The Journey To A Goddess

Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:53 am

CONTINUING FROM THIS THREAD:
https://www.platinumhearts.net/t12541-the-awakening-the-poet-who-can-t-write

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Artist: Hatsune Miku - Song: God Slaying Machine - Word Count: 1693

With white unending space
The end said it was meaningless to feel anything.

Yet, it was all until I met you.
You taught what no else knew.
Why was there such an incomplete existence?

Showing such sorrow
Had been the task I gave myself

You mourned just about everything
So I'll shake and break my arm of steel
To feel just you

Shattering my body
The possibility of not meeting anyone is born
I'm dreading being able to understand

But still, I’ll fight for you
Even if it is a god you desire
I'll shake and break the arm of steel

Even if it is a god you desire...
I'll shake and break the arm of steel...

Ah...

Fading out of that soft telepathic voice, The descent of a lifetime had became for the Vessel of The Gods and The Captain Commander of the Soul Society. They were embarking on a journey that would lead them to the Heart of The Demon God and for Iriko to finally get the answers from this woman who had so drastically altered his life -- for the better or worse. Travelling in a one way elevator straight into hades itself, a crimson sphere shattered through dimensions and skyrocketed its way into the bowels of the deepest most point of Hell: The 666th Layer.

VROOOOOOOM

Crashing through the Soul Society and the Dangai Realm, these changes in scenery were nothing but a blur for the two spirits who inhabited this convery into the Underworld. There would be nothing but a fading imagery of a world dawned within the moon light's glow as they left The Shinigami's native world. Being swallowed by darkness itself after that point in time, they travelled through the in between dimensions to get to their destination.

All the while, the bare body of Neoveta remained nestled and tucked into the arm of The Crow. Taking in hushed breathes, she closed her eyes and let herself feel ever so safe in his arms. The sensations of warmth that oozed from Khala's emotions soon bled into Neoveta's mind. This was due to the fact that from the possession still taking root in the childs embodiment, The Demonic Imp was still acting out her will and in sync with all of her mother's thoughts. And with the influence of the mind and body that they all shared with Iriko -- Neoveta would hope The Shinigamhad the capacity to understand.

There was no helping the few dozen shinigami she slayed and that was obviously ringing hard on her conscious; as shown by tears beginning to drip onto the male's pants leg. It was one thing for her to kill anyone who had been deemed her target, provoked the child or otherwise -- had it coming. But, it was another subject matter altogether to kill innocents who had done nothing wrong; much less having her own body hijacked to commit the crime. This was not how Neoveta wanted to meet the man whom she was growing quite the crush on. It left an unfavorable impression for their first meeting and made her further saddened that such a horrible outcome had befallen them both.

However -- there was still a sickening disgust of pleasure within her.

Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Letting out a quiet whine, she placed her right hand underneath her nether region and still felt the tenderness of her maidenhood being taken away. Face glowing a faint shade of red, it was quite the hard thing to process for the child. There was a sense of attachment to the male because she had given him something so -- precious -- as her first time. Even if it seemed to be against his will, a chilling sensation gushed down her spine as she remembered the feeling of his flesh inside hers and curled up further within his lap out of shame.

Yet, as deep-seated as those thoughts went, there wouldn't be much longer until they were forced to deal with the change on the horizon.

BANG

The world was reddened around them and an explosion of light devoured the orb of blood they were encased within. With an exploding burst of atmosphere, a feeling of death, liberty and immense power sank down on the sphere like a tightened grip around the neck. It was obvious, at this point, that they were in the jaws of hell itself. They had just passed the 0 Layer and received automatic clearance with the mark of The Demon Goddess radiating off the sphere like a funk that could be smelled for miles on end.

They were then treated to the many different sights of the Hells Layers as they started accelerating at a faster rate than before. Imagery of castles in the skies, skeletons on the grounds, rows of spirits roaming the lands and an ocean of blood were the first to be saw by the pair. In another burst, the duo then paid tribute to many passing cities. Some were forest-like, others were more industrial, few were in the sea and a few were seen within hells skies. Abolishing through layer after layer, things became more abstract. They passed their voids of darkness, realms that had nothing but eternal torture within them, dimensions of bliss that spawned on for eternity for its inhabits, the stars, the heavens and the cosmos itself all were blurring things.

It was almost too much for one to truly take in the scope of Hell's many layers. The structure and creation of this Hellverse was so expansive, branched off and complex that the normal human mind may very well implode on itself to map out how extensive it is. Luckily, they wouldn't have to worry about that thought for too long. In an explosion of bright light, they'd arrive -- within the road to The Castle of Causality. On this stone road that was filled with white clouds, the pair would be on the pathway towards reuniting with the woman who spawned this all -- Khala Asthavon.

Quivering in Iriko's lap, Neoveta could feel the pull and tug of her mother and father drawing closer as they sparled through hundreds of miles within a short amount of time. However, the effects of the 666th Realm were also drawing on her as well. Even Iriko may or may not be able to sense the tug this realm had as the essence of Death, The Demon God and the billions of spirits whom call this portion of Hell home rain down on them. If it weren't for the fact that The Shinigami was marked by Khala, he may even very well subbcome to demonic conversion or death from being within this satanic realm. So the thickness, weight and overall tense atmosphere of this dimension was like a nagging hand dragging ones face down into the mud. It was overwhelming, it was overreaching -- but it was home.

As the travel felt like nothing compared to hopping dimensions, they'd soon find themselves passing numerous rows of Shadow Fall Troops, Asthavon Family members and The Demon Gods own elite on this roadway to hell. Ascending further up this pathway, the sight of a colossal castle that could be mistaken for its own planet came into view. It was massive and would put any human or supernatural structure to shame almost. Clouds hung over it like a misty fog, vast chunks of earth hovered around the landmass like moons and force of Death itself surged down on them like piercing stab to the gut. Behind this planetoid castle was where Khala's afterlife was fabled to be had; but nothing apart from millions of golden chains and gold gates were seen behind this shining castle in the sky.

"There."

Neoveta moved her index finger at the highest most point in this structure. And in that moment, Iriko would know just where the woman he was looking for had been awaiting. At the tallest base of The Castle of Causality is where the body of Khala Asthavon would be awaiting him. So it is at this point that The Shinigami himself could even feel a "pulsation" that signified the release of Deveta and Khala's possession of the child as they arrived at the golden gates of The Castle of Causality.

GASP

That was the sound the demonic child made as she felt like she was breathing on her own once more. In that influence being released from her body, Neoveta felt her delayed perception of time beginning to ooze back into her mind. However, she knew it would take awhile for that to transition back to its original state. For the time being, she could at least enjoy having control of herself once more as she stepped out of the blood soaked sphere. Gazing around the sights around her, it was an intense sight to take in. Around the white clouds that surrounded them all were views of numerous worlds spanning from the Soul Society, Earth, Hueco Mundo, Sugiura Realm, The Kokuryuteshi's Realm, Demon World and dimensions far beyond that. In fact, there were even some that the two could fall right into if they were to jump off the ledge of this castle.

So it was clear they were in for quite the venture when embarking on this quest to meet with the Demon Goddess. However, it was a quest they had to endure. So Neoveta took a sigh and decided to make herself decent. There was no point in walking around "holy" terrority like this in the nude. Therefore, she waved her right hand and summoned a black sleevee dress that extended down to her ankles and nothing more. Once that was done, she then began speaking through her mind to Iriko:

"We'll need to fly the rest of the way. Are you fit enough to do so?" Glancing at Iriko's frail condition, Neoveta questioned that as an ominous aura soon rained down on them. It was as if a pack of wolves behind the shade of trees were overviewing them both. Taking a look towards the sky, she knew just WHAT it was -- but hoped it would not interfere in this journey. It felt

Something in the distance -- was watching them. But would it intervene?

Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:49 pm

Iriko Crow

The Dragon of the North, Seiryuu

Black sorrow, tears from eyes;
On that night, the end's goal dies.

What I teach is no secret;
But only taught once you've met…
Why wasn't there a complete existence?

Hiding such pain;
The task without gain…

This world is filled with fear;
With death;
With hate;
But for those who can hold other's near;
They're kept;
They wait…

Reforging the flesh;
Isolation to not mesh…
What couldn't I have that anyone else has?

You'll say those words;
You'll promise the stars…
Threaten to break the arm of steel…

But… my soul… will not… truly… yield.

