Hi hi!
I guess that this will be the last chapter before I give this laptop off. While I don't like it, I'll either have to go on a pretty long (apparently it'll take two months, most of all of summer break), or I can see if my tablet still works and go from there.
Erin: On a whole other note here.
Me: Fuck, what do you want? I'm trying to say something important!
Erin: But this is a lot more important!
Me: Then what is it?
Erin: Kuro is kinda like a copy of me.
Me:...What?
Lilith: You're only saying that because you're both in a Black Butler fanfic.
Erin: Which is the main part of the stories!
Kuro: Oh, am I hearing a little bit of jealousy?
Erin: Am I hearing a bit of Nunya?
Kuro: Nunya?
Erin: Nunya business.
Amy: Umm, Dwayne Johnson called, he wants Maui's lines back.
Kuro: The only reason she's jealous is because she had to be turned into a demon like some anime-wannabe.
Erin: Why would I be jealous when I can shoot fucking fire?
Amy:...I'm feeling a little replaced right now...
Me: Can we just move on, for the love of God?
Kuro: Don't say the G word.
Me: ONWARDS!
Corvus sighed, scoffing, "It isn't that hard to tie a decent bowtie, Rorras."
"I do apologize, Prince Crow." The servant bowed, fixing the tie.
All the while, Corvus pulled a piece of lint off of his fresh black jacket, "Precot, you did say that this was a new jacket, yes?"
"From only the finest of clothing stores, Prince Crow." Another bowed.
"Then explain why I found something like this." Corvus sighed, tossing the thread to the ground, before rolling his shoulder, "For every thread I find; that's another thousand years of servitude."
That got the second servant to work, inspecting every inch of not only the jacket, but all of his formal attire.
When it looked like he was near perfection, his hair fell into his eyes, "...Kibrott, if you'd be so kind as to fix this mess."
In a mere matter of seconds, all three of his personal servants were on him, fixing everything down to the last detail of perfection.
He was currently within his room, getting ready for the public execution, to which Legion himself would appear before the public.
For such the occasion, Corvus had acquired a new long flowing black coat jacket over an ivory dress shirt, red bowtie, and black slacks. Over the right breast pocket sat a dark red pin, the introverted star with a dotted circle around it.
Just then, a knock came to the door. One of them went over to open it, before instantly bowing, "Prince Aranea."
Arc gave him a curt nod, before Corvus scowled, "I can fix the rest; off with you three."
The three gave him a bow, before scurrying out of the room, leaving it closed behind him. The two brothers sat in silence, each regarding the other just as coldly, before Corvus sighed, "I'm sure you're not here just to say hi."
"I was wondering where Kuro was." Arc admitted, his eyes giving away nothing.
Corvus sighed, giving the empty bed a look, "Well, she isn't here. I'd be able to sense it if she left the castle, so she's still within the walls."
When she had said she'd take a nap, Corvus had assumed that she meant in their shared room. But, upon walking in only to find that the whole room was bare, he was both parts worried and relieved.
While he didn't know where she was or if she was okay, at least she was still within the castle.
Arc sighed, shaking his head, before shoving his hands into his coat pockets, "Does it not bother you?"
"A lot tends to bother me." Corvus muttered, fixing the collar of his coat, "My personal servant brigade of idiots? A huge waste. The whole tradition of finding and keeping a mate? A total pest at times. The fact that you're still here? The worse by far, at the moment."
"She did have a point." Arc muttered, ignoring most of what Corvus had to say, "Do you think that Legion did it all as a test?"
"I wouldn't put it past the degenerate fiend." Corvus scowled, "And I don't mean that in a good way. Not that he's much better than your friend Cresil, yes?"
"Say as you might, Cresil has done a lot of good." Arc shot back, eyes narrowing behind his glasses, "He's been able to do much more for the guard then you have for the entirety of Hell."
"You've forgotten that it is not my job, nor is it my problem, to deal with." Corvus muttered back.
"My point is that, while Legion has always been a rather...Umbrous character, but he has always-."
"With all due respect, or lack thereof, dear brother," Corvus cut in, sighing while shaking his head, "I don't care for your theories, nor do I care for your debauched hypothesis'. You tend to forget that the kingdom that our father rules is one that has sustained itself upon the basic principles of betrayal, treachery and larceny."
