Chaos. That was all she understood at the moment. She didn't want to leave Xaph's side but he told her to run and it seemed like the most prudent course of action at that particular moment. There was a wild glance to whoever was around her; Avii was closest.

Reaching out and grabbing her hand, Zynnara pulled her with a sense of urgency, "Come on!" The guys could handle themselves, right??

The four cloaked angels that had come into view advanced on the disoriented Norriel and another flash came, though this one was different from the grenade. A bright bluish fire shot out from one of their outstretched hands and slammed hard into the disoriented Demon?s chest, knocking him off his feet and skidding along the ground.

When Norriel came to a stop flat on his back the clothing that had been covering his chest had been burned away by the holy fire; his flesh underneath burnt, cracked and angry looking.

He gasped and writhed in pain a moment, attempting to get to his feet to defend himself and Avii but another jet of the flame kept him down. Covering his head to at least protect that, the searing heat of the once comforting holy fire rippled over him. When the flames cleared, he was still, what was remaining of his clothing smoking as were parts of his skin; charred black in a few small spots. Norriel's wings were dark grey and splayed out limply when his glamour dropped, though unlike some other demons around, his body or face didn't change past the wings growing from him.

"Nor'ye! Nor'ye!" Avii screamed as she reached out for him. Even as Zynn pulled her back, she was fighting to get back to him though not entirely certain of what she could do to protect him from his assailants. There was a glare back to Zynn as she shouted out, "Let me go! I'll be fine! I'm not leaving him!" Finally she got free of Zynn's grip and raced towards Norriel.

"Wait, Don't!" This was squeaked, just as Avii escaped her grasp. The look on her face made it evident that she was torn between staying there, and trying to help.

Xap barreled his broad frame into the man attacking his brother with holy fire, interrupting the gouts of flame that Avii would have charged into in an attempt to shield her master..

Long wings rose up from his shoulder blades as his glamour dropped, golden orbs forming in his hands. But just as he was ready to unleash the pent up power, he too was struck by holy fire in the back by one of the other cloaked angels.

He growled in pain and grunted out, whirling around to narrow eyes on those that had gotten behind him, but before he could fend them off they were hitting him again.

When Xaph was struck by the Holy Fire, there was something close to a strangled sound of protest that escaped Zynnara, followed by his name.

Another jet of holy fire was prepared but one of the cloaked figures stopped the other from releasing it again, "Enough! We're not here to kill them! This is an extraction mission, not elimination! Grab the Netheri and half-blood and let's go!"

"Yeah, moron, you never gain friends by killing their master!." One of the others who hadn?t yet attacked spoke as Avii moved unassaulted or hindered to Norriel's side. Hearing the men speak so crassly about taking her and Zynn, she looked back to Zynn.

"Run!" Came Avii?s scream, this time directed to Zynn as she watched Xap stumble forwards, wings badly burnt. He wasn't about to give up and yelled for Zynn to go as well. It look like he'd rather die than let them get their hands on Zynnara or Avii. He would fight to the very last breath.

That's when the singing started from a distance. The tempting sound that caused the Angelic soldiers to lower their guards and beckoned them from their prey.

It was his last yell and the look on his face, that made her turn, and move. Her legs churned, as she made a run for it.

When Zynnara turned to run, she saw Gothrak's hulking beastial form running towards her; His glamour dropped to reveal his reddish hued skin, curling horns and large black and red wings. Whisper wasn?t far behind, the source of the enchanting singing.

Avii looked towards where Zynn had been and bit her lip. Her frame stood between the angels and Norriel. At the summoning of holy fire and thinking it was coming for Norriel, she screamed and cast a blinding light spell towards the Angel.

When the angel's vision cleared from Avii's light spell, he got a face full of angry Gothrak. The demon let out a roar and before the Angel could react, thrust his taloned hand into the holy creature's chest and out it's back; shredded heart in grip. The savage demon's fangs went to the surprised creature's throat and tore a gaping hole in it with a vicious jerk of his head.

Avii was looking at Gothrak with terrior plain on her face from his actions; her eyes widened as she gasped out. Her jaw dropped, revealing those small fangs as she let out a terrified ?meep?; She?d never seen such brutal savagery before.

It took a few sputtering and gurgling moments for the Angel to die and when he went limp, Gothrak simply let him slide off his arm and looked around frantically for a moment. Not seeing Zynnara or the other Angel anymore, he let out another angry roar that died off into a more mournful noise...he didn't know where she would be taken or what would happen to her. She was part demon so he assumed the worst.

Xap shifted then, woke just in time to see Zynn vanish and Gothrak?s attack on the angel. For once, he approved of a demon's methods. " Zynnara..." was the only word he could get out before his world went black again.

Gothrak wiped his arm across his arm, succeeding more in smearing the blood rather than ridding himself of it. He frowned at Avii then sighed and scooped Xap back up in a fireman's carry, his thoughts wandering between concern for Zynnara and Whisper. He knew where ever Zynn had been taken, she would be fighting tooth and nail...the Angels had their hands full with her and he would have to just trust Whisper that she could take care of herself.

"Can you make that bed hover or move or some other magic nonsense? We need to get off the street..." The demon muttered to Avii and started off towards home.

Chapter 2: Unexpected Debt

Avii had tried her best to heal Norriel and ease his discomfort. The fallen groaned, wincing as he started to regain consciousness. The last moments before he?d gone unconscious came back to him in a rush, causing him to gasp. His eyes snapped open and he lurched as if to shield himself from continued assault.

Nothing new was raining down on him, though fresh pain from his injuries lanced all through him at his sudden movement. His pale blue eyes darting about the room he didn?t recognize but calmed slightly when he saw Avii jerk awake at his side as well and look frantically about as if to protect her wounded master from danger. She had been sleeping with her head on one of his arms.

When she realized there was no threat, she turned and quickly brushed her hands through his short platinum blonde hair, "It's okay, it's okay." She whispered in a soothing tone in an attempt to calm him.

Norriel panted from both pain and sudden panic, checking himself. The burn marks were no longer black but still angry and red looking and the pain, though lessened, remained. When he was sure nothing was beyond repair he placed his hands on her cheeks and kissed her. He was overcome with relief to see his beloved pet safe and sound.

When he kissed her Avii broke down into sobs again. Her frame gently slumped against his and her face buried in his shoulder. She hugged him tight as she spoke, her voice a little muffled and broken from her crying, "I was so afraid I was going to lose you, Norr'ye." Only she was permitted to address him in such a familiar term.

Norriel laid back down, holding her just as tightly; one of his hands nestled in her white hair at the back of her head, his other arm looped around her back. There was no way he was going to let her go in that moment, "The feeling is mutual, my ilo're..." He whispered the Netherian word she would understand as ?love? so only she could hear though there was no one else in the strange bedroom, "When things went black I thought if I ever opened my eyes again, I would never see you again..." The stoic angel murmured, the thought causing his small heart to clench...he would be lost without her.

Tears still flowed as he held her close. She sniffled a little and nuzzled the crook of his neck lightly. "I tried to protect you... They were after me and Zynnara." Her head lifted a little to look at him, hoping he would be proud of her. Norriel frowned a little continued to hold her tight as she sobbed against him. He wasn?t pleased that she would put herself in danger for him...but he wouldn?t chastise her either.

That was the best she was going to get, so she continued, "They hurt Lord Xaphiael. He's resting, but they hurt him like they did you??

"Did you help Xaphiel heal from his wounds as well?"

"I tried to heal him Sin'ye, but they damaged his wings terribly. No matter how much I tried they seemed resistant to my magics..." She lowered her head and sighed fearing punishment for her failure and lowered her head back to his shoulder.

The news troubled Norriel but he slowly ran his fingers through her white tresses to soothe her fears, ?You did what you could...I understand. He shall heal on his own in time?I know you would do anything to help Xaphiel. He held your cousin?s heart for the whole of her life and would use all of the healing incantations you know to aide him in this?.?

?You told him he'd grieve the loss when she passed away. But he.. he forgot to find a way to keep her with him forever. You warned him against taking her in the first place, Sin'ye."

"I am aware of what I told him, Avii'ri." He murmured but was too sore to have any disapproving tone to it. Norriel gave a sigh and closed his eyes, slowly petting his fingers through her hair.

A slight bob of a nod came against his shoulder at that before she sighed, "There... There's more." Avii started again hesitantly. She had Norriel?s attention and so she continued, ?They took Zynnara..? The fallen angel winced at hearing about Zynnara being taken. He knew his friend would be chomping at the bit in an attempt to go and find her. In his wounded state, Xaph would only end up hurting himself.

?And they would have gotten me if it wasn't for the.. the..." Avii continued, pursed her lips for a moment, "the demon, Gothrak."

When he heard he owed Gothrak the thanks for keeping Avii safe, he groaned and closed his eyes. "....Fantastic." He grumbled sarcastically then sighed. Though he was really thankful Avii was safe, he would now owe Gothrak a favor.

?Worse?? Avii wasn?t finished, ?Gothrak's pet lured most of the Angel's attacking us away..." She bit her lip a little as she looked up to him, knowing that tidbit of knowledge would be the icing on the bitter tasting cake to Norriel, "There's no word on her status. Gothrak is searching for her..."

The fallen groaned again, thudding his head back against the pillow repeatedly at hearing the information. A gesture of frustration, "His pet? Fantastic." He grumbled again, just as sarcastically. Insult to injury indeed.

Biting her lip a little and looking to him as he bapped his head back against the cushion. She winced a little at a thought and reached out to still his head gently. "Please Sin'ye...you've not completely healed; you need to rest."

He frowned when she gave him what sounded like a command but he understood the concern so he wouldn't punish her. The fallen angel sighed heavily, taking her hand in his and kissing her fingertips.

She bit her lip and lowered down beside him, her head moving to rest at his chest while he kissed her fingertips. Avii?s eyes closed as she murmured out to him, "I'm so glad you're alright..."

"...I am glad we are both alright.? Norriel sighed, resuming petting his fingers through her hair and holding her hand against his chest that still tingled with pain, ?I will go and see Xaphiel when I feel a little better....where are we anyway?"

"Gothrak took us to his home in Rhy'din. We are in his pet's room." She answered once more as she purred like a contented cat to the stroke through her hair. Avii gave his shoulder another nuzzle and murmured to him, "I wouldn't leave your side. Refused even when Zynnara tried to pull me to safety."

"It is probably best you did then seeing as she is no longer here and you are safe with me." Norriel murmured, "...For Xaphiel's sake...I hope she has not been dispatched...."

White hair shifted as she nodded in agreement. She wrapped her arms around him before she murmured out, "I hope that she is safe...It would hurt Xaphiel greatly to lose her when he finally started caring about someone again...."

"It could destroy him." Norriel murmured, a deep set frown on his features as he took a deep breath, thankful that it was Avii's hair he could smell against him. He wasn?t sure what would happen to him if she had been taken from him...

