Damon bid his time and if asked, he would swear he was definitely NOT fuming in the back of their shared head. No, he certainly was far too intelligent to let emotions rule his actions – and if fury bubbled at the edges of his consciousness and aether twisted into unrecognizable shapes around their body… well, he was – perhaps – a bit upset.

The whole ridiculous situation that surrounded his host during Senri's absence somewhat reminded him of what he and Ares had to deal with back in the day… and he was not amused. Watching his precious, special boy fight against the uncertainty and try to ignore the sneers and thinly veiled insults – so reminiscent of his youth while those infernal mortals dared to question his relationship with the Warrior… Damon's temper was rising to the surface with Raha's every half-conscious doubt and insecurity.

Delicately steering his host toward more confidence and trust in his lover's affections was his undertaking, obviously. The whole thing at the ship heading toward Old Sharlayan was a masterpiece in his opinion – leading to his host finally discarding lion's share of his doubts and concerns. For Raha to finally see that his insecurity was spiking his lover's uncertainty.

Senri and Raha's souls and emotions were entangled so tightly and so dependent on each other's care and trust, and Damon was determined to make them flourish. Not only because nothing made his host happier than his lover's devotion but he had a much, much bigger prize on his mind.

Each and every subtle push and prod – each scheme his husband was more than eager to take part in – was a vital part of their plans. With the time nearing when their mortals were fated to head toward the Garlemald and the nightmare awaiting them there – the upcoming stand-off with Fandaniel and his mortal pet… Not to mention Zodiark… It'll be a time when all his efforts will be put to test.

Senri – since the merger with the personification of the rage living inside him – promised in Damon's mind a perfect candidate to face Meteion. What their boys seemed to not understand was the 'why' of the Warrior's physical manifestation of his inner beast and he was more than glad to let it stay that way. Ares's host wasn't fully aware that the whole ordeal after his unfortunate jump to Thavnair brought about even tighter entanglement of his and Azem's souls. Which was only expected, really, as desperate as Ares was to keep his boy's soul alive. Terrified that the forced jump had him consume his host's consciousness, finding it he latched on and almost drained his own soul in a blind bid to save his mortal. Both were too distraught to realize that Senri's unconsciousness used the occasion and their panic in an instinctive bid to 'punish' the boy using Azem's gift to grant itself the form to do so. Before Hades's intervention, it almost managed to – consuming a good part of both Senri's and Ares's souls.

Thankfully, that part of the boy's unconsciousness was as obsessed with Raha as the rest of his soul. And his host's acceptance and forgiveness forced the 'beast' into submission – bringing about the merge. It wasn't all good – in Damon's opinion, anyway – as it brought along Senri's immunity to Ares's gift and broke every compulsion his husband put over his host's soul. Azem didn't really mind, enamored as he was with his boy – but Damon seeing the surprise of his husband's mortal's new physical traits realized that Senri has unconsciously forced that alteration by using creation magicks – something no mortal should be able to do. And that led him to the idea that now Senri, aware or not, had wider access to Ares's aether – and be thankful for the boy's aversion to using magic.

In this broken down, new world of theirs the mortal with the ability to wield the 'full-aether' in creation magic was too much of a risk. And as unable to compel him as he was now – Damon couldn't trust Ares to keep his boy in check anymore. Letting them think that the 'fangs and claws' are somehow a flux was safer in his opinion than making the boy aware of his full potential now – at least until his travel to Elpis. Past that point the future was unknown – and he believed that nothing will be off-limits to stop Meteion this time around.

They had too much to lose now.

Damon had too much to lose.

And for him to keep all he held dear – his love, his boys, and the new, interesting world that surrounded them – their mortals had to be in the best possible condition to face Meteion and her Song of Oblivion. To face Hermes's bet and come back victorious.

And to have the infernal mortals of that city threaten his plans and schemes with their ridiculous behavior… was infuriating. To see his precious Raha's confidence grow weaker as the memories of his youth surfaced in face of this… atrocity… had Damon's temper flare something fierce. He let Senri take a lead on the punishment of those who dared to use and hurt his host before – because he understood that it was the Warrior's right as Raha's 'mate.' If it was Ares who was threatened – and hurt like that – he would despise anyone who would dare to take the punishment out of his hands, so he provided the boy with the list of names to put to faces of those responsible and sat back – simply admiring Senri's creativity… and learning.

