Chapter 2
Traditionally, the ball was over before midnight, and Chikorai asked if he would be permitted to walk young Dixie to her home. Her father agreed readily, seeing as how he was glad his daughter had appeared to have taken an actual interest in someone. Chikorai was ecstatic.
The walk home was about a half a mile from the grand Victorian building, in which the Sumono ball was held. They came strolling up her driveway arm in arm, talking and laughing all the while. Both secretly felt that there was no greater joy than simply being with one another. It was love at first sight I suppose, if you believe in such things.
Finally, the two arrived at a humongous white house, surrounded by many tall columns. There were nearly 20 rooms through out the house. They included everything from a lustrous dining room decorated in red velvet, to her father's bedroom adorned with treasures he had collected from his many travels.
Chikorai and Dixie stood beneath the doorway, smiles spread shamelessly across their brazen faces.
A moment's silence occurred between them, as a thought dawned on Chikorai.
I wonder what she would think if I kissed her? It might not seem very gentlemanly to do so upon our first meeting. , he speculated. Perhaps another time. Besides, he had heard it to be a good thing not to kiss her. This would cause her to wonder why he hasn't done so, and she'd definitely become more enticed by the idea.
He grinned. Yes, that would be the best solution.
Dixie gazed at him hopefully; expecting him to kiss her softly. She pursed her lips. He leaned in closer, as if to kiss her, but turned it into a big warm hug.
This surprised Dixie to say the least. Her eyelashes fluttered, bewildered by the event.
His embrace lightened, as he bowed respectfully to her, and bid her adieu.
He smiled charmingly, "I hope we shall meet again Miss Dixie. Twas my pleasure to escort a lovely lady, such as yourself, back to her home."
Dixie placed a hand on her cheek lightly. She was still a bit confused, as to why he hadn't kissed her, thus causing questions to arise in her mind. Does he not like me, or is he being tricky? Was he shy, or did he just want to wait? These questions and more baffled her, but she would have to ponder them later.
Chikorai cocked an eyebrow sweetly, "Is there something wrong Miss Dixie?"
His words brought her out of her slight trance.
She blushed heavily, "Oh, no! Nothing at all. I, I was just considering your invitation for a second date is all."
Chikorai smiled inwardly. So, his plan had worked! It was all he could do from letting out a small chuckle.
"Well,", she resumed, "we can meet this Saturday, if you would like to join me and my family for dinner."
His face lit up. "Of course! I'd be delighted."
"Than its settled, you will meet here at my house no later than 6'o clock. Goodnight Mr. Chikorai."
With that, she opened the door to her home, and slid away, closing it silently.
Chikorai's shoulders dropped, as he breathed a sigh of relief. What a night!
Later that evening, he took a carriage back to his large, apple-green house on the farm, raced up the stairs to his room, plopped on the bed, and fell fast asleep.
In the mean time, Raiford Raleigh had also returned to his home in the country.
The Sumono ball had to have been the worst event he'd ever attended! How could that sniveling country cur win the heart of Dixie Collins? Was it not he that deserved her love?!
These thoughts and more plagued his prideful mind, as he opened the door to his house, entered, and slammed it angrily.
The house was dim under the cover of nightfall, and not much could be seen. However, one could distinguish the colors of crimson, here and there. And you could tell the house belonged to someone of great eloquence, and taste. He was someone who considered himself to be the best; therefore owning nothing short of it.
Raiford glanced about the dark room, and gritted his teeth furiously.
He had to think of a plan to win Dixie back from Chikorai at all costs.
Oh! He could just imagine what they were doing right now! The image of their embrace burned in his mind.
Somewhere, just above the mantels of the ceiling lingered a dark, demonic being. He watched Raiford silently, intently…
He shook his head vigorously. Raiford! Get a hold of yourself! Remember who are? You are the most handsome guy in town! With just a little bit of thinking you'll be the one holding Dixie, while that stupid punk cries, and wonders where he went wrong., he thought maliciously. Ah, the idea was enough to make him happy again.
With a bit of a smile, Raiford shook off his worries, and headed towards a grand marble staircase, the being's glowing red eyes watching his every move.
This will be too easy!, Raiford thought to himself, letting out a nearly psychotic laugh as he pictured Chikorai in tears over Dixie.
He reached the top of the stairs, and headed to the right of a long hallway. He stopped at the second door to the left, opened it, and walked towards it center.