Slowly, light began to return to the male's eyes, as his left arm reached up, feeling something light and soft sliding through his fingers as he pressed it against his face. However, a small amount of pain appeared from the left side of his face as he winced, retracting his hand and seeing the claws that had formed there, his eyes wide as he saw small drips of blood flowing down. ...Changed… The male thought solemnly to himself as he lifted up his torso, wincing and choking as he spat out something black and… slimy, like a corpse of a… snake…

But it fell out of the bubble, and seemed to almost fade into nothingness. This caused him to look outside… and his breath was immediately taken away. Within his mind, he tried to remember everything which he witnessed; but it was impossible. All the things he was seeing, all the things he was given the opportunity to view… for perhaps the very first time… the male was thankful of something that had happened in this circumstance…

However, a pressure on his lower body slowly gathered his attention as he saw that tucked in under the arm was… the girl. She felt… warm. That was the warmth he had felt upon coming into consciousness once more, and his eyes looked at the top of her head, closing for a moment.

The wave of unease he felt, however, caused her to look back over at her. His gaze softened as he realized the origin, the right eye looking at a vision of her crying as blood poured from those who tried to approach her. "Sh… it's alright… here…" The male muttered as he let the blood from his fingers drip onto her mouth, hoping that would help calm her down as the scratches on his forehead began to heal.

The male had been distracted from the sights around them by her tears; and then the blush that entered on her face. A small trace of red spread across the male's own face as he… stared at her caressing her own body. Oh, like it matters… you want to stare after that~ It was rather confusing, wasn't it? Plus, you have to pity the poor girl… The thoughts of the male echoed in his mind as he felt himself growing slightly… aroused, despite himself, with her bare form pressed up against his.. before gritting his teeth and beginning to lose himself for a moment in meditation

...I cost her… that… precious… thing…. …. Her soul mate, whoever you are… I'm sorry this had to happen… and to her… I'm so, so sorry you lost a treasure like that… The male thought silently to himself, before thinking what he could possibly do to help make up for her loss, his hand resting comfortingly on her head as suddenly their view exploded in light.

His skin twitched, before it felt like a mental scream roared through his mind, his eyes wincing as a sense of pain shot through his mind for a moment… before it went away, a strange glow appearing around his body. What… is this…? The male wondered to himself as the faint glow shone gently from his skin, as if a bubble of light had wrapped around his entire body, sheltering him from the direct effects of the plane.

Yet more varied landscapes washed by them as the male observed each of them, his sense of wonder strong as he contemplated each and every one of them, carefully trying to record his observations within his mind for possible later writing… until they became so numerous that even the Poet began to lose track, instead taking in the massive changes around their sphere.

He could feel her quivering on his lap as he felt an almost… sickening sensation. It was like there was a chain lodged into his chest, with just a bit of tautness to make itself noticeable, but unyielding. It felt like those awful black… things were surrounding his body, making the male nearly want to vomit for quite a long time as they continued to travel upwards.

The woman pointed, but the male's eyes were closed. Within his mind, he was experiencing this place for more than the view… and it left a sickening feeling within him.. He felt sick just thinking about it. "So this… is Hell…" The male's lips spoke the words, as she said the word, his eyes finally rising to look up to where she was. "...A place, by definition… separated totally from the God of all that is Good…?" He wondered aloud, before his eyes traced back over to the girl, looking worriedly at her for a moment.

Finally, she got off of his body. Slowly, he felt his muscles beginning to respond, his lower body having fallen asleep from her laying on him. Slowly, he finally managed to get on one knee, panting from the exertion as the blood coursed through his body, restoring his muscles, sinew, veins… And finally he stood up, his eyes wide as his extraordinarily long hair blew out behind him, a single tear forming on his right eye, a small piece of gold within it as it traced down his face, staring out at the realms.

"...To robe and disrobe simply with a thought… how… convenient…" The male panted as he finally began to stand up, his spine straightening at last as he listened to the words she spoke. "...Well… let's test that… shall we…? Would you… by chance, be able to produce… a blank volume, a text..?" He asked her, his left arm slowly moving as he cracked his fingers, his neck slowly rolling around, performing gentle stretches.

If she did produce one for him, he would hold it in his left hand, holding it out in front of himself and closing his eyes. "...This is for you, child." He told her, his eyes closed as he breathed gently in and out, before finally his lips moved, like wisps of wind as a blue light streamed from his left eye.

"Bubaru 5: For Two.. Eyes."

The male's lips muttered as the blue light hit the book, his hand extracting itself as it began to float up, his left hand held out to his side as the volume flipped through several dozens of pages, the male's mouth slightly open as a bubble appeared around the book, energy pouring from his eyes and flowing into the book as shining blue letters appeared on the pages…

Finally, his hand gripped the volume once more, the power leaving him as he let out a breath of steam, having felt the connection with his reiatsu once more as he held up the book, looking her in the eyes. "Something for you, and you alone… child… And it is your choice to keep it for yourself, or not. That is the treasure I give you… a poem that not even… she… can glean without your desire." The male muttered as he handed the volume to her, shining blue words inscribed plainly on the front.

Rivers of Bubbles

A collection of Iriko's most personal, favorite works, it held many discourses on philosophy… as well as poems on the beauty of the everyday… to the pain of one's soul being shred into twain. "Dear child…Some time... stop working... go play... " The very first poem, which the book opened with, was titled Song of Myself… but only Neveta's eyes were able to read it.. And only Neveta's soul could remember it. That was the Bubaru 5: a way of writing that left information in the subconscious, where instincts were held… and disallowed viewing by any other.

"...Let us go…" The male muttered to her as the strange golden light enamated slightly more around his body, his reiatsu coming under control as he began to ascend upwards, not saying a word more until they reached their destination, their feet stepping down as the male looked forwards.

It is clear… I am here…

Core Elements Devised by Aivee

Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:41 pm

[PLAY 'DAT TRACK IN THE YOUTUBE BAR WHILE READING THIS POST]

Artist: VocalBGM - Song: Sweets Time - Word Count: 1400

There was nothing but a wave of calmness that oozed into Neoveta as the effects of Iriko's blood seeped into her essence. It was like a soothing and cool embodiment of relief that brought comfort to her very troubled mind. A gentle smile was given to him in the form of a quick glance. For the time being, she felt rather content that he understood her circumstance. Much to the point of conveying these sensations into his mind through their link to Khala. In this ways, he'd understand her without needing words. In that pulsation of telepathic empathy, The Demon Child yearned for the male to come to terms with what occurred as well. It saddened her to an extent to see him cry, but she could not blame him for it given the situation they were in.

Nevertheless, the male seemed to be awestruck by the vast space that was hell. Who could blame him? Neoveta often felt the same way -- even with her comprehensive mind that was built like an encyclopedia. If they weren't on such an urgent meeting, this ethereal sensation may very well overwhelm her a well. So as they held each others hands through this maze of infinite wonder, Neoveta stayed close to Iriko and nudged herself to his right side.

"Yes...this is the 666th Layer Of Hell.Quite expansive, is it not?"

That was her simple and monotone voiced reply to his statement about this space. Patting his back with a soft tap, Neoveta wanted to bring him comfort in this realm and attempted to harmonize the calmness she received from his blood back into him. There was a sensation buzzing within her that if he was by her side -- she could weather the storms of the ends of heaven, hell and mother earth herself. These types of thoughts may have stemmed from the consciousness of Khala influencing her mind, but Neoveta didn't seem to care much as she shrugged those internal doubts off; focusing more on his question about this section of Hell.

"I...cannot answer that question. Good and evil are both subjective things and thus aren't notions I can convey to you. It can be inferred as the separation of sin and holiness, but that is as far as I'd like to go on interpretations."

With an image of Deveta and Khala flashing in Iriko's mind through Neoveta's telepathic commands, she was going to reference them for what the Asthavon Child had to say next within his mind:

"The only ones who can give you that answer are those who rule over this land itself."

After speaking those eerie words, a shiver went down the imp girl's backside. Imagining Deveta, the man who she presumed to be her father, sent chills all throughout her body. There was a looming sense of disconnect and mistrust about this figure because he was so distant and far away from her. Yet, even with these conflicting feelings, there was a begrudging love and respect for him because of what he was.

Alas, The Lone Asthavon was snapped back to reality as the demonic fledgling caught a glimpse of Iriko's golden tear. Blinking for a few moments, the child realized that Khala's influence was still very much active within him. So if her influence was in him -- Neoveta's own presence had to be inside the shinigami. So she was taken back to see his physical transformation coming along so well. Eyes widening for a moment, they soon eased off into a gentle smile and she was glad to see he was beginning to recover from those vicious wounds. Although The Crow and The Demon Goddess had a long recovery ahead of themselves, it felt delightful that he was at least able to stand on his own two feet once more.

"Ah, yes. The world of demon magic is a convenient and whimsical one. Here, let me clothe you as well."

Following the projection of those words, should Iriko allow it, the embracing of Neoveta's demonic energies would circle around him in a red glow. Once a few seconds passed, a pair of black robes were meant to try and clothe the male so he was made decent as well. What was special about this, however, was that Iriko could alter the garment to whatever he wished. By giving him psychic transference of her feelings, the demon child explained that this attire could be shaped to fit whatever outfit he desired by mentally envisioning what he desired to wear and her magic contorting to fit his whims.

