p r i d e

@xcainx

Cain - The Prideful - Demon

232 posts

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Cain had never disappointed Octavian even once, and the wolfish grin that stretched across his lips showed that remained true. He couldn't have worded Cain's response any better if he tried. "My siblings think my mind is plagued, that I've gone mad. But you and I know the truth. I've never had more clarity in my life. And neither have you." There wasn't even a question of the darkness of his soul. Cain didn't need to be led anywhere, he was more prepared than anyone to strike from the shadows. "I will deal with them, so you only need to worry about not attracting their suspicion. Because I will need you to remain for now. When the time comes, you'll be the one to deliver a most fatal blow. Removing the keepers from their reincarnation cycles will be something those fools never recover from."

Tact was all Cain could think about. The demon that had been turned human, the human that had found a way to stick around for a long, long time. He was free from Lucifer's grasp, but the damn archfiend was back in town anyway. The former familiar to the King of Hell was perhaps never one to be trusted, it was everyone else's fault for thinking he'd sway from Octavian if the druid was gone. "There are many of them, now. But they're focused on restoring everything. I haven't seen some of the archdruids in a while. You know where I am when you need me. Where did you go? Afterwards."

"I don't know why I asked. Of course you'd think I should. You're fucking biased." Which was no problem for Serkan. If Cain wanted to gas him up sometimes, then he would absolutely take what he could get. It was a rare occasion when the druid did so he was always thrown for a loop. That was besides the point now though. Lupercalia was fast approaching and he had to prepare himself yet again. Maybe he'd lose, maybe he'd win. All he knew for sure was that he was going to fight until he couldn't anymore or someone else put him down. He wasn't going to make it easy though, that was for sure. "Everyone gives you a chance. I don't know why. You're fucking insufferable." And here he was suffering Cain anyway. "I'm not worried at all. I damn near won last time. I can do it again if I wanted to. Maybe I should lose though. I'll get some fucking niceties out of you just like last time."

Cain sat up, looking down at Serkan from where he was, "Yeah I'm biased. Need some help? Bet I could use some kind of magic. Trip up another lycan or some shit. You know that would be fun." He gave a half smile, though he knew Serkan wouldn't want to win by cheating. He'd want to win by beating and pissing on everyone else. Cain was happy to see that. He turned towards Serkan a bit more, "You're insufferable. You damn near won? That's still losing. It doesn't make it sound any better. And you got your fucking ass kicked by a volatile. Which is illegal now, isn't it?"

Abel grumbled, shrugging before dishing out a sarcastic and teasing comment, "I've been known to look a gift horse in the mouth more times than not." Time had been reverted, lives salvaged all for the price of Six, but Abel was still not convinced. Labeled pessimistic, a borderline nihilist; Abel understood was that life was grueling, it didn't come without continuous sacrifice for fleeting happiness. He surrendered in mild exasperation, "You don't think it's all a bit too good to be true? All of us for the low dose of six?" Six were six lives too many, personally, but Abel had faced evil many times to figure the war was not yet finished.

"Low dose? They were important to people who cared about them, I guess. It doesn't matter how many people it took, just glad they walked into the fire or whatever." Cain would've done it for those he cared about; yet he and Abel had died early on. Either way, he looked at his oldest friend. They were both pessimists, both of them had a bad habit of ruining the room when they entered it. Cain liked to be the problem, anyway. "I came to make sure you weren't in any trouble. The archfiends are out and about, ya know."

who?: @xcainx where?: the otherworld streets

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"I've been waiting for you. I knew you'd especially have to come. The Pyramid can't give you what you need as it stands." He had hoped their reunion would have been sooner, but he knew his acolytes needed to take steps toward him at their own paces. Octavian wouldn't begrudge any of them for not wanting to see his face again, but Cain was too important to let drift away. "More than anyone else, your fate being rewritten is a sign you aren't done which is a relief. You are a great success, though I'm sure there are those at the Pyramid now who would dare to call you a monster. Pity, isn't it?"

"Well everyone in the pyramid is holding hands, talking about peace and smoking that shit up like it's new. Of course I'd find you." Octavian deserved his loyalty; power was where it lied. Cain had always been attracted to it, had always clawed his way from the bottom to ensure that he'd be near the victor when the time came. An opportunist once, a basilisk now – he was going to ensure no one got away. They'd be ensnared, paralyzed, his ability and affinity for water ensured that he would do what the phoenix asked – whatever he needed would come in time. "You're a wanted man, Octavian. Your siblings won't give up on you."