It was the master bedroom; his bedroom.
The walls were painted a pearly white, and the floors were made of a rare red stone found in Uisuki called Metatine. The bed was located in the left hand corner, and was festooned with scarlet silk sheets, and comforter. The room contained a huge window draped with ebony curtains, also made of silk.
Raiford changed into a set of black pajamas, and laid himself down on the luxurious bed.
He stared at the ceiling, as a smirk crept beneath his well trimmed mustache.
In order to make his plan work, he first had to think of a way to make it appear as if Chikorai had betrayed her, left her, fled from her grasp, etcetera.
As he began to plot these evil thoughts, something frightening happened.
Almost directly in the spot on ceiling where Raiford had been staring, an eerie red light started to glow.
The smile quickly left Raiford's face, and replaced itself with one of sheer horror. What was this thing?! Was he imagining things?
The light grew slowly bigger, and had begun to come closer to his face.
Out of the light formed a smoky image of what appeared to be a Doggon crossed with some reptile like being. It had tall pointy ears, and four demonic crimson eyes. Its mouth was aligned with rows of sharp jagged teeth, and it carried a grin filled with a horrible evil.
Raiford's mind ran rapid, as sweat poured from his forehead. He was afraid to even breathe! What was this awful thing? Had it come to kill him?
The demonic being came within inches of his face. He stood still, and stared into its eyes only briefly before springing from his bed, and running, screaming fearfully down the halls.
Raiford reached the end of the hall, and ran frightfully into a room on the right. He stood there panting like a dog, still trying to figure out what had, had happened.
The petrified man peered around the door frame. He saw no red light coming from his room. Had it left?
Raiford turned back to face the room, only to find the smoky red image of the beast within inches of him.
He tried to scream, but somehow could not find it in him.
Raiford backed against the wall, as the being gave way to his smoky image, and appeared in full form.
His build was like that of a Doggon (,or Crawgon if you prefer), and his body was encased in black leather and armor. The beast took a step back, and let his cloak slip from his shoulder.
Raiford finally managed to muster up the courage to talk to the being.
"W-What do you want with me?"
The beast grinned, and chuckled evilly; his voice filled with a chilling echo. "Why, I've come to help you of course."
Raiford was dumbfounded, "I don't take help from demons! And further more, I don't need anyone's help!"
"Funny, " it smiled, " for you to be so bold when speaking with Jigoku, Master of the Underworld."
Raiford's eyes widened with fear.
"I also find it interesting, " he continued, " that you claim to need no help… From what I hear you seem to be having a little… What do they call it? Ah, yes, ' Girl trouble'. "
"H-how could you know?", Raiford ventured to ask.
Jigoku laughed uproariously, "Who could not know? Anyone with eyes, and I have four, could see your envy of Chikorai and Dixie.
"I know you want her for your own… I can see it, feel it in my blood. You carry a rage against them in which I admire…"
Raiford took a moment for this to register. "Why would you want to help me…?", he asked quizzically.
"Why, for the same reason you have. Chikorai is only in my way."
Suddenly, he was a tad excited, "So, I take it you dislike Chikorai too?"
"Dislike?!," he hissed, "Hate is a much better word. Everyone knows you're the one who should be with Dixie."
This idea appealed to Raiford. He asked cautiously, "So… in what way were you planning on helping me?"
He smiled maliciously, "Ah, so you might be considering my offer. Excellent. Here is my plan…"
*************************************
The sun shone brightly through Chikorai's window and danced upon his face.
He opened his eyes groggily and glanced about his simple square room, painted a crabapple green.
Today is going to be a good day, he thought, nothing can go wrong. I have the love of my Dixie, and nothing else matters.
Chikorai sighed dreamily, thinking of the night's past events, when suddenly he heard a soft creak coming from the stairs.
Sitting up quickly, Chikorai listened to the sound of someone 'trying' to tiptoe up to his room and scare him.
He rolled his eyes. His father was too serious to pull some kind of joke like this. That only left one other person.
"Benji, its six in the morning, don't you think its a bit early to be sneaking up on people?"
A young man around Chikorai's age peaked around the corner sheepishly.
Chikorai sighed, "Why do you insist on doing that? I catch you every morning."
"Because, there's always a chance that one morning you won't catch me, and I can scare the living daylights out of you!", he replied merrily.
