High School DXD
The Horsemen
Chapter II
An ever glowing light flickered energetically within endless streams of cosmic debris as dual stars combined exploding outwards. Streams of golden, orange, red and mixed swam outwards pushing masses of rock into simmering orbs of glass dust. Sparkling akin to rivers as they faded endlessly, if only to form into smaller yet brighter light. An endless void constantly igniting, flickering and succumbing to nothing save for silence. And yet an orb kept within dancing upward, weaving as if trying to find a current within said stream itself.
Within endless storms above in which churned sending unseen waves of force did coloration's mix violently into colossal formations. Green, yellow, blue and purplish swirled inward as a gaping hole consumed all effortlessly. Stars died, to be reborn or to ignite into constant explosions despite one bright light remaining inside a reddish cloud lazily splitting off. Gradually over time, eons did it begin to move away despite storms forming behind in it's wake. Darker coloration hounded after adrift as a small orb of light danced away energetically following.
Flickering nova's ignited with one long stream endlessly stretching from beginning to end, if only to split apart gradually. An ever bright light weaved within randomly, weaving and encircling until it began to brighten ever stronger. Reddish streams sparkled as it split, if only encompassing one light igniting rapidly yet refused to die. It seemingly grew partially, far more potent and it weaved within this stream with darker coloration threatening to consume it. Yet it stayed out of reach just lingering in seeing star's dying in full.
Gaping holes emerged around a colossal line of stars as they flickered into dust, rock and other coloration's begin siphoned within. Yet only reddish colors resisted, if only momentarily to sudden emit a discharge of forces no rock, or glass withstood. Space shuddered, voids quivered and eons passed without change with the lone bright orb quickly darting away. Ever weaving, spinning and looping within one coloration growing brighter until star's ignited to grow in earnest just out of reach of chaotic storms swirling dangerously.
Rock ceased becoming glass dust, if only partially yet gradually withstood stars igniting as light began remaining. Storms stalled, weaving and churning just out of reach allowing a singular orb to energetically remain in place. Flickering, struggling to be consumed if only to dart away weaving in circular motions within reddish mist that began stretching upwards. Colliding with an endless mass of darkened void, clawing and pulled seemingly in mindless abandon clashing among to allow star's igniting together to form immense warmth spewing outwards.
Within a boundary did darker coloration threaten to consume an orb of light as it went too far astray. In endless weaving did it suddenly flicker dangerously, quickly and nearly become one with the void until reddish fire from stars detonated in wild abandonment. Light surged in an yielding line striking coloration's as a flickering orb broke away, weaving energetically back within borders to grow brighter and constantly trail within. Endless swirls shrived after light, gradually if not began following one fragmented stream of brighter stars consuming each other.
Glass, dust and void hounded a light until it ceased weaving to remain in place. Reddish coloration turned it from white, to yellow and inevitably orange to rapidly weaving backwards causing another storm of clashing lightning. Gaping holes, siphoning were denied if only just as it cycled endlessly until stars ceased exploding.
Streams of darkened coloration came spiraling struggling for supremacy, to devour light as reddish bands reform gradually entrapping them. Lightning, storms and vast distance unknowingly churned to stall allowing distant stars to remain in place. Rocks were nudged, if only barely and the lone bright orb of light lingered within. And as space seemed to calm, a ripping effect cascaded outwards solidifying in place. Time slowed into an ever burning source within melded reddish bands to prevent stars from ending prematurely, as rock drifted into place to slowly begin spinning in purposeful yet defined orbit around them.
My eyes fluttered rapidly coming to see murky images as I heard a voice shaking me roughly, "Rex!" Inhaling slightly to snap to attention did I look up seeing my best friend pressing fingers along an exposed neck, "Thank god." He muttered shaking himself into getting me onto two feet, "You scared the hell out of me. You just fell over clutching your heart, I thought you were having an attack and I had to lug your ass down some stairs. You're lucky those two didn't leave you behind, said it was uncommon for first timers."
Sweat ran down my forehead as I wiped it clear to ask, "You didn't see that right light?" Chase glanced over as a descending staircase greeted my sheer disbelief. Are you fucking kidding me! I saw red light, that damned door wasn't normal. Gut was on fire, my god damned chest felt like some furnace and those two...didn't look right. The hallway which we found ourselves looked ideally redone to where only blackened padding exteriors marked by symbols, they were underneath low dimmed lighting as I heard distant rumbling.
"What are you talking about?" He questioned utterly confused to gesture ahead where I saw a long pale white over some podium where a suited man stared back indifferently. Instead he wore aviators keeping watch as I almost wanted to snarl involuntarily. It's one of them, I fucking know it. That couldn't be real, or else someone slipped me acid to trip out. And I never do that shit, it can't be real...or maybe something isn't right at all.
I didn't imagine seeing, or mishearing that pretty face mockingly me quite literally. He'd said human, I saw that blinding light and now those dreams again. Twice in a day, I don't like it. Not until today did those dreams, they were vivid and chaotic yet they were so damned clear. I didn't know what to make was heads, or tails because I never dreamed. It was always a blank darkness, no images or anything for almost ten years since I'd seen my whore and drug addict for parents arguing whoever who'd do lines on our kitchen table.
"It was probably one of those scanners, a lot of clubs have them nowadays Rex." Chase kept a hand on my shoulder to narrow a gaze concerned, "And are you on anything? Slim give you something, I'm not a doctor but you're really, really warm. Like you got a fever, or something man." I glared over less than happily to make it abundantly clear. I didn't do product, I only sold out and learned to avoid being apart of a world that kept on moving to kill itself. Survival didn't give me luxury to die quicker, I tended to live longer.
