So-So's Story

The Keeper smiled back at him, "The Prince bound you to this mansion for now, but I have your first assignment right here."
She slides a black folder with a white seal across the table and rest her head on her hands.
"Her name is Marline Wernicke, her father died a year ago in a hospital not far from here. If you successfully return her to the Abyss... you should get a memory back. Once the others have joined us I will explain the details to you. For now, just enjoy the food and saki." She snaps her fingers and one of the mice pours all of them a cup, another mouse brings the creature a bowl, slowly and hesitantly, trembling as it approaches the beast.

The Keeper pointed to the file and said, "Remember you kill the creature, not the girl. It is not our place to judge the contractors. That is The Keeper of the Clocks privilege, and we don;t want to step on her toes. Trust me." she opened the folder to show him the creature, "This is Doldum, the puppeteer. He has invisible strings, that one touch you allow him to control your mind and body. Be careful."
She took a sip of her saki and cotinued, "I know this may seem foolish to you, but Please make it a quick and painless death." She paused, knowing what they were thinking. Why show this Demon mercy? She pointed to the little girl, age 11.
"She is his contractor, she has no idea what is going to happen to her when Doldum is defeated. She will feel every single thing you do to him, because unlie you who has a talisman which feeds your creature power only when you allow it to, Doldum is her parasite. Doldum told her he could bring her father back from the dead, that he could change the past for her, and she foolishly didn't explore the consequences." She knew he wasn't going to appeal to his emotions, "Plus It's so much more fun watching them being dragged down alive and conscious."

The Keeper watched as Angel sat at the table with his chain. They looked like they had already bonded, and she wondered if Angel completely understood the role of his chain in the end.
She speaks as Angel sits, though she is looking at So-so, "Welcome Angel help yourself," the little mice start dishing out food for him and the chain. She continues, "So-so Since you three are the ones that are here right now, you will get the contract. I don't care how Doldum is destroyed, just as long as he and Marline are in the Abyss before you return."
She looks to Amanda, "You are correct Red, there are many tales of Demons and Chains in folklore. The Keeper of the Clocks is actually pretty new. There have been may before her that go by many names. It seems to me that you wandered for quite sometime before you made your contract if you know about that."
She motions for the mice to pour another round of saki.

Red nods, "Possibly......possibly." Red said as she looked up at the new arrival and smiled, "Hello, I'm Red, and your name is Angel right?" she said softly. She look down the table at the others, "I'm Red and That's Daemon." She said, pointing to Daemon across the table. Daemon threw baby carrot at Red head, letting out a small chuckle as it made a loud thunk against her forehead. Red stared at him with daggers for eyes, "Seriously Daemon? you immature Leuko."
"Hey hey, no need to get testy, just trying to get you out of this fog."
Red rolled her eyes, "Daemon, why do i like you?"
"Because the most awesome Leuko you've ever met."
Red laughed ans threw her knife at him, watching him catch it in between his fingers, his reactions were faster than hers by a lot.

