Bao looked out over the respectful, eager expressions of the court, his lips twisting up in a pleased smile.. Soon.. soon there would be many more spoils to spread.. Soon.. there would be a more just reason for celebration.. And, speaking of which..

"Jax," he called calmly, his arms behind his back calmly as he waited mere moments before his orange-haired servant appeared at the foot of the platform, on one knee with a clawed hand over his heart. "You called for me, master?"

"Yes," he smiled, tilting his head ever so slightly before he lowered his voice, "I would like you to go and traverse the hallways for a time.. A woman will no doubt be lost and confused.. She should be arriving shortly, and I would like for you to escort her.."

"Of course, sir," Jax nodded without hesitation, his gaze trained on his master's, "Anything else?" "Be sure she doesn't kill you," Bao grinned, flashing his pristine white teeth, his expression clearly amused and excited, "The poor dear hasn't had such a good impression of demons, yet, so tread wisely.. and.. " he shot the boy a look, then, his aura flickering with underlying meaning, "Bring her by all means necessary.. But do not directly touch her.." "Of course," Jax nodded calmly, disappearing almost immediately after Bao had flicked his wrist.

Turning his gaze to the eternally patient crowds, he flashed a firm, but pleasant smile. He vaguely noticed the females with near predatory gazes, but he brushed it off, soon, he reminded himself.. Soon ..

"I thank you all for coming, with such short notice.. And, as you have been informed, I have finally been in contact with the newest angel.." There were a smattering of unsatisfied grumbles, but when he'd cleared his throat, there was instant silence, and he continued. "What you may not be aware of, however, is that she is not a follower of His.." The tension escalated immediately, with every demon metaphorically on the edge of their seats. This changes things…

"Thinks he can try pulling this shit on me.." she muttered under her breath, the plan forming in her mind like a beacon, "I just wanted a damned nap.. Of course he'd want to fuck with me now.."

And so.. She readied her resolve.. Lets see how badly he'd want her to join after this…

"She is neutral, as far as we are able to observe.. And she has made no move toward either party in terms of alignment.. I currently have a follower watching over her.. But be certain that a more suitable guard will be in place, eventually.. She is a key asset to our success.. There is simply one task for each of you.." Natasha curled her fingers experimentally, picturing the biggest, most heavy rock she could, trying to focus on weight and shape, her ears barely picking up his next words.

"I want her to feel welcomed when she arrives.. She may very well become your new queen.. And that is completely her decision.. You will do well to watch your words and actions around her, and myself.." Something dark seemed to settle on his tongue, and the ice that swept through the room made her grateful she was hidden beneath the table. He sounded absolutely cold… And this was Hell.. Damn…

Natasha hesitated, before she lifted up the hem of the cloth, just high enough for her to peek, her dress blending into the tablecloth enough for her to be sufficiently blended. It took her a few moments to find Bao, standing above the crowd, well, sitting, now, stretched out in his chair. Music seemed to kick up, slowly at first, before returning to the upbeat, fresh ballroom melody. Couples seemed to sense the cue of 'Either partner up and dance or back the hell up' very well, moving as if they were all one body to separate and mingle or partner to dance an elegant waltz..

She took a quick, deep breath, before she snuck back into her seat, darting her eyes in an assessment of her surroundings, and , satisfied that she went unnoticed, grinned, and trailed her eyes around the room for possible fuckery.

It only took two seconds for a plan to form.

Happy Fucking Birthday, Natasha….

Bao lounged delicately in his throne seat, his eyes lidded lazily as he waited for the arrival of the captive princess. His thoughts were muddled with possible conversations to have, the majority of where his responses would need to be unplanned. She was a naural bull-shit detector, he'd noted as much in their first meeting, but he'd need to do some serious topic skirting if he even wanted to begin piquing her interest. He had a handful of men he'd like her to meet, and even more women.. Surely, a female mind could understand a female better than a man..? For the first time, in his existence, he was unsure about the next step in such a crucial mission. Trickery had failed. Seduction had backfired. All that's left was bribery. And it was nearing the end of both of their patience.

