Unforeseen Calm before the Storm

[Kaworu - Horatio]

Shannon ignored Loki's comment or order whichever it may have been and turned his attention back to the girl "Don't worry about him, he's all bark and no bite" retorted Shannon to the girl and gave her ra nice smile, but after a few seconds he returned his attention to Loki and Aion and walked over to them but not before motioning Kaworu and or Augury over.

So they could try and make the girl feel more comfortable since Augury was a lady herself so that should make the lady feel better and Kaworu was just naturally liked by most people because of his kind demeanor, as he got closer to Loki and Aion he heard what they were saying "You know if you need any help down there in Hell, I am technically a deamon and a high ranked one at that. And having an extra hand can always be helpful" expressed Shannon knowing that Loki would likely jump off the handle again since it's his usual reaction, at least that's what he's observed so far anyway and he hasn't been proven wrong in his assumptions in Loki yet aside from this sudden concern for this girl otherwise he's been dead on the money.

Kaworu and Augury got up from their seated position and headed over towards the girl trying not to seem intimidating in anyway and trying to shoe Natas off or at least have him turn off his headlight eyes, "Don't worry, we mean you no harm but if you're hungry or cold I can get you some food or blankets" kindly expressed Augury with a friendly smile. Behind her was Kaworu who wasn't really saying anything but was smiling none the less just so the girl didn't feel scared and he had no reason not smile, but this whole situation was getting complicated by the second and with this new person thrown into the mix things could get a lot worse before they get any better and they'd barely gone anywhere close to their destination.

Back with Seth who was now blushing to no end and looking towards the ground the twins had laughed so hard that their eyes were watering but they stopped once they saw how upset it made the prince, so they crawled up closer to the boy "Hey Seth, don't worry we were only having some fun and didn't mean any harm by it, cause it seems the olds have some crazy thing going on so us young people gotta make our own fun" explained Marien with a smile. While Cyrene just sat back and let Marien console the boy since she was much better at that and he was still wiping the water from his eyes, either way he still thought it was funny but didn't think the prince would react so badly cause he knew that he'd likely scream and jump maybe even be embarrassed but didn't expect to go all sad and gloomy.

[Sophronia]

OOC: Since were all just skipping people....

Sophronia looked at the man who jumped from a high branch above them and held in a scream. She watched as he passed Loki and his friend off and spoke to her kindly. She shook her head slowly not wanting to be rude but she couldn’t trust anyone, including herself.

"Back off a little will you Nutless, cause you're scaring the lady and having feelings for Loki is probably scary enough for her. 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"

She nodded slowly, her teeth chattering and body spazzing time to time from the cold. She watched Loki to see if would turn her away or trust her. She prayed he would, she didn’t know what to do. Her only last option would to go to Hell herself and ask her Master , the name burnt her tongue, for help. She closed her eyes and shook her head. That was the last place she would go. If Loki had no intention of helping her she would run. Through Lucifer off their trail and let him sniff out her dead body.
“Get away from her!”

Sophronia jumped and faced Loki who was seething. His eyes were a beautiful ruby color that drew her in. Something was important about peoples eyes but she couldn’t remember what. She dismissed it as she saw Loki talk to the dark man in front of him.

“We need to hurry…the sooner we get this over with, the better. Bargaining with Lucifer will be dangerous. Better hurry up and say your goodbyes now, you never know if you’ll be coming back.”

Her skin clawed and a sharp pain zipped down her spine. “ no… yyyou can’t… tttoo dangerousss… he wwwill kill youuu…” she looked to be on the verge of tears as she reached for Loki and stopped. “ What is ssso important that yyyou need to go to him? Isss it wroth your lllife?” She was so tired and all she wanted to do was sleep forever. She could feel her blood forming ice crystals in her veins.

"Don't worry about him, he's all bark and no bite. You know if you need any help down there in Hell, I am technically a deamon and a high ranked one at that. And having an extra hand can always be helpful"

She turned her head slightly to the man but never took her eyes off Loki. “ Its not worth your life Loki… his too powerful…” She bearly herd what else was spoken as she closed her eyes and felt to the cold ground in a heap of blue and white. Shivers racked her body as she tried to form words as too keep Loki from leaving. “ Lucifer…cccheated Gggod…for mmme… ”

[Aion]

Aion's eyes wondered over to Loki's position as he began to speak, being greeted by a devilish grin, something about it just screamed "You just fucked up, majorly.". The hell spawn may have expected another reaction, but all the Nenian allowed him was a disgusted sigh; anything more would be giving this brute the satisfaction of placing the general in a submissive position among the group. Though it goes without saying, Aion would be damned if he was going to play second fiddle to him.