"Indeed, indeed, Sister. Sly here has missed your thousand lashes."
The laughter iced Amaya’s veins; the sound was unnatural and unnerving. But she had heard the likes of it before, in fact it sounded a lot like Cho whenever she would cry. It was as if the world itself were suffering with her, that it had to. She was certain that that was the way Cho thought it, that if Cho was not happy, no one was allowed to be happy. Maybe with her brother… Her brother?? The idea snapped into her head, she had just thought it automatically despite it being such an obscure thought. Well, he had called her ‘sister’ and they had such similarities, but it seemed such a quick conclusion to come to and be comfortable with the idea already. This was odd; maybe she had known the two before…
Amaya shook her head, no more thinking about it. She emptied her mind of the subject.
”Dinner’s Ready.” she heard through the hall, although she did not immediately respond. She heard others going towards the area, but continued to stare at the stranger. Cho seemed to be irritating the boy… What was his name? Did he mention it yet? Sly, thats what the creature had called him, maybe that was it. Either way, it was probably more impolite than not to continue speaking without an introduction.
”My name is Amaya.” she said, noticing the Sly's increasing scowl as Cho continued to probe him and his creature with giggles and her nails. It wouldn’t be too difficult to understand, though, if that thing truly was her brother. But then again, she told herself not to think about it.
”I am sorry for her. I would like to say that she isn’t normally like this, but I would be lying.” her voice was light hearted, but that didn’t stop Cho from taking offense.
”See? See how she treats me? I don’t know whos the real demon here, her or me. I can’t go five minutes without her insulting me. It’s unbearable.” Cho whined to Infernus, shooting a venomous look back at Amaya for ruining her all-too-fragile good mood. Oh well, not that it could be helped.
”How about some food?” Amaya offered to the entire group, standing and then departing before Sly had a chance to answer her. The air between them, if there had been anything in the past, would stay clearer without Cho making him miserable as she did to everyone around her with a male persuasion about them. She took to outside, seeing everyone at a table and taking a seat next to a boy in a pink sweater. Cho had followed her out of habit and the promise of food and took no pause to join at the table and float among everyone.
At the table was the Keeper of the Door, the Puppeteer, the boy in the pink sweater beside her, a boy she did not recognize, and a girl she did not recognize either. Cho must have recognized her, though, for Cho found it appropriate to go float across the table about an inch from her face and exclaim ”Hello, there, Shy One! I’ve missed you.” she then looked back to Amaya to add, ”This one listens to me when I talk.”
Amaya just looked at her, not knowing how to respond, after all, she didn’t know the girl herself. The boy next to her was blushing, almost as pink as his sweater. He looked so boyish, such a stark contrast from the other boy who was so…aged. He just looked dangerous. She was to watch him closely. This bunch was odd, she paused briefly to look back to see if Sly had followed her.

Noxi smiled sweetly at him, bowing. "As you wish, Bunnicula." She giggled quietly, leaning up and whispering something in his ear, a smirk appearing on her features. Reed cackled mentally, sharing it with Knox telepathically. Aren't you the clever one? Noxi just yawned lightly, raising her arms and setting them behind her head. It was some kind of tele, Reed. I was going into the Main Hall one second, and the next I was in this brat's domain. She tilted her head, peering back up at the Prince. She winked at him, utter mischief written along her features. "We'll see, Prince. We'll see." It's much more difficult and complicated to kill me, Little Contractor. Don't be phased by the snake. She flashed him an all-too-innocent smile. "Forgive me again, but I should really go into the Main Hall now, no? Hopefully I won't run into any more little traps like the one that was just pulled. I didn't even get my muffin." A gentle smirk caressed her lips, and she then turned, walking steadfastly down the hall and disappearing around a corner, coming into the main room.

She waved to the people she had just seen before being taken. Noxi then sat down, her legs crossed and she took off the talisman of Reed, slipping her hand under the table and pricking her finger, blood beginning to drip from it onto the cat's figurine. She pressed down on her finger, ceasing the bleeding and putting the talisman back on with a fake smile, her eyes closed with it. She grabbed a new blueberry muffin, glancing up at the ceiling.

Red looked up at So-So, "Yes, my name is Red, and Yes, i did learn it from Daemon, he was speaking it when he found after i was attacked of the millionth time." Red cocked her head to the left and smiled, "Red is a lovely color i agree, but i prefer, pale, drained colors." she said softly, running a finger around the edge of the gold band. Red let her hand drop into her lap and smoothed out her skirt before looking up at So-So once again, her brown eyes staring straight into his, "i know many poems like that, all picked up from living in the Abyss. it seems like i couldn't go anywhere without hearing one." She said, resting her head in the palm of her hand.

Red let out a soft giggle when So-So transformed, "Sounds like you never had a break from everything, and yes... maybe i will share some poems sometime." she said softly, Red brushed a few strands of her from her face as she thought. While her time in the Abyss was depressing and sorrowful, His was fast paced and horrible, it was surprising to her how the Abyss could be different for some people yet still be the same place. She back up at So-So, "Your creature has an interesting power, the power to change forms right? That very use full. Daemon here, well, can do this..." Red snapped her fingers and little blue flame sparked to life and flickered across her hand. She clenched her fist and put out the growing flame.

