The Inner Infernal Sanctum

Pausing she listened to the words nodding once or twice before speaking in reply with her brow furrowed as if in thought, "Mayhaps you have actually learned after the actions of before. In the past you were reckless. I am happy that you appear to now understand where that leads. So yes I did believe you honestly went straight for the throne. That you been listening is encouraging, maybe you may actually stand a chance against Erebuz. Perhaps."

Hearing the compliments she gave a subtle grin, "Why you flatter me Lucifer, sadly it does not get much anyway, but one does appreciate the gesture nonetheless. Sadly for your sake I prefer results not increasing of my ego, that is your department I do believe Lucifer. Myself I crave only two things, Destruction and order in Hell, those two ideals are enough for me. And always were, you let me have those and don't fling me into a lake again you will never witness the Ides of March. I do so promise that. From me at least..."

As she walked over finally having spoke she went on, "Power is finite and fleeting, the secret you may not realize Lucifer is though I crave no power outside of the norm, I understand the complexities of it and how it corrupts and soils intentions of veritable nature. I know from past of how this relationship was, you do believe I am naive and even unaware of what's what. That is far from the truth, I do understand. Though nor am I a puppet, willing or otherwise. I just understand way of things. I only want leadership for Hell. It just that both you are Erebuz are the two most worthy of it. Although you have the experience, he has what we shall call tenaciousness. I could ponder further, but if one knows the position of where one is on the chessboard, you are far more safe, since you know your limits. I know my limits Lucifer, and that is why in the end you need people like I. Erebuz too, but one thing must change, currently Hell has a huge ego problem, one needs to go and you need allies, which it is looking unlikely you will discover in Hell if I was to be forthright."

With her crimson gaze glinting in the sharp light, she ended, "Now, you know I understand more, than I display, you may continue."

Lucifer rolled his eyes at her. "To be quite frank with you my dear, all of this posturing and egotism is getting more frustrating than it's worth. To get right to the point then, hell was not created with the intent of being a realm like that of the mortals, divided and fought over as it is. Hell is, first and fore most and above all else, a prison. The souls of the damned are to be imprisoned in hell and dealt punishment for their actions. And while we are all fighting each other over control over hell, nobody is doing the damn job." He leaned back on his throne and closed his eyes with a grimace, as though fighting an unknown ache in his soul. "I can feel them, I can feel the damned trying to escape, and should they succeed, they will take part of hells power with them, and the mortal realm above can barely contain it's own mass and collection of insanity."

He then opened his eyes, yet they remained glazed as though he was seeing only the distance beyond sight. "And Erebuz, I shudder to think of how far broken things would become if he was to be in charge. A being who knows nothing of control and restraint, who's destructive capacity and desire for chaos would eventually lead him to open the flood gates, and unleash the damned from the prison that has held them so long. That would begin armageddon, and would end, eventually, in the dessolution of all things save heaven and those deemed worthy of it." He sighed as he finished, eyes closing as he remembered no doubt the splendors of grace.

"The problem with Erebuz is that he either does not know, or does not care, about how his rule will end. I on the other hand can see, and the best way to ensure I rule for a long, long, very long time, is by doing the task appointed me. And if I should be defeated by Erebuz then so be it" He smiled then looking down at abbadon. "For I will have the last laugh, when at the very end everything he wanted so badly comes falling down about his head."

Nodding she listened carefully, even obediently, not interrupting. Hatred existed, but you can respect those you revile. And those you respect you did not interrupt. It was the way of things, nonetheless she did feel fit to speak up at one point before he had ended, "I would be doing my job but my Circle is now shall we say impossible for me to stay in and control. The entirity of it been consecrated and now a damned Garden has blossomed in that once aberrant plane. This is why I am free, the Phlegethon no longer flows, all the dark malevolent intentions with those foolish cretins who lived only for battle, those who were weak and pitless and thus must kill themselves and finally those who commited violence against God. All those souls were set loose. I would love, to do my job, but everything you and I worked for in that place is forever lost. It's utterly soul wrenching, no pun intended."

As he continued, this time she let him finish before responding, "I have few demands Lucifer, but I do agree his end game is not the benefit to Hell. I know this, but it does not wound me as much it does you. Since my very existence is based on destruction and ending of all things. You once called me the Mad Dog of Hell, because I am ceaseless in how I strive for utter desolation. This is what I am."