And when the evening of that party at Levellieurs' home arrived and their boys headed to it with their friends… he believed in Senri's ability to take care of those rumors. He did trust in the boy's devotion and was reassured by his plan to once and for all make sure that none dared to bring Raha's confidence down by using his past abuse to try to make something ugly from the beauty of their love for each other. He did.

But he also never bluffed. He didn't need to. And he loved to have all of his bases covered. So just in case someone needed an extra incentive to leave his boy the fuck alone, Damon gleefully – using in part what he learned from Senri's exploits – prepared a spell that in his humble opinion was quite… entertaining. He didn't really believe it'll be necessary… but well, you can never be too prepared, right?

A bell into the party, T'senri would lie if he didn't admit that he was quite… really having fun.

Sure, having to ask Nidhana and her people to wait with testing the medallions until he and his friends are back was quite awkward and he in general truly despised parties… Not to mention that he absolutely refused to drink – because, yeah, after the last time on the First, the downside of potentially displeasing his mate was a potent discouragement.

But this time, he definitely didn't need the buzz of the alcohol to get dizzy in bliss as with the shy but full permission of his prince, and under more than a few shocked gazes, he was allowed to shower his lover with the affections his beauty deserved. He was allowed to growl at anyone who looked at his mate in a way he didn't like – and what's more… the idea that after this night all will know to whom his unbearably beautiful male belonged was intoxicating.

And the excitement of that was far more enjoyable than any sort of a buzz. Enough that he couldn't help himself but when they were required to listen to the flourish speech of the twins' father in which – under the narrowed eyes of his beautiful wife – he humbly asked for forgiveness of his children – T'senri gladly used the distraction of the crowd to shamelessly paw at his lover's gorgeous body. That some still looked their way and even looked scandalized… well, fuck them, for all he cared, as he pinned his mate against the balustrade of the balcony over the massive ballroom the party was taking place in.

That his prince didn't protest as he normally would – though flushed beautifully and pretending to pay attention to the speech – while T'senri eagerly used the silent permission to the perfection, grinning as he pressed tightly against his lover's back and resting his chin on his shoulder with his left hand on the balustrade next to him, let his right hand eagerly explore the advantage of his lover's outfit. Forgoing his usual – favorite – outfit, his Raha looked beyond gorgeous tonight even if one chosen for this occasion was simple enough. While T'senri stuck with his usual colors, though for the occasion of his surprise choosing to wear a crimson shirt and forgo his usual bandana in favor of letting his mate style his hair in a way that kept them from falling in his eyes (not to mention made his lover beautiful eyes shine with desire), his Raha apparently decided to blow his mind. Leaving his hair loose, only with the usual hairpins keeping his fringe back and choosing a black, elegant shirt for the occasion and matching pants – T'senri was beyond thankful that for once he wasn't required to 'behave.'

Instead, to show his appreciation for his prince's beauty – and not even able to truly care about the 'propriety' – he let his lover feel what exactly his looks were doing to his unruly body, pressing his raging erection against his mate's delectable behind. Letting his long, black tail coil possessively around Raha's thigh and sneaking his hand under the hem of his shirt to greedily splay over his abdomen with fingers teasing the waistband of his pants, T'senri observed the proceedings over his shoulder with narrowed eyes, considering his own plans.

When Fourchenault finally finished droning on and the crowd of guests applauded the twins' gracious acceptance of his apologies and the guests started to mingle, then musicians started to play a quiet but pleasant enough tune, T'senri tilted his head and pressed a tender kiss on the tattoo on his lover's throat before pushing back from him with a sheepish chuckle.

"Need a moment, my heart," he whispered quietly enough that only his mate could hear him.

"Huh?" Raha turned slightly, raising his dark-red eyebrows in a question.