Avii gave a soft nuzzle to his shoulder and placed her hands against his abdomen. Now that she was a little more rested, she began to speak incantations once again in an effort to continue her healing of his midsection. The tingle of her magic replacing the tingle of pain throughout his body as he slowly drifted back off to sleep.

The one that had been wrestling with her in the street threw up his hands, exasperated and headed out, leaving the other one there with her alone. He watched his companion depart before frowning at her, "You're a demon. Trained to be a living weapon with your hands, of course we're not going to take you on fairly."

"You obviously know nothing about me. " It was snerked out, before she narrowed her cat-like eyes at the angel.

The angel huffed then shot a short kick towards her knee in an attempt to weaken her leg and force her to kneel, "You should kneel before a creature greater than you, demon spawn. You have things to answer for." He lashed out again at the same spot when she didn?t go down, his tone was cold and uncaring. These were the Angels of Gothrak and Xap's realm. They certainly hadn't been kidding that they were jerks. She'd done nothing to them and was 'defenseless'.

"I kneel before no one that's done nothing to earn my respect. And that's just what you are. You're no one." Her teeth clenched when he connected again. It took a moment before her lips twitched into a smirk. "I have nothing to answer for."

He shook his head and switched to a backhand across her mouth when she smirked at him, not looking amused but not looking angry either. Just cold and determined, "Who is your sire?"

This time she laughed at him, brushing off the backhand with nothing more than a tensing of muscles and a turn of her head. "I don't know, and I don't care. Go find my birth mother, and ask her."

A frown came to his face as he raised his hand again to repeat the action when she turned her head to face him once more. "Very well. Who was your birth mother?"

"I don't know." And it was, for the most part, the truth.

Being able to detect the deceit in her voice, even if it was only slightly, he asked again, once more delivering a strike.

That one earned him a grunt from her and another heated glare from Zynnara, "I don't care to know.? She rephrased then growled, ?Tell me, angel, have you even known what it's like to feel unwanted. Or unloved, just because your eyes are a little different from a mundanes?"

He raised his hand but paused, not delivering another strike strike. He frowned, looking slightly confused at her question, "...You were raised among humans?"

"My mother, my adoptive mother, was a witch. Y'know. kitchen potions, spells. Faint traces of demon blood. I was never raised by my piece of scum father or my whore of a mother."

He watched her a moment, his hand lowering slowly at her story, "...You were not raised by demons nor know their culture?" The angel asked to clarify.

"Oh look. Apparently you do have the brain required for puzzling things out." It was snapped at him.

The angel sighed, pressing his lips together in a frown at her voice dripping with sarcasm but no blow came, "Hn...well I can't expect you to be well mannered at all given you still have their blood...but perhaps..." He scratched his jaw, leaving his thought unfinished before turning and heading out of the room.

His words made her snort softly. Meanwhile, her eyes bore holes into the back of his head, the entire time he was retreating for the door and out.

The heavy metal door was shut and locked behind him, leaving Zynnara alone in chains attached to the wall.

Chapter 4: Pupnapping!

Yelloweye?s internal clock automatically set, is rousing with the rooster, rising sun. Considering the redhead he could check off his conquest list was in a spooning position with him up in the hay loft, she would be feeling the additional early riser. A paw rubs at his eyes before they blink the sand out of the corners, not quite ready to greet the day.

Both the noise of the bird so close and Yelloweye's yawn caused Gwen to stir. A soft gasp escaped the irish-born?s lips and eyes snapped open when she felt the discomfort of the stiffness against her lower back that could only be one thing considering their lack of clothing. "Um..." She murmured, her senses a little more clear in the light of day rather than muddled the night before, "Yelloweye?" Gwen spoke hesitantly.

Another yawn came from the Lupossi before the answer, ?Hey, Gwen," he, squeezed her from behind in a hug and planted a smooch on her cheek, "How you feel?" No, he's not responding to his erection. This is quite common, really, and they probably don't have enough time to indulge more time before it was chore time.

She smiled faintly at the kiss, perfectly fine with attempting to ignore the elephant in the room so to speak, "Um...sore?" Gwen murmured and wriggled free of him, wrapping the single blanket around herself, leaving nothing for him as if she was suddenly embarrassed by the nudity. A bright heat came across the bridge of her nose and cheeks and she averted her gaze, "I uh...guess that wasn't a dream after all, huh?"

Yelloweye will perch his head on an upraised palm and grin at her. "The part you're thinking of? No, it wasn't. Are you feeling okay, Gwen?"

"Like I said. Sore." She gave a grin, still blushing but shrugged, "But I'm alright." The girl glanced out the loft window, seeing other servants awake and milling about, "...I have today to rest but I'm guessing mistress Shen wants you for work?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna need to report to Her," he murmured with just a hint of regret on his voice. He wanted to take care of this with her but that would take too much time, "See what's special commands she may have."

Still blushing she nodded once and deciding it would be best to leave him to his...own devices, "Uh r-right." Gwen bit her lower lip before giving the fuzzy fellow a kiss on his cheek before awkwardly climbing down the ladder to head back to the servants quarters in search for clothing.

"I'll try to see you tonight, Gwen," he calls down to her with a grin as he saw to his business. After finishing up, he would then go and join the Mistress Shen, presumably her bedchambers.

The demoness that had claimed the pup a few months prior was not in her bedchambers. Yelloweye was told by another servant that she was already in her office, having many missives to write before noon. He was also instructed to head there as soon as he was dressed to receive his chores for the day.

With a wag of his thin tail, the Lupinossai was ever excited to see his Mistress and the simple thought of her had him smiling as he went to go get dressed properly in a full-blown Maasi'imi'i. The get-up, silk and scarlet red, is what he would be presenting himself in as Yelloweye goes to the office and knelt right at the side of Her chair. Ready for Your command, Mistress! his gaze screamed wordlessly and adoringly up at Her.

The tall dark haired woman, all curves and grace, ignored him for a few moments to finish whatever it was she was scratching on the parchment. Wax was dribbled and a seal stamped before she finally leaned back in her seat, her slender hand coming to rest on his head and absently scratch with her long manicured nails, "...Satisfied now, tajj're?" The demoness purred, not bothering to look down at him but instead looking over a letter in her other hand. She knew in what he was addressing; Gwen.

"I will want her again, Sin'ye, but of course that is at your discretion," he admits unabashedly as he revels in the simple shiver inducing touch of his Mistress.

One corner of her dark lips turned up slightly at his admission, "Of course you will. And I am aware. Everything you do is at my discretion, Yelloweye." She purred, flicking her half lidded lazy gaze to look down at him. She ran the tip of a nail along his muzzle; poking his nose once with a huff of amusement then looked back to the letter. "I will need to go to the tailor this afternoon to pick up the clothing. You will be escorting me."

Yelloweye?s amber colored orbs had to fight from rolling back into his head or any groans at the pleasure the simple action caused him. He would listen intently to his Lady?s instructions. Going out. That means robes again. Greaaaat. He didn?t dare say a word...he had not been asked a question or commanded to speak.

Provided he didn't groan in disappointment about having to wear the robes and glamour while out in the magicless primitive world, she wouldn't have to have issue with him. Shen patted Yelloweye?s fuzzy head, "As soon as I am finished with these missives, we will depart. Ensure the stable hands have the horses ready." She instructed then turned her eyes back to him, "Have you gotten more comfortable with the horses?"

Oh no, of course! No complaints here. But robes? Blegh! Oh, She's speaking again, pay attention. Yelloweye had been motionless the entire time, still and quiet to please Her. He was getting good at it and learning how to read her body language in the times when words were not spoken. "I have gotten comfortable with them, Mistress, but they are still uncomfortable with me. I think it's my wolf genes that's making them so nervous."

"Possibly." The demoness mused at his response then gave a wave of her hand; a dismissive gesture, "Once you check on the preparations, return here and wait. It will not take long."

And true enough, it didn't take long at all. The horses had been saddled and ready for the journey to town quickly. The mistress Shen exited the manor shortly after noon with Yelloweye at Her heels as was expected since he accepted the terms of their arrangement. Swinging up onto Her well trained horse, they set out for the small town, riding along the dirt path worn into the countryside from her manor.

The demoness had Yelloweye tend to the horses as she went inside the tailor's small establishment. Since he was still within the set distance, his forced glamour remained even with him outside, there so as not to startle the locals with his foreign appearance.

Yelloweye let out a yelp as he scrambled away from the angel that crashed through the ceiling and landed right next to him. ?Hi.? Came the purr in Anael?s voice as she watched him trip over the hem of his robes in his retreat, landing with an oomph on his rump.

But the short time he?d been around Gothrak and now with learning more confidence in his relationship with his mistress, Yelloweye wasn?t as meek, or as scared anymore. Rather than clambering back like some stupid teenager from a horror movie, he gets back up on his feet and growls, actually growls, at the unknown assailant.

The angels first on the scene backed off a little at the arrival of their commanding officer and lookout. They attempted to draw the tall woman out though not successfully. Shen shifted her focus from them to the presence of one so close to what she had marked as hers. "Hello, precious. Have you made peace with things you have done because you are about to be no longer counted among the living." There was a hard edge and a slight hiss to her words though a slight upwards curve to her lips..

"Are you sure about that?" It was purred back to the demon, as a smirk crossed Anael?s face.

Hearing the Demoness, a grin also formed on the other angel's face, "We are at peace, Demon. We do this on behalf of our creator. How dare you manipulate the innocent to do your bidding." Then the holy fire was let loose towards Shen, another volley right behind it sent from his commanding officer but Shen knew holy fire all too well.

She moved with grace, dodging the first Angel's attack then slashed her hand through the other woman's jet of flame, the swoosh of air causing a break in the shot from the speed of the strike. Yes, the holy fire would burn and hurt but she ignored it for now. "Indeed." She purred smoothly, talons and teeth bared in a wicked grin spreading her lips.

Pawed hands started digging into Yelloweye?s pockets as he searched for a good weapon against angels and finds it in the form of a battle-bot. Okay, maybe not technically a battle bot; It was really just a steel boomerang. A steel boomerang with a homing device. With a frantic tapping of buttons, it was activated and thrown at Anael as she beared down on him. Somehow, she narrowly missed being clocked in the head by his contraption as it left his hand.

When Anael?s shift of focus went to Yelloweye, Shen lunged at her with the fury of a hellcat. Anael knew her lookout partner and the others that were still in the fray would get the job done as she distracted the feisty yet seemingly calm demoness. She waited until she saw the woman readying to pounce and once she did, Anael braced herself and summoned holy fire to let loose from her hand straight for Shen?s chest.

The demoness gasped, crossing her arms in front of her at the last moment to take the brunt of the searing flames there on her forearms instead of her chest. The splashback of the fire did lick at her face, singeing eyebrows and lashes before she could look away and setting the cloth she'd wrapped around her on fire. Whipping the makeshift robe off as she turned, she tossed it at her attacker, focus drawn solely on Anael now that she had been the one to attack.