Pausing she breathed the sulphrous air of Hell, feeling it reinvigorate her body from the holy powers that had infected her time in violence, "I fully realize his end game, but I also though I am a force I admit without qualms that Hell needs to be united. Erebuz methods while appealing to me, would undo years of tireless work." as if lost in thought she chuckled, a cruel melody, "Remember, Lucifer, when Sheoul fell and you told me something important. When I did not hate you, you told me, that Sheoul fall was something you would have stopped, but knew was going to occur... You knew because even Hell has a prophecy, inscribed on the throne in a tongue so ancient, only those who sit on the throne know it... Do you remember?"

Lucifer nodded at her. "yes, I remember, I can still feel those twisted words etched upon my mind, my very essence. With every step we take we fall further and further into this trap, this binding weave of fate. As I already said to you, it tires me, and I long to end..." He paused suddenly, his eye having caught something in the shadows of the hall.

Thereupon the shadows fluttered a single wisp of white, like mist except of lesser substance, as though a soul itself had entered physical being. Whatever this was, it was all but entirely unaffected by the miasma of hell, and passed through it as though all that was real was nothing. "Abaddon.... That..." Lucifer gestured at the white stream that passed through the hall. "What is it? It has no presence, and in my domain I should know intimately of it's existence and yet I do not even feel this thing."

From the white stream issued a slow and hazy voice, as though a sleeper spoke. "Darkness... Fallen star.... Gaia.... Grove...." The softspoken voice called as though from years away, and as it's voice quieted, the stream faded from existence, as though it had never even been.

Lucifer turned to Abaddon with an eyebrow raised in question.

Every bit as bewildered she stared as the whole thing took place, then ended. Leaving her forgetting much of what had been spoken for a few seconds. Quickly she regained her wits and replied first to the words spoken, "Yes, things are progressing faster, but certain things played out differently. For one Lilith was never meant to be the ruler of Hell yet she achieved this while you and I were both trapped. In this time she somehow managed to either drive your princes away or abuse them enough they either were defeated or went elsewhere. Worse she handed power of Heresy over to Erebuz which you and I would know as insanity... Then to add insult to injury she and her bitch sister opted to consecrate my own circle... This was not according to plan... or even prophecy... this suggests to me, that it can be broken and you can rein victorious against Erebuz the Unweaver."

With that her focus turned to the event, "I think... it wants you to follow it... I suggest caution though... this could well be a trap... For one that being is not infernal nor demonic... Also it is convenient it chooses now, when Hell most needs your guidance..." with that she stood firm simmering in rage, that foolish Lilith may have shown something huge... Perhaps the fate of Hell was not set in stone, she had mentioned this to Lucifer, but this whole meeting was turning out very fruitful.

Lucifer sat upon the throne in thought, both in Abaddons words and on the strange entity that had just called for him. He sat as stone for some time, until it seemed he had verily become stone. At last he had made up his mind. "The prophecy, ever etched in my mind, has always been my doom... But what you say is true, things of late have not gone by that prophecy, and that shows it can be undone...."

Lucifer then stood and gestured to Abaddon. "I believe mortals have a phrase 'benafit of the doubt'. It's supposed to mean giving trust to someone who can't be trusted, or something of that nature. I have a proposition for you. I will give you the benafit of the doubt, if you will give me the same. Things are moving apace while we speak, and I have waited and watched for long enough, so now I intend to take hold of the reins. But, as is my woe, I am yet unable to be in two places at once. Therefore, I will leave hell in your hands for now, in trust that you will do the right thing, until I return."

"And on my return" He said, stepping down from the throne "I hope you will find a way over your hate to trust me to fix this situation so that the immense mess that has been made of hell can be made right."

Having accepted this she watched as he left. True she hated him, but at least he was willing to admit that all was not great in the Infernal Depths. Long ago when advisor she may even have loved. If a demon can. Perhaps that was why she prostrated herself to his loyalty. But even then that came with caveat. Not to mention love was something mortals felt. It was more primal, passionate the want she used to have for him. Love was a mortal construct, she was demonic born immortal fallen as immortal. Thus the description love did not begin to broach the idea. No. Nostalgia? Was it nostalgia that made her do this? That again was a mortal idea. Those with stunted lives, out quicker than a day in these places. Yes at one point she felt something immeasurable for Lucifer. Even if her ancient desires were destruction he understood and even respected that.

Here he was again showing respect, but Abaddon had learnt from the past, she knew Lucifer was many things, but he did not need a queen. He needed someone willing to point out how wrong he was. A voice that could challenge him. Hell needed the King, but Hell also needed the Jester.

Is that what she was? Yes... and no... old feelings die hard.