"And you are correct in the fact that I can produce a blank sheet for you."

Eyes shimmering a bright red, Neoveta activated a summoning magic. Scanning through The Royal Asthavon Family manor, she was able to locate a spare sheet of paper for the male to write on and had it brought forth in his hands in a burst of white light. After that point, the demoness started blinking with wonder as she was puzzled on what the male was trying to do. Although, after he was finished with his task of writing down whatever it was he churning out, it became more apparent that he wanted to give her a gift.

To which -- she could only accept.

"I'll keep this wealth for myself. Thank you."

With a curserty given to him, Neoveta had the book levitate towards her and eventually -- absolved into her head. In this way, she would absorb the body and have its contents sent straight into her brain to be added into a collection of encyclopedic knowledge that lay within her mind. The Demon Girl was going to keep it close to her spirit and cherish it; making sure to constantly analyze and ingest its contents for his sake.

"Play....? That sounds nice....I think...maybe I will after this is over."

[CHANGE SONG HERE]

[youtube]pZbPm4r3nf0?version=2&loop=1&color1=0x000000&color2=0xa60205[/flash]

In that moment, Neoveta seemed to paused. Throughout most of her short life, she was always on some task or another; stuck within the helms of introspection or otherwise keeping herself busy. There were not many moments in her life where she really had -- fun. The only time The Asthavon Child remembered that sensation is when herself and Queen Inami had travelled the realms of Demon World and explored its vast lands together. It was food for thought, but they each knew that they had to keep moving if they were to make progress in this journey of theirs.

"Let us take flight then."

A red flare coming to life around Neoveta's body was the marking sign of her energy coming to the forefront. In a matter of moments after that, she too began taking to the skies with Iriko and together they'd travel this long distance -- to meet mother. Her heart was accelerating, face becoming more stern and fist curled into a ball as she anticipated this reunion. There were spurts of time where she even out maneuvered Iriko as this anxiety started to raise within her -- and come to a boil.

There was something coming in the distance -- something that made her -- horrified. Breathing becoming more swallow, the sense of dismay rained down on Neoveta and she soon found herself -- stalked.

No.

It couldn't be

Why now!? She should have paid more attention to her feelings instead of blocking this out!

That sinking feeling of being watched had -- grown closer and closer -- until -- HE appeared.

THIS WASN'T GOOD!

Stopping dead in her tracks, it was almost as if the life had been zapped away from out of Neoveta. A look of fear was seen in her eyes as the demoness turned as pale as a ghost. Before them, not a distance no further than a city block away, was the figure of a shadowy figure with glowing red eyes piercing them both down like a vulture stalking its prey.

DARKNESS -- had descended upon them and Neoveta was trembling with terror. Her father -- was here. And with his presence summoned -- the surroundings around them were consumed within shadows. What was once light had been turned black and the pulsation of smothering energy that oozed from his spirit sought to cripple them both right where they stood.

The two were now in the depths of the lions den -- and this beast looked none too happy.

[To be continued in next post]

Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:00 am

Artist: Arcturus - Song: Shipwrecked Frontier Pioneer - Word Count: 1172

...

Absurd.

This whole thing -- was absurd. Coming forth to save his Princess in the sky? Absurd. Attempting to take away his heart to inflict more change? Absurd. Trying to make her his mate? Absurd. No matter what scenario that ran through The Demon God's head, the reasons for The Shinigami -- and his miserable daughter -- coming forth into this realm were ridiculous. The male should be resting his coffin-bed, not out running amok within his home, HIS DOMAIN, with such freedom.

Yet -- even as he protested -- there was a force within his body holding back his hand from obliterating these two from his sight. Crippled like a knife to the spine, the paralysis of his anger was subdued by the profound metamorphosis of his heart. Even in her slumber, the likes of Khala Asthavon's influence seemed to be in motion. So contorted and out of place, The Almighty Deveta's head was in a daze. Did he love this male? Did he hate this male? These were two notions that danced around his head like a maddening toronado of mental anguish.

The connection in which he had with Khala was like the gravitational pull between the earth to the moon. As the moon leaves our sights, the heavens fill with raging monsoons and they wash over the lands with -- change. This crashing change within his heart and mind is a force he once believed to have dismantled, carved out of his shell and had all but forgotten until the events of Khala's holy war against the Soul Society.

It was on that daunting day that Deveta -- felt something -- within himself.

Could it have been fear? Doubt? Emotion? Warth? Admiration?

There were so many quandaries that this fabled God had, but his innermost self lacked any grand wisdom to bring forth an answer to quell these turmoils that plagued his mind and body. It baffled him the extent to how far this loathsome man reached into his other half. His powers -- were almost -- in total disarray -- and it did not invoke a single positive influence within him. The summoning of his primary body did not entirely go as planned as he felt the errors within himself compiling at a dangerous rate. If his hypothesis was correct -- than he was in the same sorry state as his miserable and weaker half.

It is why, in that outpouring of his aggressive force onto the world around them all, the murderous intent that festered within Neoveta was brought to the surface. If he couldn't crush the Soul Society due to that wretched woman and that despondent Shinigami -- then he'd make his mark wherever he could until his recovery was complete -- IF it was ever complete.

As unlike the physical wounds that can be mended with healing, the dietetic and mystic injuries that were dealt to the vessel of The Demon God were more long lasting and traumatic. The religious figure did not like having his identity put to question as he believed himself to be one of the few "True" Gods in this existence. So, there was a snarl that oozed out of the creatures mouth as he felt the pain of his spirit coming to fruition from Khala.

Eyes set. Vision Locked. Iriko was in his sights.

"Welcome, Shinigami, I've been expecting you. Isn't that right, my precious, precious refuse?"

Every word that echoed and etched itself into the world slithered into the landscape like daggers piercing the skin. Although his voice sounded so refined and carefree, there was malice masked behind it like a cloaked assassin itching to kill. But more than that, the veil of his true self was further hidden behind the thick darkness of the nights shadow engulfed around his body. Those crimson eyes of his were the only visible thing emitting from his six foot frame.

SHRIEK!

That was the only heart stopping sound Neoveta made as her internals felt as if they were set ablaze. Holding a lone, void finger; Deveta seemed none too pleased with her acting on Khala's will. So -- he choked the life out of her -- as discipline. From father to daughter. Figure turning paler by the second, one would think the child was almost dying as she gurgled for breath; veins appear all across her neck and body.

"How...unfortunate. My other half may have said something to you, but you're the ones who decided to go through with what that trash said after all. Did you not sense my displeasure in those empty heads of yours?"

Holding out his hand towards Iriko, the same type of influence from Khala's body that resided within him -- was meant to activate. So long as the two were tethered together -- he too had equal opportunity to have his fill of vengeance within the embodiment of The Crow. Although he would not kill him, the type of cosmic agony he was aiming to inflict on his mind -- was meant to make him wish he was dead.

Pulling away the seams of his body, the influence from The Heart of Demon God started to unravel and peel back the progression of recovery Iriko started to have. Akin to ripping off the plugs from life support, the steady flow of anguish was meant to shock his body back to its crippled state. Wounds were meant to reopen and flesh out his scarlet fluids like an unending rain. The whole of his body was intended to feel as if he were dipped into the very essence of the soul; emulating sensations of ones very body, mind and spirit being totally and completely -- annihilated. Down to the very last spec of particles, this sense of decimation was meant to cripple Iriko and break him for the time being; all in the pursuit of bringing him back to the fragile body he possessed while in the barracks of Squad Four.

"You shan't come close to my heart again without proper explanation. It is absurd for you to come into my terrority and expect such blasphemous wishes to come true. So you have but a minute to make this stance before I send you into the shadows of the netherworld."

The skies -- they grew almost pitch black. The space around them was becoming consumed by blobs of blackness. Blackness that mimicked the void, but not quite. It all but devoured Neoveta; making it seem as if the child had vanished; despite her still being right next to Iriko. Even in his crippled state, this Imperfect God did have the ammo to back up his words. So for his sake, for Khala's sake, the Demon God expected a sufficient answer for this -- absurdity.

If not -- then the absurd reality of infinite pain was all but in their future. You could count on the God of Demons to deliver such a sentiment into life.

Or in this case -- death and decay.

Sat Sep 06, 2014 12:08 am

Iriko Crow

The Dragon of the North, Seiryuu

A black cloth descended around the male's body as his eyes closed gently, taking in and releasing a deep breath as the fabric thinned, barely covering his body down to halfway as the sleeves slowly developed, , the fabric thinning as it became almost plastic-like in consistency, traces of white, black, and gold traced throughout it as the male watched her take the book, a small smile appearing on his lips for perhaps the first time in a very long time…

And then… there was darkness. All around the male's body, the scenery seemed to change. "…" The male was silent as he saw the being known as Deveta with his own eyes, his right eye suddenly flooding with pain as he forced it closed…. It was then that he got a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach, before his left arm reached out, slowly clamping against Neoveta's head as his lips opened slightly, the blue markings beginning to flow from his right eye once more as his left eye stared into the two crimson ones of Deveta.