Cuddling was not even remotely something they did often, but he guessed he was getting used to it now. Really, the only reason it didn't happen was because Serkan was sure that one of them would say something to annoy the other and then they would just be out of bed. For now, well, they'd just fucked so what did they need to argue about? His eyes were closed as Cain's fingers ran through his hair. He only nodded his head as the druid spoke. That was all Cain really ever did. Just talking and talking nonstop with some gaslighting thrown in there sometimes. Again, Serkan had gotten used to it by now. "Well, why wouldn't you? He's like your Alpha." That was really the only way he could relate to the feeling. As the other's hands tightened in his hair, he opened his eyes to look at Cain. "Do you think I should? I'm thinking I should."

"Of course you should." Cain tilted his head now, grateful the conversation went that easy. He supposed it was to be expected, Serkan didn't have much to say about it all anyway. The former Alpha had a claim; he'd beaten everyone else down before. Alek had been a volatile, an unfair advantage no one had called him out on. They'd all tucked their tails in and followed the psycho. To each their own, psychos were always the easiest to follow. "I guess you could say that. He gave me a chance. Anyway, you worried about it? Or do you think you have a chance?"

Vivianne listened somberly. She let a bit of cigarette smoke slowly out of her nostrils and mouth before finding the words to reply. "Are you worried about them?" What wasn't there to worry about when it came to the greater demons running amok in the world? Vivianne hadn't known for certain but she had hoped that if the Inferno had been destroyed as they all said it was that the archfiends had found somewhere else too go in the Otherworld, perhaps. She supposed luck could only extend so far in this new peace.

"I mean for you. If Lucifer is really out here..." Would Octavian find ways to protect him? The banished Archdruid was a source of great puzzlement for Vivianne. On one hand, he had given her good friend a new lease in life and she had understood his desire to keep someone he loved alive in the Asphodel. On the other, he was clearly some type of mad. She couldn't completely blame the other Archdruids' decision to abandon him though she also didn't particularly like that.

"I'm not a demon. He can't do anything to me," that wasn't true, but Cain liked the idea that he wasn't forced to reliving such a thing. The best thing Lucifer could do is kill him, but the Inferno was in shambles – odds are, he'd disappear and reincarnate in a few years. Being Lucifer's familiar was enough of a threat of a lifetime. "I'm not a demon, but if I have to see his face again, I might kill myself." He tilted his head now, "Everyone else can choke, Viv. You're not even in the Dahlia anymore. So what are you doing with your life? Please don't tell me you're still hanging around it. Like the people who go back to their high school to visit even though they've been gone for years."

Her smile widened as he replied explained what it was like to have magic. She had been happy that Cain found another home but it had been hard not to be selfish about missing him - hearing that things had been great made it a little better. It had been too long since they'd been able to speak just like this. The former witch would send texts, she would tell Cain she missed him and she hoped he was alright. But they'd been long overdue a real conversation after everything.

Vivianne's expression sobered a little as she sat back, listening. She took out a cigarette and held it by the fire to light it. While she had kicked the habit of smoking years ago, everyday had been stressful for months now. "Your memories from before you were a demon?"

“This whole fucking memory thing — this healing thing — it’s fucked me up.” Cain frowned now, looking at his drink. He didn’t want to finish it, but he wasn’t too sure about admitting all that he’d felt. “I was an oath breaker. Hence why I was with Lucifer and all that lovely crap that came with the circle. But haven’t you heard?” They were wandering around Rome once more, and Cain could only think about what that meant. "They're out. They're here. Because the Inferno is gone."

"Because the decorating will help us get done what needs to be done," their magic had been tethered together, a bond that did not seem to salvage Abel nor Cain from the death that had once awaited them so heavily. Still, despite Cain's.. affiliations, if the druid chimera was still associating with the ultimately banned Octavian, Abel more or less would force Cain to be immersed in the Dahlia once more. It was obviously a best friend thing to do, but the Castle would also never admit to that aloud otherwise Cain would be far more annoying about the sentiment. Abel snapped a finger, attempting to joke and bicker didn't resolve this sick feeling Abel felt hindered by, but perhaps it lifted it ever subtly, day by day, "Don't bring that up, either, off limits topic." Happy? The Castle wasn't sure that term was correct, it felt ill-fitting, but Abel would always find comfort in knowing that Vivianne had, hopefully, found something which fit her.

Cain tilted his head now, though he knew Abel could at least keep his secret. There was something unspoken, an old bond between familiar and witch. With the release of the archfiends, Cain found himself nervous. Twice he’d found himself as Lucifer’s familiar; a soul torn apart over and over again. Now there was no escape if they were in Rome, the inferno dissolved. “Is everything off topic or what?” The Druid sat up a little, searching Abel’s gaze, “What’s got you actually worried?”

