The brutal winds kicked up and the overbearing heat of the sun scalded the demon's back as he flew. He had flown for quite a long time. If he had guessed, he would think he had been in the airs for days. Not a thought had passed through his head, the only thing he kept on his brain was escape. Amon knew he was well enough away at this point, and yet still it was like he was still running from something much worse. Something he feared he could never truly evade. All those memories and the guilt had haunted him. It was far more than he ever wanted to bear.

It had been so long since he had focused on anything else other than continuing forward that, he, at last, began to notice his exhaust and hunger. They had grown so much that despite his one-track mind, he started to rethink his plans. The beastia knew he had to stop at some point, he just wasn't sure where and when. Below him was an endless desert, that he had been traveling over for some time. The dunes of sand rose and fell like the tides of the sea, nearly hypnotizing the demon into a lull of sleep.

He shook his head, knowing he needed to land he couldn't just keep going forever, as much as he'd like to. When he made it to the ground it was far from a pretty landing. He crawled to his feet as he struggled to keep contact with the rolling sand beneath him. The ground was still so hot from the day, even in the dead of night. Amon could only imagine the cruelty of the sun during the mid-day of this place. Frankly, he didn't want to stick around to find out, but where this desert ended was a whole new problem entirely, and with his tiredness, he worried he'd pass out the moment day broke.

It was so unsettling, never had he felt so berated and exhausted. He had gone days and weeks without sleep before as he would fight armies by himself alone. However, now he could barely stand after just a few days of continuous travel. It was perplexing, the only conclusion he could come to was that perhaps this weariness had nothing to do with his physical body, but his mind and soul.

Whatever it was, Amon no longer devoted any thought to it as something made its way into his line of sight. It was small and trotting over the sandy dunes, seeming somewhat in a hurry. The closer the demons inspected he could tell this was another creature, of what type he wasn't completely sure at first. It was furry and black and walked along on all fours. The wings on the beastia's head twitched curiously. The more he thought about it the more he released this must be some sort of small desert cat. Not much of a meal, but it would do for now.

Amon made his advancement, doing his best to sneak around and prowl behind the higher lumps of sand as he followed close behind the tiny animal. He felt his mouth nearly watering, he hadn't gotten to hunt in so long. His prize may not have been the best but actively stalking his own prey again was an act he hadn't realized he missed so much.

At last, Amon knew he had him cornered. He could see the cat had traveled into what looked like a smooth stony ravine. These rocks had been carved by the winds and sand themselves, creating a breathtaking appearance, but such amazement would have to wait. Amon had a mission. He snuck into the rocky walls.

He could smell the feline and he could begin to pick up on its energy. However, as soon as he did so, something felt off. The aura of this creature was nothing like that of just an animal. As a matter of fact, it felt quite powerful, and all of a sudden Amon noticed this energy wasn't the only one present.

He caught a glimpse of the cat as he made his way down, now standing at a lower level. It was like a small cave of sorts with a trickle of freshwater moving through it. The thought of a cool drink was tempting, but somehow not as captivating as the odd sight before him. The cat was sitting and staring back at him, with an unsettling, knowing gleam in its eyes. The demon recoiled ever so slightly, becoming unnerved by the eye contact.

"Tako!"

The sound of a feminine voice called, reverbing off the cave walls. Amon was shocked another was here. He knew he sensed someone else, but having it be proven so suddenly was something unexpected. Worst of all, he knew they must sense him too.

As the beastia's thoughts caught up with him, he noticed the cat had run away in another direction. He figured this was best a chance as any as he began to turn to leave. After all, the whole point now was to remain hidden. He was preparing to climb back out the way he came, but the moment he began to make way a flash blinded him. He lost his grip on the rocks and was sent falling back. He hit the ground in a thud, and slowly his eyes readjusted to see a black flying cat. It was different this time however, its body was rounded, and its limbs shortened. Its massive eyes stared down at him as an orb of light glowed at the tip of its tail. There was a mischievousness to him, but Amon couldn't detect maliciousness, though still. He wasn't sure what to think of the creature at all.

"What are you doing here!?" A voice barked. Instantly the devil became alert, coming to his feet as he flipped around to see who had said that. When he viewed the being behind him, for a moment his mouth hung open. Standing there was a demoness, her skin was a dark purplish hue with black markings decorating her body. She stood shorter than him on digitigrade legs but no less firm as her talons tapped the floor. Her long thin tail twitched in agitation as the black feathers that fanned out at the tip and based ruffled. Her arms were crossed over her ample bosom and her face, while cross, was incredibly delicate and even, dare he think it, beautiful.

