The lost pages.

Stories from Port Lyndon, Ambridge, Black Light and other destinations.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Possible!Reset: Angeline.  (Because let’s be fair she’s a complicated mess of confusion)

Kings City. The east coast island city was known as ‘The city of diamonds’ or ‘Diamond city’ by most. The massive island seemed like a man made maze of skyscrapers. The lights sparkling within the midnight sky. It was a hectic place to live as swarms of millions flooded every corner but it was and easy place to disappear… That was what made it so appealing.

“...Again.” The dark hair man started calmly as he braced himself and watched the girl in front of him. She was sixteen and had dropped out of nowhere and despite his contacts and resources he couldn’t find a single thing about her. She insisted on learning how to fight and after enough badgering he caved in. She was a natural yet there was something unnatural about her...

Angeline clenched her bandaged fists as she nodded, falling into position before striking. He blocked two of her blows before she easily backflipped, kicking him in the face and knocking him back a few steps as she went at him again,  He let himself fall back from the blow and shifted, kicking her foot out from under her before coming up, punching her in the stomach and grabbing her and easily throwing her across the floor.

Angeline flipped herself upright easily and as he threw a punch she caught his fist. She was half his size. She’d put on some weight but when they’d met she was clearly malnourished, skin and bones. She was a little shorter than him and although she’d worked on her body she didn’t have the muscle he did but she easily held his punch back. There’d been a few occasions like this… She seemed above average with her strength and even after hurting herself she was back on her feet faster than most. He brushed it off as her tenacity but he found himself wondering what her deal was…

He shifted to try to throw another blow but she twisted her arm around his, leveraging herself before throwing a punch with her non-dominant hand. It threw him off a bit as it hit him square in the jaw.  It hurt but he wasn’t the kind to care as he laughed it off and backed up a bit. “Nice move.” He stated as he rubbed his face.

“Thanks, Desmond.” She smiled a little bit as she leaned forward a little, taking a couple deep breaths before straightening again and another voice filled the gym.  “I’m going to tell Anastasia your cheating on her~” Damien, Desmond’s younger brother chimed as he walked in.  Angeline narrowing her eyes at him… He was so - chaotic.   Of course her entire history of human interaction was her ‘mother’ who grew her in a test tube… So perhaps his personality wasn’t so odd.

Desmond grimaced a little. “She’s not - It’s not like that. Anastasia is in Lyndon anyways - I haven’t seen her in a few years…” 

“You still got it bad for her, right?”  Damien smirked and Desmond moved, punching him in the shoulder with quite a good intent behind it.  Damien wincing a little but brushing it off as he punched Desmond’s shoulder back. Desmond smirking a little bit. “Not as bad as you’ve got it for Angeline.” He teased and Damien’s face tinged red. “Shut up.”

Angeline felt her face tint red a little bit but simply shrugged. She saw them as nothing more then friends…  After all. Soulmates required a soul and she wasn’t entirely sure if she even had one of those and furthermore. She was a hazard - She knew they’d find her eventually. It’s why she rejected anyone getting too close - The blonde singer she’d met, Desmond, Damien, everyone.

The buzz of her watch was what snapped her out of her thoughts as she smiled faintly. “Ah...I’ve gotta go. Thank you for your time, Desmond.” She smiled, bowing slightly.   Desmond blinking. “You don’t have to do that.” He stated again as he usually did...Angeline had some quirks that she blamed on where she grew up. A formality that’d been trained into her that she wasn’t sure how to quit. “Sorry.” She apologized as she usually did before grabbing her bag, dashing out as quickly as she’d appeared.

Desmond sighed, rubbing his arm. “Ow. I’m scared to know what it’d feel like if she wasn’t holding back…”   He added once she was out of ear shot.  Damien tilting his head a little bit as his gaze followed after her. “I talked to Jackson - That kid from high school? Turns out that’s who she ran into the other day. He even thought something was up with her.”

---

Angeline let out a sigh of relief as she walked into her shoebox apartment. Her fingers quickly fastened several locks on her door before sliding a chair in front of it that had a flower pot sitting on it. It was paranoia - she was smart enough to know that. But, it made her feel better as she cleared her tiny apartment before walking into the bathroom, pulling her hair down and letting it fall over her shoulders. It was long - she’d never really done anything with it since she was created. Her dusty blonde hair rested at her waist and was fairly straight. Her green eyes reflected back at her as she began changing.- opting for a black sweater and a pair of torn leggings. She put her sneakers back on instinctively and double checked that her bag was ready to go as it was part of her routine at night.

She had to be ready to run again… She sighed, sitting down and turning on the tv and flicking to the news station as she absentmindedly started braiding her hair and anxiously bounced her leg.

“This is Channel 12 News and my name is Agatha Bradey.” The woman on the screen smiled as the intro played before she continued. “Heron, The titan of pharmaceutical development is currently taking on a new battle…  Julius Constantine of Constantine Enterprises has been discussing purchasing the company for a whopping 1,616.11 Billion dollars. Julius hasn’t spoken to the media but one of his sons, Leonard Constantine said that he’d be taking charge of Heron if the purchase goes through.”

Angeline paused for a moment as she pursed her lips… She’d recalled seeing the man on her screen once at a Heron event - A slight hope lingering in her chest. He seemed nice. Maybe - they’d do better?

Her optimism fading as quickly as it came through as the loud knock fell on her door and she jumped to her feet and hesitated for a minute before stepping closer, gripping her own elbow as she carefully walked to the door and delicately slipped the peephole open, peeking through.

Before her eyes could even focus - the door exploded inwards and knocked her back into her bookcase, her mirror crashing to the floor and shattering as she felt her ears ringing and her vision distorted for a moment as she clutched her head before shifting back, grabbing her bag and stumbling towards her bedroom, slamming the door behind her and locking it as she felt her chest tighten but she attempted to calm her breathing as she ran to her window to hoist it open and lifting herself up and out onto the fire escape, closing the window and running down the fire escape as quickly as she could - her vision still blurring and slowing her down as she rubbed her forehead a little. “Fuck.”  She trembled as she pulled the gun from her bag, loading it as she heard the footsteps behind her and above her on the metal echoing. She rounded the third floor as she saw another patrol on the stairs.

The patrol was wearing black armor that was lined with a blue color, A stylized H on the armor and most of them had guns.  She aimed for a minute but knew she didn’t have enough bullets for the ten she counted - four above, six below.   The armor meant that her shot had to be perfect or it wouldn’t matter. Her eyes glancing below to the vast drop to the main road - cars buzzing by below, lifting herself up as she swung her body over the railing and letting herself drop down one level, catching the railing, barely.

She winced in pain as her weight yanked her arms and she felt her hand slice on part of the metal railing as she took a deep breath and let go again, catching the next one.  She swung her body inwards and spotted the tranquilizer dart as it flew past her and barely missed. She looked at the tall van that was incoming and swung herself, letting go. 

Her luck seemed to be good as she landed on top of the van, her shoulder taking the blow but catching herself before she fell off. The busy traffic making the van keep moving despite the driver clearly hearing her falling on top and a sigh leaving her lips as she held on, glancing back to see the men fading into the distance.

---

She guessed it was about an hour before the man pulled off onto a smaller street and slowed down. She jumped off as he stopped at a red light and quickly shifted into a large group of people walking and following them as she tried to come up with a plan…

The black car sliding up beside her she didn’t really pay much mind to until someone whistled - She thought it was for someone else as she glanced back. A woman sitting in the car with blonde hair and red lips. Her teal eyes focused on Angeline, clearly.  “You.” She pointed as she motioned her to come over… Angeline was cautious but this didn’t seem like Heron. Maybe the woman was just - asking for directions or something? She was in the backseat though… She kept a distance from the car but did walk a bit closer. “Can I help you..?” She tried to hide her fear and stress as she spoke. The woman’s teal eyes narrowed.  She was gorgeous and looked like a model or something… Angeline found it difficult to understand why she was trying to gain her attention.  “My husband would like to have a word with you, Andurgor. Your not the easiest person to find.” She chimed casually.

“And who’s your husband..? A-And how do you know who I am?” She tightened her fists as she stepped further back.

“Syrus Constantine… It’s up to you. You can keep running or let him help… I really don’t care.” She leaned back a little bit as she watched her. The glimpse of a Heron van was what made her nod and the woman motioned for the other door as Angeline ran around the car, hopping in.  It was luxurious and the woman seemed to match in a dress she had a feeling was equal value to the car.  She extended her manicured hand as Angeline got in and shut the door. “Tera Constantine.”  Angeline hesitated, her own chipped black manicure taking hers as she shook it. “Angeline….Although. You know that...apparently.” She awkwardly stated as she rested her bag between her legs and a few books falling out of it.

Tera smirked as she reached forward and picked up a bottle of vodka and poured two shots as she spoke. “Oh, Intella is going to adore you.” She joked

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Soft reset : Clarisse

"Princess?" She heard the chime of her nanny as she poked her head of platinum blonde hair and obscure pink eyes out from behind her closet door. The unique trait seemed to run in her father's side of the family. The commoners of the small country associated pink irises with royalty due to this. The young six year old stood with unease in her pink dress and curled hair. "..Do I have to attend..?" She asked - begging for a way out as her Nanny sighed and shook her head. "I'm afraid that you are.expected...Chin up." She smiled as she placed the delicate small tiara into her hair. Clarisse gently taking her hand as she walked her through the castle and soon reached the balcony that surrounded the ballroom where her parents stood laughing and talking among themselves. Clarisse's hand slipping as she childishly hugged her father's leg. "...Do I have to..?" She asked again anxiously as she glanced down at the crowd below. 

