Chapter Two:
I was in a foul mood by the time we reached on old abandoned warehouse located in the lower district. It smelt of honey, rotting flesh and feces. Cast offs, runaways, and those running from the law that weren't human have been taking shelter here Most non-humans live in the middle and lower districts. Regulars live in the upper and higher districts. Even though there are no laws where regulars and non human cant live together, it seems prejudice choices are still made today. I've have my fair share of regulars shying and running away from my path because of my celestial tattoos of incredulity. I cant blame them. A non-human walking towards me with my molten pure gold tattoos that looked like henna tattoos of the human tribesman in the desert. Each tattoo I received was a incredulity test to pass to become a necromancer. The number of celestial tattoos needed to become a credited necromancer was only one. Each tattoo adds more power and potency to you and your work. The more tattoos you have, the more powerful you are. I have over twenty six tattoos. I am the highest, and most powerful necromancer. I am also the last Captor of Clow. The last of my bloodline. This isn't the time to think about that.
To top off my bad mood with the smell, my clothes were dripping wet. My boots made squishy noises as I moved. And my hair. I allowed my hair to grow out this year, it finally grew to my lower back. A decision I was currently regretting since it was in tangles and knots from the wind and rain. Its going to take me hours to brush this mess out. Thanks, devil.
I finally started to notice the electrical currents tickling my skin through all my grumbling. The air ticked and tacked with electrical mini explosions. The air circulation was a little more lively here then outside. The area in the middle of the warehouse hummed. The air is humming. I switched to my foresight and what became apparent took me a couple of seconds for my brain to catch up with what I was seeing. My foresight went into over drive with all the sensations and details it had to caliber to make sense for my brain.
In the middle of the warehouse was a arch of demonic wards in the shape of glyphs and runes. The arch way glowed a menacing blue. The middle of the archway was a continuance of swirls and waves of ward threads. The power leaked and made the room around the archway hum and sing to its own tune.
I believe we found the door to hell. Should I knock or just come barging in like its my own home?
As I took in the sight of the archway, Syaoran regarded me. His laser amber eyes held a sense of question and doubt. Of what? I do not know. Probably from me actually surviving going through a door of hell. Most humans would die just being near it with the overload of currents and electrical static. It would drive them insane and kill them. And the bad thing is they wouldn't even know what was killing them.
"Well? Are we going to wait until Christmas or do we have to knock to enter?"
Syaoran continued to regard me with his eyes. He looked back at the archway and stared, trying to collect a thought.
"The crossover from these plains and into hell's plains is going to be...difficult. It wont be comforting even for you necromancer."
I shrugged. I've been through many uncomfortable situations. I'm not even sure if this one will break top ten. IF I survive that is.
"Well, we wont see how I can handle it if we continue to stand here will we? Before I step into that hole. I want your whole name Syaoran. To make sure I am in no danger when I step on the other side of this door."
Syaoran clenched his jaw. His aura changed to angry flame of black and green. His golden skin flexed in his jawline as he worked his anger on his teeth. If he grinds any more he wont have any teeth to tear into me.
"Syaoran Maalik Lee."
I nodded at him, raising my hand in a gesture you would for a friend.
" Well Syaoran Maalik Lee. Its nice to meet you. Now, Shall we meet the devil now?"
Syaoran fluently stepped through the portal, reaching out to me with his hand raised. Did I see surprise on his face? I swallowed, trying desperately to relieve the cotton mouth. I grabbed his hand and squeezed. Fear rippling through me as the glyphs and runes glowed and shifted. The noise in the door was like I was standing in front of a Jet plane before take off.
The heat was bearable. The pain was not. My limbs felt like they were ripped with a grater and salt thrown on the fresh open wound. My whole body burned and ached. I collapsed on my knees when the convulsions hit. Pain rippling like a tidal wave going through my internals. I bit my tongue so hard that blood filled me mouth. Gods, this hurts.
Warm, soft hands cupped around my face as I moaned in pain. Syaoran pulled me to my feet as he pressed his finger against my temple. After a painful agonizing few seconds, the pain started to dull to a cramping throb. I was able to stand on my two feet and walk with support. Something cold was pushed into my hand. When did I draw my sword?
