Of Demons and Tavern Blues
November 11, 13,012 - Afternoon
Of all the things Krista figured 'Demon' entailed, she didn't imagine a large, black, ridiculously fluffy dog.
She wasn't really certain what she thought it might be.
Riedikke? Probably. And just the thought of him sent a nasty shiver down her spine. So that probably was more like a big, fat yes.
But a puffy puppy?
Nah.
"Demons look like that?"
The Hunter could hear her incredulity. "Some."
"Well… how intelligent are they?"
"Hard to say."
And together, they watched the fuzzy beast prowl through the shadows. Pawing at the ground. Eyeballing them from a distance. Disappearing and reappearing. Like that weird ink you only hear about when jokes are involved.
"I'mma pet it."
The Hunter's head whirled around at her declaration with a look that bordered on cross. "You will not."
She might have been impressed with the display. If not for her sudden determination to do as she wanted. "I'm sorry. What was that?" She cupped her ear. "Do mine ears deceive me? I do believe I just heard you agree!"
The look intensified.
"I did not."
But she continued on as if he never said a thing. Already creeping forward. Giving the Hunter a wide berth. "We may lose a finger, men!"
Somehow, she danced away from D's grasp.
"Maybe our hand!"
Another lucky dodge.
"But in our conquest for puppy glory, the sacrifice is well worth the rewards!"
And this was how D found himself marveling at the girl. Because God help her. If she wasn't motivated, she had the reflexes of a sloth. The agility of a pea. The grace of a tree stump. But give her an objective to shoot for and she was a completely different person.
Trash on a mission, as it were.
She continued her dancing and skittering away from him. And at this point, they both had to wonder if he was even really trying to stop her.
Admittedly, he was a tad curious as to what would happen. He would be near to protect her if needed, but he honestly wanted to see the results of her naiveté. "If you insist upon doing this, you'll want to catch him before the residents of this town do."
Krista faltered. No doubt with a question on her tongue. But she seemed to think better of wasting time and scurried forward. D keeping a bit of distance, but still able to rush forward if needed.
"Heeeeeeyyy, puppy."
The Demon whipped its head about and snorted. Ears laying flat against its head as it stretched one paw towards a neighboring shadow.
"It's okay," Krista assured in a soft voice. Hands outstretched and posture small. "It's okay. I just wanted to say hi. We're not here to hurt you."
And with no small amount of incredulity on its part, it eyed the Hunter still grasping his sword.
In answer, she flapped a hand at the man. Taking a few cautious steps forward despite the warning growl the creature released as lips pulled back over a row of shark-like teeth. "Don't mind him."
But the creature did mind. The rumbling warning rising as D shifted. Not closer, but not farther away. Grasp on his sword still firm.
Krista moved into its line of sight. Partially blocking its view of the Hunter as she advanced just a bit more. "You hungry? The way D talks, it's like you shouldn't be here. So, I've gotta assume you came for food, right?"
No answer, but she didn't really expect one.
She just really hoped this creature was intelligent enough to understand the words coming out of her mouth. With the way the growl was continuing to rise in intensity, she was beginning to have doubts.
But it hadn't run off yet.
"Hey, D? Will they try to kill him if they find him first?"
"Undoubtedly."
Determination renewed, her hand settled into the shadows with the Demon as she inched forward. Within touching distance.
Violet eyes widened in alarm, and Krista watched in mild terror as two more sets peeled open. Its jaw unhinging before it lunged and bit into her still-outstretched arm.
Pain.
Sharp and blinding.
Dark and acidic.
"Fucking shit!"
Despite the pain, Krista glanced up, watching as time crawled to a slow, once more, that day.
Watching as dress and flesh shredded and painted too-sharp teeth crimson.
As violet eyes rolled in terror.
As D unsheathed his blade and aimed the tip for the Demon's head.
And despite the circumstances, the childish girl couldn't allow D to kill him.
She wrapped an arm around the Demon's neck and dragged it forward. Twisting and kicking out at D. Not to harm. Just to…
Well… she wasn't really sure why she chose to kick. But if she had to guess, it was probably a kneejerk reaction intended to make him falter. Make her desires known.
Whatever the case, it worked. D's hand was stayed, and death did not come for either of them.
"I'm so stupid! I could have gotten myself stabbed just now!"
Even as D agreed, she stayed perched over the canine that looked very surprised. And very confused. The tiniest noise coming from between its bloodied teeth as it looked between the two people.
"I couldn't let you do it," she said to D. "He's just scared. And maybe…" Here she turned her attention back to the Demon. "Maybe you'll understand I'm not looking to hurt you. And quit biting me."
Contemplation.
"I just wanted to pet you."
Indignation.
"And maybe feed you."
More contemplation.
"You're smart. You understand, right?"
The violet eyes rolled, and she was sure that if her arm wasn't occupying its mouth, it'd be nodding.
"So, you let go. D won't kill you. If food is what you were looking for, we'll go get it. And I'll protect you from the people of the town. That sound fair?"
This time she was really hoping it would understand and just. Let. Go.
Because she was beginning to realize that she was being idiotic.
As much as she wanted the creature to understand, she couldn't make it. And she couldn't stay here forever with her arm clamped between its teeth.
But thank the Gods for small miracles. It let go. And it looked apologetic, but wary.
Blood quickly soaked her dress sleeve and dripped onto the dry grass below.
"We'll need to clean that, kid."
