Amy: Shit, where Crimson be at?

Lilith: Not here, obviously.

Amy: Oh, thank you Captain Obvious.

Erin: You know what this means.

Kuro: *Yawns* what does it mean?

Miu: W-we get to d-do the author's notes.

Kuro: Crap, more work for us?

Lilith: If you want to get into the meta phase of this, it's technically Crimson wasting more time, typing out lines that we'd say from beyond the fourth wall, all so that we can "do all the work", even if it is just her wasting more time on an author's note that no one will really take the time to read.

Kuro:...Dude...Calm down...

Amy: Don't bother, she's always like this.

Azazel: Be happy, normally Lilith is a lot more irritate then this.

Kuro: Irritate how?

Azazel: Like, "Raging-woman-on-period" doesn't even come close irritate. She's just at "Emo-kid-questioning-life-in-a-meta-way" right now.

Lilith:...

Kuro: Meh, I've seen worse. Nothing scarier then an angry drunk Zagan going on rampage. Nothing funnier either.

Azazel: I'm sure we can top that here.

Kuro: that's a bet that I'm wiling to take. You know, once I get cash.

Azazel: Broke?

Kuro: Yeah, too lazy to bother.

Amy: Can't blame you.

Azazel: Hey, butt out, this is the most I've spoken since my story!

Lilith: Well, in that case, we should proceed in proper Crimson conduct.

Azazel: Which is?

Erin: To cut you off mid-sentence of course!

Azazel: Aww hell naw-

"Well, aren't you a pretty little thing?"

Kuro felt like she was drowning. Every direction only led to more of the suffocating void. She felt like she was flying, no, she was falling. Yeah, falling… Why was she falling?

Why was she falling!?

"Do you have any idea what a treasure you are for me?"

She fell back on something, something soft. She felt like she was sinking into the cushions, clawing at silk sheets as they threatened to swallow her whole. Each second only dragged her lower, despite the teeth and nails digging into the sheets.

She wasn't just sinking, she felt like she was being pulled down. The twisted cloth felt more akin to fingers, dragging her down with them in their mad climb up her skin.

Each passing second, a dark laugh echoed louder, tauntingly as Kuro began to choke.

"You'll be a good little kitten for me, yes?"

Kuro woke up in a kicking, screaming and flailing mess. Her panic only rose when she couldn't move her arms and legs, which sent her into another fit of shouting that really had no place in the early hours.

By the time she'd fought herself out of her own self-made prison, she'd been too winded to notice the body next to her rising, freezing up at the sound of the yawn.

"Mmm, good morning to you as well, Kitten."

"FUCK okay hi." Kuro jumped back, already moving to the corner of the bed, mind abuzz as it took inventory. The morning disorientation was already a nightmare, she'd honestly thought that some stranger had broken into her apartment and fallen asleep next to her for a second.

She would have preferred that over this, for what it's worth.

"Next time, I sleep on the floor." Kuro grumbled.

"Personally, I don't recommend it," For some reason, Kuro didn't dare to turn to face him, a part of her worried that all the anger from yesterday would come back with reckless abandon. God knew what her barely-awake mind would resort to, what with her usual filter still asleep.

She slapped away the hand that had landed on her shoulder, only to yelp when the offending limb slid off her shoulder, taking her sleeve down with it, "Hey!"

"Apologies." Nothing about how he said that was, in any sense of the word, apologetic.

Kuro scowled, slipping off of the bed with a frown as she pulled at the thin fabric. Maybe it was because she'd been so out of it last night, but seeing how translucent the material looked in the light…

"Yeah, no." Kuro mumbled, nearly ripping the closet door open in her mad search, scowling deepening, "Where the hell… Who's idea was it to have us share a closet?"

"What are you looking for?"

"Something that isn't this." Kuro grumbled, gesturing to her nightgown with one hand while the other tore through the fifth black tailcoat in the closet, "What in the-why do you own so many of these? They're all exactly the same, too."

She didn't bother to look when the bed shifted behind her, figuring that the Crow had just gone back to sleep, "Come on, my hoodie has to be in here somewhere. How is it this hard to find the raggy old thing in this sea of black?"

Kuro stiffened up when something warm pressed against her back, one hand coming out from behind to brace itself on the wall while the other flipped through the clothing. She nearly jumped at the sudden warm breath brushed up against her ear, "I'm sure we can find something to your liking."

"I can think of a few things 'to my liking'." Kuro muttered, face warming up at this sudden proximity. She had wanted to push back against him, but honestly, there was only so much she could handle contact-wise. Normally, in the Rift, the only "contact" you'd get would be a fist to the face, or a knee to the side. You didn't touch someone without it meaning something, and normally they weren't the most innocuous.

Kuro had lost count of how many hugs she'd responded to with elbows and biting words.

"Maybe this would do? Or no, this may look nicer." Kuro hadn't realized how deep into the closet the Crow had gotten, shifting clothing aside as he muttered to himself, "Do you have a preference?"

"Taking a step out of my bubble would be a great place to start."

"Hmm? I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear that."

"Whatever, just…" Kuro grumbled, looking over all of the choices he'd brought forth. Each one looked flashier than the last, Kuro nearly going blind from the bedazzled bits and pieces hanging from the cloth, "Do we… Is there anything… Casual?"

"Would this work?" He murmured, pulling forth a canary yellow dress with a white collar.