As she sat somewhat lazily on the Throne, she could easily take this power, but she never wanted it. For now it was merely a place to sit. When she sensed a presense, two, "Late both of you are. I know you two been stirring, but I expected more." there seemed almost crocidile grin on her features, "Lucifer, is away..." although it vanished as she went on, "I shall hear what you two heirs speak.. SO SPEAK." as she spoke, her voice roared with cruel intent, "I am Abaddon, formally Apollyon. Prince of Destruction and Advisor to the King of Lies. State your purpose children of the Eden scum."

Lux, moved cautiously to the center of the room, as if walking between bits of shattered glass. A simpletons smile graced her thin lips as she produced a proper curtsy with her gray blue dress. Her eyes locked onto Abaddon's , tho not defiantly or meekly.

Before she raised, she focused on masking her inner thoughts from prying minds, one could never be to careful in hell. Least someone hang her for some skittering thought at grabbing power. She raised and folded her hands neatly infront of herself before speaking.

" Abaddon, formally Apollyon. Prince of Destruction and Adviser to the King of Lies, I thank you for your time.
I am Lux, daughter of Eve and Lilith , I simply wished to let you be aware that I have returned. Tho it seems things are different than I remember...I hope I do not offer offense..." Her gaze studied the woman's face, hiding the contempt and frustration at how that lazy sow draped her self over the throne..

"The fact that you even dare to persist in this place, when you know full well that you are not welcome, is an offense of itself. That you are not bound and bloodied as we speak is nothing short of a miracle, granted to you only by the grace of The King." Spoke a voice that had no source, and echoed off the very air itself.

"Calm thyself, Atreviel. The King asked us to return in peace. And while the definition of human words may change with time, I doubt that he intends for us to harm his visitors, especially not while the esteemed Abaddon holds charge." Spoke another voice, this one coming from far end of the hall. It's speaker was a strange creature, horned and rippling with muscle, yet it's movements were graceful and lithe, unmistakably predatory. The creatures eyes were green and held an unwavering intelligence and will behind it.

"Such an affront to king should not be allowed to stand... But if it is by the Kings own order, I shall let it pass unmolested... for now." Said the voice that had no source. It would be then that Abaddon would recognize an irregularity, to her left, a bit lower from where the raised dais was that the throne sat upon, was a shadow that had no cause. This shadow did not move and was not shaped to any particular form.

Rushed out from the entrance to the throne room, out of breath and sweating. "Luuuuux!" He groaned, keeling over to catch his breath as he looked up. "I'm ah...sorry I'm late! Had some important business to take care of. Aha...ahaha..." He laughed, nervous and not content with this scene he was making for himself. She was talking to someone however, and as he regained his breath he stood up straight and walked over a tad confused.

"Eh? Lux, who is this you're talking with? And ah...what's she doing on the throne? I think I may have missed something...or maybe my mind is just blanking, what are we doing here again?"

Of course she been expecting to meet the Twin Anti-Christ, but these two were unknown to her. Abaddon rarely displayed curiosity but even she was partially intrigued by this. Nonetheless her expression remained motionless, although with the arrival the second twin, a look of pure disgust rang out as she spoke with rage, "Respect your betters little imp. At least your sister can show the proper decorum when speaking to a Prince. My appearance means nothing, the title is merely that a title." growling smoke flew from her surrounding the room in pitch blackness leaving only the Throne and little more bright, "I am Abaddon, Prince of Destruction. You two are aberrations. Heirs you may be but I value first impressions and your Brother Lux has shown himself to be an utter asinine moron. No... retard, was he dropped by his naive Mother and their blasphemy of an union? Shameless jezebels indulging in sapphic taboos and birthing children from it. It makes me utterly sick." finally her focus moved to Lux.

"You on the other hand have some hope and understand the correct decorum... I saw both your Mothers... and they were naive and utterly contempitible but if you are willing to move on, there may be hope for you..." pausing she could see the masked hatred and it made her little euphoric, "Oh yes things have changed... YOUR MOTHERS ARE TO BLAME... Hell once had order, but if you dare pretend I cannot read an act little girl... I will sooner dunk you in River Styx and let them tear you apart..."

Now to others, "New faces of loyalty, amazing what comes out of the wood-work, but perhaps you two could be of use... there is problems in Hell... huge problems..." seeing their expression she continued, "Two mortals wander through Hell without escort and a certain being decided to overtake Wrath to save the souls... if you are wishing to act in his name... sort them out..." again a pause, "Also, no affront is acceptable, but evidently these two heirs are as dangerous as Cerebrus Pups... I now have decided that with how things look I was wise to build up an old bridge..."