"Do not be frightened, Sunshine…" her father patted her lightly with reassurance in his tone as he leaned down to her level and lightly pecked her forehead before standing up as the trumpet played to announce them. His wife taking his arm as Clarisse stood behind them and folded her hands over her gown in front of her. 

"Welcoming - His majesty! King Emerson Lexington The Second!"

The cheers and praise of those below made Clarisse tense as she watched her parents walking down the stairs and following two stairs behind.

"Accompanied by her majesty! Queen Cordelia Lexington and for her first debut, Princess Clarisse Lexington!!" 

The crowd's praise was mixed with curiosity to be the first to interact with the young princess. Her parents both giving a gentle wave as they slowly melded into the crowd. Clarisse awkwardly pausing before curtseying and running a little to catch up to her family as the crowd watched her and the room swirled with whispers about things she hardly understood. 

It took a little bit...Gradually, She relaxed as the festivities began. Happily dancing with her father and even a few other young men and women and convincing the head of staff to give her far more sweets then she'd normally be allowed. She blinked as she walked into someone while stuffing a chocolate covered strawberry into her mouth, quickly clearing her mouth as she bowed her head. "Apologizes…" The older man glanced back at her with dull red eyes and a large scar across his face that was obscured by his dark hair. He seemed to smile after a moment as he rested his hands in the pockets of his suit jacket. "I'm afraid the only way to make up this mistake, Princess...Would be a dance." He teased as he offered a hand. Clarisse giggling a little as she didn't think too much about his odd appearance and fell into step with him. 

A sudden yell made the room fall silent as her father shouted for guards from his throne where he'd taken a break. She was too short to see what was happening but her worry quickly blinded her as she tried to go to her parents only to find the man's grip on her wrist not releasing as he easily pulled her back. 

Her father dispensing the crowd apart made her realize that she was the reason for his concern…

"Daddy?" Clarisse asked in confusion before yelping as the man twisted her arm and held her firmly back against his chest.

"...Nice to see you again, Father." The man spat at him with such vitriol and disgust. The crowd whispering as Clarisse saw her father tense and grit his teeth. 

"...You are no child of mine, Erza." He snapped as the guards surrounded with rifles aimed at him but he kept Clarisse close enough to make it a hazard to fire. 

Erza snorted a little as he raised his hand, a magic symbol growing on the floor and the energy forcing everyone back as he grasped Clarisse by her jaw and lifted her easily as a dark energy rose from the symbol to his hand as it distorted to something inhuman and demonic as his eyes glowed. His tongue speaking unknown words as Clarisse trembled and cried as she clawed at his hand. A gunshot bouncing off the barrier he'd made as the dark energy coated Clarisse's skin as she screamed in sheer agony at it's embrace. The darkness flowing into her eyes and mouth. 

 

She just remembered the agony before everything went black. 

---

"She hasn't gotten any better…It's been four years." Cordelia paced back and forth as she bit her nail. Emerson tiredly nodding in agreement.  "...So many doctors have come and gone...I've never - " 

"What good are doctors going to do, Emerson? Nobody believes what happened…He made everyone forget and we sound absolutely mad." She lamented. "It was clearly magic - Right? I mean…" 

---

Clarisse tiredly stared out the window  before coughing several times, a black and bloody substance coating the rag as she sighed.  She looked unwell just at a glance. She was horribly pale and slightly underweight. She could hardly walk on her own and spent most of her day confined to her bed..

The knock brought her attention back as she looked to her mother who entered with a small warm smile despite the sadness in her eyes. 

"Clarisse...One of my dearest friends is staying with us and I wanted you to meet her son." She stepped aside as Clarisse tiredly watched the boy around her age enter her room with one hand clutching his other arm. His other hand seemed to be missing. His manners remained on as the parents hovered in the doorway as he bowed before gently taking her hand without fear and kissing it. "Princess...It's nice to finally meet you. I am Prince Justin of House Oldenburg." 

Clarisse felt a faint spark as her cheeks flushed a little as she nodded politely. "The pleasure is mine…" 

The two both relaxed as there parents seemed to get pulled off by a maid who corralled them to lunch.

Clarisse resting her hands on her lap as she knew well who Justin was...He was meant to be her husband when they were grown. She didn't fully understand the politics behind it but she knew the decision was finalized as she'd become ill. 

"I - Apologize." Clarisse bluntly stated as she closed her eyes.

"...? For what?" Justin seemed more relaxed although his heart ached to see such a beautiful girl with such saddened eyes. 

"...That you're stuck with me. "

Justin sat on the side of the bed lightly before tilting his head. "A pretty, intelligent and surprisingly down to earth, Princess? I don't see the problem." He teased a little as he tried to get her to smile before hopping up and opening her window to let the fresh air in and claiming her office chair and a notebook and pen. 

"Wanna play a game?" He asked with a warm smile, Clarisse slowly smiling faintly herself as she nodded. "Okay…" 

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

“...?” Intella paused as she looked at the black hardcover book on the floor that she didn’t recognize as one of her own and Joshel and Jona knew better than to leave a book on the floor… She absentmindedly flipped open the front page after examining the outside to find it was a notebook but the handwriting was chicken scratch at best…  She ran her fingers along the page as she recognized it after a minute as Jill’s handwriting and after a few words she realized it was Jill’s journal. 

On the one hand she considered that it would be very inappropriate to read Jill’s private thoughts…

On the other… Her curiosity clouded her judgement at times as she only managed to close the book for a few seconds before returning and sitting down and opening it.

---

“...Deon bought me this journal for christmas… I guess it’s nice. He said he thought it might help me vent since I refuse to tell him what’s bothering me. I don’t really think writing will help me much but I figured I could at least document what I know now.”

Intella examined the rough sketch on the page… Admittedly, Jill was better at drawing then writing. The symbol was that of a snake that Intella recognized right away as the same tattoo that Jill had on her shoulder since a fairly young age. Jill had simply remarked that her grandmother said it was a birthmark - and although her and Deon knew that wasn’t true they hadn’t pushed it.

“I guess I’ve always been part of Ophidian… It’s not really a choice. I’ve tried to trace back how far and it seems to go really far back… At least to Post Christabella/Paimon.  I kinda want to ask Axel but I know that this will get back to Intella and I just...I’m scared. I don’t want Deon and her involved… I don’t want to lose them. They’re all I got - Nobody else cares if I die tomorrow… Sometimes I.” 

Intella squinted at the pages as Jill had roughly crossed out whatever she’d written but despite her best effort she couldn’t figure out what it said. She already had millions of questions - What was Ophidian? She knew what the word meant but judging by the context it was either a cult or organization…

The next few pages were a few general notes - Names and dates that didn’t mean much to Intella as she skimmed through them before finding more written.

“Everything hurts...Deon’s mad at me for disappearing again without telling him anything. I guess that’s understandable but I figured he’d be fucking his new girlfriend… Agg? ...alphba? or whatever.  The training keeps getting more intense… I guess I know how to use a sword now.”

A sarcastic doodle of a derpy looking face saying ‘yay’ followed before she started writing a sentence and seemed to either fall asleep or something as the pen dragged and faded away.

“I fucking knew it.”  Intella noted the disaster this particular page was with dents and scratches and a few small ripped edges. The stains of tears and mascara on the page made her heart sink a little bit. In the time knowing Jill she’d never cried. She’d been in pain. She’d been scared but she’d never even flinched. Intella wasn’t much different as a kid but knew that if Jill was crying enough to create the marks on the page that whatever was written was hurting her…

“...Grandma killed them. She was ordered to and did it without a second thought! She was going to kill me that day when I  shoved her down the stairs because they weren’t satisfied with my training.  How does somebody kill their own child?  How was my father’s parents okay with this? They were on the council who made the fucking decision! She took them away from me… She took away any life I might had because they wanted to quit! They wanted out of this bullshit!

I don’t want to hurt people…

I don’t want to be a bad person…

I don’t want to be like them.

Deon noticed the bruises and cuts. I told him I got into a fight with some creep who was groping a girl… I don’t want to lie to him but it worried him enough to see me like this. It’s why this needs to stay as just FWB and nothing more… I can’t tell him what I feel because he’ll be in trouble. He’ll try to protect me or get everyone else involved… I know Intella and him could fight them. They’d probably do fine for awhile but these people are insane…

Briggs sold them some sort’ve nanites? I think that’s the right term… I don’t really understand how it all works but what I do know is that they claim the shot holds the fighting styles and capabilities of Rikku, December and Paimon?…  Something about using the footage from Heron’s security and other surveillance? I don’t understand. What I do understand is that at the start of the week I didn’t even know how to hold a Katana… Now I’m fighting at the same level as Rikku does with years of training within a week. I don’t feel good… I don’t know what’s going on inside of me but it hurts.

I’m just going to go to sleep…” 

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Soft Reset stuff:  Nyx. Formally Victoria.

The girl was odd with pale skin that seemed to shimmer as if her skin was dotted with stars. Her long black hair was unruly and her soft white eyes filled with wonder. Little lost star… 

The old woman found her left in a pile of trash. The humans feared her and disposed of her when they couldn't kill her. 

