Teen Titans ; To The Future ; Chapter 11: The Color of Envy; Arisu's Words Of Wisdom- Veronica Bethal's Stand.
Tsukiyume now has to fight off the White wolf inside of the realm that was created by Demoness Lilith , to contain Rokuro. Hakuro plans to save a portion of his powers to give Dick the upper hand against the newest foe to the Titans and guardians. Slade is still using Roko ; while Roko is freeloading Slade Wilson so that the crime lord's revenge against Lil will go along swimmingly. He so hates to lose an opportunity to make her pay for trying to mess with his desires. Roku , he thinks is still under lock and key. Little do our heroes know, Roku is biding his time; collecting energies by Lilith's intervention, all so that Rokuro can end the world. Well! Easier said than done right? Now! Calumon is all the teens have besides the other guardians and allies. Sayumon they have never stood to meet. She is the polar opposite of Cal. Ice cold and not familiar with what the teens are meant to accomplish. She just wants the worlds to stay balanced. Ron is comng back, he has to tell his mistress aunt that Kay is falling fast. Verra is with doc Aaron Brocton, now reunited with Wiz Malchior. Young dragonling Aaron has to tell Alicia who he really is soon, or it could jeopordize their relationship as magical spirits with dark pasts. Pasts that are closer than they will find later on. The new vessel of Queen Lorelai's, is a home town located in theory , in Shoji Takahara's stomping ground. Japan. He does not know yet though why Lady Catherine is sending him back! Big spoiler.
Richard is not going to fall victim to Lilith, but Roku is not around to bring up unpleasent memories for our hero. He is afraid of Roku, seeing as their shadows are in the filuture to become one! Slade knows what Grayson could become if the dragon isn't defeated but sealed. A new assassin heir ?...Going to see about that! Roko is fighting back...but her past and present situations are entangled...if she falls back - it could mean the same disaster she claims she wants by Roku's aid. Yet...Slade is keeping her from going on a killing spree by her rules alone. He ends up n quite a pickle , in mention of this chapter...I left for the near end of the page!
So! This is the pre festa chapter; when will the sea queen and her allies make their move? Find out -So, stick around! Chapter 11 is up and ready ! Enjoy the story some more!
The very first thought that popped into Youngling Aaron's head; was that Alicia had to be told. The teen leader was also his next target, but as far as that seemed ...he was cut short by the council woman that gave him a strange vibe as well. ~The cat is flying solo? That must ...she must let us follow!~ The dragonling squeeked in the speak. The billionaire scientist grunted and cleared his throat. "I will bring Aaron and Mal. If...it's not too much trouble..the little guy we...kinda picked up, won't have anyone to watch him-
~ I should go too!~ The tiny lizard exclaimed while flailing it's tubby arms wildly. "Alicia, would you feel comfortable giving this guy some company? If ...Kay..umm, Cal is gonna be ok with the extra mouth to feed?" The con cat scratched his chin nervously, watching the teen blonde's reaction steadily. "I would...It is...What is this funny dear? He is not Aaron's familiar?" She asked with a puzzled expression. "Nope. Just another friend of the last comrade we took in." He lied with a chuckle. The golden kid fumed and went to snip the cat's cowlick from a top his enemy's ebony matted hair with a snarl. "Down boy!" The doc grabbed the dragon ling before his efforts could be rewarded with Verra picking a fight. "He is...a bit uptight...or rather, needs a friend since his isn't around." Raven mumbled something but then refused to ask the doctor. He saw her eyes in deeply troubled thoughts, and directed her towards the town car they had driven over . "We had no idea he was here.." The doc whispered and pointed to a white haired, sweatshirt hoodie covered ally. Raven gaped and thanked the cat's main compadre as she swung open the car door . "Malchior!" she gasped a bit , having not seen her friend since the abduction. "Your aura is weaker...I can barely...feel it..What happened? We never saw you at the square...I ...saw what Aria started." Her eyes became serious as her lips barely formed the response. He was acting...strange again. "You even bumped into Rokuro...but...Did Shoji tell you, what just happened?...You should not be...-
"It was a mess really.." He sighed and took her hand in his. "She almost stole my very soul away so that I would forget my allies...Her true form is as a double of the real sea queen." His tone darkened. "She was a puppet for the real on looker to this troubling performance.." Raven raised a brow but shook off how he was so unsure himself, and dragged his carcas out of the sedan door. "You lost some weight...you aren't going to last if-
"I'm sorry!" He slumped in front of her, his ragged breathing sounded as a million sobs poured forth. "Raven...I cannot stay by your side...I fear if I am unwell, then you ...,Rorek is ...-
"Nothing more." Raven softly said ...or rather...in another voice...