It as an extremely low sound, but it was enough to put everyone in the room into silence, even the musicians cut off mid sonata to turn their heads toward the room's entrance. The sound was gradually growing louder, the low thumping now becoming lowder, fast-paced rumbles that seemed to shake the flames of the sconces. The crystal chandelier above them even began to shake, tinkling against itself like a scorned child.

No one was prepared for Jax to burst into the room again, his corset torn, his already messy-hair windswept, and stuck to him in cold sweat. He was panting heavily, his clothes ruffled and torn in some places, and a smattering of blood was painted against his left knee. He quickly threw the doors closed again, pressing his back against it as the grumbling steadily grew louder. Bao stood from his seat, darting out of his seat, through the air, and landing almost a half second after the show and glaring lightly as his obviously distressed servant. He opened his mouth to demand what had happened, no doubt she'd tried something, but when his servant's eyes began leaking a fresh set of crystal hued tears, he felt his own snap open with shock.

"Bulls."

….What…?

It took him several seconds to actually process what was said before a large bang came against the door, the sounds now thunderous in their ears as roars seemed to come from the opposite side of the thick, golden barrier. It only grew louder, and while he steps lessened, they still remained loud. It took him a few more seconds to pull his servant away by the scruff of his neck, glaring down at the incubi with unrelenting annoyance. "Care to explain..?" "I don't know-!" he started quickly, the honesty clear as day to his master as he continued to nearly bawl at his master's feet, once he'd been released. "I was looking for Lady Natasha when I heard a loud sound.. I went to check and about ten of those things rushed me and started chasing me-!" Another loud bang, and another loud screech.

Natasha stood among the now slightly concerned bystanders, though most were too invested in nursing their glasses of scotch and wine to really be concerned. However, when the silver haired female's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a large, sharp crack shot through the door, and it split in half, bursting open with a screech of protest and crashing against the walls. The guests, as well as Jax and Bao jolted back several paces, the open doorway revealing large, silver bulls with glowing blood red eyes. They were bucking, roaring, and steaming from the nose and ears, pushing against each other to get in while the guests finally started screaming, and rushing to the back of the room. Bao looked stunned by the entirety of it all, staring as the seven foot beasts began bucking into the room, flipping tables, destroying food, and fighting one another in an obvious attempt to destroy.

Natasha slipped out of the room with ease, beginning her trek through the now normally lengthened hallway. She crossed through several more rooms before she finally stopped, out of frustration, and flexed her left hand, lifting it to the light of a sconce to examine it in the candle light. The emerald stone gleaned against the gold, and she hesitated, before bringing it up to her face, her voice low, and unsure.

"Uhm.. Arrow… you there..?"

She had all but two seconds of quiet before her ring was practically vibrating with the intense volume of Arrow's obvious ire.

"NATASHA TSUKINO WOLFE WHERE IN GOD'S NAME ARE YOU AND WHY IN THE NINE HEAVEN'S CAN'T I TRACK YOUR SORRY ASS?!"

Natasha held her hand as far away from her as she could, her ears ringing in her stunned silence, before she replied, tentative and placating, "I think I'm in Hell…."

"Of all of the brainless things you could do..!"

Arrow was currently treating her ankles with a soothing cream, the blisters from the heels stinging whenever she took a single step.

"I mean seriously, a stampede of bulls?! What are you, five-?!"

"Would you have preferred, rhinoceri..?" Natasha deadpanned, flinching with an audible hiss at his unintentional prodding. "I'm not subtle. You know this-!"

Said painful aforementioned torture devices were set up primly upon her desk, glinting in the lamp light. The dress had been put on a hanger, and was currently hanging from the top edge of her closet door, so it didn't drag on the ground. Why didn't she get rid of it, you ask..? Well.. It just so happens, she decided it would look good on Hikaru… Plus she could alter the shoes for his size as well, later..