Gwyn read through the file slowly and then put it down, sliding it to the empty spot of seat beside him. He drew up himself and leaned back in his spot in the corner seat. His shadowed eyes gazed blankly at the others in the carriage as he thought about what he had just read.

"The kid should be easy enough to keep out of the fight," Arian murmured carelessly. "Her Chain worries me though. If it gets a hold of anybody, we may have to fight against the other Contractors as well."

"Do you think it's that strong?" Gwyn wondered. He absently tapped the hilt of a sword as he thought.

"It is better to not underestimate... And I think I have met Doldum before in the Abyss, or at least heard the stories of his powers. We must be wary at least." Gwyn could feel Arian mentally flick her tail as she switched gears abruptly. "So were you listening to the other Contractors while you were reading? Interesting powers, no? Ask that illusionist about his pranks for me."

Gwyn gave a small shrug and glanced up at So-So with a smile at the ending comment. "Sorry for interrupting, but my demon wants to ask you about what kind of pranks you've done so far. She loves messing with people."

"And don't you know it," Arian said smugly.

Red looked down at her again before clenching it shut, "i guess it is quite useful." Red felt Daemon shift, "I like your new friend Red. An illusionist huh? quite..very interest..." Red shook her head, she could never really understand what was going on in the leuko's mind. "She looked up at So-So as he explained his creatures power, "now that is quite interesting..." She paused as Gwyn asked his question, "The would interesting to know as well." she said, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ears.

Arian laughed in Gwyn's mind. "Very nice. I wonder how long it can last and how far it can go." She chuckled. "I would like to hear the story of the 'right' So-So."

Gwyn considered for a moment. "The bleeding cross, then." He grinned slightly at the others and looked at Red. "What do you think... Red?" He quickly avoided the name "Amanda," much to Arian's amused disappointment. She had, after all, wanted to see the girl react to Gwyn calling her that.

The Prince closed the door behind him, resealing the entrance. If anyone else decides to come the Keeper can let them out... he thought as he climbed into the front, grabbing the reigns. He gave the horse a quick, "Yah," and the carriage started to move. They passed through the city, into a darker part of the town...there weren't as many lights and the streets were much dirtier. He pulled the carriage to a stop and opened the door, allowing the group out. He said to the group, "Your creatures can sense each other, they will lead you to Doldum. "Once we get close," he said to the talisman-bound creatures, "you will be released, but remember your powers flow through your contractors. The harder you fight, the faster your contractor will wear."
He waited as the group collected themselves.

((Take your time, when you guys are ready to start the mission go ahead))

"The right one sounds better." Daemon practically yelled at her with excitement, "Alright there, Calm down, the right one as well then." she said, looking at Gwyn and then the two So-So's. Red mentally saw a wide and mischievous smile grow across Daemons face as he eagerly awaited the story to be told when the carriage started with a jolt. Red watched out the window as endless darkness turned into a dark, dirty street. Red cocked her head to the side and watched as the sped past people, "I wonder if they can see us?" she silently asked herself as the carriage came to a slow stop. Red followed everyone else out of the carriage and looked around as the Prince told how to locate the doldum and that their creature will break from their talisman form when they were close.

The carriage started and Gwyn nearly fell forward but he jerked upright. As he waited for So-So to begin, he also glanced out the window at the passing scenery before turning most of his attention back to the other two. The clip clop of hooves filled the air as they bounced along the road.

When the carriage stopped and the Prince explained how to fight, Gwyn nodded. He felt Arian stand up straight in his mind, eager for the hunt. "Finally some prey," she said gleefully. Unseen by the others because of the hood, Gwyn closed his one "real" eye and glanced around for a moment.

"I thought you wanted to be careful." He opened both eyes normally again.

"Might as well get this over with." Arian grinned ferally. "I haven't had a good fight in a while."

