Post by Alaistair on Jan 30, 2015 15:16:02 GMT
"They betrayed us...
Yunzabit Heights and its mountainous community were quiet and tranquil in its morning this day, though, there was an odd tension in the air? Had it been the billowing fog that blanketed the lakes? No. The people were awake and fishing in the middle of this, enjoying this peace and tranquility in the morning. The birds and animals had not been fleeing their forested home, save for when being chased by a predator or two. Other than that, everything naturally tranquil and seemed to yield happiness... Yet where did this ominous abode come from? Perhaps it had been in the mountains?
Yes... Yes, this is where it seemed to come from! The mountains this day may have looked peaceful, but there was something brewing in the snowy domain. Hikers and wildlife in the mountain had been experiencing gale-force winds the likes of which hadn't been in years. Indeed, something brewed in these mountains and the mountains themselves were telling the inhabitants to evacuate them, but why? Why on Earth would they tell them to flee this realm, where only strength resided?
"They cast us down, to never be seen or heard of again... But-"
The winds picked up, centralizing at a point in between two mighty peeks. Something was amiss here, in this spot between two mighty peaks... Wind could not form so wildly here, when the very earth itself barred their path. No snow had been forming that day, as the day had been clear. Yet snow and ice formed, as if the moisture was sucked away from anything there. Avalanches formed, crashing down the rocky inclines and destroying anything in their path to flee this vortex that forms above them.
"We will be set free from this damnation!"
For a moment, amongst these howling winds that deafened the landscape, a wrathfully powerful voice roared above them all! Upon queue, the winds immediately ceased, letting loose a rain of deadly ice and snow to drop below this one central point... Stillness filled the air. Whatever wind that had been there ceased their voices and paths. Seconds became minutes, and minutes, hours. The animals and birds had picked up the presence through their natural instincts, the birds being the first to escape this area, leaving no chance for themselves to be caught by whatever this was. With their escape, the people noticed too, finally catching wind of this dreary sensation. Something was to happen.
Elsewhere, on the world Kaishin
An elderly man of red skin, bald but with a pointed beard that stretched down to his collar bone and pointed ear larger than a humans, found himself looking to the stars above him. His stern face had become unnerved, as he uttered, "Oh no...! Not that one!"
He could only stare in horror, as his keen eyes tracked this terrible source. His mind became grief filled, as he could only watch the event on the Planet called Earth unfold. It tugged at his heart, causing him to fall to his knees, as the memories flew back to him. He knew this source all too well... A young Kaioshin that he had trained for a long time had been twisted up by a demon the likes of which he had seen many times in his life. That young one became one such creature himself, his mind twisted against the teachings the master taught, except the protection of life.
Two youths rushed up to the elder, immediately feeling his ki waning by the same presence they, too, were once familiar with. A young woman, with earrings of turquoise orbs and a blue vested, long sleeve shirt and pink pants, and a young man with a similar attire, except with red earrings and grey pants, helped their elder up to his feet. The young female looked at their master, who stared forward in terror, asking, "Master, how can this be?! How is he making his return?"
The old man did not respond for a few seconds, a bead of sweat forming on his face. She begged for a answer from the old man, while the young male Kaioshin stared up at the stars, at the planet known as Earth.
"I know not... But, I am afraid for what is soon to be. We must wait, I am afraid..."
Back on Earth
The vision of the area, high above Yunzabit Heights, seemed to buckle under some intense pressure, becoming almost nothing more than curtains to be swept open! A powerful essence, quickly drained of its might, could be felt out for but a second... A trick of the mind or a glitch, without a doubt, to all others who felt it or picked up the energy. Nothing but a headache. Only the Kaioshin, who were so far away, could recognize it to be true.
A red veil of flame erupted into existence, as black clawed hands erupted from some unseen curtain. With all their might, they ripped open, revealing a black armored figure with a long red tail on his backside. He pushed himself forward, the energy he had built up for so many years slipping away from him... The consequences of escaping his prison. Behind him, the combined chatter of anguish and cheer reached this escapee.
"I... am...! FREE!"
These were the words the entity stated, as he stepped out fully from the hole of fire. He released his hands, letting the veil behind him shut. The rush, though, ended soon after that, causing the devil to fall down to the snowy ice trap below as he fainted for a few seconds. However, he woke back up, to stop himself immediately above the pointed icicles beneath him! He floated back upwards, looking the icicles as he muttered, "Too close... Far too close."
He straightened himself out and looked around, his helmet dissipating to reveal a black haired devil, with eyes of amber. He quickly raised a hand to his face, a combination of inquiry and alarm hitting him immediately! He thought to himself, "What has happened?! Why has the helmet faded away?! Is this the consequence of escape?"
Alaistair looked back at the ice pile that he had nearly fallen on before and brought his hands up to his shoulders. He tried to focus his energy into his hands, but none came to him. The devil whirled his hands forward, clapping his hands together to see if it would work... But nothing came with it. Just a pop of air that echoed in the mountains.
"Hmm," he muttered, as he brought his hands back, "It seems that this is true... My power had been sacrificed to rip open the rift between Hell and this world of the living."
The devil shot to the ground, landing on his feet solidly, the scimitar at his side clanking against the remaining armor. Alaistair looked at the sword and drew it immediately from it sheath, cut down at a rock wall near by as he did. The weapon screeched across the wall, creating a small scratch in it. This seemed to have greatly disappointed him, too. He thought out loud once more, inquiring, "So my Wrath, too, has become weakened by this... Perhaps my escape was brasher than I expected. Yet..."
Alaistair paused, sheathing the blade and closing his eyes. He let his mind focus on sensing the powers around this planet. Many strong entities had developed here, on the Earth. His abilities, it seems, did not trick him one bit whilst he was still in hell... It put a relieving grin of deviousness on.
"It's all I need to feel out, though I will need to keep track of them. First things first... It's been such a long time since I last had a REAL meal. I wonder if the Earth's cuisine has matured even more. Once that's done, I may begin my plan..."
Alaistair had realized that, as he was checking the powers on this planet, a couple of abysmally small spirits were approaching his location. The grin shrunk down a bit, as he thought to himself, "Right on queue..."
He made sure to move himself, quickly, to the outer edge of the mountains where the spirits were. Upon reaching the edge of a forest near the base, he landed on the ground and, on purpose, fell face forward on the ground. As he laid there, he dropped his power level significantly than what it already was, to imitate that he was nothing more than someone who got lost in the upscaling winds! His story, to the people he felt coming his way, would be that of lost memory that he would only recall being swept in the gales on the mountain, as he was searching for something in one of the peaks above or falsely think he was searching for something. A tragic story is what it would be, if these folk were of that 'kind nature' his brethren of the past had.
The couple approached, 2 women from what the devil could feel. They noticed him and made their way over, their feet crunching in the snow. Alaistair focused on their spirits, trying to identify the feel of their intent. He received that familiar sensation of worry, but he also sensed something else, like that of thieves' greed. They turned him on his back and looked at him, moving his head around and checking for a pulse.
"What is it? Is it a human, mixed with some lizard-esque thing," one of the two asked, a grey haired woman of 5'6".
"That's what it seems like. Guy must be some sort of chameleon-esque nature, mixed with a monkey... Woah, hello," the other replied, shifting her hands down Alaistair's chest and side, "This guy's armed like one of those really really old medieval types of people... Probably fetch a lot of stuff on the market for ancient stuff like this!"