The acidic burn from before seemed to be diminishing, but she did figure a good cleaning was in order. And all at once, she became increasingly more uncomfortable. Aware of how her dress looked.
Of how disgusting she was.
"Yeah. Did y'all already get a room?" At D's nod, she stood. Gently patting the Demon's head while pulling her injured arm closer. "Maybe I should just clean up before we eat. I can't possibly look or smell good. But what are we gonna do about him while I do that?"
There was a small pop before D or his companion could respond, and they all cast their eyes down to the Demon.
The… tiny Demon.
The tiny Demon that was now no larger than a palm-sized puppy.
"That… that works."
Of all the things Krista expected to be doing, she didn't imagine she'd be smuggling a Demon into a smoke-logged tavern.
In her cloak.
Failing at being inconspicuous.
Eventually just taking the stairs two at a time in her bid to reach their room before anyone could notice. Partly to keep the 'dog' hidden. Partly to get clean and patch her arm.
If it didn't heal before that.
Not that she had to wait long. D unlocked their door with a quiet click and she charged in without taking the time to inspect the room. Promptly seeking out the bags deposited prior to their abrupt entrance.
And Krista stripped of her rags right there in front of God and everybody. Sneering in dismay at the lack of clean underwear as she gathered up every article of clothing she owned, the near-empty medical kit, and a bar of soap. "I'm stealing your soap!" she squealed.
Just as quick, she was gone. The door to the bathroom snapping shut with a bang and leaving behind one resigned Hunter and countenanced carbuncle, and one confused Demon.
However, D said not a word. Merely settling on the bed next to the Demon as they waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The quiet of the room only interrupted by a slew of curses from the petite woman in the bathroom as she proclaimed her idiocy. Screeched out her frustrations in the most subdued way imaginable, followed by the slap of wet cloth against the rubbish bin.
"No… better just let it dry."
Water hitting the basin.
Her grunting.
And finally – "Hey D? I did a stupid."
The Hunter watched as she exited the bathroom. Fidgeting with the buckles on her armor as she purposely avoided his gaze. "Wash your clothes?"
"Mmm…"
"And nothing to wear."
She sighed. "Yeah. I know you've seen me like this before. And that I went through that one town long enough to get that dress. But, I'm not sure I'm okay with just traipsing about this town for a while without anything over my armor." Now, she looked up. Smoothing the bandaging on her arm. "You got anything I can wear for a bit? Pretty please?"
He rose and crossed the room to the saddlebags. A short dig providing him with a cotton poet shirt.
Which he promptly tossed into her face.
"Oh, thanks! It's so nice!" She fingered the plain, off-white cloth for a moment. Admiring the simple ruffles on the cinched wrists and tall neck. "You sure it's okay for me to wear this?"
A nod.
"Thank you, again. I will try to keep it clean!"
Spoiler alert… she was already failing.
Not that D knew.
He was off… somewhere. Speaking with the tavern keeper about… something.
'Jobs?'
Maybe. She couldn't remember. Or maybe just keeping an ear to the ground. Listening for any whisperings regarding their current objective.
And here she was, drink dribbling past her lips as she giggled at the tiny Demon currently lapping at the liquid on her chin and glass.
Some help he was.
But for the moment, she was content to sit there and play with the 'dog'. Neither of them paying any mind to their surroundings. Because outside their little bubble, it was the typical tavern scene. A cloud of acrid smoke hanging in the air. A few tables seating the too-early-to-be-sensible drunkards. And the handful of patrons that kept disappearing into the back of the establishment.
Not that they cared.
Not until a man, tall and well-built, sauntered up to their table. Soft brown eyes twinkling with interest as he leaned across the table.
Krista felt…
Exposed?
Uncomfortable, for sure. But she couldn't quite put her finger on the whys.
She pressed a hand to the top of the Demon, keeping him down as she stared up at the stranger. "Can I help you?"
He crossed his arms atop the smooth wood and shot her a charming smile. "I think you certainly can. Care to keep me company?"
The Demon in her lap growled, but at a volume so low she only felt it. "I could, but I'm waiting on someone. He'll be here in a few minutes."
"Well, I could buy you a drink."
Her finger tapped her glass. "I already have one."
"I was thinking something stiffer."
"Ice?"
A flash of annoyance crossed his face. Blond brows twitching downward. "Something alcoholic. Something sweet for you to remember me by."
It was Krista's turn to pull a face. Her brows pinching in confusion. "Sorry, but why would I need to remember you?"
Another twitch. "I'm looking for a good lay. Maybe after a bit, you'll keep me in mind."
More confusion. "Well, I haven't tried the beds, but I assume they're plenty comfy. I still don't know why you'd want me to keep you in mind, though."
And out came the vein on the man's forehead as he slapped a hand against the table. "I'm trying to buy your services!" he hissed, effectively drawing the attention of nearby tables. "Now quit being a stupid, prude bitch."
Krista felt her eyes twitch. That something-dark in her mind writhing in agitation as she stared at the man. Not understanding the sudden change in his mood, but definitely not appreciating it.
She wanted to escape.
Instead, she found herself looking to each side. Above herself. Before turning a critical stare upon the man. "Do I have a sign nailed to my forehead advertisin' somethin', you pushy prick?"
Anger, and perhaps embarrassment, colored the man's face red. Mouth flapping. But any words he was prepared to say died in his throat as a chilled hand grasped his shoulder. He whirled around and flinched back as if he'd been burned. Not managing to shake the hold but making his distaste apparent.