"Yeah, I think not." Kuro muttered, pushing it back into the closet, "I don't know about you, but I'm not really into the schoolgirl look."

"Oh, is that so? Pity."

"Ooooooookay, nope." Kuro muttered, finally ducking under his arm in only to take a non-Crow related breath of air. She'd tried her damn best, she really had, but she could only go so long while ignoring her "take his kneecaps" urge. She had to force her eyes shut, pressing her hands together to keep from throwing them, "Look, Crow-"

"Corvus."

"...Sorry?"

"There is no need for you to call me by my title, just Corvus is alright."

Kuro had to take a moment to look him over, as if searching for some give away in his black silk sleep shirt and the matching pair of pants, "Corvus?"

"Corvus."

"Corvus." Kuro rolled the name off of her tongue, as if she'd need practice to get the name down, "Corvus...Alright, okay, I got it, alright; Corvus."

"Yes, Kitten?"

"Wow, okay, time out." Kuro had to take a step back, holding her cheeks between her hands as if to restrain her mouth, "If you're going to insist on a name change, I'm going to do the same. Just Kuro is fine. No need for titles and all that garbage, yes?"

"Silly thing, it isn't a title." For a split second, she thought Corvus was going to reach out and pet her, nearly growling when his hand shifted from his side ever so slightly, "It's a cute nickname, a pet name."

Kuro couldn't help but shudder. She'd heard the word before, but for some reason, the way that "pet" rolled off of his tongue felt… Demeaning. Predatory, even.

"I'd rather you not-you know what, why bother." She muttered to herself, clearing her throat before Corvus could ask for a repeat, "So, Corvus… Wow, I am not used to that name."

"Does my name offend you, Dearest?"
"No, but 'Dearest' makes me wanna fly myself out the balcony." She groaned, nearly sneering out the pet name before finally clearing her throat. She was about to ask for something, so it wouldn't do much if she went in looking as sour as she felt, "Do you think we could go to a clothing shop? Nothing in here is… Nothing's speaking to me."

"Yes, of course." Kuro let out a breath at that, having been ready for some reason as to why she couldn't leave the castle. She had made a mental list: going from "None of them have the right to lay their eyes on you" to "I'd much rather send someone else in your stead, for your safety of course".

"I know the owner of a boutique not too far from here," He muttered, seemingly stuck in thought as he moved to sit back down on the bed, "I won't have to make an appointment, but it would be most courteous if we inform them in advance."

"Wait, huh?" Kuro mumbled, biting her tongue before she could ask what the hell a "boutique" was. For all she knew, it was a curse in Welsh, "Umm, no, I mean a normal clothing store?"

Personally, she wasn't too into clothing shopping, the last one being a quick and panicked trip with Abraxas to replace Vale's jacket, and between the large crowd and overall madness, it really hadn't been a fond memory. She wasn't looking for a repeat performance, especially here. In the Rift, she had gotten away with biting and other unnatural forms of attack (to this day she shivered at the damage the broken stiletto had done), but she doubted it would have been okay here.

"...If you insist." She didn't like how he sounded, like he could smell her discomfort. Regardless, his gaze then shifted to the door, "Or perhaps you'd prefer the on-staff seamstress?"

"The what?"

"We could have your clothing sewn here and now for you." He spoke of it so casually, as if this really was an everyday occurrence to him: Having people at his beck and call for whatever task he wanted completed. Granted, with everything she'd seen so far, it probably was. "all they'd require would be your measurements."

"...I'll think about it later." Kuro mumbled, when another thought arose. Anxious eyes drifted back to the closet, confirming it wasn't in there, "Hey, do you know where my clothes are?"

"They're on the right, mine are on the left. However, if you wish to wear my own-"

"You know what I mean." Kuro shot him a look, spite dripping from almost-sneer, "Where is my hoodie?"

"Oh, do you mean those rags you wore on your first day here?"

"Hey!" Kuro felt it, the urge to start a fight over something stupid. It was taking a lot of willpower she didn't have to keep it at bay, "That's my hoodie you're talking about."

"Well, if your maid is doing as I told her, it should be washing as we speak," Corvus murmured, finally rising to walk around the bed, approaching the nightstand. It took awhile before he finally stood back up, a pocket watch in hand as the chain was left to dangle, "I will bring it to you when I return."

"That would be-wait, what do you mean, 'return'?"

"I am scheduled to meet with my father," Corvus sighed, his tone more bored than anxious, as if he was being called in for the most frivolous thing, "It would appear as if there have been some… disputes as to this year."

"I can't imagine why."

"Anyway, while I have time, I'd really rather not be the last one to arrive." He muttered, either not hearing or pretending Kuro had spoken up before walking back over to the closet, pulling out a seemingly random set before undressing.

Kuro had to turn away, face flushed red as the prince removed his shirt. Nope, she wasn't doing this, it didn't matter who he was, she was still uncomfortable.

"Hmm? Is everything alright. Kitten?"

"If I die of blood loss, it's all your fault." Kuro managed, doing her damndest to keep the growing red at her neck. No, she wasn't flustered or anything, not in the slightest. This was just uncomfortable, beyond uncomfortable! Who the hell just undresses like that, in front of someone who was basically a stranger?

Was he trying to get stabbed!?

"Your voice sounds a bit high, are you sure you're alright?"

Oh, she could hear the Devil-grade smugness in his tone, see the teasing smirk on his face.