Alaistair groaned, acting out that he was 'waking up,' from his escapade. The women moved back, as Alaistair sat up and rubbed his head. He moaned, "Mmmf... Ow! My head!"
He 'staggered' up to his feet, using his left hand to balance himself out as he stood up. He acted out himself nearly stumbling back to the ground, catching himself quickly on a tree. He asked out loud, bringing his arms together and pretending to shiver, "Where am I... And why's it so cold!"
The ladies looked at each other, before the grey haired one asked, "You're in the mountains, specifically Yunzabit Heights. What's a weird thing like yourself doing here?"
"Weird... thing," he questioned as he looked at himself, "I'm... I'm not sure."
"Man, you must've took a REALLY NASTY hit to your head if you don't even recall what you are," the younger woman replied, sounding almost excited in her 'caring' tone.
Alaistair brought his hand forward, looking at it to see if there was blood. Of course, there was none! Just a simple ploy he took. He muttered, "I see... Th-that w-w-would expl-plain a l-l-lot."
He shivered once more, huddling together as best he could. Truth be told, Alaistair was a tad cold, but he wasn't even close to the guise he was employing! A shivering lizard-man... Weird story, but he'd seen and heard weirder things in his million year span thus far. The elder woman noticed this and told him, "Dear, you must be absolutely shivering! Come, let's take you back to the cabin and get you warmed up!"
Alaistair nodded, sniffling as he did. The elderly woman took off her coat and put it around him, as she led him along. The other followed from behind. They walked for about 30 minutes, this older woman and Alaistair talking, Alaistair 'recalling' there being a sudden gust of wind that blew him off the mountain, as well as it being some sort of training. He learned they were called Natalya and Mestris, but that was it. They seemed more focused on him, avoiding talking about themselves. He attempted to enter their heads, but when he tried to, there was a backlash that hurt his head. He thought, hunched over and grasping his head, "Damn it...! Has that, as well, been locked away?! Curse that wretched prison!"
They reached the cabin and had Alaistair sit down at a comfortably cushioned chair in front of a dying fire place. They told him that they would get some firewood from outside, and a stew going in the kitchen. He nodded, as he curled his tail around his legs, to warm them up. He looked around the cabin, taking note of extravagant furniture, and the mantle over the fireplace. It seemed oddly expensive, and frankly, out of place for a winter cabin as far as Alaistair understood.
"They're definitely ones for extravagance... However, they hardly worked. Especially that younger woman... What was her name? Mestris," Alaistair thought, as the smell of meat and vegetables invaded his nose! Saliva quickly became drool, causing him to wipe it away. Real food was about to enter him, after what seemed to be an eternity in that dreaded hole!
The young woman came up, with a big bowl and spoon in the stew. She handed it to him, telling, "Here you are... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your n- Oh my god!"
Before she could finish her statement, Alaistair quickly took the bowl out of her hand and immediately began scarfing down the chunks of meat and vegetables. It had been so long since he tasted meat and carrots! Alaistair let out a satisfied grunt, as he gave her the bowl. He asked her, "I'm sorry to interrupt you like this, but could I have another bowl? It feels like it's been an eternity since I last ate and, my goodness, it tastes divine..."
She smiled, replying with giddy, "Of course you may! For once, someone around here enjoys the food that I MAKE!"
It seemed to lighten her mood to hear that compliment from him. Perhaps, he thought, they've been up here for some time. Something he could make use of, if they were to try something. However, currently, he was eagerly awaiting the next bowl of stew! She quickly made her way back to the kitchen, poured the bowl nearly to the brim and moved back. She paced back quickly, telling him, "2nd bowl, coming up! Try to savor it, this time! Never met anyone who enjoyed my cooking as much as- Wah!"
She tripped over a notch on the floor, the bowl and stew flying out of her hands. Quickly, the devil got up and caught the bowl in one free hand, scooping the stew out of the air in a fraction of a second and caught her with his other hand, looking down at her eyes. He stood her back up, as he told her, "You should really watch your step, Mestris... That was your name?"
"Yeah... How did you do that," she asked, baffled by what happened.
Alaistair took a spoon full of the broth and sipped it, before responding, "I'm not very sure. It must be from whatever I can't remember."
"Can't do that again... Any increase in power and I'm spotted by any who can sense ki."
She looked at him, stating, "I... see... Still, that was amazing!"
It became quiet between the two of them, in the awkward sense. Alaistair found it a tad amusing, watching and waiting for her to say something. To a degree, this was something about Alaistair that carried over from his days as one of the Kaioshin. He had a way to being able to snicker at certain situations like this. It was his way of breaking the ice. In this context, he was snickering at how careless this one had been... It was as if she had been putting on an act herself, but she wasn't as practiced as he was. When you're down in hell and you wanted to secure things, you had better develop ways to get it, and being able to act out a lie was one of them! He could tell that she was suspicious about him.
"So," he said, "Care to join me by the embers whilst we wait for... What was your friend's name? I'm still a bit flustered from before, waking up in the snow and all."
"Natalya."
"Natalya! Yes, that was it," he uttered. He was breaking his character a bit on purpose, to test something with this girl. He made his way over to the comfy chair, and waved for her to come over. She did so, as it was cold where they stood.
"My apologies for before. Hearing you fall down, I had to act up quickly," He responded, rubbing his head a bit, putting off he was remembering something.
"Are you remembering something?"
Alaistair lowered the bowl for a moment, putting his elbow on the armrest while putting his forehead into a freed hand. He shook his head, as he acted a bit more of this character of his, once more. He told her, "Yes... I think? I'm not sure. The rush is causing something, but I don't think it's a memory. I think it'd be better for us to talk instead. What I'm seeing is very strange"
Right now, Alaistair was playing a gambit. He wanted to see if this person truly was, very much, a thief of some sort with a charismatic personality, to boot. She asked him why it was so strange to see, to which he replied, "I think I was forced up there, like I had done something bad... I can't recall anything after that, other than meeting you two. So, I figure if we talk, I'll remember something. Right?"
"Sounds like it could work."
"Right. So... What're the two of you ladies doing up here in the mountains?"
"Well," Mestris explained, sitting on a couch next to Alaistair's seat, "She and I are on vacation from the city life... Things got hectic, which actually brought more work in and, well, that's pretty much it. We're partners. That's about it."
"Do tell. I'm listening," Alaistair told her, leaning in to hear her story.
"There's nothing really to tell you. Just that we're partners who got tired of their work and are on vacation. Nothing more than that."
"I gotta ask, what sort of jobs do you have that have you get more during chaos? Are you construction workers?"
"No."
He looked at her, putting the bowl in his lap as he asked, "Lawyers?"
"No."
"Security guards?"
"No," she irritably replied, huddling into a ball on the couch to keep warm.
"Well, you can allude to it. I'm feeling very perceptive on things, not just physically as we figured out before... Not to mention, if it's something bad, I'll probably forget after being hit on head after being blown off the mountain," He told her, trying to get her to spill the beans.
"Listen, I know you're curious and all, but right now, shouldn't you be trying to remember," Mestris asked, looking at him?
Alaistair, though, decided to keep going. He asked, "Are you... Criminals?"
"NO," she responded, looking away. Alaistair noted this quickly.