"Shannon, your rank among demons doesn't help us here. In fact, if Lucifer were to attack, you'll probably be more harm than I'd like to admit." Aion wasn't saying this to put the demon down or be hurtful, but to protect Shannon. Taking a high ranking demon to negotiate with the unpredictable "King" of all demons, wasn't a wise choice to make here. However, Shannon brought up a good point. As it stands, The Nenian was heading into Hell with Loki and his companions. With Loki's untrustworthy past, this didn't exactly sit well in the general's mind. "He has a point though, a couple more people wouldn't hurt."

Aion watched the antics of his comrades from a distance. They weren't taking this seriously as he'd like; and granted, a little humor worked wonders when this much tension loomed over his head, this was not the time. However, this did provide a decent opportunity to figure out who to take and who to leave behind to complete the current mission. Maybe the group hadn't quite grasped the dangers of what was going on, but dragging them all into Underworld was a horrible idea. For this mission, only a small group was necessary for survival. Bringing any unnecessary attention onto themselves would only be trouble. "Loki, who do you think would be helpful...?"

[[The child]]

The constant chattering had finally taken it's affect on the sleeping child. His eyes are wide awake, while Shannon retorted "Don't worry about him, he's all bark and no bite"

Better be important.[/color] He gave them a minute to finish. But it went on and on. It was something about someone being to powerful. It didn't matter. He was pissed that they were talking about garbage instead of that they were going or food. He jumps up at the end of Aion's statement.

"WHY ARE YOU WAKING ME UP! How you think I'm going to bring you..?[/color]" Before he could finish the threat, of let him sleep or else the deal is if, he noticed to new visitors. A person with white hair and another with blue. Surprised, he digs his feet into the ground. "Who are they!" Fearing for the worse, he got into an offensive position, ready to jump on anyone. "If they're going to attack me, I'm going to kill everyone!"

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: GOD that was a lot to reply to!)

"Hey Seth, don't worry we were only having some fun and didn't mean any harm by it, cause it seems the olds have some crazy thing going on so us young people gotta make our own fun." It was Marien who finally spoke to Seth, a smile on her face, while Cyrene just continued to grin and wipe the tears from his eyes.

What they didn’t know was that Seth wasn’t really upset. A small, mischievous grin crossed the prince’s face as he turned to look at Marien. “Don’t worry,” he said. “I’ll get you back, both of you.” despite everything that was going on around them, it was nice to just feel like his age for a while and to forget everything, but in truth there was no ignoring the reality of the situation, and Seth found that he was soon enough engrossed once more by the events that were transpiring all around them, especially Loki.



"Don't worry about him; he's all bark and no bite."

Loki growled in response. He like this one. He was arrogant and thought too highly of himself; he reminded Loki of himself. He had decided to ignore him as there were far more important things to focus on.

“No… yyyou can’t… tttoo dangerousss… he wwwill kill youuu…what is ssso important that yyyou need to go to him? Isss it wroth your lllife?”

She sounded weak, not to mention she looked weak as well. It was worrying. For a moment Loki’s eyes betrayed him and they showed his emotions, but before he could voice anything that man spoke again, having now moved over towards both Loki and Aion.

"You know if you need any help down there in Hell, I am technically a demon and a high ranked one at that. And having an extra hand can always be helpful."

“Hah.” was all that Loki said in response before Aion spoke.

"Shannon, your rank among demons doesn't help us here. In fact, if Lucifer were to attack, you'll probably be more harm than I'd like to admit. He has a point though; a couple more people wouldn't hurt." Aion paused, but only long enough to look directly at Loki. "Loki, who do you think would be helpful...?"

He’s actually asking for my opinion? Loki was shocked, to say the least. He turned and looked from Aion to Sophronia.