Regardless I inhaled deeply while lightly brushing off to chew over what in hell's name I'd just went through. Something isn't right, it's all I know and Slim's on my to-do list. I swear once this night is over, I'm breaking every god damned piece of that shop. And setting it on fire, I don't appreciate someone fucking me over. My gut churned strongly when moving forward with a not so pleasant smile promising someone's night in a hospital. I knew I wasn't hallucinating, I wasn't on anything and that meant something worth pissing me off had been enjoying every moment considering I saw an impeccable smirk on a face ahead.
The hallway's floor was aligned with various crests embedded on neat square tiles that were aligned with metal akin to gold. Neatly placed, perfectly and some had swirling pentagrams mixed with some sort of numerical meaning, or rather it all looked disorientating. Yet the air was stale entirely. Cool, odorless and despite everything, I swore it'd been a road to hell. Lamps illuminated when approaching as I came to stand in front of a podium. Only my own face were in those blackened reflections as a man amusingly questioned me.
"Enjoy your nap, sir?" Chase came behind particularly concerned given I stared momentarily to see literally no difference from those beforehand, "What the hell was that? That light!" I said it simply in having look over at a friend who seemed oblivious. You think you're clever, but I'm not high on anything except adrenaline to stomp that face inwards. At first he didn't seem to here correctly given I got a firm slap on the back with him grinning.
"See Rex? It's just one of those scanners they have to open up a door, I guess you were right. Place is hidden, so who'd know!" I stared in utter bewilderment as a man answered coyly bemused, "This is protected territory, sir. Men who wander into dark places is often what you'd call...friendly advice, as a guest no less." Adjacent to a podium was one double set of doors were an almost pale glow above circulating upon runes of sort. The light just above it kept flickering partially, I came within inches of this guy to make it damn well clear.
It wasn't natural at all, "I don't know what you did, Chase can't seem to understand us." I gestured partially to an almost obnoxious friend of mine, who'd never seem indifferent to anything except whenever we got into scuffles back as teenagers. He's not even bothered, it's like I'm not speaking English or something! That flash of red light wasn't a damned scanner, or anything technological because nothing like that existed. So why would someone who'd been somewhat attuned to those fields use that piss poor suggestion!
"It's protected territory." This smirking coy bastard said consistently bemused to absently tilt his head over at someone not at all aware, "We were told only a guest would be around, tonight. Liabilities among man are just what say is, uncommon policies to enforce." I gripped both sides of a podium almost prepared to break a jawline into well earned pieces. My chest started burning partially along with adrenaline surging to inhale sharply furious due to it all.
If anything he seemed far more delighted to raise eyebrows impressively, "You're the kind of person I'd put a bullet into, pal. Maybe you should know something that I know is right..." I exhaled loudly trembling to tear this person almost limb from limb, "You're fucking with someone who knows exactly when bullshit is being said. And I hope you, or your knock off twin are available tonight where I can get paid to see you bleed. Don't mess with whoever I bring, God help you since you may not like it when a man knows how to kill another man."
An immediate wince jolted him away several feet as teeth were gnashed quite painfully. I leered all too grandly to back away, "That's a warning!" It only took several moments until his expression turned almost irritated, "Perhaps. But maybe it's because you're in a place where some words are not meant to be uttered carelessly, it will be noticed. Your ignorance is only delightful human, if your kind knew how much you'd been blinded too by your world." Again that lone word made me nearly gnash teeth, it'd been mocking and playful but it was an insult for children.
My kind? Staring lividly towards Chase who had some sort indifferent understanding did I nearly try to smash over a podium. How can he not understand what this bastard is saying to your face, how can you... Biting an interior cheek to ward off from strangling my friend alive, or rather trying to get him react to this place wasn't possible. For some reason, or maybe I'd been losing it yet why wasn't he even trying to stop me?
"Tread lightly inside the Cage, or you'll learn not to tempt us." I smiled widely trying to provoke whoever was standing in front of me as a pair of aviators were casually folded. This man's eyes were far too dark, they weren't natural and I swore it'd be contact lenses. Pupils were constantly expanding, if only to narrow into literal god damned slits. It shouldn't have been possible yet a fanged smile grew beyond natural limits to nearly curl upwards pleased.
What in the fuck! Off to our side doors began swinging inwardly gradually as groaning alongside revealed an almost eye blinding strobe light. And with it came an assault of noise of music so damned loud, I felt my teeth chatter underneath flesh. Music followed suite nearly deafening me with various other effects of lights slashing across rapidly, "You gotta be fucking kidding!" I mouthed out seeing some sort of interior nightclub, or an underground built one that put anything I'd ever seen on television's fantasies to shame.
Chase whistled utterly transfixed due to us moving with doors closing behind. Red carpets were laid at our feet beside polished blackened tiles that were so clear, I saw my own reflection too damned easily when viewing an entire slanted area. It went down towards an opened platform that had six spiraling staircases leading up to where bodies, of men and women alike dancing to some sort of mix of heavier music. It wasn't rock and roll, but I had little taste to see lounges of smoke lazily being lit up that weren't I'd see on streets.
Odors from smoke to burning products I'd peg for anything were openly being inhaled by groups. Women were scantly dressed, or had dress's on par with models no one in their sanity could imagine as natural. Men dressed in suites, others with nothing or anything that seemed to make my stomach grow disgusted would seemingly mimic their female counterparts. Bars aligned perfectly in a sphere where pillars were fused into being ingrained with numerical barriers separated them, as lights shined from dim to a bright reddish orange and switched over to bluish green. Strobes constantly flickered above on a platform were dull roaring due to bodies stomping heavily reverberated above us.
"Unbelievable." I heard Chase gawk utterly taken aback as servers from bars would coyly be slipped green, or had hands stray towards other places. Alright, Slim's wasn't high enough! This is what's through the front door, hell I'm curious who has got enough money lying around to construct this pit of drugs and blood. Every literal seat was filled when hoses attached to some nimbly burning small yet diamond like bowls inhaling greedily. It didn't take long before some heads started going in between legs on either gender in that sense.
