Unforeseen Calm before the Storm

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: This thread is for those within the Resistance group. I will be posting up one for those on the mission for the Academy shortly.)

They had been on the move for several days now, no, they moved only by night, only when they were obscured by dense brush or within a forest like area did they dare move by daylight from fear of being seen or detected. It was feasible to assume that a reward had been posted up for all of them, though Aion had pointed out that it was unlikely that they had been listed as the Warriors of Time. The last thing the Magic Order wanted was for people to fall in love with a prophecy come true and to help them, rather than turn them in. However, all of this was mere speculation, as they had made sure to steer clear from all largely populated areas, even small towns.

It had already been a somewhat difficult journey, but on the way the small group of wanted outlaws had managed to scrounge together some basic information on the layout of the land and even some information on the Magic Order, not to mention about the legendary Warriors of Time but everything they had discovered about their past and the Warriors of Time had disappointingly been nothing more than speculation and legend; no solid facts.

Though he was a new to this new world as the rest of the Warriors of Time, Aion naturally took control of the oddly shaped group. Having been a general for Lavertia’s army and being partially taught by Ryan, no one questioned that Aion was the most qualified for the job. The Demon , as he referred to himself, was leading the way to Steffson, though with strict instructions to take them on the most isolated route possible, no matter how much longer it took them; he hadn’t been happy about this, but had agreed nevertheless. The one known as Kaworu mainly kept himself to himself, keeping a close eye on the surroundings and The Demon , as well as conferring with Aion on most decisions made for the group. The twins spent most of their time playing with and teaching Seth the ways of the world, at least when Aion wasn’t doing so, and the young lady, who had named herself as Echo, had tagged along, though seemed to isolate herself somewhat.

They were a mismatched group, to say the least, but sometimes Seth just enjoyed sitting away from the group and just watching them as they all moved about whatever it was that they were doing. Though he hardly knew the majority of them it felt oddly good to be within a small unit like this. It made him feel safe in an unpredictable time, like he was part of a family again.

For a change they had been walking all day as they were traversing seemingly endless fields of grass, and without even the slightest hint of a path or road it had been safely assumed that they were unlikely to encounter very many people, if any at all; they hadn’t. As a treat Aion allowed for a fire to be built. Where they had been travelling during the night since they had left the massive forest of Albinur, they had yet to gather around the warmth of a crackling fire, not to mention that Aion had deemed it too much of a risk, as a fire would attract unwanted attention. Seth knew the general was right, but he was starting to forget what feeling warm felt like; the grassy plains were so windy. The twins had also caught a boar like creature in the nearby forest, Seth had failed to capture anything again, and so tonight instead of going hungry again they would feast like Kings, something Seth’s continuously growling stomach missed greatly.

The boar was turning rotisserie style over the open fire, everyone more or less gathered around and enjoying the warmth. Seth had moved so close at first that he thought his skin was cooking, but he didn’t mind at all, but after a while he found he was beginning to get too hot and so he moved away from the fire to cool down a little. On the most part everyone was sitting in silence, small conversations happening here and there.

“Demon,” Seth had been the first of the group to raise his voice. He didn’t see why he couldn’t speak normally. “How long until we reach Steffson? Is it far? Where are we exactly?” Seth didn’t think they were close, but he wanted to be wrong so badly.

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Come on people, lets get posting.)

“I wouldn’t worry about that too much little prince,” the voice rung out of the darkness of the night with seemingly no physical presence to call its own.

The voice had come from behind Seth, and to say the least it had startled him. Almost jumping up completely he threw himself forward and scurried across the floor towards the fire. He was quickly met by glowing embers, heat and burning wood blocking his path, forcing him to cease his escape and to turn towards whoever had snuck up behind him. He hadn’t been practising reaching out with his senses, and in this situation the stranger could have come up right behind him and slit his throat and Seth wouldn’t have even known he was there until it had been too late.

He hadn’t noticed until now but he had grabbed for the hilt of the Reaver and his hand was still firmly clasped around it. The movement had been purely out of instinct. Though letting his guard down would surely mean a lecture from Aion on how he should always be prepared, Seth was at least happy to be able to counter that when he did realise there was a possible threat he acted speedily and accordingly; it didn’t make his failures ok, but it was at least something.