The woman was named Chordeva. A demon who was old even in demon years...She was bitter for being sent to live among humans...She refused to hide with a glamor. Her broken horns and violet skin on full display. She was the monster in the forest that the villagers feared. She despised humans more than anything…

The child was clearly no demon nor anything she'd ever seen. Upon the knife cutting her skin and her wailing was a sudden earthquake as hail began to fall.  Her wounds healing after moments had passed. She was special…

---

"Mama? Who is that?" Nyx held onto Chordeva's skirt and leaned up on her tip toes. It had only been a year yet the child aged quickly. She was already roughly four years old physically and mentally was closer to eight. The child's necklace that was wrapped in her hand was identified as 'Nyx' Thus it was what Chordeva decided to call her...She had a purpose for taking care of this child. For pretending to love her… A gift for the only demon she still cared for. The one her family had bowed to. Dante. Her power only required loyalty.

She was moldable. 

"...A great man, Dear…" 

She painted the stories from her perspective...Dante wasn't the villian but the 'hero' in her tales. A demon who deserved to be worshiped and praised.  Nyx quickly falling for these tales and stories. The handsome and intelligent demon sounded very fascinating… the kind hearted girl was simple.  She was happiest with the smallest displays of affection and naive to this world. 

----

"Again...Focus." 

Nyx nodded as she focused her gaze on the sealed basket. Chordeva had enchanted it with the same spell that Dante had been locked away with. Nyx's sheer power mixed with Chordeva's knowledge of magic had made a perfect weapon as in seconds the seal shattered. Nyx happily clapping. "I did it!" 

"Perfect…" 

---

Chordeva watched the girl rest.  It had been a few years now...She was grown as much as she would it seemed physically. She was taught everything that could be taught and told what she needed to do and how to do it. 

Chordeva found that the girl was unfortunately too pure. She needed something to anger her - to fuel her to hate… So she made her final sacrifice for Dante. 

---

Nyx hummed softly as she awoke the next morning and got dressed. "Mama?" She called out in the empty cottage but got no response until the wind caught the door. She blinked as she saw the door wide open and wandered into a horrific sight. The blood covered the ground as did Chordeva. It wasn't just a body but a massacre. Nyx's panic and fear making her run to the dirt road - the wind picking up as she ran before finding a group of humans with Chordeva's head as a souvenir of their kill…

Nyx's shock and anger making her lose control as the ground shattered and a sink hole formed, consuming them. The wind picking up to the point the trees were almost sideways as tears stung her eyes. The ground shaking and shattering a great distance around her before the clear sky turned black. 

---

"..." Nyx walked along the path she'd been taught through hell's caverns. The secret route led right to where many were locked away. Her violet cloak covering her features as she cautiously walked down the hall of snarling demons who tried to get her attention as she soon found who she was looking for. 

Dante's eyes glanced to her once she stood there for a moment with a mixed expression as it came clear she was there for him. Her fingers slipping her hood back as she bowed. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you..." she chimed as she looked up at him with a faint blush on her cheeks. 

Dante parted his lips with intent to snap at her but his tongue clicked as he saw her eyes glow and felt the energy as her lips began to chant the spell to release him. A smirk slipping to his lips and his eyebrow raising. She would have to be a powerful person in order to break the seal and chains keeping him there…

Sure enough…

It shattered and Nyx trembled a bit before holding her hand out and creating a portal and ushering him through it before collapsing. 

Dante examined the situation before sighing a little. He knew this was Chordeva's cottage so he figured she must have had something to do with this strange girl. His eyes glancing to the smoke in the air before moving, offering a hand to the girl to help her back to her feet.  

"You seem to know who I am but I haven't a clue who you are…Or what happened here."  He stated calmly as he wanted information to what purpose this girl could serve him.

"Oh! I apologize...My name is Nyx." She bowed again to him before timidly hugging herself. "...Chordeva was my mother...well - She adopted me. She...is gone. A human killed her. She - She hoped I would be able to help you...Her last wishes were for me to free you…" 

She lowered her head with sadness in her eyes...Dante hardly cared about her sob story but noted the wind and the rattle of the ground as she recalled things. 

He nodded quietly as he processed it and plotted. "The smoke..?" He asked. Nyx glancing and crossing her arms. "...I lost control. I didn't realize the wind would spread the fire like that. I just wanted to scare them...it all burned. I - they deserved it… S-she was all I had. She was the only person who loved me!" She teared up, anger in her voice mixed with fear. Dante smirking a little…

He faked tenderness as he slid his arms around her and pulled her into his arms. Hugging her. His fingers rubbing her shoulder as he read her like a book and whispered lightly. 

"You've got me now…" He stated with a kiss to her forehead as he watched her fall for it.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Ikari's vision faded in and out as she started to wake up...She knew she was in a truck before being carried into a building. Her head ached as she slowly focused.

"What do we do with the other one..?"  The man who had attacked her and Claire asked casually as if it was completely normal. Another man who was taller with a cloak on spoke. 

"Miss Jiang is of no use to us….Do what you will with her." 

Ikari slowly tried to move before the metal clamping her to the table became obvious. A grimace covering her features… 

"...Oh. You're awake…" the man calmly remarked as he turned his attention to her. Ikari was scared but hid it well as she dully gazed at him. "..You do know who my mother is...Right?" Ikari asked with the expected amount of teen sass as she tried to be brave. She didn't quite know what was going on but presumed it was either Heron, Briggs or something related. Her metal arm twisting as she silently worked on the bolt.

"...I am very much aware of who she is...It is your right to know child that the suffering you're about to endure is because of her ignorance…" 

Ikari felt a chill with his tone that made her pale a tiny bit as she looked away and took in a deep breath. "

..Why…? What did she do?" She asked to buy some time and the man's eyes narrowed coldly.

 "She killed my husband for something he didn't do...She didn't give him a chance because she was so focused on her preconceived belief." He stated as he sighed with a pained heart but something was off as she saw the unhinged look in his features as he laughed in a manner that wasn't normal with a psychotic gleam as he grinned. 

Ikari tensed as he pulled a blade only to cut his own hand as he grabbed her jaw, forcing her lips apart as his blood filled her mouth. She grimaced at the metalic taste as he began chanting. Her hand twisting as she tried to free it from the metal as he began drawing symbols on her skin with his blood before taking the knife to her shirt to cut it free as he began to carve into her flesh. It wasn't deep but it hurt as she trembled as he carved and intricate symbol into her stomach. 

She got her arm loose with a metal thump as the piece broke and her metal arm grasped the knife instinctively as she tried to pry it from his grip. 

His strength clearly wasn't human as he held firm despite her metal arm being tough. His own hand grabbing her forearm as he crushed the metal in his hand and effectively tore her metal arm off with ease and threw it aside.

Ikari tensed and teared up - she felt she had a chance up until now as she whimpered lightly. His lips pressing to hers after he finished carving her skin. 

A black fluid seemed to leave his lips as he kissed her. She had no choice but to swallow it after trying not to. A violent pain rushing through her veins as she screamed in sheer agony. Blisters and burns on her skin as she began violently squirming. Her pink eyes staining red as she screamed and thrashed. Her veins blackened and a voice lingering in her head that wasn't hers.

---

"Rikku." Nano called out from his office with a uneasy and harsh tone. She felt a chill in her shoulders as she knew that voice was when he was serious. She stepped into the doorway to his workshop bathed in a red tint. "Ikari's in trouble. I just got an alert her arm is malfunctioning and the last vitals it read before turning offline suggested she's in severe distress. I have the location. We need to go - now." 

Rikku simply nodded with surprising calmness in her face but it was all a mask to hide the sudden pain in her chest. A mother's fear and heartache she couldn't afford to lose her handle of.

----

Rikku opted to go in alone despite Nano's complaints. She'd managed to convince him to remain on standby while she investigated and to keep the car ready incase Ikari needed medical attention. 

She honestly had unease in her gut and her instincts told her something was severely off...She didn't know if Heron was involved but she couldn't risk both of them and she knew that Nathaniel would allow his emotions to get in the way.

The blood curdling scream of sheer agony that she heard made her heart ache as she gripped the hilt of her blade with caution as she followed Ikari's screams.

Ikari was free with the man's knife in her hand and his body in a slump on the floor as she trembled violently with her skin and blood still boiling and stinging. "Get out! Get out!" She screamed at nobody at first until Rikku heard the distortion as she replied to herself. "I'm having the time of my life, Baby~! What a fuckin' thrill!" The demon's voice warped with hers as he replied to her before a sudden shiver as she looked up at Rikku.

"Mom - " she grimaced as her eyes turned completely black before the red faded in and glowed. A psychotic laugh distorted with the demon's tone following as Ikari stiffened. "Oh. This is fucking rich. Long time no see, Babe." The demon's voice sounded familiar but Rikku couldn't quite put her finger on it. Her stomach churning as she realized that the demon possessing her daughter was making her own body attack it's self as quickly as it healed it's self as new acidic burns appeared and healed and returned in a cycle of sheer agony. Ikari gripping the knife firmly as the laughter continued as the demon made her run forward and began attacking Rikku. 

The knife slashed through the air with a surprising amount of skill as Rikku quickly realized the demon was in her mind and soul and able to rely on her own muscle memory and instincts...Rikku grimaced as she defensively blocked the knife while trying not to harm her daughter.  The effective suit of armor he'd found to wear. 

Ikari's eyes tearing up as she managed to catch Rikku's arm. A slight hesitation allowing Rikku to disarm her and knock her to the ground. "It's okay, Ikari. I know that isn't you…" she provided some comfort as she kept her sword close…

Fighting was pointless… She would have to kill her but that was probably the plan. Although she knew she may still need to...She had to try one other option first as she shifted quickly and hit Ikari hard in the head with the handle of her sword. The blow knocked her out cold as Rikku lifted her up and quickly dragged her outside. 