Glowing echelons of glowing liquid kept dimming, or expanding to massive lava lamps as contents within swirled endlessly. It was a never ending spiraling tower that were arranged in six, but never more than thirteen along a pathway towards our right. Small pits of fire simmered between spaces as pairs of patrons walked downward. The damned entry way was akin to a temple, if seeing marble blocks were symbolic gibberish would glower in a dim red on occasion. And as I glanced over opposite did something else startle me immensely.
Beautiful. That word seemed to be an insulting description when just off to the right in a more privatized corner. Chairs which were filled with mostly faces that seemed for a better lack of the word in alluring. Lushly seating arrangements in a small circle where glasses were delivered by servers who distinctly were scowling. If not outright glaring less than happily, if one of them even smiled charmingly to laugh amidst their own. Most wore darkened clothing arranging from finer clothe, or in this case several had glinting dresses which caught reflecting light almost far too surreal and I swore eyes glinted.
Above dimmed lighting gave an appearance of flickering as shadows seemingly were blurring just behind their backs. Iconography dictating designs I'd only ever see in churches, or cathedrals where red, blue and near perfected glass on occasion flashed. They were only about six at most, if including a few having someone on top of them. Is this where models hang out after work, or is that only in Hollywood! I shuddered when a pair of glinting eyes due to strobes seemingly ventured to stare back with unspoken temptations.
"I'm a married man, I'm a married man!" Almost choking outright to leer far too impressed due to Chase exhaling loudly, "You're going to be a father, too." Laughing utterly amazed I couldn't help but pull away from the sight given people all over each other began smirking nearby. They're doing some of the best product I'd never be able to sell in a year, what kind of place is this? How the hell does no one catch wind and not make a move on it? This is some surreal stuff, but I'm not complaining except my gut is churning like a damned fire.
Apparently his words drew attention given someone seemingly came up from behind in making us both jump partially. How in the holy shit!? Turning around naturally ready to sneer did my heart practically give out as Chase coughed amidst gasping. Even I couldn't believe it outright, or else I'd have been going insane to realize something impossible. One of those who'd been sitting in that corner, had literally just gotten behind us with our backs turned. And yet see one of these people up close, I swore they'd been glowing enough to smile tauntingly.
Eyes which were an undeniable cut of amethyst stood out immediately to make my chest tense up strongly. I wasn't seeing things, they're practically glowing whenever light hits them! Wearing a dress revealing enough between gaps for naked thighs, a twisted yet thorn like design concealed only an undershirt leaving little imagination in what lay concealed. Arms which had gloves up to forearms while sipping on wine, or possibly something of that extent was topped off by hair. Blackened hair fell over shoulders that were illuminated by a pale coloration, if only to give an unearthly gloom left me fairly concerned.
"You're a pair of new faces, I'd reckon." I blinked seeing this woman who stood almost eye to eye with us coyly wonder, "What brings men such as you into this dark place?" Her voice alone practically sent my friend quivering when backing away due to a well placed pleasant attitude. Yet I stared trying to not ignore shimmering shadows along walls. Lights were almost nonexistent above her, as if they weren't even getting through. She just stood there smiling coyly, more so constantly looking especially when I turned fully away.
Unfortunately it got someone to blurt out, "To make some money, fight and all. Do you know where they even do it in...here?" Chase genuinely tried to stop himself from stuttering, a sign he'd never do that even when drunk. Why is he acting like an absolute idiot? Your woman must have been beating you, or else something's off. You never stutter, now hell you're more coherent when we used to drink at a party once. Small things were starting to grow within my mind's anger, something was wrong and I made a hell of a mistake in bringing Chase around. The last thing I ever wanted, or God was to help those who'd fuck with someone on my time because I took it personally.
"Oh!" She covered a smile worthy to send someone onto knees before slyly implying, "And why would a good man like you venture here?" Lazily sipping down wine to lightly trace a glass rim did another shimmering effect above grow prominently. Among fleeting lights flashing and strobes I blinked away blotches to see a growing outline. Sweat lightly fell in blinding myself momentarily, I cleared them to just see my friend backing away with hands raised. Apparently someone was too damned nice for others to ignore an easy picking.
I stood between them with arms crossed to glare less than amused, "Maybe you need those ears of yours checked, woman." I leaned forward grinning unable to resist to see a rather surprised look, "He's married, taken and he isn't on the market. Haven't met his wife yet, but I tend to think I want to make a good impression. So, fuck off." Her eyes flickered briefly to glance down momentarily, if only to impishly smirk a bit.
"My, my, my...aren't you protective?" She cooed almost mocking trying to taunt me and that got an almost guaranteed reaction. Without warning I lashed out sending a glass of wine flying to have it smash on the ground, it literally made heads snap over far too quickly. People rose out of chairs, if only staring yet it gotten the job done. Chase wasn't going to be hooked on drugs, or get roped into shit when it'd be on my time that got him involved. If they wanted an easy target, I'd give them someone worth more to cross lines.
Behind I saw figures snapping to attention with several starting to walk from their corner. But I made it too damned clear, "Protective isn't the word, I'd use." She didn't seem outwardly mind a glass being smacked out of hands, yet her grin grew far too intrigued. And I wasn't having anyone trying to start something because I'd dragged an easy target to be an addict into this place, "I call it, aggressive safeguarding. Try me, I dare you!"
Distinctly an overt sensation lightly brushed against bared shoulders leaving me growing hotter where a heart beat thunderously. After several moments in which she looked me up and down lazily almost musingly, "You're an odd one, for one of your kind." She'd been the second person saying that fairly assured yet it didn't make sense. Nothing in this place gave off, or hinted I'd be comfortable as tremors kept racking up my spinal cord. It just got worse, if I had to admit under death because it wasn't natural at all.