When the second brother arrived, the predatorial being looked over at him with a raised brow before smirking. "Ahh, how I envy the youth of this age, so utterly clueless and beyond redemption. Enjoy yourself while you can child, before long you will have to grow up and accept the reality of how completely worthless your existence is... Or maybe you'll prostrate yourself before the king and find the joy of service, who knows."

Then the being stepped forth and kneeled before the throne. "Hail, Abaddon, Prince of Destruction, Advocate and watcher of the throne of The king. I am Elandis, The Blade of Dawn"
The shadow moved itself to a position before Abaddon, where in a shade, a wraith as it were, took physical form and kneeled before her. "I am Atreviel, The Blade of Dusk"

Then both called out together. "We are at the service of the King."

"The mortals are known to us, and shall be dealt with." Elandis spoke. "But do you wish them dealt with quietly, or made an example of?"

Atreviel had faded once more, and the shadow was no longer to be seen. However both Lux and Tenebris would feel a distinct chill down their spine, as though a ghost were standing near at hand, and watching them with hunger.

Atreviel’s voice caught Lux by surpise, but it only vaguely showed on her face, befor she reigned it in hard, she turned her gaze to the second voice. Her eyes watched the creature and she admired it’s grace, tho not openly. She held the same , distantly bored expression she had before.


The shadow with no cause gave her a moments pause tho. She’d have to be much more cautious around here.

As if nails rang out on a hundred chalk boards her brother voice echoed through the halls.
A modified expression contorted her placid face, pure , unquenchable fury blazed in her eyes as she glared at her fool brother.

“ We are here, brother dearest, to beg forgiveness for our foolish----” she immediately cut her sentence short as the woman on the throne spoke.

Her expression held firm as she took the verbal beating, she let the anger she felt roll over her and simply bent in it’s whirlwind, never letting it show on her face. She simply accepted it in full that she was in the wrong. Tho she full heartedly agreed with the woman on her brother conduct. She'd have to have a word with him later.

The other two adults… if that was a proper term for them, spoke and lux held her plight , she was going to go about the bits of begging and scraping that was proper but felt it was probably wiser to not interrupt. She waited, hands folded neatly infront of her, she resisted to urge to fret with her dress and the two beings pronounced themselves men of the king. She made note of their names and what abilities they flaunted.

The man faded and ice slowly crept its way through Lux’ spine, She didn’t let it affect her in the slightest but she realized exactly how much work it was going to be to do what she pleased…


She would remain quiet until she was addressed again. Still as a statue she was.

His demeanor shifted completely at the attitude directed his way, he wasn't so sure how to feel about this in its entirety. Between the insults directed their way (mostly his way), and now the chill that ran down his spine...it was all a bit overwhelming.

Tenebris decided speaking wasn't his strong suit in this situation, that was mostly his sister...he, on the other hand, was way too relaxed and way too unsociable to do any sort of negotiating of the sort. He, on the other hand, tried to look relaxed as he was completely still and silent for the current situation...The last thing he needed to do was anger the lady on the throne again, that and it sounds like he screwed with whatever Lux was working on. Sorry sis! he mentally apologized, gulping heavily as he shifted in place.

Glaring Abaddon still sat on the throne regarded them all, "I don't care how you two deal with them. Although I do suspect this is little to do with Lucifer and more perhaps a show of power against Erebuz. One of those beings is more powerful than any of us in this place. Speak to them, find out their intention if intent in helping fight that entity, help them. As for Wrath, that must be dealt with in efficient manner. I don't care how, but Wrath cannot be purified like Violence is. The armies of Hell after all need be united and full power." pausing the darkness grew thicker around me as she suddenly appeared next to both twins, "I am feeling lenient currently since things are progressing. Prove yourself, both of you and unconsecrate Violence. I shall leave how to your imagination. Do this and I you will be redeemed. Fail and you were always useless and would not have made a difference."

Appearing on the Throne her red eyes glowed darkly, "CLASS DISMISSED." with that the whole room with fill with cruel darkness and any trace of Abaddon was left hidden in the unerring mist.

"As the regent commands" Said Elandis.
"For the king" Said Atreviel.

Atreviel was nowhere to be seen, so whether he departed and to where was unknown, the only hint of it being that the chill of fear the children of lilith felt was suddenly lifted.
Elandis stood and walked out the door to the hall, completely unphased by the darkness Abaddon had drawn. Being a creature of the night, He took the darkness as a gift from the Regent, and reveled in it. As he passed the children of Lilith he smiled at them, his eyes glowing a dull red, and said "You two might want to hurry and redeem yourselves. Abaddon is far more lenient than the king, and if your still in hell when he returns, you will be suffering a long and painful punishment."