"Sounds like you're trying to deny it. Why is that," he asked. Her face became red and, before she could say anything, the door to the cabin flew open from Natalya and the wind. Natalya came in, a axe and logs in both hands. Her gaze was quickly fixed on to Mestris upon entering, having heard her getting angry.
"Everything alright in here," Natalya asked? Mestris took a deep breath in and released, before responding to her.
"We're fine... Just my temper getting out of hand, what with this man here not remembering. I'm gonna go out for a bit and cool off," she explained assertively. Natalya stepped out of the way of the door, letting her junior go out the cabin door.
Natalya placed the axe down by the door, and moved to put the logs down. She grabbed a rather large pocket knife and one of the logs, shaving it down with it. She looked at Alaistair, who continued eating away as he watched her. Natalya asked, "You alright?"
"Yes, yes... Just didn't expect that sort of response is all," Alaistair responded. Truth be told, he was actually looking for the response from Mestris. Her response told him a lot more information about the two than Mestris let on.
"Asked a few questions? She tends to be... Reclusive. I don't blame her... Her past is a bit rough," Natalya explained. She was trying to keep the information secretive.
"Well, from what I can tell from myself, I've had a bit of a rough past myself, on top of the fact I can't even recall anything else other than being blown of the mountain," Alaistair countered.
Natalya nodded in agreement, as she elaborated a bit more, "Her parents were killed when she was 14 years old. Came home from school one day and found them in the house, after a struggle. She had been scouring the streets for 2 years before I found her in a dumpster. I took her in after that and, three years later, it's a surprise that she's actually talkative."
"Hmm... So that is the reason she is that way. That can be a tad detrimental, but she is being trained by Natalya here, so perhaps not."
"I see... Perhaps I should apologize when she comes back. For now, do you mind if I ask what you are doing up here in the mountains in her stead? I just noticed that, well, you've got some interesting furniture and you don't seem to be very... Rough around the edges, I believe is what I'm looking for to describe you two," he asked, trying to find the right words to choose.
She stopped shaving, putting the downsized log at the side as she picked up the shavings and tossed them into the pit. She then put the log, as well as a few others above the shavings. As she did this, Natalya responded with a grunt, "Not at all a problem to ask. This is our little, 'getaway,' from the city. It was easy to carry because of these nifty little capsules that are sold from an old business called Capsule Corporation. Downsizes everything into practically weightless capsules that can be reformed with a push of a button and a toss of the capsule."
"Hmm... Good alibi. Much more controlled over her emotions, compared to the other girl. This is much more viable to work with..."
"Capsule Corporation? That sounds a bit familiar... Capsule Corp. Capsule Corp... OH! That! Yes yes, I know of them!"
Alaistair purposefully slipped a bit there, to test her grounds. He was growing tired of this act and he wanted to see how intuitive this person was, compared to her junior. Indeed, Natalya did notice this, to which she replied, "Oh! You remembered something! Excellent! Do you remember anything else? Maybe more about yourself?"
"Hmm... No, I don't seem to recall anything else. Sorry."
"Don't apologize! After all, you got blown off a mountain and, miraculously, hit your head. Speaking of which, do you mind if I have a look?"
Alaistair put down the bowl, putting his hands down on the armrests as he told her, "By all means. My head's been throbbing all over, but it seems to hurt the most on the right side, near the front."
"The rouse will be over shortly, if she is wise enough to understand what is happening here."
The woman stood up and made her way over to the back side of the chair. She got next to him and started to rub his head down. Feeling nothing, she moved her hands closer to the front, Alaistair grunting, as he told her, "Little more to the right... Gah! THERE!"
"Alright. I'm gonna move the hair out of the way so I can get a better look," she replied. As she did, Alaistair tightened his grip on both arm rests. She told him to relax as best he could as she looked. Natalya, obviously, would find nothing.
The devil asked her, "Is it bad? It's bad, isn't it?"
Natalya remained quiet for a moment, moving more of the black hair out of the way. She stopped after a bit, beginning to move back to her place by the fire. As she did, the sound of moving metal came about, restraining the devil in his seat. He jostled a bit, getting a feel for the restraints. Natalya replied, arrogantly, "Yes, my dear... It is quite bad. Mestris!"
Mestris came in, asking Natalya, "What is it?"
"Our guest here seems to have been playing us... Could you grab the gun from the kitchen, loaded up?"
"I... I see. I'll go get it."
As she did, Natalya looked at Alaistair, who simply sat there 'aghast.' He asked, "How long did you know?"
"Only until now..."
She paused, as Mestris came back with a loaded shotgun in hand. Natalya thanked her, pointing the gun at Alaistair's face. She asked, "Tell me. Who the hell are you? Are you a mercenary from the government?"
"Mercenary? No, no. You're mistaken..."
Alaistair's tail uncurled from his leg and quickly struck the gunwoman into the other, the two falling backwards into the wall. Alaistair then ripped out of his bonds, but remaining seated. He told her, "In more ways than one, really. A devil who dances with the prey in the moonlight is what some would say. Others, a Devil King in the making. You may call me Alaistair... And you've passed my test."
Natalya unleashed a few buckshots at Alaistair. With hands faster than lightning, he caught each individual piece headed for him and the chair, putting the shot into the bowl. The two, horrifically baffled, stared at the red devil sitting in the chair. He motioned for them to come to him, asking in a peaceful manner.
"I mean no harm, unless you intend to truly harm me. First, though, please have a seat. You're in the presence of the Protector, Vengeance itself. If any were to come here, or one of those warheads to approach for no reason, you would be safe to know you are in the safest place..."
He looked over at where the two were, who were making a break to the door. He sighed and sped over, keeping the door shut. He motioned to the chair, as he explained, "I speak the truth. Have a seat and listen to my proposition. No harm to your bodies, souls, and minds will be afflicted."
"Let us go, please," Mestris cried, tears gushing out of her eyes as she fell to her knees. Natalya took a swing with the butt of the gun, to which Alaistair grabbed and crushed immediately!
"Devil! What do you want with us?!"
"Brave... Good to know. My proposition is this: I wish for you two to serve me as-"
"No way are we going to be your concubines," Natalya proclaimed, her fists balled up.
"Thieves... Am I wrong to assume that," Alaistair asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?!"
"Everything. I intend to gather an army to rule over life... To protect it from itself!"
"Protect it?! How is making an army protecting it," Mestris shrieked, tearful rage beaming at Alaistair!
The devil responded, "You are opposing a being that is capable of bestowing power and knowledge since its creation that is only asking for your current services. Have a seat by the fire and I will explain... Please."
They dared not remove their gaze from the thing before them. Alaistair's despotical gaze, though, overpowered theirs. Natalya turned to help Mestris up from the ground, telling her that it was going to be alright. When they were seated and quiet, Alaistair moved away from the door and sat back in the chair that once had the restraints. He lifted and placed one foot on his knee, as he clasped his hands together. His gaze met their forms for a moment, before he sighed out a calmed breath to speak.
"I seek assistance to further my goal to protect the realm. To do this, I require assistance of all sorts of styles and forms... The moment I entered your home, I learned quite a bit about the two of you. The moment you asked if I were a mercenary, after seeing through my rouse, tells me that you are smart and, on top of that, confirmed to me that you are thieves, of a sort... Intelligence like yours is something I do not intend to squander."
