(16th June, 11:00, Waxing Gibbous Moon)

Beast and the Beast

Chapter Nine – The first Trifle of Beauty

(Please note this story has vast similarities to Beauty and the Beast, yet I claim no ownership over Beauty and the Beast, only my inspiration is stolen from the movie/book.)

x.X.x

Sakai wiped her forehead, expecting to feel the wetness of perspiration, but she felt nothing but her overheated forehead; her companion was right, she could not sweat. He was right about another thing a well, her wound was fully healed and she barely felt it when she moved.

Was this the perks of being a demon? Never truly being dirty and to be able to heal at a rapid rate? No wonder they were more powerful than humans, they had so little downsides that it was hard to believe that they weren't the ruling party.

They were intelligent, or at least the one she was travelling with was intelligent enough to be considered exactly that in her community, he would shine above most humans with his mind, yet they were considered the inferior and 'evil' race. She assumed it was because of their anger, since her companion was radiating it.

A race with so much anger wouldn't be able to function as a community, which was probably why she didn't fit in with the humans; she was too different from them, even if she was further from a demon than a human.

"Can I ask a question?" She said towards him, only seeing his back as he walked on ahead, he didn't stop and she was expecting that he wouldn't answer.

"Yes." He finally said after a minute and she wondered why he was so secretive about everything in his life, why he refused to divulge even the tiniest bit of detail about himself, hopefully he would tell her this.

"What is your name?" She asked and she could hear him groan in front of her.

"It doesn't matter, you can call me whatever you want." He said and she was right, he would reveal nothing about himself; she was starting to wonder why he was so secretive, was it because she wasn't truly a demon and he felt like he would be betraying himself if he told her even the tiniest detail? She just didn't know.

"Alright, how about 'Secretive'?" She asked and he growled now, a dangerous feral sound that sent shivers down her spine.

"Don't get sarcastic with me, you will regret it." He threatened and she took in a deep breath to control her own anger and forced herself to keep quiet. She could do nothing to harm him, he, on the other hand, could do plenty to her.

"Okay." Was all she said as she continued to follow him, there was no point arguing and all she had to remember was that it would be too her benefit to arrive in Hell with this demon and she could not mess that up, she was not allowed to mess that up.

"You'll do good to remember that and to keep your questions to yourself." He spat out as he just continued to walk.

She gave a sigh, they weren't even in Hell yet and she felt like she had already reached it, this was Hell, having to live like this and having to be in the company of this monster.

x.X.x

A few more hours passed and it was already noon, Sakai was sick of walking but she knew she would get no rest until the sun set; her companion didn't believe in resting unless it was absolutely necessary and it was starting to irritate her.

"We've reached the forgotten city." He said and she looked up now, for the first time in about an hour and she was greeted by the most amazing site she has ever saw; towering temples of marble reached towards the sun, moss and vines were growing up these beautiful landmarks that seemed to radiate richness and power.

"It's beautiful." She muttered and he didn't look at her as he walked into the city and she followed idly, looking at it in wonder, why did the humans ever allow the demons to take over such a beautiful place? It was glorious in so many different ways; there was no other way to explain it.

"Yes, it is beautiful, considering who lives here." He said and she recalled the name of the demon Mephisto.

"Mephisto right?" She enquired and he was quiet for a few seconds before answering.

"Yes, Mephisto guards the gateway to Hell." He said and she felt a bit paranoid, if he guarded it, would they be allowed inside.

"How will we get passed him?" She asked, considering the strength of a guardian, they were meant to overpower anything that tried to get passed without permission and considering he was still the guardian meant he was powerful.

"He is also my brother." Baal said and she was shocked, Mephisto was her companion's brother, did that mean he was just as powerful? She wanted to ask a question about him but remembered his warning about it so she kept quiet.

"I see." She said in place of her question as they walked further through the beautiful marble city in silence.

x.X.x

About an hour later they reached the middle of the city and a huge temple adorned it, so big it made everything else look like garden ornaments. "We've arrived at the place, the temple of durance." He said and she nodded as she still stared in awe.

"Come little one." He said with a smile and she entered the temple, following him silently, once more marveling at the beauty of the city.