"If you keep this shit up, you might not be."

"You're adorable when you try to threaten me like that." He cooed, much to her dismay. She didn't even realize she'd been growling until Corvus laughed, "Now now, there's no need to be like that."

"Whatever."

Finally, Kuro's attention snapped back when the closet doors shut, Corvus standing there as he tugged on the lapel of his coat. He met her eyes with that plastic smile, gesturing to his clothing, "Well? What do you think?"
"Trust me, you don't want to know." Kuro mumbled, moving aside as he made his way for the door.

Right before he opened the door, he turned back to Kuro. His eyes bore into her own, as if daring her to look away. Of course, she didn't, the very idea appearing as a sign of submission in her head. She'd sooner be damned than roll over like that.

Finally, he smiled, "I will see you later on, my dearest."

With that, he blew a kiss and left, letting the door click shut behind him.

Kuro stared at the door, as if he was going to reappear just to see her befuddled expression. With a huff, she walked over to the bed, grabbing a pillow to push over her face before screaming into it.

She didn't even know why, maybe it was just his very presence, but it was beginning to drive her mad.

She didn't even bother to turn to the door when someone knocked, instead throwing the pillow at it as if it would discourage whoever was on the other side, "Unless you're bringing my hoodie in now, I'm not letting you in!"

"Umm, a-actually…"

Kuro's expression dropped, sliding across the bed in her maddened crawl towards the door. She pulled it open, staring down at Vanth's shriveled form, "Shit, sorry about that."

"It's o-o-okay." Kuro had thought that this kid had looked meek before, but now? She looked worse than a kicked puppy, like a puppy that had been run over and then lit on fire. Kuro nearly choked on the sudden amount of pity filling her, "I didn't mean to a-anger you, Lady K-Kuro."

"It isn't your fault, really." Kuro murmured, letting the Lady thing slide in favor of helping her back up. She almost didn't notice the dining cart behind her, not until Vanth's hand clasped around the handle of it, "Watcha got there?"

"Prince Crow h-had me p-p-prepare breakfast f-for you." Despite her attempt at being casual, Vanth's stuttering only increased, shaking translating to the cart that she had an iron grip on. In the back of her head, Kuro couldn't help but chide herself; if her indirect anger had caused this, what would happen if she'd actually yelled at her, or worse?

She didn't realize that Vanth had been waiting for some kind of answer until after the door had closed, Kuro clearing her throat as he tried her best to come up with some sort of witty remark, "Sounds like the birdbrain to do something like that. With my luck, it's a plate of worms and birdseed, or something."

Her attempt crashed and burned the moment Vanth's eyes went wide, "N-no, Lady Kuro, w-w-we w-wouldn't d-dare to e-even attempt s-s-such a thing! I a-assure y-you, I would n-never let s-s-s-uch a thing h-happen!"

"I'm sure you wouldn't." Kuro conceded, unsure of what exactly to do. Of all the things she'd had to do, comforting children was something she had been positive would never happen.

Looking down at Vanth's tiny form, she couldn't help but inwardly groan: yet another reason to dislike them.

Of course, that thought was followed up by immediate guilt upon seeing Vanth's face, but that was something for her to wrestle with later on.

"I thought we agreed to stop the 'Lady' thing, kid." Kuro did her best to make the words sound like one of endearment rather than irritation, hand out yet unsure. What was she supposed to do, put it on her shoulder? Pat her head? Would she be okay with that, or treat it as a preliminary attack?

"I do a-apologize, it w-won't happen again."

One thing's for sure, this train of thought needed to be jumped, now, "So, what's for breakfast?" Kuro asked in her most convincing tone, wincing at how forcefully bright she sounded.

Vanth's light sniffles finally came to a halt, chiding herself gently as he picked up the single tray from the cart, moving to place it on the only table-like piece of furniture: the vanity.

"I do apologize," Vanth murmured, voice barely audible even as Kuro got closer. Vanth rubbed her hands together in an almost awkward fashion, as if she were trying to set fire to her hands, "I'm a lowly servant, I'm not allowed to look under the cover after it's been placed."

"Well, in that case, I really do hope it isn't bird-You know what, nevermind." Kuro was quick to cut herself off, mentally cursing herself for being so… Insensitive, she guessed? Who knew.

Once Kuro had seated herself, Vanth rolled up her sleeves, grabbing hold of the top before pulling it away.

Vanth's expression hit her before the smell did. Kuro had to do a double take to confirm it: the wide eyes, slight drool collecting in the corner of her mouth, the way her nose twitched; it all came together to form a rather vivid picture.

Sure enough, the aroma hit, and while she wasn't exactly used to it, it was far from disgusting. It was like wafting expensive perfume: while it smelled nice, it had nothing to do around her.

Vanth's eyes seemed to glow the same soft shade of blue as the soul in the platter before them, "I c-c-couldn't smell it e-earlier…"

"Umm, you okay?" Kuro asked, eyes darting from Vanth's face to her gurgling stomach. It was a sound she had, for better or worse, had quickly become acquainted with in the Rift.
"I'm fine." Vanth gulped, taking a large step back as she tried her best to discreetly wipe away the spit.

Before Kuro could press on, an idea came to mind. Picking up the fork on the platter, she poked at it, turning to Vanth with a barely-fabricated look of concern, "Are you sure? You look like there's something wrong."