The two feathered ear-like tufts that rested atop her head flicked impatiently as she sighed, "Well?"

Hearing her again brought Amon back to the present as he shook his head clear, "Hey, hey look I didn't know this place was yours. I just saw this-" he glanced at the cat questioningly, "thing, here and followed it. I was hungry and thought I could eat it."

While he explained his situation, he couldn't remove his eyes from her. Something about her was captivating, and it wasn't just her pleasing appearance. She seemed so familiar somehow. Amon slowed to a pause in his own words as his head tilted to her, inspecting every detail of her.

"Umm, well he's not food, so that covers that. Therefore it seems, I'd say, you have no other reason to be here then, correct?" she replied, noticing his intense gaze. Her expression went from rigid to somewhat on edge, but that was promptly covered up by a look of annoyance.

"Look buddy, I hate to disappoint you but I'm not in the mood. So you might as well walk on and make sure to take your wandering eyes with you," she said in a deadpan voice.

Amon's face wrinkled up being taken back by her statement. His head immediately shook, feeling a tiny bit guilty, as even he knew he was partially indulging in her beauty as well, but there was more than that.

"No, no forgive me, that's not it. It's just, you seem so familiar?" he tipped his head in wondering.

Hearing that, the demonesses' standoffish airs were broken, even for a fraction of a second. Amon could tell what he said knocked her off her balance for a moment. As to why he didn't know.

The harpy quickly retook her mannerisms, as she scoffed beginning to turn and walk away, further into the cave.

"Oh please, don't concern yourself with it. I'm sure we may have met once or twice in passing, but it's of no matter," she tried to dismiss.

Her response only made the beastia that much more interested as his winged ears rose. Tako appeared to notice his attention as he gave him a look, signaling him to go after her. The red devil didn't need any more incentive as he started after her.

"Hey, wait I don't know about that. I could have sworn I know you from somewhere. Have you ever fought for a tribe?" he noticed the feathered wings that flowed behind her. "A-are you maybe from the harpies? I've fought closely with the harpies."

She huffed as she tried to slink faster and further through the cave. She didn't really wish to respond to him at all, but she couldn't deny his persistence was a force of itself. No matter how quick she moved he seemed to stay right behind her. Admittedly, she was surprised he could keep up with her so well for as big as he was. It was just then she got a great idea, as a simper came to her features.

"Hey, you know on second thought, maybe you do seem familiar to me, but I just can't place it either. How about you come down this way to my quarters and we can discuss it further down there. What do you say?" she said kindly.

Amon was a little shocked by her sudden change of heart, but his urge to find the truth was enough for him to silence those concerns.

"Hey yeah, that's a good idea. And you know, I'm sorry to keep hounding you about this, it's just going to be bugging me until I figure it out," Amon lightly chuckled. The harpy played along and laughed with him as she motioned her finger for him to follow her.

"No, I completely understand. I've felt that way before. Here, come down this way, it's just right through this tunnel," she waved him on.

The demoness moved fast, but Amon had no trouble keeping up with her. What did prove to be a bit of a hassle was squeezing through the ever-narrowing chamber. He didn't want to lose her, however, and stayed as close by as possible. When the thin devil shot herself through a small canal Amon didn't even think twice as he went in after her. Only right after he did, did he feel the flush of foolishness come to his cheeks.

One of his arms was pinned in, as the other dangled out awkwardly. He was stuck from the shoulders down in the narrow tunnel. His ears drew back regretfully as he could see the room the demoness was now housed in. It was an odd but cozy place. There were many items within that the beastie just couldn't recognize. Many of them were woven into ribbons that streamed the ceilings and were set on shelves throughout the living quarters. There was a pit in the center was a large illuminating flame and standing just in front of it was her. She held her arms across her chest and wore a smug expression.

"Well, look at that! Shoot looks like you're a bit stuck there huh?"

All of the sudden, Amon had a bad feeling about the whole situation as he strained his features.

His brow lowered, "You did this on purpose."

The demoness trotted her way up next to him, overlooking his uncomfortable position.

"Hmm, I wouldn't say completely on purpose. You insisted on following me down here. How was I supposed to break your big, thundering heart and tell you you might get stuck along the way? I just couldn't do that you know."

Amon wasn't catching the same amusement as she smiled up at him, taking pride in her work. Not long after that, her feathery tuffs lifted up at the sound of something coming closer. The devil himself lifted his winged ears to the sound noticing it was that flying cat once again. It zipped around the cave opening before landing in the demoness's arms. She stroked him in a pleasing yet cunning way, as she kept her chin high staring at Amon.