"You have nothing to fear, Sakura. As long as you are here as my guest and my burden, no harm shall fall onto you. I beg you to remember that necromancer." Syaoran mumbled, just barely a whisper. I heard it though. As clear as day.
I took my first look around when I was not being side tracked. Even though I have never been to hell, this wasn't what I was expecting. We were standing in a tall black marbled room, with large windows. Beyond the windows laid a plain of vengeful trees and grass. Like a dark fantasy forest but with a more of a black, evil aura that hung around the forest. I had a feeling that it may look innocent enough. Ill bet those trees are not even trees. Everything it hell is something that it doesn't appear to be. I was expecting to see red fire, lave fountains and walls painting with blood. Chambers of torture and screams. Seems I was a prejudice asshole. I bet all the scary stuff is down below the pretty stone.
I turned and looked at the big black door that was on the west side of the room. Syaoran held the door open, staring curiously at me. As if I was a new specimen that confused him. He led me down a long hallway. Tall black marbled pillars and stone stood above me. The marble floor under me clicked with every step I took.
The room at the end of the hallways was more elegant then the one before. This room was decorated in deep, sophisticated décor. The marbled floor was covered in a deep red carpet. Big, black leather couched sat next to a overly large fireplace that was big enough I could park a hover car in. The room smelled of demon. Honey and warm ginger. The devil has some taste I can say that for sure.
Sitting in one of the elegant arm chairs facing toward the fire sat a figure. Long, blonde hair billowed around him and out of the chair. His golden skin reflected the dancing lite of the fire. Razor blue eyes, glowing with the fire that crackled next to him, shifted and immediately landed on me. His voice was like velvet honey and sandpaper that hurt my ears when he spoke. The devil sat in before me, dazing into a fire like a eighty year old man. That's a first.
"Finally, I meet you Sakura Kinomoto. The one and only that could do me this service and survive. I am Lucifer. Prince of Hell. And welcome to my domain. Im very thankful you accepted my invitiation "
My first reaction was to say No thanks, I'm retired or fuck that. Something along those lines but I was frozen in fear of the devil that stood in front of me. His aura was suffocating me. A dead weight of power hung on me like a ton of snow.
" If that was a invitation, you need to go to a class of hosting. Having a gun being pointed to your chest isn't the best way to get me to come do your dirty work, devil. Cut the small talk. Get to the point and tell me what you want so I can go home."
The devil stopped and starred at me. His eyes bore into mine. Shocked written in my face. I don't care if you are the devil. No one owns me. Not even me. Syaoran roughly grabbed my shoulder and pressed a knife into my back.
"Watch your tongue, human."
Lucifer continued to regard me. He flicked his wrist at Syaoran, who slowly let go and stepped back.
" I apologize for my first born, Sakura. He has a mind of his own it seems. He seems to forgotten to think on the consequences there are on his actions and how they reflect on me. Would you like me to punish him for you?"
Shaking my head vigorously no, I side stepped to keep Syaoran and the devil into my peripheral vision.
"There is no need for that, Lucifer. Just cut to the chase."
Syaoran grunted behind me, obviously very unhappy. Lucifer held up his hand to silence him.
"Be still. It is hardly we get a human that speaks the truth and doesn't hide behind lies. We should be thankful for that. Sakura, I know you have a set of skills when it comes to your hunts. You seem to be able to find a need in a haystack, as the saying goes. Do you deny it?"
I've must of done something to impress the Prince of hell to have him call me for a job. My fear is, what kind of job? I didn't deny any thing the devil was saying. It was all true. Between my powers as a necromancer, I can speak to the dead and get information that way. My foresight and my bloodline help a lot as well. I haven't missed a bounty yet. Doesn't help I was faster and stronger then your typical human. I seem to hold my own very well with vampires and were-Cain.
" Well, then. What I need you to do for me. Is find the traitor who is killing of my bloodline. We are having disturbances of demons escaping hell to roam free in your world and rebelling. And I do not like that. I want the one responsible and the ones escaped to be brought to me, dead or alive. I will offer riches and protection for this service, Sakura. And you would also get to call me a friend if anything goes weary in a situation."