Slowly but surely a form appeared from the darkness, slowly moving towards the flickering light that illuminated off of the small campfire. As the blurred figure moved closer his appearance slowly came into better view, not that it was needed to identify him, not for Aion at least; it was Loki. “There are much more important things to worry about…like me.” Now in full view to the entire group Loki simply stood there, looking around. He quickly took note that there were some additional members of the group, some which he did not recognise at all; a girl and an odd looking creature.

He looked for Natas and found him, or better put saw his huge shining eyes shining out through the dark. He had chosen to sit away from the fire and the group in isolation, something that truly didn’t surprise Loki. However, it was Natas that interested Loki, neither was it the newcomers that had brought him to this place, Loki wanted and needed to speak to one person and one person alone.

“Aion,” Loki calmly began. “If you want me to leave without any trouble then do as I say.” he needed to speak to him, and he knew ordering Aion about and making threats wasn’t the best way to do it, but he could not afford to tarnish his reputation. “I want to talk to you privately. There is something that concerns you I think.”

[Aion]

(ooc:sorry for the rushed feeling, I'll probably edit it later.)

Before his two former colleges had manifested, Aion could sense something was amiss. The deadly silence, the sudden light bone chilling cold breeze that swept across his face, the thin sheet of darkness that devoured the atmosphere; save the burning embers of the camp fire, which luminescence spread out only a few meters. Lords of Hell had this effect on nature, while these signs would go unnoticed by mortals, or simply dismissed for a more earthly explanation, those who spent time in the presence of these demons knew to take it as a warning.

Then he heard it, a man who he had been trying to avoid since the groups escape into Noria; one individual he wished to encounter after his business in Steffson had been completed. "Loki..." The general mumbled, a sigh of frustration accompanying this single word. The displeasure of simply hearing the man's voice couldn't have been any clearer.

The Nenian's crimson eyes stayed focused on Seth, watching the prince's reactions to such a surprise. "Good job. However, take hand off the blade, kiddo..." Aion spoke to the boy with a smirk. Loki was clearly giving the boy a scare, Aion couldn't blame the prince, he didn't know better. "If he were serious, you'd be in shredded pieces before any of us could react."

The Nenian's ears perked up as he heard Loki's order; He half wanted to respond with a typical smartassed comment, but he could sense that this was different. Loki wanted to...talk? No fighting, no malice, just a good ol' fashioned one on one conversation between two men? Now this was interesting enough to pull the tired general back onto his feet. "Sure...why not?" Aion responded, unsure if this was a serious attempt at diplomacy; or a chance to end up with another blade through his stomach.

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: That's fine mate, a rushed post is better than no post at all! Just keep it coming! )

"Good job. However, take hand off the blade, kiddo..." Aion suddenly said to Seth.

The young prince took his eyes off of Loki for a split second and looked at Aion, though through fear of Loki attacking while he was unaware he returned his vision to the intruder; he hadn’t moved, thankfully. Though surrounded by friends, well more companions that friends currently, Seth still found that he was terrified. There was something about this man that scared Seth, and though he couldn’t put his finger on exactly what it was he knew that this feeling wasn’t wrongly placed; this man was dangerous, to say the very least, yet terrifyingly familiar.

"If he were serious, you'd be in shredded pieces before any of us could react."

Though Aion had asked him to release his grip on the blade Seth was unwilling to do so. He felt more powerful and safe holding onto the blades hilt, almost reassured that he didn’t have to be as afraid as he was. Reluctantly Seth loosened his grip on the hilt of the Reaver until he had full released it from his hand. Almost instantly the power he had felt, the safety and reassurance all vanished, leaving him feeling somewhat alone and venerable. The change had been so instant that Seth had been taken aback by it. In his thought and confusion Seth had barely heard Aion reply to Loki.

"Sure...why not?"

As Aion stood and moved away from the group Loki leaned forward and little, lowering himself down to the young boy’s level. A sadistic smile was clear across his face, his burning eyes adding to his whole menacing appearance. “And don’t you forget it boy .” he hissed. With that Loki pulled himself away and moved off from the heat and light of the fire, Aion by his side. It wasn’t until they were a healthy way away from the small group that he trusted he or Aion could no longer be heard by anyone. When he stopped walking Loki didn’t begin to speak straight away. He took a deep breath and walked a few steps ahead of Aion, his back to him. This was going to be difficult for him.