The flaming garment was easily dodged with a lean of her body. Her hands glowed with the aftermath of her attack, and made it evident that she was eager, and willing to use it again. "What? Is that the best that you've got, demon."

It didn't rile her to be called something that she was, she continued to focus on the taunting angel, her movements rather fast as all demons were. The angelic hosts were experts with their wielding of magical energies and blades...but demons were the masters of close combat and once Shen was within leg reach, the angel was in the demoness's comfort zone.

In the same flash of light that had taken Yelloweye from the scuffle, he arrived in a rather posh sitting room with his belly pressed to the hard wooden floor; his kidnapper flat on top of him, still struggling to gain the upper hand on the wriggling pup.

Due to being worlds away from Leng Zhao and his mistress, the glamour she?d put up on him had shattered causing the Lupe to not looking like a human anymore, "Get off me! Get off! Let me go!" He growled, giving the Angel quite the difficulties.

The angel grunted; not a giant by any means. He was slender and handsome though slightly on the girlish pretty side of it. "Calm down. You're fine." He murmured in a low tone as he slowly got off of Yelloweye, avoiding the flails, "Relax, we aren't going to hurt you. We're trying to help you."

Of course the Lupe didn?t believe one word of that. It?s why, when he struggles frantically back onto his feet, he swings a balled up fist right at the angel's jaw.

"Hey now." the angel grumbled, having seen the telegraphed punch of the inexperienced little scrapper coming and leaned back a bit out of the way effectively dodging the punch easily. The Angel held up his hands in a surrendering position, no hostility in his stance, "Honest. We just wanted to get you away from the demon."

Failing to hit the angel, Yelloweye threw caution to the wind and dive tackled the angel with a ferocious growl that certainly caught the angel off guard.
With a grunt, the angel fell back, and used the forward momentum to continue the movement, rolling the aggressive Yelloweye over onto his back once again with him over the pup. "I don't wanna fight you, fella, just relax. You're safe, we aren't going to hurt you." The pleas for co-operation fell on deaf ears as Yelloweye struggled ferociously, even though he really is not strong enough to escape. His wolf like snout snaps up at the angel's neck and face as he struggled, driven almost mad by this forced separation from his Mistress.

"Ah! Hey!? The angel yelped and pulled back when he was snapped at then frowned, "Alright buddy, I tried to be nice, now you're makin' me resort to threats and violence. You either knock that off right now or so help me I'm gunna knock you so hard your head'll spin."

Still the pup continued to rage, giving growls and snapping at any part of the angel that dared to get close enough, further frustrating the Angel. His kidnapper continued to struggle with him for a moment before balling up a fist and popping the Lupe with a quick but powerful hook to the jaw.

Stars were seen most likely as Yelloweye went limp, knocked out from the well placed blow.

The angel gave a defeated sigh and sat back on his heels over the Lupe, looking down at his unconcious form for a moment, "I told you." He muttered, feeling a little guilty it would appear as he got up and called for assistance in carrying the pup to a holding room. They certainly hadn't encountered one of his kind before; there would be lots of questions for him. If the Demons had started using other planets to get pets other than their Netheri on Porth Grien; that didn't bode well.

Yelloweye didn't know how long he was out for but the excruciating pain ripping through every fibre of his being certainly woke him up out of it. When he got his bearings, he discovered he was in the little metal room, shirtless and face down on the bed restrained by straps attached to his wrists and ankles.

A shriek from the extreme pain came tearing out of the Lupe?s throat. Pain was certainly not a fun wake-up call.

His tormentor must have felt some sort of sympathy as the harsh pain subsided turning into tingling pins and needles feeling all along his back. "The pain will only be for a moment." The female angel was in the room but it was difficult to tell if she was the only one as he couldn't turn his head quite well enough to see, "Then you'll be free and not have to worry about being hunted by the demon."

"Stop it! Have mercy, please!" Yelloweye cried, writhing on the cot.

He felt a gentle hand on his head and a strange calming sensation trailing through him, though it didn't help the pain, "This is mercy, sir...we're trying to protect you." There was a hesitation before her hand was removed from his head, the calming feeling leaving with it, "Again." Came the command just before the mind-numbing white blinding pain lanced through him again.

The Lupe screamed out again and thrashed in vain against the bonds strapping him down to the bed, "Stop this! Please!"

The attempt lasted only a few seconds but it felt like forever to Yelloweye. Once again, when the pain stopped, pin pricks and needles travelled all along him; after effects of the nerve endings joining him in screaming. "I'm sorry this hurts you, sir..."

"Then stop it and let me go in recompense!" He shot back in retort.

?We can't. We must remove that mark from you to keep the demon from tracking you to this location. We want to help you be free." The female angel murmured before the dreaded command of, "Again." was given.

"Stop," Yelloweye screamed out again; the tears flowing freely down his cheeks, wetting the fur on his face.

The process was repeated several times until the pup's throat was raw and hoarse from the harsh vocalizations. He vaguely registered hearing the female angel sigh, disappointed, "...That's enough for today...we'll try again tomorrow." She murmured and Yelloweye could hear the clunk of the heavy metal door being opened then closed. His bindings were slowly undone to allow him to move about though he simply didn?t have the strength to move and soon succumbed to sleep due from the exhausting, torture-like experience.

Zynnara awoke with a start; Her hands immediately groped for the necklaces that had hung from her neck. Not finding either, her eyes frantically danced about the room she was currently in. Green cat-slitted eyes fell on the two women she shared the room with. A scowling frown overtook her features though it wasn?t completely directed at them the look suggested she was going to be anything but pleasant

Mila had looked over, a thin eyebrow raising at being scowled at though she really hadn't expected anything else. When she had woken up the first time in the small room alone, she had raged for a time before finding the actions futile and calming...at least outwardly. "Soma, tajj're." Mila greeted Zynnara in the foreign tongue, noting her frantic grasping, "Zey take everything when you are out...I suspect zey may give back whatever zey took from you in time. Zo...I am still waiting to receive my Kukri back so I might slit zer no good troats...."

Whisper was looking towards Zynn when she woke and shifted to keep her distance from the woman. Not out of fear, or what Zynn was capable of doing; It was more or less in case there was any animosity still there. The fae?s green eyes flickered to Mila when she spoke of the curved large daggers and gave a small snicker, "I'll hold them down and you can take your time in delivering that blow." At least her head had stopped throbbing.

Zynn growled softly, obviously irritated at the fact that everything, including her cigarettes were gone. "Well they need to give it back. Or I'm going to figure out a way to kill them and bathe in their blood." Snapped softly but no less morbidly, before her knees were drawn to her chest.

Mila looked over to Whisper after Zynn's comment, a smirk on her lips, "I tink I vill be liking your friend here too." The woman returned her cat slitted eyes to Zynn's with a nod, missing Whisper shrinking a little at the ?friend? comment. The fae wasn?t so sure the warlock would ever consider that again, "Trust me, tajj're, we all feel ze same way."

The Netherian sighed, taking a seat across from her on the bottom of the other bunk, looking thoughtful for a moment, "Do either of you bare marks?"

"Pffft. No. I'm not a pet. I'm Xaph's girlfriend. I figured there was a difference, but apparently there is not." Zynnara grumbled softly, before her eyes ticked towards Whisper, and narrowed a bit. Though, she didn't say anything.

"Xaph?" Mila looked unfamiliar with the name but nodded slightly, "Zer...is a difference."

"Xaphan. He's apparently a fallen. He's... He's really good to me. And one of the things they took was a necklace he gave me. Along with my mother's necklace. It's one of the few things I have left from her. Ao I really hope they decide to give it back to me." This was grumbled, as she leaned forward, and rest her head in the little pip between knees.

The Netherian made a face at the mention of the fallen but left it alone for now as she looked over to Whisper to hear her answer about the mark.

She gave the half demon a small nod then looked to Mila. "I do." After all, wouldn't it be a given since she said she was Gothrak's pet? Slipping from the top of the bunk and around Mila, she lifted the back of her shirt to reveal Gothrak's very tribal and intricate mark that spanned from her hips, up her spine, and fanned out over her shoulder blades

Mila looked over Whisper's back then grinned, "Hn...suits him. Sometimes it takes a little vile before a demon marks what is his...but zis is good for us. He should be able to find you trew it....ve must hope zat he is not so bullheaded as to come alone..."

"How long do you think it will take him to find me?" Whisper asked as she looked over her shoulder to Mila, biting her lip. Zynn's apprehensive look was noted and she drew back. Climbing back to her top bunk and looking around their 'room'.

"Not long. I know Gothtrak, He'll tear the heavens apart to find those that he loves." Zynnara murmured softly.

The door was opened and two angels dragged a third individual between them. Limp and not resisting the forceful moving, Yelloweye simply groaned softly in his semi-conscious dazed state. The angels' attention were on Mila and Zynn as they knew them to be the most hostile so far. From the reports, Whisper had only run and out of precaution, the males were wearing earplugs to protect themselves from her alluring song.

Teeth gritted the second Whisper saw the sight of Yelloweye in such a state and felt the anger rising up in her, ?What did you do to him!?" she yelled, of course, hateful glare set upon the angels. As her anger bubbled up, orbs of Hell Fire seemed to blossom around her and burn hotter, but only in the direction of the angels. It seemed that the two girls and Yelloweye were spared the heat.

There was a soft mutter to Zynn and Mila in the form of a quick warning, "Cover your ears..." And then it happened, she opened her mouth and let out the most horrific and terrifying banshee like cry she could muster in an attempt to get the Angels to drop the pup before surging forward, intent on eye clawing..

Zynnara?s hands came up to clasp her ears, just as Whisper let out the ear-splitting scream. Since Whisper was serving as the Initial distraction, she moved, following after her. Sparks jumped from the warlock?s hands, twisting and reaching out as she set her sights on the angel on the left who had become staggered by the sound.

Even though they had protection in the form of ear buds, the screech of the half-siren fae girl had been an awful jarring sound. Because of the shriek, they had dropped Yelloweye unceremoniously onto the hard floor rather than gently deposit him onto the bed as they had intended.

Mila had followed Whisper?s hasty command, her hands covering her ears quickly, not knowing what the plan was. Once she saw the bubbles of Hellfire though, she knew well enough to stay well away from those though perhaps it couldn?t hurt to attempt to push an angel into one.

As Zynn went for the one of the left, she charged the one on the right. Her nails were used as weapons in the close quarters, slashing at the midsection of one.

The Hellfire was only getting hotter and angrier, causing Whisper to give a silent internal thank you to Kuro this little donation, because man had it built a life of its own in Whisper.

The Hellfire hadn't been noted by Zynnara. There was just murder and anger in her eyes as she closed in on her target. The electricity branching out from her hands only grew, when her hands pressed against his chest, and danced out over his body.

Attempting to stay away from the orbs of slowly moving Hellfire about the room, the one Zynn had come at wasn't able to grab her wrists in time to keep her from touching him. He made a strangled noise as his body convulsed uncontrollably from the amount of electricity output the warlock had pumped into him so suddenly. When her hands pulled away, he slumped to the ground, unmoving.