"Rave...Ravenna?..."He touched her face and tried to peer into her eyes. "Is it really you?...Why are you resurfacing! Raven will!-
"Hush your thoughts, Malchior of Knoll..." She hummed the words as his struggling started to lessen. "Lady...You are only here for...Please..I meant no harm to befall my comrades.." He moaned pitifully . "Raven...is the one I wish to protect...the prophecy being my first mission to rediscover was so that I could redeem that honor. But now...Aria's false dopple has muddled my magic. If I try to use it, she may try to tear us apart...I refused the words she spoke! She is an enchantress that tried to control my mind, and nearly succeeded!" His breathing became shallow again as he broke out into a swealtering fit. "Ravenna...I never forgot the wish you granted. I was set free and had no clue as to why I had been let to return to the earthen present day...She never told me..I know the answer now." His head dropped. " A great deity was at work...others with the same mark also awoke. One other ; is the relative of the Ainsley clan..Daia ." He gulped and straightened up. Her eyes focused onto his as she readied her words carefully. "Ravenna is who you knew in the past on your journey with the guardians..to locate Rokuro on the spirit plane." She said in a hushed voice. "My vessel self is of an entirely different scale, though our energies are well matched. She will not become me, I mearly wish to fulfill my duty and end the tragedy meant to occur on this world. Just as prophecy after prediction tell of all but happy ends.." Her head turned to see Doc Aaron in the doorway, he had kept his mouth shut tight. "Your comrade is not very coy...he is trying, I see.." The sorceress brushed her cloak away from her shoulders a bit. Aaron ducked and rushed back in to let the two reconnect. He had overstayed his welcome it seemed ? Alicia saw her dear ally sigh* as he gave up his watch, just enough to bring her to see who was out side...
"My apologies..." Mal had calmed his nerves a bit and told the priestess , the one that had overtaken Raven...
"Your comrades are important. I will be sure to gather what has been missed from Arianna and the great Orion. He has been beside the foreign child all this time." She smiled a bit and started to release her hold over the empath . ~ Protect your friends. Comrades come and go. Perhaps, Raven has much to teach...you. Farewell until my next arrival, Prince of Fae Knoll." The wizard caught the lady in violet before she could lose her footing. "Wh-What happened?"The sorceress rubbed her eyes and blinked away sand. "How ...Malchior! I have to tell you what happened. We can brief in the den. What's wrong? It looks like you saw a vamp or-
"I am...going to start from scratch. With my friends..." He wrasped a bit and helped her to the door. "My skepticism will only make this task far more difficult.." He admitted in a low voice. "I can relieve that worry, now that I know everyone is safe and sound." He blushed a bit, reconsidering the words Ravenna had spoken about what HE could be taught from his once student...she had a different sort of magic. It was wise, calming, and filled him with an emotion that had not been present before. "That, is great news." Raven whispered to herself as she konked out from the overshadowing. /
Alicia smirked in the doorway and snickered to the older teen as the love dove pair re entered the fox's home. "Guess that settles things!" Her eyes sparkled a bit in amusement . Mal cocked his head and gave her annoyed snort. "What are you taking about creeper?" He laughed back, not neccessarily trying to start a fight..however, he was very argumentative in person. Alicia was unbound. Her energies could be read as distress...and lack of focus. She just twirled around cutely as the old Alice used to do when taunting prisoners in Roku's care. "Your so- called admration, is actually..love." He turned cherry red and made her laugh too loudly, which alerted Aaron the dragonling beside the princess's feet. ~ Love!? What such thing is happening here? That is forbidden between those of-
"The 'magic' you share, is entertwined! Lucky you cassanova!" Her hands flew up to her lips to stifle a chuckle. "Then..." The wizard teen huffed as he brought the empath to sit back onto an ottoman by the outside of the parlor. "What of your tiny, dear Aaron?"He said in a high mocking tone like an old biddy. "You two were practically steady!-
"Aaron..."Alicia's heart and eyes started to waver. "He...never returned...He couldn't find us...then...we saved him from being forgotten..say no more dragon breather!-
"I just meant...you started it! Raven is my comrade! Keep your romance topics off the battlefield!-
"Hey, heey! You two clowns wanna tell me what's goin' on here?" Cy and the two younger male Teen Titans walked in. "You tryin' to keep us all up ? Go blow stuff up outside!" Bb complained with an angry grumble. He couldn't resist napping against the teen leader's shoulder and was thrown off when he had started to drool and snore way too loudly! "Shoji is outta here to head back to Tokyo. Mal, the cat said you should tag along. You would stand out less cause no one's gonna think a thing. The cat is in the car already. Allie, we know you can't stand workin' with this guy, but cool it a bit. He is under just as much stress as the rest of y'all. Ok, we get out to meet up before seven sharp. No one is missin' a wink, got it?"Cy let out a deep breath and relaxed , Alicia nodded slowly and softly apologized the teen wiz in silver. "My words were not right to say in the first place..I am entirely at fault. Goodnight everyone..!" Her eyes swelled as fresh tears streamed past as she ran up the stairs to her guestroom mattress. /