“Lucifer is still alive.” he finally stated, turning to look at him. “He has-” he stopped himself, seemingly unable to speak the truth about the situation; he didn’t want Aion knowing anything too personal, not when he could use it against him. “I want him dead,” Loki spat, the hatred in his voice clear as day. “But…I’m weak, weaker than I was before we all got trapped.” he had admitted weakness, though only in an attempt to gain Aion’s trust, if only for a little and for a short while. “Haven’t you noticed the same? Everything’s an effort, even things that used to be Childs play!”

He was angry and frustrated, it was obvious, but there was more. “I want to go back to Hell. I need to do something. If I can’t take what I want, what I need, I’ll bargain for it…” this was already out of Loki’s usual character, but Aion was about to be even more astonished. “I can’t do it alone, I’m likely to get stabbed in the back…I need your help.” he muttered.

[Aion]

Shock took over Aion's normally calm demeanor. It wasn't the fact that Loki seemed to be dealing with the same issues when it came to their former power; it wasn't even the revelation that Lucifer was still alive and kicking. It was the villain's request for help that got him. The same man who called him a worthless member of the former group, who tried to slaughter him only a short time ago.

The Nenian couldn't help but to chuckle a little. Oh how he wanted to exploit this moment, to tease his foe with an answer, just simply taunt him until he was on his knees begging for the general to lend his power to this cause. Unfortunately, this wasn't the time to due so. By Loki opening himself up in such a manner meant the situation was more serious than the general had initially thought; not to himself, but to his former comrade.

However, Loki had brought up a point that Aion couldn't ignore, something he desperately needed: Power. A kind that couldn't be obtained in the mortal realm. While the Nenian was still quite powerful in his own right, over half of his reserves went toward maintaining the seal that protected his body from further infection of Neon Genesis. A disease that plagued Nenian's that were bestowed with a strong connection to the planet; those fated to join the Nenian priesthood.

During their time, this seal had been maintained through Aion's connection with Leviathan, but with his sudden transportation of a thousand years into the future; this connection was lost. Essentially, the young man had been using what energy he built up over the years, until he could form another contract with the new avatar of the great beast. Which, for a lack of better terms, looked utterly hopless. Aion could sense her on land, but locating her exact point would leave him too weak, open to Neon Genesis' rapid infection rate; and ultimately leaving him for dead.

The general's crimson orbs stared into Loki's eyes, piercing his heart; if he had one, that is. "And exactly what do you hope to gain by bargaining with Lucifer? Don't toy with me, we both know this isn't merely for a boost in power. There are plenty of ways to come by that without venturing into Hell."

[Ryan - Loki]

"And exactly what do you hope to gain by bargaining with Lucifer? Don't toy with me, we both know this isn't merely for a boost in power. There are plenty of ways to come by that without venturing into Hell."

It was a question that Loki had dreaded would come. Jesus Christ… blasphemy quite clearly wasn’t a bother to Loki. why couldn’t he taunt me? Mock me? ANYTHING other than ask me my reasons! He had hoped Aion would simply agree to help, though he knew deep down that Aion would never show such obedience to him; it was nothing more than wishful thinking.

“As if Lucifer would ever grant me power,” Loki said through an angry bark of a laugh. “He fears me, but only because he doesn’t know the extent of my – no, all of our new found weakness.” he needed to remind himself that it was not only he who was now weaker than before; all of them from the past shared the same problem now. “This is not about power…” However, now Loki was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The truth would only weaken his standing with Aion, but he would see through a lie almost instantly, and avoiding the question wouldn’t suffice either; Loki wasn’t without options.

“Before I died I almost had hell in my grasp. You had seemingly vanished, Natas and Dramanius were under my control and none but Mentar and Lucifer stood in my way.” he turned away and looked off into the darkness. He was trying to prolong his explanation to Aion. “I had reached such powers that I transformed every level of hell into one plain of existence…then Lucifer outsmarted me when I had my back turned and my attention focused on Dragonia.” he turned back to look at Aion. “He has new Lords, I’m sure of it. Someone from our time who I killed, an old friend of Ryan’s called Dimitri Joshuen, is still alive and working for Lucifer…who knows what other fools he’s managed to frighten into his service.”