"Then can't you let us go," Natalya asked, begrudgingly.
"No, I cannot. Even if you say nothing of it, the fact someone knows of my existence in this world puts my plans at risk. You two ladies intend to live life comfortably, and I am not opposed to this. In fact, if it means your life is maintained, I ask you do so! However, that would squander your talents as well. Which is where my proposition comes in: Become my servants, who will assist me in my goals, and I will ensure you that, not only you will get your wish for peace... I will also ensure you satisfy past grievances."
The crying Mestris rose her head up, her now red face and nearly shut eyes looking at Alaistair. She asked, "Past... Grievances? As- As in... Revenge?"
A smile had encroached on his face, one that welcomed the saddened girl. The devil replied, "Yes. This is correct."
"Mestris, no! He's a devil," Natalya beckoned, "He's just telling us all of this so he can just take our souls!"
"A demon is in it for souls," Alaistair retaliated, "And I am NO squabbling demon. Though I have the form of one, I am truly a protector of life, through and through. This form you see is the consequence of that..."
He leaned forward, looking at Mestris more than Natalya, "Take my offer... Your souls will NOT be damned to Hell or any sort. I am offering part of my own power so that I may give you the ability to become stronger, as well as give you a way to gain knowledge. What you do with your bestowed power is your own tool to use."
Alaistair looked between the two of them, Mestris having calmed a bit. She wiped away the snot and tears on her beat-red face. Natalya looked up in horror, as she asked, "Tell me you're not thinking about this?! Mestris!"
"I can get revenge though... You don't understand!"
"What he offers isn't peace, though! It's just a downward path that you WILL NOT be able to walk back up."
"That is certainly not true, Natalya," the devil replied, "Her decisions, what she does with that power I give her, is on her own end. If she hunts down her parents murderers and kill them, that is on her head. If she finds them, but finds the strength and courage to NOT kill them, once she's seen the shrivelled husks they were since then, that too, is on her head. When I bestow power, I can be the one to find them myself, you see, and she will see and know the feeling of revenge had. But... You are right."
Natalya's eyes widened, as she turned to Alaistair. She, as well as Mestris, stared in bafflement. His gaze, in reply, met theirs with assurance. Lowly hung eyelids reflected that emotion, that what he spoke was what he truly believed... In truth, this was actually what was true. Though he was now a devil, the part of him that once was a god of life, a kaioshin, never left him. They have only, simply, been twisted in a manner that is barely recognizable.
"You're... Telling the truth?"
"I am. Not once, since you've seen past my ruse, have I lied to you. I may bestow my power to you, and you may view my mind and memories to be true. This is the," he replied, moving his pointer and middle fingers on both hands like quotes, "'downside' of the power I bestow. As I can see your thoughts, you may see my thoughts. I am an honest entity. Should I lie, it is a test of character and intelligence."
The two looked at each other, before looking back at him. A smile formed on their lips, as did on his too.
"Wait... Wait, we need to think about this."
"Of course... Ah, do grab some food for yourselves. The stew was actually delicious... Ah, one more thing: I can feel out your presences, especially now that I've had plenty of time to discern them from the wildlife and people around this planet. Running will not help you."
"... Alright then... And thank you for the compliment," Mestris replied, her smile brightening a bit from the comment. The two of them made their way into the kitchen, the sound of dishes shifting about as they got their bowls. Natalya had a sample bite while serving herself, being amazed at the stew this time about. Alaistair could feel it slightly getting on Mestris' nerves, but she thanks her for the compliment.
The two of them came back to the room, a second bowl in Mestris' hand. She handed it to Alaistair, to which the devil graciously took. They sat down, and for the next five minutes, they ate the stew in tranquil quiet. His gaze did not shift from them, though. He wished to know, and the more time he spent waiting for them to make a decision, the longer it took to move from this area. However, he was patient. He did take several thousands of years to make his break from the flaming pit, after all.
Upon finishing, Natalya spoke, sounding uncertain, "We've come to a decision and... We agree to the deal."
Alaistair, who had been indulging more in the stew the two of them, questioned, "Her, I can tell, agrees fully with this... But you're uncertain. So, I must ask, are you sure you wish to take the deal?"
"Well, I'd prefer to not make this deal... But are you giving me an option?"
"Taking the deal would mean you're a loose end I can't afford to have. It means you're in the way of progressing this plan."
She remained quiet for the next 30 seconds, thinking about her decision. Mestris and Alaistair remained quiet for the time, save for the clanking of Alaistair's spoon upon finishing the third bowl of stew. Natalya nodded, as she replied, "Yes... Yes, I'm certain."
"Very good," Alaistair exclaimed, "Come away from the fire, so that I may bestow the power to thee! I will need you to kneel, as a knight or servant to his/her King."
The three moved away, Alaistair moving in front of the door with his back to it. The two kneeled, peering up at him as he drew his sword and put it in front of himself and them. Alaistair closed his eyes, as he asked, "Do you two, Mestris and Natalya, swear fealty to me, until death do us part or I recall my bestowed power for any reason given? Do you understand, upon swearing of fealty and the mark being made upon your being..."
As he did this, an oddly shaped A formed upon his forehead, his eyes flared open, glowing golden, "that no secrets will be hidden from myself or any servant I bestow my power to?"
"Wait, others can be inside our heads at any given point," Natalya asked the devil?
"Correct. Do you agree to these terms?"
Natalya nodded in agreement, while Mestris told him, "Yes. I agree."
"Then, with these marks...!"
He dropped the sword, the tip falling to the ground as he brought his hands to their foreheads! The mark upon his head faded, to reform on both of their heads!
"You shall become shining examples of the power that comes with fealty to my rule! Now rise, my servants!"
A gust of wind picked up outside, as the the marks seared into their heads, leaving behind a black letter A on their heads. He removed his hands, his already diminished power even more so upon the mark being placed. He huffed out breaths of air, as he picked up his scimitar and sheathed it. The memories of both individuals flowed into his head for but a moment... Something was amiss this time around. They did not rise up from the ground. Their eyes became glossed over, and skin discolored!
"Oh no...! NO! Wake, my servants! WAKE!"
Their energies had dissipated, half of what he bestowed to each returning to him. He shook them, trying to wake them up from their deathly sleep! However, it did not work... All that happened was the mark being seared into their heads, and a haunting smile shown on their faces. That terrifying smile, that to this day, haunted Alaistair's dreams!
"No... NOT YOU! BE GONE, MONSTER!"
The devil quickly drew his blade, beheading the two corpses immediately, backing away and into the door. He looked at the rolling heads, and to his horror, he found the smile gone. The madness that plagued his mind had made him believe that demon had been reborn, through him! Alaistair bursted the door open, speeding out of the cabin in a staggered manner. He collapsed in the snow, cursing himself at what he had just done... Cursing that demon of his past!
"I must... I must move on..! I am so sorry, but I cannot stay. I must go protect the universe of life from itself... I'm sorry!"
He quickly charged and shot a ki blast into the cabin at the bodies, incinerating them as the cabin lit aflame. He stood and quickly made his leave of the area... He would not forget their memories, what came of them, as well as that emotion that came with them. The revenge Mestris sought became part of his own. Revenge he planned to exact for her sake, though she was now with her parents now. Thus, the Corrupt Protector walked upon this realm of life... A terror to behold.
