Devious lets her eyes flicker open, immediately clutching her head, pain ebbing throughout her entire body. Groaning, she rolls onto her side, eyes glancing around. The last thing she remembers is the pain from Calyepian's bite, then nothing. Pushing herself to her slightly unsteady feet, she feels around in the gloomy darkness, her fingers discovering a rough wall. She feels all around her, and the only thing her hands find is more and more wall. Growling in frustration, she slams her fist against the wall, so hard that she cuts open her hand. Sighing, she waits impatiently for it to heal. As it heals, she leans back against the wall. A familiar voice on the opposite side of one of the walls catches her attention away from her thoughts.
"I was not sure if you were ever going to wake up."
Devious chuckles dryly, pressing herself against the wall.
"Brother. I suppose I am just full of surprises."
Devious hears him sigh loudly.
"Please, just tell me why."
Devious frowns, gritting her teeth at his obliviousness.
"Why? are you serious? The throne should be mine, not yours! What makes you better than I am!"
"Devious, I have never thought I am better than you. Nor have I ever implied it."
Devious huffs. "You did not need too. It is as good as fact, to you and to all of the Underworld."
"If that is what you truly believe nothing I ever tell you will persuade you otherwise."
There is a few moments of silence.
"I have persuaded father too spare your life, unfortunately it means that you will most likely remain here for eternity."
Devious bites her lip, a slither of sadness entering her mind.
"This conversation is over."
There is no response from Calyepian, but soon after Devious hears footsteps leading away, and then a large door slam shut in the distance. For the first time in years, a small tear escapes her eyes and rushes down her cheek. She slides to the ground, bringing her legs to her chest, and takes a deep long breathe, preparing herself as best possible.
After cleaning up the evidence of the battle, everything becomes peaceful again in the Underworld.
Calyepian sits on his bed, his hands in his lap, lost in thought. There is a knock on his door, but he does not respond too it. After a few moments, Lartinis and Misandrea enter. Calyepian does not bother too look up, rubbing his hands together. Misandrea joins him on the bed, slipping a hand over one of his own, squeezing reassuringly. Lartinis stays standing, nervously combing his hand through his hair.
"So-"
"I do not wish to talk about it."
Lartinis nods, glancing at Misandrea, who gestures for him to leave them alone. Lartinis quickly leaves, closing the door behind him. Misandrea runs a thumb across Calyepian's hand.
"I wish you wouldn't torture yourself so much."
Calyepian smiles slightly, but it is a smile heavy with sadness.
"There is no way I cannot. If I had made her feel more equal then-"
"It would'nt have mattered Cal, believe me. Dark magic pushes for more and more control, it doesn't settle for equality."
Calyepian shrugs slightly.
"Maybe you are right. But it does not relieve this ache in my chest."
Misandrea turns Calyepian's face to hers, and locks her lips against his. At first he does not react, completely shocked. After a few moments, he lets himself melt into the kiss, the ache in his chest decreasing slightly. His hand caresses her cheek as her hand is holding his neck, locking him to her, seemingly afraid he will move away. Misandrea is the first one to break the kiss, her breathing elevated, and rests her forhead against his, smiling. Calyepian kisses her quickly on the lips once more, then leans back, grasping both her hands in one of his.
"It will take time Cal, but I will always be here for you, don't ever question that."
No more is said, they just sit there, gaining comfort from each others company.
Deep across the realms, aboard a spacecraft, he sits, clasping his hands together.
"Peace was made to be destroyed."