“There’s, well, someone…gah, isn’t just wanting him dead a good enough reason Aion?!” Loki exclaimed, flinging his arms up in the air in frustration. Knowing full well that his response wouldn’t be enough Loki bit back another retort, took a deep breath, and plunged in with a sigh of annoyance. “I plan to bargain myself for another’s freedom.” he turned and looked into Aion’s eyes for a reaction. “I need you because they’re likely to betray me.”

[Aion]

Loki had skillfully side stepped Aion's question, but a master of deception he was not. Perhaps it was a cleverly placed line and tone meant to lure Aion into helping on his quest; or maybe, just maybe, the boisterous man had a minor slip up, leaving behind a hint of his true desire: Revenge. This would've been harmless if it were any other individual in existence, but killing Lucifer was off limits, at least in the general's mind.

There was truth to what Loki had spoken, there were no Lords left. This meant the devil was now the main facet for Noria's evil, his very presence keeping a majority of demon's in check. Whether, both men liked it or not, demons were no longer split between "levels" fighting petty turf wars for each Lord; they were now loyal to Lucifer, and him alone.

Aion could see the ramifications of the arch demon's death as clear as day. Civil war would plague the underworld, as demons fought to claim his throne. Without a doubt this would spill over into Noria; and once it did, who knew if and how Heaven would react. The worst part of this? Loki knew all of this as well, he had to, and even if the Nenian were to refuse his request, that wouldn't stop him charging into Hell; triggering all of this.

Through all of this, another question weighed heavy on the Nenian's mind: "Was the council correct?"? Were these "warriors of time" really the true reason for this planet's misfortune? Were they really cursed? Was he on the wrong side? Loki's need for such actions that could impact the future in such a way only reinforced this belief in Aion's mind. It was no longer a question of if he wanted to participate, or if he could save himself, but if his inclusion could prevent the outcome he had seen.

"One condition..." Aion spoke sternly. He knew what he was about to say wouldn't go over well with his former partner, especially given his reasons; but if his help, as well as this other person's freedom, was that valuble, hopefully they could agree. "Lucifer will not be harmed unless I give the order."

[Ryan - Loki]

In silence Seth watched the general and the stranger speak, unable to hear because of the distance and their hushed voices, and unable to read their lips due to the darkness of the night that had pressed against them as they had moved away from the campfire. Despite seeing the stranger up close and personal, Seth couldn’t decipher where he recognised him from; he knew that the stranger had been their enemy a thousand years ago, he knew his name was Loki, but there was something more than that, which Seth just couldn’t pinpoint.

“…I do not trust this…” Seth muttered, not specifically to himself but to anyone that was listening or willing to answer him. Though the silence of the group allowed him to think clearly, he knew it was his own imagination that was breeding fear within him.



"One condition..."

Loki had thought Aion would wish to add a stipulation or two, likely to try and avoid any attempted betrayal from Loki. “And what’s that then?” he folded his arms and simply looked at Aion while waiting for the reply. A grin had snuck onto his face as he mulled over the list of possible conditions he could imagine Aion trying to demand. It didn’t truly matter what he asked for, Loki would allow it as long as it helped him achieve what he wanted; as much as he craved revenge it would have to wait, this was a rescue mission.

"Lucifer will not be harmed unless I give the order." his voice was stern and unrelenting.

“…What?” It was the one thing Loki hadn’t anticipated Aion asking for, and the one thing he didn’t understand. His gut instinct was to demand for a reason why, but he doubted it would help his situation; he knew Aion, he wouldn’t budge over this, whatever his reasoning. “Fine.” Loki grunted through gritted teeth. “BUT,” there was always a ‘but’. “If I need to, in self-defence for example, I will protect myself…whatever happens then I’m not accountable for.” Loki was just as strong-minded and stubborn as Aion, and those were his terms.

Slowly, and obviously with some difficulty, Loki extended his hand to Aion. “We got a deal?”