And the pain that was supposed to flow into Neoveta… it flowed into him instead. The golden light that was around his body surrounded hers as well as the pain flowed through his body, the veins on his newly restored form showing as he took it all. "…" However, the veins popping out of his forehead were not from this pain as he saw the man extend the hand towards him as he began to laugh, a raucous laugh as he took his hand back from Neoveta, having absorbed all the intended pain through the bond as his left arm pressed against his head, his neck tilting back as he laughed, mockingly, sporadically, and raucously at the male known as the Demon God.

"WISH I WAS DEAD?!" He demanded, throwing his left arm out to the side as the blood began dripping from his arm… and gelled, his eyes looking at Deveta with cold displeasure. .. And then the slime began to harden, turning to frozen ice as all around his body, this ice collected. Around his feet, draconic talons appeared, holding the structure of his now largely liquefied body together. Around his arms, talons began growing out, as from the top of the male's head, two horns made o ice appeared as well, before his left eye flashed, his right eye slowly opening as his reiatsu poured outwards like a river, staring the male in the eyes. "I've been wishing every second of every day as intensely as the human imagination stretches that that goal could be completed, without even any DESIRE or HOPE of wanting to get out of it. TRY REDUCING ZERO FURTHER, YOU'LL FIND IT'S QUITE IMPOSSIBLE IN REALITY." The male made an exposé before his eyes locked on Deveta's, his lips moving once more as power began stirring around his body.

"Slaver, hypocrite, sadist, base, ignoble, discourteous, deplorable… YOUR CRIMES FAR OUTSTRIP MY OWN!" The male let out as the shining light form his body poured outwards, Neoveta's form being pushed behind the male as his hair began to slowly rise into the air from the pressure, the strange feeling of… power flowing through his body as he looked Deveta in the eyes, a new emotion inhabiting his pupils… that of rage. Pure, undiluted, rage.

"if any of those are false, YOU make a stance against them! But if it is a stance you want, a stance you shall get. But if you truly wish for me to go against the Logic of the Divine once more, prepare yourself for the possible after effects… Oh, another for the list: Coward. And let us not forget shameless, attacking a child for simply following her heart. OH WAIT, NO, IT WAS YOUR OWN HEART, WASN'T IT?!"

The words of the male had begun to flow as small sparks of electric shot from the ice surrounding his body, a small confident smile resting on his lips. After all, this was his area; this is what he lived for. He was a glass cannon; he couldn't take damage. Even now, his body was screaming at him again to stop, to slow down, to halt. But at the same time… There was that dream. That warmth. And while the male perhaps.. Did not seek that warmth… the fact o her being in that cold, allowing for such a thing to occur again… that was something that he could not allow, especially after forcing him into such a position with this.. Bond.

"Alright, fine. Here's my discourse. You barge into my home, VIOLATE MY ENTIRE BODY. You try to doom her to that same fate as she just made a step to move away from. YOU KNOW JUST AS WELL AS SHE DOES THAT YOU CAN'T STAND BEING ALONE. And finally? Because if I don't WHO WILL?!"

The male let out, before taking a step forwards, the gown on his body beginning to stretch and… warp as his right arm began to slowly grow, the talons breaking away as the male stared at the demon god. "Did you watch her? Did you try to prevent her? DID YOU TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY OAT ALL, A REQUIREMENT OF DIVINITY? To be divine, isn't that the same as being totally responsible for something? And yet, you let it go, just watched, and then WHINED LIKE A PATHETIC CHILD WHEN THINGS STOPPED GOING YOUR WAY! Do you really think that's how DIVINITY IS SUPPOSED TO BE?!"

The male's fierce words echoed as the right arm's muscles became better denied, blue markings appearing along its length as a strange amount of gold reiatsu began forming within the male's developing right arm. "And in that pathetic immaturity, you isolate her, AGAIN. A God cannot be lonely; without worshippers, they cannot exist; and yet, for one seeking her, you would turn them away, YOU WOULD DAMAGE THEM? If that isn't heresy, I don't know what is. If seeking out a lonely person so desperate they would save THIS PITIFUL SACK OF FLESH - if that is heresy, then yes, you should obliterate me right here."

The male's antithesis poured out as he continued to take another step forwards, his right arm suddenly breaking through the ice as the pipe which he used to blow his bubbles appeared there once more, before a bubble began to flow out of it. "Your own f#cking loneliness. I heard those words; I saw those sights. I can see the pain you inflict on others, simply because you feel you can. Who would look up to such a person? How can you stand existing? Do you have an empathetic ION IN YOUR BODY? DO YOU HAVE A SOUL?!" He demanded, before wincing as he felt his reiatsu seeming as if it were draining. ...Ah… it's because… we're protecting her… as well, aren't we…? The male thought to himself as his mind momentarily reflected back on Neoveta, even as his body stopped being able to move. However, his lips still moved, the pen still slashed against the paper known as Deveta's rage.

"...and last… because if I don't go up there, and do it with my own… two hands…

How the hell… Can I know…

That it is done, properly…?

I am a dead man;

You rule a kingdom of dead men.

I am a pariah;

Not a messiah.
But your fate is disordered;

And even if I am martyred;

My words will leave their mark…

How could I be more stark?"

The male let out, as the poem was recite not just to Deveta, but to every being on that bond that the male could feel pulling at his chest like a chain attached to his body, his teeth gritting as he gripped his right arm…. Before the flesh broke… and a skeletal version of the arm appeared, falling limply to his side as the male's body ell downwards once more, falling into the pool of melted ice… and he was rendered back to that pathetic state, even as he felt that pain beginning to slightly blur his vision. ...Ah… this is the pain that's supposed to cripple two sub-divine class beings, isn't it…? I'm such a freak of nature… it feels like numbness… going through my body… am I just numb to this level of mental anguish…? I'm that low of a being, hmm…? I guess that's why…

"That's why only someone as lowly, base, sadistic, ignoble, hypocritical, discourteous, deplorable, cowardly… shameless. I am victim of all of those faults. But I am a Man, and you suppose yourself a God? Can something… divine, truly act so base…? So… lowly…? If so… Perhaps it would be better… if the whole lot of us were erased. Because, Deveta, sick demon-god…

The way you act and talk… is not a bit different than how we struggle and feel."

Core Elements Devised by Aivee

Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:33 am

[PLAY 'DAT TRACK IN THE YOUTUBE BAR WHILE READING THIS POST]

Artist: Within Temptation - Song: Angels - Word Count: 1321

Terror.

That was all that Neoveta felt. Absolute and unfiltered terror. Terror for the well-being of her own body as The Demon Child felt the very life being sucked right out of her. Terror for the safety of Iriko's state of health as the danger of another battle loomed over their heads like an ominous guillotine. And terror -- for her father -- as the sickened state he and mother were in could only descend further into a bloody disarray. All of these forces colliding together in the lowest pits of hell spelled disaster. No good could come of it.

Yet -- as her soul became consumed by darkness - the dawn of light hit it and shattered the shades of night within her. Yes -- the gentle tap of The Lone Crow was what seemed to be the source of this sensation. The pain abolished, dulled and faded into the air like a passing wind. But like a sixth sense, the instincts of The Oni Girl knew that energy such as the one she was devoured by -- doesn't just poof into thin air. So this looming sense of dread came to fruition before The Asthavon as an unwanted omen. In front of her horrified eyes was the sight of the agony Iriko was going under -- just for her.

Reaching out for him with her right hand, The Demonic Maiden felt herself wanting to take that torture back. Eyes beginning to water over and form into cold tears, she didn't quite comprehend, on an emotional level, why he'd do such a thing for her when his own life was at stake. So the pained sounds of a hushed whimper were the only audible sounds to come out of her mouth as the child watched this incident spiral on in her helpless corner.

But -- she wasn't powerless.

The combination of having a heart, possessing a voice and withholding a will was what gave her this power. If the Shinigami before her was right about this fact, then it was damn well time for her to begin exercising this resolve. She -- didn't want this. So as her heart began racing, skin oozing with sweat and eyes filled with anxiety; the vessel of the gods clenched her fist, bit down on her lip and stood in between Iriko and Deveta to make her own stance in the midst of their metaphorical strife.

"Papa, I am gravely sorry for disobeying you. I mean no harm by it. He means no harm by it. We just...wanted to see mama. We don't want to hurt you...it doesn't have to be this way...."