"I need to secure myself a quick word with our hostess, Raha," he wiggled his eyebrows meaningfully, raising his hand to delicately brush his fingers over his mate's cheek. That he inclined his head into his touch, had the Warrior's desire spike harder and he licked his lips unconsciously, fighting back his fangs slipping. That his lover's crimson eyes followed the movement of his tongue and sparked with the fire of his lust was NOT helping him any. So because he knew that this night he could, he braced his hands on the balustrade around his mate and took his mouth in a deep, delicious kiss, delighting in his immediate answer and maddening flavor. Enticing his prince's tongue to play, he purred teasingly against his lips and was rewarded with an unbearably tasty mewl of arousal and his intoxicating, spicy scent thickening with his need. He took his time and his fill of his mate's taste and noises before he pulled back just enough to rub the tip of his nose against his lover's with a smug smirk when his Raha sagged against the balustrade with a quiet groan and heated gaze stuck on the Warrior's lips. "I told Ameliance of my plan when we arrived, my prince," he hummed with amusement, watching a dark, pretty blush spill over his mate's handsome face. "And I want to put it to life before everyone is too drunk to remember it in the morning," he snickered, pushing back to push his hands in his pockets as he raised his gaze above his lover's shoulder, tracking the tall, white-haired Elzen woman as she left the side of her husband and children and with polite bow headed deeper into the building. Maybe to prepare what he asked for… one could hope, but he wanted to make sure. "So, I'm going to be right back," he added, quickly leaning in and pressing a tender kiss on his lover's bruised lips, then before Raha had time to protest or ask more questions, he headed toward the door he saw the hostess disappear behind.

With what looked like more than half of the city in attendance, getting through the crowd wasn't an easy task, but their apparent fascination with him worked wonders and soon the noise of the ballroom became muted behind the massive door. Whistling under his nose the tune the musicians played, T'senri headed down the corridor, smiling at the few surprised by his presence servants that passed him. None dared to stop him – perhaps either already warned by their mistress or maybe simply recognizing him for his title – and when asked they easily pointed him toward the kitchens and the lady of the house.

"Warrior!" Ameliance gasped with a wide smile when she saw him walk in. "I was just informing the staff of your request. You didn't need to bother."

"As you can imagine, I'm quite determined to make it perfect," he smiled back if a bit sheepishly. "And maybe… a little nervous," T'senri admitted with a laugh, feeling his face heat up considerably. "I… thank you, Ameliance. For entertaining my idea," he bowed his head politely.

"There's nothing to thank for! I'm more than happy to help!" she laughed, then 'shooed' at him with a grin. "Please, get back to the party, T'senri. Everything will be ready but in a bell, I promise you. I'll get you and your fine partner once everything is set."

"Ah… thank you, again, anyway," he grinned his real, goofy grin and left the kitchen before she could protest again, heading back toward where he came from, keeping his hands hidden as the nerves and giddiness had his claws slip.

Looking at the floor under his feet and busy rehearsing in his head – to Ares's amused chuckles and subtle reminders of the correct words – he didn't register the presence of the person in his way until he almost literally walked into her. His gaze shoot up with an automatic, apologetic smile that froze when a hand shot up and something was sprayed right in his face. Hard.

"Wha…?" he stumbled back, glaring daggers at the blond woman in an extravagant, dark green dress matching her eyes that shone with a mixture of satisfaction and giddiness as her hand dropped to her side. "What the fuck are you doing?" he hissed in outrage, wiping his face automatically and sniffing his hand. He couldn't smell anything but before he had time to blink, he stumbled another step back as suddenly everything around him started to spin and he shook his head violently to clear it.

His breath stuttered and grew short and panicky as all too familiar heat hit his veins instantly but under completely wrong circumstances. Knowing all too many familiar stories – all too many in this infernal city alone – he understood the situation in a heartbeat, baring his teeth at her in a warning snarl as he backed away blindly against the wall, instinctively reaching out toward his mate as his senses reeled in the unwanted, unnatural lust. His very skin all too soon felt too thin and stifling as his heartbeat thrummed deafeningly between his ears when the female neared him slowly with a nasty, self-satisfied grin.

"Now, now… T'senri, it's for your own good," she cooed, fluttering her lashes at him.

"Touch me… and I'll tearrr you to shrrreds," he rasped, uncaring as he flashed his fangs at her, waiting for her to get in reach of his claws.