~ You were right though! Those two were holding it in!~ Arisu's prattling was giving the restless Alicia Daia a migraine like no other. ~ Those too are pitiful it seems..as is your second sight even! Why have you not listened to me when I am only -
~ No!~ The princess met with her buried counter self and yelled. ~ Alicia is who I am! Alice is no more! She is free of that past ..it is over!-
~ Ugh!~ The spirit with long hair as Rokuro with a tinier frame and red eyes groaned in annoyance. ~ No! Just hear me , princess! Alice, was locked away and is an Ethereal that existed by you. Roku saw this and trapped me, by bonding me to you! I was once a being of the underworld that led a procession. I was a real living entity too! He confusd you by trapping the Ethereal ; Alice- and myself, Arisu...to be left as selves to contain your magics! You have those cat eyes that are altered because of his terrible sampling! That is why, the one Aaron still lives.~ The teen blonde stood back in shock , her eyes full and her head ready to burst. ~ Then...wait!Aaron...? Why is he of any importance?~ The young princess gasped in question. ~He was stolen by-
~ He awoke. You have not given your powers any real recognition since the dragon was sealed away.~ The entity in fallen leaves red shook her tiny head. ~ My...those powers are not to do with as I please! They are to right the tragedy that the prophecy entails.~ She exclaimed in a semi shaken voice. Her head was pounding and she needed air!
~ Alice was always there, you can bring her back, so that her magic can save your friends.~ The stern eyed daemon said in an ominous echo. Alicia gave a nod but knew she was done here. The girl Arisu waved her off to be set free from her own mind. The teen blinked and coughed roughly out of her chest. It was as if she couldn't breathe!
"Alicia? Are you not feeling alright?" Starfire didn't bother knocking very hard onto her friend's door. Bb growled and made the sounds of a wild elephant in protest as he tried to fall back to sleep. The princess reminded herself to quiet down , but was surprised that the spirit world child widened her door, so that they could bond a bit?
" I am coming inside.." The Tamaranean said softly as she hovered to not wake her sleeping Titans. "I...just needed to pull away..I was acting far too brash for the wrong reasons. I was mocking Malchior...Is Raven back on her toes?" The girl recalled but lowered her voice. "She is much better now that it has gone dark. Why did you allow me to -
"I...have something to tell the rest of the heroes, the guardians are mostly aware. At least, Shoji and our lost comrade Aaron ...they were first to learn..." She hid herself as she sat onto the bed hugging her knees to her chest tightly. "I am of a similar background to Rokuro. We were cousins born months apart." She smiled at the warm memory, but continued her story in a fallen tone. "His mother and my own, were related by my Great Uncle Richard Ainsley's connection to our this world's past, boundaries were law that could never be breached. On the spirit world plane..it is as if, none of that has any real order and the borders are built along , across rainbow arcs stretching out to the sky..." Her friend's eyes shone brightly as the description of a past spirit realm sounded something out of a fairytale!
"Our kingdoms prospered greatly , until after a sudden appearance of an intruder..my lady queen took steps, hiding me in the ally plane guarded by Thor of the far northern plane." She said this with a clear enough head, but...it was not enough to know why Aaron claimed to have guarded her..he was familiar all too well with the disaster tat had been right behind...
"My mother kept in touch, saying the walls they had built kept the threatening the enemy from his goal. That we were..safe...I had never known of my elder sister..nor if any others had come before me. She was never on portraits in he castle of the southern most point. I had never realized, but...that was all about to change when I was called home. At first...I had believed that the war had ended...we had no reason to go into hiding. Then, I met him." Her eyes fell into a trance state, recalling untold memories of an abandoned past. /
"Rokuro was, a bit shy. He had trouble fitting in, yet...I loved him as my own sibling. He was a few months younger actually...but..He really seemed youthful even as we grew to be the same age and height. At ten years of age, my dear cousin fell ill with a fever. Something uncommon to those of the southern plane . My mother had a face she made...as if he were going to not come back to us. She flew him off to the sky kingdom for a thorough look over. The night before, he had been assaulted by a stray snake in the gardens. The bite we all believed was curable!" Her eyes widened as she recalled her dear cousin crying out impossible names and saying...he was changing...