"That doesn't excuse your reckless behavior-!" Arrow nearly roared, his face set in rage. She flinched at the look and tone, but she was still slightly relaxed. She knew he'd never hurt her. He was just royally pissed at his brother. "In the thirty minutes of your absence, I've had to hide twice -twice- to avoid being seen by that hairdresser-! And your little rodent has already run off to fetch him in emergency-! By the time I found him I barely managed to teleport back here before I was seen-! That child is-"

"Louis-?!" Natasha snapped, and Arrow stopped, looking at her with surprise, "Yes, the child you seem to recognize as a kit-" "How can he see you?!" she demanded slowly, and he rocked back to sit on his heels, still hovering over her on the bed, the herbal remedies scattered around them. "I don't know.." He was clearly stumped, and obviously uncomfortable that a human could see him. He'd then explained that he found this particular fact out one day, you guessed it, spying on him.. He'd been getting a feel for each male's set patterns, and had wound up in Louis's hair shop…

Arrow sighed as he stood behind the gossiping women, most in their late twenties, early thirties, all of whom were patiently waiting for the single male on staff at the moment to call for the next customer. Said male was still in his comfortable clothes, the sky blue, white polka dotted hoodie, and the magenta pants, but he'd worn soft white slippers as shoes, now. Arrow leaned up against a wall with a soft groan, pressing his fingers to his temple in an effort to relieve the irritation. He was certainly grateful that his charge did not partake in regular activities such as these..

Hours seemed to pass, and one by one, the women were tended to, the other two female employees giving up after the second hour and calling it quits for the day, asking the Asahina to lock up behind him before they left. He'd waited another hour, before the last female left, and he closed his eyes, letting the emerald orbs relax while he listened to the soft sweeping motion of the male's broom, cleaning up his workspace.

"Ah.. I am.. Ready for you, now.." The man suddenly spoke, and Arrow perked his head up, glancing toward the door, to see if a straggler had come in, or if he'd missed a person in the chairs.. But.. seeing nothing, he blinked, and slowly turned his head back to the boy. Said boy was staring at him. Straight at him, blinking owlishly and completely at ease. He chanced a glance behind himself, seeing no one in the small space, nor anyone peeking through the windows, before he turned his face back to the boy, silently thanking Natasha for giving him updated human currency should he get a craving for chocolate.. Said fix was partly unwrapped in his hand, but he managed to offer the suddenly dangerous child a small smile, "Sure, thank you."

He strode toward the chair with casual grace, although, inside his mind, he was on the verge of panic. This boy could see him. And not just any boy, but Natasha's new brother.. Now, his wouldn't be a problem, if it weren't for the fact that he didn't want him asking unnecessary questions..

Thank Him he remembered to keep his wings tucked in his back.

"So.. what will.. It be?" the soft spoken male asked calmly, already in the process of gathering pre-ritual haircare products, mouse, lather, combs and clips. Arrow thought about it, before giving a sheepish shrug. If he didn't want busted, he better play along. "I'm not sure," he admit calmly, turning his gaze to the shining mirror in front of him, his expression neutral, "I'd like to keep it relatively long, though." "Understood.." Louis spoke softly, running his fingers through the soft tresses. The ash blonde was surprised at the almost inhumanly soft texture, almost identical to his sister's, but brushed it off. He could fantasize about styling it differently in his dreams, later.. For now, he had work.

Arrow spent nearly two hours in that salon, and it was well past closing time when he was finally released. He'd been washed, rinsed, clipped, dyed, highlighted, dried again, fluffed, and styled. And he now had a relatively attractive surfer's mane of golden hair, with lighter golden highlights and almost brown undertones.

He'd paid the boy, and left shortly after, thanking him politely for the treatment before he'd gone back to work. He'd still have to study the brothers.. But perhaps he'd finish Louis's schedule from the rooftops..?

"So that's why you came home looking like you stepped off Miami Strip.." Natasha awed casually from her perch against her army of pillows, and Arrow rolled his eyes, clicking his tongue in annoyance before he glared t her. It was silent for a few moments, before she looked up from examining her feet. "What is it? What do you need?" "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he nearly spit the words, but they both knew his anger wasn't directed toward her. Far from it. Instead, she reached out a hand, patting his shoulder consolingly before she spoke, her voice low and gentle.

