate. The two of them must have had a history and the fact that she was in Dimitri’s arms clearly irritated him. Something jumped in her chest, at the fact that Loki, former Lord of Hell was jealous. Her joy was short lived when he started to laugh. It made her skin crawl, and step back a bit. He never laughed like that in front of her. It was as if she were watching him become a madman.

“Trust Lucifer to choose a lap-dog like you. He was always drawn to the weak. What do you want Soul Warrior ? Is it revenge? HAH. I say try it. And what’s with the change? Black leather and silvery white hair? Anyone would think you were trying to imitate someone. You can change your clothes and hair all you like, but you’re as pathetic as you always were.”

Sophronia blinked and turned her head up to Dimitri. He was a good two inches taller than her and her head slid across his chin as her deep blue eyes peered into his brown ones. She had once ttold him that the eyes were the window to a person’s soul. She saw so much in his, anger, sorrow and guilt. She knew what those emotions meant and her legs felt weak.

"My mission ended not too long ago and I was able to acquire what I needed to continue the plan. Sophronia, you are in serious trouble now and this has gone too far. He has asked me to purge the memories from your soul so that they never return. Even if your heart is returned to you, without the link to your soul, those will seem only like a dream that could never have happened. Whether or not he will discipline you beforehand, I cannot say, but we don't have time for this foolishness anymore. We need to get going."

Sophronia’s grip tightened as she nodded slowly. She knew her master would have been upset. She took a deep breath and turned back to Loki. As the smoke rose around them she watched his face for any hint of emotion. But all she could make out was anger. It hurt her. Again he was holding a grudge before her. But still the lingering feeling of hope was there. She had wanted it to die and never plague her with its false promises. Still she never took her eyes away from Loki. Her eyes were full of guilt and regret. She was cared to go back, she had wished to take Loki’s hand and be wrapped in his protective arms again. The pain in her head intensified but so did the pain in her chest. She bit back a whimper, as she kissed her finger tips and dropped her hand. She mouthed the words she had told him long ago as the smoke grew thicker. ‘ I love you…’ Then they were gone.

Sophronia turned and held on tight to Dimitri’s neck as they traveled. She pulled his cloak over her mouth so not to breath in the harsh smoke that surrounded them. She closed her eyes as the flames licks at them and the smell of sulphur became unbearable to take. She hated when they traveled like this. But knew it was the only way to their Lord and Master. She started to whimper softly again at the thought of punishment. But soon let the soft beat of Dimitri’s heat lull her. When they had stopped, she did not move. She was still trembling but not noticeably so, and held Dimitri like a lifeline. What was wrong with her? Why was she so weak? It had to be Loki… he had sparked something within her to make her so powerless and scared. She slowly turned her head to Dimitri and stared at him for what seemed like forever. He was her protector, her saver, and yet her executioner. Once she was finished with her punishment he would carve her open and cut her soul into pieces, which was the most painful thing she had ever experienced. She slowly let him go and stepped out of her warm embrace. She turned to the large black iron doors and took a step and stopped. Her Master was waiting behind those doors and for once she wanted to run so far he would never find her. But there was no running for the Devil. He owned her now and what was given she could never take back. How would Loki reterve her heart? He was weaker then before. But ideas crossed her mind and made the pain in her chest burn even more. She closed her eyes and sighed. “ Promise…. ” her words echoing off the hall walls, “ Promise to make is hurt so I will never feel this again… that is all I ask of you…” She did not wait for a response as she slowly approached the doors and walked toward her eternal damnation.

The kiss she had left behind had turned into a single frosted white rose, which was striving to live.

[Ryan - Loki]

Loki felt weaker than he usually did but his strength was growing, which was good considering his current situation. Though he was nowhere near his full potential because of his involuntary thousand year hibernation his arrogance and ego would not allow him admit that Dimitri was far more powerful than him currently. I am just drained from using my abilities, that’s why. it was an attempt to reassure himself, something that was working thanks to his inability to believe anyone was his superior.

His words to Dimitri had seemed to fall on death ears, something which annoyed Loki, but not tremendously. Dimitri had changed it seemed, it the change was more than simply a physical one. The man was no longer a mere man. That wasn’t to be mistake that he had become a God, far from it, but he no longer had the ties to emotions that he once did, he no longer seemed the Human he once was, though Loki hadn’t yet taken into account the fact that Dimitri had existed for over a thousand years now and the changes that would have surely had on the man.

After seemingly speaking to Sophronia, in whispers as Loki could not hear it, a thick black layer of smoke erupted around the two of them. Loki’s eyes narrowed in anger, though he knew that Dimitri was making his exit and taking Sophronia with him. Loki darted forward towards the two of them with every intention of stopping them from leaving, no matter what it took, but he quickly realised that he would never be able to make it or stop them, not right now, though he did not stop running.

His first thought was of Sophronia and so he looked at her. The locked eyes, if for only the briefest of moments, she raised her hand to her lips and kissed the tips of her fingers before mouthing three little words. I love you… Loki’s eyes widened and his moved towards Dimitri, who was already staring at him. Like he had done with Sophronia Loki locked eyes with Dimitri, though this shared gaze was one filled of hatred. Dimitri gave a smug grin before the two of them vanished within the smoke, and just like that, they were gone.

Loki slowed his run down just as he reached where they had been standing. Nothing remained. He was all alone, just as he was before, however the difference now was he would be haunted by Sophronia’s last words to him. Even though he hadn’t been able to hear her voice say them it didn’t mean they held any less meaning. He couldn’t leave her to whatever fate Lucifer and his lapdog Dimitri held in store for her; he was a homicidal evil murderer, to say the least, but even though chaos and destruction were his mistresses he could not deny his feelings for Sofia.

His fists were clenched again, though this time the small amount of colour that was in his complexion faded away and left only the pale whiteness of his skin because of how tightly his fists were clenched. His eyes were burning ferociously as his anger threatened to boil over. The ground shock, though not a huge amount. With a scream of anger Loki was suddenly engulfed in flames before vanishing, the flames quickly following suit and burning out. Loki was still alone, but for now, he was gone.