"The ones treating the alien condition were attacked, the labs set ablaze in an effort to find someone .." Starfire wondered where Alicia was looming back to, but decided npt to ask questions until the very end. "As I recall, they sent me back to the mountains to stay with Thor, who willingly took on the task of raising me as their charge until my mother called me home...The news was vital but...it never came...months looked as if time never passed at all. Yet.. living in a snow covered land after so long of being apart from that place, can make one uneasy and unsure of their own time. I had been about thirteen hundred...It was just as the snow had started to fall. I was anxiously awaiting the falcon that carried the post at the foot of the hilly slope. The elders and villagers said to stay put...I could no longer bare the cold silence any longer, so I ran." Her feet had not been fast enough to know how to tread lightly however, and attention had come as demons in the form of spectre wolves that chased her through the mountain spruce groves. She had relived the memory so many times in her dreams when the Titans had all but freed her from Roku's world. They had the guise of ghosts,could change at will into apes, serpents, even large big cats if they so chose to be sloppy.
"They drove me back to the village in a flash, I could not find my caretaker in time...It was a massacre as the false beasts tore the tents, shacks and temples to pieces...they did not walk on four legs alone..." She shuddered. "The beasts could walk on to two. The folk I had grown to love and enjoy in simple company ...had been left frozen and dead to the winter winds. Thor tried to find me...but..He failed and was sent elsewhere...someone else found me shivering and I instantly recognised the one whom had obstructed the falcon's messages all that time.." Starfire did not remain silent and nodded to the blonde. "It...was Roku, was it not?..." The child did not wish to go on, bit as if she were spell bound to try, continued her horrible tale.
"He offered me a chance to survive. I took it, thinking I might fight him towards a freedom I craved more than anything..In exchange, he gave me a new title as a trainee of his oath, and a name similar to my own." She explained a bit more composed next to the red head. "I fought as his magician; making my power known as a later title sorceress...I fought only to gain enough knowledge on how to free myself. At fifteen hundred , I went to assist in a plan that involved forbidden alternate sciences combined with altered magics...He explained that I was not the only being in the kingdom undergoing the ploy...That another would join...and another...again and again I gave him my all...He marked me with such practises, as you see, my sight was altered and enhanced. It gave me the ability to see things that his followers envied..." Starfire nodded a bit more slowly and waited with a curious glance. "That magic...was off limits for a reason...He had not told me of why my sight's color had transformed...it was harboring a new self. When I confronted Regis on this , he knew nothing. Roku told me; he needed my ability to bring out another child he had born..that was when I knew all too well what child...but was in the beginning in the dark of his intentions. The battle inside the temple where Rokuro gave up his worth to the dragon, was where I dared not go. He dragged me along as back up, to bring the guardians into his trap...He had the prince...bow to him!"Her eyes grew wide again and her head started to pulsate heavily. "He lived as the unpolished 'heir' to the dragon lord. We all knew he was faking the truth, his son had been brought to be used as a tool to open up a rift through space time!" Her breathing grew ragged. Starfire tried to calm the princess with a bear hug and almost succeeded in soothing the younger. "You must know...the fated battle upon dunes where the tower once stood, was burried as a vision inside of the prince for eternity...we all bare the mark. The self Hakuro, was summoned after Rokou stole a soul for the very, first time... It traumatized Prince Rokuro who ended up pulling the Ethereal gate keeper into our world...though, It was Roku who purposely dragged him into despair to cause him to snap and steal a gatekeeper out of pure fear that he would suffer..All at the same time ,the girl I kept - Alice, was starting to act...oddly when the light self had been cornered. She overtook me at times, in my own body as well as Arisu...to calm the prince's light self as it cursed it's fate. Rokuro was just as I; we feared Roku for his power to cause us, and our allies harm...the fear to forget settled into brainwashing as Rokuro later fulfilled his role for our captor..." "No...that dragon was evil all along! He did terrible things...and used his own child to have revenge against his enemies! How can you remember the past this well, Alicia? Are you certain continuing would be very wise?"She asked softly to the blonde in a frazzled state. "Rokuro...is not able to handle any more break downs...However...the rumor then was after the war...his body was recovered. Unfortunately...he was riddled with markings thatt were interlaced with his very spirit...He could never free himself, because that body carried the true form he had taken after jumping from the tower upon the desert sands..." Starire blinked and frowned at the thought. "Then...another self exists?" She asked wide eyed and surprised. "We must contact this self, then? Will we not then find-
"The self...was locked away , it is a walking symbol that the war ended the reign of the sect of spirit called Immortals...as well as gave no one the right to become an over seer for the eastern direction of spirit." The girl flopped helplessly against the mattress, her head felt less of the strain from earlier..thanks to Arisu backing away.