"Arrow.. It's alright, I'm fine.." she murmured. Arrow pared her a single, sharp glance, before she was enveloped in his arms, her face pressed tightly against his soft clothed chest and nearly constricting her breathing.. But..

It felt nice..

And as they sat there, just comforting one another, reassuring each other that they were not alone, Natasha made a choice. One she knew she'd never regret.

I choose Humanity…. I refuse to lose this...

A sharp knock at her door startled the girl enough to be sent tumbling off of the bed, hitting the floor with an audible thump and pained cry. The knocking stopped, before starting back abruptly again, this time a voice calling out with renewed concern. "Natasha-?! Are you in here-?! Are you alright?!"

"I- I'm fine-!" Natasha called out in a calm, reassuring one, thinking fast before she snapped her fingers, the clothes on her body traded for a single, slightly damp, fluffy blue towel. She imaged small bits of water on her skin, and the limp strands of damp, silver hair. She let her hair weigh down, ever so slightly, and she sighed in relief, hurrying to the door and opening it without hesitation, having to immediately lift her eyes up to see Iori standing there with a startled expression. "Hey," Natasha smiled, her expression overall calm as she looked up at him, "Did you need something?"

Iori simply stared at her for a few long moments, his lips parting and closing like a fish. He struggled to bring words to mind, but it was oddly blank, his eyes stuck on the soft droplets of water that fell from the tips of her hair, down to her collarbone, the fine shape against her creamy skin nearly glowing from the hallway light.

"Ahm.. d- dinner.." Iori stumbled, his eyes blinking rapidly before he suddenly snapped back into his body, much like a taut rubber band, and shot straight up, his posture rigid as he forced his face to the side, eyes trained on a nearby vase. "D-Dinner's ready, but Louis thought you'd gone somewhere.. He tried knocking earlier but no one answered.." "Aah," she nodded sagely, the lie on her lips before she thought too much about it. "Sorry, I fell asleep in the tub.. Kind of slipped when you knocked, though.." She flashed him a smile, but the damage was done. His neck, cheeks, and ears were tinged a rosy pink, and his eyes were forcibly trained sharply further down the hallway. "Well.. dinner is ready, so.."

"Alright, just let me get dressed," she nodded, tilting her head before she pulled the door open wider, "Would you prefer to come in and wait or-" "I'm fine," he quipped politely, his arms locking behind his back as he rocked onto his heels, his smile trained, but the skin around his eyes tight with nerves.

She'd shut the door after a casual, "Okay," the slate haired male taking a moment to let out a deep, relieved breath, before he relaxed against the wall, bringing a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Something told him she was completely oblivious to uncomfortable situations like this.. A least, about herself..

She's childish.. But she can be mature.. Iori started to internally ponder over this whole mess that has become his interest into his newest sibling. Sibling… now there was a word that brought chills to his spine.. She's kind, and caring.. But she doesn't hesitate to put us in our places… his lips twisted up in a smile, remembering Futo's curry-hair after a particularly eventful dinner.. She's just so perfect… Her quirks make her more so.. But.. The word 'sibling' echoed once more in his mind, and he resisted the urge to scrunch his face up in distress…

It just had to be her...

After a slightly winded explanation to the concerned older males that she'd fallen asleep, and was unable to hear the knocking and calls of both Louis and Yusuke, they reluctantly let the issue go, though not without giving her a proper scolding about managing things like that better in the future. Dinner was normal, and she'd reined Yusuke of their bet (the results were in with Natasha winning the butler contest- she'd also received a box of chocolates as prize), so he would be doing dishes, also dictating that her weeks worth of servitude would be postponed until further notice- as she was too preoccupied with Azuza's sickness, her next manuscript, and the impending doom that would come with revealing her circumstantial existence to her brothers.

She'd leave Rintarou out of it..

For as long as she could help it, at least..

She'd spent the rest of the night finishing her manuscript, and going over a few more necessary questions. Most of which involved sutra protection and inter-dimensional travel.

