Kyuubey
Yūgen
Arietta Forsyth - Demon Realm
Aria had excused herself from the gathering in the guildhall to collapse against one of the walls of the hallways. Her usual elegant and rather seductive way of moving now far from it, she seemed pained and exhausted. Whatever it was seemed to be tearing at her very soul like claws meant to shred and she knew then that Abaddon was in trouble. What was happening to him? Every inch of her body was screaming in a fire that dared to burn her very flesh off, and though it wasn't actually doing damage, the pain they shared through their bond was very real. The kitsune was strong though and her entire frame flipped over, palms now pressed against the wall that had previously acted as a support beam. All she knew was that she had to get to him, had to stand by him. " Let me in, I must get to him! " Her voice ricocheted throughout the entire building, the air itself changing from the magic poured into her words. Both fists banged repetitively, face strained as she demanded access to the deepest part of the shadow realm. After a short while nothing happened and she hung her head low, hair cascading like a waterfall around her frame, panting as each breath became straining to take.
" Please... he's my dearest friend... "
It came out a whisper but a violent shaking seemed to answer her plea followed by the solid foundation beneath her fingertips warping into pure darkness. The change was so sudden that Aria had no time to react, falling through and down the 'rabbit hole' that was a portal to the darkest of pits. Little did she know time was being reversed back in the world, a switch she would never be affected by due to being where she was now; The Shadow realm. Usually hidden, her appearance was forced to be known by the will of the keeper of this place and so her seven tails materialized into reality to sway about beautifully. They were long and soft, seeming to act of their own comforting accord to wrap around Aria's lithe body as she finally slammed into the ground. The first thing she realized was that there was no thump accompanying the fall, no sound, no feeling. It was eerie to say the least. Those prismatic yellow eyes shone through in the dark, pupils contracting to appear fox-like as she came to a stand. She knew very well that here her power was on a very small scale compared to the forces that she could be up against. There were whispers all around her, passing on the knowledge of her arrival. Eyes peered out, red like blood, to watch every step that she dare take. But Aria stood tall, chin held high, eyes sternly narrowed. I will not be swayed by the creatures of the dark. Let them whisper, let them try to play tricks on my mind.
The realm itself seemed to ripple then, causing Aria's hues to flicker down a pathway that seemed to light up as if being caressed by the kiss of lightning. She started trekking down the path, determined to find Abaddon, and knowing by the familiar tug within her mind that she didn't have much farther to go. The small trail finally broke off into a huge cavern, massive even, so wide that she didn't even know if her eyes could take in the scale of it in entirety. Movement broke her away from the trance of awe that had gripped her, gaze pulled towards combat taking place far from her, but the flickering was enough to act as a signal. " Abby... " His name was hushed under her breath. Aria knelt upon a knee, peering down at her hands as she rose them before her, fingers spreading to examine them. They changed in form, nails growing beast-like, and the slender beautiful hands she once stared at were now those of a monster. Her feet went through the same transition and she dropped down onto all fours, teeth gritting as they too became barbarbic. Each tail spanned out proudly, coiling about in a way that resembled live snakes, until she took off at a speed untraceable by the human eye. The distance was quickly closed, tails fluttering behind her, hands clutching at the cold rocks beneath them and using the momentary grip to propel herself further.
As the kitsune approached the ongoing battle she noticed two things. One, Abaddon was extremely wounded and though it showed visually upon his demonic form, his movements did not give away any pain that he may be enduring. And secondly, whomever he was fighting was a grotesque being, one that seemed to ooze black and breathe ice itself. It almost looked like a dragon of sorts, but those were gone weren't they? Aria had not seen one alive in quite some time. This being was different though in its own way, unique, something that would be seen from Zeref's book of creations itself. What was it doing here? What did it want with Abaddon, the King of the Shadow realm? The creature had reared up, letting out a blood curdling scream... A scream that sent shivers down her entire body, pooled dread into her very mind, and for the first time in centuries... Aria felt true fear taking hold of her heart. She clutched at her head, estranged fingers trying to block out the sound from entering her ears, eyelids squeezed tightly shut. What is this? ... Why can't I move...? Her entire strained to move, to do anything, but she felt helpless. Was it the fear rendering her useless? The next thing was probably the most reckless thing the woman could have done, clouded by emotion and the desire to protect the only person whom hadn't left her side through the years. There the dragon-like creature was, a vile serpent that began to intake too much air, its chest blowing up in size as it prepared an attack. An attack that Aria knew her dearest friend wouldn't be able to dodge for he seemed just as rooted in place as she was.