"You said locked away...who is then watching so that it cannot escape the confinement in which it was placed?" The red head teen wondered in a small moment to the princess laying down. "It is under watch by the new councils...the spirit world could no longer contain it-
"Then...how is our leader ever to be free of these 'curses, enchantments, and spells'?"She asked hopeful that Alicia would have an answer. "When the selves are quelled...I suppose..the dragon did damage to them ten fold and they continue to suffer their past memories...the gods tried to seal those memories up tight...when Roku returned , they broke free. Your hero is safe for now, but Hakuro's resentment towards his fate, Rokuro fighting his own battles...your leader...is apparently acting as an anchor." Her words sounded less sure in a way, as Kori shifted to stand and exit through the room's door she had come to. "He is a great 'mediator' for the selves of the prince...he promised to help them...but not himself it seems.." The Tamaranean girl sighed and added a weak smile as she waved to young spirit world princess 'good night.'
~Told you that it was best to let me have you vent!~ Grinned the spirit in her red kimono as the teen below her tried to shut out the thoughts. "I...made her worry...her leader chose to give up his entire self to those rogue beings...yet...He did not truly have any way out..." She felt sorry for the heroes that had given her a place by their side. He was, not even aware of what these creatures were out to collect!
~ He promised to give them back their worth...yet, none of the selves are well enough to wish to claim that identity.~ The entity Arisu mused aloud. "He...is not well himself if he thinks he can survive the overshadowing of so many..."
Kori had given her no problem in just hearing her words. There was no need to tell the heroes what they already knew a dozen times. Arisu frowned and dispersed in time that night. Her eyes remained forever open to the transformation in front of her. ~The Alice you claim to know...was far less easy for us to corrupt than Hakuro was for the prince..heh..she still knows not that her heart will be torn if she follows the heroes into battle..~ With a small yawn, the child cast over in colors of falling maple leaves of red dozed off on her own. The princess had yet to realize when true peace was kept...others would wish it theirs to take.
Back in the city; the newest crook took to the scent of a powerful adversary, while on one of her twighlight escapades without Deathstroke's permission of course!
The smell of someone's fresh kill stung her nostrils . It was not Masquerade's handiwork, so it was rancid with greed and a lust of power. The scent was also carrying the after tone of flowers from the greatest cliffsides of the southern world. It was intoxicatingly overwhelming and...Roko was being pulled towards it. On top of that, she guessed a stupid 'android detective' had followed her to an allyway...she was trapped between the tall walls, feeling not the strength to have herself cascade over the brick barrier. The smell was killing her sense of direction..great..
Her eyes scanned the shadow figure lurking some feet away. It was no robot...but a messeger..a dead one.
"How do you do, lady demoness Roko-
"Don't give me that title , you crooked jester!" She snarled in defense then held up her smoke disks to avoid capture. "Wha! - Wait! I did not come to fiight!?" The walking horror swirved around to catch the girl with his puppet strings. "You wish to find a target for the taking, right?" It's eyes grew wide as a damned whisp traveled through a socket loosely. The girl dragged her arm out but felt her body twitch or tick whenever she tugged from his skill. Just how had he gotten so damn powerful enough to capture a self of such forbidden arts?!- right...they were on a planet ruled by miserable half apes...to forget that!-
"You seem lost! The one you are searching high and low for, asked me personally to hand you this- front row seats! Though...A very lot will be standing!" The puppet master chuckled in a chortle as he recalled the songstress duo's entertainments. "You can go to the ball too Cinderella! Heehee!" The girl became stock white, but more so from roaring flames of pure rage. "I will personally take your little queen to the bowels of the pit, that she imprisoned US in...if not that...why not? You bag of bones! Why didn't you say it was...free!" Her knives burst through the spider silk cord as she flipped away towards the streets to appear as a normal human girl. "Daemon beings, have the power to shift to their environment quite well..far better than mere demon scum!" She marveled at how her form looked about teen aged from a lighter perspective. She wore a white top and long black pants . As if her consciousness had forgotren summer was long gone, the falling leaves upon autumn winds suited her best in this damned fairytaleland. The kook shook his head, then walked back into the darkest vortex. "Why then..are you not fully a demon?...maybe this world will wreck you as well...I do hope however to see you malady at the festa! Buona giornata a te... signorina...fair maiden with a bloodlust! Hahahaha!" He cackled into the latest end of night time, giving the teen Roko...goose bumps for her very first time an hour to day light.
"Humph...This new body..,cannot be used for that pure revenge he seeks." She said to herself , the gaping marionette still waiting for her reply. "Masquerade must be present, so that the puppet I hold true, can meet my needs to the end..." Her long dark hair swirled to cover her as the daemon half took flight by her mysterious powers. "Try and keep up, you wretched soul less harvester of human 'art'...I will not be brought to your queen!" Now she laughed as winds picked up to bristle the busy city goers in their fall attire. "Gaaah!?" The muttering puppeteer flailed his figureines and called them to pursue the flying brat , riding the wind by the pavement. The next ache he felt, was an indication that the daemon girl's partner...had been unlucky enough to withstand the blows of Cecilia on the low end of the city. Puppet master sneerd and head off to complete the next task, while his comrade ...took care of an unjustifiable mess of her turf...