As soon as she felt the fight go out of him, Zynnara let go, and twisted, searching for anyone else.

Whisper narrowed her eyes at the angels as they passed from her prone position and looked down the hall. "Zynn... Mila... RUN! GET HEL-!" Then everything around her went dark. Her figure fell limp against the floor.

The air was sucked from Whisper's lungs, causing her to pass out. As soon as she was out, the pressure was removed and the female angel knelt down, scooping her up. She struggled a little but she would manage, the fae was pretty light. Instead of returning the fae to her room though, she disappeared down the hall to prepare Whisper for the attempt to remove her demon's brand.

When Mila and Zynn rounded a corner, they came across two large angels looking rather surprised to see the women charging at them. "Return to your room." Came the firm command before they prepared to send them back.

"F*ck off" Zynn growled at the angels, before she skidded to a stop and sent Mila a questioning look. Even odds it would appear. Mila gave a slight nod and continued forward, taking two steps off the wall and pushing off to slash her talons at her chosen target. The angel gave a grunt when his cheek was cut open, putting a hand to it quickly with a wince and staggered back. As soon as Mila's feet hit the ground, she ducked, lashing out with a leg to sweep the obstacle from her way.

Simultaneously, Zynnara darted forward, electricity crackling and sparking in her hands with a low growl in her throat. This combat, she dove low, aiming straight for the angel?s groin area. That much electricity in a sensitive spot she was assuming that it was going to knock him out and leave him in quite a bit of pain. Zynn grabbed a handful of angel wing-wong, causing his eyes to bug out of his head a split second before he let out a wordless scream and crumpled, losing all motivation to attempt to stop them.

As soon as he dropped, Zynn was leaping over his crumpled form. She twisted and aimed to press her hands to the side of the other angel that Mila was fighting. If she could distract him enough, she had plans to let Mila rip into him.

The Angel Mila had been fighting looked dazed and appeared to be having trouble breathing. When he pulled his hands away the wound she had inflicted on his cheek, there was traces of a sticky black ooze. Poison. He groaned and slumped down to join his other friend.

The call of ?Masks!? and a clattering gas grenade caught her attention and gave Zynn pause. It was as though Xaphan was walking the halls when she saw the Angel who had called the order. He looked exactly like him. As he approached the scene in question he started to sing, "Why can't we be friends... why can't we be friends." doing what little he could to alleviate his boredom.

Seeing that he?d distracted Zynn, he winked at her and pulled up the mask over his mouth and nose, still continuing his little song albeit muffled. Sleeping gas started to rise up at her feet looking a ghastly shade of green.

The smoke plumed around the fierce women and started to affect them quite quickly. The Netheri bared her short fangs at the familiar angel; she'd encountered him earlier and knew him to not be Xaphan, "Freya....no again..." She groaned and placed a hand on the wall to steady herself, fighting to stay conscious.

"Xaph?" Zynn murmured softly before she blinked a couple of times; confusion clearly flickering across her features. Uncertain of what to do, she took a couple of steps back from scene. Zynn seemed torn between staying or running. Though, in a few seconds, it didn't matter as the gas began to take their effects on her as well. Zynnara stumbled back in a hazy attempt to get away from the gas.

The call of Xaph made the usually disinterested scout blink. He approached Zynn, closing the distance then whispered to her and her alone, "You know my brother?" Perhaps the first bit of emotion the angel had ever known rose in his voice.

She coughed a couple of times and blinked slowly still continuing in her groggy backward retreat when he neared. Zynnara stopped though when he asked his question, "You're.... his brother?? Her brain was having difficulties processing at the moment, "Of course I know him. He's... He's... my boy...friend." She was fighting the sleeping agent in the gas as much as she could.

Xaphan's brother's bored look was back as he heard Zynn's words. If she had stirred an emotion in him or gained an ally she wouldn't discover it now. He plucked up the still steaming can and held it inches from her face as he spoke, "Sleep halfling." Afterall, she was still part demon. When she was clearly unable to move on her own accord, he scooped her up to begin taking her back to her assigned room.

One of the other two angels that had come with Xaphan?s brother, scooped up the dazed and soon unconscious Netherian, making his way back to the room as well.

Hearing Yelloweye groan and start to stir from his spot on the floor, the Angels made quick work of placing the girls back on the lower bunks. Xaphan?s brother hesitated a moment at Zynn?s bedside before they turned and headed for the door.

"No. No. Wait!" Zynnara tried to sit up but her movements were sluggish. She felt heavy, like she was being dragged down into water. He was the last thing that she saw, before her vision faded back into sleep.

The angels left the room, their captives all dazed or out for the count. The heavy door was shut once more and locked.

Mila sighed, "I don't sink zey vill be returning your cigarettes anytime soon...ve did brutalize some of zer forces.." She muttered.

Zynnara groaned softly at what Mila said and flung herself back on her bed. "Their forces wouldn't have been brutalized if they hadn't brought me here." Huffed softly.

The Netherian shrugged, flopping back on her own bed as well and after a moment spoke, "So, you know my name now, vat's yours?" She asked, her eyes flicking up to Yelloweye.

Yelloweye. Captain Yelloweye Graydol." He introduced himself

"Zynnara." It was murmured softly, though she already had the feeling Whisper had told her. She made no move to sit up, or anything like that.
"Hm." Mila gave a nod, acknowledging their names, "...And I know you aren't a pet." Mila gestured to Zynn, just to recap, "But vat of you? Vill you have a master to come charging ze gates?"

Yelloweye smiled at the thought, turning his eyes to the ceiling making it easier to envision Shen and responded, "Yes. She is wonderful. She will come for me. I am a good pet to her and I enjoy being hers."

The talk continued on without sign of Whisper or any hint of her whereabouts. All the while they planned and weighed their options for escape coming to the conclusion that teamwork would be their only chance. They would have to hurry, lest the demons and the fallen be too late.

When no one came to the door, Kuro budged the door open and stepped inside; his bare feet making little taps on the floor. He looked around again once inside and, not recognizing several of the individuals in the room, he felt uncomfortable but he was certain this was a bad situation. A little peek at the three inside to be sure what was wrong then he spotted Gothrak pacing and grew frightful then.

Gothrak was full of growls and grumbles as he continued to pace, only half listening to Orais. His friend had told him that his wife had been kidnapped, it was the true reason he'd come to Rhy-din. "How can you be so damn calm about all this?" He muttered over to Orais, some of his rage subsiding with the comfort of his friend in the area again.

Xaphan wanted to know that too. "Why the hell haven't you tore those bastards to pieces by now?" It was added on top of Gothrak's question as he clenched his fitsts. If it was pain making them clench or his emotions, he wouldn't dare to tell.

Gothrak?s gaze slid over to the little red haired boy and caused him to blink a few times in surprise, "Kuro." He hesitated a moment before striding across the room, shutting the door to keep the cold out and pulling the little demon into his arms to hug tightly. Perhaps the child would give the older demon comfort by just being there.

Kuro would have spoken and even opened his mouth to do so and took a breath but he was in Gothrak's arms before he could and blinked before he squeaked lightly, he wasn't going to say it but he felt nice here.

Orais shifted on his feet and set his shopping bags down, just in time to move out of the way of Gothrak moving to Kuro. Brows rose at the sight of Gothrak hugging the small boy and he canted his head to the side with a little curiosity before straightening it. It was unlike the former demon general to embrace anyone let alone a child. Seeing that Gothrak was distracted for the moment, he turned his answer to Xaphan instead.

"I lost my cool when she was first taken, but Mila knows me, I don't do anything unless I know I can win. So I'm sure she'll smack me, nag at me, and then tell me I was late." He then grinned to Xaph, "I tried, I tried several times. And after capturing and torturing several Angels, I finally figured out that they had taken her to Rhy'din. Gothrak has the last piece in finding out where she is... At least now he does." Regretfully so, and he'd be always in Whisper's gratitude for being taken. He needed Whisper to be taken, or he would have never had found his wife. However, he never had a hand in her kidnapping, nor would he have done so without some sort of plan between him and Gothrak as to her safe recovery in a timely fashion. This was entirely unexpected and unsettling.

Kuro looked up at Gothrak in silence and with wide eyes before he looked at the others around them. He didn't have to be present for long to pick up some of what was going on but the fact Whisper was gone was not common knowledge to him yet. He closed his eyes and put his hands around Gothrak's waist and back to hug him in return and listen to what was said around him in silence.

The older demon closed his eyes, his eyebrows bunched as the sadness started to overpower his rage. Holding the little demon took the fight from him for the moment. "I'm sorry...Kuro...Whisper..." His voice was quiet and verging on broken.

Dots began to connect in different ways for the boy but he was pointing more toward a different more fatal direction. "W-Whisper what?" He very noticeably gulped and his crippled ear twitched as much as it could. All four tails made a slow drag along the floor then stopped and the hairs on them began to stand on end as he trembled slightly and goosebumps rose on his back from fear as well. He knew from how Gothrak was acting and this heavy atmosphere one of two things had happened, she was taken away by force or she had been killed. The growling fallen angel and the demon tending him tending him were overlooked so he could give Gothrak his full attention.

Orais stared towards the figure Kuro had become, unable to make sense of it. It seemed like he was full of questions with no idea what to make of all of it. Xaphan on the other hand was muttering and trying not to show how much that transformation disturbed him by chiding Avii?s attempt to heal him," Christ woman, that hurts!"

The Netherian woman was trying to focus all of her attention towards Xaphan's wounds," Please Xaph'ye, I need to make sure your wings will heal!"

Norriel gave a soft snort at Xap's yelp and flicked his eyes over the boy turned man. "Interesting. As impressive as that is, boy, it gets us no closer to locating their lost partners."

Gothrak blinked a few times then grinned widely, "It might not...but it gives us another fighting member when all hell breaks loose on them."

"And it means I can think. No one wants a stumbling plan from a boy." Kuro grinned to the the fallen and then returned his gaze to Gothrak, glad that he supported him. He then turned his gaze to the others who had been affected by the angels, "I need details and such. As much as it pains me to say it, I am a dog and can sniff out a fly farting a mile away. I need clothes, visual references, energy samples. Look, we are at point zero and need the basics right now." He grinned back to Gothrak and held out his hand to ask for help up. "It is only a matter of time now." He was confident at least.
That made Orais' brow rise. He seemed to be encouraged by the counts of the 'dog' aspect. He shifted on his feet and moved to get his notes from a bag he had been carrying with him. They wanted a plan, well, he had to provide what he knew and what he didn't know.

Norriel simply folded his arms over his chest to listen. He'd add his two cents in at some point but for now he would remain silent.

Gothrak frowned a little but nodded, figuring he would start the information gathering session, "Angels from our realm appeared last night and assaulted Xaphan, there, and Norriel." He gave a nod to both of them to indicate which was which for Kuro, "They were intent on taking Avii and Zynnara..." Gothrak grit his teeth a bit to keep from growling. He filled Kuro in on what they all knew, leaving any extra details to Orais to fill.