Those words -- they were so very difficult to express and articulate. They came out brittled, hoarse and stinging to the gut for the child. As, for the first time in so long, this wasn't her mind talking, nor was it mere sensations being conveyed in the air. It was -- her actual voice. A thing she found so very tough to find and bring forth to the surface. It took the bulk of her innermost courage to summon those words, venture forth on these actions and stand against the wishes of those whom gave her life, power and purpose in this life.

Legs trembling and feeling like liquid, the shallow breathes that the child began to take as she held out her arms were tense. Time was moving so slow, but it was allowing her to process everything at her own pace. So this curse morphed into a blessing as The Demon Child coped as best one could do to deal this burden. Strifling her fears, walking this bold path and not looking back was the motto she chanted to herself. This was her choice to make her mark and not just be another mindless puppet. If they were truly family -- there was no way that they could deny her love for turning into her person. So no matter what path she chose -- The Asthavon would see for herself just the type of character her parents were -- and the type of man Iriko was.

"...I....I don't want to see either of you clash. It is...scary. It is...unnerving. Please....I can't bare to have to go against you or him, and I do not desire to watch in the corner as you all tear each other limb from limb." Eyes shaking and voice shattering, the child tried to hold back the flood that was her sobs. It hit her like a hole in the chest and the heaviness of this conflict was sinking in deep to her. But -- she still had to keep going. No matter how much it hurt, she didn't want to see them hurt either. This pain that they all felt -- needed to be cleansed. The cycle had to END somewhere and there was no better place than NOW.

"I cannot comprehend if you feel a thing in that heart of yours, nor can I say if you should listen to me. But still...I just...I just believe that if you are a God, if you are my father, will you not listen to my prayer? If not for me, can you not do it for mother?" Clasping her hands together as if she appealing to a true deity, the distressed youth rose them to her head and bowed her face down to hide the steady flow of tears that streamed down the childs tender skin.

"I pray...that you don't hurt mother anymore. I pray...that you don't hurt me anymore. I pray....that you don't Iriko anymore. To spread more pain in this world that is already mortifying...is terrible. Please...." Voice breaking down into fits of weeps for short burst of time, the demonic itchinling fought against this hole that grew rooted within her heart. Grabbing on to herself in the form of a hug, the grieving child kneeled down and then pressed her palms against her face; letting the sorrow howl out into the world for all to hear.

"...I pray that you don't use mothers gift and your beautiful blessing for such ugly things anymore!"

Wailing in total grief, this statement seemed to pierce the very heavens around them as cracks of light started to emerge in this deep shade of eternal night they were bathed in. A shimmering burst of scarlet light flared around the lone girl's body; projecting the warmth she felt from the love of her family and the admiration that the child held for Iriko. Spreading opening like the gates of hades, six crimson wings extended out of the hysterical Asthavon's backside in three pairs. Two across on each shoulders, mid back and lower spine. They represented the connection to the Gods and strengthened her prayer as her heart beat ran at infinity.

"I don't care....about what happened before this. I can't. I don't care...about revenge. I don't care....about divinity. I'm just afraid, alone and sad. I miss Mom, I miss you and I'm frightened of seeing this family end in bloodshed. I don't want to be...lonely all by myself...so please....don't hurt me and don't hurt yourself, father. I can't take this...."

What more could she say? What more could the desperate pleas of a shaken and terrified child DO? Even with her strength reaching the levels of a Demon Queen, what CHANCE did she even stand against these hardened embodiments of divine nature? She was just a messenger, but she was taking the role and risk of something much bigger than herself. And for something she desired -- above all else.

"...I just....want love."

That was it. In one forced whisper, that was it. That was all she wanted. All the child could do was concede from her metaphorical stand and await the wrath of an angry god -- or the embrace of a love she could only dream of.

[To be continued in next post]

Wed Sep 10, 2014 5:04 am

Artist: Arcturus - Song: Hibernation Sickness Complete - Word Count: 2460

...amusing.

That was the first word to come to mind with Iriko's reaction to him. There was no more anger, hostility or much of /anything/ to be felt from the creature. A strong sense of indifference was dominant within him, but more so his curiosity was beginning to get the better of him. What way to feel was a mystery to even himself at times as he felt -- relieved -- enough to establish his power -- if at least on a physical level. Mental pain was a loathing thing to inflict on some mortal creatures, so only a sigh of discontent exhaled from his shadowy lips.

"Wish you were dead? Don't be absurd. You are already dead as the spirits in this domain...or did you forget you are not a Death God?"

A dry chuckle escaped the mouth of Deveta as he gazed upon, for what was, Iriko's soul. There was nothing left of his earthly body, so why would he make such -- a redundant statement? All The Demon God saw himself doing was pulling at the strings of his spirit to see if it could buckle. But -- there wasn't much to doing that. Not anymore.

Blobs of darkness molded back to synthetic flesh and the frame of a pale skinned man became more apparent through the thick night of the shadows. Biting his lips out of anticipation, the sweet taste of the male's unrestrained anger was enough to make him content for now. If this is what his heart faced on that day -- this is what he needed to see. Consuming his sensations through their bond, Deveta would devour them into his own being and relish this knowledge for himself.

Ah -- who knew what was driving this attraction? Khala? His own curiosity? The void? This creature didn't even know who he himself was at this point, so it was hard to describe or envision where the line of thought was going. It was like an abstract line that split itself into many tiny pieces and scattered itself across the cosmos in a billion different directions. Neither was right, nor was one wrong; it was all -- the same.

"Human imagination? Do not kid yourself. You are a Death God."

Tilting his head to the side, the waves of fury that were once instilled within the males eyes subsided and an empty expression as a hollow as a black hole was all that was left in it. Akin to staring back to the abyss, the heaviness within the area intensified as the swallow feelings of The Demon God etched itself into the lands.

"Reducing Zero will only lead to the negative. If I were to break you down further, you'd be lesser than the spec of dirt across a peasant's boot. The existence that leads beyond the reduction of zero is...hell."

Inhaling and exhaling, the coldness of this man's mind started to chill the area. What was once hot, was now as frigid as the antarctic wind. The flares of life came to a standstill and the shadows of death were around them all. This was -- him? Or yet another fragmentation -- of The Demon God? So many arrows, so many lies, so much division; what was real and what wasn't was a hard line to judge for even The Almighty Himself.

"Slaver? I am free to do as I please to my other half. We are one in the same and no spirit but ours has room to say or dictate what we enforce on one another."

With those words uttered, imagery of Khala came to pass within Iriko's mind and the tethering of their minds became more apparent. Much like a leaf is influenced by the heavens, the attachment to Khala was much the same to Deveta. If her soul was fire? His forestland was set ablaze. If her skies were calm? Then his harvest was bountiful. If her heavens drowned the earth in rain? Than so to would he gain nourishment and thrive.

"Hypocrite? I am an Imperfect God, mistakes will occur, but will be rectified as time progresses until infinity is reached again. I am sure you aware of what definition of "Godhood" I stand upon from your encounter with my heart...I'm not fond of repeating myself, unfortunately."

Taking a soft sigh, the conflict of Khala's holy war against the Soul Society came crashing into their minds. There was more than enough meaning and memories exchanged on that thread to paint the picture for him. If he couldn't figure out what that meant, then he wouldn't waste time nor sentiments going over it again.

"Sadist? Perhaps to myself. I've not bothered another creature for tens of millions of years. You fail to comprehend the fact I was compelled beyond your notion of logic by Khala's influence on that day."

In another whirling flashes of the mind, imagery of Deveta observing the cosmos and beyond were played to convey that sentiment. In his point of view, there was indeed a very stiff wall and demeanor that came with his outward disposition. Yet, it was nothing but a farce. To him? He was nothing more than a curious individual who enjoyed watching the world play out before his eyes. After all, with him being so detached from it all, what else was there to do? He fought for no one and nowhere, so perhaps he was The God of Nothing. Another befitting title of the Imperfect God to attain.

"Base...and ignoble? Absurd yet again. Worth is subjective, you criten. In the eyes of some I am the most valuable thing to ever walk this existence, to others I am less than the dirt of the earth and need to be vanquished. All that matters is the perception I have of myself for I have no one but myself to hold accountable."

Recollections of The Demon God's Followers and those who oppose and loathe him soon came to pass. Ah, but it was all nothing but white noise, right? Being sealed so beneath the bottom of the universe, it truly did not matter whether or not he was worshipped or despised. They were all merely -- static. None of them -- mattered in the least -- in comparison to his own heart and thought. It was the only thing that held him throughout the reaches of the time, and the only constant thing that would cradle him into the murky depths of infinity.

"Discourteous and deplorable? Fair. I have no shame and my persona can be perceived as bad mannered and polite."