The memory came to her like a sign, a testament to what she needed to do. Over a thousand years ago, a white haired kitsune woman was more like a child in her times, lacking knowledge, having been stripped of her Hoshi no Tama and the power that came with it. Her ties to the gods of her people gone. Aria was naked; alone. Betrayed by another, succumbed to nothing, literally nothing. Physically she was whole, mentally.... Aria was shattered. " I've nothing left... " Fearless she stood atop the mountainside, eyes glued to the drop that seemed endless before her. " Forgive me, I've failed our people and failed myself. This is the only way. " The words fell heavily from her lips, the tears now streaming from the side of her closed eyes falling just as thickly. One step, two steps... and then there was nothing. Free-falling to her death, a smile somehow drifting across her face as she waited to meet the way out of the shame and pain that lingered over her. Any moment now, death will embrace me and I will no longer suffer. Warm arms enveloped her and Aria's smile grew. Oh who knew that it would feel so pleasant? A soft chuckle bounced from ear to ear causing her eyelids to shoot open, the first thing coming into focus was a man's face.
" What is this? " She muttered, eyes flashing about to soak in her surroundings. They were floating? " You're not welcome in my kingdom yet, we have much to do here. Plus you're too beautiful of a creature to become another victim. " Abaddon smirked and whilst it seemed sinister it was rather endearing. At first the kitsune was enraged, hands hitting the man in the chest over and over, trying to twist out of his grip. " WHO ARE YOU TO DENY ME DEATH? " She screamed, sadness dripping in with the despair until she finally went limp in his arms knowing his refusal to release her was adamant. " Arietta, you will never be alone again, I promise this to you. I'll save you from yourself always. " The smirk had disappeared from his face to be replaced with sincerity, the only time the demon would ever show an ounce of remorse for a soul.
" AND I'LL PROTECT YOU ALWAYS! " She screamed, body flashing forward as tears left a glistening trail behind her, a light emitting from her chest and covering her entire body. Her arms flew out, acting to shield him as the blast erupted from the creatures mouth. Those eyes remained steeled and fixated forward, unwavering in her desire to see him unharmed. The blast itself rippled everything, the ground shook and was torn apart where it was touched, tails and hair whip-lashing about and the ability to breathe being stolen. It was the purest of black magic and it hit her very soul, tainting it and planting a seed of darkness that quickly took root. Once pristine snow touched hair was now a liquid black flying about, tainted like the rest of her. The light began to burn brighter and before it consumed her, she turned to look over her shoulder, a smile being the last thing he saw as she faded out of view. The light and destruction from the blast took a few minutes to settle and an eerie silence remained stagnant in the air but as it begun to clear Abaddon was able to see his master crumpled upon the floor.
He changed out of his demon form, relinquishing most of his power to be sealed once again as he shot forward and pulled the body of his favourite person to him protectively. He couldn't cry, no, but he held her so close that his face buried itself into the scattered mess of hair across her chest. " It's my job to protect you, not the other way around... " His face contorted into confusion and agony. Another roar from the beast before them made his head snap up, eyes locking onto it. The arms around Aria tightened and a 'tch' noise left his lips. The cavern began to collapse, walling them off from his opponent completely. Its shrieks could be heard as rubble began to bury it. Abaddon stood, Aria's arms dangling lifelessly as he carried them both out of harms way and into a part of the underworld that only he had access to... or so he would soon find out wasn't exclusive to him.