Orias had been watching the group for well over a month and watching their movements. He knew his wife was in the city but he didn't know where exactly. He had a good guess of the numbers and mentioned that to them before he commented to Xaphan and Norriel, "They?ve got some old loyalist faces, including this one's twin."

Xaphan's brows rose, but he didn't speak. The fact that his brother was in the city didn't seem to bother him or toss him off his game. But he did go silent and stopped nagging Avii as she did her magic on his wings.

"The reason? Just to chide you or... something else?" Kuro didn't really know and again he needed the basics. He brushed the sparse little amount of clothing left on him then narrowed his eyes at the thought he might have some trouble with a realm he had never visited before. "Can you tell if Whisper is close or far, Gothrak?" He knows Gothrak is having a hard time, but a calm mind and level thinking meant they didn?t walk into a trap and they would have a better chance of success.

"Hn..." Gothrak ran his fingers back through his hair, not much of a planner, "Whisper is still on the planet...but it feels muddled, like she's behind a barrier...It's extremely unsettling and frustrating."

With the info he was given by Orias and the reaffirmation from Gothrak, the grown Kuro had a plan already he would like to try. "We might not know specifics about location but we should know their movements well enough by now that we can act on them." He looked between them with hope to his voice, "Do any of you have something like a tracking sigil? Maybe know someone who can make a chip?" He was still building on this. "Also, do any of you know the story of the fall of Troy? I would hate to have to delve deep when that is the basic bone of it... well, kind of." He grinned and crossed his arms. This was a risky plan but it could be fun, "Angels are suckers for a kid turned into a demon against his will."

Norriel gave a huff of amusement, "A wooden horse per se...it could work." He looked to Gothrak who was frowning but nodding, "We just need to narrow in on his pet was taken."

"Exactly. I was thinking more play a sympathy card on the angels around town. The whole 'I never choose to be this way and it was forced on me? tends to make them coddle." He seemed amused and settled back on his trail leg.

Kuro?s questions about technology had Orias' eyes falling to Xaphan. Technology was his forte after all. The fallen angel gave a grunt, "Go on, boy. I'm listening." It was as though he could feel the eyes on him!

"I don't know how much time trusting Gothrak?s bond might take. We could do it immediately and be half successful or do it calculating and with maybe an extra hour added to it and both save them and be sure it doesn't happen again." That had a clear meaning behind it, he planned to wipe out the renegade angels with this. "If they came across a child who was in distress they might show empathy and take me to the same place before treatment or even transport, maybe even to execute me." He shrugged, "Either way it doesn't hurt to try. If I clean my scent and make myself like a new born it might work."

Orias looked to Kuro and spoke softly, "That's actually a good idea... I know where they patrol heavily, I think that would be closest to where we might find their base..."

Xaphan was thinking, but he simply nodded when he heard the plan and Orias' comment, "So you want me to make something we can use to locate you?"

"I do. Preferably small enough to hide in my mouth and not impair my speech or strong enough to swallow." Kuro nodded to Xaphan, this would only need to work for a little while then he could cause a big enough disturbance if need be. "Also put a long range... Whatever on it just in case the base is further away."

Gothrak made a face of distain; Technology always put a bad taste in his mouth. "I'll try anything to get Whisper and Zynn out of there..." He grumbled.

Norriel thought a moment then gestured with a hand to Kuro, "You can shift between that boy form and this one easily enough?"

The grown Kuro turned to Norriel and smirked, "No not at all, but by the time I start to change I hope you all will have been there by then. I can leave this form easy; it is the entrance that hurts and is difficult. Flashy always equals slow and a weak point." Well it was the kind of flashy he couldn't help doing, it was just how it worked. He slid closer Gothrak's to pat his shoulder in reassurance.

Planning went on early into the night. After long, tedious hours, they had decided and began to set their plan in motion. Not only would they rely on Xaphan?s technologies, but they would rely on Kuro and Gothrak to provide them with a location.

When Anael was gone, Gothrak groaned and succumbed to the pain, rolling onto his back and arching as another wave crashed over him. He gasped and writhed as the pain flared more than he could take for a moment.

When the pain subsided again, he went limp and panted. "...We....we have to go now. Time's running out...we...nngh." He groaned and sat up, the lingering pain through the bond was not at all pleasant.

Orias knelt down, looking to Gothrak, his brow furrowed. "Can you feel if she's near or far away? Can you tell where she is?"

"She's closer than I thought." He grunted, getting to his feet a little shakily, "But I know they're hurting her." Gothrak growled, gritting his teeth. He hated the helpless feeling that was clenching in his gut at that particular moment and couldn?t tell if that was all him or partly Whisper.

Xaphan felt the rage at seeing the renegade angel ebb into fear as he turned his gaze to his friend, "She said that Zynnara was waiting to die... Do you think they're going to kill them?" He couldn't lose another, he couldn't survive it.

Norriel moved over to Xaphan and placed his hand on his shoulder in a weak attempt to console him, "We will not let that happen."

Xaphan was gripping and clenching his fists as his brows furrowed to Norriel's words, the reassurance doing little to calm him, "I will kill them if they harm Zynnara."

Orias looked around the house, "Where'd our Trojan horse make off to?" He searched around for Kuro so that he could let him know that the time was right.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. The door was pushed open and in came the young demon turned old. The atmosphere was strange and had him completely confused as to why. "Whats wrong?..." He looked between each of them then down to Gothrak on the ground and blinked. He had been to a priest to be cleansed and was now it was as if a newborn had just walked inside the house. He had given up most of his demonic presence and power for this plan; power he would never get back so that he had the true child feel to him.

Gothrak gave a grunt, "...They're hurting Whisper. We need to get going." He murmured rolled his shoulders. Pain was still lingering in his eyes.

"I believe we can't wait any longer, Kuro. We need to go. Now." Orias nodded to Kuro before looking to Xaphan and Norriel. His voice came out rather tense, "I know that Xaphan is coming, but are you joining us Norriel?" It looked like he was almost sick when asking that question, but it had Xaphan looking at Norriel hopefully.

"Uh huh." That didn't really explain much about the situation but he wrote it off and looked down to Gothrak with a sigh. He wouldn't really say out loud that standing over him like this made that small primal anger flare again but he was stronger than emotions and knelt down to offer the demon a helping hand up, "Then we leave as soon as you all are ready... which seems like now." He wouldn't press the fallen into coming, though he did have a large part in his battle strategy also, but he glanced to him to see if he would come.

Norriel frowned at Orias and crossed his arms over his chest, "Unfortunately, I have a debt to repay for Gothrak's pet saving me and mine." One side of his lip curled a bit in disgust then gave a heavy sigh of frustration, "I am with you."

Avii seemed to want to protest, but she knew better than to argue with her master. Her eyes had turned up to Norriel and she bit back a sob. Xaphan let out a long sigh of relief and clasped his hand on his friend?s shoulder, giving it a squeeze. He was thankful he wouldn?t be left alone to save the woman he loved with a pack of demons..

Orias nodded and looked to Gothrak. "By your lead General." The demon used the old address for his friend from back during the first war.

It was new to Kuro and made him grin and chuckle inwardly. "Then hopefully we can be done with this by the end of the night." He moved to be far enough that it was safe to lose this form. Flames wrap him and the four foot, red headed boy looked up at those around him with a plotting smile, he was enjoying this much more than he should. "Kuro guess he follow Gothrak too." He smiled and showed those pin sized fangs to him.

Gothrak smirked darkly, nodding once, "We do this quickly. Watch each other's backs." Gothrak knew his General status back in the war was only granted to him because of his brutality and unwillingness to back down. People would follow him into a charge.

"Let's set out our Trojan Horse, my friend." Orias?s words had Kuro puff proudly and grin broadly. With a shift of his feet, Orais moved for the door and opened it for them all to file out.

Xaphan gave a cruel smirk to the demons as he passed through the door. "This all reminds me of why I wanted to torch the fuck out of Heaven."

He was quiet and working on his battle plan as he followed Gothrak out of the house. This little wolf really lived up to the mentality and deadly nature of a pack; the makings of an amazingly terrifying tactician. Outside he turned back to Orais and thought about his position and what he needed to do, "When Kuro get there he don't think just bursting in through the front door is good plan." He then looked to Gothrak, "Kuro think night not good idea either, they will expect it. Day light is best Kuro think, and maybe from under not above or through, sewer thingy and explosion." Being infiltrated from below is the least expected way to be attacked.

Gothrak hmm'ed and grumbled a bit, "I don't know the sewer system and we're all pretty big." Gothrak scratched his jaw, "...If you could get in and somehow open the door for us, that could work."

"That's what my key is for, remember?. It will open up a door where ever Kuro is once he?s inside the facility. We've just got to make sure he isn't put in a cell. Which I think as long as he's a child and poses no threat, they won't lock him up." Xaphan lifted up a key that looked like the one he had given Zynn. He'd probably have to make her a new one, but he'd make sure he'd give her whatever she desired from this point on.

Orias nodded to the group and spoke out softly, "Let's get our supplies and what we're going to use to rip these Angels new assholes. Kuro, we're giving you an hour, is that enough time?"

"Mhm, Kuro have puppy eyes. He work fast." The boy smiled then swung four tails behind him and looked at the key. "Kuro can go now if wanted." He bent just a little and reorganized his thought pattern to be cute and not angry and ferocious, he had to make this plan work somehow. The thing was his eyes and expression, he showed no fear or hesitation to this and could only make one wonder if he even knew what he was about to try to do and the potential danger it carried.

Norriel turned his attention to Avii and pet her hair and cheeks before he started out the door, "I will be back and then we can go back home and not be surrounded by savages." He whispered though Gothrak heard him and grumbled something about 'arrogant assholes'.

Avii looked up at him, tears in her eyes as he reassured her with pets and words, "It's okay to leave them to die, Sin'ye, so long as you come home to me." She had a bit of a selfish side in her. The woman would rather the demons die than her beloved master.

Orias grunted, having heard the less than whispered conversation and mused to Gothrak, "She's so very reassuring." He huffed sarcastically and glanced to Xaphan. The other fallen was eerily silent, his mind set on the upcoming task.

Gothrak couldn?t help but feel a nagging worry for the pup as he looked to Kuro and nodded, "Good luck, Kuro. Everyone is counting on you."

Kuro smiled and nodded brushing his tails on the ground then shifting into the wolf and running where he thought he should go. Before he was to far he looked back and barked at them as if to say ?no to worry? then disappeared where he needed to go to.

Boasting is Bad for Your Health

Shendavari was not pleased. Not in the least. But she was calm despite the rage that boiled inside her. Currently, she was in her lobby of her manor, tightening the bands on some armor that guarded her chest and the sensitive scar over her heart. As dark and cold as the organ was, it still beat and needed protection. Servants scurried about, giving her a wide berth of space...they knew she was upset and didn't want her vicious anger to be turned on them.