"What in the…?" Diva had enough sense to stop, gawking at the anomaly.

His ears twitched at the sound of rapid steps and his swimming gaze shot behind her and he almost sobbed in relief at the sight of his lover skidding to a stop.

"Sen…" he cut off as his crimson eyes drifted over him and then slowly moved to the female between them. "You… dare?" he hissed through his teeth with outrage and his eyes narrowed into slits.

"How did you…?" she backed away from him with apparent panic. Not fast enough as using his inhumane speed, Raha's hand shot out and coiled around her throat, pulling her close to him.

Sagging against the wall in relief even as the unnatural arousal of his body mounted too quickly, making him unconsciously whine in the back of his throat for his mate, he fought to catch his breath and collect his scattered wits, shaking his head to clear the raising haze.

"You figured it out, bitch?" his normally so gentle and polite prince snapped right in her face as she choked, clawing at his arm when he picked her up in the air by her throat. "He wouldn't look at you like you wanted so you dare try to drug him? Try to rape my Sun?" the pure, unbridled fury in the ruby irises was blinding. "Oh, but I have something so very special for you, Diva… You'll serve as a wonderful warning for anyone in this Twelve-forsaken city who thinks to do this sort of thing… Anyone who dares to touch what's mine," the grin that spread his plush lips was downright terrifying as he leaned in and whispered something by her ear then let go of her, pushing her back with obvious disgust on his handsome face. Then he snapped his fingers in Hades's best style and she disappeared from the corridor.

"What… what did you do…?" T'senri panted out, digging his claws into the wall behind him to stay upright. He was more than grateful when his mate darted to him and let him instantly wrap his arms around him securely. And feeling his heat and scent, he couldn't help but whimper his need, shuddering violently.

"What I promised… something very special," Raha growled, the blaze of his fury turning his voice into a hoarse snarl. "None touches you but me, Senri," he hissed, then fisted his hand in T'senri's hair and pulled his head against his shoulder.

"Yesss, please…" he whimpered in painful arousal, spinning them around and pinning his prince against the wall, tugging at his clothes desperately and blindly as his body raged for relief. His claws cut through the material easily, but he almost literally passed out when his lover suddenly caught his wrists in an almost painful grip. "P-please, Rrraha…" he rasped, losing his mind as he nuzzled against his lover's shoulder, rutting into his stomach needily as his cock throbbed painfully in the insane rhythm of his heartbeat. Knowing that it wasn't natural didn't make it any less painful.

"Shhh, my beast," his lover cooed, freeing his hands to wrap his arms around his neck. "First, let me get you safe, okay? Back to our nest, my Snark, and then I'll give your beautiful body all it needs…"

"…party," he whined, but couldn't help but paw at his mate or stop his body rutting into his incredible heat.

"Fuck it and fuck them all," his prince snarled aggressively right before a cloud of black aether surrounded them and they disappeared from the corridor.

The thing found that night at the main plaza of the Old Sharlayan, splayed out in a macabre display of nearly artistic flare would be a topic of discussion around the city in years to come.

The guards called in to investigate after the distressed call of the unlucky finder swore that – despite the rumors that followed – they did NOT contaminate the finding by getting sick once they understood that once it was a person.

"Did you ever see a shirt turned inside out?" one of them would say later, completely green and sweating profusely. "Imagine that done to a person. But the worst part…" he would cut off, raising his hand to cover his mouth as his earlier eaten meal fought for freedom. He would take a deep breath, clear his throat, and whisper as his face grows in shades of white and green. "The worst part was… that even when its… its guts formed a writing of its… crime… Twelve preserve… the worst was when we understood that it was still alive!"

Fighting their disgust and terror, they gathered the… thing and brought it away before dawn – to spare students the sight.

Some more confident in aetheric arts were called in to try to fix it – or at least figure out what might have caused the… anomaly.

None of them were thankful for that fact or the task.

It took a week before one – perhaps a tad more reasonable – despite his colleges' protests, put the thing out of its misery, stating that there was simply no reversing what was done to it. And only later – in his nightmares about it – he would admit to hearing that thing utter a barely audible sigh of relief.