Roko had...been careless, clueless, reckless..and just plain useless!- Slade grunted as he faced a back alley wall with Miss Daia keeping him there, unable to use his hidden weapon. "The blade holds no purpose for a mere mortal...no matter how powerful you became thereafter..." Her words could be brushed off, but the wound was another cursed mark! As if these vial monsters were working in unison under...that crook strich!
"I have a lovely End to attend after you are disposed of. Malady Lil...wishes for you to become...her's ..." The girl grit her teeth as she said the last word. "As if Roku's obsession over his 'son' wasn't enough! Lucky dog! Bow to my queen before I make you by force!" Her golden aura masked the harpy wings she had sprout after her turning in the past. "Your parents must be heartbroken...cough!*..Your looks are as deadly as the songs you sing are poisonous to listen to-
"Gahchk!" The first spike of her own hidden agenda..struck through the assassin painfully as he winced it away, not quick enough as her arm dragged him against the layered brick to be rammed against the cool surface in excrutiating hurt.
"Dachk! You...bi!-
"Vile songs are better than tooth decay, don't you agree...? I can turn chaos and to a great tide for my mistress's puppet, to wash away this whole plane!" Her eyes twinkled devilishly at the prospect as they imagined later happenings. " Lay down your life for her...you shall have your just reward..I have no need to kill you if she wants your impure heart still beating." The girl laughed a bit but brushed off the distraction. "Yor little act, ends here." Slade croaked , then sent off the hidden blade her had been keeping blocked from her sights. The sea queen had a better chance to rival the wood elf. This diva was simply a cronie of the real mastermind. "You...!- You brute! This isn't worth it's weight in mortal gems, It was forged in another bloody plane! You are unworthy of weilding a demon slayer relic!" Her eyes darted to an open exit where she could leave her victim to bleed in silence. Slade could have none of that. He dove and caught her against the opposing wall, long enough to whisper the demise of her queen's plot into her ear. Devil on her shoulder...princess in the keep! "Tell your harpy witch...I will be waiting. She will find me at nine o'clock tonight. No need to search very far..I will clear her from the face of the earth...Tell your precious succubus master that." Her shoved her off and brushed away to leave. "What...are you?" She said on the ground, her black clothes covered in rips and tears. "You...are mortal...why do you overpower me?" She begged to know with the eyes of a princess, pleading for the truth. He however, could tell no one he had been out for blood, far longer than she could act quickly to see. "Your show , if I am not mistaken..begins at a few minutes to nine..am I not right, Daia?" Her hairs stood on end as he slunk away from her penatrating , firey gaze. "My...she is going to be dead by...a mortal man! Never!?" The child wailed into a clump as the killer vanished from the harpy idol. Her eyes saw a dying queen fall to her death among the stars...that could not be!
She bit her lip till it stung from the added salty tears escaping her amber orbs. She no longer had the foresight of her past...it had been robbed! He must have had another tool, to trick the songstress in black! Her body rose from the dirty earth of the inner city as she transported to report to her benevolent Lady Lil...
The decor inside the demon owl's new office space...irked her far too much. Elaborate curtains were drawn back to prevent sunlight from touching her; even a succubus was sometimes confused for a regal vampiress in her homeland. In truth, she predicted that the young dragon child would awaken to the cries of the human plane's least fortunate. However, his conscious partner; Rokou, was still guarding the desired portion of the prince's power she craved. It would not be long before her desire to liberate Roku's once followers became a reality . Roku would beg her for a chance to rise again...After all! She now controlled the catalyst- at least the most important vessel had been captured . Now, that only left the hero of the Titans of earth..and the Ethereal that had escaped her grasp. If, they could join her willingly, that would be the day...
Lilith simply sighed over the new face in her crystal mirror, overlooking those she had charge of. Cecilia had met the one she wished to tame..The wild villain that was the very ember to extinguish her enemies...if he so chose to give up in killing her dead. Her heart raced at the thought. He was as her dear warrior fallen had been..before she ate them whole.