"So if I were to make a mental sutra, I'd protect myself," she clarified after Arrow's weekly ability lesson. "But if I were to make a physical sutra it could protect others..?" "That's right," the blonde nodded, firmly, eyes closed as he sat priest-style across from her on the soft cream rug of her floor, "Seeing as you will not be swayed in your decision to inform your siblings, I have no choice but to intervene to inform you of your responsibilities to their safety." "That's understandable," she nodded calmly, her voice even and soft, "I planned on protecting them, with or without divine intervention."

"You may as well use it if it's available," Arrow deadpanned, sighing before he continued, "All right.. out with it.. What's on your mind.." She didn't speak for a moment, and he continued, "I know that look.." he muttered, almost scornfully, beneath his breath, "That's the look you make before making a very poor life decision.."

"Is.. Is there any way for me to pass my gift onto other people..?"

"Where did this come from?" he demanded without pause, his eyes snapping to hers with firm determination, however, her own orbs were drawn in obvious anxiety and doubt.

"I want to know if I can control these enough to share it.." she murmured, twirling her fingers through her hair and pulling at it tightly so she would focus on the present moment. "It's not for what you're thinking.. I just want to know if I could make it so the others could.. Travel…."

"You cannot give anyone your gifts," he spoke after several tense minutes of silence, the female had adopted a meditative position, her forearms on her knees and her back straight. "It's simply not possible.. They are a part of your entire being.. It's part of both your body and your mind.. Only you can control it.. And only you are able to have it.. That is why they are your's.." "So.." she murmured, her heart suddenly three times heavier than before, "There's no way I can give them the ability to travel.."

"My apologies, " Arrow murmured, after a tense moment, before the wheels in his mind began to churn, "But.. there may be a way of taking them somewhere on your own.. They can't have the gift.. But to reap the effects of it are not completely impossible.. You use Creation for their benefit frequently, yes?"

"Yeah," she nodded, and he could finally see the hope that brought a steady light to her golden orbs, watching as she turned her head to the darkened sky, "I do…"

Natasha set spread the nine sutras in her hand out like a graceful fan, just enough for her to read the words painted in holy ink on the surfaces.

Lock

Burn

Freeze

Air

Rock

Gravity

Wings

Sleep

Forget

The last one was for absolute failure in their plans. Worst came to worst, she'd try to erase their memories, and most likely run away from the apartments after, since she'd feel too guilty about staying.. She knew herself too well to even imagine staying if that result came out of this...

"You seem nervous," Arrow unnecessarily pointed out from his position lounged out along her bed, as if he owned the thing, and chewing merrily at a large chocolate bar. The night had been long, and she hadn't slept, although that was normal, but was instead working on her sutra's strength. Gradually, they were getting better, but she was certain with a few more nights, they would come with ease.

One cannot just automatically assume they can master something over night..

That's stupid..

Natasha sighed, folding the papers back into their thin, lined order, before tucking them into her left sleeve, moving to grab the hairbrush from her desk and attempt to tame her nest of white locks. She'd just visited Azuza yesterday, but she'd still need to drop of the anime's and DVD's today. Speaking of which..

"Where exactly do you go through all hours of the day?" Natasha asked casually from her seat at the desk, ink and tools already put away. "I only seem to receive your visits once a week any more.." "I've been visiting more recently," he whined, clearly annoyed by her prodding, but answered, nonetheless, "Believe it or not, Heaven and Hell have just as much paperwork as a corporation on Earth.. We have to deal with soul records and guardian angel charges just as much as you humans deal with stock markets or taxes.. Except, we don't exactly reap benefits or get vacations once a year.."

"Don't you get Christmas off?" she sounded astounded, "Easter?"

"That didn't happen," he deadpanned, "Jesus Christ, Noah's Ark, none of it. The lord did not bear a human son. There was no great flood. Those are merely pipe dreams of crazed humans in fearful times. We'd attempt to correct them, but the time it would take outweighs the will to try."