Of course, it was the Hunter standing there. Staring him down with a look that Krista couldn't quite read, but knew she'd never want directed at her. "I think it's best you leave," D warned.
Somehow, the man found his voice, again. Despite the darkening aura D emitted. Throwing over his shoulder at Krista, "I see. Human cock not good enough for you? You'd rather be this thing's whore, huh? Uppity bitch."
They watched as he stormed across the tavern and out the door, with D sliding into the chair at her side. And all Krista could think to say was, "What the hell does a rooster have to do with all of this?!"
'No! That's not what he-! Ugh!'
But Krista was already gone. Painting a too-vivid picture of a rooster with 'beefy man arms' and 'beefy man legs'. With painfully large teeth occupying its humanoid mouth.
"Does it still have wings?" Hand encouraged.
She thought about it, but ultimately decided it could probably climb or bash down whatever (or whoever) was in its way. Just in time for a waiter to drop off a plate of steak and tomatoes.
"Oh, I didn't order a steak?" She'd intended grab something at the end to feed the Demon outside. Not now.
"I did," D said. Taking a moment to stab a knife into the meat. "I would like you to try it."
She poked a tomato at the dog, watching as he sniffed it. Devoured it. Looked for more. "I've had steak before, D."
"Rare? Medium rare?" D watched her nose scrunch up, but still cut it into chunks. "Try it."
"D." Blood was pooling on the plate. "Did they just take the poor thing and drag its ass across the fire a few times?"
He ignored her, pushing the plate into her space.
"You're serious."
"Always."
"Doubt!" She plucked up the nearest chunks of meat. Shoving one into the Demon's muzzle and the other into her own mouth. And she remembered why she thought about waiting to feed it.
Because her fingers were becoming the food. "Hey! That's me you're munchin' on!"
"… sorry."
"It's okay," Krista muttered, nursing her nibbled fingers. "You're hungry and I… I…"
Wide green eyes met D's steely gaze, a similar (if not more subdued) look of surprise there. And together, they turned their eyes to stare at the Demon stretching towards the plate. Watched as the puppified Demon inhaled another few tomatoes and meat bits before freezing.
"You can talk?!"
The exclamation was able to draw, once again, the attention of neighboring tables.
And in a stage-whisper, she said it, again. "You can talk? Why didn't you talk before?!"
The Demon looked between them for a moment before letting out an audible sigh. "… hard."
Krista gasped as if she'd just been given an extravagant gift, and everyone would swear she had stars in her eyes. Hands rapidly patting at the air around her cheeks and the table. Small feet lightly stomping.
And then came the weird squeaking accompanied by more hand flaps and full-body shudders.
The Hunter and his companion had only seen her fall into this type of fit a few times. But watching her now? It seemed to stick around for a bit longer. The shudders a bit more prominent.
Even if it was endearing, it was a tad odd.
"Are you okay, kid?"
"Peachy!" she squawked. Body still shaking. Hands coming up beside her head as she hunched over with another set of small squeaks and foot tapping. "I just think that's so neat! He can talk!"
She turned an ear-to-ear grin upon the hound. "You can talk! That's amazing!" Her shoulders drew up for a brief moment with another gasping squeak, but she pressed on. "Wha… Ha! I gotta ask the most important question since I don't know how much you can do this! What's your name?"
There was a long silence, and while Krista (and, to a small degree, D) was eager to have a name for the Demon, she was content with waiting. Even if it took him another day to answer.
However, eventually, the Demon did answer. A series of syllabic sounds interlaced with hisses that did not help her at all leaving his small muzzle. Any energy Krista previously gained quickly depleted, and her eyes glazed over.
But D nodded once the Demon was finished as if everything made sense. "Would you mind a nickname?" he enquired.
The Demon shook its head.
"I appreciate you both so much right now," sighed Krista. "Yes! Please accept a nickname because the only way I'm ever going to repeat your true name is if I am under the influence of something. Or if I have knocked myself silly."
"I've heard worse than–" And out of D's mouth came the same headache-inducing nonsense.
Krista tried to understand. She really did. But her mind simply could not comprehend the noises. Try as she might, it only left her with a bitter taste in her mouth and a soft throbbing behind her eyes.
She eventually interrupted with, "I vote for Geoffrey!"
A shake of the head.
"Alright. Ricky."
No.
"Toby?"
Another no.
From her mouth poured a litany of names. All rejected. All very good names in her opinion, but she wouldn't fuss.
"Billy? No? Damn, that's a good one, too."
Much.
"What about Fluffers?"
If there was ever a time for a dog to look affronted, it was then.
The Demon did.
Very much so.
"I'm sorry! I'm running out of names! D!" She slapped at the Hunter's arm. "Help me!"
Another long silence stretched between them as D pondered. Eyeing the hound critically before eventually deciding, "Erembour."
In turn, the Demon overemphasized his contemplation. Humming and hawing with his head cocked to one side. Eyes narrowed. But even Krista knew the answer before the puppy head began vigorously nodding.
Thus, Erembour joined the party.
And devoured the rest of the meat on the plate.
"Dude." Krista pointed her hands at him. "I only got one piece."
D ordered the red-headed girl another slab of meat. Still bleeding, of course. He didn't eat it. Wouldn't eat it. But he watched the girl chew thoughtfully. Swallow. Pick up another bite just a bit faster. Suck all the juice out of it. And continue on in that way. Occasionally handing the drained bits over to the (surprisingly) still hungry puppy.
Alright. Perhaps he would have one piece before it was all gone.