"You're their newest guest, if rumor holds some truth for once. A shame it's always them who get the freshest. And that is...scraps." Her gaze flickered over towards Chase who warily noticed others approaching. Though she raised a glove hand waving them off indifferently, but favored to big circling myself quite tempted based on a sly grin forming. God help me since I didn't appreciate it, though I followed every action on any ground to send her to the floor since instinct kept tingling sensations inside my gut on eternal dangers.
This woman's very eyes glimmered once a strobe flash rapidly faded away overhead, "Don't worry about scraps. Because I'm all meat and more, if you push your luck." I snarled out chortling to have her pause to coo daringly, "My, my, my! How frightening!" One hand came teasingly to brush against bare skin yet lingered momentarily enough, if only to see her glimmering iris's narrow partially in that movement.
Retracting a fleeting brushing admirably got myself to shiver unconsciously eager, "Maybe if you impress me enough. I might just tempt you, otherwise." She turned away winking slyly to hum a small turn to herself. It sounded enchanting to say mildly, if looking down at obvious swaying hips to whistle sharply. Damn me because I'm going to be a sinner, temptation is a bitch! She had to have heard that noise even over music due to the fact it'd been drawn out, I never thought dresses were appealing yet I was a believer tonight.
Musical beats thunderously picked up even if I had enough gazes at my back. Seems like I'm the new face on a block. Isn't that fun! Sarcasm hardly mixed with willingness to push back naturally, I didn't like this place entirely. Everyone so far, even if I wasn't on acid, or drinking I'd be an absolute idiot to miss it. And I hardly drank, if not ever did whatever Slim-Jim took on a daily basis which seemed often nowadays.
However speak of the devil then he'd shall appear, "She's just trouble, sonny boy!" For possibly a third time tonight Chase and I were startled to see a familiar face for once. I almost wanted to break the man's jaw, if not for realizing several things at once. It seemed too surreal, if not outright insane to see a normal sketchy con-artist who sold trinkets to tourists on beaches. But I started to understand one thing, I wasn't aware of a world that had been merely friendly advice after-all.
Dressed in some sort of old military dress wear that looked darkened blends of green with a pair of giggling laddies under each arm, if hardly wearing anything save for thin strips over what kept them modest. His beard had been shaven while a lone eye crinkled far too happily, "Rex! Finally you show up, I thought you'd be here when the sun went down. Damn boy, I almost lost money if you didn't but ya know? I'd say you made a friend or, two look at ya good."
Each escort which I doubted he had that kind of money laying around bashfully beckoned us over all too alluringly. Hell no, I'm not a fan of sloppy seconds. I grimaced despite my friend who looked as if a ghost had appeared, "Slim? Is that really you? Holy...shit!" He blurted out in having an eye widen all too happily in seeing older faces. Apparently, he too had missed a good kid from school who got mixed up nearly in drugs, bullets and whores.
"Well I'll be damned, if ain't the original boy scout!" He actually bellowed to lunge over wrapping an arm around a slightly taller man, "Damn it all! If I knew you'd be here, I'd have felt sorry." Whistling amazed I couldn't help to say almost wryly concerned, "Are you seriously fucking with us? Or have you just cleaned yourself up for tonight?"
The faded beret had some patch of an older military given yet it remained in place when he craned his neck back. If only to hold up a bundle of green papers nonchalantly, "Rex! I've been around for almost fifty damned years, old faces and friends always pay better. Pretty sure you met him, I mean he told me you got some balls for not moving out of his way." I blinked several times distinctly recalling some mass shooter like person, if the trench coat and lack of coloration passed me by in that alley way during an afternoon.
One woman whose hair had been cut just past years cooed in some sort of whine, "Jimmy! I thought my sister and I were your contracts tonight, if you liked men that much?" She pointed towards one dressed in little more than leather as I nearly wished to erase said sight. Something is very wrong, that is not natural at all. But miraculously Slim just grinned hungrily, "Oh don't be jealous, I got you two little devils for my wishes and desires! This here though is just an old man seeing some punks growing up, Rex and Chase are an odd pair who make me feel...proud." He winked inconspicuously to make anger within me grow to new heights, I had heard plenty of bullshit but that was almost too much in humoring.
I got right into his face despite a friend being completely oblivious, "Say that again, or I will put you in a trash can in pieces. They won't find a body when I pissed on it, then set it on fire." A lone eye crinkled daringly knowing I'd go through on that threat given he'd been an absolute lunatic to beat down years ago. He'd gotten shot up on some weird mix then I'd planted him right onto a curb, if only to take off with several hundred that day. His warped damned sense of sick enjoyment considered it a less than favorable understanding.
"Very creative, for a man." I sent a withering glare of warning when heat inside my chest rose far too damned quickly. One of these supposed sisters had an almost hungered expression to test, if I'd physically react. And she got an answer! Given her hand tried sliding around my own waist as if in tried, not before waiting. I sharply elbowed her clean at her neckline in moving several steps back stumbling.
Slim and his other escort hardly seemed disturbed when I clenched a fist cracking knuckles, "Not afraid to put my hands on a woman. But sloppy seconds?" Laughing outright I stood back beckoning her forward tauntingly, "Can. Fuck. Off!" Music above shifted from heavier into a some sort of techno-fast beat with lighting switching to subtle coloration, I wasn't in any damned mood to humor whatever this bitch got off on.
Yet before anything got out of hand Slim smoothly brought her back into him, "Careful, little devil of mine. Rex's got some anger issues, I guess he ain't so afraid of you two. Plus he ain't into beating someone for fun." He amended mainly laughing joyfully to begin motioning us to follow him, if towards an entry way that mimicked a temple's gate. This whole club, or whatever didn't appeal to my patience when I needed money to be bled out of someone lucky enough. I didn't have time to play games, or grab ass with whorish eye candy.