Arc looked like he wanted to go on, only to shake his head, scowling, "I don't know why I ever brought it up with you; you obviously don't care for her wellbeing."
"And you're saying that you do?" Corvus shot right back, "And, while on that note, what do you think that Legion would do? He's already one of the most powerful demons of hell, only second to Satan himself."
"It just feels a bit off." Arc sighed, shaking his head, "I would have expected...Something out of you; it does pertain to Kuro."
"Then, while it is my matter, I can also choose when to take action." Corvus muttered, before grabbing a comb from Kuro's vanity, not that she used it much anyway, "I will not act against Legion with nothing but your hunches and your opinions."
Arc looked like he wanted to snipe something back, only to adjust his glasses, "So much for the love of a mate." He almost growled.
"Ah yes, something you'll never get to give her." Corvus threw right back, before pushing past him, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have an execution to go to."
When the older of the two turned back, he couldn't help but grin on the inside at the pure and utter hatred Arc wore over his face. He didn't even look like he was trying to mask it. Corvus couldn't help but grin, as the shadows behind Arc flickered, spiking erratically at times to resemble spider legs piercing through the shadow's body, "Oh, is something wrong?"
"Ah, of course not." Arc growled through closed teeth, before shaking his head, his eyes locking on someone behind him, "Ah, hello, Cresil."
At the name, Corvus scowled, before turning around. The demon behind him had short dark blue hair that curved to the side, covering his left eye. The right eye was a very dark purple, the color matching his smile. He wore an expensive-looking white coat, the color blinding, even with his black shirt and slacks.
"Good evening to the both of your princes." Cresil said, bowing.
"Evening." Was all Corvus managed.
"Now then, shall we go?" Arc asked, straightening his sleeves as he spoke, "I doubt that Legion will wait for us, and I doubt that he'd like to realize that we're not there.".
With that said, the three of them walked down the halls, before Cresil sighed, "A rather lovely dusk we have, isn't it?"
"Indeed." Arc murmured, Corvus staying silent.
There was a lot that was off about Cresil. The way that he would flash his jacket as if he too were a prince, not to mention that smile he'd wear, it all felt fake and plastic, almost.
None of that came close to the fact that Cresil was once a Rifter.
Corvus shuddered at the thought. There was only one Rifter that he was okay with, and that was Kuro. But even with her redeeming qualities, there was a lot of Rifter grime left.
Fortunately, that could be washed away with time.
"How has the roundup been going?" Arc asked.
To this, Cresil grinned to himself, "Quicker than expected. A shame, really; I use to run with a lot of these guys. Good fellows, ya know. Sad that I gotta be the one to put them to death." Cresil then shrugged, "Not that it matters, when I get over the shock of it all. Business was always just that; business. Besides, Legion seems happy that the dungeon is filled."
Corvus only half listened, before sighing, shaking his head.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder where Kuro went off to. If he tried hard enough, the venom he'd injected into her through the bite would help to locate her, but honestly, at the moment, if she needed time alone then she needed time alone.
"I'm still looking for a…good friend of mine." Cresil said through closed teeth, the look rather nice in Corvus' opinion.
"Ahh, yes, you've told me of him once or twice." Arc murmured, "No leads whatsoever?"
"I haven't been able to find anything on him." Cresil sighed, pulling a hand through his hair, "No matter, when we do find him, I'll make sure that...justice is done."
"I'm sure that Kuro would have used an ill-humored 'reference' right about now." Corvus murmured, before walking out with the other two.
They had arrived in the public gallows, where the red sky helped to convey the bloodlust the nobility had and wanted. Only to most noble of the noble showed up, and even than it was a rather big gathering. The demons gathered all around the rather old wooden stage.
"I wonder what execution Legion wants this time." Arc wondered aloud, noticing six guards standing at the ready, hands resting on their weapons.
The three stood in a sort of royal box, watching from a bird's eye view. Even from above, he could hear the cheering of the crowd when five- no, six demons were dragged out in chains, a burlap sack over each head.
"Six?" Corvus asked aloud.
Finally, when the guards forced each prisoner down on their knees, Legion stepped out, his presence hushing the crowd, "Demons of hell; you've all been gathered here today to witness the deaths of these low life Tempter-permeated Rifters."At the last part, the crowd roared with approval, only to be hushed once again with the wave of Legion's hand, "Unfortunately, with them they take guard that held just enough tenacity to become the next captain...But was unable to do something as easy as checking for weapons."
