The Queen of Limbo

Indie sideblog for Canon-divergent Illyana Rasputin, Darkchilde, the Ruler of Limbo Redesigned to fit with all fandoms, especially Supernatural Dasvidaniya, bitches. sideblog for i-am-made-of-stars

[thekingsparty]

“Do you have proof there is such a warlock?” Crowley raised a brow. He didn’t just throw out permission to leave Hell to everybody who came by, claiming it’d be in his best interest to do so. He wasn’t naive. Nor daft. 

[thequeenoflimbo]

Illyana took a deep breath. There wasn’t a lot of proof she could get, considering she was stuck below ground. But she did have something. “There’s an eyewitness. A witch, whose ten years were up. She said she worked under the warlock for a while, and she was encouraged to do what he did instead of making a deal with a demon for more power. She’s in the racks right now.”

[talktoten-a-deactivated20240813]

   “Of course they confessed! Torture anyone long enough, they’ll      tell you anything you like. Ever tried actually asking ‘em?”

[thequeenoflimbo]

“You call hanging someone upside down and cutting them with a sword tor--wait, I see it now. Whoops.” A pause. Illyana shrugged, not caring much. They were little cuts. Mostly they just bled a lot, right? “Of course I tried asking them. They wouldn’t tell me anything. That’s why I starting poking them with my sword.”

[thekingsparty]

“Ahah.” Crowley looked calm, though if paying close attention, one might see his eyes twitch, his bottom lip trying to break free into a growl. “Someone’s closing deals on my turf and NOBODY has noticed yet?”

[thequeenoflimbo]

        “Well…” Illyana was no fool. She was young, but not stupid. Crowley was her king, and she kept a careful eye out for any signs that he was becoming angry. And those twitches–definitely signs. “If anyone has noticed, they haven’t told you yet.” She was trying to direct any of that anger away from herself. “Maybe they’re trying to take care of it on their own. I could go track down the warlock, if I had permission to go aboveground…”

[crossroadcaesar-blog]

“Mmhm.” Malcolm hummed, clearly unconvinced as he raised his cup to his lips once again.  “That’s the thing about hunters, my dear.  Handlin’ them’s not a one-size-fits-all sort of solution.  Ya’ lack experience, an’ they’ll take advantage of that.”  He heaved a quiet sigh, brow furrowing when Illyana brought up the poaching situation.  The Procurement Officer had kept it relatively quiet for a very long time, but slowly it had begun to seep through the information channels of his own organization–apparently even down to Illyana’s level.  “No hounds.  I don’t trust ‘em, an’ I don’t like ‘em.  But…I suppose…if ya’ stay outta’ the way, I’ll take ya’ along with me on the next summons.”  After all, the only way to gain experience was to actually get out there and do it.

[thequeenoflimbo]

          Illyana wanted to convince him that she could handle herself, but it was true she had little experience with hunters. “You can teach me,” she pointed out, quieter though, because she knew what she was asking. He was her highest superior. Really, she should be asking someone else. But demons weren’t inclined to help other demons. It was hard to gain experience. Malcolm might be inclined to help her because she worked for him.

        Upon hearing that he would take her with him, though, she nearly jumped for joy. But she didn’t. She kept her calm. “Thank you,” she said. A pause, then, “I’ve tried training cats, too.”

[majorwhitlxck-deactivated201601]

          The scarred demon’s eyes narrowed faintly, a motion that would go unseen to any normal human. There was something about the woman standing in front of him—something odd. Ignoring her question for a moment, Jasper reached out with his gift to taste the emotions that were sparking in the air. The mix that he found left Jasper taking a slight step back, though his hands tightened even more on the bike. She was playing with him. It wasn’t the normal mix of emotions that came along with the other young women he played with while hunting. There was something darker about what Illyana was feeling. He was intrigued, a new spark lightening his eyes as he did not even attempt to hide his predator smirk this time.