"I would love to make his wishes come true, it's not often one of them takes pleasure for pain." A woman giggled nibbling on Slim's left ear. I found my teeth gnashing together, if anything she really wasn't sane at all. I don't get off on whipping, or whatever the hell you'd find fun. I just hate sloppy seconds who think they're worth it, because I've seen enough shit on these streets to think having someone screaming my name is far more satisfying. Thankfully I relented in observing numerous people on occasion glancing away whenever I swept over them. It certainly got interesting when someone had guts to stand their ground, I only lasted as long if someone else thought otherwise.
Nonetheless we both trailed behind going towards an entry way where stairs descended further underneath, "So you're doing better, Slim? Chase hesitantly asked as an almost smug grin extended to expose cleaner teeth, "Oh yeah! Turns out some of old Slim's merchandise got some interesting buyers, plus Rex wants to be a big man and start making a name of for himself. So tonight, I figured it's the time to be alive to get out! You and him are in the Pits...good money, if you're not shy to spend some."
Every word meant something more for a usual junky who'd been one trip away from an asylum. I'd seen this man on numerous occasions, or mostly so out of his mind on even good days. Yet here he was happily enjoying life almost completely opposite outside those doors. He's not limping, wheezing or god damned cackling like he'd been choking. What the hell makes a man like him act like as if nothing is wrong, just what is happening. I couldn't understand how it'd been possible yet Slim looked healthier than a bull with two women under arms who kept pressing up against him, they were all over him and with not a care in the world.
Descending marble like stairs which had iconography almost chiseled along walls did I have to stop immediately. Holy...shit. Figures with wings, wielding spears or swords were aligned in some sort of gibberish scratch for words. Abstract and so damned alien, I literally couldn't stop seeing an orb among many lighter variants circling an almighty light. Other figures rising from above seemingly clashed with those above, if not outright being illuminated by lighting that changed hues of coloration from reddish to yellow and inevitably a grayed out atmosphere. Every six feet, or less pillars routinely glowered in subtle coloration's giving this descent an eerie sense of concern for my gut to churn roughly at all times.
"Do you like our art, Rex?" I heard a woman hum brightly as Slim laughed underneath a breath to nudge her forward again, "Our King is one of the older ways. A shame really, we don't like how times change and Jimmy here tells me a lot of things." Strangely enough she sounded earnest, if not outright loathsome stare disdainfully towards one series of ingrained pictures. Figures of darkened quality seemingly strangling others from behind, or rather exchanging hands with other lesser darkened ones who spears were on their backs. Not once did it escape me that all of them were winged humanoids, more so but chains I'd imagine wrapped around them both.
If this is art, I'm not sure whether to be impressed or concerned. It didn't suite me, nor did I find any relation to care beyond wiping sweat out of my eyes. Slim held both of them closer, "Maybe you shouldn't promise us so much, if you're losing out. Ah well, war is war and we men know what it means if you start one." They seemed to be annoyed given one lightly punched him in the ribs, if only having him laugh it off merrily.
Chase though wasn't one to ignore some passion in knowing quality, "Who built it? Because I sure as hell don't understand, what it is!" Slim craned over a shoulder to snark knowingly, "Devils, boy! You think any sane man would have this lying around, because they tend to be wild bastards who do some really strange habits. Rex would know, or you think old Slim is lying?" I knew what he'd been saying, devils and collecting some weird occult junk like those silver blessed bullets were just objects people sold off to get their next high.
"Ignore this old crazy bastard, he thinks devil's walk among us!" I drew out sarcastically to draw two looks from women who laughed far too loudly. One of them actually winked, "Or maybe we just happen to be closer, little man. We're not shy, or bite too much...if you wish it though!" My chest burned far too strongly, if not outright forcing me to rasp out air to shake off something that kept pulling within.
An incredible amount of heat made me reach out panting partially to ward off dizziness. Blinking rapidly I swore coloration were starting to blend together, I barely could see Chase yet alone imagine Slim who wasn't far off. His voice sounded quite interesting, "You're look a little pale, sonny boy. Eat something, or are you afraid you'll vomit because you're in a new world? Doesn't usually affect most people, so maybe you're something else."
Chase's hand came firmly in steadying me to bark back, "He's got a fever, or something! The hell did you give him, Jim!" Two sources for cooing out of sardonic worry followed giggling as if these two were relishing in my silent agony, "Only friendly advice, boy scout. To be fair, I've never seen any man react like this coming down here...maybe that's why, an old face stopped by asking about you. Guess someone's unlucky for once, oh well!"
He turned continuing down a corner as I followed struggling to lightly shove off a friend who clearly wasn't understanding. Something's wrong, something is very fucking wrong! Amidst blurring vision due to rapid blinking, I thought I saw haze akin to fog. And it was so damned thick, I shook myself violently to continue descending. It couldn't be anything I'd done recently, drinking never got me this shaken or even smoking nicotine yet I never did product. And eating food just seemed a piss poor excuse to get a laugh for my misery.
Eventually it came to a crashing head once distant noise of screaming cheers echoed up ahead where two spiraling fire pits met. Flames slithering, if not outright bending inwards creating heat that I found far too refreshing. Yet atop was some sort of etched in wording, I didn't understand it at all. Chase didn't bother looking up since Slim gestured for him to come energetically, so why did I only see it? Words which were glowing akin to fading embers, but I couldn't resist to rasp out in having two women look up lazily.
"What does that mean?" Jerking chin up where I stood before it unable to move momentarily, "It's our king's slogan and clan's pride." She lazily grinned almost demurred with her supposed sister finishing rather smugly, "Treasures of soul, of mind for price is only man's folly." Her face didn't see, right given a smile stretched endlessly to see darkened coloration around eyes grow prominently. Yet it disappeared briefly when Slim tucked her closer. Coughing lightly I almost stumbled down steps idly noticing fading symbols that seemed ingrained.