His energy and strength was quickly draining and once they were safe, he fluidly fell to his knees whilst keeping his hold on her. The demon had nothing left and his hands shook, eyes refusing to leave her oddly serene face despite all the damage done to it. A portal appeared before them and a being much like Aria stepped through. Their eyes locked immediately and Abaddon felt a pang of distasteful hatred burning like acid in his mouth. They were enemies, it was apparent in the very air. The demon's eyes only ripped away from Kotarou's as he pried Aria out of his arms, gaze falling to stare at his now empty arms and trembling hands. " I.... I didn't.... " Abaddon speechless for the first time, his usual calm and nonchalant persona nonexistent. " Someone challenged me for my title and I was losing... badly... that last attack would have killed me. S-She got in the way... she shielded me. I couldn't move, I was stupid and careless. This wasn't supposed to happen. " He went on and on, head shaking in refusal to believe what was happening before him, denying the events that flashed within his mind.
That smile... her smile in that last moment. It haunted him. " Please... " Abby scooted forward, hands outstretched in a manner of surrender. " Please save my master. " Tears welled up in his eyes, cheeks lifting upwards to add to the pained expression on his face from trying not to let them spill. But it was too much to bear, the shame and grief worn on his face like an obvious mask coated in tears. He meant that much to her though, they were more than just a contracted spirit and master. They had been through so much together and he found comfort in her existence. It was an existence that wasn't allowed to be snuffed out and he would be damned if it was because he had failed in protecting her like he was supposed to. Even if this being whom stood before him could eradicate him in an instant, he wouldn't have fought it. He certainly felt like he deserved it after the state Aria ended up in. The darkness that lay like a plagued virus that continued to spread within her was enough to make him hate himself. Even if she harnessed dark magic, Aria was a being of light too, something pure and good in the world and didn't deserve to be tainted so.
Those slender fingers twitched as the voices started as whispers and eventually sounded closer and closer. A small tilt of the head allowed her face to subconsciously fall against the hand that was brushing her now matte black hair to the side. The warmth emitting from it caused a soft sigh of contentment to tumble past her lips despite the train wreck of a condition her body laid in. " Ryu? " The name carelessly was spoken, the ramblings of a dreaming woman as she nestled further against Kotarou in her un-awakened state, completely unaware of his presence.
" Av-o'sto (wake up), Arietta. "
The words drifted into the dreaming world that her mind had created to gently pull her back to reality. It wasn't a reality she was ready to face though and that much was evident from the quick change of tranquility to distress her expression held. A series of pained moans bubbled forth, every small movement causing her to wince and want to curl up. It was horrid. Never had she experienced such a fatal blow to her entire body and even to her very soul. Her eyelids remained squeezed shut as she tried to deal with waking up to the full blown torment of every ache. Eventually it started to diminish, enough for her eyes to flicker open, yellow hues struggling to see and focus on anything. At first there was just a curtain of white, slowly followed by canary lights shining through that were meant to be his eyes. Eyes so much like mine... Aria inhaled sharply, holding her breath as the face above her began to become clear. That breath was exhaled almost too quickly and a cough racked her entire body, causing her to whimper in pain. " Am I in heaven?.. " She inquired, staring up with wide shaking hues at the spitting celestial version of the older brother she remembered as a child.
He suddenly began to blur out as her eyes began to fill up with tears, tears she were unaware of forming but they quickly began to coat her cheeks. Still though, she maintained a pained and weak smile. " Even death aims to play the final trick on me... showing me my long lost brother. Oh how I wish you were real, my dearest Kotarou. " Aria did her best to speak, lips trembling as she mustered what strength she could to raise a hand to touch his beautifully angelic face just for a moment. Those eyes slipped once more to a close, life force slowly slipping away as her head reclined to the side, the light of her soul becoming a faint glow.
