True Form (Reboot)

[Twizinator]

Zelena sighed; has Dystopics always been like this? Unfortunately she knew the answer was yes. She knelt down next to his head. "You, sir, have had entirely too much drink. That, and you are causing quite a scene." She wondered to herself just what had caused Dystopics to appear in the public eye. Had he simply gotten bored? Perhaps, but she had a feeling that the wheels of fate had begun spinning anew...


---------


The carriage was now disappearing into the distance, the driver eager to get himself and his hellhounds as far away from the Wastelands as possible. It was getting dark, and Makos and Mi'Kiri still had the entire Wastelands to traverse, treacherous land of sand and stone. Barely dust remained in these forsaken dunes. In the distance, a red-orange star glowed just above the horizon. No, this was not a star; it was the fiery peak of the volcano.


---------


Urutel dismissed a particularly boring document with a flick of his wrist, sending it into a pocket dimension with a plume of flame as goodbye. The day was drawing to a close, and he wondered if his benefactors had managed to get themselves killed by whatever haunted that volcano in the Wastelands yet. He knew better than to expect them to stay away, especially Mi'Kiri. That's why he specifically mentioned it: out of all the demons he had at his command, those two had the best odds of actually surviving, and he was hoping they could enlighten him as to what exactly was causing the disappearances in that area.


--------


Izaya, meanwhile, was engrossed in his work. Word travelled fast, and the man named Dystopics was a subject of great interest to the Archangel. He was poring over historical documents that he had...acquired...from demons here and there, these being particular details of the ancient being's creation. His nigh-immortality, and the cause of it, was something Izaya wished to study in great detail.

 

[Cyrionessa]

Mi'Kiri saw the orange glow in the distance and saw the darkness gathering about them. The entirety of the Wastelands to cover in one night? Easily doable if there weren't any distractions. Were there any distractions? She smiled happily as she looked at the volcano.


"I think we've got a volcano to investigate, dear Executioner."


----


Astrild's body shook slightly; a shark? Was she going to be underwater? But she avoided water at all costs because she just couldn't fight even half as well underwater. She tried to shake off the feeling as they continued walking. The thing about her visions were that they honestly were not clear at all. The shark could be an actual shark or it's representative of another being. Who knew? She'd figure it out eventually.


"...what in all the realms, is that?" Astrild shielded her eyes slightly from the sun as she saw Dystopics.

 

[MrKnucklebones]

Vulcan noticed Astrild tremble slightly. "I wonder what that was about?" Instead of asking her about it he merely shaded his own eyes peering ahead at the spectacle in front of them. "I honestly have no idea whats going on" he answered " but that looks like the High Angel of Kindness standing there." Vulcan pointed to the woman standing in the middle of the lane. He started walking toward her wondering what was going on, her being here couldn't be a coincidence.

 

[MControl]

Using the water that was dispersed from the lounge chair, Dystopics carved out a space in the ground, sitting next to the newly crafted table. Popping the seal on the bottle, he set it down carefully on the table, and said, "Well, now that I- i mean, this person who knows a Demon named Dystopics, have some spare time on my hands, would you care for a drink?"

 

[Twizinator]

Zelena waved her hand in polite refusal. "I regret to say I must decline. As the acting head of our fair church, I must abstain from alcohol and the like. However," she glanced over at the approaching angel pair, "perhaps these two will join you?"


She offered Vulcan a smile. "Vulcan and Astrild, two very famous angels indeed. What brings you two to Vidicorum? Business, I assume?" She asked. She actually did know that Izaya had requested them specifically for a mission, but she did not know what that entailed.

 

[Ninja_Onions]

Makos took the helmet off his belt, breaking the clasp on the bottom to put it on, then refastening it, shrouding his face in angry black metal. "It is on the way, isn't it?" He chuckled slightly. "Hope you have something for the heat." He said, summoning his greataxe and slinging it over his shoulder and testing his wings to make sure the armor on them still bent and flexed.

 

[Cyrionessa]

"We're on a mission at the moment." Astrild's eyes narrowed in disdain at the sight of the demon. If there was one thing in this world that she hated.... "We should probably keep moving." She had no idea if Vulcan would continue on his way or stop to ogle at the debacle of a demon in front of them. Either way, she felt like duty called her to just keep walking. "Nice to see you, Archangel Zelena." She bowed her head in respect before turning to continue on her way.


----


"Heh. Heat doesn't bother me." Mi'Kiri's axe shivered slightly, as if it anticipated something. "What bothers me is that we're not already on our way to that volcano." She started marching off quickly, a crazy grin on her face. All she wanted to do at the moment was kill something and Ripper had already spilled the beans that there was something out here. Mi'Kiri could care less what it was, just that its blood ended spilled on the ground in front of her.

 

[MrKnucklebones]

"Come now Astrild don't be impolite" Vulcan said smiling. Vulcan gave the floating demon a wondering glance then payed him no more mind focusing on Zelena. He liked Zelena well enough to stop and chat, but more importantly he wanted to fish for information. " We happen to be on an errand for General Izaya." " He was quite cryptic as usual." Vulcan laughed lightly but it was forced, he met Zelena's gaze and tried to impart his suspicion.