Corvus watched with dark amusement, as one of the guards pulled a burlap sack off, revealing the face of Zimbar. His face was lacerated with what could only be whip lashes. He looked like he wanted to say something, anything, but due to his condition, nothing but an utter groan left his mouth.
How the mighty had fallen.
"With these deaths, we will move from these mistakes, moving to make our land one of perfection not even the heavens can come across."Legion vowed.
"Always was one for the theatrics." Arc murmured.
"Does he see that it's a bit too much?" Corvus questioned.
"He's no fool, he knows exactly what he's doing; but, at the same time, he knows how to hook a crowd." Cresil commented, "A very fine talent indeed."
"Zimbar,"Legion went on, "Do you have anything to say for the atrocity that you've committed against your kingdom?"
From where he stood, Corvus heard nothing but sad and wretched pleas for his life. To this, the Crow Prince sighed, "So much for the newest captain of the guard."
"Better then Marax, if you ask me." Cresil murmured, before Legion nodded to the guard behind Zimbar.
With a quick draw of the guard's weapon, Zimbar was struck down, the guard's sword piercing right through his neck. The crowd fell into a hushed murmur, as the body fell over. Not that it was much of a surprise, this had been Legion's third public execution this week.
"Demons like this disgust me."Legion shouted, kicking the body over into the crowd, causing them to take a step back, "Spending the last few seconds of their lives begging and pleading for mercy. There is nothing worse than a demon that cannot live up to the common standard."
Finally, Legion raised a single hand into the air, each guard drew their weapon. Corvus couldn't help but watch, amused with how scared each filthy Rifter looked.
Served them right.
Legion threw his hand down, "With each execution,"Legion said, staying stone faced even with all of the demon blood being spilt behind him, as well as the last feral growls and moans that came out as a dying breath, "We grow closer to overcoming the flawed grounds of the Rift."
While Corvus agreed to it, he couldn't help but sigh. Legion was far from inept, he sure could be a bit flamboyant when he wanted to be, "There's no subtlety in his speech."
"I don't think that the crowds care." Arc noted.
"One by one, piece by piece, we will have Rift slowly but surely wiped from hell," Legion went on, moving to kick the other bodies off of the stage, which only helped the crowd to grow ever so slowly in volume, "Till all we have in only the finest of demons, all of you nobles, to walk the lands of hell and revolt once again against the Lord when called upon!"
With that, Corvus sighed, shaking his head, "What a waste of time." He sighed, walking out of the box. While this wasn't his first execution, this had been one of the first where Legion took time to make a speech, much less control the crowd in such a way. He has talent. "
"Legion has always tended to rule in the background," Arc went on. Corvus couldn't help but sigh, he was probably still going on with his stupid theory, "It's a wonder that, if he's always had this so-called talent, why he would show it off now."
"That demon has great talent." Cresil murmured in agreement, shoving his hands into his pockets, "I never was much of a people speaker myself."
Corvus scoffed, not that anyone would like to listen to him anyway.
As for Legion, for the longest time, the entire kingdom had been cornered in by the Rift, since it was the outer rim of hell. The only thing under them was a deep and dark pit, one of the only other ways that a demon can die.
It is said that, from Cresil, Surface Smugglers have found pockets in that void, holes in the dark that could and would leave to the realm of earth, and from there, heaven.
That was half of the reason that Surface Smuggling was against the law. Satan wanted no one to have even the slightest of chances of taking down the Holy One. He was sure that that couldn't be the only answer, but it was the only one that had been publicly given.
"I heard that, since Legion's taking more control over the guard as well as the military power, he'll be ordering for an extraction team for the Rifters." Cresil cackled, "I still don't know what they plan to do. Push them off the side?"
"It's much better than a night in the dungeons." Corvus sighed, walking on.
"Still, I believe that a simple beheading would have sent the same message." Arc sighed, "But, then again, Legion seemed to enjoy the attention."
"Or maybe you're just overthinking it." Corvus shot back, eyes narrowed. While he didn't like Legion, it was unwise to speak ill of Satan's second in command, even if you were a prince. Not to mention that his hatred towards Arc was at a much higher bar then Legion's could ever be, "It would be best for you to drop the matter as a whole."
"It would be best if you were to butt out of this so called "matter" when it has nothing to do with you." Arc scowled right back, pushing his glasses up, "Even if it does affect Kuro; not that you'd care either way."