Aria had excused herself from the gathering in the guildhall to collapse against one of the walls of the hallways. Her usual elegant and rather seductive way of moving now far from it, she seemed pained and exhausted. Whatever it was seemed to be tearing at her very soul like claws meant to shred and she knew then that Abaddon was in trouble. What was happening to him? Every inch of her body was screaming in a fire that dared to burn her very flesh off, and though it wasn't actually doing damage, the pain they shared through their bond was very real. The kitsune was strong though and her entire frame flipped over, palms now pressed against the wall that had previously acted as a support beam. All she knew was that she had to get to him, had to stand by him. " Let me in, I must get to him! " Her voice ricocheted throughout the entire building, the air itself changing from the magic poured into her words. Both fists banged repetitively, face strained as she demanded access to the deepest part of the shadow realm. After a short while nothing happened and she hung her head low, hair cascading like a waterfall around her frame, panting as each breath became straining to take.
" Please... he's my dearest friend... "
It came out a whisper but a violent shaking seemed to answer her plea followed by the solid foundation beneath her fingertips warping into pure darkness. The change was so sudden that Aria had no time to react, falling through and down the 'rabbit hole' that was a portal to the darkest of pits. Little did she know time was being reversed back in the world, a switch she would never be affected by due to being where she was now; The Shadow realm. Usually hidden, her appearance was forced to be known by the will of the keeper of this place and so her seven tails materialized into reality to sway about beautifully. They were long and soft, seeming to act of their own comforting accord to wrap around Aria's lithe body as she finally slammed into the ground. The first thing she realized was that there was no thump accompanying the fall, no sound, no feeling. It was eerie to say the least. Those prismatic yellow eyes shone through in the dark, pupils contracting to appear fox-like as she came to a stand. She knew very well that here her power was on a very small scale compared to the forces that she could be up against. There were whispers all around her, passing on the knowledge of her arrival. Eyes peered out, red like blood, to watch every step that she dare take. But Aria stood tall, chin held high, eyes sternly narrowed. I will not be swayed by the creatures of the dark. Let them whisper, let them try to play tricks on my mind.
The realm itself seemed to ripple then, causing Aria's hues to flicker down a pathway that seemed to light up as if being caressed by the kiss of lightning. She started trekking down the path, determined to find Abaddon, and knowing by the familiar tug within her mind that she didn't have much farther to go. The small trail finally broke off into a huge cavern, massive even, so wide that she didn't even know if her eyes could take in the scale of it in entirety. Movement broke her away from the trance of awe that had gripped her, gaze pulled towards combat taking place far from her, but the flickering was enough to act as a signal. " Abby... " His name was hushed under her breath. Aria knelt upon a knee, peering down at her hands as she rose them before her, fingers spreading to examine them. They changed in form, nails growing beast-like, and the slender beautiful hands she once stared at were now those of a monster. Her feet went through the same transition and she dropped down onto all fours, teeth gritting as they too became barbarbic. Each tail spanned out proudly, coiling about in a way that resembled live snakes, until she took off at a speed untraceable by the human eye. The distance was quickly closed, tails fluttering behind her, hands clutching at the cold rocks beneath them and using the momentary grip to propel herself further.
As the kitsune approached the ongoing battle she noticed two things. One, Abaddon was extremely wounded and though it showed visually upon his demonic form, his movements did not give away any pain that he may be enduring. And secondly, whomever he was fighting was a grotesque being, one that seemed to ooze black and breathe ice itself. It almost looked like a dragon of sorts, but those were gone weren't they? Aria had not seen one alive in quite some time. This being was different though in its own way, unique, something that would be seen from Zeref's book of creations itself. What was it doing here? What did it want with Abaddon, the King of the Shadow realm? The creature had reared up, letting out a blood curdling scream... A scream that sent shivers down her entire body, pooled dread into her very mind, and for the first time in centuries... Aria felt true fear taking hold of her heart. She clutched at her head, estranged fingers trying to block out the sound from entering her ears, eyelids squeezed tightly shut. What is this? ... Why can't I move...? Her entire strained to move, to do anything, but she felt helpless. Was it the fear rendering her useless? The next thing was probably the most reckless thing the woman could have done, clouded by emotion and the desire to protect the only person whom hadn't left her side through the years. There the dragon-like creature was, a vile serpent that began to intake too much air, its chest blowing up in size as it prepared an attack. An attack that Aria knew her dearest friend wouldn't be able to dodge for he seemed just as rooted in place as she was.