Anael figured, that since she'd been able to rile up a whole room full of men, that it'd be easy to take on the single demon woman as well. A flash of light within the lobby signaled her arrival to Shen. Her eyes ticked about to the servants that were scurrying around, before they found the demon. A grin curled across her face as she thought on the game she was about to play.

Surprisingly enough Shen simply looked up, regarded Anael calmly and returned to ensuring her armor was in place, "Something I can help you with, dear?" the demoness?s voice was a smooth, almost amused purr.

She studied the woman and the armor she wore quietly. Her grin didn't drop though. "Nah. I was simply stopping by."

"Ah, I see. How simply delightful." Her voice was dry, there was nothing delighted in her tone. When she looked up to fix her eyes on the woman though, she gave that slow, dark grin that promised horrible things.

"I'm glad to hear that you think so." The grin on the demoness?s lips was noted though it did spark a bit of confusion in the renegade angel. "You know. Your pet. Yelloweye? The Pup. I think he's the most pathetic of the lot." Mused softly to her, as her seafoam green hues danced upwards to meet bloody red ones.

There was something in the demoness?s eyes that made it extremely hard to look away; like the Angel was being drawn in. "Oh, I know...I didn't take him because of strength. He is easy to control and it pleases us both." Shen didn't blink, her gaze didn't shift.

"Right. Because demons enjoy dominating over others. Isn't that right?" Anael?s eyes strayed briefly from hers, feeling that strange entrancing pull, but were inevitably drawn back.

"Indeed, we do." Shen purred and slowly began stalking towards the confused angel. The woman was graceful and practically glided across the floor, "It can be fun. Holding the life of another in your hand, knowing every aspect of their person is at your disposal." Shen purred in a sultry tone, "It can be addicting...."

Perhaps unwisely, Anael didn't move back when the demoness started stalking towards her. "I bet." Mused softly, as her grin slowly returned.

Suddenly Shen wasn't in front of her anymore. In a blink she was behind Anael, her purring voice next to her ear, "And I don't like it when things that I consider mine to be taken. I get very upset."

Anael spun on her heel so that she was facing the demoness and she quickly stepped backwards away from her. "So does everyone else." Mused. She felt nervous then, something was wrong. She should have been able to blink away. The renegade angel wasn?t about to let that something was wrong show on her features.

But Shendavari knew and purred again, "You do realize...that you're trapped now, don't you?" Shen murmured, raising a slender dark eyebrow, "You pop up into my home unannounced...you don't think a former Queen would not have protections of sorts where she rests?"

Sometimes being confident was a bitch. "Well. Now I do. Thanks for enlightening me." Anael murmured sarcastically, her mind racing on how she could escape this unknown land and the demoness.

"You are most welcome, dear." Shen purred, "Now...you and I are going to have a chat about where my property is." Her niceties vanished in a split second as she lunged at the cocky angel; hands outstretched for the other woman?s throat.

As soon as she saw the woman lunging, she ducked and holy fire formed on her hands,; bright and burning. Anael let it fly towards the demon before she attempted to move backwards from her.

Shen had expected that to happen and moved out of the way of the flames. The few servants that had been in the area ran off, leaving the two women to fight it out. With Anael unable to blip away, she was at the disadvantage.

There was a soft hiss that escaped Anael as that fact registered with her. She moved to straighten, and resumed watching the woman.

The demoness lunged at her again but this time went low, aiming to knock her legs out from under her, always aware of those flames the renegade angel could spew forth.

Anael moved just a hair too slow and was summarily knocked down. But, she did try to take advantage of the close contact with the demon, aiming to press her glowing hands against the chest of the demoness and let loose with the fire.

Shen gasped and winced, if she hadn?t had the armor on, it would have certainly not gone half as well as it did. Taking advantage of the protection, Shendavari lashed out with a vicious elbow to the renegades jaw, she attempted to knock the Angel out. People were much more agreeable when they were unconscious after all.

The sharp blow to the right spot on the Angel?s chin knocked her out cold leaving her limp and at the angry demoness?s mercy or lack there of.

As soon as the Angel was out, she stood and smirked down at her unconscious form. The mistress of the manor called for servants to come and haul the unconscious intruder down to the single cell dungeon the medieval estate held. Not much call for prisoners much these days; people had learned quickly not to mess with the demoness even if they didn't know who or what she really was.

((WARNING: Mature Content))

Shen smirked and circled the Angel, disappearing from her sight as she went around behind her. Since the angel had refused to choose, the demoness chose for her. Anael felt a very intrusive sensation as the pear shaped torture device was inserted without a shred of tenderness into her small puckered anus, surely tearing the thin skin at the edges. With a slow twist of the protruding handle, Shen began to cause the leaf like flanges of the metallic item begin to flare out inside Anael's body.

There was a sharp intake of breath at the rough intrusion to such a sensitive place. Anael?s eyes screwed shut and her teeth ground together as she did her very best to ignore the angry ripping, shredding pain that was starting to grow inside her as the pear was slowly opened.

She would find it was rather difficult to ignore the cold iron item as it opened more and more; tearing apart her insides. Dark blood flowing out of the orifice indicating extensive internal damage.

Needless to say, the angel wasn't quiet for long. Noises began to come from Anael?s throat, starting as soft almost pleading whimpers and worked it's way up to pained grunts then louder whimpers, like those of a kicked dog.

Shen stopped but didn't reduce the size of the object intruding in the angel?s body. Instead she left it in and headed back to her table. The demoness took up an old, simple tool; a well worn whip. She wanted to take out her aggression in a physical way. Uncoiling the whip, she sighed, "Simply give me the number." She murmured then cracked the whip against the suspended angel's front, leaving an angry red gash where it struck her. Any jerk of movement or flinch Anael made would have agitated the injuring to the bottoms of her feet and the pear in her sensitive area.

Anael yelped when the whip hit her and her body jerked, which indeed sent a white hot spasm of pain, like nothing she had never experienced. Truth be told, this was the first time that she'd been caught let alone tortured and at the mercy of a cold blooded demon.

To Shen?s surprise and frustration the renegade was actually holding up quite well despite it all. One after another the thick leather whip hit Anael's body; splitting her skin at times, leaving large red angry bruises or scrapes at others. It all depended on how the whip hit.

The angel endured several more minutes of the whip hitting her letting out whimpers and the like. But no screams or cries...she would not give Shen the satisfaction. Though it was about this time that she had simply let her body go slack, unable to fight the bonds to free herself. Her head hung down against her chest, "Stop. Please. There's about thirty." Anael whispered out meekly, her voice strained and pained.

"Hm?" Shen almost hadn't heard her over the crack of the whip lash but she knew her victim had said something. She wandered closer, pushing Anael's chin up with the handle of the whip to look her in the eye, "What was that?"

"Thirty." Anael gasped at the roughness in which her head was propped up on the handle of the whip. Her eyes flickered open then and found the demon's eyes, repeating her words again in hope that the pain would now stop, "There's about thirty."

Shen nodded, "Hn...enough to give me trouble." She grumbled, removing the whip handle from the angel's chin to allow it to fall back down to her chest again, "...Have you taken other pets or was this just a deliberate attack on me? It would figure if it was deliberate...just when I get something I really want in my life." Shen grumbled, ever paranoid that her former station as Queen would haunt her but looked to Anael for the answer.

Anael was somehow still able to muster the strength to carry a sarcastic tone in her voice, "Oh yes. Just an attack on you. Because you're just that special."

The demoness smirked and contemplated whipping the Angel?s back to match her front, "You really don't know who I am, do you?" Shen huffed shaking her head, not phased by the sarcasm, "But good, that means there are other demons that will be upset enough to take out your band of renegades. Perfect."

"Does it matter?" This was murmured softly by the tormented angel as she winced slightly and let her eyes drift to a closed position.

"No, I suppose it doesn't matter anymore....but it probably would have meant you would have been more prepared." Shen murmured then sighed in an impatient huff as she regarded the brutalized angel hanging before her, "Hn....I suppose I'll let you have a break." The demoness coiled the whip back up and set it aside before taking her time in unwinding the torture device. The leaf like flanges of the pear slowly closed back up into the shape in which it could be removed from the Angel?s anus without causing more damage. Blood still dribbled from the wound but she doubted the Angel would bleed to death from it; surely a shame.

Anael stayed quiet during and after the whole process other than the occasional whimper. Relief from the knowledge of having a break allowing the exhaustion to kick in.

"I must say...you certainly are resilient." Shen cleaned off the pear and set it away before returning to the Angel. She purred, "We'll talk more after I fetch my pet back from your friends."

"You'll...never succeed." Anael managed after a moment once she tilted her head up to eye Shen, "But...I'll let you think...you will."

Shen huffed an amused noise through her nose and left the angel hanging up by her wrists. It would give her some time to heal as Shen went to go tear the heads off some renegade angels.

Noel was, in truth, no one's favorite person. Afterall, he was accused of helping his brother escape the full wrath of the Angels when the fallen betrayed them. Yet, no one knew the truth and he wasn?t about to share. He looked over the group and sighed again; he seriously looked bored with the whole mess of situations he had landed in.

"That sound like a nice place." Kuro was fully at Lazel's mercy here. Noel was glanced at and he squeezed the mans hand out of uncertainty but was ready to go.

Lazel nodded slightly and in a blink, the small party had disappeared from the street and were back in their headquarters. The entry zone which was a comforting lounge-like area.

Noel was no where to be seen, not flashing out to the same location as the rest of his team; He had other business to attend to now that he was off the streets.

With the leader gone, Kuro eased visibly and his nerves died off. He looked around but was uncertain where he was, though the comfy feel of this place did help out in how he acted. He felt more at home, so to speak. "This first time in secret base... What we do now?" The boy asked as he began taking notes of where the entry was.

The angel didn't notice the kid casing the place out as he started to lead him out of the comfy room and down the hall, "Now we go find you a room to stay in."

?Bathroom." Kuro said suddenly, looking up at Lazel and tugged lightly at his hand; it seemed like one of those desperate ?now or I flood the place? time urgent plea.

His escort blinked a few times then sighed, nodding and led the boy to a simple door; presumably a bathroom. "You don't need any help, do you?" Lazel asked awkwardly; he really didn't know much about children.

Kuro let go of his hand and hopped to right in front of the door then turned, "Dunno maybe." The truth was if Lazel walked into the room, he would never walk back out again. Kuro flashed a brilliant smile of an innocent child so full of energy and opened the door, turned, then went inside.

Angry tears stung Mila's eyes for a moment, not really having much of a chance but to wait for the damn gas to be released. She simply glared at Noel, going silent again as she had nothing more she wanted to say to the angelic bastard.

Yelloweye let out a snort, "Mistress doesn't sleep when her pet is away." A lopsided smirk formed on his muzzle at a thought, "You'll be dead before dawn, you bastard. And you preached that you were on our side? You're crazier than I thought."