"Fair enough," she murmured, nodding slightly before she titled her head, "Then.. what about the commandments..?" "Moses had gone crazed with desert heat," Arrow muttered, clearly not surprised, "The only true thing I can come to understand of that dribble is the forbidden fruit.. Adam and Eve were not created as you think.. They were prototypes of what He was aiming to create.. Eve was not Adam's rib, she was meant to be his soul mate.. Angels can apply to have soul mates, but it's an unfortunate side effect to such a thing if the parties choose different sides of the spectrum, even so.. it's something that can't be helped."

"Do you have a soul mate?" Natasha immediately spun around in her seat to face him, and he was clearly startled, his body tensed like a cat's and his hair on end as he wondered how she'd not lost her head with whiplash.

"It's not that simple," he nearly hissed, but she could see the flush on his face, "Angel's don't automatically have soul mates, we have our own souls.. Humans have their souls split at first creation.. Incidentally, its reincarnation that plays in here.. A human's present soul almost never meets up with their soul mates anymore these days.. I mean.. It happens.." he sounds slightly annoyed by the subject turn, but he could understand her curiosity, "but it's rare.. Factors that usually play in here are age, death, war, and sickness or plain and simple geographical differences.. Other times it's been pure luck for it to be siblings or even twins, but that's only for resets.. Which are less so rare, however then it becomes an issue because humans have a problem with what they've labelled 'incestual' relationships, which -if you wouldn't mind explaining to me- I have absolutely no understanding on why.."

Natasha blinked at him slowly, eyebrows furrowed as she tried to understand his question. As if sensing her look, he tried again, "Why is it that this 'incest' thing is looked down upon? I've seen soul mates torn apart because of it, and it's not a pleasant thing to watch two souls meant to be together be forcibly torn apart.. It can become a physical issue if a soul is too unhappy.. Why so you think suicide is so high?"

"That's… seriously bumming," Natasha grimaced, trying to wrap her head around this new information, "I mean, jeez.."

It was quiet for a moment, before Arrow sighed, waving idly to the girl with a bored look, "Shouldn't you be visiting that seiyuu in the hospital, soon?"

"OHSHITIMLATE-"

Natasha was out the door in a matter of seconds, and the angel sighed, turning his head to the window as he waited several long moments, before she burst out of the house, and began making a mad dash out of the courtyard toward the property's exit.

"A troubling little angel.." he muttered under his breath, sending the sleeping squirrel a sharp look before picking him up by the scruff, instantly waking him up in a surprise, squealing, and hissing fit. Arrow shook his once, the fur ball quieting down immediately at the sharp green eyes boring daggers into his soul.

"Alright, now then," the blonde growled, his eyes narrow, and his jaw set, "What exactly have you been telling that hairdresser..?"

Juli was thankful he didn't have a full bladder…..

"Oh man-! I'm falling in love with this girl-! I truly am-!"

Mace sat silently at the table of the backwater bar he and his "partner" had decided to spend their time in. It was dingy, and it smelled of sweat, but it was decently empty, minus regular barflies and the occasional young adult. Everyone left them to their corner booth of solitude, nursing their mugs of aged ale while Scythe "observed" ( read 'stalked' ) the white haired woman through his pocket-watch's upper compartment mirror. His watch fit snugly in one palm, the shining metal chilled to a dull gold.

"She used Bulls, Mace-! BULLS-!Ahahahaa-!" The hombre haired male threw his head back in ravenous laughter, nearly doubling over in his fit as his companion only silently sipped from his tumbler.

"Ohh," Scythe rubbed at a stray tear with his knuckle, his blue eyes shining in mirth, "I'm falling for this girl.. She just keeps becoming more and more appealing.."

"when has anything ever appealed to you?" Mace spoke cooly, though it was a few shades from being deadpanned, "More like 'entertained', in my opinion. Nothing ever interests you for long."

"True," Scythe sighed, shaking his head slowly before he swirled his drink in one hand, "It's just a boring waiting game.. any pranks she decides to pull until our move is entirely up to her. I could stand a few more upsets to those blundering birds while we wait.. A few more memories to cherish in that wasteland."