          “I’m sure you couldn’t damn me anymore than I already am. I supposed I’m just gonna have to find another fair lady to save this ol’ sinner’s soul.”

[thequeenoflimbo]

          Oh, but she caught the narrowing of the eyes, just barely, as Illyana was far from a normal human. One blonde eyebrow raised in response, though she didn’t comment. Oblivious to his tasting of her emotions, she waited for him to say something, to react to whatever he had seen or thought that made his eyes narrow. Instead there was a different shine to his eyes, something dark that was just about mirrored in her own.

          Illyana tutted in disappointment when he said she couldn’t damn him. She bet she could. After all, how many humans had fed other humans to demonic monsters? “I wouldn’t bet on that, sweetheart,” she said. “But if you want saving, you’re right. I can’t help you. Unless I join you in your search for fresh blood.” Using the phrase of course, to mean the young and innocent.

[thekingsparty]

“Is that so?” The hint of a smirk tugged on his lips. “Do share, please.”

[thequeenoflimbo]

“His name is Vaughn. He hangs around certain crossroads and persuades people not to summon demons or sell their souls, but instead sell part of their life force to him instead. Or so I’ve heard.”

[majorwhitlxck-deactivated201601]

          Jasper could not stop the somewhat predatory smirk that pulled at the corner of his lips as she leaned in closer on the handlebars. He lowered his head slightly, looking up at Illyana through his eyelashes, in an attempt to distract her from noticing the slight shift of his eyes from man to a monster on the hunt.

          “Well if you must know, darlin’—“ the term of endearment slipped from his tongue like a sugar-sweet yet deadly venom. “I’m a travelin’ man. I walk down lonely roads in hopes that a pretty little lady like yourself will swoop in and save me from eternal damnation.”  

[thequeenoflimbo]

        Illyana caught that smirk that saw her as prey, and that combined with his words that said he was traveling in search of a lady told her he was looking for someone like her. Or at least, someone he thought she was. He was hunting. Then again, so was she. For fun. And if this man was a predator to young women, she would have fun messing with him once he found out she wasn’t some helpless little human.

        The sorceress smiled slow. “Well, I’m sorry, darling, but you’ve found the wrong girl. I can’t save you from eternal damnation. I’m more of the damning sort myself. Care for any of that?”

[majorwhitlxck-deactivated201601]

               Eyeing the young woman, Jasper took a step in front of her bike—both hands planted firm on the handlebars and a spark in his eyes. To a passerby it would simply look like a young man attempting to flirt with a pretty young woman, but Jasper had something very different on his mind. His grip, though looking harmless, would keep the woman from moving the bike away and slowly down any attempt she may make to escape. The back of his throat burned slightly, but Jasper refused to attack too soon—he wouldn’t deny it, he enjoyed playing with his food a little before feeding.

               “I hate to break it to ya’, sweetie, but I ain’t a handlebars kind of guy.” Jasper leaned in slightly, sending out a small wave of trust and joy in the woman’s direction. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Illyana. I’m Jasper—Jasper Whitlock.”

[thequeenoflimbo]

          His grip on her bike’s handlebars was tight, but as of yet Illyana didn’t see anything wrong with it. As it was there wasn’t much she feared, as the Queen of Limbo and a powerful sorceress in her own right, and she didn’t think this human could harm her. She liked the spark in his eyes; it promised mischief, it promised something entertaining, and Illyana got bored easily after so many years.

          She laughed at him then, a light laugh when he mentioned he wasn’t the handlebars type. “And I’m not the handlebars type of girl, either,” she said. Her head went to the side a bit, though, as she looked at him. “Though maybe I could make an exception... Hello, Mr. Whitlock.” Mimicking the way he addressed her, very polite and gentlemanly. She leaned forward so she could rest an elbow very edge of the handlebar and rest her chin on her hand. “So tell me, Mr. Whitlock, what are you doing out here in the middle of nowhere?”