Mm.
Still not his preferred food.
At Krista's inquisitive stare, he lightly shook his head. Thankfully, it was enough of an answer for her. Allowing him to simply sit and begin to ponder and plan their next actions. Think of ways to help her eat better.
The random bouts of hunger were going to kill her. She looked fair for now. But if she lost much more, she'd look sick. She was borderline, as it was.
Perhaps he just needed to murder a few animals on their path and she'd be okay.
If her drinking the bloody juices off the plate was anything to go by.
But perhaps he should just be content that she wasn't on the verge of vomiting with the size of the steak. Because, if half of an apple was enough to put her there, it should have already hit her.
"Matoes!" the girl suddenly cried.
Just as suddenly, tomato seeds sprayed his chest.
"Sorry!"
A small hand reached out with a napkin, wiping him off.
"Maybe the next one won't do that."
The Hunter lifted his napkin just as (predictably) the guts shot out the end of the next tomato.
"Maybe I should just eat them whole."
And off she went with a mouthful of red berries and her money in hand, paying for their lunch as D gathered the Demon into his arms. Watching as she came skittering back, hands clasped at her chest.
For a moment, she looked like an entirely different person. His shirt left her looking like a child playing dress-up, but she'd managed to make it look more like a dress by wearing her old belt over it. But it wasn't just her state of dress.
Her skin was a few shades darker than he recalled her having when they first met. Which wasn't anything out of the ordinary considering all of their traveling and her better health. But having seen beneath her dress earlier, it was odd that she didn't have any tan lines.
But she looked happier, too. Mischievous. If not a tad tired. And with her mood earlier, he was–
Pop!
Tomato guts painted his vision red, and he cleared his eyes in time to watch the giggling woman take off for the tavern door. Leaving a trail of confused patrons and one overturned chair (which she had fallen over) in her wake.
In his arms, Erembour let out a questioning grunt. But he said nothing, simply sweeping out the door in pursuit of Krista.
Not that he had to look far.
She was just a few feet outside the door, hands covering her face as she coughed and hacked. And a quick glance around provided him with all the information he needed. From the scuffs in the dirt covering the brick street to the few spatters of blood right where her face would have landed.
"You're just willing to kiss any ol' thing today, aren't ya, kid?" Hand teased.
She let out a wet laugh, followed by more hacking. "I don't know what happened. I was running, and then I wasn't. My left leg cramped up, I guess. But I don't…" Another one. Followed by a sniff and another coughing fit. "Ah. It doesn't matter. I'm just being stupid."
"You okay?"
"Wha? Oh! Yeah. Peachy."
They still hadn't caught a glimpse of her face. But by this point, bright red blood was dripping through her fingers, threatening to soil the shirt she borrowed.
"Y'know, I might need help. I think my nose is broken."
Yes, she did sound a tad nasally.
The Hunter curled a hand through her hair and pushed her hands out of the way. Feeling of her very broken nose as he kept her head tipped down. And with some muttered curses and childish stomping from her, he set her broken nose with little issue. Dipping a handkerchief in the nearby trough.
Because, while he could very well lap the blood off his hand, he didn't figure it would be wise. Or that Krista would appreciate it. And as that dark hunger rose, beckoned by the cloying scent, helping her clean her face busied his hands and preoccupied him enough to tamp it back down.
"Does it make you hungry?"
Well, so much for keeping his mind off it.
"The smell or sight of it?"
The Hunter sighed. Running the damp cloth over her busted lip. "Both."
It was Krista's turn to sigh as she scratched at her mending brow. "Well, unless my blood smells bad to you, I can't imagine I'm helping any. Have you even eaten yet?"
"I will."
"Gonna filter feed?"
"Perhaps."
Snerk. "Yeah, okay." She wasn't entirely pleased. Hell, she didn't even know where he would be acquiring his meal. "Y'know, what I said still stands."
"Hmm?"
"When I was trying to pay you back for biting you?" She paused. "Wait. I guess I didn't really say… implied? What I mean to say is that I don't mind if you ever wanna!" And this time, she paused to chomp at the air.
To this, D turned from her and started down the street. Patting Erembour to ensure he was secure and covered. However, he was done with the conversation. Done with her for a moment. Fingers digging into his palm when he realized that, briefly, part of him considered her offer.
"I was being serious," Krista said as she caught up to him. "But I figure you know that… Oh well. Back to my first mission!"
Like the child she sometimes was, her arm snapped up and displayed a deflated tomato. Which she promptly threw at his forehead. And even faster, she was tearing off down the street with a series of excited giggles.
Long after she disappeared, Erembour whispered, "… play chase?"
Not like he had much choice in the matter.
Well… he did. But not that he would ever admit that he, the fearsome Vampire Hunter, was actively choosing to participate in her childish games. Because in this world where children are forced to grow up too soon, it was still refreshing to see an innocence like hers. Refreshing to allow such little indulgences so long as she kept growing and didn't let it get in the way of her survival and health (mentally or physically).
Krista crouched low on a slanted roof, fighting to hold in her giddy little noises. Fingers struggling to maintain their grip. Knowing D would eventually (hopefully) come looking for her had her in a weird mood that she couldn't quite understand, but she knew she was happy.
Ridiculously so.
Honestly, she was barely able to focus on listening. She knew she needed to. But… what good would it do if the man never made a sound?
As if on cue, there was a soft sound behind her. A sound that had the fine hairs on the nape of her neck raising in alarm. Her head swiveled about, green eyes searching before she crept to one side to scan the ground.