Inhaling harshly I managed getting myself moving past only seeing vague images of winged figures battling along walls. Spears, or limbs were carved smoothly through one another and even larger animistic figures were added in sporadic sections. Yet it seemed to become one after another, endlessly and eventually it came to an abrupt stop. Ahead an exist leading towards screaming cheering, or booing started reverberating to chatter teeth. It just echoed, unyielding and I couldn't resist leering to know what it meant.
Money's calling my name, a fight where it's winner take all! Along walls numerous figures clashing together upon detailed groups, it'd been armies if I had to take a gamble on their meaning. Winged figures from above, below and those in between with animal like shapes spiraling overhead all had weapons pointed to a hallway's exit. And most much to my growing unease were all being lead by an overhanging symbol.
Pausing yet again I turned feeling a chill run up my spinal cord. One symbol couldn't be mistaken given it was many considered themselves. Christian. A lone cross being guarded by figures with wings that came up to six pairs, if not more all stood fast against four darkened beings whose wings extended among others encompassing them. It seemed some sort of stand off, if spears and swords were expertly depicted with one large indescribable creature amidst them. Funnily enough a lone eye of white stood contrasting as if it were narrowing at one who viewed it.
Other winged figures arranging were along one wall battling but they had shields, or helms with some rune etched on shoulders. So many, too many and everything kept clashing until light drew my gaze forward. I'd been lagging behind apparently, if seeing grins of joy and concern among those who were leading us somewhere not entirely pleasant. But it was what I needed to survive, if I wanted to get anywhere then blood being paid for green paper wouldn't be anything less except prioritized in a world that was utter shit.
"You ready?" Chase asked concerned given I shrugged unable to resist smiling as tremors were racking my arms, "I stopped being afraid to die. I'm just ready to live!" Fire started surging underneath in veins as blood rapidly flowed unable to be quelled. I felt every inch of my being, my damned heart and more seemingly unable to cool off. As soon as I crossed between pillars, only thing I managed to see was a descent as I found myself going rigid, I couldn't breathe just until lightness sent everything into darkened joy.
Storms clashed violently sending waves of dust outwards as coloration's of streams met together around a gasping maw within the void. Unable to move, unable to consume or allow stars to continuously flicker unopposed sent rock nudging until distantly, they moved no more. Amidst swirling tendrils did a lone orb of light weave upwards and below, going sporadically side to side seemingly within one of reddish mixing within darkened borders. Clawing upwards did it cycle through unopposed despite turmoil locking together in a titanic display.
Within churning storms as they sent streaks of pale light frantically consumed by an eternal void as it began to weaken. Stars no longer exploded, or faded until they did so gradually. Others expanded, consumed and went into distant yet massive displays of fire spreading forth to whither away at an endless void of cold. Silence no longer endured, if only to churn frantically as the lone orb danced dangerously too close towards darkened streams seemingly drawn inwards. Red storms clashed into a vibrant purplish blue, cycling and remaining in place to send vast ripple across a void to where rocks no longer being glass dust seemingly continued.
One star remained in place where rock larger than most split across into smaller yet distinct circular forms. Eight aligned, if only to begin being nudged due to storms overhead where distance became merely beautiful streaks of storms cascading against one another. Yet the small light within a reddish blend seemingly grew brighter when it began fading. It hovered, weaved and entrenched itself just of out of reach from borders growing far more potent. The maw above seemingly loosened as streams no longer fed into it's spinning depths.
Rock cooled, if only to ignite due to a stream of red colliding against closer stars into being nudged into nova's of yellowed explosions. Yet rocks were just out of reach, too distant but close enough to where smaller fragments of others struck across an entire space too vast to comprehend through endless time. Eons amounted to little, or more, as time stilled with silence inside a void where only fire on rocks faded over time itself.
Yet eight remained among dozens being consumed by storms stretching across a void, as a light descended from turmoil. Weaving seemingly without direction, if only to gradually lower over one which had a smaller fragment circulating on it's rim. Ripples of clashing forces kept subtle, if now outright being endless raging coloration's kept this lone rock in place. And an orb immediately darted back upwards piercing darker ripples violently.
Red streams collided, unable to break free or came close into being consumed by a darkened cold which threatened one rock floating harmlessly. Among stars one battled to become larger, stronger and brighter to finally consume it whole. Nova's of near golden yellow entwined within reddish surges solidified to bring warmth, heat and rock alone to finally cool. Yet storms kept raging above in distances too vast as eons trickled towards a crawl, but the lone orb of light rapidly skimmed stormy borders frequently.
Shining brightly within layered streams did storms violently churn faster, stronger and turn far more violent. Ripples clashed akin to waves endlessly past stationary rocks that gradually cooled, if not began to slowly spin around the lone star. Pieces of reddish streams broke apart, if only to curl around darker coloration's as the bright orb weaved to follow undisturbed. It was never in danger of being snuffed out, it only got brighter as well fueling an ever deadlocked stormy wave until something inevitably gave way.
A storm's vast expanse shattered within it's epicenter sending streams clawing across an entire void. Fragmented, broken and utterly drifting across despite reddish bands lingering, if only to lazily continue towards eight settled rocks spinning in place. An orb of light remained within, energetically getting brighter and weaving within it so fast it seemed to blend within it. And it never became in danger to be snuffed out, though it started turning a mix of yellow and red to become orange at times if it stayed too much.
Moving through distant stars did several expand, join and become one massive unyielding line of super nova's going off. Wisps of bright ripples washed over rock, not becoming glass or dust despite being heated. Eons kept trickling to a gradual stop, if only for an orb to break away moving towards one rock where a trace of reddish stream moved past to distinctly ignore it. Yet light flared within an orb flickering dangerously due to a void moving to snuff it out. And as an orb flickered rapidly, it struggled to break free unable to weave as it once did.