The memory came to her like a sign, a testament to what she needed to do. Over a thousand years ago, a white haired kitsune woman was more like a child in her times, lacking knowledge, having been stripped of her Hoshi no Tama and the power that came with it. Her ties to the gods of her people gone. Aria was naked; alone. Betrayed by another, succumbed to nothing, literally nothing. Physically she was whole, mentally.... Aria was shattered. " I've nothing left... " Fearless she stood atop the mountainside, eyes glued to the drop that seemed endless before her. " Forgive me, I've failed our people and failed myself. This is the only way. " The words fell heavily from her lips, the tears now streaming from the side of her closed eyes falling just as thickly. One step, two steps... and then there was nothing. Free-falling to her death, a smile somehow drifting across her face as she waited to meet the way out of the shame and pain that lingered over her. Any moment now, death will embrace me and I will no longer suffer. Warm arms enveloped her and Aria's smile grew. Oh who knew that it would feel so pleasant? A soft chuckle bounced from ear to ear causing her eyelids to shoot open, the first thing coming into focus was a man's face.
" What is this? " She muttered, eyes flashing about to soak in her surroundings. They were floating? " You're not welcome in my kingdom yet, we have much to do here. Plus you're too beautiful of a creature to become another victim. " Abaddon smirked and whilst it seemed sinister it was rather endearing. At first the kitsune was enraged, hands hitting the man in the chest over and over, trying to twist out of his grip. " WHO ARE YOU TO DENY ME DEATH? " She screamed, sadness dripping in with the despair until she finally went limp in his arms knowing his refusal to release her was adamant. " Arietta, you will never be alone again, I promise this to you. I'll save you from yourself always. " The smirk had disappeared from his face to be replaced with sincerity, the only time the demon would ever show an ounce of remorse for a soul.
" AND I'LL PROTECT YOU ALWAYS! " She screamed, body flashing forward as tears left a glistening trail behind her, a light emitting from her chest and covering her entire body. Her arms flew out, acting to shield him as the blast erupted from the creatures mouth. Those eyes remained steeled and fixated forward, unwavering in her desire to see him unharmed. The blast itself rippled everything, the ground shook and was torn apart where it was touched, tails and hair whip-lashing about and the ability to breathe being stolen. It was the purest of black magic and it hit her very soul, tainting it and planting a seed of darkness that quickly took root. Once pristine snow touched hair was now a liquid black flying about, tainted like the rest of her. The light began to burn brighter and before it consumed her, she turned to look over her shoulder, a smile being the last thing he saw as she faded out of view. The light and destruction from the blast took a few minutes to settle and an eerie silence remained stagnant in the air but as it begun to clear Abaddon was able to see his master crumpled upon the floor.
He changed out of his demon form, relinquishing most of his power to be sealed once again as he shot forward and pulled the body of his favourite person to him protectively. He couldn't cry, no, but he held her so close that his face buried itself into the scattered mess of hair across her chest. " It's my job to protect you, not the other way around... " His face contorted into confusion and agony. Another roar from the beast before them made his head snap up, eyes locking onto it. The arms around Aria tightened and a 'tch' noise left his lips. The cavern began to collapse, walling them off from his opponent completely. Its shrieks could be heard as rubble began to bury it. Abaddon stood, Aria's arms dangling lifelessly as he carried them both out of harms way and into a part of the underworld that only he had access to... or so he would soon find out wasn't exclusive to him.