Nothing.
The other side yielded the same results.
Another noise.
'He's gotta be messin' with you.'
Maybe, but she did not say anything in response. Merely pulling herself over the ridge as quiet as a mouse.
Nothing.
… It was time to leave. Whether or not he was actually there. Possibly watching as she crept away.
"Y'know," she said aloud. "I bet he's up above, throwing down rocks or somethin'."
Not long after, there was a clattering on the roof tiles to her side. She did not gasp. Did not scoff. Her head turned gingerly to the left and angled upwards. And just as she suspected, there was the Hunter. Standing a floor above her. Hand cupped to hold a few pebbles and lips curved in a soft smirk.
Something in her belly clenched.
Nerves?
She wasn't sure. But she released her grip on the roof and pushed off. Ungracefully running (stumbling) towards the right.
Honestly, she was surprised that, as she dropped off the side of the building, the owners weren't poking their head out to see what the commotion was. And just as surprised that D was bothering to mess with her.
She guessed she shouldn't have been. All things considered.
There was a soft thud at her back as she ran down the alley, dodging rubbish bins and skidding around a few corners. Trying with all her might to keep ahead of him but knowing that it wasn't happening. Not one bit.
The next turn she took threw her onto the main street.
Threw her boot, too, and it tumbled gracefully across the bricks.
The split leather boot must have decided it was time to give up on life as footwear. Perhaps it would rather spend its final days as a street performer. Already, it had a small gaggle of gossipers and ogling onlookers.
Scandalous.
Never mind the small, clumsy girl now running awkwardly down the street missing a shoe. Lamenting the loss. Wondering if it wasn't for the better.
She'd go back for it.
Eventually.
Once everything was said and done.
Once D had caught her.
If she didn't run out of steam first.
As it was, compensating for one bare foot was slowing her down.
She had circled back towards the park before she had the thought to ditch her other boot. Without breaking stride, she kicked out with the intent of flinging it off.
Just as D appeared before her and caught her.
For D's part, he did not react much as her shin collided with his groin.
Aside from his brows furrowing.
And his fingers digging into her shoulders.
"I'm so sorry!" she giggled unconvincingly.
Despite the soft laughing, he knew she was genuinely apologetic. And by the way she was still wiggling her booted foot, it was painfully obvious what her intentions were. "It's alright," he eventually murmured as he released his hold on her.
The next moment, he watched her tear off after her rogue boot. Exclaiming that it was too young to be alone, working the streets for money. And he had to wonder how he'd gotten to this point. Where this road was taking him.
"This was supposed to be a simple job."
Far off in the distance, the thunder rolled.
"I gotta figure out a way to make you smile or something!"
The Hunter turned his steely gaze upon the girl at her very random exclamation. "Do you?"
By this point, the group was deeper into the park. Keeping a careful watch on the incoming storm clouds but enjoying the fresh air and subsequent smell of wet earth carried on the breeze.
"Yeah! It's gonna happen!"
At least she was confident.
"I just don't know how or when!"
Mostly.
But outside of pondering her possibilities and being miles away within her own head, the girl was quiet as they walked. Simply enjoying the cool winds and companionship. And D could honestly say the same.
Considering the shield surrounding it, there was little happening in the town. Erembour the little aberration in the situation.
It was nice.
"Are we not gonna train some more?"
With a soft shake of his head, D continued on. Eyes on the covered stage not far ahead. And one could accuse him being soft, but he wanted it for the strict purpose of it being a place to rest.
He couldn't explain it, but he had a feeling Krista might enjoy the downtime. Outside, yes, but with nothing pressing and occupying them.
Perhaps it was from watching her calm down and doze on the roundabout.
It was just starting to sprinkle when D hopped up onto the platform. Hand dipping into his coat as he sat down to retrieve Erembour. And with the tiniest little bark, Erembour hopped down and exploded into his larger form. Stretching out with a muffled groan.
Krista was slow to join the party. Eventually dragging herself over to them. And she dropped like a sack of bricks at their sides.
Her face had that haunted stare, once more.
"Hey, Erembour?" The Demon released a quiet, inquisitive wuff. "You think you'll stick around with us for a while?"
"… have a choice?"
"Of course."
There was a long stretch of quiet filled with the rustle of tree leaves and the patter of rain. But it wasn't a heavy silence. It was companionable.
"… might. It's something different."
"Cool." She pressed her temple against Erembour's snout momentarily. Face pale. No sign of a smile. "It'll be fun."
Another stretch.
"Are you thinking too much, kid?" Hand eventually asked.
"Maybe."
"You wanna talk about it?"
Her face screwed up. Relaxed. Paled more. And she swallowed down too-thick spit. "Nah. Same shit as before. Just some anxiety. And like you said, too much thinking." Here she smiled, but it was a mere impression of her normal expression. Not quite reaching her eyes. "I don't think my brain was meant for all this action."
Back to silence.
But this time, the Demon shuffled a bit. Turning until he curled around Krista's head and shoulders. Because if she was going to protect and engage with him, the least he felt he could do was provide a modicum of comfort to her.
Even if that meant he smothered her with his fur.
She was glad to be smothered. Less glad to have her mood plummet abruptly.
So, with the sound of rain to lull her, she closed her eyes. Briefly wondering if it was healthy to sleep away her troubles.
She couldn't bring herself to care.
Not when Erembour's bushy tail was thumping softly against her belly and thigh. His breath a slow, steady rhythm in her ear.