Done making his stances, The Lone Godling gazed into raging inferno that was Iriko's gaze. Why so much contempt? How did he possess so much will? Why does he feel -- so warm? These were some of the questions that the creature ran through his mind before letting out another exhausted sigh. The vessel that was his body felt so fatigued, yet errirely empowered by this strong pulse screeching within Iriko.

Maybe -- it is just Khala's influence -- or perhaps something more.

"Coward? A person who is scared or easily intimidated...me? That's...just ridiculous."

A cold blink was all Deveta could give to Iriko in that sentence. There was no universe where he was a coward -- for he had nothing to fear and no one to run from -- but perhaps himself. That is -- the only thing The Godling could muster up. He himself, the embodiment of what he was, that was the only thing that Deveta could be conceivably close to being intimidated by. Through all the lengths he went to separate himself, and the pain of his absolution, there were just no words to express that -- anguish -- and lack of wanting to go back to that despite wanting the wholeness of power that came with it. Power -- to perhaps -- rid himself of anything that could serve to hurt him again.

But perhaps -- that is more sentimental drivel from Khala oozing out once more.

"Attacking a child? Don't be so sensitive, Shinigami. That was but a spanking. I have no desire to kill either of you. If I did desire such a thing, I would have done it by now and you should understand this better than anyone else in the universe by now."

Those were, in fact, genuine, if one were to peer into his mind at this point. The reactions Deveta gauged from the two of them were enough to fill the hollow void within himself with curiosity. What was misconstrued for hostility was eagerness on the part of The Demon God. Eagerness to see how the two would respond, if the Shinigami would arisen his will once more and to see what he'd do in such a crippled state. The results satisfied The Demonic Brute to say the least.

"Although we are tethered, I did not care for a war against the Soul Society. That was the excess pain from my heart coming forth to swallow and consume the lands to rid it of anymore anguish and to bring my birth once again. I may very well apologize for such a thing, but the desires that were implanted within her made me react against my OWN will if you failed to comprehend that."

With those words said, the recollections of the intense desire that was felt in the wake of Iriko's lifeless body came back into his mind. A warmth fluttered in his chest when thinking of that, and it disgusted, yet amused him. Through how interconnected these souls were, Deveta wasn't too sure if these were his own feelings or not -- or if he truly hated them or not.

"Being alone....? Ah...that is natural."

There was no other response Deveta could give to that. The concept in itself was a notion he had long since accepted since his birth and decision back to being a semi-divine being. With Truth out of the picture, there was no other soul his essence would even seek to attach itself to. So it bothered him, to an extent, that his heart would do such a thing for Iriko; but even he was intrigued as to where it would lead to deep down.

"Watch her? I was always there, as she was always there for me. There is no use in preventing something that was merely for entertainment. I can take ownership of the events that occurred that day, but there is no inherent value in doing so regardless of whether or not I do so. I am one of the lone creators and founders in the universe, I can pick, choose and define what my existence will or won't do. If that is base, then so be it."

Eyes growing duller, the notion of being a God was drowning him further in this darkened gaze. In that moment, perhaps, he was sick of this role. THere was a heavy price on his existence and it felt like an anchor weighing him down into an abysmal hell worse than the tortures of the realm around them that was Hades. Everything felt weighted, worthless and lacking of meaning due to his failure to find meaning. So why did he care? Why did anyone care? In the end, being a deity -- was overrated.

"More to the point, one definition of divinity is that any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force can be considered divine. Is that not why you called a Death God, Crow? Is that now why my brother's Angels and those Iramasha are looked up to as holy figures? Is that not why some of my children give me eternal worship and praise? It may not fit YOUR definition, but it does fit others and that is something you cannot change no matter how enraged you are at the matter, Death God."

The tone of his voice increasingly had a dead and lifeless quality to it; as if the words he were saying lacked emotion and in them were only pure objective stances he observed from the world. There was no hostility, no tenderness and no sign of hesitation -- just pure objectivity.

"Ah...there she is now."

Muttering to himself, Deveta glanced at the golden glow of Iriko's arm and noticed Khala's influence more than coming to the surface within him. Sparks of golden light swirled around The Demon God himself for a brief instance. In that spurt of time, they attempted to attach themselves to Iriko's light -- before fading like a passing wind.

"No...I will not obliterate you. If all you are here to do is pay tribute, then so be it."

Closing his weary eyes, the shadows of the world around them dissipated and the light returned once more to the realm around them. Under Khala's influence, Iriko's flight would still be maintained to prevent him from falling to his very death -- given his grave injuries.

"The desolation within my heart was true for a time...until I separated all that me, erased it to nothing and left nothing but the divine shell you see before you. I have no ground when it comes to the pain I inflict on others...because it holds no meaning to me. If it weren't for the respite of my heart, the actions I took on that day would have been benign."

Turning back towards the two who treaded on his domain, a somber expression came into view across the lone demon's face as he stared upwards at the peak that was The Castle of Causality.

"I do indeed have a spirit. It is a spirit that is damaged and divided with divinity, but one none the less."

Opening his eyes once more, the prayers of Neoveta, the stance from Iriko and the yearning influence from Khala made him have a hardened sigh. When did he ask for any of this? What a loathsome position to be in. Glancing at the child that was his daughter, the appeal to the gods did not go on deaf ears. In fact, all of his sights were on her...

"...then just go. I'll indulge in your prayer, your desire to pay tribute to the gods and your desire for no more pain."

Taking a deep breath, Deveta started to hover to the side and turn his body back towards Iriko and Neoveta as he gave them a stare of indifference.

"I will bring forth your prayer to light, but it will end soon enough should my heart be corrupted or attacked. Tread carefully and I will watch you both while you are in the domain of Gods."

Ah -- was this the right thing? Who knows. It hurts too much to think anymore.

Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:27 pm

Iriko Crow

The Dragon of the North, Seiryuu

...Fear… and Empathy… The male's thoughts echoed within his mind as he looked at the young girl named Neoveta, sensing the distress and worry in her posture as his strange influence flowed over her body, attempting to protect it from the wrath of the one before them. He heard the girl's words, and he felt them slamming into his mind. She was trying to stop it, stop the conflict. ...I would say bless her if I wasn't afraid she would burst into flame.. The male's thoughts sympathetically rolled around in his head as she attempted to stop the two of them.

And then, as she spoke, the male realized it in his mind. He realized what the paradigm between the three of them was, and somewhere, somewhere deep within his heart, he felt almost… betrayed. ...Family. The male thought to himself… bitterly. Family. The one thing in his life that had caused him actual sadness, despair, pain...and here was more illicit familial relationships, as the male felt like puking as he remembered the actions of the mother and the daughter. ...What… what am I even supposed to think or know? My morals will be violated no matter what wishes are, won't they…? The male thought to himself, before feeling like an actual tear of anger would roll down his cheeks. And yet, family… that's the sin I'm guilty of as well, isn't it. Isn't it? The male mentally questioned the universe… but just as always, it remained silent, that cold silence the only thing that stared back at hm.

But the words she was using hit him as well. ...Prayer? Is that all how it works here? Can he defy prayers just like that? The male thought to himself as he abused the family. The family, he came to realize, that was filled with abuse. And then he heard her world outlook - This world that is already mortifying… is terrible. And in that instance, he felt like a black hole opened somewhere around where his stomach got closest to his heart. ...What have they done… to a child… to make them view the world...that way…? Those bastards…!male thought to himself as he grit his teeth even against the pain, more distraught over that than his very body decaying.

"...Sera...phim…?" The male muttered quietly to himself as the wings on her back opened wide, three sets of them appearing, the rate of her heart feeling like it was beating violently into his ears. ...Ow, ow, ow… The male thought to himself as he tried to listen over that racing beat, before he looked at her, and in that moment… he understood the empathy he held towards this child… ...She was in that place he was, right before he was rejected. And in that moment, something inside Iriko snapped as he just felt an overwhelming need to try to prevent that tragedy to happen again, and all of them, anyone attached to that bond, could feel that overwhelming, nearly sickening, binding need. His face turned to Deveta, the words leaving his lips before the demon god responded, their vocal discourse explosive as Deveta took a corporeal form.

"...In your reality, maybe I am. In mine, as long as I can still see through my eyes, stillf eel the beat of my heart… I am still alive, no matter how brokenly." And thus their discourse began, with Deveta challenging his ethos; his very claim of humanity.

"I could be a dragon… or a demon. Just as that is true, so is the humanity in my soul. Humanity dose not mean to have a mortal body. Humanity is found within the will, the ability to choose what is right and wrong instead of having it told to you by instincts or an outside force. Even you hold some humanity. Otherwise, why would you do something like want your heart back? Fear… is also to be Human." The male's words launched like rockets, his beliefs frontline and center.