"We need to restrain her." Rikku quickly told Nano who was clearly as shocked and concerned as herself as he saw her skin burning and healing in cycles of sheer pain that was noted on her face. Nano seemed hesitant before pulling one of his gizmos from a bag and pressing it to Ikari's back as the metal strips suddenly clutched her firmly and pinned her arms to her sides with force. The metal stinging her flesh. 

" ...Is she possessed with a demon?" He asked with a shocked and feared expression as Rikku nodded.

"We need to get going…"

"W-where?" 

"Paimon's. Now." Rikku stated as she got in the backseat with Ikari.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Brielle: Soft!Reset

/Knock, Knock, Knock/

Brielle covered her mouth as she instinctively screamed as she heard the loud pounding on her door and her heart pounded and her fingers trembled as she pressed a key on her keyboard to view her doorbell cam and sighed in relief as she saw the delivery man.

/Bzzzt/ She held the button until her voice came through. “Please leave the package outside of the door, thank you.” She stated calmly as the man glanced at the camera before shrugging and doing so. Brielle sinking back into her chair as she closed her eyes, rubbing them before she slid her glasses back into place and stood up to go retrieve her package.

She felt anxious as she stood behind her locked door and carefully began to undo the locks, checking outside of the door every single one of the five locks and cracking her door just enough as she grasped the box and pulled it inside, slamming the door and locking the door again as quickly as possible before letting out a long sigh as she glanced at the package label at her feet - ‘Inferno’ Psh. She wasn’t - Inferno’s were strong. Inferno’s weren’t - weak, scared and helpless like her.

The memories haunting her were paralysing as she replayed them in her mind and folding her arms around her stomach and rested her forehead against the metal door.

---

“Shut up.”

He was supposed to be the one - How was she so blind..? His smiles and sweet nothings had turned into nothing but anger and hateful words.

“Vetis… I’m sorry - I just… I just don’t understand what I did wrong - I”

Brielle winced as his hand grasped her throat and with such ease his fingers tensed and lifted her off her feet. Her back hitting into the wall as he coldy choked her. He was twice her size - Twice her strength. She’d never learned how to really harness her abilities like her siblings and even though a small spark of fire touched her fingertips it went out as quickly as it appeared.  Her fingers gripped his wrist and hand but it hardly helped…  Her breath trapped in her throat as she whimpered. The room began to fade before he let go suddenly, letting her fall to the floor before kicking her in the face. The pain stunned her for a moment before she grimaced, whimpering.

---

She ran. It was the only thing she could do…  The outside world had brought her nothing but fear and pain… If it wasn’t Vetis trying to kill her it was humans finding out she wasn’t human and wanting to kill her, burn her, destroy her.  She was scared and chose to lock herself away where nobody could hurt her… Where Vetis couldn’t find her.

She rubbed her arm as she walked back into her bedroom - it lacked a bed. The walls lined with screens and her desk built to the wall, Several computers and a mess of wires across the floor. The windows throughout the apartment were covered - a thick metal shielding she’d bolted to the walls… The monitors lit the room. It wasn’t really living but she preferred the world through the safety of her screens.

/Ping/

Brielle sat down as the sound rang out. The secret chat was buried - only hackers with any sort’ve skill could get in and the community was surprisingly tight knit. The user she’d come to know as V popping up. ‘Sup, B? You there?”

‘Just sat back down. :D’ She replied as she felt a slight ease in her anxiety - she didn’t know why talking to him calmed her down but within a few messages her fear and worries subsided.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Soft. Reset: Ilya. 

The invincible girl.

The diamond knight. 

A hero in every lifetime yet her soul dammed to Hell…

Her sword as rare as it was old yet as sharp as her wits as she held her ground in this new place she was forced to call her home now.

The rumors of this girl spread like an inferno. Some were impressed with her skills as she took down three demons who once were practically Paimon's second in command in battle.  Others seemed more occupied with her looks.  

Baal found himself bored and disgusted. As if any human could be that strong or skilled...As if any humans had any worth. He suspected either she wasn't truly human or perhaps Paimon's softness was infectious.  In that case he'd certainlly provide a cure….His eyes narrowing as the girl had finally found her way to his domain. Her presence was making his men behave like fools although clearly they needed further training. 

He was struck by her apperance.  It wasn't the pretty face but the armor marked with dents and scratches. The blood of her fallen victims embedded in the details. 

Her cold blue eyes darkening as her brows fell and lips pursed at the dumb remarks made by one of the demons as he tried to grab her ass. Her hand instinctively grasping his wrist before pulling a blade from her hip and slicing his arm to the bone. The blood splattering the ground and with a twist and second slice his arm fell off and she tossed it back.  The large white wolf that followed her snatching it. The wolf was abnormally massive as it was about the same height as herself with thick white fur and harsh blue eyes. It's sharp large teeth ripping the flesh form the bone and devouring it.  

Ilya calmly wiped the blood on the ratty dark blue cloak before returning it to her side as she continued walking by with the other demons getting riled up as they watched the one she injured scream and wailed. 

Baal rolled his eyes as his sword finished the injured demon in one swing before he growled with a echoing tone. "Enough." 

Ilya did pause and look to him as she took in his pesence. She could tell he wasn't as weak as those before him as she watched him through her messy hair as her gloved hand grabbed a tuff of the wolves fur to hold him back…

"So your the human who has everyone all riled up…" he scoffed as he looked at her. She had some muscle but was positivity tiny in comparison to himself.  "A child with a fancy sword." Baal's hate towards humans boiled in his chest as he couldn't even help himself as he gripped his sword and thrusted it at her. 

She didn't flinch as she shifted and dodged him. He kept going as his sword almost hit her several times. She displayed patience before she shifted and let her bracer take his sword blow and plunged the knife into his neck - it didn't hurt him as much as the weaker demon as he shoved her back with a growl as his fingers twisted and ice came up underneath her as he went at her harder.  She jumped and after a moment he noticed the spikes on her boots thst were allowing her to keep herself stable as she ditched her cloak and pulled her own sword from her back. The sound of their blades quickly intensified. The sound of metal on metal was so fast it sounded like someone was making a blade rather than using one. The girl was skilled to a point it frustrated Baal even further. He hadn't in his lifetimes met a true human with this level of combat prowess. 

Rikku. An angel. Of course she was capable. 

December was on the same level as a pureblood. 

Ilya held herself firm as Baal's anger fueled his powers, ice creeping up her legs but she simply shifted her blade to her bracer before striking her leg where he'd frozen her, shattering it before blocking his blade again in a matter of seconds. 

Although she didn't have powers she wasn't without her own dirty tactics. The fight went on longer than either realized as after almost a half hour of combat Baal finally drew her blood as his blade brushed her cheek - a medium sized cut bleeding profusely but she djdn't flinch or cry. 

It was the sudden voice that stopped them both. It was quiet. "Enough." The voice made both of them stop as they froze in pain and the sudden rush of air made the snow knock them both back from one another. 

Baal held his forehead as he grimaced. "Samael…" he growled under his breath.  He didn't know why Samael intervened but he had and although Baal was brave he knew Samael wasn't easily budged. If he didn't just shatter his ear drums. His little witch pet would…

As the snow settled he finally realized how worn he was for once. The tension he had was subsided as he seemed to burn it off with their fight.  His eyes focusing on her who seemed - perplexed. He presumed at first it was the sudden interference but Ilya hesitated before stepping forward and lightly lifting his blade - his reflection bouncing back at him as his eyebrow raised. The same cut had appeared on his cheek and wasn't healing. 

Ilya gasped as Baal grabbed her hand and pressed it to the blade. She pulled it back quickly and grimaced as she instinctively socked him before her hand landed on her own cheek. 

Baal grimaced as the blood dripped between his fingers.

"What did you do to me?" Baal snapped as he grabbed Ilya's arm with force. She kept her composure as she spat at him. "Why would I waste my time with you?! Your the fucking demon!" 

"As if I would waste my energy  on a lowly human like you!" He snapped back as the two went back and forth for a few minutes before another gust of wind knocked them apart.  Sarina appearing after as she floated and held back a laugh. "Neither of you did this. It reeks of a god…" She explained casually. "Sammy wanted me to tell you.." her eyes narrowed on Baal. "She dies. You die. Or at least that seems to be the gimmick… He suggested you don't kill yourself." She shrugged a bit. "I'm going to speak with some people about it and see what we can do~" 

She disappeared as soon as she finished speaking and Baal grimaced in snger and frustration as held Ilya's arm firmly. He grumbled before dragging her with him. His grip wss difficult to break it seemed as she dragged her feet and grimaced. The wolf hesitating to attack as it seemed to understand what had happened but gripping Ilya's coat in it's teeth and yanking her back. 

Baal snapped. "You worthless humans get hungry and tired.  Unfortunately it seems I need to feed you and keep you alive." He snarled every word as if someone had asked him to kill his family or something as absurd. 

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

"...You're not even listening. Are you?" Juilet asked as Alexander finally looked to her. "...Ah. I apologize for my behavior…Miss Disraiel. Do you happen to know who that enchanting woman is?" Alexander motioned to the woman who danced wildly in the crowd with a certain joy. Perhaps it was a bit too much champange but she breathed life that Alexander hadn't seen in the upper crust in a few years. 

"I believe that would be Olivia...Simon Renaud's sister." 

Alexander raised a brow in surprise as he discarded his empty glass as Juilet shook her head and simply waved her hand. "Go ahead…" She added with a smile.  

Alexander slid in so quickly he could tell it took Olivia a moment to even realize as he took her hands and fell into step with her. Olivia was perhaps the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. He didn't know how to explain how a person seemed more lovely then the beauty of france. The finest art he owned and the delicate flowers he cherished in his greenhouse. Her eyes bewildered and suspicious. A stain of mystery in her pupils.