Rain pattering against the roof.
A soft, low voice slowly filling the quiet. Dark. Rich. Surrounding them with its dulcet tones. It was a melody she didn't recognize. Perhaps even in another language. And it certainly wasn't coming from the Demon.
Krista opened her eyes just as the song began to fade. Momentarily confused and disoriented as she realized she wasn't surrounded by a mass of black fur, nor the encapsulating aura of the Hunter.
Her surroundings slowly came into focus.
There was no wind.
No rain.
No stage.
No sky to speak of.
Only a black, mirror-like ceiling. Casting back a faint reflection of herself.
"Gods, I look like hammered shit," she breathed at length. Not at all impressed with the emaciated figure with dark circles under their eyes staring back at her. "Absolute hammered shit."
"Young lady, you know we don't speak of ourselves like that in this house," a soft voice suddenly reprimanded.
Krista snapped up to eye the… man? Woman. Whoo boy.
That was D.
Looking very much like a woman with his hair curled and pinned up in a very beautiful twist. A touch of rouge coloring his cheeks and lips. Dressed to the nines in a pale pink dress and shiny black heels. A frilled, white apron tied about his waist.
"You're looking very pretty," she said after her stint of gawking. And the sunniest smile imaginable lifted his (her) painted lips. One she wanted to see more of.
"Thank you, dear. You're looking very… er…"
"Childish?" she supplied. Very amused and enamored with this personality.
"Yes. I suppose so." He (She) looked embarrassed and apologetic, but it didn't last long as he (she) looked over her head. Into the vast darkness stretching into the horizon. As he (she) did, his (her) hands came up to gently clasp her shoulders. Gently rubbing. "But I believe it is time for you to go. You have other duties."
"Like what?"
"Things to learn. People to meet." He (she) pressed his (her) lips briefly to her forehead, and even quicker he (she) was turning her about and shoving her into the abyss. "Try not to get into trouble!"
Shocked and panicked, Krista fell for a solid five seconds with an undignified scream. Feeling rather betrayed as she landed with a heavy thump and grunt, right into a myriad of personalities, in all shapes and sizes.
A veritable Sea of Ds.
Just waiting to draw her into its depths and eat her alive.
Was it too late to climb back up to the first D? Hide away from the excessive amount of people clogging the space?
She looked upwards in an attempt to spot the first D. To no avail.
Just a far-reaching blackness and the same mirror-like ceiling.
"Fine," she muttered. "Places to go. People to see."
Treading forward into the crowd wasn't an issue. All of the Ds were busy going about their business. And the farther she went, the more she realized she was in the midst of a very lively city. With buildings that stretched into the ceiling and street vendors peddling their wares.
A thin, wrinkled hand snagged her by the shirt and tugged her in. Gentle, but insistent. "Care to buy a pendant before you go on your way?"
A heavily lined face peered up at her through wiry curls of grey hair. With a hooked nose and a few missing teeth to boot. And so taken aback by the D before her, Krista yelled the first thing that came to mind.
"Dear Gods, you got old and creepy!"
"Oh!" the old crone crowed. "Naughty child! Go away! Oh!"
"I'm so sorry!"
"Go!"
"I'm sure you're very nice!"
"Git!"
"You just look very different from what I'm used to!"
Another wail. And Krista, pushed forcibly back into the throng, stumbled right into another D.
"The hell?"
The D whipped her around to face him. Dark brows furrowed as he scanned her figure. And as a skeevy grin lifted his lips, Krista could honestly say she didn't like this one.
Not one bit.
Not when he looked so close to the original D in age and build.
But the way he held himself? Completely different. From the way he walked to the way he talked, D's presence commanded respect. Whereas this man seemed the type to demand respect, wearing over-the-top leathers and smelling of cheap mead and cologne.
And there was something in the way he eyed her that made her think of Riedikke.
She hated it, and made a mental note to take a sniff of D once this was all done.
"Hey, baby," he finally started. His stupid grin widening. "You look a little lost. Why don't you come to my place? I'll give you the tour."
Krista backed up but his hold was firm. "No."
At her refusal, he appeared surprised. Perhaps a bit irritated before he could hide it with another wide, albeit strained, smile. Jerked her close, again. "Don't worry, doll! I'll treat you good."
"I don't want to be treated good. I want to leave."
There was a quiet click and a sharp prick to her side.
She didn't have to look down to know he was threatening her with a knife. Hand placed just so to appear as if he were innocently holding her.
Her mouth opened.
"Scream and I'll gut you."
It closed. And her heart skipped a beat.
"So, this change your mind?"
It did.
Fear is a tricky thing. And at that moment, despite not wanting to follow this 'D', it dictated she go along with him. Past the small market. Through a few more streets. Down an alley that reeked of piss and booze. The blade now in her back an ever-present motive to keep going.
And once again, she spouted off the first thing that came to mind.
"Is this your home? It suits you."
Her vision snapped to one side, momentarily blurred as pain exploded along her cheek to her ear. But before she could gather her wits, his hand clapped over her mouth. Squeezing hard enough to bruise.
Part of her wondered what sane person takes verbal jabs at people holding them at knife point from behind.
Not as if it was out of character for her. Her first meeting with the Hunter had gone much the same way. 'Man, I am stupid. You'd think fear would keep me from saying shit that can get me killed.'
Hindsight is 20/20, however.
Little good it did her now.
Her mind came back to the more pressing matter at hand as the thug curled his free hand further around her belly. Pulling her close to his body. He was speaking, but again…
'Knife.'