[majorwhitlxck-deactivated201601]

              Jasper could feel the mischief popping in the air as the stranger pulled her bike alongside where he was walking, kicking rocks as he went. One of his favorite things to do during his travels was walk; he wasn’t in a hurry to get nowhere. Besides, it was always on these long stretches of road with little traffic where he found his best meals—usually young women who were too kind to handsome strangers who they took pity on. As the bike came to a stop beside him, he reached out to casually thump the handlebars, a smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

               “I’m not sure your mode of transportation could hold us both, darlin’.”  

[thequeenoflimbo]

          A blonde eyebrow raised when he thumped his hands on the handlebars, and she tipped the bike to the side slightly so she could lean on her left foot. She leaned forward slightly, almost laughing at this man she believed to be a very forward human. And she liked to play with humans (even if she was technically a warped version of a human herself). “Oh, I’m sure you could ride along in the back. Or on the handlebars,” she said with a little smirk. “What’s your name, darlin’? Mine’s Illyana.”

[thequeenoflimbo]

@majorwhitlxck

          A mile or so away, Illyana had stolen some guy’s bike, and she was riding down along the dirt road. She hadn’t ridden a bike in who knew how many years, and it was quite fun. The weather was perfect, but it was a long stretch of road. As she rode along, she passed by a man on the side of the side of the road. At first, she ignored him, but then she slowed down, finally coming to a halt.“Hey there,” she said, grinning a little. “Need a ride?” Though there was hardly any room on the bike; she was kidding. Mostly. She wouldn’t protest if he actually climbed on the back. She’d laugh.

[crossroadcaesar-blog]

The old demon sat back in his chair, carefully placing the coffee cup down onto a coaster to spare the fine polished wood of his desktop.  He took his time, patience as ever one of his few true virtues–and he knew full well that most of his brethren suffered from a distinct lack of it.  Watching as Illyana sank down into the chair across from him, his face its usual mask of unreadable apathy Malcolm listened to his subordinate’s pitch before asking dryly, “Do I look like a schoolmarm t’ you?”  A beat passed and he added, “What kind of help do ya’ even think yourself capable of offerin’ me?  You’re a pup, Illyana; the kinda’ hunter-bait that draws attention.  You’d just be one more liability out on the crossroads, an’ times are dangerous enough as it is.”

[thequeenoflimbo]

       “You don’t,” Illyana answered quickly, shrugging one shoulder. “I’m actually more capable than I look. As for the hunters, I know how to handle them: I know to be careful and not to underestimate them.” She paused. “I think I can help you, too. I’ve heard about the poachers. I’m good at finding people, and I pick up on rumors. We could track down leads. I heard something about this witch yesterday. While she was being tortured she mentioned one of your crossroads. I used to train hellhounds, as well. I know you have a rule against using them, but they might be able to track down the poachers more easily.”

[crossroadcaesar-blog]

Well she was certainly laying it on thick, he noted.  It wasn’t so much that Malcolm minded the flattery as it was a natural inclination toward skepticism where it came to her motives–demons were demons, after all.  Behind the genteel smile and the miserable sack of skin lurked an ancient being with little to fear from one as young as Illyana, and yet after all he’d witnessed in his two millenia he was more cautious now than ever.  Mal dared not underestimate even the meekest demon.  The procurement officer nodded wordlessly toward one of the two chairs in front of his desk, watching over the rim of his cup as he took another sip.  “Ya’ got five minutes of my time.  I suggest ya’ don’t waste it–What do ya’ want?”

[thequeenoflimbo]

The laying it on thick was more for Illyana’s own amusement than for the purpose of actually influencing Malcolm’s opinion of her. The coffee, she thought, would be a good decision, but words she thought probably wouldn’t do much. When you’d lived for long enough, even for a young demon such as Illyana, you sometimes wanted to entertain yourself in any way you could find. But she did want permission to sit, and she picked a chair in front of his desk. “Favors, if you hadn’t guessed,” she answered. “I was wondering... if I could join you. In your work. Just--to see what it’s like. I’m not a crossroads demon, but maybe I could help you.”

