Gone... (Ixion, Roman)

[Tiffany]

“I’m going on a trip, my dear.”
“Where?”
“To the human world. The gates are finally open; we’re finally free.”
“… Human world?”
“Yes. I’ll taste their food and then come back to take you.”
“You’ll take me to… human world?”
“Yes, honey. After this is all over, we’ll live there, along with our friends. All the demons.”
“But I don’t wanna leave home…”
“Human world is beautiful, honey. It’ll be our new home and we’ll have all the food the humans will give us. They’re delicious… And they’re a lot.”

It had been a week.
The 8-year-old Tiffany was hanging back and forth in her place, mumbling a song that her mother always sang to her. Nevan was gone for longer than usual and the baby demon was bored, without any demons to play around with either. Mom was so gluttonous; couldn’t she get fed and return already? What was so special about human food anyway? Though, it would take a few more years for the little Tiffany to learn the true meaning of “food.”
Just then the sky darkened and lots of small screams approached. Tiffany looked up and saw hundreds, even thousands of bats covering the sky, which could only be one thing… “Mom!”

She got up and ran out of the cave -their home- out to the dry land of Hell, opening her arms and laughing in excitement as she called out to her mother. “Mom, I missed you!”

It was so like Nevan to return like this, informing the entire Hell of her arrival. Tiffany expected the bats to surround her and take the shape of her mother as always, but instead… Their screams -more painful than usual- slowly silenced and the bats started falling out of the sky. Tiffany’s smile faded in confusion as the little animals fell all around her like rain drops. She managed to catch one, and the instant she did, the sight of her mother lying in the arms of a silver-haired man came before her vision. Tiffany saw her closing her eyes and fading into a purple light in the man’s arms…

Then the vision ended.

The land under the red sky was covered with dead bats. Hell had never been so quiet, until the horrible scream of a little girl ripped the horizon.

[Ixion]

Ixion was having a walk in the dead woods of Hell, looking for something to eat when the sky darkened and thousands of little screams filled his ears. He didn’t need to look up to know that it was those bats again, the pets of that seductive demoness.
“Tch.” It had been several years since his first encounter with Nevan. Having heard about her fame among the demons, Ixion had challenged her, but the red-haired whore had qualified her name. She’d managed to seduce him and had given him a soul-sucking kiss, leaving him in a weak and laughable state for everyone to see. Ixion hadn’t forgotten that; he’d promised himself to make the bitch pay someday, at a moment she would least expect. Her ability to visit the human world had only added to his grudge, and so she was back now?
But the bats told otherwise. Ixion was taken aback when the little black creatures started raining onto the ground, dead. As one of them fell onto his back, Ixion had this sight of Nevan’s defeat by a devil hunter in the human world… That was some news. As her rival, he should have felt happy but…

“DUH!” Ixion roared in rage. “Your end should’ve been by my hands, fuckin’..!” He swung his large tail around and broke a few dry trees nearby.
Just then, his attention went to a painful scream coming from not so far away. Ixion stood still for a while, then his body relaxed with remembrance: Nevan had a little hatchling, didn’t she? A child now so lonely, left open and unprotected in the entire Hell…

Maybe there were other ways for him to get his revenge. Smirking, Ixion glanced at the dead bats on the ground. “If you’re still somewhere,” he mumbled, “you’ll regret leaving your hatchling alone.”

And with an evil chuckle, he galloped towards the scream.

[Tiffany]

Mom isn't coming back.

Fallen onto her knees and trembling madly, Tiffany just stared at the soil. Those little blue eyes had never been so wide... And wet. The ground around her were covered with dead bats, resembling a giant black skirt around her. She held the one she'd caught earlier against her chest as if clinging to her mother; so tightly that the little corpse crushed in her hand, blood seeping through her fingers. She didn't know what happened or who that silver-haired man was or what he'd done to her mother or why... She knew only one thing; the thought echoed in her mind with every heartbeat...

Ba-doom.
Ba-doom.
isn't coming back.
Mom isn't coming back.
Mom isn't coming back.

Tiffany finally closed her eyes started to sob, at first quietly, then louder and louder, her childish high voice echoing through the landscape. She was alone now, without anyone to hold onto, anyone to protect her from the big bad demons, forever. High chance it wouldn't even last so long... She was scared. She didn't want to believe it, she didn't. Soon she would wake from this nightmare and her mother would comfort her...
Just then a shadow fell onto her small form, completely hiding her in the dark. Tiffany froze, her sobs cut and raised her head only to find the scariest creature she'd ever seen towering above her. This very tall, very muscular man had horns, but the biggest thing was his lower body was of a horse. Not just that but also a long, large metallic tail swinging behind him.

Not a nightmare. She was alone. Her eyes narrowed and her mouth curled, ready to sob once more. "Mom..."

[Roman Delowski]

Roman wandered around, his thoughts drifting as his legs moved him forward. There had been word that life as they knew it were about to change, what this was though Roman had no idea, what he did know was the feeling of tension circling around the world of the unholy as everyone began to prepare themselves for what was to come.