Darkness came within closer of consuming it as a star below cooled from once bright yellow towards a darkening red that'd whittle away. Light and warmth started fading, flickering until it nearly became a small yet lone kinship to stars fading away. Until a spark of red around began forming clawing outwards reaching to clamp down on a void, as the internal brightness ignited to send it shattering away. Storms arose around an orb, clashing, churning and bands of reddish cloud arrived from anywhere or nowhere together.
An internal void split open seeking to devour in pulling stationary rock, an ignited star and an orb until it stopped abruptly. Rippling waves clashed, churning and sending an orb to have a siphoning circulating maw to fracture again. The orb broke free weaving and spinning around, up and over the lone reddish cloud of storms that seemingly mixed within darker coloration's once more. Yet unlike previously only lightning detonated to remain in place with light growing brighter, stronger and unyielding to a void's once cold endless expanse.
My vision returned when someone's hand grasped an arm as I looked over seeming an image return piece by piece. Chase spoke something yet all I heard was an inaudible word, I didn't reply at first in favor looking forward despite sweat rolling down my face's sides. I swear those dreams would only appear if I drank too much, or slept. But it happening when I'm awake? I almost considered they were only experiences of being forced to sleep so deeply, to escape and now it seemed they were coming back to haunt me since I was only a child. It'd been so damned long, too long since seeing them so vividly again.
"Rex!" Glancing over absently I smiled for once almost resigned to accept someone still cared about something when they shouldn't have had too, "What?" Chase's concern bordered almost outright on sheer disbelief. He pointed in front of us where Slim and his two escorts for women had been eying us rather keenly interested. Because behind them leading downwards into some sort of miniature stadium did I almost wish it was too good to be real. It was literally akin to a dream that made all my riches, promises and burning desire to see I had opportunity to ascend of out a shit life to somewhere I'd make my own.
The Pit's, huh? Before us were three separate cages built atop of one another where various seating on each level had hundreds, if not thousands of roaring occupants cheering. It was almost beautiful given pillars were arranged exactly at seventy two between sections starting with two looming far above where they began. Spiraling counter clock wise and more to all go upwards supporting a ceiling which had massive winged figures battling together. It was almost like a long corridor behind us, but it was all crafted from polished marble that'd been stained black.
Above seating were some sort of privatized viewing boxes where glass had sitting figures lazily observing high above crowds. Emboldened symbols seemingly glowered above glass, as if designating those watching and it seemed to cause a haze over an entire spectacle. Cauldrons of fire were spaced between rows of seating where dozens of servers, men and women akin in all forms of clothing delivered drinks. Others seemingly molded together to lightly traverse into sitting, or outright being claimed to cheer for those inside cages that were almost three stories high. Bridges leading to an internal area separated each tier, as if deciding which fights were more worthy to be noticed consider overhead gave all a literal glimpse inside.
Massive displays I'd only see in sporting events gave an audience perfected quality to see several fights going on at once. Who the fuck can build all of this underneath a god damned city! I couldn't stop laughing at first to look at Slim with my most finest promise of murdering him. This wasn't just some damned fight club, it was a god damned death match. Gladiators, if my memory from school reflected upon in history class given these kinds of events were highly illegal and banned because there was no way to stop two people fighting to their deaths.
"You sick fucking bastard." I called out to Slim who innocently winked, "Take's one to know one, sonny boy. Like I said, I almost feel sorry for you in bringing the boy scout." I gnashed teeth tightly coming close to biting off a tongue, I couldn't believe it. He wanted to get me killed, because it'd be a hell of a payoff for previous times we'd gone at it. Though he had enough sport to give me a damned chance to really make something, if I refused I wouldn't be able to stand the fact he'd see us back down over to survive in making a better life.
Alright, now I'm motivated to see what else this place has got. Between everything I'd already been seeing, I wasn't afraid. It was entirely an exact opposite, I was beyond thrilled and God only save those damned to think they'd get out of those cage's alive. If they wanted a death match that bad, I'd only oblige because my chest kept getting hotter at every prospect. Money and blood were what this world had come down too, if survival mattered above all else.
Although one of the women lingered on smirking as I caught it, "You got something to say?" I snarled out even if she turned away immediately to whisper something into Slim's ear. He seemingly nodded to almost groan after being tenderly teasing by her nibbling on an ear, "Fine! You're such a tease, but I guess it's not normal considering Rex's never been shy." His hand dipped to lightly slap her ass in a way that made most knowingly understand, it'd be an interesting night considering he finally turned to speak exasperated.
"Might as well take you to the old timer who's back in town. Guess you're abnormal enough for these devil's, Rex...lucky fuck." I stared seeing her wink at me expectantly as I scowled less than happily since it wasn't promising. I knew looks whenever it came down to seeing something worth screwing over, I only knew because I'd don't it numerous times. Whenever junkies, or addicts had anything worth over green paper for money did I always entice an extra bit of their cravings. Jewelry among others things being sold off at pawn shops.
You think you're the only one who knows how to play, bitch? My smile couldn't constrain in spoiling their matching arrogance. I didn't like these people, I already wished I hadn't agreed putting myself in their sense of amusement. But I wasn't one to back down, I never knew how to stop and having an opportunity to take them down? I'd say, I was well on my way in enjoying some aspect of surviving in a world where I'd get out of it.
I didn't hesitate to practically come face to face with Slim who seemed quite pleased with himself, "The only thing that's abnormal is you. It's like you're a different person down here, so what the hell is going on!" Hundreds started yelling as an audible sound of bone breaking overhead got me to look up, a pair of men were simply slugging it out on screen. It wasn't staged, or telegraphed since bruising along jaws were an ugly reddish near purplish mix, I didn't need to be an expert to know I'd be risking my life inside that cage for money to be wagered.