Benji entered and stood to his full height. His unusually white hair draped shaggily over his ears and blue eyes. He clutched a small gray hat that he always seemed to wear. He was Chikorai's best friend, and he helped out with all the chores on the farm. The lad was naturally albino, but he didn't let that stop him from having fun; if anything Benji was the life of the party!
Chikorai laughed weakly, "Benji, you really are something else." He rolled out of bed and threw a pair of olive green overalls over his baggy white long johns.
Benji waved as he headed for the bottom of the stairs, "C'mon ! We got work to do! And I don't really wanna make your old dad mad at me for being late again!"
"Alright already, I'm coming! At least let me get my boots on!"
The two friends bounded downstairs to meet Chikorai's father for the day's farm work. Mean while, Dixie Collins had just started to sit down for breakfast.
At the head of the table Dixie's father, Stone, a well fed, and sophisticated man, eyed his daughter curiously.
"So…", he ventured, " thought anymore about that Chikorai fellow?"
Nearly dropping her spoon, Dixie's face turned beat red. "Um, a little.", she replied.
The gray-headed man laughed raucously, "A little? Why, Marianna said you just couldn't stop raving about how great he was."
Dixie shot a cold look towards her Nanny, and friend, Marianna. Her Nanny slipped away from the two anxiously.
Stone sighed merrily, "Oh, don't get all huffed up, my dear! Chikorai seems like a very kind young gentlemen. Someone suitable enough for even you to marry…"
Dixie stood, "Father would please keep quiet! You're embarrassing me!"
He smiled warmly, "Alright, alright. But my opinion stands the same."
The worried girl sank back in her chair. Today was going to be a long day.
Meanwhile, Raiford and Jigoku had finished discussing their plans over the night. Here is what supposedly happened:
Raiford and his dark companion sat in a very dimly lit room.
Raiford exhaled the smoke from a cigarette, and smiled. "I like your plan Mr. Jigoku. However, I must admit I'm rather surprised that you're so willing to help me. What's the catch?"
He laughed sneakily, "Ah, you're a smart one. Yes, there is a catch; after all, the Lord of the Underworld doesn't work for free."
Raif reached behind him and opened a dresser, pulling out a leather wallet. "How much do you want? I'm a very wealthy man Mr.-" Jigoku waved a scolding claw at him.
"I don't want your money."
Raiford cocked an eyebrow suspiciously at the maniacal being. "Then what do you want…?"
He laughed heartily, "Oh, don't look at me like that! I'm not going to go for that stupid soul thing! HA! What a joke. I merely require your… loyalty so to speak, which might I add, can prove very rewarding."
"In what way? I'm already the best looking, youngest, richest plantation owner out here! Add Dixie into the mix and what more could I want?"
"Power…", he hissed in a near whisper.
The itching temptation of greed swept over Raiford, "You mean, more power than I already hold?"
Jigoku slammed his paws on the table before them, "More power than your imagination can conspire!"
He rested back in his seat. "For example, you know who the king of the Crawgons is do you not?"
"Its King Ganko, correct? I've spoken with him on a few occasions, very small fellow."
"Yes, yes, that is him. He used to be a nobody, until I came along. Now look at him! King of practically half the planet! However… his incessant whining is beginning to bug me… I need someone to… how should I say this? 'Fulfill his position'", he grinned demonically.
Raiford was taken aback. "Are you suggesting you would make me ruler of the Crawgons?! No way! They're so filthy, and ill mannered, and-"
Jigoku interrupted, "And strong, and lethal, and… obedient. They're the perfect killing machines! All they need is a prudent man… such as yourself to guide them. Just think! You and Dixie could rule together, as king and queen!"
The dark haired man pondered this for a moment. Would this Jigoku really let him become ruler, and make sure he had Dixie at the same time? It seemed too impossible to be true; but then again, just a few hours ago, so did the ruler of the underworld appearing in his home. Perhaps… it wasn't such a bad idea after all. His life would be made glorious! He would go down in history as a king, and Dixie his queen, and their children would carry on a royal lineage.
Raiford decided impulsively, "I'll take your offer Mr. Jigoku, but first let us get rid of that bothersome farm boy."
He reached out to shake the being's paw, Jigoku returning the gesture, as they shook upon things heartily.
"I'm so glad you decided to see things my way.", he replied, a barely traceable static current ran through his paw into Raiford's hand.