[Sophronia]

Sophronia stumbled over a fallen branch. She was cold, hungry and so very tired. She kept seconded guessing herself as she passed trees and boulders. She was going in a complete circle. She wouldn’t be able to find Loki or anyone for that matter. She slid down the rough bark of the oak. She sat there and shivered. She couldn’t go on, she failed at everything so far this task was no different. She closed her eyes and slowly started fade when she felt something. She sat still and waited. Then she opened her eyes and smiled. With every ounce of determination she forced her way to the source.

From a far she saw a fire, a welcoming sight. Shadows were dancing around it and she knew people were there. She crept up till she could see them better. Loki’s back was to her and she smiled. Then frowned. Why was she happy to see him? She felt it bubble up but couldn’t understand it. She couldn’t really understand anything that was going on anymore. All she knew was that she needed help and God had told her to trust the one that was true to her. Was this right? She backed up and shivered again. Should she run? Was this a test from Lucifer? Then maybe God was really given her a second chance… But she had little time. Slowly and silently she walked from the darkness of the trees. The warmth of the fire made her sigh mentally.

Sophronia crossed her arms over her tattered and bloody dress as she interrupted. “ Could you be so kind as to let sit by your fire to warm myself, kind sir…” She was on the verge of tears but didn’t know the reason behind them. She wanted to run to Loki to hide in his arms and forever, but she had never seen him and only knew what her Master has told her of him. Her head was so scattered but her heart was so sure and so positive that her thoughts were becoming a headache. She waited for a response teeth chattering and numb fingers running up and down goose bump arms. She noticed the man that looked across from Loki and took a few steps back, not sure if she could trust him as she could trust him as she could Loki. He looked a little angry and dark. But she didn’t show her fear to him just surprised.

[Aion]

"No, not even then." Aion spat back, denying the demon's retort. Lucifer knew how to pick his battles, he knew when and how to execute his plans. Aion didn't know if it due to arrogance on Loki's part, but he seemed to forget, their former master held all the cards. There was nothing to gain from attacking his two former slaves other than a second or two of amusement; and if the lord of darkness was looking to fulfill that desire, with their current handicap, it'd be best to run.

As Aion watched Loki raise his arm looking for confirmation on their alliance, another moment of hesitance struck him. While Loki wasn't Lucifer, he was just as untrustworthy, arrogant, and ruthless. Those who were ignorant enough to enter any agreement with these types of individual's were asking for a nasty end. "It'll be different this time." The Nenian thought silently to himself. Whether it was just his subconscious reassuring his gut that everything would be dandy or not, the general would try his damnedest to make sure it was true. Without another thought, Aion grasped Loki's hand giving him a firm handshake; knowing very well that he may have just signed his own death warrant.

However, the Nenian wasn't finished speaking yet. "You take him to lightly, Loki; that's always been you're problem. Lucifer hasn't survived this long by outsmarting the weak. Whatever you have to offer him, I hope it doesn't end up getting us killed..." There were a moment of awkward silence as Aion watched a woman emerge from the trees and walk right into the vicinity; confirming his thoughts from earlier: Noria's forests were more infested with strange drifters than actual animals.

Aion cocked his head to the left, analyzing the woman before him. Her approach alone surprised the Nenian; while she wasn't in any fear of being harmed, there was a sadness about her that just stuck out like a sore thumb. And was that blood on her dress?!?! She was a weird one, that's for sure. There was something else though...the scent of Lucifer essence; something that, while he hadn't been around for ages, Aion could still sense from miles away. "One of yours, Loki?" He asked looking for confirmation before answering her question.

[Ryan - Loki]

“No, not even then.” Aon quickly spat in response.

Loki nearly yanked his arm back upon hearing this, but quickly bit his tongue and somehow managed to hold it steady. He reminded himself how much he needed Aion for what he had to do, as he couldn’t do it alone; he repeated his over and over within his head, to drill it in. “Fine.” he managed to force out in reply. Loki wasn’t sure if Aion had become spineless over the years or whether or not he was too smart for his own good, either way Loki wasn’t pleased with the lowly terms he had just accepted for Aion’s help.

After a moments hesitation from Aion the Nenian extended his own hand and shook Loki’s. It was a firm grip, a good sign of Aion’s strength. “You take him to lightly, Loki; that's always been you're problem. Lucifer hasn't survived this long by outsmarting the weak. Whatever you have to offer him, I hope it doesn't end up getting us killed...” It sounded like advice at first, albeit opinionated advice, but the sentence quickly seemed to turn in the direction of self-reassurance.