“It’s not worth your life Loki… his too powerful…”

He couldn’t take her, it was too risky and she was far too weak. “Well…” it was a difficult question. He hadn’t planned on there being anyone else other than Aion and himself. “I’m not taking Natas or Dramanius. If I take them it will look too much as if I’m trying to enforce some level of power.” and he didn’t need them to do that. He shrugged his shoulders. “Meh, it’s your call partner .” this one he would let Aion decide. Suddenly another person jumped into the fray.

“WHY ARE YOU WAKING ME UP! How you think I'm going to bring you…?” [/color] slowly the young, what appeared to be a creature of some sort, slowly realised new people had joined the group. “Who are they!?” he sprung up to his feet and took a defensive stance. “If they're going to attack me, I'm going to kill everyone!”

“Oooooo, I like him!” Loki said through laughter. Slowly he made his way over towards the little thing. “You’ve got a fire burning in you.” Loki’s eyes seemed to jump to life at the mere mention of fire. “You could go far kid…with the right guidance.” With that Loki nodded his head towards Natas and spoke in a quieter voice, so no one else nearby would hear him. “Speak to Natas when I’m gone…”

[Aion]

"Just full of surprises today, aren't we?" The Nenian responded with a snicker. He hadn't expected for Loki to be so willing to enter Hell without any of his companions; no protection, no reinforcements, just the two of them. It was confusing. Aion knew something was amiss with this situation, and if he were new to Loki's games, perhaps he wouldn't doubt the sincerity of his plea to save this woman from Lucifer's grasp.

Aion knew he had to have a counter plan, something that could play out in a subtle manner that would go unnoticed. A trump card. "Get up, Seth. You're coming along for the ride." The young general glared at the boy as he spoke. This wasn't done in Aion's usual tone, this was an outright order. He'd hoped the prince would take a hint and honor this order without incident. Admittedly, while the prince wouldn't be as helpful as a few of the others, there was a reason for his inclusion.

Aion turned his attention back to Loki."I'm going to trust that your friend's can, at the very least, safely accompany this group to Steffson? If so, let's be on our way."

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Right everyone, Aion, Loki and Seth are leaving the thread to do something else, so it's up to all of you to keep the thread moving! I'll be keeping Natas active with the group, so i'll still be posting with you all.)

"Just full of surprises today, aren't we?" The Nenian snickered as he replied.

Loki lowered himself into a mock bow. “I aim to please.” he said through a smirk. Each and everything Loki had said and done since meeting with Aion had been leading him towards gaining the Nenian’s help, not his trust. Yes, he had told the truth on several occasions, but his deceitful nature had help keep the mystery to his intentions in doubt; mystery and the element of surprise was always vital, even when you didn’t necessarily need it.

At any rate he didn’t trust taking Natas and Dramanius into Hell with him. Though they were both his servants, despite Dramanius’ willingness to accept it, and the fact that they were both in some form reliant on him for their powers, he had no doubt in his mind that the two of them would jump at the chance of regaining their former glory, even if it meant serving Lucifer instead; they were opportunists. No, he was far safer going into Hell with Aion. The Nenian now fought for truth and justice, all that stereotypical hero stuff, and so was more trustworthy in this particular situation. However, the Nenian then went and did something completely unexpected.

“Get up, Seth. You're coming along for the ride.”

Loki spun around and looked at the kid. “You’ve got to be kidding. You want the small fry to come along?” the choice didn’t make sense.

Seth was wide eyed at the mention of his name, though as he had been watching Loki and the general he didn’t have to turn and look at them. He couldn’t understand why the general wanted him to go with them, wherever it was that they were going. In fact, Seth hadn’t been able to hear a single word of the conversation they had held. Seth had never been ordered to do anything except by his father and perhaps Ryan once or twice – though his orders had always been more requests than anything else. It took Seth by surprise, but without hesitation he jumped up to his feet. “Ye-yes general.” he muttered with a nod of his head.

“I'm going to trust that your friend's can, at the very least, safely accompany this group to Steffson? If so, let's be on our way." the sentence had been aimed back at Loki.

Loki turned to regard Aion. what are you up to? he just couldn’t figure it out. “I’m sure Natas can handle protecting them, until they get to Steffson. Isn’t that right Natas?” It wasn’t a question.

“Fuck off Loki. Natas suddenly spat.