"Did you forget the first thing about them? Negative numbers don't exist. You cannot move a negative distance, nor can you have a negative time. The only things which can become negative are abstract concepts such as debt a structured construct. Are you saying that our souls, our bodies are that orderly? Because that's a fallacy. " The male sure did like to talk, he realized, as he closed his mouth, finally, resolving to not do so much at once like that again in this discourse. "Even in hell, you still exist. You can't render existence lower than zero. "

As the male spoke those words, he felt his ice around his body expanding and encasing him as the area grew colder, sealing down to calm himself down. "You can be enslaved to more than just people. You can be a slave to concepts, too." The male began as he felt the images going past his mind, the unwelcome intrusion into his head an… annoyance. "Yes, hypocrite. Despite all that, do you truly have any drive to go upwards with your existence?" The male asked, before falling silent once more, listening to the argument made by the Demon God.

"The faultless people you made an unwilling one slay? What of damage by neglect…? Letting someone be chainsawed to death when you can save them so you can enjoy the sight is sadism without you needing to do a thing."

"You're right. It is subjective. But from where I'm standing from having to interact with your productions, that is reality for me." The male explained, before hearing the male's rebuttal about his cowardice. "Yes, a coward. One who lives only to keep living, doing nothing but clinging desperately to his own existence. What part o that requires bravery, what do you have to even fear? What could you have to fear? There must be something; but the proof that you are standing before me, doing nothing… proves your cowardice." The male explained, his lips opening and closing with each word, his eyes locked with his opponent of discourse, before one last expression left him on the matter.

"...Running from pain, from harm… that is the worst form of cowardice. I know it too well. I know how that feels. It makes you feel lower than being sent to hell ever could." The male related, as images back at the collected parties appeared, images of the male fighting desperately, an overshadow of the tragedy echoing all the while as his eyes gently closed.

"I'm sorry. I never had anyone to spank me. From where I'm standing, that just feels like abuse. And I'd know what it feels like. It's deteriorating my body right now. Ouch." The male stated, almost sarcastically, nearly devoid of emotion… but that only further empathized the point he was making. "...And that still doesn't mean you needed to do it. You could have admonished her without pain. I know that, as well." The male stated almost gently, before listening to Deveta's rationale on the Soul Society.

… He did not respond, as he honestly… did not know how to reply to that. He could come the closest, perhaps, of a pure mortal to feeling the emotions of the divine through this peculiar bond… but that was something even beyond the likes of him. "… and if she had not escaped the Bubaru 4…? If your existence had come under threat, for the sake of your 'entertainment'?" The male asked him in reply, before his eyebrow visibly twitched at being called a Crow. "Iriko Puzyri-Teimei." The male stated, outright interrupting Deveta. "My name is Iriko Puzyri-Teimei." The point left his lips as for the first time, raw hatred flowed from his body, able to be sensed by all of them. It was hatred, while the rest of the time it had been fury and disagreement… now it was hatred. Pure and utter, complete and without blemish. Total hatred at what Deveta had said at him.

And then he said those words, and Iriko forgot about the hatred, blown away like a lea in the wind. The male attempted to shift out of the way of the approaching sparks, still not entirely comfortable with this situation, before hearing the male say 'so be it'. ...it's not… tribute… The male thought stubbornly to himself, but he wasn't about to stress the point. And then, he became a floating torso, hanging there suspended in the air.

".. Then my last question...what is the point of such a shell? Does it even have a purpose in this existence?" The male asked finally, before wondering if in Deveta's tone he felt… regret? Or something nearly like that, before seeing him turn to look at them once more, and heard him confirm that he did indeed have a spirit. ...Having a bothersome position though… is better than having no position. Iriko thought over the mental link… as it was accompanied of images of himself, returning as a Captain, secretly and silently observing the object of affections from afar, feeling pain for being there but… knowing that his position was something he had to deal with. Now, that was gone… but the male did not know what would take its place.

"...If a mere slug… can damage your heart… I could see why you keep it locked up. And also… why it is just as sad." The male's final comments soared back at the male before he shook his head, trying to understand what was happening as he began being lifted up once more…

And ascended to the highest left, before his body finished, levitating off the floor in its nearly embryotic looking state, a bright light hitting his eyes as he attempted to get used to the feeling of such a new place…

Core Elements Devised by Aivee

Wed Oct 22, 2014 12:48 pm

[PLAY 'DAT TRACK IN THE YOUTUBE BAR WHILE READING THIS POST]

Artist: Mirai Nikki OST - Song: Track 03 - Word Count: 1111

There was a sense of relief that coursed through the pathways of the fragile girls body as the two men seemed to come to a standstill with their argument. It seemed, that through some miracle, this satanic god was able to listen to her prayers and cease this path of further bloodshed. Still, her body was tense. Legs shaking, eyes red with sorrow and body stuck in fight or flight mode; The Demoness needed to breathe in stability and breathe out her instabilities like an exhaling of negative emotion into the air around them.

In this moment, she was serene and filled with such happiness that there was no need for such hostile and violent energies from her anymore. Thus, in a swift motion, the numerous sets of wings behind Neoveta vanished and retracted further inwards. The reddened aura that once consumed the girl had dissipated in the same instance and she turned around to face Iriko with a tired, but relieved smile across her face.

Vanishing in and out of existence, her shadow movement was fast and quick to the point where, in a blink of an eye, she was wrapped around Iriko's waistline. In the embrace of a hug, she looked at him and shook her head at the telepathic feeling she sensed from the male. Pulsating and becoming stronger, the hurt of not having a family was detected within The Demon Princess's own gut as it were her own sorrow and she could only -- disagree with it.

'I-if you so wish, y-you are apart of our family...even if it was by force. The circumstances aren't ideal, b-but I do welcome you into ours. I know you are missing that as much as I am.....' Speaking in a soft tone of voice, the nervous Demoness communicated these thoughts to Iriko; as her own vocal cords were too strained to convey them verbally from the immense stress of this whole gathering of souls. And hopefully, through this wondrous mental-link from their bond, The Shinigami would understand these sentiments just as well.

Watching him closely, Neoveta further disagreed that her family implanted these seeds in her viewpoint that caused The Demoness to view the world as a terrible place. As she accumulated more knowledge, became increasingly sentient and gathered further experience in her life -- this realization came to become her reality. For most of all, these were just her own conclusions coming to the surface. In some ways the girl's family may have influenced it, Neoveta could admit that, but it played in a minor role compared to all that she had amassed inside that head of hers.

'No. My kin is not what caused that. From all I've seen in the universe....while there are portions of it that are good and worthwhile, the vast majority of it is just...horrid. Too much pain, far too much anguish and so many instances of tragedies. This is what it is like to live and I...can't stand it.'

Once she had said her peace, there was nothing left to do but observe the discourse between The Shinigami and The Demon God. Taking note of "humanity's will", did that make demons human as well? If that was the case, it made her rather perplexed. As at this point, the child did believe she possessed her own will, even if she were afraid to act on it. So perhaps -- she was somewhat mortal and somewhat divine? Yes, a halving.

Then again, as she got lost along these lines, there wasn't even a use for labels at this point. Indeed, as long as this road they were on ended in happiness, even if she were reverted to a human, it would be a worthwhile endeavour. So the words that Iriko muttered to Deveta were unimportant; as she wished not to get herself involved in that. And, regardless of what occurred, Neoveta held both of their stances deep within her heart from the bond that was forged between parent and progeny in Iriko's case.

But, like the attention a clap of thunder demands, the hatred that flowed within The Captain Commander brought the little girl back to life and grounded in reality before her mind started to wander too far. There was a definite sense of loathing and hostility at being referred to as a "Crow". One that caused her to blink out of confusion. So, like any frightened child, she'd attempt to diffuse the situation.

As a result, in that moment, Neoveta utilized her demonic magic in order to begin the process of trying to soothe his mind and body. Like a wave of pure light, Iriko, if he allowed himself to be put under the Princess's influence, would more than likely feel his body beginning to become light as a feather. The burdens of his thoughts were meant to be relaxed, emotions being put to rest and mind coming to a relaxed point; the purpose of this mental healing was to bring him back to a collective and strong state of consciousness and body.

Although, it seemed he started to gather his senses back in place of his own accord, there was still the daunting aura that was Deveta looming above her head. The scorn of this man's heart was indeed great, but she felt that with enough persistence, maybe, it could be reached. Therefore, she'd extend her hand as well to him once more.

'I'm not sure if you'd consider my prayers, but do know I am also praying for you, father. I hope that you find your own...peace...and learn to mend the damage done to your heart. I am not sure if my words are out of place, so please forgive me, but do not just waste my prayers on just myself. Use their guidance and power to...help you as well.'

Timid, low-voiced and feeling as if she were walking on eggshells; Neoveta was not too certain of how she should address this daunting subject. Nevertheless, The Demoness had hoped The Demon God could understand the place of mind where her thoughts were coming from. It was just -- of concern. She wanted nothing but the best for him and that was it.