@serkanxulusoy Location: their lil man cave

Their home was as safe as it could be, perhaps, and while Cain had always been a compulsive liar, there were many things that he didn’t keep from Serkan. Perhaps now, that rang true, as they sat on the bed. The former demon had never been much of a cuddler, the idea of being that close to a heater like Serkan something he never even gave a thought to. For now, though, his fingers ran through Serkan’s hair, their post-coital bliss something that would be interrupted by the Druid’s train of thought. “If Octavian came back, I would still follow him,” he said finally, knowing that question had been resounding between the species for a while. His fingers tightened in Serkan’s hair after a moment, “Lupercalia - are you going to get back your title?”

@abelczarlinski Location: The Dahlia House

"So...snazzy new office and upgrade, what will you do now? Need help decorating?" Cain sat on Abel's desk, as annoying as always. He was happy for the other, a new sovereign as Vivianne decided to let a tail grow from her ass or whatever it was. "Happy for Viv or were you crying about her leaving, too?" They didn't have to talk about it, how the end had seen them both dead – or at least, that's what Cain had heard. He'd died a bit too early for his liking, vengeance threatening to take hold, but oh well – he'd get over it eventually. Right now, he was busy looking at the new gift basket he'd brought over, eating his favorites out of it.

Time: Everything ended Location: The Dahlia House Characters: @xcainx & @seeingvivianne Notes: i missed you bestie :fancycrey:

For now, Vivianne still lived in the Dahlia House. She would always have a room there but home was now too far outstretched past the coven. When once they had been her only family, now she had Alastor and Cain outside the house, the children, and she had August. She had Michael and Nate. The demigod had eyes on a home very nearby but she took her time, helping Abel adjust to what would be his new routine as Sovereign. The friends could have met anywhere else, sure, but the House was bustling with life again and the last time the once-witch-and-demon had both sat there in the garden was months ago. Vivianne was feeling wistful.

She drew a rune into a piece of paper, a symbol that looked like two triangle flags touching each other. The runic symbol for fire lit up into a blaze as it touched the outdoor pit, warming them both up. "So are you going to tell me anything about your new home or do I have to beg? Am I ever going to get a tour of The Pyramid without impending battle?"

"What do you think it's like?" Cain was trying not to laugh now, though the image of the pyramid being similar to a frat house was one that did cross his mind. He was sure that Vivianne didn't want to walk in there all by herself, but the druid leaned back slightly, the fire warm. There was something else that flashed in the chimera's eyes, and he was somewhat grateful that he didn't have to explain everything. He'd been there a while now, but even so, he had his own place with Serkan. That was where he spent most of his free time. "I'm not there a lot," he admitted, tilting his head, "but having magic is...fun. My home can be how it wants to be."

Cain paused for a moment, his memories returned to him, his allegiance still to Octavian – there was more. HIs fractured mind was restored, his memories of who he used to be – there was a lot that happened. "Remember when I told you I didn't want to know who I was?"

who? octavian's gang | @rajxambrosio @xcainx @sonnyevangelista @acolyterose @aristonsilvester where? basecamp when? night 1, after octavian has been depowered notes: short and sweat for the mental breakdown

"Tell me that I am weary, tell me that Octavian has not gone quiet," Fen asks as her hands fall on the shoulders of the first of her acolytes that she finds. It's an overtly familiar touch, almost desperate as they wish desperately that they are sensing things wrong, even if the cold dawning realization it's gathering on her gut. Something has befell Octavian, and they are stuck outside the hellish city instead of inside where they can help.

"Have you tried monologuing? Octavian likes those. He may come out if you start." Cain knew he was being a bit pessimistic, and a bit ornery, but he couldn't help it. Rage was how he was built, and pride was how he thrived. It stayed with him, even now as the chimera watched as creatures fell around them. He knew Abel was well, had no idea if Serkan was, but he had to push through. "We'll get to him. No use in desperation, Fen."

Reluctantly, Abel clasped their hands together, awaiting the inevitable that would, he assume, tether their souls together once more. Cain often showed his care under a multitude of embittered layers of ire and rancor but Abel understood, well enough, that the once demon was full of shit. It was why he could trust him, through any lifetime, even if this was the only span of life in which Abel would be a mortal. The Castle was sure, throughout what they had endured, that Cain would hold a piece of him forever no matter how many cycles of reincarnation he would now be at the mercy of. “It’s good to be overcautious,” Abel shot back in finality, making a face at Cain.