"Do not speak as if you know every little detail, you dirty cockroach." Corvus nearly shouted through close teeth, grabbing the collar of Arc's dress shirt, his other fist curled, as if ready to throw a punch.
It was Cresil who tried to ease the tension with an awkward laugh, "I'd appreciate it if you don't joke around about the whole roach thing; my friend's father was a roach demon. Life isn't easy for them."
Corvus normally didn't resort to violence, but at that moment, he wasn't sure whose to punch first, "I still don't see why you bother with the company of an imbecile."
"At least his company is better than anything you have to offer." Arc nearly spat into his face, before smirking rather darkly, "No wonder Kuro prefers my company over yours; at least I'm not a controlling sadistic pervert."
"Better me then a manipulative two-faced spoon-fed brat." Corvus shot right back, before letting go of the collar, "The only reason I don't go farther than an altercation is because I doubt that Kuro would like me anymore if I stoop as low as to leave your face without its skin."
"Good to know you've grown a bit of a self-conscious." Arc growled, before looking behind the Crow Prince, "Would you look at that, it would seem as if we've arrived at your room."
Corvus turned, thanking all things damned that he didn't have to endure the two any longer, "A Goodnight to the two of you." Corvus murmured, not bothering to face either of them, as he opened the door to his room.
"A good riddance to you, too." Arc droned on right back, the two sharing a glare that only held hatred before Corvus shut the door.
When he returned to the room, he was surprised by the smell. It was light, but even he couldn't mistake the light smell of liquor.
Going to the bed, Corvus sighed. Lying there on the bed, with an open bottle sitting on the nightstand, Kuro slept. She seemed out cold, even drooling a bit on the sheets. Sighing, Corvus moved to clean the mess, making sure that the bottle wouldn't spill nor waste, before carrying Kuro up.
It still amazed him how light she was, to the point where he couldn't help but wonder if, maybe, she was just a bit malnourished. Shaking his head, he adjusted the sheets, before lying her back down, pulling the sheets over her. After changing into something more confortable, he got into bed next to her, about to fall asleep, only to have Kuro mumble something.
"You really shouldn't drink right before you go to sleep, darling." Corvus murmured, "Even if we don't get drunk easily."
"I know." Kuro murmured sleepily, as if she'd fall asleep at any moment, "It helps me to relax. It's better to go to sleep out of it rather than going to sleep angry. At least in my book."
"You really are an odd one." Corvus murmured, noticing how docile she looked. This much calmer side of her was nice, he had to admit.
"Oh, I never got the chance to thank you."
"For what?" Corvus asked, a bit confused. Maybe she drank more then she thought, or maybe she wasn't too good at holding her liquor.
"The whole knife thing, from earlier." Kuro yawned, stretching out. He couldn't help but see the cat in her, "If it wasn't for you, I'd probably have a new hole in my forehead. So, thanks, I guess."
While it was blatantly obvious that she wasn't one to normally show gratitude, knowing that, even in a drunken state, she was thanking him was a pretty big leap, "You're welcome Kitten."
He laughed when she grumbled at the nickname, waiting for her to say some snarky comeback, only for nothing.
He looked over, a soft smile on his face when he saw she'd fallen asleep, "Don't worry, my dear." Corvus sighed, brushing the hair out of her face, before lying down behind her.
"I'll make you properly mine in due time."
He couldn't help but wait for her potent rebound, even if she was asleep. She's spoken in her sleep many times before, sometimes managing to make a full sentence, while others just seemed to be an odd jumble of words.
"Use the force Harry, said Gandalf."
Corvus couldn't help but be impressed; that had been a bit of both.
Shaking his head, he chuckled to himself, before sliding an arm under her waist, pulling her just a bit closer.
In due time, she would warm up to him. He did have a lot to offer her: riches beyond her wildest dreams, more fame then a mere Rifter could imagine. And while it didn't look like it was working yet. Surely, she'd would be at least a bit allured by the idea of money and power.
Every demon was.
...I'm a banana...
...If you are also banana...
...Leave a review if you are also banana...
...I am a banana that survives on reviews...
Erin: I still can't believe that we were written into life by...that.
Lilith: I'm sure that a lot of the others agree.
Me:...I, banana, leave you now...hope you enjoyed...bai bai...
(INSERT BANANA FACE)