Although, these thoughts would be cast to the side as she saw a golden and white glow in the distance. With this pulsation of a familiar energy surging the lands, The Incarnation of The Gods grew anxious and her heart started to beat with anticipation. For, even from this vantage point, she could tell something was quite clear -- mother was coming.

...just where would this go now?

Wed Oct 22, 2014 3:04 pm

Artist: Masa-P - Song: The Fox's Wedding - Word Count: 1901

Oozing into the lands like a ominous fog, a darkened rainbow of colors came over in the form of a mist and contorted the scenery around the gathering of the divine and the mortal. Where they all were once standing in mid-air? They found themselves in a gloomy tower. The bricks around them were aqua-blue in color, almost with a green hue to them. While all around them? Tiled floors covered in a black water surrounded their feet. With a shift of their gaze, all those who partook in the journey to The Goddess would find the ceiling -- filled with chains!

Although, a bit further behind those iron tools of entrapment, there seemed to be a white light in the distance. It felt heavenly, radiated pure euphoria and salvation seemed all but possible beyond it. It was as if there was day in night, and night in day. The two were in harmony and Khala was caught in between that which was heavens and that which was a nightmarish hell. Her heart, the essence of who she was, could fall prey to either side of the spectrum and she was bound by her own prison due to her indecision to fully descend into these realms.

So through the reflection of another perception, a heavy sigh exited from Deveta as they were all helpless to her whim. It was at this moment, that even Iriko may or may not be able to pick up on The Demon God's empathy. Tracing back to The Captain Commander's thoughts about being pulled by Khala's desires, The Shell of A God agreed on that; as even he himself had trouble resisting this urge from his heart, despite how much he'd like to distant himself from such a pitiful thing.

"Then call it will. I refuse to acknowledge it as humanity as other entities possess will as well. That alone does not make them human."

Voice becoming more distorted, as if it were hard to hear under the sounds of numerous children and girls laughing, The Demon God seemed to be fading in and out of existence like a bad reception on an old television set. Darkened rings emerged under his eyes and black mist exited his mouth as the lavishly large room around them grew further in space. It was as if it could spawn for eternity, and the distance between them and the ceiling expanded into infinity.

"I want my heart back...because it belongs to me, mortal. I can do what I want with something that originated from my creation. Call it fear, call it humanity; but it won't change what I desire."

At this point, The Demon God's voice was now becoming more distressful; sounding as if he were in great pain as his voice started to change tone between that of a female, that of a male and, at times, a mixture of the two speaking at once as he grabbed on to his chest.

Blazing like a raging inferno, a black flame with dim, rainbow exhaust along the edges of its fire extended from the portion of Deveta's torso where his heart SHOULD be. With the godlings right eye becoming filled with a darkness bleaker than the eternal night of space, something from within was coming to the surface and eating him alive almost. It was a sensation that bled out into the world, consumed the room around them and caused The Divine Creator to snarl; but not at Iriko or Neoveta. No. More at HIMSELF for allowing his own misjudgement to cause this result.

Composing himself in deep breathes, Deveta unclutched his chest and allowed these -- feelings -- to be processed within himself. Suppressing them wasn't working, fighting against it proved to be futile; so perhaps allowing to be may prove to work. Just so long as they did not guide his actions, he'd be satisfied. So gritting his teeth, he set his distorted sights on Iriko once more.

"Negative numbers exist within this twisted existence. To move a negative distance? You step backward in time in this world, remove the space outright or shape the world to your whim. To observe negative time? All one has to do is gaze up at the stars. The light you see from a star is that of the past, but not how it is shaped today. That is negative time in the sense that what you see is time lagging. And for everything that exist, there also an opposite. So in the Danava Realm, I've observed time function in the reverse and beings experience events in reverse."

Letting out a soft sigh, Deveta felt his mind beginning to fog over. What was the complication occurring within him? Was it Khala? Could it have been Iriko's words? Perhaps his own existence eating him alive? Something felt -- off. He couldn't hear himself think, nor was he able to hear his own heartbeat; everything was beginning to become a blackened blur and the problem was moving further and further away from his understanding, yet causing him further and further grief as his body felt a fire roaring within itself.

"False. If you are not aware of your existence, then you do not exist. A shell can remain, but if a beings conscious is reduced to zero? That is oblivion."

With that said, his voice became more and more raspy with each voice that slithered out of the males mind and into the world around them with his telepathy.

"And what does it matter what I do with my existence to you? Where my desire lays is not something that will be so easily devulged to the likes of you."

Ugh. Sickness was radiating all over. It felt horrid, everything was hot and the world was becoming more contorted and convoluted as the laughter grew in intensity. Was this his own mind playing tricks with him, or was Khala just that petty?

"Neglect? Unwilling? Don't be absurd. My Heart....was not neglected. It did as it pleased as much as I did as I pleased. I cannot communicate with that thing."

Letting out a gruff sigh, was that the truth? Not even Deveta himself knew anymore. It was as if his brain was caught up in a spiraling vortex that made reality and illusions intermixed; blurring the lines between fantasy and realism to the point where the two became one and portions of his mind were becoming more and more unbound. Erasing it, erasing it and erasing it until he had even forgot what he was even protesting against. Was this what he wanted?

"I will....interact. I do...interact. In my creations...a piece of me lives on within them. That is enough for me to subtly interact with them from a distance. To observe them...and see what they do. That is apart of my desire...I believe."

Like changing the knob on a radio, the voice of Deveta seemed to be rapidly shifting. From the tone of a child, to that of an adult, morphing to a female and then merging back and forth until they all spoke at the same time. Was he losing his grip on his sanity and reality?

WHIPLASH!

The laughter from the chains above them grew stronger; rocking the planetoid mass with the sensations of unrivaled joy, and causing the sense of self of Deveta to further be put into question as these flames became hotter and everything became distorted blobs of light and darkness. It was like a swirling tornado where everything was being burned away, yet put right into place into a sense of absolution. The warmth in his chest grew expandingly greater and he had to question -- was this Khala yet again? Why was she so hellbent on sharing this hellish existence with him? It sickened him, it sicked him, IT SICKED HIM SO MUCH!

GAH! THIS WAS RANCID!

....but he so desired it, did he not?

If he didn't, would this not be happening?

Did he not utter that notion into existence that they were in one the same? Conscious, subconscious; it was clear to him that his subconscious was yearning this more and it was beginning to taint his conscious mind. How -- absurd.

"....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

There was a long pause from Deveta. And then -- a sigh.

"What disturbs my mind....will be for me to and my heart to cope with."

It was clear that the Demon God did had an unnerved fear about it, but he was none to in a hurry to share that with anyone but himself and his heart. He'd deal with it, he'd face it; but only in his own way. Away from all eyes but his own and his hearts.

"Discipline is what I hold to be a truth of subduing things that go astray. I do not care to discuss that matter anymore."

Speaking in a hurried and out of breath tone, there was something else that was taking his attention away from the male's dialogue. It was if he had stopped focusing on it altogether. As, at the same time, the pupil in the males left eye seemed to be spartic and going in every which direction but center. It was if he couldn't pin-point his concentration.

"Then I'd deserve death for being pitiful enough to fall prey to such a thing.....there is nothing more to it. But surely, I would have intervened before that blow occurred."

Then -- zone out. His mind blanked and the fury that crow ignited only served to be a red dot in his senses. It was intense, but he didn't care for it. Such petty things were beneath him, were they not? Correct, they were. What was occurring within him was more urgent than the Shinigami's fury over his accursed family name.

Which is why when the question that was directed towards the purpose of his existence caught Deveta's attention through this damning fog. In that moment, he could only respond with:

"I do not know."

...

There was a pause followed by a hard sigh as he threw himself against a wall and closed his eyes. The male was spawned by the universe, was he not? So there never was a need for a purpose, as he simply WAS. Much like nature simply WAS, his purpose for being was almost static.

"I never gave myself purpose as I never needed to. I am apart of the universe, and that was my origin. So with this being the case, I followed what I felt was right until it led me on this path. Perhaps my creations would have brought me comfort, maybe the warmth of Truth could have eased this void or perhaps a realm to call my own; but I never gave myself a purpose. I left that to my heart."

Voice sounding lower, lower and lower; it was almost faint and difficult to hear through the noise around them. And in that instance of time, Deveta's existence seemed to become harder and harder to comprehend; even for someone with divine influence such as Iriko. It wasn't that he was dying. No, that wasn't quite it. It was as if his body was slowly, but surely beginning to hurl itself into a sub-dimension where only he and his heart could comprehend this deluded and dazed existence he was placing himself under.

Perhaps -- he was slipping well out of this world. And maybe -- that is what his desire was.

[Continue in Khala's post]

The Journey To A Goddess

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