She didn't flirt or flatter but also didn't push him away with a small smile on her lips. He was fine with that for now…

As the music slowed down to a stop as the musicians took their break she let her hands slip from his. The awkward silence lingering until a voice cut the crowd. 

"Olivia. There you are...I was getting worried." Simon smiled as a hand rested on his arm. Rachael barely looked like her relatives with an exotic tan that stood out against the pale skinned fads. Her dress was a style of it's own. A warm smile on her lips as she held his arm. "I told him you were perfectly fine…" Rachael paused before smiling and offering her hand to Alexander. "Rachael Constantine. This is my Fiance, Simon Renaud...You are?"

Alexander took her hand gently as he bowed politely. "Alexander Faust. I'm afraid I can't resist a dance…" he joked as he smiled at Olivia. "It was a pleasure dancing with you, Olivia…" He added warmly. "I certainly hope I get another chance in the future…" he added as he excused himself. Someday he'd admit how nervous he suddenly felt...He was never nervous around women yet his stomach fluttered and head spun. Olivia. Olivia. He liked how her name sounded on his tongue.

 

"...That man was - odd." Olivia finally spoke as she looked to her brother and Rachael.

"I would expect as much...Alexander Faust is a familar name. I believe he's quite the dancer. At least I know he is quite close with my cousins." Rachael added casually. 

----

"...Please." December sounded exasperated as she spoke but kept and elegant smile on her lips as she sat across from Rachael and Simon.

"He really has been quite sweet, Simon…" Rachael added with a smile as she kissed his hand. "I understand your worried about her…" 

Simon pinched the bridge of his nose as he rested against Rachael for a moment.  "I don't know if I'm more worried for her safety or worried about how mad she'll be with another suitor. I will say that you vouching for his character has eased my mind…" 

December nodded a bit. "Alexander is a hopeless romantic at heart. He's known for flirting so most people assume he's - inscrutable. I swear on my life that he's  fallen for her. I have never seen him like this…"

----

"..."

Alexander took a deep breath with tensed shoulders as he quietly sat beside Olivia on the bench where she sat with pursed lips and her hands tightly gripped her dress in frustration.  

"What part of leave me alone did you not comprehend?" The roses thorns had shown. He didn't blame her. He thought it was daft that he needed permission to date her let alone that someone else could decide whom she was meant to spend the rest of her life with.

Sure. He wished to be that one but he'd never want to force her to love him…

"I just want you to listen for a moment then I promise to respect your wishes…" 

"Fine."

"...I fell in love with you from the first time I saw you. Yet I understand that spark may be one sided and perhaps I may have been vain but it was more then your pretty face that enticed me. It was your energy - It was intoxicating."

 He cleared his throat a little as he leaned back, staring at the snow under his shoes. 

"I'd be honored for you to give me a chance. I'd love to know you better...Even if we remain nothing more then friends. I will never crush such a precious dove in my hands or lock you away...Even if your brother was to make me marry you tomorrow I would let you leave…" 

He silently stood up as he shifted his coat off and draped it over her shoulders with a small faint smile before walking off and respecting her wish to be left alone as he headed back inside. 

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

"Where are we...?" Intella had to finally ask - Yes. She knew this was clearly Samael's domain as the warren barren land of sand and delapated structures. The hazy green sky was imposible in the way it moved and swirled with the random winds.  She felt as if they'd been walking for ages yet getting nowhere...

December sighed as she rolled her shoulders with a visible sweat on her face and neck. She wasn't accustom to the humidity. "Almost there...It's not actually been that long." She added as Intella instinctivly looked to the gold antique watch that delicately ticked. Jonathan had gifted it to her - sure enough it had been only about ten minutes despite visually and physically feeling like an hour.

"Sarina with Samuel's blessing casted illusion spells in the most vulnerable places. Partially for her own safety. Mostly for Baal's temper tantrums if Drunken Inferno's are to be believed. "

Intella laughed as December reached out carefully and a purple aura became visible as she slowly walked through it. The desert fading to a more stoney area with large caverns and caves. A black door that seemed impossible in the side of the  rocks. Intella raised a brow. Everyone claimed that Sarina lived in a cave yet she took it as a more ironic and sarcastic description rather then a fact. 

The two stood on the doormat and a eyeball suddenly popped open in the center before the door swung open to reveal a hallway with black tiles on the floor and dark purple walls... December cringing a little. "It doesn't get any less creepy..." she added as she walked inside and as Intella crossed in the door slowly creeked closed. The inside having several locks that sealed instantly. A flash of magic barely caught by the human eye sealing the door as well...Intella would've been concerned but she knew Sarina's story...Honestly. It was justified. Paimon claimed that the fate of her parents was uncertain. Some said they were dead but others said her father cheated his death. 

The house clearly was annormal. After all it barely looked like a cave or cavern but rather unique. The high glass ceilings that seemed to view a night sky despite the lack of actual stars outside.  She could tell that the halls were shifting and bringing them the right direction until they reached what was somewhat like an alchemist lab, an observation tower and a library had been blended together. The walls lined with books and a table stacked with tomes. A shelf full of the most unique and rare spell ingredients and mirrors that displayed different places.  Intella eyes widening like a kid in a candy store as she walked around the circular room. The mirrors displayed various things. One seemed to be Samuel's living space where he sat reading a book casually. The next was an overhead view of Port Lyndon... She felt a chill run down her spine as she glanced to the next that clearly was Dante locked away where he belonged.  Her eyes fell to the books and many she was surprised she'd never seen. Some seemed to be demonic in broken or obscure languages. Enochian, Ijali and surprisingly... Ocali.

"You can read Ocali?" Intella blurted out in shock as her eyes finally met Sarina who floated in a sitting esque position. The makeup and corsets were traded in for a simple black turtleneck and pants. Without makeup her albino nature and delicate features were prominent.  A flower on the bench being pulled apart with tweezers carefully and beakers bubbling with red liquid leeching out of the blue flower petals.

"I can speak it as well..." She offered with a timid smile as she placed the last leaves into the last beaker. 

"Forgive me for being daft but what's Oc-ali?" December asked as she folded her arms with a quirked brow.

"Firstly. Why didn't you ever bring this up?!" Intella strained as she felt a mixture of frustration and excitement. "Secondly, December.  It's the language that used to spoken by demons that has been lost for ages...Lucifer can barely read it." 

"..How is that possible..?" 

Sarina shifted back as she floated and crossed her legs. "That's the interesting part. Nobody knows...And the part that she'll most likely leave out is that the most likely suspected party is a certain pair of Leperances."

Intella sighed a little as she folded her arms. "It isn't that I don't believe it...I just don't understand any possible scenario that they would travel back for that purpose alone... Jonathan certainly wouldn't intentionally destroy history..." Intella knew she didn't sound convincing as her fingers held the knit of her sweater firm.

"...Besides the point. How in the world did you learn it?. I only have managed to decipher three vowels..."  Intella asked sharply as Sarina rolled her shoulders.

"I ate the tongue of a mummified demon...?"  Sarina meekly replied as the two looked slightly concerned. "I used a newer language spell combined with a double dose of very modern nausea medicine.  I had Paimon's help in finding the tongue - he didn't ask why - surprisingly. I cut it out and ground it into powder and mixed it into my tea. It was disgusting but it worked...I can read and speak it now. "

"Do you realize how dangerous that is?!" Intella practically bursted a vein in shock as Sarina shrugged as she played dumb. She knew that it was an easy way to get possessed let alone other side effects. Enchanting and eating anyone could lead to unfortunate disasters. Side effects were endless.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Randos Paibells ideas

"?..." Paimon had come to visit Bella once again but something seemed to be bothering him since he got there. He looked - bothered. His brow knitted and his  temperature radiating.  He hardly seemed interested in anything they'd done all night as he was clearly elsewhere.  

Christabella sighed as she plopped in the sand on the beach.  Her blonde hair tousled and wavy as she wore a skimpy sheer crop top with a black bralette under it and worn denim short shorts.  

Paimon standing distantly behind her as she finally huffed and flopped on her back as she stared at him. "Either fuckin' spit it out or I'm gonna go study." 

Her snap did break his thoughts as he didn't expect her to be so blunt. His face falling before he did realize how distant he was being. "..Sorry." he apologized as he moved to sit beside her much to her delight as she playfully pushed him to lay back and look up at the stars. "Do you wanna talk about it..?" 

"..I'm just concerned for your safety...It seems Heron has a new interest in you." He swallowed as clearly something more was there. 

"..You said this wasn't new though. They've tried this before…? Soo...You always save me right?"  She joked a little but could tell he wasn't finding it at all funny.

"...Yes. But - it doesn't leave you without scars…" he admitted as he closed his eyes. "Maybe I should just stay out of your life...It seems to always become a mess."

She sighed as she rolled over on top of him. He couldn't help but feel himself warm up as he looked up at her straddling him "The sentiment is sweet, Paimon...But you being miserable isn't the answer either. I'm human and I am your Achilles heel from what you've told me. You do the best you can...I still don't really remember or understand all this stuff but like…we can't control other people so why don't we try fixing the human thing? I know it failed before but it's been awhile...Also. like. You said that I destroyed that spell but isn't the dude with Intella able to time travel?" 

Paimon paused as a bewildered look hit him like a freight train as he processed things. Axel's wording back in the past replaying. He never said he couldn't. He said to ask him later but Paimon, admittedly was blinded and assumed he was being dismissed yet Axel wasn't rude - he was being sympathetic in the moment until Paimon blew up at him. 