"N-no, I'm o-okay, I swear!" Kuro winced when the maid dropped to her knees, whether it was as a sign of respect or in order to hide her face, she really wasn't sure. "Do y-you have issues w-with it, Lad- I mean, K-Kuro?"

"Well, for starters, you're face first on my floor, and I'd really rather not have that." Kuro had to wrangle out any and all bits of irritation from her voice, doing her best not to tease the kid too hard. Finally, when Vanth rose, Kuro flipped the fork around, handle pointed to Vanth, "So, you had no idea what was underneath, yes?"

"T-that is c-c-correct, yes."

"And you didn't see them preparing anything, yeah?"

"T-this is a-also true."

"So, for all we know, it could be poisoned or something, don't you think?"

Despite all the words laid out before her, Vanth tilted her head to the side, staring at the fork as if it were the most mystifying thing she'd ever seen, "Y-yes?"

Kuro sighed, getting nowhere by beating around the bush, she urged Vanth to take the fork, "Here."

"W-what are you doing!?"

"Summoning Jesus Christ." Kuro deadpanned.

"Y-Y-YOU'RE K-KIDDING ME, R-R-RIGHT!?"

"Of course I am!" She'd been trying so hard, really she had, but it was hard not to laugh at that. Maybe it was the tension she'd held since yesterday, or the absolute absurdity of whatever was happening in front of her, but one thing was certain: She wasn't about to let this kid starve. "Lighten up and take the fork, would ya? My arm's starting to hurt like this, and I think I just lost feeling in my pinky."

At that, Vanth took the fork, looking down at it in her trembling fingers and damp eyes, "I...I...I c-can't." She looked up at Kuro with the most broken look, like she was scared the fork in her hands would shatter, "I wasn't a-a-authorized t-to do so, I'm s-s-sincerely s-sorry."

"Holy fuck, you need permission to eat?" Kuro mumbled, doing her best to nonchalantly size the kid up, wincing at how that ribbon belt around her waist looked just a little too tight, like it was digging into empty skin, "That… That explains a lot."

"I'm t-terribly s-s-s-sorry."

"Don't be, it isn't your fault." Kuro grumbled, her mental tangents driving her crazy. What else did this poor kid need permission to do? Use the bathroom? Sleep? Shower? Breathe? Each additional suggestion added to her smoldering acrimony. "But, I can think of a person who is at fault…"

"I-I'm s-s-sorry?"

"Nothing, forget about it, I just figured out a loophole." Kuro grinned to herself, rising up from her chair as she did her best to muster up whatever "pretentious vibes" she could. She pointed at Vanth as she channeled her inner Ojidere, arrogance shooting from her finger like a powerful spell of her own will, "I order you to eat!"

Sure, her voice didn't have the finest she was looking for, but it seemed to do the trick. More or less. Hopefully more than less.

Vanth opened her mouth, eyes wide as if she were choking on the words that refused to arise. Finally, she shook her head, "I d-don't w-w-want t-to make t-them a-a-angry."

"Then use me as a meat-shield." Kuro mumbled, half-jokingly. But, now that she thought of it, she wondered how far her "castle immunity" went. She was affiliated with the Crow, that much was obvious, but how much could she get away with? Say, for instance, if she decided to vandalize the tapestries with a sharpie or nine…

Shaking her head, she filed that away for later, there were more pressing matters at the moment, "correct me if I'm wrong, but, you're my personal maid, yes?"

"T-this is correct."

"And that means that you have to carry out whatever I ask of you, right?"

Vanth nodded, head tilted to the side ever so slightly, as if she couldn't keep up with what Kuro thought to be a pretty linear train of thought, "C-correct."

"What would happen if you didn't follow a direct order?"

Kuro automatically wished she hadn't phrased it like that, Vanth's eyes watering as her loud thoughts rang out in Kuro's head from her expression alone. She didn't need to answer, Kuro could take a wild guess.

"Well, in that case, I'm going to go ahead and repeat myself." Kuro mumbled, taking a step back from the vanity before gesturing to the stool, "Go on, eat it."

Vanth took one last sniffled breath, staring at the stool before finally taking a step forward. She looked to Kuro with the eyes of a lost child as she sat down, as if she were waiting to be scolded and corrected. When Kuro did no such thing, Vanth took in a deep breath, staring the little light blue ball down before whispering out a "Thank you".

Kuro nearly missed it, Vanth scarfing the thing down so quickly Kuro was sure that the kid was going to choke. While Kuro was admittedly a bit hungry, she could surely miss a meal for a kid that looks like she hasn't eaten in months, "T-thank you." Vanth whimpered in between bites, tearing into the food as if it were her last meal.

"Hmm? Yeah, no problem." Kuro mumbled, cursing herself for spacing out for a bit. She didn't want to come off as uncaring (something she'd never really put effort into, really), but sticking in the moment only served to fuel the wildfire within. She didn't know if it was appropriate to ask, but for curiosity's sake…

"Hey, Vanth."

"Y-yes?" She murmured, leaving the plate licked clean.

"What exactly do they make you do here?"

"Oh, y-you know." She murmured, "I mostly clean. They have me do laundry, clean the windows, cook food; Oh, I even get to play the piano when we have a small group of guests!"

"Damn." Kuro murmured, staring at Vanth with a new sense of respect. She knew for a fact that she'd go crazy if she had a list of chores, hell, helping to clean the bar was already her own personal hell of earth. "That's… Huh. I'm going to take a wild guess and assume that's not even the tip of the iceberg?"

