Calyepian grunts, hauling himself off of the dirty ground. He brushes himself off, glancing around. Crimson surrounds him, just as he remembers it. He takes a steadying breath, and marches along the beaten path, keeping his senses on full alert. It does not take him long to find what he came for. The blackened wings are unmistakable. Calyepian pauses, his hand on his sword. The wings unfurl, sending a small blast of wind out.
Iadon rises, his expression hard.
"Come to finish me off? I was beginning to think that day wasn't coming."
Removing his hand from his sword, Calyepian lower's his head.
"Iadon, you assisted my sister in trying to overthrow my father, you made yourself my enemy."
Nodding, Iadon merely shrugs.
"I guess I did. I was never actually expecting to see you again, and I didn't even realize she was your sister."
"I know, and I will always be grateful for what you did for me all those years ago. But right now I need your assistance."
Iadon rolls his eyes, his wings tensing.
"It seems everyone does these days, no one can just leave me in peace!"
Iadon sits on the ground, playing with some loose bits of charred rock. Calyepian hesitates, then slowly joins him. He cast's a quick look over Iadon, noticing how much older he looks than the last time he saw him. Sighing, he also begins to play with some loose rubble.
"I know I ask too much, but I am desperate. Surely you of all being's know that feeling?"
Sighing, Iadon keeps his gaze on the rocks.
"And here was me thinking Devious was the only manipulator in the family."
"I am not-"
"Yes you are, Calyepian. You are trying to use my weakness as a way to get what you want. But, I can't blame you."
Rising, Iadon removes a golden band from his wrist, holding it out for Calyepian to take. Calyepian's eyes widen, and he takes it, pushing himself to his feet. He twirls the band between his fingers.
"This is a realm jumper, how did you acquire this?"
"Your sister gave it to me. Now I am giving it to you."
Calyepian bites his lip, still examining the band.
"Thank you. But the jumps are limited, even more so by your use of it. I have no idea as to where she is right now."
"She was not caught and imprisoned after the failed battle?"
"Yes, but she has escaped. I have no way to track her down."
Iadon reaches down, pulling a dagger from his belt, and Calyepian takes a step back.
"There is no need to be wary, if I wanted to attack you I would've done it already. Give me your hand."
Calyepian offers his hand, and Iadon's long fingers curl around his wrist, holding his arm firmly in place. He places the cool surface of the dagger against Calyepain's skin, before throwing him a small smirk.
"This might sting a little."
A look of panic flashes across Calyepian's face.
"What do you- AH!"
As the dagger slices into his palm, Calyepian instinctively tries to tug his hand away, but Iadon hold's it firmly in place. Crimson starts to leak from the wound, splattering onto the ground and staining it. Iadon swiftly throws the dagger onto the ground, foreign words rolling off his tongue, and Calyepian can only watch in disbelief as the blood starts to glow, a bright orange, and rises into the air, forming a set of word's.
Iadon release's his hand, and he stares down, watching the wound now sealing. His hand falling back to his side, he stares up at the glowing word's, his brow furrowing. He glances at Iadon, who merely looks pleased with himself.
Iadon gestures towards the word's, a small smile playing on his lips.
"The top one is the location of your parent's, the second is that of Devious."
Calyepian shakes his head, staring at Iadon.
"How did you even do that?"
"I have quite a vast knowledge of darker magic, that's one of the easier spells. It's a blood spell, it can locate anyone who share's your immediate bloodline. Blood is thicker than water, after all."
Frowning, Calyepian glances back at the word's, which are starting to burn out.
"I have never heard of this other realm."
"Musphelheim? It's to be avoided, really."
The word's are almost completely disintegrated, leaving only blackened dust in their wake.
"You have been there?"
Iadon nod's, his expression thoughtful.
"Once, it's a place of fire and death, I never want to go back there, I'll tell you that. I don't think Surtur would be very happy to see me either, he'd probably have me hung drawn and quartered, or worse."
Calyepian nod's, his gaze locking on Iadon.
"Before I go, you must tell me everything you know of this place."
With a toothy grin, Iadon nod's.
"As you wish, Prince."
"Where is he? He's taking all bloody day!"