His energy and strength was quickly draining and once they were safe, he fluidly fell to his knees whilst keeping his hold on her. The demon had nothing left and his hands shook, eyes refusing to leave her oddly serene face despite all the damage done to it. A portal appeared before them and a being much like Aria stepped through. Their eyes locked immediately and Abaddon felt a pang of distasteful hatred burning like acid in his mouth. They were enemies, it was apparent in the very air. The demon's eyes only ripped away from Kotarou's as he pried Aria out of his arms, gaze falling to stare at his now empty arms and trembling hands. " I.... I didn't.... " Abaddon speechless for the first time, his usual calm and nonchalant persona nonexistent. " Someone challenged me for my title and I was losing... badly... that last attack would have killed me. S-She got in the way... she shielded me. I couldn't move, I was stupid and careless. This wasn't supposed to happen. " He went on and on, head shaking in refusal to believe what was happening before him, denying the events that flashed within his mind.
That smile... her smile in that last moment. It haunted him. " Please... " Abby scooted forward, hands outstretched in a manner of surrender. " Please save my master. " Tears welled up in his eyes, cheeks lifting upwards to add to the pained expression on his face from trying not to let them spill. But it was too much to bear, the shame and grief worn on his face like an obvious mask coated in tears. He meant that much to her though, they were more than just a contracted spirit and master. They had been through so much together and he found comfort in her existence. It was an existence that wasn't allowed to be snuffed out and he would be damned if it was because he had failed in protecting her like he was supposed to. Even if this being whom stood before him could eradicate him in an instant, he wouldn't have fought it. He certainly felt like he deserved it after the state Aria ended up in. The darkness that lay like a plagued virus that continued to spread within her was enough to make him hate himself. Even if she harnessed dark magic, Aria was a being of light too, something pure and good in the world and didn't deserve to be tainted so.
Those slender fingers twitched as the voices started as whispers and eventually sounded closer and closer. A small tilt of the head allowed her face to subconsciously fall against the hand that was brushing her now matte black hair to the side. The warmth emitting from it caused a soft sigh of contentment to tumble past her lips despite the train wreck of a condition her body laid in. " Ryu? " The name carelessly was spoken, the ramblings of a dreaming woman as she nestled further against Kotarou in her un-awakened state, completely unaware of his presence.
" Av-o'sto (wake up), Arietta. "
The words drifted into the dreaming world that her mind had created to gently pull her back to reality. It wasn't a reality she was ready to face though and that much was evident from the quick change of tranquility to distress her expression held. A series of pained moans bubbled forth, every small movement causing her to wince and want to curl up. It was horrid. Never had she experienced such a fatal blow to her entire body and even to her very soul. Her eyelids remained squeezed shut as she tried to deal with waking up to the full blown torment of every ache. Eventually it started to diminish, enough for her eyes to flicker open, yellow hues struggling to see and focus on anything. At first there was just a curtain of white, slowly followed by canary lights shining through that were meant to be his eyes. Eyes so much like mine... Aria inhaled sharply, holding her breath as the face above her began to become clear. That breath was exhaled almost too quickly and a cough racked her entire body, causing her to whimper in pain. " Am I in heaven?.. " She inquired, staring up with wide shaking hues at the spitting celestial version of the older brother she remembered as a child.
He suddenly began to blur out as her eyes began to fill up with tears, tears she were unaware of forming but they quickly began to coat her cheeks. Still though, she maintained a pained and weak smile. " Even death aims to play the final trick on me... showing me my long lost brother. Oh how I wish you were real, my dearest Kotarou. " Aria did her best to speak, lips trembling as she mustered what strength she could to raise a hand to touch his beautifully angelic face just for a moment. Those eyes slipped once more to a close, life force slowly slipping away as her head reclined to the side, the light of her soul becoming a faint glow.
LeSoraAmari
(And to all the rest of the Fairy Tail members)
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