Vanth shook her head, finally putting the fork down before standing back up. She'd placed the cover back over the plate, placing it back on the cart. Finally, she turned back to Kuro, a familiar spark lighting up in her eyes, "W-what do you do?"

"On the real?" Kuro asked, rubbing the back of her head. Thinking back, she couldn't think of an "appropriate" answer. It didn't matter if she didn't dislike this kid (Which was high praise as far as Kuro was considered), she didn't think that coming out with "I'm technically a contract killer with a friend group that does dirty jobs for dirty cash" wasn't a good idea.

So, with that said, Kuro shrugged, "I'm too lazy to get a real job."

Not a complete lie, if Vale was anything to go off of.

Vanth tilted her head to the side at that, as if she were staring at puzzle pieces that refused to connect, "Do stop m-me if I'm not allowed to ask, but if that's so, how do you live?"

"I, ah, do an odd job here and there." Kuro had to fight down that impish smile that would have surely given her away. It was stupid, like telling an inside joke that only you would get, but regardless she had to fight down that grin, "You know, check on this guy, do some work for that guy, blah blah blah. Not to mention I've got a few friends to back me up when times get tough."

"That sounds fun." Vanth said, matching Kuro's expression with a small smile of her own, moving to tidy up the room, "They sound like fun, your friend."

"Oh, you have no idea." Kuro couldn't help it anymore, a small chuckle escaping. This was something she could do, something to say. If there was one thing she was at least decent at, it was telling stories, and honestly, it wasn't like she could or would ever share these with Crow. They were sacred memories, ones she had no problems sharing with this shy yet amiable child, "I'd love to go on, but I'd hate for you to grow bored with my stories."

"I sincerely doubt I will be." Her voice was lacking it's usual polite stiffness, and honestly, that in itself felt like an achievement.

"Well, since you insist, I guess you won't mind if I do a retelling or nine…"

The entire walk to the throne room was spent fixing his attire. Each step was accompanied with a sharp tug of his sleeve, or the dusting off of his shoulder. He had to stop in front of the door, tugging at his collar one last time before knocking on the towering doors.

"Allow him in."

The door was pushed open by a familiar face, er, familiar helmet. Regardless, Corvus offered a small smile, "Marax."

"Prince Crow." The lion demon bowed his head, taking a step back to allow him inside. Each step of his sounded as heavy as Corvus' felt, stepping through as the door closed behind him, echoing a sense of finality. His walk down the long hall was enough time to pull the usual expression on, hands ceasing their fidgeting as he glided down the hallway-like room.

The two thrones at the end of the room stood tall, drawing eyes with their bold mix of gold and red. As usual, only the throne on the right was occupied, the left on the verge of collecting dust.

To the right of the occupied chair, a figure shrouded in black stood, eyes flashing a red so dark it was almost lost in the faint outline of a demon. It was as if his own shadow had moved to devour him in a vicious black fire, leaving a shifting outline of limbs and broken horns.

Once the rug came to an end, Corvus fell to one knee, head tipped down in respect, "My Lord."

"Corvus, my son. You may rise."

Corvus did as he was asked, the voice leaving no room to argue. He rose, the tiniest hint of a smile on his face as he looked to his father. If the prior looked engulfed, the former looked more like the source, the eye of the hurricane. The black fumes around his father exuded from him, placing him in the middle of a dark whirlwind of substantial fear and power. If you squint, you could just barely make out the two red lights and the outline of massive wings.

"Ah, the prodigy son." Came the collective hiss from the swallowed shadow, Head tilting ever so slightly towards the throne, "Am I needed for this talk, Sire?"

"No, you are excused, Legion." He insisted, to which the man, Legion, nodded. He gave a polite bow to the king before vanishing, dissolving into the air as if he were nothing but an afterimage. "Now, as for you, my son, our discussion will not be as… simple."

"That will be of no issue," Corvus insisted, taking a step forward when beckoned to do so. He offered a fleeting glance towards the empty throne as he came up the stairs, "Whatever you need of me, consider it done."

"In that case, you may start by telling me about your choice. I've heard of the… exclusive demoness you've found. What of her name?"

"She goes by Kuro Akuhei, Lord."

"Then what of her real name?"

"Apologizes, Lord; Lilim."

"Lililm. Peculiar name." Satan mused, before leaning forward a bit, almost eager, "A name I will not soon forget. And, how is she? Surely, despite the rumors of her lacking origin, she knows how to hold herself here."

"That… Is to be seen." Corvus admitted, doing his best not to huff out the words.

To this, Satan tilted his head to the side, faking curious confusion as best as he could, "Oh? How so? Maybe I should order an audience with her…"

"That will not be necessary, I can assure you." Corvus said. While he didn't want to come off as rude, he also didn't want to allow the thinly veiled threat to remain. If the rumors of his elder brothers were anything to go off of, their father's offer for "an audience" was the same as a one-way ticket.

"It's a rather cruel way of breaking a lady in," He'd once overheard them conversing, speaking of it as if it were as common as the unchanging weather, or their abnormal bug of a brother, "But, for some, a necessary evil."

"I had father do that with Mantros, and let me tell you, she went from an off the wall succubus to the most compliant little thing."

"You're joking. Are we talking about the same Mantros?"