Zynnara lunged for Noel, when saw his arm him close enough to the food slot, electricity sparking from her fingertips. Her hands went straight for wrist. If this was her last attempt to do something she wasn't going out without a fight.

There was still a door between them, so her attempt was in vain. He simply drew back and cast her a 'what the hell are you thinking' look. There was a sigh and a head shake before he turned back to his work with a mutter of "Stupid woman." In vain it might be, but it satisfied something within her; soothed the angry animal that seemed to be trapped inside.

The funny thing about gas canisters. What looked like a knock out gas one time could most certainly be a different sort another. When he popped open the canister, it didn't go green as it had during the girls? attempted escape, it went red. The smoke wafting from the container filled the room quickly. When the gas hit their systems they stayed very awake; All of their senses were actually heightened, nerves were supercharged but their bodies rendered useless. Their legs gave out from under them, the muscles becoming no longer under their control and with the heightened sensitivity coursing through their bodies, they certainly felt it.

That was worse than being knocked out being rendered helpless but fully aware was one of a Netherian's most hated events. Mila's breathing was rapid as she silently screamed in her mind as the gas effectively paralyzed their bodies completely.

Yelloweye felt a similar panic at not being able to shout and losing control of his ability to stay upright. Confused thoughts raced through his head in rapid succession.

Zynnara?s struggling to get to Noel through the slot stopped as the gas hit her system and her knees buckled underneath her. She dropped like a heavy sack of potatoes like the other two. The snarl that had formed died off within a matter of seconds. Zynn quickly realized, like the others that there was something worse than being knocked out and that was being aware of everything without the power to do something.

Once they were completely numbed, the Angels entered and cuffed them, then slipped blindfolds over their eyes. All the while Noel looked down at them with a look of aggravation. Something was on his mind and they were only making his plans worse. Now they had him growling and furious, "Get them up! Move!"

The Angels lifted them up and he started to speak coldly to the small group of detainees, "You three have been the most ungrateful and disrespectful pests I've ever had the displeasure to encounter. Whisper has proven more pleasant than you and she's been screaming in agony for a few days now! We'll make her one of us yet. We've taken the proper measures to see that she obeys. However, you lot have made it clear on what we must do. Today is your funeral; I hope you sorry lot rest in peace."

Mila made small noises in her throat between fear and anger, not liking the sensations of being forcibly moved at all or blind folded for that matter.

Helpless was how they all felt. It made the feisty females want to pull their hair out and scream; to fight and be free but they. So, through the darkness of the blindfold, they simply persevered. Yelloweye continued to hope and pray his mistress had an ace up her sleeve and would swoop in to rescue her beloved pet before the axe fell.

Zynn?s face, once she was silenced, was still defiant. She planned on dying with a scowl on her face.
Like a mad scientist, he grinned evilly down at the machine before him and then back to the three subjects. It was time for the mind wiping, brainwashing, memory altering to begin. Not the death they expected but they were unaware of that fact.

For all Mila knew, she had been condemned to die. Her life flashed before her; no regrets really but things left unsaid or done. She ached to see Orais one more time and thought, for one heartbreaking moment she'd heard him calling her name.

Yelloweye saw no life-flashing or feelings of impending doom, he continued to struggle fighting to stay alive. Though, he absently wondered if he could come back as a vengeance spirit and kill each and every one of them.

Suddenly a jolt went through all three when the correct buttons were pressed.

Mila's memories were jumbled. Tossed around and scattered until she couldn't make sense of Orias and them ever falling in love. Instead, she'd know him as a stalker; someone pursuing her with ill intent in mind; because of this, she would be forced to become gravely afraid of Orias and his kind.

The same fear was placed upon Yelloweye. He would not only fear them, but perhaps have a bit of loathing for them. They embodied everything that had been denied to him to this point; His wish of becoming one of them was so strong in his mind that it turned out to be his downfall to the machine as it warped and twisted their minds.

Zynnara, well Noel had something special in mind for her. The angel would make her love him. All the pleasant memories of Gothrak were twisted to his aid and the not so pleasant ones erased as if they had never occurred. Xaphan's efforts became his own, all but the hell flowers; no, he gave her flowers of Heaven. Each were twisted and turned until Noel was the only man that ever held her heart in Rhy'din and the one that meant the most to her in all her life.

The scrambling process was painful and elicited muffled noises of pain from the victims of the device. Strangely enough, Mila heard her name being called again, it wasn't a dream though right now it seemed far away.

Of the three procedures, Yelloweye?s lasted the longest due to how much rage was being ingrained into his brain. This emotion even overruled his confusion as to why he wasn?t dead yet. The fury towards the angels, soon enough, is replaced by rage towards the demons. It was true, he wanted to become one and yet they had denied him this greatest of wishes to reduce him to a sex slave! Those bastards! He vowed that his so-called "Mistress" would feel his feel his righteous anger soon!

Mechanical Manipulation

The machine began to whirl, winding down from its activity and the mind altering completed, leaving the victims confused but the alterations taking root. Noel would begin his act now and moved in right as the emergency alarm for the base sounded. He tore off Zynnara's blindfold and looked in her eyes. Concern was on his face as he removed the mouth guard from her lips; though it was uncertain if his concern was an act or afraid that there was a gap in the machine?s interfacing. Experimentally, his hands smoothed over her face and he rested his brow against hers, "Oh thank god I've found you." His hand waved to the other angels discreetly to start untying the others.

As soon as she was able to see, her cat-like eyes blinked several times, adjusting to the lights, and whoever was in front of her. There was a brief flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Then she melted, and surged forward, arms shakily wrapping around his neck. "Noel. I didn't think you'd get here in time, I... I thought I was going to die. and. And.." Her words, died off then, into sobs that were muffled when she pressed her face into his shoulder.

"Shh, we're here to save you. Demons are running amuk in this place. We have to get out of here." He pet her hair and smirked to himself; it had worked, the alterations had taken. Holding her close he looked to the other two as their blindfolds were removed.

Mila winced at the sudden tidal wave of light; blaring alarm wreaked havoc on her heightened senses when the blindfold was removed from her cat-slitted eyes. Not recalling much of the last month or so and being quite confused about it had her watching everyone warily, "Vat is going on?"

When Yelloweye?s muzzle was removed, there was no nipping at fingers. When the blindfold was removed, his gorgeous amber eyes were only filled with misdirected anger, thinking the Angels were their saviours. When the alarm sounded, those giant ears swiveled and he looks at the angel removing his bonds. "What is that?"

"We have to get moving, understand? The demons are out for blood!" Noel urged them all. Honestly though, he couldn't time his brother's arrival more perfectly.

A low feral growl bubbled up from Yelloweye, "Demons! I want to fight! Let me at 'em! They'll pay for denying me the honor of joining their line!" He would have rushed out the door if not caught by one of the supporting angels. Turning into a scrappy little guy, he flailed and snarled to free himself and let loose on whatever demons may be near, "RAWR! RAWR! LET ME GO!!!" The machine definitely worked. He wasn?t afraid of them and he certainly hated them.

The Netherian frowned deeply, rubbing her hand along her forehead and temple to get rid of her dull throbbing headache, "Vat?...h-how?" She was still confused as to what was going on but the mention of demons had the desired effect; She paled a little and gulped, the machine had done it's job with her as well.

"The demons will tear you limb from limb, Yelloweye, it's not safe with them in a rage, you know this!" He then turned his gaze to Mila and spoke shakily, "Orias is with them. We will protect you as promised, I swear it."

Mila gulped at the mention of Orais, "Fantastic..." She murmured, sarcastically, "Zen ve leave. Now. Show ze vay out of zis place."

Noel pulled back to look to Zynn, feeding her more comforting lies, "No matter what happens, Zynnara, I want you to keep running and get as far away from this evil place as you can."

"Noel. No, I can't! I can't do that! I can't leave you again! I can't! I don't want to feel like I'm never going to see you again! Don't make me run and leave you here! Please...." Between the sobbing and the hysterics his request put her in, it was a surprise that he was even able to understand her.

His gaze softened, he couldn?t help but think how lucky his brother and the other demon brute had been. Noel gave her hair soothing pet as he spoke, "I will always find you, Zynnara, I will always come back for you. No matter what. Trust me." He gave her lips a heart stopping, yet frantic kiss then looked back towards the door, "I wish they had never taken your key, then we'd get out of here no questions asked." Standing, he pulled Zynnara against him protectively.

Stranger Circumstances

Whispers screams died down when the administrations of the attempted mark removal paused. "This certainly is a stubborn thing to remove..." The calm female angel murmured. Whisper was strapped down on her belly to a bed, her shirt removed to expose her bared back.

Vibrations poured through the young woman as she rested her head against the bed. Sweat beaded her brow and the back of her neck. Her hair was matted beside her and knotted poorly. Green eyes had dulled because of pain and she whimpered out. "I don't want it off. Stop! You can't take this off of me!"

"It's alright, miss..." She placed her hand on the fae's head, a strange calming sensation running through her briefly. The fae fought the calming sensation, eyes narrowed on the woman until the angel removed her hand from the attempted comforting gesture; the strange sensation leaving with it, "We must attempt to remove it for the safety of this facility and yourself." With a slight nod of her head, the angel gave the signal to make the attempt again.

Whisper?s eyes widened when the signal was made. "No... no... no!!!" Screams erupted from her as she writhed, kicked, and fought as best as she could against the restraints. Orbs of living fire started to bud around the room.

When the orbs burst into view, another angel in the room wrapped them in holy fire, the two flames smothering each other out. They had taken to wearing ear plugs but discovered that they may need to gag her while the fae screamed her ear piercing, blood curdling screams.

Those screams turned into banshee like cries. Agony overwhelming her and she felt her whole body fighting, resisting, but with each attempt she felt as though her life force was being sucked out of her. She screamed out then sobbed, "Gothrak!!! Gothrak!!!" She wanted him so badly. She needed her demon so very badly. "G.. Gothrak!!"

Her demon could make all of the pain stop and make the last week all be nothing more than a horrible dream. But he wasn't there and she was very much awake. Seconds felt like an eternity as the angels kept up their attempts to remove that demon brand from her back that elicited a long, billowing howl of agony from her. .

Once again they allowed her a short break and asked some questions this time, "You are not a Netherian...why would you have such devotion to such horrible creatures?"

Whisper?s face fell against the bed when they stopped and her whole frame trembled in pain. Tears welled up in her eyes and she sobbed out, "Because he's good to me. Because he loves me and makes me feel the happiest I've ever been in my life. He's my everything. My beloved and heart. Please, don't take that away from me? Please, don't take him away from me. Please, don't take this away from me. PLEASE!" The fae begged.

"You have been deceived, miss...this demon you claim that loves you is just using you for his own fun, it is like a game to them; To lord over something they see as weaker than them. If we remove that ugly mark, you'll be free again." The female angel murmured gently.