She couldn't see it in the hand below. Couldn't see it in the hand across her mouth.
'If I can't see it ready to stab me, maybe I can get out of this without turning into a pincushion.'
Not to mention, she highly doubted this man was as strong as the true D. Doubted he had the pain tolerance or constitution, too.
Her mouth opened. Quick enough that he couldn't react. And she bit down until blood flooded her mouth. Blood that tasted like hot garbage.
He was screaming. Panicking.
'Shitty copy.'
There was a sharp punch to her side. But she was already pushing against the ground. Driving him into the wall with a grunt. Shaking him loose and running out of the alley.
Straight into another D whose voice was small and timid.
"Oh good! I'm glad I finally… found you…"
Krista was gone. Not pausing to hear what the new D had to say as she weaved through the crowds. Forcing herself to keep running even as each breath sent a sharp pain shooting through her side. A white-hot burn that left her gasping.
Which caused more pain.
More gasping.
But she persisted until she was on the outskirts of the dark town. In a place that looked much like a park. Just as filled with Ds as the rest of the 'world'. And with dogged determination, she headed for the only structure she could see. Bobbing and weaving and skittering along. Occasionally shoving others out of her way until she reached her destination.
A pretty little gazebo.
She ascended the stairs and collapsed. Gingerly touching her side and grimacing when she felt polished wood and metal.
The touch irritated the wound and left her fingers a tacky mess.
She hissed. "Damn. I might've enjoyed looking around if not for that bastard."
And it was the truth. Despite all of the inhabitants looking like D in some way, and despite there being no identifiable source of light, it was a fascinating place. A small world full of life and quirky little people.
So, while she lied there and debated the practicalities of leaving the blade in her side, she suffered and listened.
Listened to birds sing (and she refused to look for them to see if they resembled her companion, too) and children frolic (that she feared looking at because they could either be unbelievably cute, or they'd be babies with a grown-up D face).
"Aw, I gotta look."
She rolled over to her good side and peered between the posts at a child scurrying past.
With its tiny curls and cherubesque face, she could declare… it was adorable.
And it made her heart ache.
"Shit, I shouldn't have looked."
But she didn't regret it.
Soft vibrations shook her from her musings of tiny children. Undoubtedly someone coming up to join her.
'What if it's that ugly one, again?'
She could look over and see.
She didn't want to.
"If I die, I will wake up. Then no more pain."
A soft chuckle. "I'm afraid you wouldn't want to die here," said the timid voice. "You die here, you might die out there."
"Oh. It's you, again." With a grunt, Krista rolled over. Eyes immediately drawn to his azure cardigan over his white button-down. He looked… fashionable? "You look cute. Who are you?"
"Oh!" His face flushed prettily, and in his embarrassment, he swept a hand through his short hair. Pushing it out of his bespectacled eyes. "Thank you? I'm D!"
And out his hand came. A hand that was slimmer than D's. The D's.
In fact, all of him was slimmer. His shoulders. His waist. His height.
Could height be slim?
She groaned, again. Brain hurting. "I'm thinking stupid things! And you don't wanna shake this!" Her right hand came up. Caked in fresh and old blood.
He eyed it. Then her face. Down to her side.
"Oh! And I thought your face was bad." His expression became more severe as he pulled out a handkerchief. "Really pissed that one off, huh? That's okay." He wet it with a bit of spit and set about scrubbing her face. Ignoring her muffled 'ew'. "I should have gotten to you sooner, so it's partly my fault. But that other girl took a bit more time than I allotted for."
"Other girl?"
"Yes. You look a lot alike. But you're a little shorter."
"Of course I am."
"And she's…" He waved his free hand for a moment. Reaching for a word that aptly described the mystery woman. But eventually, he settled for saying, "Well, you will find out soon enough."
"That doesn't worry me. Not a bit."
"Good!"
More spit.
More scrubbing.
And Krista couldn't help but roll her eyes just a tiny bit. Waiting for him to finish.
"So…"
"So?" he probed.
"As much as I appreciate you cleaning me up, I'm ready to get this show on the road. Should I leave the knife in or take it out?
He eyed the hilt a moment. "Hmm… I don't know how well you will heal here. It might be best to just leave it for now."
She was afraid he might say that. So, with a louder-than-necessary grunt, she pulled herself up and away from the D's attentions. Knowing that if the blade stayed for her mad run, it would stay for a leisurely stroll. But just in case, she pressed her bloodied hand around it.
Only now noticing her lack of weapons. "Great."
"What?"
"Nothing." Krista waved him off and lurched down the steps. "C'mon. Guide me. Teach me. Do whatever it is you need to do."
"I'm simply here to guide you safely… ah…" D paused and made a strained noise as he eyed the knife still jutting out of her.
"How about you tell me why everyone here is a D?" she interrupted. If his expression was anything to go off of, he appreciated the diversion. "You're all D. Why so different?"
He shrugged. "I can't explain the whys. Only that… looks do not equate personality. No life is exactly the same. And just because we might share his looks in some way doesn't mean we came with any of his personality traits."
"That makes sense, I guess."
He nodded. "I will warn you, however, that we will start running into personalities that don't make much sense."
"Yeah? I'd say it was already that way considering y'all exist at all."
"That's rude!" he squawked. "There are things I could say to you that I don't! Don't you have a brain-to-mouth filter?!"
"Right now? Apparently not."
"It's going to land you in hot water!"