I thought of the words Lucifer spoke. Rebellion from hell huh? If that's the case, why doesn't he have his first born take the job? Why hire a human freelancer? This isn't adding up?
"Why are you hiring Humans to do your dirty work? You're the devil...go get them your selves."
Lucifer laughed. Belly rolling laughed. He stood, walking around his chair and fully coming into my view. Man, the devil sure is pretty.
"If it were that simple, it would have been done by my hands. Sakura, I can not leave my domain. My throne and my blood kin would be at risk here in hell while I'm away."
I sighed. I already knew how this was going to go. Either way, I'm screwed.
"I dont have a choice do I? To help or not?"
Lucifer stared at my for a fraction of second. He sighed, looking weary. I'm sure sumkar's would have a blast with this information. Sumkar's were demon summoners. They used the potency of the full moon and blood of a sacrifice and summon the demon by name. Whether it be for a job, information, or just company. Sumkar's would die to get a familiar with a demon and information.
"I asked nicely. I honestly never do that, so feel lucky, Sakura Kinomoto. I haven't threatened you for your life or your loved ones either. I wish not to do that, but if I am forced I will do any means necessary to get what I want. You do not want me as your enemy."
I nodded. Feeling the heaviness of Lucifer's words. Well it seems I have no choice. I might as well play the game and see where it leads me.
"Okay. Ill need all the information you have on the demon that is starting the rebellion. Ill also need the Rune name for the demon. Do you by chance know who else rebelled and escaped?"
Lucifer nodded, ushering Syaoran over to him closer.
"Syaoran will accompany you. He will protect you and keep your skin whole while you hunt these disobedient demons of mine."
I shook my head no at the offer of the first born to accompany me on my hunt. I always work alone. No one to hold me back and no one else to become extra baggage.
"Sorry, Prince. I work alone. I will not need him to accompany me."
Syaoran stepped forward and stood next to me. Lucifer turned his back, staring into the flames. A burning fire started to burn in my right eye. Burning was a light word to describe the pain.
" No. He shall accompany you. You have no choice. He is your familiar Sakura, be grateful of your gift. My first born shall give you any information on the demons. Now, begone and do not fail me. I would hate to become your enemy."
The room disappeared in a swirl of color and smoke. My feet landing on cold,wet concrete. The pain in my right eye receded. As well as my lunch from earlier that day. I fell to my knees and hurled until my stomach cramped and ached from heaving. Syaoran once again cupped my face and pulled my hair out of the way.
"Coming out of hell is always easier then going in. You'll feel normal when you get something to eat. "
He pulled me to my feet and let me lean on him to catch my breath. It seemed it stopped raining a couple of hours ago. How long were we in Hell? A hour? Two? I dont know. My head is fuzzy and I couldnt think straight. Let alone walk.
"Th...tank you."
I could barely must out a whisper to thank the demon for being kind to me. He missed a step in shock when I said thank you. Has he never had any one say thank you? Syaoran flagged down a cab and gave him my address.
"Why did we have to walk to the front door when we could have gotten a cab to being with?"
Syaoran muttered in a whisper, barely audible enough for me to hear and to keep the driver from eavesdropping.
"I had to find a door you could enter with less harm. You are strong, but some of the doors would have still torn you apart. "
I nodded in understanding. I nodded off in the cab. I was jostled awake by Syaoran carrying me into my home. My Wards flared red, signaling me. I flared my own Aura and my wards died down and calmed after Syaoran entering my home. He sat me on my couch and started to make coffee. I drifted in and out of sleep until deep slumber enveloped me.
I woke with a start on my couch. Syaoran stood at my bay window in my living room. His eyebrows notched together in deep thought. I yawned and stretched.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
Syaoran turned his head slightly to me and turned back to the window. Staring for a few seconds.
"Time is of the essence, Necromancer. We must move soon."
I waved my hand at him, getting up and taking a quick shower. After my shower, I stood in front of my mirror with a towel wrapped around me. My hair rolled up in a towel on my head. I took my hand and swiped my mirror to wipe off the condensation. I gasped. No fucking wonder why my eye was burning...was that necessary to put it there?!