Veronica had relinquished her title; walking up to the council of The Wood Elf ; Priscilla Dearheart, just to spite the one that had saved such a wretched child from dying by disease! Why ever did she do as she had? Lilith had argued that the guardians and prophetic few had changed her darling child into a fearful worm! A butterfly would not have been Veronica. She had to be the one to follow after her teacher...now, she was being quite frank, that humanity could live...how had she decided to turn her back onto her later kind that had embraced her passage far greater in favor than the human scum?.Lilith's knuckles turned ashen white as she bashed a solid gaping hole into the wall beside her office window . Her eyes were glowing as if her mind had been possessed by the child's deceit! "You ungrateful brat!" She swore to the girl that had been her only designated heir, the underworld's queen in training! "I even have a perfect KING for you in my web...you dirty little WRETCH!" Her wings came out and swept all of the files for her new position into a flurry around her . "Ha... Ma- M- Madame...?...Lil...? ...Heh?- The ghostly woman demoness swirved away to the window in a frenzy. "What? You dare disturb my -
"Whatever the lady wishes...I have just the thing..."The cackling shadow rode upon the air. It's body became tangible by the chaos she swore aloud, giving it strength to manifest itself openly. "You look well, Shadow Von Hert...Whatever brings you from the prison of your lord's ?" She asked with a sneer. "Roku...has a quiet favor. It is very much of the importance...Miss Lilith-
"The dragon's timing couldn't have been any better!" The haughty mistress laughed off her fury in a high voice. "What ever , does he wish of me? I am quite a busy soul stealer myself you know!" The demoness sat onto her desk, legs crossed and her eyes hungry for a reply. "He is able to give you a way...to release Prince Rokuro's sealing...it is in the chest I bring to you now!" The shadow rider ripped out a miasma encased chest of sorts, complete with a pad lock and key just in case..
"That box...What is his plan this time?...The seal will not release without the Lord Eternal Destiny's word." Her eyes batted as she yawned disdainfully to the cronie. "The self bordering that 'exempt' plane...is still bound to break a few laws. He, cannot be unsealed as the 'damned one' without a keen eye intact. You do know, Shadow? The self is comprised of the two. The Rokuro that leapt to his demise - and Hakuro." The demon nodded as he relayed all of the recollection to his dragon lord. "Rokuro...was corrupted, it was inevitable that the darkest self of the true Rokuro- not Rokou...would absorb it's host." Her eyes fell to the ominous looking chest , while her fangs pointed into a grin. "He gives me this pandora's box...though I remain unimpressed...What is in this package that he hands to I so readily? Are you sure your dragon trusts my movements? That, or he will be to sleep for eternity." She dropped off of the desk and brushed her pencil skirt flat . "I demand to know it's use, before I am to be graced with such a gift..understand , Shadow ...Lord?" Her ally's pointed ears perked to the lovely sound of such greatness. "Tell me it's worth...will the boy be still ? Heed my command?- or will the one you serve turn him away to self - defeat?" Her fingers entertwined around the dark wood and precious metals as the breathless bandit gasped once she tugged it away with a smirk . "See that he will Shadow! Our time to rise will be by that Prince's existence! See to the Eternal's wishful thinking! The lady Queen will sleep for an eternity!"
The greatful daemon bowed in a flash , then fled without the chest to his name. Lilith was overjoyed as she proceeded to unlatch the mysterious box of broken souls. "You sent me a present all right, you filth!" The cobra fell into a heap of sand as she snapped it in two. Upon opening the lock with the key attached, a piece of scroll paper fell out not long after the serpent's end , making the demon lady raise a brow in question. "I guess more is to-
The largest shard in a dark sheen had been beautifully placed inside the hollow chest. It had once been red as a small fraction was still yet to turn to shadow colors. "It...was indeed as you decreed..." Her eyes became bright at the sight of the tool to turn her teen to destruction. "I thought we could get along! It wasn't just my imagination..silly dragon brat ..." She picked up the large gem of unpolished crystal, tossed away the case it was kept all along, then took up the scrap from her desk with a chuckle . "You won't be sorry I was sold to this. Little lord..." Deadly eyes that would break the strongest warrior tore at the contents in an instant. Lilith had not even needed to lift a delicate finger, Roku knew her too well . They after all had a verry long relation as teacher and pupil..even as far far more..she was bound to her b,very first student, for all eternity. Now, his dear descendant would become the new king of dying souls. He would not escape a second coming. Not again.
The stout sorcerer had his own ideas to bring to light, as the council stand in of Spirit tore at an old formulae in his collection back on the Spirit plane. None of his precious scrolls had been burned , his texts lay untouched in that year's passing memory ..when Veronica had pulled her cronies away to fetch the elder Digitalis magician. "The formulae...is to create more power crystals?" He bonked his head in realization of the discovery . Roku had been too close to creating a new sort of relic...it was too forbidden to speak!-
A loud knock sounded by the underground cellar he had fled through to get to the spirit plane of the east. "Wha-
"You are too funny, little wizard." Veronica Bethal stood lazily to the opposite side of the room, her hair pulled back into a bun as he noticed her green eyes returning. "Bethal!" The sorcerer in white and golden symbols gasped that he had not seen her coming. "What are you doing in my hut?"The scarecrow frowned with his finger pointing towards the exit. "You are not welcome here." Greg said sternly with a growl. Verra could best him when it came to tempers, however...lately he had trouble not getting out of sorts over simple sounds and comments. His head was in need of a cool down period after travelling through important realms for many moons, the mah,gic user had told himself . Surely he might collapse if the needed rest were delayed any further.