The druid's blood was within something between them, a cut on Abel's palm just enough to fill the rest of the charm that Cain had created. Octavian had taught him many ways to boost his magic, to absorb the elements of other druids and become a chimera. He was far from a perfect one, but his abilities were deadly. Only a hint of that basilisk was present, however, as his main plan was to ensure that the Castle would not forget the Prideful. He murmured his spell, the charm glowing as more of a channeler, something that was necessary. Cain knew that death was finality for some, but it wouldn't be for them. "No matter what happens, if you need me, tell me. I won't be far."

ohmypaperweights

( tommy martinez- 400 x 640 )

@fakementine

pour @isharewhereiwant

who?: @xcainx where?: some sort of villain perch hehe

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The tides were changing, Octavian could feel it in the air. The time for the final stage of his plan was soon upon them, for the increasing population of their kind was a sure sign of his peoples' return to power. He reveled from above with Cain at his side, an honored position as one of the Archdruid's favorites. "Look around you, things haven't been this busy in a long time. Everything is falling into place, including your training. You've exceeded my expectations. I couldn't be prouder of what you've done with my blessing," he says, turning his head to acknowledge Cain with a dark smile. "You can be honest with me. Do you feel complete? Has your bloodlust been satisfied? If you think you've reached the limit of your capabilities, let me know and I'll accept it." Octavian gives the out under the guise of kindness, but his words had the air of a predator's trap about them. He had no qualms about setting it because he felt he already knew Cain's answer. If what little they'd done was enough to quell Cain's hunger, then Octavian wouldn't have chosen him in the first place.

"I don't think I ever will." The basilisk stood there now, their victim completely poisoned from his bite. It was a slow transition, back to his normal state, but the druid could feel every inch of the soul in front of him. Octavian was nearby, still their secret even though Cain knew it wouldn't be for long. Death was in his blood now, it always had been. Reborn because he'd clawed his way out of hell twice now; it was just bad luck that a demon now had reincarnation beneath his fangs. Glancing at the archdruid, he let the other fall to the ground. No one had really paid attention to them from where they were, off and above those who trained. "No one will hold back in this war. And neither will I."

No bond tethered them any longer and a petulant piece of the Castle might have pointed out it was some breakthrough to even see Cain standing here now that there was no invisible string wound around each of them. It was difficult to prove the care Cain had nestled deep within, but it was a powerful resource for the once demon that sometimes manage to peek through on occasion. With that, Abel mustered a smile, albeit weak, but genuine. “Fine,” he conceded with a twinge of humor in his tone, “What did you find to have us draw power from one another?” They’d dissolved away from the point of Cain’s presence, as typical of them. `

"See? Ye of little faith." The druid held his hand out, waiting for Abel's palm. There was a war coming, the Dahlia coven were healers – they were bound by their good nature, kindness, but they also had the support of the rest of the covens and the Senate. Cain would stand by them if they needed him to, but with his tether to Abel, he would ensure the witch survived. And the druid had lifetimes to hang on to, a demon would be lucky to have him. The next best thing was Abel, anyway.

"See? Ye of little faith." The druid held his hand out, waiting for Abel's palm. There was a war coming, the Dahlia coven were healers – they were bound by their good nature, kindness, but they also had the support of the rest of the covens and the Senate. Cain would stand by them if they needed him to, but with his tether to Abel, he would ensure the witch survived. And the druid had lifetimes to hang on to, a demon would be lucky to have him. The next best thing was Abel, anyway.

Cain had basically pretended like nothing had happened. He'd been forced to be nice, to be pleasant, and he wasn't about to go through that again. The sickness had been real. Either way, he'd insulted Serkan a few times since then, though in this situation, he was being led towards Serkan's little project. The gym that he'd been dying to open for so long. The druid followed along, though his curiosity was going to win out before anything else. He tilted his head now, trying not to laugh as he slipped into the new place. It was nice, not magical like the pyramid – his room was pretty awesome. But he would take this little slice of paradise every now and then. With Serkan. It didn't feel deserved, it never had to the demon, but he couldn't say that out loud. "So you want me to move in?" he was mostly joking, saying the words with a laugh because he knew it would grind the lycan's gears. Either way, he turned to the other, moving in closer, "For real?"

A flat look came across his face at Cain's question. Of course the damn druid would ask that question. They had done this damn back and forth about moving in together for months now so it only felt right that Serkan took the initiative. He was definitely concerned about Cain's place in this whole war, but he didn't want to say it out loud. It felt like it would make it more real and he didn't want to think about the fact that he might possibly lose someone he cared for a tremendous amount. Oh, and loved, but that was still a horrible choice he'd made. How often did Cain annoy him? He was starting to lose count. Yet he still wanted the druid around. How embarrassing that he was so damn whipped. "You're fucking annoying." That was all he decided to say in response before he also moved in closer. "Yes, for real. Unless you plan on saying no again. Then pretend I never asked."

Cain grinned a little at the stupid, yet endearing look on Serkan's face. Sometimes the lycan could pull at Cain's very fragile heart strings, and he hated it. He moved closer to the other, grabbing his face and pulling him in for a harsh kiss. The druid had a few centuries in this life, Serkan did not – it made the druid wonder what would happen after – if Serkan had even thought of that. "Let's test out the furniture."

#this is giving #“wanna join me for some fucking around” energy #serkan

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