“And you hold his power in too high a regard,” Loki retorted with a malicious smirk that had been sort of his trademark in the many years of their past. He released his grip on Aion’s hand and returned it back to his side. “He fears me…for now it will have to be enough, until I regain my former strength. And don’t worry…I have a feeling Lucifer will be eating out of my hand with what I have to offer him.” his smirk seemed to beam for a moment, as if he was proud of his plan, but there was something else, a hint of sadness perhaps? Whatever it was it was gone before it really settled.

“One of yours, Loki?” Aion sudden said, motioning back towards the fire.

At first glance Loki only noticed the same group that had been there when he had arrived, Natas included. Loki was seconds away from declaring Aion a fool, he should have known Natas was his servant, but then Loki saw her; the sore thumb of the group. Her pale complexion and her blue hair, the blood split down the front of her chest; there was only one person it could be. Slowly Loki walked past Aion and towards the fire once more. He couldn’t understand why she was here again, though with the state she had been in before, with Dimitri having whisked her off to Lucifer, Loki was cautious of treachery. “She’s the one whose soul we’re off to save.” Loki said, almost in a hushed whisper, his voice cold and emotionless.

Stopping a good bit away from her Loki just looked at her for a moment. Natas had stood off in the distant darkness and moved towards the group, behind her, but not intimidating so. “Why have you come here? Whose blood is that down your dress?” he didn’t sound cold, but neither was his voice full of any other emotion; he had come too far to fall to a trick, if that’s what this was. “Lucifer would never just let you go.”

[[The child]]

Even if the prince was distracted by Aion, he wouldn't have gotten his answer. As soon it was clear that they would've been there longer than 5 minutes, he went asleep. Before running into them, he haven't been sleeping the greatest. The environment was nosier than his last home. The child manages to sleep only when very tired. At that time, he sleeps deeper unaffected by noise. Well, the others have managed to wake him up when they needed him to lead them on. To answer the boy's question, they had around twenty miles left. Assuming the Rellian knew measurements and with exaggerated.

"GET OFF!" The only trouble with the boy sleeping, his sudden night terrors. The demon shifted positions, before being at complete rest again. He was ignorant of this condition. He'll wonder if he was a few feet in another direction the night before or what had attacked him, as he'll unintentionally hurt himself. It's not like he had anyone to ever tell him in the first place.

[Sophronia]

OOC: Im VERY sorry for the long delay. But Chassey has caught the N1H1 virus and was admited into the hospital with a 106* fever. I got out today but im still recovering and catching up on school work and trying to finish the SoN video. ^^ But anyways heres the post enjoy.

Sophronia looked at Loki and she felt her heart drop. There was no feeling in his eyes, as if she were a bug under his shoe. Wrothless. The word echoed in her mind. She felt trapped in his gaze to find anything that linked her to him. But there was nothing, but empty air. She snapped out of her trance as he started to pumble her with questions.

“Why have you come here? Whose blood is that down your dress?”

She looked down at her dress and touched the large red stain over her chest down to her waist. She was quite and lost in her own thoughts. Why was she here? She wanted to be with him. Wanted to escape something bad that was coming after her. Was scared and knew she would be safe with him. Had a deep feeling of love for him. She shivered again and backed away from him.
Lucifer would never just let you go.”

She looked back into his eyes and shook her head. But he could have been right. Maybe she was bait to lure Loki out. Her face drained of what little color was left and whispered hoarsely.

“ I wass.. told to finnd you… to ggo to the person iii… I trust wwwho would keep meee safe. But I ddont know wwwho it was… I jjust knew I hhad to find yyou. ” With each word she trembled and started to retreat. “ I shouldn’t bbbe here. Too dddangerous. ” With that she turned to escape and saw a rather large ‘person’ blocking her way. She could teleport away but she was too weak and cold put forth the energy to do so. She was trapped.