He felt the sensation slightly, but thought it only to be typical… when shaking hands with the devil…
***********************************
Traditionally, the ball was over before midnight, and Chikorai asked if he would be permitted to walk young Dixie to her home. Her father agreed readily, seeing as how he was glad his daughter had appeared to have taken an actual interest in someone. Chikorai was ecstatic.
The walk home was about a half a mile from the grand Victorian building, in which the Sumono ball was held. They came strolling up her driveway arm in arm, talking and laughing all the while. Both secretly felt that there was no greater joy than simply being with one another. It was love at first sight I suppose, if you believe in such things.
Finally, the two arrived at a humongous white house, surrounded by many tall columns. There were nearly 20 rooms through out the house. They included everything from a lustrous dining room decorated in red velvet, to her father's bedroom adorned with treasures he had collected from his many travels.
Chikorai and Dixie stood beneath the doorway, smiles spread shamelessly across their brazen faces.
A moment's silence occurred between them, as a thought dawned on Chikorai.
I wonder what she would think if I kissed her? It might not seem very gentlemanly to do so upon our first meeting. , he speculated. Perhaps another time. Besides, he had heard it to be a good thing not to kiss her. This would cause her to wonder why he hasn't done so, and she'd definitely become more enticed by the idea.
He grinned. Yes, that would be the best solution.
Dixie gazed at him hopefully; expecting him to kiss her softly. She pursed her lips. He leaned in closer, as if to kiss her, but turned it into a big warm hug.
This surprised Dixie to say the least. Her eyelashes fluttered, bewildered by the event.
His embrace lightened, as he bowed respectfully to her, and bid her adieu.
He smiled charmingly, "I hope we shall meet again Miss Dixie. Twas my pleasure to escort a lovely lady, such as yourself, back to her home."
Dixie placed a hand on her cheek lightly. She was still a bit confused, as to why he hadn't kissed her, thus causing questions to arise in her mind. Does he not like me, or is he being tricky? Was he shy, or did he just want to wait? These questions and more baffled her, but she would have to ponder them later.
Chikorai cocked an eyebrow sweetly, "Is there something wrong Miss Dixie?"
His words brought her out of her slight trance.
She blushed heavily, "Oh, no! Nothing at all. I, I was just considering your invitation for a second date is all."
Chikorai smiled inwardly. So, his plan had worked! It was all he could do from letting out a small chuckle.
"Well,", she resumed, "we can meet this Saturday, if you would like to join me and my family for dinner."
His face lit up. "Of course! I'd be delighted."
"Than its settled, you will meet here at my house no later than 6'o clock. Goodnight Mr. Chikorai."
With that, she opened the door to her home, and slid away, closing it silently.
Chikorai's shoulders dropped, as he breathed a sigh of relief. What a night!
Later that evening, he took a carriage back to his large, apple-green house on the farm, raced up the stairs to his room, plopped on the bed, and fell fast asleep.
In the mean time, Raiford Raleigh had also returned to his home in the country.
The Sumono ball had to have been the worst event he'd ever attended! How could that sniveling country cur win the heart of Dixie Collins? Was it not he that deserved her love?!
These thoughts and more plagued his prideful mind, as he opened the door to his house, entered, and slammed it angrily.
The house was dim under the cover of nightfall, and not much could be seen. However, one could distinguish the colors of crimson, here and there. And you could tell the house belonged to someone of great eloquence, and taste. He was someone who considered himself to be the best; therefore owning nothing short of it.
Raiford glanced about the dark room, and gritted his teeth furiously.
He had to think of a plan to win Dixie back from Chikorai at all costs.
Oh! He could just imagine what they were doing right now! The image of their embrace burned in his mind.
Somewhere, just above the mantels of the ceiling lingered a dark, demonic being. He watched Raiford silently, intently…
He shook his head vigorously. Raiford! Get a hold of yourself! Remember who are? You are the most handsome guy in town! With just a little bit of thinking you'll be the one holding Dixie, while that stupid punk cries, and wonders where he went wrong., he thought maliciously. Ah, the idea was enough to make him happy again.
With a bit of a smile, Raiford shook off his worries, and headed towards a grand marble staircase, the being's glowing red eyes watching his every move.
This will be too easy!, Raiford thought to himself, letting out a nearly psychotic laugh as he pictured Chikorai in tears over Dixie.
He reached the top of the stairs, and headed to the right of a long hallway. He stopped at the second door to the left, opened it, and walked towards it center.