 

[MControl]

Swiftly standing, Dystopics runs up to Astrild, keeping a constant stream of dialogue going. "Ah, but how could I have missed such a beautiful woman. Such an act is absolutely despicable, truly worthy of needing repentance." Keeping the compliments going, he placed a hand on her shoulder, gently guiding her forward. Pulling his powers over shadow forward, he manipulated them subtly, making an optical illusion. With his lead, and the optical illusion, he gently leads her around in a circle, ending up back at the table with Zelena. A slightly hypnotic rhythm underlying his words, Astrild was seated, with Dystopics pouring the Ice Wine into several glasses.

 

[Ninja_Onions]

Makos caught up and matched her stride as they headed towards the flaming mount in the distance. "Don't be too reckless in your approach though." Makos' words echoed in the metal of his helmet. "And you should be concerned with the temperatures that active volcanoes can get up to. Even with my inbred resistance to flames from being draconic, I'd rather prefer not to have my body melted through with lava any time soon." He said, checking to assure that his armor was fitted properly as he walked. "More importantly than the heat, is the fact that whatever is living in or around it has been causing everyone to go near it to disappear, which means it's senses are top notch at worst. We need a plan better than 'hit thing, thing falls down, leave'."

 

[Cyrionessa]

Astrild ground her teeth and her fists clenched with anger. The only reason that she was not trying to take this demon's head off for touching her was because Zelena was watching. She had never understood the Archangel's ability to look past the fact that demons were monstrosities, their appearance often echoing their monstrous nature.


----


"All right, Executioner." Mi'Kiri sighed impatiently. "You got a plan?" Indeed, her skin was already starting to glisten with sweat. It was quite warm over here and probably much worse at the volcano's summit. She'd never been very fond of armor; in fact, she couldn't re-call ever wearing anything except her favorite animal hides in battle. Armor had always seemed to just get in the way.

 

[Twizinator]

Zelena giggled airily at Dystopics' antics, knowing full well that Astrild was near her boiling point. "Well then, I wish you both luck and the favor of Elohim be with you both," she replied to Vulcan. "Do keep an eye on Astrild, would you?" she requested. "She will need your...temperance."

 

[MrKnucklebones]

Vulcan grunted " Might as well ask me to plug an active volcano at this point milady." Vulcan murmured to her. He sighed deeply, " come on Astrild" he looked at the strange demon who seemed to have momentarily enchanted her. "Sorry sir it would seem we have places to be." Vulcan pointedly ignored the bold demon's antics hoping Astrild wouldn't try and burn him into a crisp and create a scene. He started walking passing by Astrild, leaning down he whispered " remember the mission, don't do anything rash."

 

[MControl]

"Ooh, I do so love a good place! I have my own place you see, made it myself too, and while its all good and grand, its so much fun to go see others!" As he explained this to the Angels, he was excitedly gesticulating with his hands to emphasize just how good, grand, and fun things were. "So, where are we going? Are we going to see someone? Meet some thing?" An excited shout erupts from him, as he laughs, "Oh, I haven't met a good thing in years!."

 

[Ixidor92]

Sanz watched the scene before him with a keen interest. He was 90%certain the eccentric Man below was some a demon of some description. What would possibly happen was a thought he was yanked out of by a tugging on his overcoat. He looked down to Sha'ira, who had a pleading look in her eyes.


"Big brother . . . could we go and meet the archangel?"


Immediately a dozen factors found their way into Sanz's mind. Sha'ira was still young. Even if the angels in town tolerated his presence, a number of them made no effort to hide their disdain. Also, the archangel of kindness likely had many things to do, and interrupting her would not be a good idea. On the other hand, she was the archangel of KINDNESS. It was entirely likely she would forgive an intrusion for the curiosity of a young child. Furthermore, she had been speaking to that demon earlier hadn't she?


". . . all right."


Sanz spread his wings and floated towards the city, looking for the archangel


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[Ninja_Onions]

Makos thought for a second as they headed towards the volcano. "Vision is everything. Cover more ground, get more information, and even figure out any environmental hazards. I'll take to the sky and see if anything is out of the ordinary, while you move up on foot to see if there is anything, caverns or maybe hovels, that I won't be able to notice." He said, stretching his wings momentarily. "Sound good?"

 

[Cyrionessa]

"Demon." Astrild's voice was barely even at this point. Her armor was actually steaming slightly is the magical energies within her came to a boil with her furious demeanor. "This is a mission that is none of your concern and not for your eyes. If you attempt to intervene or accompany us on our mission...." She got up out of her chair and marched past Vulcan. "I will not hesitate to send you back to your home land in charred pieces." Astrild could care less about niceties when it came to demons and right now she'd had enough of this one.


----


"Sure." Mi'Kiri stretched her arms and got moving. "Just yell if you see anything." Night was falling, which was making the air become much more bearable. Her eyes squinted slightly as she surveyed the terrain. Well, the obvious direction was towards the volcano and Mi'Kiri was not one to be subtle. So, she started marching straight towards the volcano.