Devious sighs, not even sparing Malinian a glance. She is sitting back on the throne, whereas Malinian is sitting cross legged on the hot ground a few feet away.
"Patience is not one of your many virtues it seems."
Malinian grunts, moving to lay down on his back. A loud roar sounds from close by, catching both of their attention. Rolling onto his side, Malinian scans around, but can't see anything through the smoky atmosphere.
"I do not know why you are fretting so much, Surtur assured us that his kind will not attack us while we are here."
Snorting, Malinian sits up, a glare focused on Devious.
"Like I'd be worried about something like that, I could take down all of them with my damn eyes closed."
"If you say so."
Malinian narrows his eyes, then shakes his head, averting his gaze.
"I know what you're trying to do, and it ain't working this time."
There is a scraping sound as Forsakener is drawn, and Devious holds it in front of her, her finger skimming along the edge. A small trickle of crimson drips down the blade, and she places the tip of her finger into her mouth. Malinian watches wide eyed, his body tense.
"What... are you doing?"
Removing her finger, she hums, examining Forsakener.
"Devious...you're freaking me out. More than usual."
She cast's him a glance, then looks off into the distance.
"If I were you, I'd make myself scarce."
Malinian frowns, opening his mouth.
"DEVIOUS!"
Lurching to his feet, Malinian growls, his nails sharpening. Devoius twirls Forsakener, still seated. A tall figure approaches from the distance, a large sword by it's side.
"Hybrid, go and play while the adults have a conversation."
Malinian spins, pointing a dagger like nail at her.
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!"
Before she can retort, Calyepian comes fully into view, his sword swinging by his side. Malinian growls, intending to rush forward, but he is held in place. He claws at the air around him, but he can't move. Sweat starts to pool on his forehead, as he throws himself against the invisible cage.
"You should cease that, you are only going to injury yourself."
"LET ME OUT RIGHT NOW!"
"I will let you out when I wish to, not when you demand me too."
Calyepian pauses a few feet away, watching the scene unfolding before him. Smirking, Devious gestures towards a furious Malinian.
"Brother, meet my new pet, Malinian."
Malinian snarls, clawing frantically at the barrier. Calyepian stares at him, his jaw dropping slightly.
"Malinian as in-"
"Iadon's love child, oh yes."
Malinian pauses, sweat dripping from his nose and chin. Calyepian steps forward, raising his sword slightly.
"You know why I am here."
Devious nod's, averting her glaze.
"To drag me back to Amaranthine, I suppose."
"If only it were that simple."
Caught off guard, Devious stares at Calyepian, her brows furrowed. Calyepian shakes his head, running a hand through his ruffled hair.
"What you have done...even after I saved your life...I cannot..."
He trails off, and Devious chuckles dryly, pushing herself to her feet.
"Oh, I see. You intend to kill me."
Calyepian swallows, looking at the panting Malinian. As Devious strides towards him, Calyepian tenses, ready to fight. However, Devious halts, throwing Forsakener to the ground. Calyepian frowns, but still not dropping his guard. She raises her arms, her expression blank.
"Well, what are you waiting for? I am weaponless."
Calyepian flinches, his sword wavering. She steps closer, until the tip of the sword is pressed against her heart, her arms still raised.
"Drive it through my heart, after all, I did do some awful thing's to our home, did I not?"
Calyepian breathes deeply, a bead of sweat on his brow.
"De, stop-"
"Stop what? Laying the truth in front of you? I will not stop, not until I get what I desire. And oh, how rude of me not to enquire. How is the witch?"
Calyepian's face hardens, his nostrils flaring. He presses the blade harder against her, but she doesn't even flinch.
He search's her face, before lowering the blade completely.
"No, I cannot."
"Such a shame."
Devious flick's her wrist, and Calyepian crumples to his knees, groaning in pain. She crouches in front of him, and her eyes are drawn to his wrist. She grabs it, examining the realm jumper locked on it.
"Iadon gave you the realm jumper. I have to assume he gave it willingly, after all, it seems you do not have any true malice in you."
She lets go of his wrist, turning to whisper into his ear. She edges away, as Calyepian's face scrunches, and then he disappears in a flash of red.
"Have fun in Asgard, brother."
Short chapter I know, I will try to make the next one longer! :)