"I chose this mark! It is mine! I am his and he is mine." She squirmed and fought again, this time the orbs of flame that formed took on almost a vile black hue. The heat of the dark flames was angry and extensive. Whisper jerked and writhed, "Gothrak loves me and his love is more honest and true than any of you will ever know or understand!"

One of the Angels murmured as he continued his attempts to smother the flames with his own, "She's more tainted from this demon?s brand than we thought...she shouldn't be able to use Helfire." They didn't know about her previous bond with Kuro and how part of his fire still remained in her.

The female sighed, "We must remove this mark." She gave another nod, "...Again..." And the pain renewed once more. Whisper could feel the very edges of the mark begin to recede, the efforts of the angels beginning to yield results however unwanted they may be..

"No! You must not remove the---aaahhggghhh!!!" She screamed again. The fae?s whole body jerked in response and it felt as though part of her soul was being torn from her, "PLEASE, STOP! STOP!" Whisper would never willingly give in; no matter the pain, no matter the agony. Despite this being her Hell she clung to the desperate hope that Gothrak would save her.

The angels felt they were in the right, that this was for the fae's own good. The pain was an unfortunate side effect. When the pain let up again, the angel woman sighed, "Do you not wish to be free? To not have a demon lord over you? We can protect you from him."

"I do not want to be free! I want to go home to my demon! I want to go home to MY SIN'YE!" She tried to pull from her binds, tried to fight her way up so that she could strangle the Angel causing her pain and talking nonsense, "You're the one that needs protection, because when he gets here, he's going to tear you to pieces!"

The angel sighed, her eyebrows bunching together in a look of pity. A sad shake of her head, "...Keep working on it until it is gone." She gave the instruction to the others and the pain returned.

Hard huffs of pain puffed hard against the bed as she grit her teeth. Whisper resisted screams for a few moments but it was only a matter of time before they once again poured free. Louder screams cried out from her as her body jerked in the throes of agony. The fae woman couldn't focus; the world around her had started to blur and gave her no sense of time.

It was hard to tell how much time exactly had passed; it could have been minutes or hours, the pain made it all blur together. "Enough...I think that's as far as we're going to get." Came the female angel's voice, a sound of disappointment in it, "There was a child just brought in, go tend to them....I'll be fine here with her. I'm going to complete the process and set her loose." Whisper could hear the door open and close as the others left.

Fear sank through their captive. How much of her beloved demon?s mark had they removed? How much had they taken from her? Tears coursed down her face and to the bed as she went limp with pain. She shook her head as she whimpered, "What have you done? What did you do to me?" She felt like another attempt to remove the mark would be the end of her.

"Shh..." The angel's voice was soft though hardly soothing, "You'll be alright. Your energy will return with time. This will be nothing more than a bad dream...I'll make the pain and sadness go away, dear one." She whispered and placed her hands on Whisper's head.

A strange numbing feeling overtook the fae and flashes of all her time with Gothrak began running through her head.

There were more sobs from her as if she sensed what was coming. Tears rained down on the bed as she tried desperately to resist the mental invasion. She wouldn't let them take this part of her! Her eyes screwed shut tightly and she pleaded, "No... please! No! Not that!" Whisper cried and sobbed out, "Gothrak! Goth--!" Her frame fell, curling upon the bed as best as it could, trembling with grief and immense pain.

"Shh.." The angel hushed the frightened fae, "It will all be over soon."

One by one, the memories of Gothrak; good and bad were ripped from the Fae?s memories. She could feel him slipping away from her mind until all of the love, all of their time together simply wasn't there anymore. A blank spot, a hole in her memory in every place Gothrak had once been.

The Angel gently pet Whisper?s hair and began undoing the bindings when the door burst open.

Gothrak's eyes flicked to Whisper motionless on the bed then back to the Angel. Her eyes grew wide and she held up her hands to suck the air from him or push him back but he was charging the short distance forward.

He let out a roar and with a diagonal slash of his talons, knocked the angel?s hands aside and set his fangs to the front of her tender throat. With a savage rip and shake like a feral dog; Gothrak tore the Angel's throat out. He pulled his head back and began slashing at her with the claws, splattering blood and gore about the room, following her down to the floor to continue his brutal assault.

Finally, when she was completely eviscerated and her heart torn from her chest, he sat panting to catch his breath, covered in blood that was not his own.

Whisper was still limp, her frame trembling as she lay there. Tears poured from her though staining the bed and the cheeks her body and mind weakened by hours of relentless torture and memory loss, all she knew is the pain she had endured. If they had removed Gothrak from her memory, that wouldn't include the torture she had just endured, even if she didn't remember who she was crying out for. After a few moments, her frame would stir and her eyes of dim jade would open upon the brutalized Angel and the bloody demon, confusion within the jade orbs.

The hulking beast that would have once been a relief to see turned his eyes to her but they weren't rage filled anymore, they looked tear filled, "Whisper....Whisper, I'm so glad you're alive." He stood to go over to her.

There was no flinch, or jerk, or tension at the sight of him covered in blood. Brows scrunched and her lips pursed as she spoke out, "What? How do you know my name? Who are you?"

Gothrak blinked a few times, pausing in his step. His eyebrows pulled down together and he gave an uncertain lopsided smile, "What do you mean, who am I? Stop joking around, Whisper....come on. Let's go home." He wiped his hand off the best he could before holding it out to her.

Her lips pursed a little in annoyance as she spoke out to him, "I'm not kidding, I'm not joking around. I don't know who the hell you are!" Hesitation showed on her face. She knew who had saved her and who had tortured her, but that didn't mean she wanted to go home with a crazy person either. Beside that fact, her body was still screaming with ache and she doubted she could move as it was. Never the less, she didn't like the alternative, Whisper knew there were more of her tormentors about somewhere.

A very shaky hand reached half way then pulled back as she eyed Gothrak, "No funny business okay? If I trust you, you have to swear that nothing more will happen to me... I hurt and I'm tired.. and if one more person tells me what to do, by threat of pain, I'm going to lose it." Her voice trembled and more tears threatened.

The demon blinked dumbly at her. His eyes flicked over her face, not understanding what was going on, "Wh...what did they do to you?" Gothrak pulled her up and pulled her into a tight hug that probably wasn't the most comfortable thing seeing as he was liberally covered in blood.

Whisper wasn't aware that she was topless until he pulled her against his chest. There was a grunt when the blood squelched against her bare chest and she tensed. "Oh gods..." Both her eyes closed tightly and she grimaced in not only pain but in discomfort, "Is there anything you can cover me up with? Normally I go for this kind of thing, but right now... not so much."

Gothrak looked around the room and spotted her shirt that had been removed by the angels to allow them unhindered access to her back. Letting her go briefly, he grabbed the shirt and held it out to her, still looking terribly confused and concerned, "...You...really don't know me?"

Shaky arms lifted the shirt over her shoulders and then over her chest. Jade eyes fixed on Gothrak when she could see him again and her head shook, "No... Should I?" Her brows scrunched a little and she wrinkled her nose, "Last I remember was meeting this wolf guy named Yelloweye."

He felt like he'd been kicked in the chest when she gave no indication that she knew him. How could this have happened? What did they do to her? He suddenly wished that Angel was still alive so he could rip her apart again, "...I...I see." Gothrak's voice was quiet and pained.

Her head tilted to the side and she regarded him for a few moments, though she didn?t remember him, she still had her empathetic abilities and felt his sorrow growing. Biting her lip a little she spoke to him, to try and perk him up just a little, "I feel as though you're familiar to me though." Whisper said softly, hoping that would help cheer him a little, "But I don't know how or why." There was a wince as she moved a little," They were doing something to my back."

Gothrak gave a flick of a smile, a glimmer of hope at her attempt, "...You are very important to me...whatever these bastards did to you has taken that from you..." Gothrak's voice was still quiet, "Can I see?"

Green eyes turned towards the corpse and frowned. Yeah, she couldn't put it past them to do something that cold. However, she didn't comment on how empty she felt inside, like something was missing. When he asked to see her back she shifted, but her aching arms couldn't quite lift the back of her shirt up and hold it there.

He moved behind her and lifted the shirt for her when he saw she was allowing him to see but was unable to oblige without assistance. When he saw that his mark had been erased at the edges, he grit his teeth tightly, rage coursing hotly through him again. Gothrak kept the rage tightly controlled though, not wanting to frighten her.

"They were trying to remove a very special mark from your back..." Gothrak muttered, lowering her shirt again, "It must have hurt horribly." He knew it hurt, he'd felt it.

Her arms closed over her chest at his words as she lowered her head and confirmed, "Like pieces of my soul were being torn from me." She pursed her lips a little, hands moving up to hold her head, letting out an exhausted groan. "Everything hurts."

Gothrak wanted to touch her hair and soothe her fears and pain but if she didn't remember him, he doubted it would be a comfort. "Come on..." Gothrak murmured, scooping her up so she didn't have to walk, "I'll get you out of here. It's over now."

A light nod came from her as she curled up in his arms. It strangely felt safe there, actually comforting her enough that her closed. The fae wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her, "Thank you for saving me... I don't know who you are, but I owe you." Whisper would repay him somehow.

Carrying her, if she'd opened her eyes she could see the carnage that was wrought by the demon desperate to get to her and end her suffering. Bloody and burnt bodies of dead angels lay scattered about, not all together in one piece. There were no groans of pain or cries for help; his enemies were dead as dead can be. Thankfully, Whisper didn?t open her eyes, she?d fallen asleep in his strong arms rather quickly after saying her thanks, passed out from exhaustion.

Gothrak managed to use the enchanted key to open a door that lead them back to their home. As he slipped through it with her, he glanced back, hoping that the others were alright.

The wolf stood over a torn corpse with fangs still sunk in the throat. From all angles he looked ferocious but up close Kuro was panting; blood clotted in his fur that belonged both to himself and those angels he slaughtered. The angel in his jaws was burnt and ripped when he dropped the corpse and slowly started walking again down halls.

Where did the others go? He was just in front of them a moment ago, clearing a few from the front but when he turned to see, his allies were gone. He could smell no one and his heart pounded in his chest as black blood was pumped from his wounds. The power he gave away to trick the others had come back to bite him and make him weak.

The clatter of foot steps and voices made his hung head jerk and ears twitch as Kuro looked up in their direction. battle was about to start again and all he could do was whine and groan and prepare. Never one to fear and having died already before he didn't fear that. What had elicited the whine and groan was his memory...the happy memories of eating dinner with his family, watching movies with Whisper, playing with Gothrak and even the few memories of Zynn and Yelloweye that he had. The images of his friends and loved ones drove him forward and sent him into the closing group of oncoming angels once again. An explosion of flames covered the hall and melted the bodies he left behind him as snarls and growls sounded only to be followed by a sudden loud and pained yelp.

When the next wave of Angels came to join in the fight, they rounded the bend and came upon a massive black stain of blood on the wall and floor, dead angels with throats and limbs torn, bites covering the body with death heavy in the air... But the tiny corpse that played herald to the massacre was no where to be found.

Fin.