----


A pair of eyes stared at the movement below her. From her cave, she knew they could not see her. "....no....." She sat down and drew her knees up to her chest. "....go away...go away....go away...."

 

[Ninja_Onions]

Makos crouched down and leaped into the sky, unfurling his wing with a rancorous metal sound and taking flight. Hmm...Nothing out of the ordinary terrain wise. He thought as he approached the areas surrounding the volcano. Granted, when fire plumes are normal... He let the thought trail off as he began to get closer and subsequently orbit the area.

 

[MrKnucklebones]

Vulcan sighed deeply and nodded to the seemingly unflappable demon. He turned on his heel and marched after Astrild, his long strides easily letting him catch up to the shorter woman. He walked next to her in silence for a few moments before saying " maybe we'll find a good fight at the end of this errand. Or maybe we'll stop at a tavern and start a good brawl." Vulcan half grinned figuring his counterpart needed to blow off some steam. " Either way it should be amusing to watch you fight a few dozen fools."

 

[Twizinator]

Zelena watched the trio leave, a bit of a worried expression on her face. Fortunately for her, she felt the approach of a rather...distinct pair of siblings. "Ah, Sanz. Good to see you again," she greeted. She offered Sha'ira a gentle smile. "And who is the little one? A relation, I wonder?"


She coughed into her hand to return to seriousness - and return to her original train of thought. "I have a request of you, sir Sanz. You see that trio departing?" she pointed at Vulcan, Astrild, and Dystopics. "The tall man with the distinctive hat is actually a demon, and an ancient one at that. He is...odd, but respectable. Yet the young Dawnblaze cannot see him for who he is; she jumps to conclusions, and has it in her mind that all demons are horrid. You are proof that her mentality is archaic. Would you humor an old woman and join them in their journey, just for a spell? I want her to see living proof that demons and angels can coexist peacefully, and even happily. You shan't be gone long, I believe; from what I know, they are simply delivering a letter."

 

[Ixidor92]

Sha'ira was holding onto Sanz like he was an island in a storm . . . yet her eyes were filled with awe at the being before her. Sanz, on the other hand, had a look of confusion on his face


"You . . . want me to join them?"


It was a request that Sanz had not expected. More to the point, he had not expected a request from the archangel of kindness at all. It was not something he could, or should, turn down lightly. Also . . . if he could actually make an impact like that--


"I should be able to."


He knelt down and put a hand on Sha'ira's shoulder


"Though . . . I would like to introduce you beforehand. This is Sha'ira, my younger sister."

 

[Twizinator]

Zelena knelt down in front of the young girl. "A pleasure to meet you, Sha'ira. I am Zelena, the Archangel of Kindness." She rose to her feet as she continued, "Will she be accompanying you? From what I understand, they are destined for Fort Apolan, quite a distance for one so young as her. If you wish to return her home, I can accompany her, or you can escort her yourself. I doubt it would take you terribly long to catch up to that group, at the rate they're going," she said with a soft laugh.


--------------


In the Southeastern Wastelands, a creature stirred deep underground. Even from this great distance it could feel the movement of the two demons as they approached that treacherous volcano. Would they interfere with whatever lurked there? They certainly seemed intent on doing just that. The creature rose, its humanoid figure a gleaming white and covered with veins of bright green. It had orders to stay hidden unless it could gather information on the being in the volcano. Therefore, it was nearly time to mobilize.

 

[Cyrionessa]

Mi'Kiri thought she saw something shift inside of the darkness of a cave about fifty feet away. "....executioner!" She yelled upwards and motioned towards the cave. "....I'd say that we should check that out." Immediately, she began walking towards the cave and she suddenly sensed the pressure of an aura from the volcano.


----


The being backed into the darkness and her body shook, skin rippling like flames. Her skin hardened into the tough, heat resistant leathery hide of a dragon demon and she went deeper into the cave, nearing the core of the volcano. Few could dare to venture into this far into the heat.


----


Astrild looked behind her and saw the demon following her. "....get that thing off our tail please."

 

[Ixidor92]

Sanz shook his head and ruffled Sha'ira's hair a little


"No, she hasn't left the forest yet, nor do I think she should."


The halfling knelt down and put his hands on Sha'ira's shoulders.


"Sha'ira, big brother has to run an errand. Miss Zelena will make sure you stay safe. You remember how to get home right?"


Sha'ira nodded slowly, then hugged Sanz tightly


"Please come back quickly . . ."


Sanz gave a smile and put his hand on the back of her head


"I will, don't worry."


The halfling stood up and looked at Zelena


"If you could take her back home, it would be much appreciated."

 

[Ninja_Onions]

Makos circled back and landed next to Mi'Kiri, quickly moving to match her stride. "That cave goes in pretty deep judging by the glow coming out of it. You sure the heat won't get to you? I'd rather not have to fight something /and/ drag you out of there if need be." He finished, staying alert as they continued on.