"No, she had a twin sister of the same name. What do you think?"

They had gone on to speak of the nefarious discipline their father had used, going as far as to hypothesize exactly how the different traumas had added to their preferred picture of the perfect wife.

Corvus nearly shuddered at the idea, he wasn't quite there yet. With time, he was positive he could reign Kuro in on his own, despite her rather unruly and vindictive nature.

It would be more fun to break her in himself, after all.

"…If that is what you wish, my son." Corvus almost didn't think his father would back down so quickly, but at the same time, he wasn't about to call it into question, "But if she becomes a problem, I will step in. With or without your permission."

"Understood, my Lord." Corvus pushed down his stubborn pride as he bowed his head in thanks. Now wasn't the time to push back, especially when he'd come so far and gained so much ground. His pure stubbornness be damned, he wouldn't let it ruin him, not now.

With that, the dark figure rose, head tilted as if to look out a window that wasn't there, "For what it is worth, word of her has traveled quickly."

"Oh?"

"Hmm. Already she has become a very famous demon within these walls."

Corvus let out a faint huff of irritation, his list already narrowed down. It was most likely either Aranea or Vanth, and the only "staff" member his brother bothered to speak with was that mad scientist of a demon that had taken up residency in the dungeon, "I will get to the bottom of it."

"From what I've heard, you've truly outdone yourself, son." Satan mused, "If my sources are correct, your mate is quite the looker."

"Of that she most certainly is." Maybe he agreed too quickly, but it was true. For the standards of a Rifter, at least, she was far from unseemly.

Satan hummed in agreement, turning to give his son his utmost attention, almost pinning the Crow in his place with his eyes alone, "Do remember, Corvus; we cannot have a Rifter running about as she pleases. If you are unable to regulate her, I will make a point of stepping in. Am I made clear?"

"Crystal." Corvus spoke, tone as stiff as his final bow as he accepted the indirect dismissal, spinning on his heel before heading back the way he'd come. He hadn't realized how tightly wound he'd been until the doors to the throne room closed behind him, effectively cutting all of the tense threads keeping him in place.

Sure it was a mandatory talk to have, but that did nothing to alleviate the pressure from the throne room. He had to move away from the door, doing his best to ignore the lingering strain emanating from the door.

While he wasn't about to let his father ruin his fun, he did have a point. Talk of controlling his new little plaything was much easier than doing, and even if the pay off would be well worth it, getting there was becoming more and more of a mental chore. What with her ruthless remarks and sarcastic demeanor, he couldn't help but wonder how much easier it would be he could just render her silent, just for a moment.

He couldn't help but wonder if a muzzle would do him more harm than good. "Perhaps I should purchase one." Corvus mused aloud, voice soft despite the lingering echo.

Maybe that's what was needed here, a show of dominance. Obtaining a collar and leash wouldn't be difficult, and she was a bit of a heavy sleeper… Yes, that could work! Maybe after a walk or two around the castle would put her into her place, make her walk around on all fours like a good little pet…

He had to physically bring himself to a screeching halt, taking a moment to shake his head before he was completely consumed by the idea. As badly as he wanted to, he doubted he had the self-control to ensure that things stayed disciplinary. He wasn't going to deny that it was a rather frisky thought, but as of right now, it would have to stay as that: a thought.

Perhaps he'd have to begin with some sort of trust-building, and leave the pet-like disciplinary as a looming punishment. Surely, while it would be irritating at first, he could start with the smaller things. Purchasing gifts would most likely be the best first step, after all, he'd yet to meet a woman who didn't at least appreciate a large ring or a fancy bag.

Corvus couldn't help but sigh, a fond smile on his face at the thought of this plan. It had been a long time since he had last had to put this much effort into a game with his brother, and even then he couldn't remember one where he'd gone this far into a battle strategy. Most competitions had obvious winners from the start, making the need for such effort as excessive as it was unnecessary. But now, when his own lower-than-dirt brother had the leg up, he couldn't afford to be left behind.

"Corvus, a word."

For once in his life, Corvus was overjoyed to hear that voice. He turned to Aranea, grin growing at his usual fed-up expression, "Yes. brother? What can I do for you?"

"How long do you plan to play this game?"

Of course that's what he'd bring up. Corvus wasn't sure why he was surprised, there wasn't much else going on between the two of them as it was, what else was he going to bring up? His not so secret crochet obsession?

"With how and where things are now, for the foreseeable future." Corvus murmured, making a big show of putting his hand under his chin, "Why? Do you plan on giving up this early in the game? While it would be quite disheartening."

"A game." Aranea scoffed, rolling his eyes at the word. Corvus couldn't help the slight frown when Aranea shook his head, giving Corvus what looked like a condescending glower, "I cannot believe that's what you see this all as."

"When is it not a game, Arc?" Corvus asked, spitting out the C. There was something so fun about using that nickname, dangling it in front of him in a way Kuro might have been proud of. "After all, if it isn't a game, then I'd no longer have a reason to speak to you. Could you imagine?"

"It baffles me." Aranea murmured, as if Corvus had yet to speak, "It completely baffles me. Right when I think you can go no lower, you somehow manage to sink lower."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Well, where do I begin." Aranea muttered, taking a moment to wipe his glasses down before replacing them on his face, "First, you drag a poor and helpless Rifter into the castle so that you can have a game of cats and mouse."

"She is anything but helpless, don't you think?" Corvus chided.