"We have all our wishes fulfilled, sonny boy." Jim's voice hardly retained any sense of stuttering from years of drug usage that'd have sent sanity into pieces, "We're in a whole new world, where we as men don't have a clue to understand it's always been out of sight. Out of mind, but I've been telling you literally to your face...what you're dealing with. Down here I'd say what you think is God, or ya know anything doesn't have power to tell a man what is good, or bad because devil's are your own best friend."
The two underneath his arms preened when one whispered into an ear, "A contract is a contract and we just love frequent wishes being fulfilled." Another spoke up slyly to beckon me towards herself, if a smile that appeared too wide made my heart seize up angrily. Pupils narrowed coyly leaving me to look right at someone...who didn't appear right. I couldn't stop getting warmer to a point where I bared teeth not even understanding why I'd been almost experiencing an addict's life, it didn't make sense and I sure as hell wasn't buying it.
"You don't get it, do ya?" Slim questioned in humoring my blatant anger given he groaned almost pitifully sympathetic, "Tell you want, Rex! Just follow me, put your money down and hopefully you survive a few rounds. Guy who runs this beautiful piece of an underworld is interested enough to see someone face to face, it's not often one of us gets a first impression. So maybe you're the one whose abnormal enough to draw a lot of attention, hell if I know because you're never this gun-ho about breaking faces in usually."
The man didn't exactly need to lie in having me agree by sneering visibly, "Doesn't mean I can't start with someone who can't give me a straight answer." Slim barked out a laugh while moving with his giggling escorts who were eying me far too happily. They were enjoying it, for some reason or another but I didn't make it a habit to indulge them. What kind of person had enough money, power and literally made a literal underground club that spanned an entire damned city block! It wasn't possible yet alone considered given it'd have caused some sign for others to move in, no one in this city did anything without another big name doing it.
"What you need is proof, sonny boy." I heard him call over a shoulder while moving across an open section leading upwards towards privatized areas for viewing. He didn't need to tell me twice given I nudged my friend to follow behind. Proof? Is that right? I couldn't deny it, if talking to the supposed biggest name here got me more money for all this bullshit? I would make a deal with the damned devil to screw him out of much as possible.
Below us an entire stadium's worth of spectators hollowed when an audible blaring horn went off drawing my attention. Whoever were fighting inside one of these three story cages, had just slumped over with crimson pouring from every possible outlet on a human body. And I didn't once even flinch because it just meant one thing. I was in the right place, at the right time and I wouldn't have to worry about killing another man. It was the only damned good thing I found myself holding back nowadays, but I swore years ago when I saw my folks doing lines of drugs on a table. At that moment I'd walk out to forge my own future only because I had nothing else to gamble except...something which was my own life.
End Chapter II
Author's Note: If one has to ask themselves constantly, how do you approach the fact in which anyone in this situation would stubbornly not get? How do you tell someone that devils, angels and anything super-natural exists physically? Think about it, if someone is already wondering to themselves: How the hell does he not see, or get it? Would you believe anyone, right now and especially from a character such as 'Slim-Jim.'
Let's be honest, you'd damn well laugh your ass off. Or just think he's high on something as well, that's what makes this kind of endearing. Isn't that a particular detail I've noticed in most stories, seemingly accepting it when it's pretty much confirmed in the source material: Most of Mankind doesn't have a damned clue, yet alone parallel to our own reality.
The only humans, in this context who are aware of these devils/angels primarily are the ones in religious institutions. Occasionally, there's a slip up where some far out there occult do stumble into it. Yet that's all I'd say is feasible, or if select humans are allowed in for contracts (which is technically, paying with your soul or unassumingly given it's not too clear in canon for me). Now I suppose, creating a world has it's merits because it's not really anything but the upper-society we see in the show. Isn't that the kicker, we don't see the typical 'low-class/normalized' society on either spectrum.
Heaven, Underworld and other places as followed. So, welcome to the underworld aspect in which we see several interesting things. I'm sure you readers are already enjoying the differences, there's a few hints in there as to describe who is what. And rather, how it'd appear to an average person which you see with...Chase. Whose not a guest, or anything but is maintained to keep a sense 'logic' in place. Ironically, you can't apply it to the super-natural yet they're well out of perception for most people in this world. My point is, it's protected territory through certain...security measures.
Now, let's get onto an interesting topic. What makes them seemingly 'sense' about certain items, or rather 'sacred' gears that were gifted to mankind over the course of this universe's known history. Quite frankly, it's clear cut given they have an awareness in which certain people ignore naturally. Why would they be drawn to anyone, if not for power or potential anomalies in which they've had thousands of years, or more to pick up on. And in this case, the main character may fall into the cliche yet it's entirely not without a spin on it.
Once you're in, guest or not, you notice certain things that aren't inherently natural on average people. Call it instinct, or whatever because it never fails. And if you're self-aware it certainly keeps your gut on high strung notice. This is how a beginning commences, we go right into it without drawing out too much yet, I'm never one to shy away from expanding a sense of understanding. Devils are not angels, their nature and very mannerisms, are a complete one eighty from the angelic characters we've seen so far.
Moving on, these 'dream' sequences are abstract by design. I wasn't pretending, it's vague yet detailed enough to give you a sense of purpose. They're not random, they're advancing gradually and you're seeing what I envisioned. It's not easy, I find it difficult among this story's beginning so far. Set the stage, set the backdrop and if you put the effort into it? It'll work, it just takes time and some humor to brush up on how our beginning's were made up too be. It's on you, to interpret them and I'll be enjoying your thoughts on that them...specifically.
Leave a review, so to my readers in the states: I damn well say let's have a hell of good July 4th weekend and stay safe.