In hindsight he realized Axel was being literal. He needed to do it at a later point in time for whatever reason…

His hands gripping Bella's hips as he suddenly rolled over on top of her and kissed her as if he needed the air in her lungs.

---

Intella jumped as Paimon walked into the library - he had no concept of silence. She heard Jonathan let out a slightly annoyed sound as he sank into his chair and his book even further. A slight smirk touching her lips at his reaction before she looked up dully at Paimon. "Can I help you..?" The sarcasm was bitter on her tongue as she tried to remain somewhat neutral… If only to protect her books from the match. 

"Is Axel avaliable..?" Paimon barely had any patience to get the words out. Intella's shoulders shrugging as she leaned back. "He went out last night but haven't seen him yet...I can try calling him." 

"Please."

Intella sighed as she retrieved her cellphone and called Axel. Three rings before he answered. "What's up, Beautiful?" He asked. Intella's face a small tint of pink. "Paimon's looking for you...You wouldn't happen to have a moment?"  

Axel leaned on her chair as if he appeared out of thin air. intella noted the bloodied knuckles but decided to focus on whatever nonsense brought Paimon forward.

Axel gave a toothy grin as he leaned on the back of Intella's chair and looked at Paimon. "And how may I be of service m'lord~?" Intella hit his leg quietly to encourage him to stop his shit. Paimon's brow knitted but he managed to restrain himself. "...Firstly, I believe I owe you an apology."  

Jonathan covered his mouth as he almost choked. Paimon folding his arms as he spat out words. "I - may have over reacted and misunderstood your point when I originally asked for your assistance in retrieving the spell for Bella." 

Axel looked a bit too smug but rolled his shoulders. "...You can tell Bella I appreciate her suggesting you apologize first." Axel saw through it. "I'm still loyal even if your a prick sometimes." He patted Intella's arm. "Your going to have to assist me in this one, beautiful." He chimed as he straightened. "I'll be in touch as soon as Intella secures it. I would suggest paying Sarina a visit. She's most capable of actually performing the spell. " 

----

"...So. why did you have to wait..?" Intella asked curiously as she and Axel walked through the old village. "It was selfish…" he admitted as he held her hand. "There was a distortion...I still haven't quite figured out what caused it but I knew coming to this point in time before it resolved would result in some damage to you. I forsaw all the outcomes and opted to wait until they were further in my favor. Admittedly...I could've done this sooner but Paimon beat the fuck out of me and I was a bit spiteful."

"It isn't unjustified but you could have stopped a whole lot of problems…" 

"I know."  Axel paused at the old cottage as he broke the lock and quietly stepped away as Intella slid inside and he leaned against the wall. 

"Got it." Intella didn't take long to identify the infamous scroll as she slid it in her bag. 

---

Sarina carefully unrolled the scroll as her fingers traced the parchment. Her eyes glancing back at Paimon and Bella after a moment. "This spell uses some hardcore magic.  I have to ask - Are you sure…? This isn't like a vampire bite. This is permanently going to make her a demon...It directly will target her soul and her very being. She will have a demonic form and she could even develop powers. And to be honest...It will hurt."

Paimon clearly showed conflict on his face...Was this selfish? His eyes drifting down to Bella who seemed equally uneasy.  Perhaps she'd be more willing if they'd known each other longer but...It was still new for her. Yet - this was the chance. What if it was taken away again..? He didn't want to force her but at the same time the thought crossed his mind…

"What should we do..?" Christabella ssked after a moment.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Demon!Bella au woo

"I don't see how I got stuck cleaning up this mess..ah. It's worth it if I can see it again..." Bella softly chimed as she clasped her cloak. "I appreciate your assistance in this matter, Leo. It's been many years since I've been to the surface..."

"It's my pleasure. Your highness...Do put your glamor on." He added as he walked by. His red hair a mess entangled with his horns as his fingers absentmindedly created a doorway from Hell to the surface. A green energy surrounding his fingertips. A snap of his fingers resulted in his horns and eyes looking human and Bella followed his lead. Her white hair and white skin remaining though her darkned sclera was white and her horns were gone as she took Leo's hand leading her through the portal.

It only took a second before the stone under her became grass. A field of blue flowers surrounding them and a warm summer breeze catching her hair. A sparkle of excitement in her eyes as her nobility faded and she knelt to smell the flowers, giggling.

Leo's dull expressions were hard to read but overall he didn't seem surprised. "Your enjoyment of such pointless things is beyond me." He mumbled as he held his hand down to her.

"We have quite a bit of walking to do. You may frolic at a later date." 

Christabella huffed a bit before shifting back to her feet with his assistance and placing one of the flower behind her ear as she fell into step with Leo through the field to the dirt pathway in the distance.

"It's so beautiful.  Don't you like the change of scenery? Hell is - fine. But this - It's breathtaking...." 

"You don't have any need to breathe." Leo dully replied as he adjusted his glasses as Christabella groaned internally... Leo was smart and talented but painfully dry and serious sometimes... Shd let out a small sigh as she admired the soft blue sky swirled with white. The green leaves fluttering as the warm breeze followed behind them and life bursted from every corner as she saw little worms in the dirt to a large squirrel racing by. This life...it was so intriguing. 

Indeed, Hell had animals but they weren't nearly as friendly or as cute. 

It took about and hour for the trees to slowly fade and the dirt psth became gravel. A few men on horseback passing ahead and towards the small village.  Leo grimacing as he looked at some of the humans.

Christabella was facinated despite knowing the judgemental gaze Leo gave her. A defeated sigh leaving his lips. "It's going to be impossible to get you to focus until you get this nonsense out of your system. " His fingers subtly sliding into his pocket as he whispered a spell and pulled a pouch of coins from his pocket. "Go. Explore. Get it out of your system...The client will be here tomorrow.  I'll be in the library over there." He motioned before walking away.

Christabella curiously did just that as she decided to just follow the path. A warm scent leading her to a stand with a woman with curly hair who was selling pastries and desserts. A fruit tart catching her eye as she handed over a few coins.  Her eyes curiously watching another woman with a guitar and long blonde hair who was wearing a men's outfit sat near the stand. A certain vibe between the two suggesting more...it seemed so complicated. Romance. With whispers and rumors she figured out the rest. Two women or two men...a sin.  How could anything so beautiful be a sin? 

She made her way through the market before coming to a old house. In a clearing...it was different -- it seemed to be caving in or sinking but she didn't really have any concern as she got closer.  It looked abandoned... The flowes and trees overgrown around it.   A loud noise catching her attention as she rounded the corner.

A man stood with and axe. His hair slightly messy as it hung in his face a little. He was tall and broad. Her face flushing...He was handsome.  His shoulders tensing as he pulled the axe back before hitting it into one of the support beams, noticing her. A slight flush matching her's ..

"Miss...Can I..Help you?" He asked -awkwardly. Bella's shoulders tensing as she struggled to find words. "Uh...Hello. Pardon the intrusion...I was just curious what you were doing.." She admitted honestly though he looked more confused.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Business AU that Kristie made me write

Paimon pinched the bridge of his nose as he listened to the phone call that wasn’t really headed the direction he expected and he felt himself desperately trying to not ruin the third desk this month as the flames licked his fingers…  “Figure out a way to convince them not to sign with Constantine or don’t come back to the office.” He snarled a bit into the phone as he slammed it on the receiver that had become warped from the heat his hand extruded. The silence of his office was short lived by the sound of a soft meek little noise that caught his ear as he looked back towards the door… 

She was a tiny little familiar thing with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail in an attempt to seem professional with a few loose strands hanging in her face. Her cheeks tinted red with her blue eyes widened. She was wearing a white dress with a matching blue cardigan and white heels. She was trying her best to look clean cut and professional but it was clear she was a bit of a mess in some ways. She was nervous and tense - it probably didn’t help she walked in while he was snapping at someone on the phone.  It wasn’t everyday she walked right into his life…

He snapped out of his thoughts as he straightened and smiled slightly as he motioned to the chair. “Sorry, you had to see that…   You must be the new hire.”  He watched her as she timidly walked to the chair and sat down, nodding.   Her eyes scanned him over as he did to her - He was so much more imposing then she expected from his photos. She could see he was trying to be nice but felt the intimation in his presence.  She suspected it didn’t take much but a glance for him to scare most people off… His dark skin contrasting against the red shirt and black tie he had on. The black jacket hanging on the back of the chair.   His hair slicked back a little bit but it never lasted as a few strands had fallen forward again. His violet eyes felt like they were burning right through her.  

“Oh… Uhm.” She finally realized she probably should say something as she straightened in the chair and extended her hand. “Christabella Parker.” She offered the name he already knew quite well but he acted as if he didn’t as he took her hand, his fingers brushing over her soft skin as he couldn’t resist bringing his hand to his lips and gently kissing it. “Paimon Inferno… I suppose you knew that already.” He teased a little as her face remained a soft shade of pink.  Her other hand  gently placed the paperwork on his desk. “The secretary said you probably didn’t need it but I brought my resume and such… I’m not really qualified for the position you offered to me - A-are you sure you want me to work as your assistant?” 

Paimon fudged the rules as soon as he’d seen her resume the first time… It was selfish in a lot of ways but he couldn’t help it.  He couldn’t put her in a higher position yet but as his assistant he’d be able to spend quite a bit of time with her.  She deserved better than the shit position she’d applied for… He didn’t really particularly care if she did a good job or not but figured she would. Christabella was one to have a good work ethic in any lifetime…

“I know it’s a bit unorthodox but after speaking to your past employers I felt you’d be a perfect fit as the position only just became available.”  ‘Avaliable’ usually meant that the past assistant was nothing more than a pile of ash… To be fair. They sold information of his to the Constantines.