"I see you have barely kept this place dust free-
"None of your business, you are warned-
"Yes, you despise my world, worth, and my face. That is understanable Greggie-
"No! No Greggie! You are a criminal! I have nothing to say to one who did not fight back-
"Lilith disowned me." The sorcerer gaped into a stupor as she spoke those words. "Why? You were her pupil second only to-
"That is why I left. I never had any need for her help. She stole my childhood, my days spent caring for a sickly mother...her head is screwed on far too tight. She knows I went out of my way to resign with a passion. Just to see her drown in her own illusions. I was never her perfect pride." The lady red snarled. "Her ego is thicker than the miasma she thrives on...I said to The Wood Elf, make me powerless. It is what I deserve." The room grew quiet as the sorcerer in silver tried to compile his thoughts around the trist. Lilith was a monster in mourning. Veronica was a doubtful mistress on the run from persecution. He grumbled and crossed his arms over. "Why are you here , what brought you to defy the rules?" The council side seater frowned up to the witch with brows knit crossly. "I have a few bargaining chips of my own. A few extra forces to fight for your hero." The sorcerer blinked in confusion , barely forming words to speak audibly so that HE could understand!
"Y-you...Ca-cannot! ...Be..ser..serious! Ronnie! They will destroy you if you try!-
"I came as a messenger for LadyDearheart fool." The enchantress snort in annoyance. "Her word is what I describe to you. I am no longer Veronica by the way. Call me Bethel..I miss the significance of my real mother's birth given one. .it was Veronica , Lilith made me as." Her eyes fell to the past, down into a deep world of regret. Greg was without comment, as the villain once turned- no...shaped into a metamorphosis, came to him. Her eyes were truthful for once. Her body was reliving the past to relieve her sorrows as a recovering tainted child. Her form now looked, human in spirit. She was no longer touched by the tarnished darkness she had struggled to overcome. "I just do not wish to see my captors...take away any more futures...the ones they tookfir granted...I have gained their loyaltytofight for your cause." To one knee she fell, her messy bun flopping hopelessly into her emerald eyes. "I was meant to face her...it was what Baphomet wouldhave wanted." The sorcerer's eyes widened a bit at the former deity's name. The girl knew his race, his teachings o never harm a living being by one's intention- she was his succssor, if that had been the way Lilith had meant it to go. Baphomet died; exhausted of his magical energies by the succubus's ploy to over throw him. That, had been another war unspoken. Veronica had flocked to the gentle giant , in hopes he would shield her from her fate. Lilithhad been filled with spite, nothing could change her ways . Not even her own prized student.
"She is the one who killed the great horned one?...He had many forms...we thought him omnipotent in a sense , the keeper of untruths in the underworlds...long ago."
"My...true anchor at the time. He saught the peace he could never seek Almost hiding away from her , he wanted me to carry the world away...to save his teachings in my memories for the violent future to some day see-
"He knew your ability was key...I will trust that your heart is for our fight." Greg tapped his staff to the floor in agreement. Bethel rose slowly and smiled a bit , she was on her way to ending it all,to begin again anew.
The temptress redeemed; led herself away to the outskirts of the wood, to meet with her escort in private. "My laady! How did it go! Your dear ally Lizzete...is proud of her madame red!-
"Oh!"The ruby lipped sorceress almost fell back as the younger sorceress ; embraced her dear lady into a bear hug, keeping herself still as the two were tugged apart when it became too close for comfort . "Deepest apologies, I simply saw you in thought, no more sad days! We will-
"You sound as the vessel of Lady Arianna of the Star Capitol." The red head chuckled with a hand to her hip. "What I spoke of with Greggory, is going to be made public soon. Right now, we have much preparation to undergo." Her hand came to rest atop the younger's now wheat coloured curls. "That means...I can be my elder body again?! Oh! I am soo happy! The end will not happen! I shall protect my saviour till our last stand!" The youth giggled and jumped around merrily into a jig, knowing she wanted Madame Lilith to pay for harming her dear comrades. The end, would be a bright, new beginning!
The truce is made- arebellion looks to be in the works..when is the next chapter happening? You'll just have to wait for chapter 12! Get set! It is going to go all out! Sit tight for the conclusion!