As he walked, his destination became unknown however he felt himself panicking as his pace quickened. He could sense danger close by, this was only confirmed as he heard the sound of someone suffering, someone young, a child in terrain close by.

Could this be the danger that everyone in the hell relm was warned about, that was something Roman didn't know, he only knew that he needed to get to the source of the pain before someone else came across it first.

[Ixion]

Ixion stood above Nevan's hatchling, examining the little creature for a moment. It had blood red hair just like the mother, and teary blue eyes staring at him with probably the greatest terror it had ever experienced. Causing such fear delighted him, it always did, making him feel stronger and superior, even if it was just a kid.

"Mommy gone?" Ixion asked in a twisted manner, enjoying the reaction of the child. He could see that it was ready to cry some more, to call out for its mother desperately who would never answer the call. This was going to be a truly sweet revenge... And a truly tasty meal. "Such a tiny creature, totally alone in this Hell... Don't worry, I'll introduce you to some friends..." He grinned even wider. "... in my stomach."

He could almost hear that little heart racing wildly. Ixion finally reached out to grab the hatchling, entertained by every second of it.

[Tiffany]

Tiffany’s eyes widened as a giant hand approached her face, almost blocking her vision. Time seemed to slow down then; she could hear but her own heart bumping against her ears, the scary hand coming closer second by second, it seemed strong enough to crush her little head and there was nothing she could do…

But run.
Just before the hand reached her, Tiffany jumped up and started to run with all her might. She had already lost hope though; there wasn’t a mother anymore whom she could run to and find safety in the arms of. Knowing that, she sobbed and screamed as she ran, the wind hitting her face blowing her tears away. It was in vain. This wasn’t like running from everyday demons and no one was there to answer her call for help.

She was alone.

[Roman Delowski]

The adrenalin running through his veins forced Roman onwards. Quicker the fire demon pushed himself towards the source of the suffering, every inch taking him closer to the unknown, a danger that he was unable to prepare for.

Another cry told Roman that he was closing in on his target, this only yet again another symbol that all was not right- not that it ever was here in the relm of demons- but this was different, Roman was sure he recognized the sound of the child who was obviously in dangerous waters, he was unable to put a face to the voice which cried out, but none the less the voice was familier to him.

Finally, after what felt like a life time Roman reached his destination just in time to bravely place himself in between the centaur and the child who he recognized as Tiffany- the daughter of the highly respected Nevan.

[Ixion]

Ixion's eyes followed the hatchling for a moment as it ran in the opposite direction as fast as it could with those little legs of hers. "Wanna play, huh?" He mumbled, smirking as he rubbed his front hoof into the soil. "Then play we shall."
If he wanted, he could have just teleported right in front of the child and ended all this quickly. But being the fucked up bastard he was, Ixion started to slowly run after the child, not catching up on purpose. He could smell its fear as his hoofs shook the ground, could hear its miserable screams and sobbings. Hell, it was so much fun!

But then, something unexpected happened.

Just when Nevan's hatchling was about to enter the dry forest ahead, the figure of a young man appeared in between the centaur and his prey. Confused, Ixion stopped and examined the guy: A noble demon with considerable strength. He knew him from somewhere, yeah, this aura he smelled; although Ixion hadn't met him directly before, he could tell that it was a descendant of that kickass demon once known as... Berial.
"Delowski." He called, slightly disturbed that his hunt was interrupted. "Came for that Nevan's remains?" He pointed out to the forest where the hatchling must have gone to. "That is mine." He said dangerously.

[Tiffany]

Tiffany ran desperately towards the forest she saw ahead; if she could just reach there, she might have had a chance of hiding, just as she did with other demons. But this... horse-man seemed to get closer each moment, his hoofs shaking the very ground under her feet. Terrified, she screamed more intensely as she finally entered the forest.

It took her several minutes to realize that the shaking had stopped. Tiffany too stopped running and hid behind a dry tree, looking around fearfully. Her eyes were wide and wet, her face tainted with tears, mucus and sweat. (OOC didn't mean to rhyme the words lol) Had the horse-man lost her? Or had he also hid? Tiffany couldn't dare move for a while, but finally got out of her place and wandered around. Approaching the forest entrance she saw him, standing still several feets away from the forest. Closer to the forest with his back towards Tiffany's direction stood another figure, seemingly blocking the horse-man's way. That figure seemed familiar... A demon she once played with maybe?
Nevertheless, Tiffany hid behind a tree and watched silently. (OOC jeez it happened again)

[Roman Delowski]

Roman scowled, he disapproved of the centaur's actions, and even more there was no room for trouble makers even here in the depths of hell. As he stood as a shield between the child and the impressively large beast, Roman had to admit that he was quite glad the demon had heard of him before. This would mean that the scoundrel would know his family and that they had some major pull in this world. Also, the beast would know that he was in Roman's territory something that folks down here held valuable to them.