“In that case, I’m honored…I’d be more then happy to take the position as well as any training that might need to come with it.”  Paimon smiled slightly as she agreed. “When can you start?” He asked after a moment and she shrugged a little. “As soon as possible would be ideal.” He wanted her to stay - so that worked out.  He didn’t really know what to have her do at the moment before coming up with something even if it was a bit stupid. “I’ll have tech bring you a laptop… I have to sort out my schedule for the next few weeks and I’d appreciate the help.” He stated as he lifted the phone up again to do just that.

A few days quickly turned into a couple months.  Christabella hummed softly as she sat on the big leather chair without the tension she’d had on her first day, her feet tucked up underneath herself as she typed on the laptop.  She did better than he had any expectation for the job. He’d found himself incredibly productive aside from the fact he kept getting distracted, staring at her.  She was adorable - Well she was anyways… But once he convinced her that the dress code didn’t really matter to her position and he didn’t mind if she wore what was comfortable for her. The bunny hoodie was a bit silly but he couldn’t help but smile everytime he glanced over at her talking so seriously yet in a bunny hoodie and pastel skirt. 

“Excuse me?” Her tone was that of a parent annoyed at a child as she cut the man off who’d been on the line. “Personally, Mister Kavanaugh. I find your behavior deplorable. I’ve done the best I can do to get you in to speak with Mr.Inferno but you seem to be under the impression that your time is more important than his. I was simply going to suggest having your meeting over the phone today but since you’ve decided to speak to my staff and myself in such a way I’m afraid that I will have to let Mr.Inferno know to go ahead with his original plan… He doesn’t have time for this childish behavior.” She was calm and soft spoken but he heard the sounds of Kavanaugh begging her not to hang up on him now and practically in tears as she disconnected the line. 

Christabella looked up after making a few notes and rearranging his schedule for a moment, a small smile on her lips as she shyly tucked her hair back. “Ah...I hope you don’t mind how I resolved that… I can have them pull the recording of the conversation but I hardly could even stand to be polite after what he said to Miss Andurgor when she told him you’d gone home since he was late. It was something to the degree of calling her a ‘junkie’ and a ‘dyke’ as well as insulting her intelligence… Clearly with her connections to Mr. Constantine and yourself she’s not working as a janitor because she has to.”

Paimon snorted a bit as he leaned back in his chair. “Hardly… I’ve never heard anyone get through his thick skull. I’ll give him some time to grovel and see if he learns his lesson.” 

Christabella smiled softly. “At least give him a hard time for Angeline. She didn’t deserve that. Or at least do it on my behalf for her.” She joked a little bit as Paimon smiled. “Anything for you.” He joked himself although it wasn’t really a joke… She glanced at her laptop for a moment before looking back to him as she shut it. “Looks like we’re both on lunch. Do you want me to pick something up for you?” She asked as she moved to stand up, Paimon glanced briefly at the clock before shifting out of his chair. “Actually… Before you go.” He spoke casually at first. He couldn’t help himself anymore. He tried to take it slow - he didn’t want to freak her out.    She paused and naively stared at him trying to figure out what was going on with him only to feel his strong grip slip around her waist and push her back against his desk and before any words could ruin the moment his lips pressed to hers. Much to his glee she didn’t resist him at all… In fact, Her arms slipped up around his neck, pulling him closer after her brief confusion.  Despite her innocent demeanor as their lips parted she whispered softly. “I was wondering how much shorter of a skirt I needed…” She teased a bit before her eyes widened as his hand slid up her thigh in response.  

Paimon straightened his shirt as he walked out of the building with Christabella trailing behind him, The two both were a bit messy - a few whispers in the halls as they walked beside one another to the elevator where one of his least favorite employees stood, Miren. Her face seemed permanently fused into one of disgust as she glanced at the two as the doors closed, Bella’s hand lightly holding onto Paimon’s arm instinctively but he didn’t bother dismissing it. Miren sneering. “I’ve read the rulebook for workplace interaction and relationships between staff are strictly forbidden.” She stated smugly. Paimon glanced at her with a bored expression. “I’m aware, I wrote the rulebook.” He stated before glancing down at Bella, His hand grasping her jaw lightly yet with direction as he leaned down, kissing her again.   Christabella struggling not to start laughing as Miren’s noises of disgust left her lips.   

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

"...What do I owe the pleasure?" The sarcasm was venomous as it left Intella's lips as she stared at the golden version of Axel before straightening as she set her book down. She saw the look on Isao's stolen face - The knitted brow and unease in his shoulders was so much like Axel when something was really confusing and frustrating. Isao sighed longingly as he leaned on the desk, his shoulders flattening as he lowered his head - the mighty god act was gone for the moment.

"I need someone to talk to who isn't in my head." He said softly as Intella nodded, This wasn't just the general question that someone would believe they were discussing books while talking about demons or vampires.  "Jonathan. Can you manage for awhile?" She asked softly.

Jonathan shifted, wheeling his chair closer and leaning over to peck her cheek before nodding as he looked up from the old necklace in his hand he was meticulously cleaning for a moment.

Intella stood and sighed as she walked towards the door that led up to her and Jonathan's apartment above the library and motioning for Isao to follow. A kettle of tea later she gave a small smile. "Explain."

"So... I am guessing you're fully aware of Paimon and Bella's fate."  He sighed, rubbing his forehead as he lifted the mug and sipped off it.

"I'm still - That whole thing was a disaster..." Intella admitted, shaking her head. "So many people were injured...So many died." She lamented a little bit for a long moment before raising a brow. "You had a hand in the resolution...? At least the rumors say so."

"I didn't do much of anything... I just gave Sarina a push she needed to be able to find her other side. She's a gift. The more she practices the more value she'll have... "

Intella nodded slowly after a moment. "...Well she certainly did a number on everyone but it did seem to sever the connection... But - I, unfortunately, was involved with Christabella and Paimon's scene.  The final conclusion was he viciously attacked her and eventually was strangling her and she stabbed him in the chest twice with a mixed metal blade, she hit him dead center in the heart. They died probably within seconds of one another... Is that part of what's troubling you?" She asked curiously, Isao nodding as he straightened.

"I know Axel is getting you involved in the bureau and you've had a tour so you now kinda know how the soul's thing works. The Bureau does actually have contact to me and Zita, It's for emergency use and they used it the other day.  Paimon and Bella's souls have fused. It's fascinating but it's also quite frustrating. It's making them both unstable..." He bit his bottom lip for a moment before extending his hand, golden glitter swirling and floating up into the sky and forming a visual - Intella's eyes widening in curiosity, wonder, questions...This was her first time even seeing what a soul looked like.

"So despite the rumors, Demons can have souls...  They're not quite the same as human souls and are handled by other departments. This is Paimon's soul how it usually looks, It's mostly black, some red.. The colors are usually based on different emotions and memories. He has a lot of purples swirled through it. That's Christabella's influence usually.  There are some corruption and damage that I'm working with Aziz to fix..."

Intella nodded slowly and Isao straightened, the glitter swirling and showing a slightly different image  This time there was many more colors, more purple and blue, and greys. A whole section was different. "This is Christabella's soul - when I managed to separate them from one another they'd already almost started to combine? I - I've never seen it...  Overall it shouldn't have been so much trouble... It's not too different than when I've patched souls in the past, Tera in-fact has a small sliver of Katherine's soul."

Intella blinked, making a mental note of that as she processed the information. "I can stabilize them with my powers. I've been testing in temporary vessels -  If I don't they start damaging and escaping the vessel... The problem I'm having is figuring out how this is happening...  I have checked with Zita but she doesn't recall it ever occurring before either... I was wondering if perhaps - maybe. You might have an idea. I know a lot of artifacts pass through you... I'm grasping at straws." Isao leaned back as he finished the mug of tea, Intella pondering as she slowly nodded. "I need a bit of time but I can certainly try... "

Intella shifted after a moment of silence, pouring some tea from the kettle into both mugs to refill them. "Humble looks better on you." She added as she sipped from her mug.  Isao blinking a couple of times.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Isao is a stress boi

Paimon's eyes fluttered as his vision swirled...Blue and pink swirling and blurring before focusing on an unnaturally beautiful sky. It was dusk...The sun and moon both visible in different spots and the sky lined with stars. He sat up slowly... The field of flowers seemed endless... He ran his fingers across his face and then through his hair. His fingers resting on his chest as the unnatural feeling filled his chest. He couldn't quite remember everything.  He knew his name and the basics but he had no memory of his past.... He sat there for a moment, pondering. Movement catching his eye in the distance...

Christabella found herself in a similar state as she awoke, confused, and yet the stiffness in her shoulders faded as she looked around.  She looked as she had in her first life...Her eyes meeting his after a moment as they both curiously stared before speaking in unison.

"Who are you..?" "Who are you..?"

Christabella giggled after a moment with a brightened wide smile on her lips. "Christabella..."

"Paimon.." he followed, smiling back although faintly. His fingers lingering near his chest,..a faint flush on his cheeks. "Any idea where we are?" She started to shake her head before jumping at the third voice.

"...Oh. you two are awake." Isao spoke softly, folding his arms. His true face visible for the moment...  "This is my own little slice of Eden. It's just somewhere safe for now... Do you remember what happened..?"

Paimon shook his head, Christabella following after a moment.

"Ah. Well...That's fine. Odd. I've never seen that-this? happen..." Isao placed one hand under his jaw, thinking... Christabella found herself instinctively walking closer to Paimon as she spoke. "Who are you..?" She asked, Isao's eyes falling a little. "Isao."