It was the master bedroom; his bedroom.
The walls were painted a pearly white, and the floors were made of a rare red stone found in Uisuki called Metatine. The bed was located in the left hand corner, and was festooned with scarlet silk sheets, and comforter. The room contained a huge window draped with ebony curtains, also made of silk.
Raiford changed into a set of black pajamas, and laid himself down on the luxurious bed.
He stared at the ceiling, as a smirk crept beneath his well trimmed mustache.
In order to make his plan work, he first had to think of a way to make it appear as if Chikorai had betrayed her, left her, fled from her grasp, etcetera.
As he began to plot these evil thoughts, something frightening happened.
Almost directly in the spot on ceiling where Raiford had been staring, an eerie red light started to glow.
The smile quickly left Raiford's face, and replaced itself with one of sheer horror. What was this thing?! Was he imagining things?
The light grew slowly bigger, and had begun to come closer to his face.
Out of the light formed a smoky image of what appeared to be a Doggon crossed with some reptile like being. It had tall pointy ears, and four demonic crimson eyes. Its mouth was aligned with rows of sharp jagged teeth, and it carried a grin filled with a horrible evil.
Raiford's mind ran rapid, as sweat poured from his forehead. He was afraid to even breathe! What was this awful thing? Had it come to kill him?
The demonic being came within inches of his face. He stood still, and stared into its eyes only briefly before springing from his bed, and running, screaming fearfully down the halls.
Raiford reached the end of the hall, and ran frightfully into a room on the right. He stood there panting like a dog, still trying to figure out what had, had happened.
The petrified man peered around the door frame. He saw no red light coming from his room. Had it left?
Raiford turned back to face the room, only to find the smoky red image of the beast within inches of him.
He tried to scream, but somehow could not find it in him.
Raiford backed against the wall, as the being gave way to his smoky image, and appeared in full form.
His build was like that of a Doggon (,or Crawgon if you prefer), and his body was encased in black leather and armor. The beast took a step back, and let his cloak slip from his shoulder.
Raiford finally managed to muster up the courage to talk to the being.
"W-What do you want with me?"
The beast grinned, and chuckled evilly; his voice filled with a chilling echo. "Why, I've come to help you of course."
Raiford was dumbfounded, "I don't take help from demons! And further more, I don't need anyone's help!"
"Funny, " it smiled, " for you to be so bold when speaking with Jigoku, Master of the Underworld."
Raiford's eyes widened with fear.
"I also find it interesting, " he continued, " that you claim to need no help… From what I hear you seem to be having a little… What do they call it? Ah, yes, ' Girl trouble'. "
"H-how could you know?", Raiford ventured to ask.
Jigoku laughed uproariously, "Who could not know? Anyone with eyes, and I have four, could see your envy of Chikorai and Dixie.
"I know you want her for your own… I can see it, feel it in my blood. You carry a rage against them in which I admire…"
Raiford took a moment for this to register. "Why would you want to help me…?", he asked quizzically.
"Why, for the same reason you have. Chikorai is only in my way."
Suddenly, he was a tad excited, "So, I take it you dislike Chikorai too?"
"Dislike?!," he hissed, "Hate is a much better word. Everyone knows you're the one who should be with Dixie."
This idea appealed to Raiford. He asked cautiously, "So… in what way were you planning on helping me?"
He smiled maliciously, "Ah, so you might be considering my offer. Excellent. Here is my plan…"
*************************************
The sun shone brightly through Chikorai's window and danced upon his face.
He opened his eyes groggily and glanced about his simple square room, painted a crabapple green.
Today is going to be a good day, he thought, nothing can go wrong. I have the love of my Dixie, and nothing else matters.
Chikorai sighed dreamily, thinking of the night's past events, when suddenly he heard a soft creak coming from the stairs.
Sitting up quickly, Chikorai listened to the sound of someone 'trying' to tiptoe up to his room and scare him.
He rolled his eyes. His father was too serious to pull some kind of joke like this. That only left one other person.
"Benji, its six in the morning, don't you think its a bit early to be sneaking up on people?"
A young man around Chikorai's age peaked around the corner sheepishly.
Chikorai sighed, "Why do you insist on doing that? I catch you every morning."
"Because, there's always a chance that one morning you won't catch me, and I can scare the living daylights out of you!", he replied merrily.