Krista swept a hand grandly over her bloodied midsection with a wry smile. "I think I've been there and done that."
And she watched as he pursed his lips and looked away. Muttering, "You'll see what's ridiculous in a bit…"
What do you get when you combine inane ideations and people?
Exploding statues.
Yep.
They were currently staring at a statue. A chiseled statue in the likeness of D that shuddered and groaned. Moving forward at a snail's pace because each step resulted in him shattering.
And occasionally exploding.
Krista felt bad for him, but some part of her honestly thought it was fascinating. Watching him jerk forward an inch, break, and then reform. Only to do it all, again.
Maybe it was also admirable. Because he could give up and ask for help. Or just… do the statue thing.
"Statues statue, don't they?"
"What?"
"Never mind. Why are we watching this poor D?"
"To prove a point."
She looked around and took note of all the other D's inhabiting this part of the 'world'. It was different. That much she would give him. More barren. With little rhyme or reason behind the personalities she was currently spotting. And they didn't follow a pattern aside from being an extreme or being too literal.
Want a D that was a polar opposite to the original D?
Here! Have a dark-skinned, fair-haired, small, overdramatic girl wearing the brightest mishmash of colors imaginable.
Don't get her wrong. Krista thought she still looked lovely. But the emotional range the D was displaying made her head hurt. 'It's me on a bad day.'
Then, there was the bodybuilder. Flexing this way and that. Surrounded by a gaggle of seemingly-normal female Ds. And she shuddered.
She could see the beauty in just about any form, but the way his muscles looked ready to burst out of his skin unnerved her. 'Can he move very well?'
Perhaps it wasn't so bad. She could, after all, experience every emotion possible on the Hunter. And that was amazing.
They were far past the marble D when her guide threw up a hand. Effectively halting her advancement. "What's up?"
"Shush."
Krista raised her upturned hands and cast him a confused stare. But blessedly, she kept her mouth shut and looked around for the cause of his cautious attitude.
There… wasn't much. More black mirrors and what appeared to be a wall maybe two hundred feet or so out.
Beyond that?
A D.
No. Two Ds.
They were close enough she could make out what they were wearing to a degree. Surprised that they both used a monochromatic color scheme but dressed in vastly different attire. One awash in chaotic patterns continuously shifting and torn jeans. One… surprisingly dashing with his black slacks and button-down shirt, accentuated by a white tie, belt, and shoes.
But the most striking thing to her was that the patterned one seemed to be pacing. Prowling. Back arched and teeth bared as it circled a small area. Bound by something she couldn't see.
Imprisoned, almost.
And the other D it's guard. Staring with an intensity she'd never witnessed before at the more feral one.
"What's going on?"
"Hmm… Core traits. They usually stick to the outskirts, but he must've wiggled free."
There was a short pause as her guide considered his options. Looking about. Inspecting. Planning. Eventually huffing in agitation as he realized they didn't have many options on the table. "We normally call the one in the box 'The Clown'."
"He doesn't really look like what I would consider a clown?"
"Not in that sense, no. But… let's put it this way. If the Clown was without his Ringmaster, he'd run amok. Occasionally, he slips out." He cast her a sidelong glance and ignored the increasingly confused look she was casting back. "We've got to move on. It'd be best if we just slipped by."
And they did. Her guide a few steps ahead of her. Stepping softly. Quietly. But not really watching the D he was trying to fly under the radar of.
Krista was.
She was intrigued by the personalities. 'Core traits.' Although, she couldn't really see how they were. And if this was a creation of her own doing, why would she put such labels on these two particular Ds? Why not any other D?
There had to be something different about them.
They were just past the two Ds, her eyes already turned away, when she heard it.
The hollow ring of someone tapping on glass.
With a soft sigh, Krista turned back around to eye 'The Clown'. And she was taken aback.
He stood there, hands raised. Fingers pressing into the glass. A too-wide grin stretched across his face. But what really caught her eye was the change in his coloring. No longer a simple black and white scheme.
No.
Now, he was bathed in reds of every shade. The shapes and patterns still as winter-time waters.
Completely different from how she first perceived him.
Krista did not approach, but she also did not back away. She stayed. Watched as he cocked his head one way. Then the other. And eventually curled one finger, beckoning her over.
If she were honest, she wanted to go.
She refrained, and instead shook her head from side to side.
The D's arm swung around, gesturing at her side. At the blade protruding out.
But again, she shook her head. Finally took a single step back.
The patterns on the D's shirt swirled. The red flashing brightly for a moment before calming. Lips parting as he purposefully released a puff of hot air to fog up the glass. And with his hand still pressed to the glass, he wrote a message.
'Come here.'
Another step back.
And again, his shirt flared. Flashing twice.
A warning.
'Where the hell is the meek D? Surely he could tell me what to do.'
The fist against his invisible prison clenched.
"Forget it."
Surely if she just ignored him, he would go back to whatever it was that he did.
With this thought in mind, she turned on her heel with the intention of catching up to her guide. Quickly realizing just how much blood she was possibly losing as each step thereafter felt heavier than before.
Her guide appeared. "What are you doing still back here?"
She cupped her side. Jerking a thumb over her shoulder. "He tapped on the glass. Wanted me to come over."
"Did you?"
"Nope. He didn't look very happy about me turning around, though."
Now, he looked over her shoulder. Eyes going wide as his face paled in terror. "We need to run."
"Why?"
"Dammit! Don't ask! Just–!
His sentence was cut short by the sound of shattering glass.