"Second, you go about your day hoping that your 'ownership' is going to drive me to insanity." Aranea went on, listing them on each finger, before pulling up and toying with his middle finger, "And third, now you've dragged father into this."

"Well, if your little eavesdropping was really as accurate as you believe, you'd know that I just did the exact opposite." Corvus' fingers dug into the fabric of his pants, nails nearly threatening to break through his gloves. How dare he, of all Devils, attempt to listen in. And, to add insult to injury, now he was accusing Corvus of something he wouldn't dare to envision, much less try, "Not once have I insisted in bringing father into our little disputes, nor do I ever plan to."

"It would be a shame if you did, father giving you a win wouldn't be nearly as satisfying now, would it?" Aranea's tone was as cold as his stare, frost nearly spewing forth with his words.

Coruvs was ready to snap back, only to stop. An idea sprang forth, whispering alluring words and sweet temptations that it would have been blasphemous to ignore, "If I didn't know any better, I'd assume that someone was a little worried."

"Don't try and play this off," Aranea shook his head, his expression almost belittling with how he turned his nose up and stared Corvus down, "The moment father realized what kind of powerplay you're getting at, you'd surely lose your status. Imagine that, your pride traded for shame-"

"It isn't the king I'm referring to." Corvus smirked, watching Aranea's mask slip right off.

Right then and there, those stupid golden eyes of his widened, ever so slightly, opening up just enough for Corvus to peek in. Yes, he could see it, the slight shift into unease, caught red handed with his emotional cookie jar in shattered pieces at his feet.

"Don't worry, with that expression, you don't need to say a thing." Corvus nearly laughed at the visual before him. His brother had been in deep, he had known that much the moment he'd started this fun little pastime, but now…

To see the extent of what it mentally did to him, Corvus had all the more drive to win.

"Do you care?"

"Hmm?" Corvus had to drag himself out of his head for a moment, having been led along by the lovely image of Kuro being his and his brother's broken expression, "Pardon?"

"You accuse me of being infatuated, do you not?" It was haunting how controlled Aranea sounded despite his shift. Even if it was a slight one, any expression that wasn't a frown or a thin line of a mouth, it was surely an alien expression on his brother. "And yet, you seem to be in the same boat as I."

"How absurd." Corvus nearly choked on his laughter at that, wiping away the nonexistent tear in the corner of his eye, "It would seem as if my taunt did more damage that I originally thought, Arc."

"Do try to restrain from using that nickname, after all, it was one that Kuro gave me specifically. It would be inappropriate if you continued to use it in such a manner." Aranea smiled, sending shivers Corvus refused to acknowledge down his spine, "Of course, I couldn't expect you to understand. The only names she's associated with you so far have been a mix of curse words and bird-related nonsense."

Corvus had to pinch the bridge of his nose, letting out an irritated huff that he hoped Aranea didn't notice. No, this conversation wasn't going at all in his favor, not anymore… this seemed to be an ongoing trend, he noticed, ever since Kuro entered his life.

Regardless, he pulled a plastic smile to his face, "I see. That is how this will be then."

"As if it could be any other way."

"Indeed." With that, Corvus straightened out his tie, taking a deep breath before moving past his brother, "In that case, I shall be off. Believe it or not, I have things to do while you waste the time of that dungeon scientist of ours."

"Ah yes, how could I be so blind." Aranea called back, clearing his throat before adding, "Do have fun trying to reign in the 'Kitten', yes? I'm told their claws are as sharp as their tongue."

"Don't I know it." Corvus muttered to himself, before turning to Aranea, one last forced smile drawn upon his lips, "May the best Devil win, brother."

With that, he walked off, not bothering to stop and wait for any type of reply. Not that he needed one, no, what he needed right now was a proper plan.

Much later that day, Marax could be found standing guard right outside of the castle's gates, armor glistening a deep red under the sun of a similar hue. Each breath felt heavier under the weight of the armor, nearly giving in to the temptation of shucking the armor all together to just lean against the halberd at his side.

He wasn't about to complain about his position, if anything, he considered himself quite lucky. Not a lot of demons had made it as far as he had, especially considering where he'd come from. He had a nice place to stay, a stable job, and had the honor of putting his life on the line at his king's whim.

Things could be worse.

Regardless, it didn't do much for the boredom.

He stood out here, for hours on end, just… Waiting. For what, he had no clue. No one would dare to try anything, especially not so close to the castle. Sure he had to keep his eye out for the occasional dubious character, but those were about as common as-

"Marax?"

For a split second, Marax thought that the voice had come from deep within his own head. Turning his head to the right, his suspicions were proven correct as that familiar and stupid tank top came into view, "Valefor? Is that you?"

He kept his voice low, despite the fond smile graced under his helmet.

"Depends on who's asking." A grumble of laughter escaped Marax at that. Even after all these years, his friend didn't look nor act any different. To Marax, he was a spitting image of himself from centuries prior, "It's good to see you, Marax."

"Too long." Marax agreed, resting his halberd against the gate in order to accept the offered handshake, "How has life been treating you, Vale?"

He rolled his eyes at the nickname, shrugging as his hands trialed into his pockets, "All my work as of recent has been nothing new: simple and repetitive as always." Marax watched as a thin packet was pulled from his pockets, flicking it open before removing a cigarette, "Would you like one?"

"I am on the clock here."