[Kaworu - Horatio]

Shannon had been listening in to the whole conversation between Aion and Loki waiting for his time to enter into the discussion because he was technically a deamon and would likely be of use down in Hell for what they had planing, but then the girl appeared and things went strange at least slightly strange because most things of late had been quite strange so this was pretty normal compared to the rest of the last few days.

But now with this lady who was freaking out and had some connection to their reluctant travel companion and all around pain in the arse Loki, back when he figured he was human or at least had the feelings of a live person which have seemed to have ceased for the most part. So hanging from a tree limb Shannon looked down at the girl "Back off a little will you Nutless, cause you're scaring the lady and having feelings for Loki is probably scary enough for her" commented Shannon who then jumped off the brunch and landed on the ground not far from the lady.

"Nothing to be afraid of, we're all nice guys here well aside from Nutless and Loki here but you have enough good guys to out number them anyways" expressed Shannon in a nice and normal tone of voice, trying to make the girl feel more comfortable as it was fairly obvious she was scared out of her wits despite the fact he'd heard Lucifer had her and in less she was some sex toy he figured there was more to her then this but for now left it at conjecture.

In the darkness past the fire not far from where Aion and Loki were talking still seemed to be the boy prince Seth who hadn't moved since he was listening in on the other two's conversation like Shannon was but the prince's was fairly obvious, at least it was obvious to Cyrene and Marien who were now sneaking up on Seth because they had nothing better to do and didn't care for Loki's former love slaves. So as they got close to the boy prince they jumped and yelled boo and grabbed the boy on the shoulders, giving the Seth the chance to freak out before laughing jovially at him.

[Ryan - Loki]

“I wass.. told to finnd you… to ggo to the person iii… I trust wwwho would keep meee safe. But I ddont know wwwho it was… I jjust knew I hhad to find yyou.” She was trembling, but for what reason exactly Loki did not know. He remained in silence, watching her with his unnatural, burning eyes. His face gave away no emotions. “I shouldn’t bbbe here. Too dddangerous.” she tried backing away but Natas was behind her, not right behind her, in fact he was a fair distance away from her, but her exit was now blocked.

Loki thought about everything she had said. She was babbling, that much was clear, and it didn’t seem to be a trap, though he had overlooked things and underestimated Lucifer before. She didn’t seem to know him, as she hadn’t before, despite saying she had been told to find him. He was unsure as to what he should do; did he trust her or did he push her away until he was certain he wouldn’t get a knife stuck in him when his back was turned? Before he could voice anything someone interrupted him.

"Back off a little will you Nutless, cause you're scaring the lady and having feelings for Loki is probably scary enough for her" A person who Loki recognised as one of the people who he was frozen in time with, but not someone important enough for him to know their name, had spoken and then jumped down from the branch he was resting upon. He moved towards Sophronia, gesturing with his hands in a reassuring way. "Nothing to be afraid of, we're all nice guys here well aside from Nutless and Loki here but you have enough good guys to out number them anyways."

Loki’s mouth curled into a snarl. “Get away from her!” it was not a request, his eyes told that much; two viciously burning orbs. Things were getting more complicated by the second. Why can’t anything be simple? half keeping an eye on this stranger, Loki turned his head to the side to speak to Aion. “We need to hurry…the sooner we get this over with, the better.” he looked at Sophronia, but continued to speak to Aion. “Bargaining with Lucifer will be dangerous. Better hurry up and say your goodbyes now, you never know if you’ll be coming back.” With that he turned his head and looked directly at Aion, smirking mischievously; he’d rather Aion was on his toes.



Seth had been watching everything unfold with growing discomfort and unease. He didn’t like how he felt he knew Loki for some reason, but most of all he didn’t like those crimson eyes. The flickered like fire. Then a strange, pale skinned woman arrived from the darkness with blood down her front, and more confrontation kicked off between Loki and Shannon. Seth couldn’t help but watch intensely, despite every ounce of his sense was telling him to turn away.

BOO! arms grabbed at his shoulder, Seth screamed, jumped and span round onto his back to crawl away from his attackers. Only there were no attackers, only the twins, who were now laughing profoundly at him. In an instant Seth turned a deeper shade of red than even Loki’s eyes; he was so embarrassed. He wanted to yell at them for scaring him, but he doubted it would make him look any better, so he simply sat there and prayed for a hole to open up in the earth and swallow him up.