Gwyn glanced at the other two. "Are you ready?"

"That was actually a very good story, well to me it was, i have this......"thing" for horror sort of speak, i can't explain, i just like to get scared." Red said nonchalantly before looking over at Gwyn, "Yes , i'm quite ready." she head, slightly nodding her head towards him. Daemon giggled softly, "Not until you ask So-So here if he ate the beast."
"no, i'm not going to ask him that."
"Oh come on, just ask him, i'm dying to know."
"You already are dead if you haven't noticed and what is it with you and wanting to eat the flesh of humans?"
"Why do you like to get scared?"
"Touche."
Red ran a hand through her hair and sighed, "it may take a while till we find who were looking for........." she said, Daemon frowned and crossed her arms, knowing she obviously wasn't going to ask the question for him.

"He appears with out a word,
just with a form that seems to be blurred,
he takes what is left of you sanity,
and turns you into a form of inhumanity,
grasping you in his black and clammy fists,
leaving you surrounded by dark and suffocating mists,
your fears become real and tear you limb from limb,
leaving you in a state most grim,
he never leaves,
but he never stays,
and is always reoccurring,
he is my sweat little nightmare,
And i am the only one who treats him with care."

Daemon smirked, "fine, i'll calm down, but only because i like you." Red rolled her eyes, like was the extent of anything he would and could say about that emotion. anything else you kill him.

"Pitiful monster," Arian scoffed. "He was right to make it suffer." Gwyn shrugged indifferently. It didn't matter to him if any of the demons suffered in the Abyss.

"Interesting story," he said to So-So with a small smile. "You'll have to tell me more of them next time."

He heard Red sigh. "It may take a while till we find who we're looking for..."

One hand reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair back into the hood, away from his eyes. "I'm not sure," he said. "I think we're pretty close. Arian says she can sense Doldum. Maybe if all three of our demons try to focus, we can narrow down where he is."

Gwyn laughed at So-So's actions. "Thanks for your support and help." He turned his attention inward for a moment. "Hear that, Arian? Try to hunt down that demon."

Arian's ears perked up as she lifted her head arrogantly in his mind. "Don't think you can boss me around too much, boy." Gwyn felt her mind drift off from their conversation as if focusing on something else. As she concentrated, he turned to see what Daemon was doing. He absently ran a hand along the sword handles sheathed at his waist as his eyes glanced at Daemon and then at the surrounding area.

"Where are we anyways?" He asked as he waited.

Swirls of black smoke billowed out from Red's neck and gathered together until Daemon stood in its place, finally coming out of his talisman form. He out a hand on Red's shoulder and gave her a slight smile, "You know what i need to find this guy." Red slowly nodded her head as Daemon made a small slit in her shoulder, crossing over many scars from when he had done the same before. Red calmly watched as Daemon leaned in close and slowly lapped up as much as he could get from her.

When he was done he lifted his head slowly and inhaled deeply, his sense had been sharpened and his mind made clear, he could help the others now. Still facing Red, Daemon looked out of the corner of his eye at Gwyn who he caught starring at him for a second before moving his eye to the rest of the area around them. Daemon smirked and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "You know, in any other circumstance, i would have just eaten her whole, but a contract is a contract, so until its over, blood is all i can take. But you don't mind, do you Red?" he said silkily, lifting Red's chin with his finger until they made eye contact.

Red's eye were cold and piercing as she ruffly pushed his hand away, "Stop being a smart a** and just help us us find this guy alright." she said softly while hidden behind her hair. He shrugged and sat down next to So-So and closed his eyes. His mind traveling farther than he could see with the help of the other creatures. He smirked, "Oh yeah, he's close alright." He said nonchalantly. He kept his eye closed and concentrated on Doldum, waiting for the rest to see it and confirm it.

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{OOC: Daemon is not a vampire. For him, blood and flesh are like an highly addictive drug for him. It clears and heightens all his senses. He likes the feeling and the fact that it helps him perform certain tasks better is just a small bonus to him. nothing more.}