(Hey guys, thanks for
Yunzabit Heights and its mountainous community were quiet and tranquil in its morning this day, though, there was an odd tension in the air? Had it been the billowing fog that blanketed the lakes? No. The people were awake and fishing in the middle of this, enjoying this peace and tranquility in the morning. The birds and animals had not been fleeing their forested home, save for when being chased by a predator or two. Other than that, everything naturally tranquil and seemed to yield happiness... Yet where did this ominous abode come from? Perhaps it had been in the mountains?
Yes... Yes, this is where it seemed to come from! The mountains this day may have looked peaceful, but there was something brewing in the snowy domain. Hikers and wildlife in the mountain had been experiencing gale-force winds the likes of which hadn't been in years. Indeed, something brewed in these mountains and the mountains themselves were telling the inhabitants to evacuate them, but why? Why on Earth would they tell them to flee this realm, where only strength resided?
"They cast us down, to never be seen or heard of again... But-"
The winds picked up, centralizing at a point in between two mighty peeks. Something was amiss here, in this spot between two mighty peaks... Wind could not form so wildly here, when the very earth itself barred their path. No snow had been forming that day, as the day had been clear. Yet snow and ice formed, as if the moisture was sucked away from anything there. Avalanches formed, crashing down the rocky inclines and destroying anything in their path to flee this vortex that forms above them.
"We will be set free from this damnation!"
For a moment, amongst these howling winds that deafened the landscape, a wrathfully powerful voice roared above them all! Upon queue, the winds immediately ceased, letting loose a rain of deadly ice and snow to drop below this one central point... Stillness filled the air. Whatever wind that had been there ceased their voices and paths. Seconds became minutes, and minutes, hours. The animals and birds had picked up the presence through their natural instincts, the birds being the first to escape this area, leaving no chance for themselves to be caught by whatever this was. With their escape, the people noticed too, finally catching wind of this dreary sensation. Something was to happen.
Elsewhere, on the world Kaishin
An elderly man of red skin, bald but with a pointed beard that stretched down to his collar bone and pointed ear larger than a humans, found himself looking to the stars above him. His stern face had become unnerved, as he uttered, "Oh no...! Not that one!"
He could only stare in horror, as his keen eyes tracked this terrible source. His mind became grief filled, as he could only watch the event on the Planet called Earth unfold. It tugged at his heart, causing him to fall to his knees, as the memories flew back to him. He knew this source all too well... A young Kaioshin that he had trained for a long time had been twisted up by a demon the likes of which he had seen many times in his life. That young one became one such creature himself, his mind twisted against the teachings the master taught, except the protection of life.
Two youths rushed up to the elder, immediately feeling his ki waning by the same presence they, too, were once familiar with. A young woman, with earrings of turquoise orbs and a blue vested, long sleeve shirt and pink pants, and a young man with a similar attire, except with red earrings and grey pants, helped their elder up to his feet. The young female looked at their master, who stared forward in terror, asking, "Master, how can this be?! How is he making his return?"
The old man did not respond for a few seconds, a bead of sweat forming on his face. She begged for a answer from the old man, while the young male Kaioshin stared up at the stars, at the planet known as Earth.
"I know not... But, I am afraid for what is soon to be. We must wait, I am afraid..."
Back on Earth
The vision of the area, high above Yunzabit Heights, seemed to buckle under some intense pressure, becoming almost nothing more than curtains to be swept open! A powerful essence, quickly drained of its might, could be felt out for but a second... A trick of the mind or a glitch, without a doubt, to all others who felt it or picked up the energy. Nothing but a headache. Only the Kaioshin, who were so far away, could recognize it to be true.
A red veil of flame erupted into existence, as black clawed hands erupted from some unseen curtain. With all their might, they ripped open, revealing a black armored figure with a long red tail on his backside. He pushed himself forward, the energy he had built up for so many years slipping away from him... The consequences of escaping his prison. Behind him, the combined chatter of anguish and cheer reached this escapee.
"I... am...! FREE!"
These were the words the entity stated, as he stepped out fully from the hole of fire. He released his hands, letting the veil behind him shut. The rush, though, ended soon after that, causing the devil to fall down to the snowy ice trap below as he fainted for a few seconds. However, he woke back up, to stop himself immediately above the pointed icicles beneath him! He floated back upwards, looking the icicles as he muttered, "Too close... Far too close."
He straightened himself out and looked around, his helmet dissipating to reveal a black haired devil, with eyes of amber. He quickly raised a hand to his face, a combination of inquiry and alarm hitting him immediately! He thought to himself, "What has happened?! Why has the helmet faded away?! Is this the consequence of escape?"
Alaistair looked back at the ice pile that he had nearly fallen on before and brought his hands up to his shoulders. He tried to focus his energy into his hands, but none came to him. The devil whirled his hands forward, clapping his hands together to see if it would work... But nothing came with it. Just a pop of air that echoed in the mountains.
"Hmm," he muttered, as he brought his hands back, "It seems that this is true... My power had been sacrificed to rip open the rift between Hell and this world of the living."
The devil shot to the ground, landing on his feet solidly, the scimitar at his side clanking against the remaining armor. Alaistair looked at the sword and drew it immediately from it sheath, cut down at a rock wall near by as he did. The weapon screeched across the wall, creating a small scratch in it. This seemed to have greatly disappointed him, too. He thought out loud once more, inquiring, "So my Wrath, too, has become weakened by this... Perhaps my escape was brasher than I expected. Yet..."
Alaistair paused, sheathing the blade and closing his eyes. He let his mind focus on sensing the powers around this planet. Many strong entities had developed here, on the Earth. His abilities, it seems, did not trick him one bit whilst he was still in hell... It put a relieving grin of deviousness on.
"It's all I need to feel out, though I will need to keep track of them. First things first... It's been such a long time since I last had a REAL meal. I wonder if the Earth's cuisine has matured even more. Once that's done, I may begin my plan..."
Alaistair had realized that, as he was checking the powers on this planet, a couple of abysmally small spirits were approaching his location. The grin shrunk down a bit, as he thought to himself, "Right on queue..."
He made sure to move himself, quickly, to the outer edge of the mountains where the spirits were. Upon reaching the edge of a forest near the base, he landed on the ground and, on purpose, fell face forward on the ground. As he laid there, he dropped his power level significantly than what it already was, to imitate that he was nothing more than someone who got lost in the upscaling winds! His story, to the people he felt coming his way, would be that of lost memory that he would only recall being swept in the gales on the mountain, as he was searching for something in one of the peaks above or falsely think he was searching for something. A tragic story is what it would be, if these folk were of that 'kind nature' his brethren of the past had.
The couple approached, 2 women from what the devil could feel. They noticed him and made their way over, their feet crunching in the snow. Alaistair focused on their spirits, trying to identify the feel of their intent. He received that familiar sensation of worry, but he also sensed something else, like that of thieves' greed. They turned him on his back and looked at him, moving his head around and checking for a pulse.
"What is it? Is it a human, mixed with some lizard-esque thing," one of the two asked, a grey haired woman of 5'6".
"That's what it seems like. Guy must be some sort of chameleon-esque nature, mixed with a monkey... Woah, hello," the other replied, shifting her hands down Alaistair's chest and side, "This guy's armed like one of those really really old medieval types of people... Probably fetch a lot of stuff on the market for ancient stuff like this!"