My eyes were a deepest emerald green. Sharp specks of gold scattered my eyes. Giving them a certain glow. As I stared at the mirror, I lifted my hand and touched my right eye. My Familiar mark wasn't on my skin, but in my eye. My right eye had a very distinctive rune glyph stretching just on my iris and around my pupil. The rune was a capital R and a upside down R right on top. The rune glowed gold in my eye. As I stared. Well. That's surely going to scare people, now. I have got to get information on having a familiar and what it means.
I walked out of my bedroom, dressed and geared up in my jig. I walked into my kitchen to see Syaoran still in the same spot as I left him.
"Im going to need everything you have on this demon that started the rebellion."
Syaoran shrugged, turning away from the window. Walking over to me he sat down and took a big breath.
"The rebellion all started when the demon Hadraniel Jophiel first escaped. We believe that this demon is the one that started the rebellion. Soon after his escape, more demon's followed. Then Lucifer's bloodline begun getting killed off."
"Okay, I am confused when you two talk about his bloodline and his demons. Are you all not his bloodline?"
Syaoran shook his head no. Adjusted on the couch and continued.
"No and yes. Yes, we are all his children but we are not his blood children. He simply created us with his mind and power. His bloodline comes from having multiple wives with certain females of our kind. They resemble female women and are called kinlin. I believe your legends call the kinlin Medusa. Or different versions of that."
I stared at Syaoran for a moment. Shocked. Medusa was a fucking demon? Peachy. I don't want to go against a snake haired woman.
"Okay. I need to make a call to a very good friend of mine. She has a lot of information on things like this. And she can give me a head way on where to go."
I walked away and went into my office, sitting down at my computer. I picked up my Holographic transmitter and dialed My best friend and cousins number. The blue screen was static in the air until face showed up on the screen. I smiled at her, she smiled back.
" What do you want bitch?"
I smiled. All I have to do is hear her voice and my trouble go away. I can always count on her to make me forget everything.
"Tomoyo! Don't be a bitch, bitch. I need some information if you have some free time. I've been contracted by the devil to do some dirty work."
Silence filled the line, Tomoyo froze. Staring. I hate when people stare at me. All I could hear was her breathing. Tomoyo wasn't a necromancer. She was simply a psychic. She gathered information any way she could and sold it. Pretty damn good business if you asked me. If there is any thing you need to know, go to her. She can tell you any thing. Even if she didn't know, she can find out in a matter of hours.
"The devil? Are you kidding me? I thought those were just rumors I was hearing... so they are true. I guess I could have gotten my own answer by the rune implanted in your eye."
Huh? Rumors? Its only been twelve hours and everyone knows im the devils lap puppy? NICE. I nodded once, giving her a answer.
"Oh? What are the rumors saying now?"
Tomoyo sighed. I could see the fear in her eyes as she stared back at me. She looked away from a moment and back to me.
"That Sakura Kinomoto is dangerous. And has became associated with the Prince of Hell and is doing his dirty work for him so don't get in her way."
I shrugged. I really didn't have any words to tell my best friend. Tomoyo looked at me and shook her head, keeping her thoughts to herself. And I'm glad. She jerked her head up as she asked about the information I needed from her. She stopped and stared at me.
"Did you say Hadraniel Jophiel?"
I looked at her questioningly.
" Yes, Hadraniel Jophiel was the first demon to escape Hell, came here and started the rebellion. I need to get information on him or his rune."
Tomoyo stared. And gave me a look.
"Sakura, did you not pay attention at the academy? Not at all in Demonology or Angelico?"
I started to feel a little self conscious. School was not my strong point. I hated it. I hate the academy. To many bad memories. I started to regret not paying attention in class. I have a feeling I'll be doing a lot of reading soon.
"Sakura. Hadraniel Jophiel is the only one other besides Lucifer himself that was banished from the heavens by His father. He killed thousands of humans because of his hatred for mortals...he disobeyed his father and descended into Hell."
Tomoyo's face grew very grim and sad. Her eyes welled up and tears started to stream down her face.
"Hadraniel Jophiel is one of the first archangels. This hunt is going to kill you..."