[thekingsparty]

“Could you PLEASE tell me something I didn’t know?”

[thequeenoflimbo]

“I know of a warlock who’s poaching your crossroads.”

[crossroadcaesar-blog]

The demon glanced up from the contract he’d been examining, attention caught by the sound of the door as it clicked open.  Illyana’s heels clicked faintly against the polished floor as she made her way toward his desk, and Malcolm gave his subordinate an approving look as he quickly appraised her carefully assembled attire.  She was young–one of the more recent hires called up from the Pit to serve his organization–but this one had ambition and enough savvy to realize the proper way to brown-nose her way up the ladder.  A pleasant smile settled over the Officer’s lips as she handed him the Starbucks cup.  “Well somebody’s anglin’ for a promotion.” Taking an experimental sip, he glanced back at her over the rim of the cup, “Ya’ got it right.  I’m impressed.”    

[thequeenoflimbo]

As Illyana crossed the room, she noticed the approving look her attire got from her superior, and it made her smile. Of course, she was dressed her best to see him, but Illyana also took great pride in her appearance, and made it a point to dress well all the time. As Malcolm did, she noticed. She watched him sip the coffee and grinned when he said it was right, and she gave him a little nod. “Only the best for you,” she said, amusing herself at the obvious flattery--one could tell by the way the way her eyes seemed to sparkle with mischief. “May I sit?” She indicated towards a chair.

[thequeenoflimbo]

“I brought you your coffee, Malcolm,” Illyana said as she stepped inside the crossroads demon’s office. She was impeccably clothed, black designer dress and high-heeled shoes, a string of pearls around her neck. “I’ll have you know I terrified the barista half out of her wits to make sure she made it exactly the way you wanted it.” She presented the extra-hot coffee to her general-of-sorts, Illyana’s own coffee cup clutched in her left hand. “And I watched her make it.”

@crossroadcaesar

[kingxofthexdamned-moved]

open ;; starter

“And what are you going to do if I don’t? Spank me?”

[thequeenoflimbo]

“Only if you want me to.” This said with only the smallest of smiles. “I just want to talk in private. ‘Know you’re a King and all, and you’re busy, but I hoped you’d have time. Besides, I have some information you might be interested in.”

[risingcrown]

He cracked a grin at her and nodded even appearing on the modest side. “I like to think so, yes.” He confirmed and returned to watching her, though he retained his small smile.

“Angels haven’t been on Earth for a couple of decades now, not since the dark ages, or so I have heard.” He shrugged and it was true too, angels had been fairly quiet since then, which granted, wasn’t really that long ago but it was when the last smiting of a demon took place. “But I would be glad of your advice on perfecting them rather than trying to recall them from descriptions rather than images of the sigils.” He explained though kept his distance, if she had reached out to even try to touch him, it was likely he would have fled and she could bet her cotton socks that he would tell other demons of what he had seen, perhaps maliciously, though his youthful innocence (at least for a demon) meant he was more curious than malicious.

“I won’t have to kiss you for this deal, not unless you want to.” He teased but was eager to learn what she was willing to teach.

[thequeenoflimbo]

Illyana grinned as well. “I’ll think so as well, then,” she chimed, flattery, but she thought it true that it was clever anyway, so it wouldn’t hurt.

She offered a small shrug at the mention of angels being gone for only a couple of decades, but on second thought she raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t been alive long enough to remember?” she asked, intrigued. “You must be young.” She shrugged again; he seemed young, either way. “Anyway, they could come back, it would be best to be prepared.”

His words earned a laugh from the sorceress, who appreciated a good tease. “I’ll pass for now, at least until we know each other a little better,” she said, winking at him.

“Now, I’d ask my place or yours, but I’m guessing you don’t want to travel to my realm. So you do have a place, kotyonok?”