Alaistair groaned, acting out that he was 'waking up,' from his escapade. The women moved back, as Alaistair sat up and rubbed his head. He moaned, "Mmmf... Ow! My head!"
He 'staggered' up to his feet, using his left hand to balance himself out as he stood up. He acted out himself nearly stumbling back to the ground, catching himself quickly on a tree. He asked out loud, bringing his arms together and pretending to shiver, "Where am I... And why's it so cold!"
The ladies looked at each other, before the grey haired one asked, "You're in the mountains, specifically Yunzabit Heights. What's a weird thing like yourself doing here?"
"Weird... thing," he questioned as he looked at himself, "I'm... I'm not sure."
"Man, you must've took a REALLY NASTY hit to your head if you don't even recall what you are," the younger woman replied, sounding almost excited in her 'caring' tone.
Alaistair brought his hand forward, looking at it to see if there was blood. Of course, there was none! Just a simple ploy he took. He muttered, "I see... Th-that w-w-would expl-plain a l-l-lot."
He shivered once more, huddling together as best he could. Truth be told, Alaistair was a tad cold, but he wasn't even close to the guise he was employing! A shivering lizard-man... Weird story, but he'd seen and heard weirder things in his million year span thus far. The elder woman noticed this and told him, "Dear, you must be absolutely shivering! Come, let's take you back to the cabin and get you warmed up!"
Alaistair nodded, sniffling as he did. The elderly woman took off her coat and put it around him, as she led him along. The other followed from behind. They walked for about 30 minutes, this older woman and Alaistair talking, Alaistair 'recalling' there being a sudden gust of wind that blew him off the mountain, as well as it being some sort of training. He learned they were called Natalya and Mestris, but that was it. They seemed more focused on him, avoiding talking about themselves. He attempted to enter their heads, but when he tried to, there was a backlash that hurt his head. He thought, hunched over and grasping his head, "Damn it...! Has that, as well, been locked away?! Curse that wretched prison!"
They reached the cabin and had Alaistair sit down at a comfortably cushioned chair in front of a dying fire place. They told him that they would get some firewood from outside, and a stew going in the kitchen. He nodded, as he curled his tail around his legs, to warm them up. He looked around the cabin, taking note of extravagant furniture, and the mantle over the fireplace. It seemed oddly expensive, and frankly, out of place for a winter cabin as far as Alaistair understood.
"They're definitely ones for extravagance... However, they hardly worked. Especially that younger woman... What was her name? Mestris," Alaistair thought, as the smell of meat and vegetables invaded his nose! Saliva quickly became drool, causing him to wipe it away. Real food was about to enter him, after what seemed to be an eternity in that dreaded hole!
The young woman came up, with a big bowl and spoon in the stew. She handed it to him, telling, "Here you are... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your n- Oh my god!"
Before she could finish her statement, Alaistair quickly took the bowl out of her hand and immediately began scarfing down the chunks of meat and vegetables. It had been so long since he tasted meat and carrots! Alaistair let out a satisfied grunt, as he gave her the bowl. He asked her, "I'm sorry to interrupt you like this, but could I have another bowl? It feels like it's been an eternity since I last ate and, my goodness, it tastes divine..."
She smiled, replying with giddy, "Of course you may! For once, someone around here enjoys the food that I MAKE!"
It seemed to lighten her mood to hear that compliment from him. Perhaps, he thought, they've been up here for some time. Something he could make use of, if they were to try something. However, currently, he was eagerly awaiting the next bowl of stew! She quickly made her way back to the kitchen, poured the bowl nearly to the brim and moved back. She paced back quickly, telling him, "2nd bowl, coming up! Try to savor it, this time! Never met anyone who enjoyed my cooking as much as- Wah!"
She tripped over a notch on the floor, the bowl and stew flying out of her hands. Quickly, the devil got up and caught the bowl in one free hand, scooping the stew out of the air in a fraction of a second and caught her with his other hand, looking down at her eyes. He stood her back up, as he told her, "You should really watch your step, Mestris... That was your name?"
"Yeah... How did you do that," she asked, baffled by what happened.
Alaistair took a spoon full of the broth and sipped it, before responding, "I'm not very sure. It must be from whatever I can't remember."
"Can't do that again... Any increase in power and I'm spotted by any who can sense ki."
She looked at him, stating, "I... see... Still, that was amazing!"
It became quiet between the two of them, in the awkward sense. Alaistair found it a tad amusing, watching and waiting for her to say something. To a degree, this was something about Alaistair that carried over from his days as one of the Kaioshin. He had a way to being able to snicker at certain situations like this. It was his way of breaking the ice. In this context, he was snickering at how careless this one had been... It was as if she had been putting on an act herself, but she wasn't as practiced as he was. When you're down in hell and you wanted to secure things, you had better develop ways to get it, and being able to act out a lie was one of them! He could tell that she was suspicious about him.
"So," he said, "Care to join me by the embers whilst we wait for... What was your friend's name? I'm still a bit flustered from before, waking up in the snow and all."
"Natalya."
"Natalya! Yes, that was it," he uttered. He was breaking his character a bit on purpose, to test something with this girl. He made his way over to the comfy chair, and waved for her to come over. She did so, as it was cold where they stood.
"My apologies for before. Hearing you fall down, I had to act up quickly," He responded, rubbing his head a bit, putting off he was remembering something.
"Are you remembering something?"
Alaistair lowered the bowl for a moment, putting his elbow on the armrest while putting his forehead into a freed hand. He shook his head, as he acted a bit more of this character of his, once more. He told her, "Yes... I think? I'm not sure. The rush is causing something, but I don't think it's a memory. I think it'd be better for us to talk instead. What I'm seeing is very strange"
Right now, Alaistair was playing a gambit. He wanted to see if this person truly was, very much, a thief of some sort with a charismatic personality, to boot. She asked him why it was so strange to see, to which he replied, "I think I was forced up there, like I had done something bad... I can't recall anything after that, other than meeting you two. So, I figure if we talk, I'll remember something. Right?"
"Sounds like it could work."
"Right. So... What're the two of you ladies doing up here in the mountains?"
"Well," Mestris explained, sitting on a couch next to Alaistair's seat, "She and I are on vacation from the city life... Things got hectic, which actually brought more work in and, well, that's pretty much it. We're partners. That's about it."
"Do tell. I'm listening," Alaistair told her, leaning in to hear her story.
"There's nothing really to tell you. Just that we're partners who got tired of their work and are on vacation. Nothing more than that."
"I gotta ask, what sort of jobs do you have that have you get more during chaos? Are you construction workers?"
"No."
He looked at her, putting the bowl in his lap as he asked, "Lawyers?"
"No."
"Security guards?"
"No," she irritably replied, huddling into a ball on the couch to keep warm.
"Well, you can allude to it. I'm feeling very perceptive on things, not just physically as we figured out before... Not to mention, if it's something bad, I'll probably forget after being hit on head after being blown off the mountain," He told her, trying to get her to spill the beans.
"Listen, I know you're curious and all, but right now, shouldn't you be trying to remember," Mestris asked, looking at him?
Alaistair, though, decided to keep going. He asked, "Are you... Criminals?"
"NO," she responded, looking away. Alaistair noted this quickly.