Loki’s head swung around to look at Natas, his eyes blazing with anger.

“I’m no longer following your orders. I’m sticking with these people. Why I’m with them they’ll be safe, but not because you ordered it.”

Good, he’s staying in character. Just don’t push your luck Natas… Loki continued to stare at Natas as if he hated the man for his insolence. “I’ll deal with you later.” he abruptly stated. With that he turned back to Aion. “Happy? Ready?” and with a smirk he didn’t wait for a response. Fire swirled up around Loki, Aion and Seth, consuming them until they were no longer visible. It wouldn’t burn them; they wouldn’t even feel the heat like the others would. When the fire finally died down they were gone, burnt grass where they had been standing was all that remained.

[Ryan - Loki]

As the smoke settled it became clear to the group that Loki, Aion and Seth were all gone. It was probably with much relief, to some of them, that they had all not been burned to a crisp, but Natas had used this form of travel many times before, so he knew exactly what to expect from it; he wasn’t about to ease the worry and tell anyone else though, no, this was far more entertaining.

Natas had relished speaking to Loki like that. He had never thought it was in him, though he had often felt like doing so. Though it was all in their plan, to seem divided to the point that they could gather as much information as possible, Natas was taking full advantage of the situation. He had never been much of an actor, there was no need for him to be considering his face was concealed underneath his exoskeleton, so at least he knew he was safe from being rumbled by the others at least while he spoke to and about Loki as he had been.

However, amongst all the foul play and acting Natas had noticed Loki’s interested in both the mysterious woman and the young boy. Natas had also noted the look Loki had given him after speaking a few hushed words with the boy; he knew exactly what it meant.

Slowly he moved through the group, making note not to move too close to them in fear of worrying them, as he made his way to the boy. This one was different. He appeared to be a demon in appearance, very similar to how Natas appeared, but Natas knew better than that, even if only from experience. He moved next to the boy and took a seat down beside him; even seated he was almost as tall as the boy stood up.

“Sit down.” Natas said abruptly. His voice wasn’t loud, nor was it quiet. It wasn’t a demand but it wasn’t a request either. He waited until the boy did as he was told, or didn’t, before he continued. He spoke quietly enough so that no one else would hear him except the Demon boy. “Loki spoke to you. He can tell you’re not like the others. Not in appearance, but inside.” He turned his head to look at the Demon boy. “You can’t lie to me child, I know you’re not a demon. You may hide under that skin, but its not who you are.” he leaned in closer. “What are you really?”

[[The child]]

[sorry for not posting lately, been sick and museless]

The boy stood for the entire conversation that happened amongst Aion and Loki. Loki was the oddest person that the boy ever met. Right after the threat, the demon came right up to him after saying, “Oooooo, I like him!” Quietly, the child was told to talk to someone called Natas. "What.?"

It was obvious that Loki ignored the grumpy kid, going on about mocking, teasing, and leaving. With two of the others with them, fire came out of nowhere and seemed to have burned the trio into nothing. This confused the Rellian. Even he knows fire leave remains, like the burnt grass. He stayed in his spot, trying to figure out what happened to them and who had tried to burn them.

“Sit down.”

The child turns around, to glare at Natas. I don't take orders from anyone.[/i] The other male sits down across from, starting talking about what Loki saw. It wasn't his intention, but he pissed of the kid. “You can’t lie to me child... What are you really?"

If Natas could read minds, it was easy to tell that the child had no idea what the hell he was. He had assumed he was a demon, and he wasn't going to change that claim now. "Liar! I am a demon!" Now whatever private conversation they were having, is now broadcasting to group. "I don't look like any of you! And I'm certainly stronger! He goes up to a tree, deciding to take a swipe at it.

Luckily, he didn't choose a sentient target. For they would be crying over the massive amount of bark that was torn off. The show wasn't done yet. The Rellian focuses his energy, using his Wind Burst ability at a bush in front of him. It didn't uproot, like he hoped, but had shown the might of the spell.

The child had to hold his head, as he had given himself a headache. He still retorted to the group. "Still think I'm like you idiots? Or do should we see who has tougher skin?"

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Sorry about the auto-hit, but Natas is an SAC - so it was an SAC auto-hit. Wont make a habit of it, don't worry.)