"Look at that Tako," she cooed gesturing to the beastia. "He walked right into it, didn't he? That big brute deserved it too, huh?" she continued to pour salt into the embarrassing wound. Her pet didn't seem the least bit bothered, and somehow seemed like he was snickering slightly himself.

The red brute didn't care for this squandering, though he had to admit, he did behave as a fool. One should never go charging into an uncharted area without caution as he had well learned.

"Well I'd say with you occupied there, I can get back to what I've been meaning to," she spoke as she turned her attention to a large object against the sidewall. It was covered up by an old blanket but even the great beast was a bit surprised at how lackluster it really turned out to be. It looked like just some large piece of log. There didn't seem to be a thing special about it.

Amon watched her for a moment, seeing her take a small ax-like object and begin chopping at the mass of wood. With such a small tool cutting, that whole thing would be a hassle, especially with her small frame he thought inwardly.

The warrior grew a tired look as he listened to her go on with a cruel yet kittenish tone in her voice.

"Yep, sure feels nice to just stretch doesn't it Tako?" she said watching the cat do just that before laying comfortably on a nearby ledge.

Carefully, Amon's ears lifted as a mischievous grin pulled up his face, "Yeah, I'm sure it would be. But you know, since I'm stuck here and can't move an inch, this makes an opportunity for great conversation. You did tell me you wanted to discuss this further after all."

Suddenly the pep in the demoness's step faded away as her puffed-up expression started to disappear along with it. Her stare widened as she felt an endless pit begin to form in her gut.

It took a few moments, but soon she turned around with a look of dread on her face. Those features only became that much more prominent when she could see the biggest, widest smile slapped across the demon's face. He brought his one free arm up, patronizingly as he rested it against his cheek, as if waiting for her to spill some gossip.

Her face became annoyed. The tables had turned on her faster than she'd like to admit, and hearing her own familiar giggle at her misfortune didn't help any. She sent Tako an evil eye as she heard her newfound company speak up again.

"So anyway, how's about we start with getting to know each other. Where you from before this? The high demon council perhaps?" he asked, eating up all the misery she put off.

Her figure slumped some as a long sigh escaped her throat, "Alright, alright, a thorn in my side you've proved to be. Yes, I once worked for that deranged king and his power-hungry lackies, and I'm not proud of it."

Amon's head popped up, "Ha! I knew it all along, I did recognize you! Why didn't you just say that? It would have saved everyone a lot of trouble," he criticized.

Her hand came to wipe at her face, as she breathed again, "That's for sure," she muttered. "Look, it's not something I like discussing. But now that you know, how about you head back to your grand palace and leave me be, hmm?" she smiled irritably.

"Well, perhaps I would. But see, I'm stuck in this tunnel here. And really, I deserve to be here, you know. I couldn't go back, not when I have such a moral obligation to fulfill," he jeered.

"Fine, I get it, you brute! I'll get you out of that hole," she finally broke down. "Whatever it takes to get you out of here," she mumbled.

"Oh that won't be necessary," Amon kept up his pleasantries.

Suddenly the demoness appeared utterly baffled, and not long after that, the whole of the cave began to rumble. The harpy glanced around with her feathered ears shifting curiously. She could begin to see cracks protruding from the tunnel Amon had gotten himself lodged in. Then all at once an eruption of dust and falling stone broke loose on the floor. The female had covered her head but once the worst seemed over, she opened her wings, and using her sorcery she immediately removed the dirt and rocks laying about to better see the occurrence.

Towering above her was the crimson demon. He smiled at her as he shook his body, removing a cloud of dust. The feathered female couldn't even bring herself to be angry anymore. She simply took a breath and turned away back to her work.

"Alright then, now that you're out and made rubble of my wall. How's about you exit through that new hole you made and end my suffering," she limply requested. She hacked away at the bark little by little, keeping the beastia's attention for a short moment. It was odd to him, seeing how easily she could command the rocks from before, but here she instead chooses to use her own labor.

"I suppose I could, but if you don't mind me questioning one last thing or two, what is it you're doing?" he hovered over her.

Her feathered tuffs drooped back as her body deflated, "It's like I let in a stray, he just doesn't go away," she grumbled. "I've collected the wood from this log to light the fire for my brew, is that alright with you?"

Amon's brow was still knit as he absorbed what she was trying to say, "Well yeah. That makes sense, I just don't understand why you could move all those rocks I scattered effortlessly, but this you must exert yourself."