"Sounds like you're trying to deny it. Why is that," he asked. Her face became red and, before she could say anything, the door to the cabin flew open from Natalya and the wind. Natalya came in, a axe and logs in both hands. Her gaze was quickly fixed on to Mestris upon entering, having heard her getting angry.
"Everything alright in here," Natalya asked? Mestris took a deep breath in and released, before responding to her.
"We're fine... Just my temper getting out of hand, what with this man here not remembering. I'm gonna go out for a bit and cool off," she explained assertively. Natalya stepped out of the way of the door, letting her junior go out the cabin door.
Natalya placed the axe down by the door, and moved to put the logs down. She grabbed a rather large pocket knife and one of the logs, shaving it down with it. She looked at Alaistair, who continued eating away as he watched her. Natalya asked, "You alright?"
"Yes, yes... Just didn't expect that sort of response is all," Alaistair responded. Truth be told, he was actually looking for the response from Mestris. Her response told him a lot more information about the two than Mestris let on.
"Asked a few questions? She tends to be... Reclusive. I don't blame her... Her past is a bit rough," Natalya explained. She was trying to keep the information secretive.
"Well, from what I can tell from myself, I've had a bit of a rough past myself, on top of the fact I can't even recall anything else other than being blown of the mountain," Alaistair countered.
Natalya nodded in agreement, as she elaborated a bit more, "Her parents were killed when she was 14 years old. Came home from school one day and found them in the house, after a struggle. She had been scouring the streets for 2 years before I found her in a dumpster. I took her in after that and, three years later, it's a surprise that she's actually talkative."
"Hmm... So that is the reason she is that way. That can be a tad detrimental, but she is being trained by Natalya here, so perhaps not."
"I see... Perhaps I should apologize when she comes back. For now, do you mind if I ask what you are doing up here in the mountains in her stead? I just noticed that, well, you've got some interesting furniture and you don't seem to be very... Rough around the edges, I believe is what I'm looking for to describe you two," he asked, trying to find the right words to choose.
She stopped shaving, putting the downsized log at the side as she picked up the shavings and tossed them into the pit. She then put the log, as well as a few others above the shavings. As she did this, Natalya responded with a grunt, "Not at all a problem to ask. This is our little, 'getaway,' from the city. It was easy to carry because of these nifty little capsules that are sold from an old business called Capsule Corporation. Downsizes everything into practically weightless capsules that can be reformed with a push of a button and a toss of the capsule."
"Hmm... Good alibi. Much more controlled over her emotions, compared to the other girl. This is much more viable to work with..."
"Capsule Corporation? That sounds a bit familiar... Capsule Corp. Capsule Corp... OH! That! Yes yes, I know of them!"
Alaistair purposefully slipped a bit there, to test her grounds. He was growing tired of this act and he wanted to see how intuitive this person was, compared to her junior. Indeed, Natalya did notice this, to which she replied, "Oh! You remembered something! Excellent! Do you remember anything else? Maybe more about yourself?"
"Hmm... No, I don't seem to recall anything else. Sorry."
"Don't apologize! After all, you got blown off a mountain and, miraculously, hit your head. Speaking of which, do you mind if I have a look?"
Alaistair put down the bowl, putting his hands down on the armrests as he told her, "By all means. My head's been throbbing all over, but it seems to hurt the most on the right side, near the front."
"The rouse will be over shortly, if she is wise enough to understand what is happening here."
The woman stood up and made her way over to the back side of the chair. She got next to him and started to rub his head down. Feeling nothing, she moved her hands closer to the front, Alaistair grunting, as he told her, "Little more to the right... Gah! THERE!"
"Alright. I'm gonna move the hair out of the way so I can get a better look," she replied. As she did, Alaistair tightened his grip on both arm rests. She told him to relax as best he could as she looked. Natalya, obviously, would find nothing.
The devil asked her, "Is it bad? It's bad, isn't it?"
Natalya remained quiet for a moment, moving more of the black hair out of the way. She stopped after a bit, beginning to move back to her place by the fire. As she did, the sound of moving metal came about, restraining the devil in his seat. He jostled a bit, getting a feel for the restraints. Natalya replied, arrogantly, "Yes, my dear... It is quite bad. Mestris!"
Mestris came in, asking Natalya, "What is it?"
"Our guest here seems to have been playing us... Could you grab the gun from the kitchen, loaded up?"
"I... I see. I'll go get it."
As she did, Natalya looked at Alaistair, who simply sat there 'aghast.' He asked, "How long did you know?"
"Only until now..."
She paused, as Mestris came back with a loaded shotgun in hand. Natalya thanked her, pointing the gun at Alaistair's face. She asked, "Tell me. Who the hell are you? Are you a mercenary from the government?"
"Mercenary? No, no. You're mistaken..."
Alaistair's tail uncurled from his leg and quickly struck the gunwoman into the other, the two falling backwards into the wall. Alaistair then ripped out of his bonds, but remaining seated. He told her, "In more ways than one, really. A devil who dances with the prey in the moonlight is what some would say. Others, a Devil King in the making. You may call me Alaistair... And you've passed my test."
Natalya unleashed a few buckshots at Alaistair. With hands faster than lightning, he caught each individual piece headed for him and the chair, putting the shot into the bowl. The two, horrifically baffled, stared at the red devil sitting in the chair. He motioned for them to come to him, asking in a peaceful manner.
"I mean no harm, unless you intend to truly harm me. First, though, please have a seat. You're in the presence of the Protector, Vengeance itself. If any were to come here, or one of those warheads to approach for no reason, you would be safe to know you are in the safest place..."
He looked over at where the two were, who were making a break to the door. He sighed and sped over, keeping the door shut. He motioned to the chair, as he explained, "I speak the truth. Have a seat and listen to my proposition. No harm to your bodies, souls, and minds will be afflicted."
"Let us go, please," Mestris cried, tears gushing out of her eyes as she fell to her knees. Natalya took a swing with the butt of the gun, to which Alaistair grabbed and crushed immediately!
"Devil! What do you want with us?!"
"Brave... Good to know. My proposition is this: I wish for you two to serve me as-"
"No way are we going to be your concubines," Natalya proclaimed, her fists balled up.
"Thieves... Am I wrong to assume that," Alaistair asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?!"
"Everything. I intend to gather an army to rule over life... To protect it from itself!"
"Protect it?! How is making an army protecting it," Mestris shrieked, tearful rage beaming at Alaistair!
The devil responded, "You are opposing a being that is capable of bestowing power and knowledge since its creation that is only asking for your current services. Have a seat by the fire and I will explain... Please."
They dared not remove their gaze from the thing before them. Alaistair's despotical gaze, though, overpowered theirs. Natalya turned to help Mestris up from the ground, telling her that it was going to be alright. When they were seated and quiet, Alaistair moved away from the door and sat back in the chair that once had the restraints. He lifted and placed one foot on his knee, as he clasped his hands together. His gaze met their forms for a moment, before he sighed out a calmed breath to speak.
"I seek assistance to further my goal to protect the realm. To do this, I require assistance of all sorts of styles and forms... The moment I entered your home, I learned quite a bit about the two of you. The moment you asked if I were a mercenary, after seeing through my rouse, tells me that you are smart and, on top of that, confirmed to me that you are thieves, of a sort... Intelligence like yours is something I do not intend to squander."