"Liar! I am a demon!" the boy bellowed out, broadcasting the conversation to the entire group.

If he had proper eyes Natas would have rolled them. This was not what he had signed on for. Before he could say another word to the kid the boy started shouting again.

"I don't look like any of you! And I'm certainly stronger!”

Without wasting any time the boy moved into an attempted display of power. It was, entertaining, to say the least. Natas simply watched as it took place and waited for it to finish. Obviously this boy believed that a true show of power was the only way to gain respect or domination; it was an opinion that Natas shared, he just hoped the child didn’t mind being on the receiving end of what he preached.

"Still think I'm like you idiots? Or do should we see who has tougher skin?" the boy asked, looking at all of them.

“Oh no, I don’t think you’re like me.” Natas replied, walking towards him slowly. “I think you’ve got a lot to learn.” Without warning Natas’ cape seemingly appeared out from within his back. It was large, larger than he was at least, a crimson red cape with several holes and tears in it; but the way it moved, as if it was alive.

Slowly he lifted his hand, pointing it at the boy. Soon enough the boy would feel as if he was having trouble breathing. He would begin to feel as if his very blood was boiling within his body. The connection he had with his abilities would begin to fade away until he could no longer feel it at all. His body would begin to lose feeling. It was a slow process, but only to drag the pain it caused on longer. This was Natas’ Hell Virus ability, specifically focused at the young boy to show him a small glimpse of the power that Natas held; a virus, the ultimate weapon. Natas was sparing the others within the group, granting them temporary immunity from the virus.

“You are just a pawn in a much larger game.” Natas said, still pumping out the Virus from his own body. “Tough skin or not, not all attacks can be defended against.” if he had a mouth he would have grinned. “I don’t care if you have potential, you’re a child…so do not forget your place.” and with that he ceased the virus, sparing the child’s life; soon enough his body would return back to normal, as if nothing had ever happened.

[[The child]]

[I'll allow it, as it drives the story and my character. Besides, he needed to be kicked down a peg]

The display of power was to both intimidate and to show off what he was. The child was trying to play on differences, which from experience, has definitely scared people off. Even though Natas had an exoskeleton, the Rellian did not count him as one of him. This is because he really hasn't seen a reflection of himself and fending for himself, for most of his life.

It was obvious that the display had no effect on the newcomer. “Oh no, I don’t think you’re like me.” The boy thought his point was proven, not considering the fact that Natas meant not being an actual demon. “I think you’ve got a lot to learn.” The older male couldn't be more right. However, the boy scowls. He doesn't like anyone making insults at him. Before he can insult back, a cape appears out of nowhere.

The boy takes a step back. He was wondering what to do next. Before deciding, he noticed that it began getting harder to breath. The child began taking deep breaths. Then the forest began getting hot. It's been the hottest he's ever been, which is a lot coming from a desert dweller.

With staggering breath, "You... Burning... Me..." Something was definitely wrong. It felt like someone took the sun and shoved it into his body, cooking him from the inside out. He tried to talk again, but it came out as gargling. The noise stopped, at the same time he started losing some of his feeling through out his body. The Rellian stumbles, as he lost feeling to his legs and sight.

Eventually, there were only three things the boy's body could do. Think, hear, and feel the intense pain roaring through his body. If he could, he would be begging Natas for mercy. Well, verbally, Don't kill me! Stop! Stop! You're stronger! I know! Stop! Stop! I don't want to die! He figured it had to be the newcomer. He was the only who stood up to the threat and did seem he was going to do something on his own.

Besides, there was only him delivering the speech. “You are just a pawn in a much larger game.” Natas might as well said, 'Blah blah, Vermont and south Mississippi crap.' The child didn't learn that analogy, let alone the terms. “Tough skin or not, not all attacks can be defended against.” That was the biggest clue who the attacker was, to the kid. “I don’t care if you have potential, you’re a child…so do not forget your place.” Again, Natas somewhat lost the kid. He didn't know what 'child' is; wondering if it was an insult. However, the threat was clear. At least taking it as, 'You're dead'.

It wouldn't be for another minute, that the boy noticed something weird about death. He was able to breath and see. If someone were to look over him, they would notice fear in his eyes. In every other scary situation he can think of, he can think of ways how to fight himself out of it. Even fire magic users weren't as frighting; they don't seem to hold a candle next to what Natas did.