She lifted her hand to her chin ponderously. Slowly her head began to nod, "Yes, yes I get it. You mean use my powers to tarnish this rare piece of wood that has bathed under heaven's constellation in this merciless desert for the last hundred years, right?"

A stillness filled in between them as the beastia leaned against the near wall. He could tell her sarcasm and yet, he continued to entertain this idea seriously.

"So you're telling me, chopping up this wood with your mind powers is all it would take to ruin it?" he questioned.

The demoness crossed her arms, and smiled at him wisely, "Yeah!" she exemplified. "Are all the pieces starting to fall together for ya?"

"Yeah," he casually retook his sturdy stance. "You're wasting your time. With wood that conditional, how good can it really be?" he scoffed.

"Oh, you are impossible," she threw her hands up. "Look, I'd love to keep standing here with you and testing the limits of my sanity, but I really have much to do."

She finished and went back to hacking away at the log she so desperately wanted to preserve. Amon stood over her a bit longer, as he watched how she cut away at it. There was a technique to it but by the looks of it, the process took her quite a bit of time.

With a long breath, Amon at last settled on a decision, one completely selfless of himself. He knew what she wanted and as much as he'd like to help himself, he, knew what he had to do.

"Well, you're never going to get it done," he stated bluntly.

With a questioning look, she glanced back at him, stalling in her work, "Huh?"

"You're never going to get it done at this rate, with those skinny little arms of yours. Here, I'll do that while you finish the rest of your stuff up," he said bumping her out of the way.

"Hey, hey what are you doing? You can't just have at it! It has to be done a certain way-" she complained but then noticed something incredible. She watched his movements and was impressed to see he was actually doing it correctly, and much faster too. She felt her jaw go slack ever so mildly. She was completely amazed and just couldn't look away from this utter miracle happening before her.

The corner of Amon's lip pulled up; he knew he had managed to dazzle the prickly demoness.

"You see, I may be stupid, but I am a fast learner if you can tolerate me," he said calmly. Softly and steadily the female devil's mouth began to shut and her hardened face for the first time appeared touched. She didn't wear it long, not wanting the crimson warrior to notice as she took a breath in.

"Well, you seem to be right about one thing at least. If you can keep that up, I'll get my herbs ground. And just because I'm not standing over you doesn't mean I'm not paying attention, no slacking you hear?"

Something about the way she said that was almost playful. Amon couldn't help but notice the subtle change in her tone, he couldn't say he minded it though. He released a short belt of laughter as he continued away at the wood.

"Are you kidding? When I dedicate myself to a job, I get it done. Don't you worry your pretty little feathers," he jested.

"Hmm, let's hope that's true, for your sake," she eyed him with a smirk. However soon after, her gaze somehow became somewhat bashful as it ducked down looking to her hands. He knew she had a task below her, and yet still it looked like some kind of excuse. "Now don't get too cozy though. You have to prove yourself around here. If I deem you useful, maybe you can stick around and help me out. That is, if you have nothing else important going on."

The way she said that made the devil linger for a moment. In a way, it seemed aware, as if she knew something about him and his past. For a split second, he suspected if she knew of his situation. However, then again how could she know, being so far away from everyone and everything else.

"Oh, I don't have anything else to do, believe me…"

"Hmm," she glanced up at him curiously. "Well, in that case, I suppose you could stick around. I got a few other things you could do for me, once you get done with that."

"Sounds fair to me. I got a strong back and a big stomach if you can manage to keep it filled, I'll do you wonders," he cheerfully responded.

She exhaled a slight laugh, "I can only pray I'll have enough."

All she could do was shake her head at his antics as she turned around to continue her duties. She could see her small cat giving her a bit of an ornery side-eye that she swiftly defused with a kittenish look of her own. Tako was satisfied for now, but not the least bit convinced as he curled himself up once again to rest.

"So what's your name anyway? If we're gonna be working together, it would be nice to call you by something," he piped up and began flinging the special logs onto the fire.

A spark of apprehension ignited within the demoness. She felt frightful that her name could already be known to him, but at the same time, for whatever reason, something inside didn't care anymore.

She took a slight gulp and coolly replied, "My name is Nike."

The winged ears atop Amon's head lifted ever so minimally. That name seemed almost familiar to him, as if he had heard it from long ago, perhaps even in a dream he once had. He couldn't quite place it. The beast yearned to know as to why, but he settled himself on the assumption that maybe they had passed each other by in Zennon's court at one time or another. He shrugged his shoulders, believing himself silly for overthinking so much. He was setting himself up to banter some more and introduce himself properly but just before he could, she started again.

"By the way, thank you, Amon…"

The great devil, for that mere second, had frozen in shock.