Benji entered and stood to his full height. His unusually white hair draped shaggily over his ears and blue eyes. He clutched a small gray hat that he always seemed to wear. He was Chikorai's best friend, and he helped out with all the chores on the farm. The lad was naturally albino, but he didn't let that stop him from having fun; if anything Benji was the life of the party!
Chikorai laughed weakly, "Benji, you really are something else." He rolled out of bed and threw a pair of olive green overalls over his baggy white long johns.
Benji waved as he headed for the bottom of the stairs, "C'mon ! We got work to do! And I don't really wanna make your old dad mad at me for being late again!"
"Alright already, I'm coming! At least let me get my boots on!"
The two friends bounded downstairs to meet Chikorai's father for the day's farm work. Mean while, Dixie Collins had just started to sit down for breakfast.
At the head of the table Dixie's father, Stone, a well fed, and sophisticated man, eyed his daughter curiously.
"So…", he ventured, " thought anymore about that Chikorai fellow?"
Nearly dropping her spoon, Dixie's face turned beat red. "Um, a little.", she replied.
The gray-headed man laughed raucously, "A little? Why, Marianna said you just couldn't stop raving about how great he was."
Dixie shot a cold look towards her Nanny, and friend, Marianna. Her Nanny slipped away from the two anxiously.
Stone sighed merrily, "Oh, don't get all huffed up, my dear! Chikorai seems like a very kind young gentlemen. Someone suitable enough for even you to marry…"
Dixie stood, "Father would please keep quiet! You're embarrassing me!"
He smiled warmly, "Alright, alright. But my opinion stands the same."
The worried girl sank back in her chair. Today was going to be a long day.
Meanwhile, Raiford and Jigoku had finished discussing their plans over the night. Here is what supposedly happened:
Raiford and his dark companion sat in a very dimly lit room.
Raiford exhaled the smoke from a cigarette, and smiled. "I like your plan Mr. Jigoku. However, I must admit I'm rather surprised that you're so willing to help me. What's the catch?"
He laughed sneakily, "Ah, you're a smart one. Yes, there is a catch; after all, the Lord of the Underworld doesn't work for free."
Raif reached behind him and opened a dresser, pulling out a leather wallet. "How much do you want? I'm a very wealthy man Mr.-" Jigoku waved a scolding claw at him.
"I don't want your money."
Raiford cocked an eyebrow suspiciously at the maniacal being. "Then what do you want…?"
He laughed heartily, "Oh, don't look at me like that! I'm not going to go for that stupid soul thing! HA! What a joke. I merely require your… loyalty so to speak, which might I add, can prove very rewarding."
"In what way? I'm already the best looking, youngest, richest plantation owner out here! Add Dixie into the mix and what more could I want?"
"Power…", he hissed in a near whisper.
The itching temptation of greed swept over Raiford, "You mean, more power than I already hold?"
Jigoku slammed his paws on the table before them, "More power than your imagination can conspire!"
He rested back in his seat. "For example, you know who the king of the Crawgons is do you not?"
"Its King Ganko, correct? I've spoken with him on a few occasions, very small fellow."
"Yes, yes, that is him. He used to be a nobody, until I came along. Now look at him! King of practically half the planet! However… his incessant whining is beginning to bug me… I need someone to… how should I say this? 'Fulfill his position'", he grinned demonically.
Raiford was taken aback. "Are you suggesting you would make me ruler of the Crawgons?! No way! They're so filthy, and ill mannered, and-"
Jigoku interrupted, "And strong, and lethal, and… obedient. They're the perfect killing machines! All they need is a prudent man… such as yourself to guide them. Just think! You and Dixie could rule together, as king and queen!"
The dark haired man pondered this for a moment. Would this Jigoku really let him become ruler, and make sure he had Dixie at the same time? It seemed too impossible to be true; but then again, just a few hours ago, so did the ruler of the underworld appearing in his home. Perhaps… it wasn't such a bad idea after all. His life would be made glorious! He would go down in history as a king, and Dixie his queen, and their children would carry on a royal lineage.
Raiford decided impulsively, "I'll take your offer Mr. Jigoku, but first let us get rid of that bothersome farm boy."
He reached out to shake the being's paw, Jigoku returning the gesture, as they shook upon things heartily.
"I'm so glad you decided to see things my way.", he replied, a barely traceable static current ran through his paw into Raiford's hand.
He felt the sensation slightly, but thought it only to be typical… when shaking hands with the devil…
***********************************