"And..? Why are we here...With you?" She asked although she knew deep down this wasn't correct and slowly he nodded. "Good question...I suppose I'm repenting..." He sighed, scoffing after a moment as he shook his head. "As for you two... Do you really want to know what happened?"

Christabella felt the gravity of the situation in his tone, her lips pursing as she glanced at Paimon - It wasn't just her decision to make... Paimon's fingers fell from his chest finally... He was adjusting to the feelings that felt so abnormal to him. "Explain..." He paused, glancing at Christabella as he held up his hand. "Sorry... Did you - want to know?"

"...I - I think so." She nodded in agreement.

Isao paused for a brief moment before making his decision, sighing. "You both killed each other..."  He watched curiously as they distanced a little out of instinct. "God. You two really don't remember a thing..."  He bit his bottom lip for a moment, muttering. "..I'll take care of it - I owe them it.. blah...I should've let Aziz come along - Or...Hm."  He grumbled to himself for a moment before a thought crossed his mind.

"You didn't - It wasn't intended. You two are soulmates - erm... Do you remember what that means?"

Paimon shook his head but Christabella blinked a couple of times before nodding. "...It means we're...meant to be together. In some capacity - Usually romantic."  

Isao nodded a little. "Correct...It was - tragic."

"That still doesn't explain why we're here..."  Paimon was dry as ever as he spoke with folded arms across his chest, although a light red flush on his cheeks as he looked at Bella - He didn't understand why re-learning her relation to him made his stomach flutter. He noted the same sort tint on her cheeks as she played with her dress.  

"...Well. Usually when someone dies - The Bureau will just decide what needs to happen but usually it's just a case of recycling the souls and a new life cycle begins... You two - broke it. Honestly, you broke everything..." He rubbed his face as he groaned. "You... fused? I'm still trying to figure out what happened.

Paimon grimaced a little as he tried to follow but he didn't entirely get it, Christabella however curiously looked up at Isao... "If we fused - How are we separate now?"

"Good question. I just managed that part - But you've still got parts of his soul and he's got parts of yours - Hell. I think you might've made him a little more human... I know this is a lot to take in but I have to ask you two to stay here for a while and just - be patient. I need to speak with someone else and unfortunately you two can't leave here just yet."

"...Fine. I guess." Paimon felt uneasy but didn't have much he could do - His eyes wandering to a tree in the distance and walking towards it... Lost in his thoughts as he tried to comprehend all the information.  

Isao sighed, looking at Christabella. "Keep an eye on him... This is his first time being like this..."  

Christabella nervously nodded. "I - I can try..." She stammered and toyed with her dress, Isao fading into glitter, a few small gold flakes brushing past her before she glanced back and hesitantly followed Paimon in silence - the soft breeze was the only sound they heard aside from there own breathing. "...Do you believe all this?" Paimon's voice finally cut the silence as he reached the tree, touching it.

"I don't know what else to believe..." She admitted softly

"You're not much of a skeptic, are you, shortie?" He shook his head but there was faint amusement in his lips.

Her lips pursed for a moment at the short comment. "...You apparently killed me - Soulmate or not that doesn't mean I trust you." She stuck her tongue out in a childish fashion.

Paimon stared at her for a moment - She didn't seem to have much idea how to handle conflict or a fight... she certainly wasn't going to scare and attacker off with that face. His lips tugging as he began to laugh, unable to help it.  The more her cheeks filled with air as she pouted, the more he laughed.

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Monster / Ikari

Her fingers scraped the dirt and rocks as they dug into the soil beneath her quivering body. The ache spreading through her as she felt the bones shifting inside her; her skin tearing as the wing punctured out, forcing its way through... She didn't understand why this had to happen every single time...Isao told her it was triggered by stress. She wasn't stressed...she didn't think she was stressed.

She grimaced as her wings flexed, her blood hitting the grass and dirt beside her, sizzling as it melted through. The drips that ran down her wings and onto her skin burned as well...Tears stinging her eyes as she held her breath, withstanding it.

Her eyes filling up with gold...Energy sparking from her eyes and hands as she looked up; visions passing through her mind as she sat there - her mother and father in Heron. Her father bleeding, a monster - four wings and golden eyes staring back at her...

"Enough of that." Isao was calm, his presence calming everything as she managed to breathe again. The cold rain running off her feathers as he knelt in front of her, caressing her cheek. " I wonder what your father really is..." He wondered aloud, Ikari's eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about!?"  

"...This isn't just your mother. It's impossible. The energy you're holding inside - that thing you're so afraid of breaking out..." He sounded curious and perhaps a little scared as he spoke. "You really have two options, Ikari. Control it or let it, control you."  

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

Already in love / Alexis

"!!!" Alexis tensed up, wide-eyed as she stared up at the man who's lips were pressing against hers - it was so sudden she didn't even realize what was happening. She'd honestly expected to never see him again, his fingers resting on the table behind her, pinning her in place. Her breath caught as she instinctively shoved him as hard as she could. "W-what is wrong with you!?" tears stung her eyes as she trembled, covering her mouth.

The boy - The boy was now a man...She remembered him so clearly - it was hard to forget.

---

"...I should go home." Alexis lamented to herself as she watched Jona and Joshel dancing, She hadn't a clue where Seth and Ellen went and Grayson was so drunk she didn't want to be around him - He tended to be more violent. She pushed through the crowds to grab her bag and coat, quietly sliding her coat on and buttoning it up. She didn't hear him with the music drowning out her thoughts as hands rested on her waist.

"Huh?" Alexis glanced back - she expected to see one of her intoxicated friends but instead met her crush. Her heart got stuck in her throat as she stared at him, bewildered. He'd never given her the time of day...

The behavior wasn't much different as he leaned down, kissing her. Pulling her closer... She was so stupid... She believed everything he whispered in her ear. He told her stories about how she was his crush and how he was so nervous to do that. He didn't have the confidence to talk to her until he started drinking and saw her leaving...  All the sweet promises of wanting to take her on a proper date the next day...

She'd given herself away for nothing...

He didn't even talk to her the next day. ---

"Long time no see, Shortie." He chimed with a pearly white smile. He treated it like it wasn't anything. It wasn't a big deal...   Her fingers slid under her books, pulling them to her chest as she began to walk towards the bookshelves. She grimaced as he began to follow her... "What do you want..?" She turned, asking with desperation... He confused her. She still was attracted to him but she knew he was a liar - She was with Cam but sometimes she wondered if Cam really cared about her the way she did him...

"Lexi... I know you're mad. High school was a weird time for me but I've always had a thing for you. And I did promise to take you out on a proper date..." He stated as he stepped closer, caressing her cheek even as she stepped back...  

"I have a boyfriend..." She stated quickly. He barely seemed to stop as he shrugged. "Well that's a shame, but, he doesn't need to know.." She kept backing up but he simply followed and pushed her against the wall, kissing her again or at least trying to until she turned her head and pulled away from him... She knew she could fight him but she didn't want to make a scene. It was easier to run.

The cold rain eased her as she managed to breathe again, Pressing her phone to her ear...She wanted to tell him but she wanted to protect him...She knew he'd probably pick a fight. A heavy long sigh leaving her lips as the line connected. "Hey...I just wanted to let you know I'm coming to the gym for a while."

[thelostpagesofportlyndon]

My house - Lila

Lila's breath visibly swirled through the air as she gripped onto the door handle. "It's not real..." She tried to convince herself as she opened the door, staring at Dante for a long moment before he turned, walking down the hallway and fading away... It'd been happening for months since the last time she'd crossed paths with him. Sarina said it was her own magic responding to her anxiety but she couldn't control it.

"I never should've used that spell..." She lamented as she covered her face, taking in a deep breath as she walked down the hallway to the bathroom, tears starting to roll down her face as she stared at her reflection. Her stomach twisting as she leaned over the sink, vomiting. Her body trembling and slowly the entire bathroom began to shake as the mirror shattered.

---

She tried so hard to push through her day but it seemed the image she'd created kept coming back. His voice lingering behind her. "You know you miss the power..." He whispered as she washed her dishes. "You're so pathetic without me..." He whispered as she swept, her eyes meeting his and his fingers grasping her neck - it felt real... She knew it wasn't. She shoved him back, dropping the broom as she stepped back. The windows rattling as she began to hyperventilate again before dropping to her knees in the hallway, clutching her chest as she tried to catch her breath.

---

"...What do you think you're doing?" His voice was so close as she laid in her bed, the cold air surrounding her even tucked away under the heavy blankets. She gripped the edge, tightening the blanket around herself.  "go away..." She whimpered, footsteps pacing back and forth as she covered her ears before feeling the weight shift onto her bed, and arm sliding around her waist as she burst into tears, sobbing into her pillow as she gripped the blankets tightly... Her tears slowly fading away as her eyes glowed. "You needed me...It wasn't - It wasn't the other way around..." She sat up - seeing nothing beside her for a moment before he appeared again by the end of her bed.

"It's my soul...It's not yours anymore. You do not belong here..." She let out a breath. The image suddenly shifting, grasping her arms again, it hurt...It felt so real as his weight came down on her, smothering her onto the bed.  

She pushed back, trembling. "I'm not yours anymore!" She shouted loudly, The lights began to flicker on and off as her anger crept into her chest, The walls rattling as her eyes turned black, the bed lifting and blankets shifting - pulling the image off her suddenly with immense force and throwing it to the floor as she held out her hands and slowly made a tearing motion. "Leave me alone!" she screamed at it as it burst into black pedals, falling onto the floor.