"Ixion," Roman called back using his telepathic abilities to fish around inside the centaur's mind. " I don't want any trouble."

As he spoke, he risked a glance behind him. The child was a safe enough distance behind him. Roman then looked back at the beast, this time letting the determination show that he would not back down, and that Ixion would not be having the child as a meal- not on this day, or any other.

[Ixion]

A low growl started to rise within Ixion's throat. This guy didn't seem to be moving aside any soon. The hatchling was probably still running, or hiding in the forest. Catching it would be no big deal for the centaur despite the length of time he might waste with Roman, but he just wasn't that patient. He just wanted to get this over with, fill his stomach and solve his old issue with Nevan.
"Nor do I." He answered, folding his arms. "But you fire demons seem to like gettin’ your noses into others' business. If you trust your daddy to back you up, forget it.” He grinned sadistically. “Your flames can’t burn me.”
It was true that the Delowskis had an authority in Hell. One normally should have avoided their grudge if he didn’t want to get his bones roasted, but not Ixion: His skin was impenetrable to any force, and his mind to any fear. Owning half of this realm didn’t give those Berial-wannabes the right to interfere in everything dammit.
That hatchling, that little delicious girl… He was running out of patience. “Get off, Delowski.” Ixion said as he rubbed his hoof into the soil. “Or I’ll just have to run over ya.”

[Tiffany]

Tiffany kept watching the two demons from her place behind the trees. Although the horse-man had now concentrated on the stranger, she wasn't sure if he could see her or not, so the little demon stood cautious like a rabbit.
Just where did that stranger come from, and why? Why was he standing between her and that scary creature in this... protective manner? Despite the familiarity of the figure, Tiffany still couldn't recognize him, unable to see his face. He could as well be another bad guy who wanted her for himself, now that mom was gone. Mom... No one could be trusted anymore.

Still, this stranger was Tiffany's only hope for now. She desperately hoped he was stronger than the horse-man who seemed bigger...

[Roman Delowski]

Roman felt a rush of adrenaline flow through his veins as the thrill of fight took over. He felt stronger at this feeling, his demonic instincts intensifying and taking over every inch of him. He looked at his opponent appreciatively, careful not to underestimate the half horse.

Turning, Roman took one more glance at the child who stood innocently behind them and gave her a reassuring smile. If he had any doubt, any inkling of fear within him, he would be careful not to let the already frightened child see it.

" All right Ixion," he called out to the centaur, " If it's a fight you want, you got it."

And with that Roman began charging towards the beast.

[Ixion]

A challenge! As impatient as he was to get his hands on the hatchling, Ixion was always thrilled by the opportunity of battle, especially with such a royal opponent. It would be fun to crush that royalty under his hoof. And then, perhaps, he would have an extra meal to keep for future... Naah.

He preferred his meat raw.

"HA!" With a cry, Ixion reared up, doubling his height. This was the moment when most of his opponents ran away screaming, but he knew it wouldn't be that easy with the Delowski. So Ixion got down, hitting his front hoofs onto the ground with enough strength to create a wave in a large area. This was an attack he used to get the enemy off balance, and right now it was a way of testing the fire demon. Depending on the reaction, he would consider actually moving or not.

[Tiffany]

As she watched, intimidated, the stranger turned his head to glance at her before charging towards his opponent. Tiffany saw his lips curling upwards into a... smile? A smile she knew. This- This face she'd once deceived! Some time ago-

She couldn't have much time to think about it, for she saw the horse-man hit the ground with his horse-feet, and not a second later the ground started shaking violently. With a terrified cry, Tiffany tried to run back into the forest but the wave reached her before she could take more then two steps; her little body bounced off the ground about one meter, then fell back down harshly. She struggled to get up, trembling before she felt a hot liquid trickling down her forehead. As she reached up to wipe it, her pale fingers got tainted with red; a color she'd only seen in her mother's hair and her own before.

The little demon had just got her very first injury.

Frozen, Tiffany just sat on the soil, staring at her bloody fingers. She felt a foreign numbing sensation on her forehead, giving her goosebumps, and moments later blood had stopped trickling down. It didn't hurt anymore. When she examined the spot again, it was only untouched smooth skin she felt.

Perhaps that was the moment Tiffany grew up. For the first time she'd realized her immortality, her strength to heal and stand up on her two feet once more, no matter the damage. No matter how small and lonely she was, she wasn't defenseless. She'd never been. Her mother knew, and still she'd never left her alone for a moment. She'd protected her until the end, not even letting her discover what she was. To discover the feeling of physical pain. To discover the feel of blood...

Nevan, the succubus demon, had raised a child of purity and innocence.

But not anymore. Mother wasn't here anymore and Tiffany wasn't going to become desperate. Now she knew that no one, not in this realm or another, not even the horse-man or the fire demon could harm her easily. She wasn't afraid anymore. She stood up firmly, her eyes still wet with previous tears but now had a determination in them.

The determination to discover her mother's killer.