"Then can't you let us go," Natalya asked, begrudgingly.
"No, I cannot. Even if you say nothing of it, the fact someone knows of my existence in this world puts my plans at risk. You two ladies intend to live life comfortably, and I am not opposed to this. In fact, if it means your life is maintained, I ask you do so! However, that would squander your talents as well. Which is where my proposition comes in: Become my servants, who will assist me in my goals, and I will ensure you that, not only you will get your wish for peace... I will also ensure you satisfy past grievances."
The crying Mestris rose her head up, her now red face and nearly shut eyes looking at Alaistair. She asked, "Past... Grievances? As- As in... Revenge?"
A smile had encroached on his face, one that welcomed the saddened girl. The devil replied, "Yes. This is correct."
"Mestris, no! He's a devil," Natalya beckoned, "He's just telling us all of this so he can just take our souls!"
"A demon is in it for souls," Alaistair retaliated, "And I am NO squabbling demon. Though I have the form of one, I am truly a protector of life, through and through. This form you see is the consequence of that..."
He leaned forward, looking at Mestris more than Natalya, "Take my offer... Your souls will NOT be damned to Hell or any sort. I am offering part of my own power so that I may give you the ability to become stronger, as well as give you a way to gain knowledge. What you do with your bestowed power is your own tool to use."
Alaistair looked between the two of them, Mestris having calmed a bit. She wiped away the snot and tears on her beat-red face. Natalya looked up in horror, as she asked, "Tell me you're not thinking about this?! Mestris!"
"I can get revenge though... You don't understand!"
"What he offers isn't peace, though! It's just a downward path that you WILL NOT be able to walk back up."
"That is certainly not true, Natalya," the devil replied, "Her decisions, what she does with that power I give her, is on her own end. If she hunts down her parents murderers and kill them, that is on her head. If she finds them, but finds the strength and courage to NOT kill them, once she's seen the shrivelled husks they were since then, that too, is on her head. When I bestow power, I can be the one to find them myself, you see, and she will see and know the feeling of revenge had. But... You are right."
Natalya's eyes widened, as she turned to Alaistair. She, as well as Mestris, stared in bafflement. His gaze, in reply, met theirs with assurance. Lowly hung eyelids reflected that emotion, that what he spoke was what he truly believed... In truth, this was actually what was true. Though he was now a devil, the part of him that once was a god of life, a kaioshin, never left him. They have only, simply, been twisted in a manner that is barely recognizable.
"You're... Telling the truth?"
"I am. Not once, since you've seen past my ruse, have I lied to you. I may bestow my power to you, and you may view my mind and memories to be true. This is the," he replied, moving his pointer and middle fingers on both hands like quotes, "'downside' of the power I bestow. As I can see your thoughts, you may see my thoughts. I am an honest entity. Should I lie, it is a test of character and intelligence."
The two looked at each other, before looking back at him. A smile formed on their lips, as did on his too.
"Wait... Wait, we need to think about this."
"Of course... Ah, do grab some food for yourselves. The stew was actually delicious... Ah, one more thing: I can feel out your presences, especially now that I've had plenty of time to discern them from the wildlife and people around this planet. Running will not help you."
"... Alright then... And thank you for the compliment," Mestris replied, her smile brightening a bit from the comment. The two of them made their way into the kitchen, the sound of dishes shifting about as they got their bowls. Natalya had a sample bite while serving herself, being amazed at the stew this time about. Alaistair could feel it slightly getting on Mestris' nerves, but she thanks her for the compliment.
The two of them came back to the room, a second bowl in Mestris' hand. She handed it to Alaistair, to which the devil graciously took. They sat down, and for the next five minutes, they ate the stew in tranquil quiet. His gaze did not shift from them, though. He wished to know, and the more time he spent waiting for them to make a decision, the longer it took to move from this area. However, he was patient. He did take several thousands of years to make his break from the flaming pit, after all.
Upon finishing, Natalya spoke, sounding uncertain, "We've come to a decision and... We agree to the deal."
Alaistair, who had been indulging more in the stew the two of them, questioned, "Her, I can tell, agrees fully with this... But you're uncertain. So, I must ask, are you sure you wish to take the deal?"
"Well, I'd prefer to not make this deal... But are you giving me an option?"
"Taking the deal would mean you're a loose end I can't afford to have. It means you're in the way of progressing this plan."
She remained quiet for the next 30 seconds, thinking about her decision. Mestris and Alaistair remained quiet for the time, save for the clanking of Alaistair's spoon upon finishing the third bowl of stew. Natalya nodded, as she replied, "Yes... Yes, I'm certain."
"Very good," Alaistair exclaimed, "Come away from the fire, so that I may bestow the power to thee! I will need you to kneel, as a knight or servant to his/her King."
The three moved away, Alaistair moving in front of the door with his back to it. The two kneeled, peering up at him as he drew his sword and put it in front of himself and them. Alaistair closed his eyes, as he asked, "Do you two, Mestris and Natalya, swear fealty to me, until death do us part or I recall my bestowed power for any reason given? Do you understand, upon swearing of fealty and the mark being made upon your being..."
As he did this, an oddly shaped A formed upon his forehead, his eyes flared open, glowing golden, "that no secrets will be hidden from myself or any servant I bestow my power to?"
"Wait, others can be inside our heads at any given point," Natalya asked the devil?
"Correct. Do you agree to these terms?"
Natalya nodded in agreement, while Mestris told him, "Yes. I agree."
"Then, with these marks...!"
He dropped the sword, the tip falling to the ground as he brought his hands to their foreheads! The mark upon his head faded, to reform on both of their heads!
"You shall become shining examples of the power that comes with fealty to my rule! Now rise, my servants!"
A gust of wind picked up outside, as the the marks seared into their heads, leaving behind a black letter A on their heads. He removed his hands, his already diminished power even more so upon the mark being placed. He huffed out breaths of air, as he picked up his scimitar and sheathed it. The memories of both individuals flowed into his head for but a moment... Something was amiss this time around. They did not rise up from the ground. Their eyes became glossed over, and skin discolored!
"Oh no...! NO! Wake, my servants! WAKE!"
Their energies had dissipated, half of what he bestowed to each returning to him. He shook them, trying to wake them up from their deathly sleep! However, it did not work... All that happened was the mark being seared into their heads, and a haunting smile shown on their faces. That terrifying smile, that to this day, haunted Alaistair's dreams!
"No... NOT YOU! BE GONE, MONSTER!"
The devil quickly drew his blade, beheading the two corpses immediately, backing away and into the door. He looked at the rolling heads, and to his horror, he found the smile gone. The madness that plagued his mind had made him believe that demon had been reborn, through him! Alaistair bursted the door open, speeding out of the cabin in a staggered manner. He collapsed in the snow, cursing himself at what he had just done... Cursing that demon of his past!
"I must... I must move on..! I am so sorry, but I cannot stay. I must go protect the universe of life from itself... I'm sorry!"
He quickly charged and shot a ki blast into the cabin at the bodies, incinerating them as the cabin lit aflame. He stood and quickly made his leave of the area... He would not forget their memories, what came of them, as well as that emotion that came with them. The revenge Mestris sought became part of his own. Revenge he planned to exact for her sake, though she was now with her parents now. Thus, the Corrupt Protector walked upon this realm of life... A terror to behold.
(Hey guys, thanks for