That was the reason he dare not move. He didn't say anything, look around, or even think. Natas was the strongest, he makes the shots. The Rellian wasn't going to do anything until either he goes away or tells him to get up. It probably be a mistake for anyone else to come to him right now. The boy doesn't want to submit to the demon, but is going to in hope of surviving. He isn't in the mood to show fear and respect to anyone else.

[Kaworu - Horatio]

Shannon just fell back on the tree stump and laughed at what Natas did to the boy and knew now that the kid had fallen down a peg in his arrogant attitude towards people, or at least Natas who was very similar in appearance to the boy so having them connect was expected anyway. But Shannon thought it was funny "Little deamon boy's been shown his place" expressed Shannon through his laughter.

Kaworu was still near the new girl though he himself was holding back a laugh because despite the way it was done to the boy he probably needed to be shown that he wasn't the be all and end all of power, so Natas' performance was useful in hopefully quelling the little fellows way of going off at people. But he hoped that he would quiet down before or at least when they come into any town because his appearance was strange enough for people to see, and the way he does and reacts to things makes matter a whole lot worse if they're surrounded by people and even if he does some how behave his look well still attract unwanted attention in less they cover him.

But Kaworu got up and stretched a little while he looked around to see who was lift in their little party that had just had it's numbers culled because Loki had a grudge or problem with the guy downstairs, so he hoped when they got to this guy in Steffson with his magic source that they aren't outnumbered by whatever army this guy may ring up with this mysterious power of his.

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Sorry it's not great, am kind of rushed.)

"Little demon boy's been shown his place" the one known as Shannon said.

Natas looked at the man carefully. This Shannon claimed to be a demon, yet he looked no more demon than Loki did. However, Natas had learned long ago that looks were often deceiving. One thing was certain however, Shannon seemed to be tittering more in the light of good than the darkness of evil, which made him a potential enemy for the future. We’ll have wait and see.

"The child needed the chip knocked off of his shoulder." Natas stated emotionlessly. Watching Natas speak was eerie within itself, considering he did not have a visible mouth, much like he was wearing a mask. Slowly he moved over to the child and bent down next to him. Once again Natas spoke in a hushed whisper that only the child would be able to hear.

"That is just one of the many powers I hold…you’d be wise to learn from me child, I could teach you to gain the respect you desire, the destructive power you yearn for." it was an offer, one that Loki had silently commanded Natas to give. Natas waited for some sort of response before standing up once more and looking around the group.

"We will need to move out soon, if we want to reach Steffson without hassle."

[Kaworu - Horatio]

"Like you really care about our mission Natas, I know you're only here because your master told you too otherwise you'd be long gone by now, and what makes you think you'll be leading this group from now on because I'm sure I speak for the rest of us when I say no ones trusts you" expresses Kaworu in a fairly blunt tone though not angry at all but still with a stern manner.

But for the moment he was content with just getting this mission over and done with himself so he can settle in what reamined of his group, and maybe after all this was said and done he may take a trip down to where he had his estate and see if anything remained of it.

[Ryan - Loki]

(OOC: Sorry for the delay, was waiting for everyone to post but i'll move things along.)

“Like you really care about our mission Natas, I know you're only here because your master told you too otherwise you'd be long gone by now, and what makes you think you'll be leading this group from now on because I'm sure I speak for the rest of us when I say no ones trusts you.”

At this Natas turned his head to look at the one speaking to him. The ancient demon remembered to hold his tongue and not to give away his rouse, but that was not without difficulty. “You don’t have to trust me,” Natas said plainly to him. He kept the anger and the malice out of his voice; he even managed to hide the coldness as well. “And you don’t have to listen to follow my lead either.”

He turned and looked around the small group. “We’ve lingered around this fire, drawing attention to ourselves, for far too long now.” He looked down at the child to see his reaction. “And from what little information we have, and where I believe us to be on the map, I think it’s possible to reach Steffson well before day-break. But if we don’t leave soon then the sun will rise before we get there and our cover will be blown.” Now he looked back towards Kaworu. “So do what you want, I’m leaving.”

Natas looked back down towards the child. “Come on child, lead the way.”