"Pity, there's only one stick left." Vale sighed, waving the open box just under his nose, a knowing smile on his face as he stuck the unlit end of his own into his mouth, "At this rate, it may end up being stolen on my walk home. It would be a shame if it went unused."

"You can never just leave my answers be, can you?" Marax mused, taking the offered box before slipping it into a side pocket under the metal.

"I can't help myself." Vale shrugged, unable to keep the small smile completely off of his face, "Accepting things I don't agree with has never been my strong suit, you know that."

To that, Marax sighed, turning to give his longtime friend a glance. Friend, that wasn't a term he used lightly. He could count how many people he'd consider a friend on one hand, the number dwindling as time wore on. And yet, there he still was, still standing despite what the Rift had in store for the rest.

"If that's the case, I assume you're not here just to catch up?"

That slight wince was all the answer Marax needed, the cover-up chuckle further driving the point home, "I could never get anything past you, could I?"

"It would appear so."

Marax watched one hand slip into a back pocket, the other waving about as if he were trying to swat at a fly, "Never was much of a problem, I always came clean the moment you asked."

"Then I'll ask that you do so now."

Vale turned to face him, mouth set into a familiar frown as his eyebrows knit themselves together. Marax nearly laughed at the serious expression, a look that had done more harm than good in their younger days, "I need access into the castle."

"I can't do that. You know I can't do that."

"I figured that much," Marax waited for it, watching Vale put a hand under his chin, faking a look of deep thought. He could see the invisible cards in the tiger demon's hands, eyes scanning each of them as if to pick out which one to throw down first, "I don't suppose I could cash in that one favor."

Marax blinked, disbelief flooding his system at how nonchalant Vale sounded. It felt like a lifetime ago, the last time they'd even brought it up with one another. To have him bring it up like that… Surely, whatever this matter was, it was important to be pulling that particular card…

"I can't let you walk in and out, regardless of the favor." Marax finally managed, unsure how to word it. Surely Vale would understand his position, saving the favor for a later date, "I can only do so much, I'm sorry."

"In that case, do you think you can pass this on for me?" Vale murmured, sliding his hand out, palm down. Marax slipped his iron-clad hand open, accepting the small piece of paper, "A friend of mine is going to want this soon, do you think it can be done?"

Marax didn't need to look at him to feel his discomfort, Vale's eyes watching the piece of paper closely as he moved to tuck it away. "Who?"

Vale moved his hand to cover his sigh, yawning into his open palm as Marax rolled his eyes, "Kuro. Do you know her?"

At the name, a mad shiver shot up Marax's spine, "To an extent, yes."

"Good, good." Vale murmured to himself before straightening himself out, his passive expression snapping back into place, "Please get this to her as soon as possible."

"Of course." Marax said, his voice almost solemn, "I truly am sorry I can't do more."

"Think nothing of it, it was a bit of a dick move to try and pull." Vale murmured, Marax nearly laughing at his choice of words. "I do hope you don't mind me saving it for a latter time, then."

"A latter time it is."

Vale almost laughed at that, giving a slight nod of his head towards him, "What exactly does 'to an extent' mean?"
"Do I really have to explain?" Marax sighed, much to Vale's silent satisfaction.

"I take it she's a bit of a handful?"

"From what I've heard? 'Handful' doesn't even begin to cover her."

Vale let out a huff of laughter, voice dropping ever so slightly, as if he could feel someone listening in on them, "As stupid as she may be, you have to understand my worry for her. I'm sure that, of everyone, you know how that feeling eats away at you."

Marax nodded, eyes locking onto the same nonexistent point Vale's own had taken to, "I understand."

Finally, before the silence could grow uncomfortable, Vale straightened up, hands sliding back into their usual place at his sides, "I'll be on my way now."

Marax nodded, watching Vale adjust the unruly wave of his hair, before clearing his throat.

Vale turned to him, "Hmm?"

"Do you think you can send Lezabel a message for me?"

"...I think I can manage one, yes."

Marax nodded, taking a moment to formulate the right words, before finally asking, "Tell her that… Could you tell her that her big brother still misses and loves her?"

Vale nodded, jaw set in a determined nod despite the uncertainty clouding his eyes. He didn't need to hear it to know the answer, regardless of the words that left Vale's mouth, "That's the least I can do for you."

Azazel: Okay, that was just rude.

Miu: W-well, it could h-have been worse.

Katrina: Not really, no.

Amy: right next to Nyx, no one really knows Azazel.

Nyx: And I don't see her story being canceled when it's already over, so she's got that going for her.

Amy: Don't matter, either way, everyone be knowing me!

Erin: Nah, you're too old.

Amy: Shut up, I'm not old! I'm original.

Erin: Yeah, go tell that to every elderly soldier in Overwatch.

Katrina: finally, a reference I understand fully.

Lilith: I think it's about time that we ended this. We've gone on far enough.

Amy: Why should we do that?

Lilith: Something feels...off...

Erin: How so?

Amy: Hey, give it a moment, I can feel it too...

Azazel: What is it? Another way for you to cut me off?

Lilith: No, it's just-hey, what is that!?

Satan: Well, would you look at that?

Amy: WHAT THE FUCK!? WHY IS SATAN IN THE AUTHOR'S ENDING NOTES!?

Satan: I speak in bold as well.

Erin: Makes sense.

Lilith: And that's why I'm going to end the chapter...give me a moment...