And then the Blade of Dawn departed the sanctum of hell.

A figure appeared in the room, silently and without warning. "Greeting Lord Lucifer, I have gathered---Wait a second..." The figure announced itself but turned silent once it scanned the room. Lucifer was no longer in the throne room and there were a couple of new arrivals, possibly more demons that heard the lords call since no mortal could ever hope to enter the lords palace.

Duriel decided to remain silent for the moment unless asked, he was here to report to Lucifer that he had successfully gathered all of his followers. It had taken some effort on his part and was late to report to him and he would not give no excuse for the time it took. But it was better to receive a punishment then death for not returning at all, but for now all he had to do was wait for him to arrive but a question struck him. Where did he go? After all this time he appears then disappears again, perhaps something urgent came up? That was certainly the case surely.

The chill melted from Lux's spine, it wasn't hard to fathom who had caused the chill... from what information she had over heard.
As Her sight faded to never ending black Lux steeled her self, she would not flinch.

" "I am feeling lenient currently since things are progressing. Prove yourself, both of you and unconsecrate Violence. I shall leave how to your imagination. Do this and I you will be redeemed. Fail and you were always useless and would not have made a difference." Abaddon said.

Violence was purified...

Lux's mind began clawing at answers, answers to this ridicules situation, but she'd need more information. She'd have to see what happened before she could fix what had been disturbed.

Abaddon dismissed them all. Lux made the same curtsy she had before, bowing her head low as she might have to Lucifer. No need to spark more anger with Abaddon... She watched Elandis pass with the corner of her eye. She had a feeling she'd have to speak with that one eventually.

" "You two might want to hurry and redeem yourselves. Abaddon is far more lenient than the king, and if your still in hell when he returns, you will be suffering a long and painful punishment." He said.

No doubt he was correct, Lux had not needed to be reminded of such things. Her brother might.
" Thank you again Abaddon, a kindness will not be squandered." She breathed , curtsying again before turning to leave, making sure to give her dolt of a bother a level, scorching look. She shifted an eye in Abaddon's direction. Hopefully the wool brained fool would catch the hint, and remember his manners she had beaten into him, metaphorically.

The young lady moved brisk, dedicated. Back straight and head held high. Her twisted mind gnawed at the issues at hand.
Desecration was not the hardest thing on the face of the world to do, by the king, every moral ever was able to do it.
Violence, to others, self, and god.... To go against the natural order. Blaspheme... She'd need Wine, lots of it... And perhaps to find Daedalus... No that would take to long. She'd had to come up with something so stoically sinful, not even she could stomach it. But what...

She turned a corner, and looked back to see if her brother followed her, huffing she peered back around the corner she rounded and called to him. " Tenebris! This way you lout." She hissed, supple lips twisted into a frown that somehow kept it's charm.

Tenebris listened quietly, his arms crossed as he maintained a neutral expression...Lux was the one who was better at talking, so it was usually better to let her do that. He did listen for the whole time that everything was going on, however he had apparently zoned out! He heard his name being called by his sister, his eyes blinking rapidly as he snapped back into reality.

"Hu-...wha--....OH! COMING!" He shouted back, turning around and quickly rushing over to follow Lux.

The pale light of Lucifer returned to the throne room, and there he shrugged his shoulders and sighed, before looking to his throne. "Hmmm" He said, watching Abaddon sulk. His face was unscrutable, but his eyes held a shine of interest in them.

A moment more he watched her, before he snapped his fingers and sat upon the throne. Abaddon would find herself now standing at his right side, slightly behind him. How she had gotten there she would be unable to discern, but the feeling was neither odd nor unsettling. There was no sense of movement or otherwise, it was as though she had been standing there to begin with.

Lucifer looked out over the hall as it brightened to his desire, and upon that moment he spotted Duriel. "Ahh, the Prince of Pain returns. Tell me my loyal Lord, tell me of what agents you have brought me, so I might know what resources you give for my use."

Duriel turned to face Lucier once he returned. "Greetings Lucifer, I have at your disposal 450 agents who are willing to follow any order you give them. I wish I could have more at the ready but many of my servants have lost most of their mind and are but simple mindless butchers. As you have requested they are all capable in magic and are capable of even hiding their presence to lesser beings." He spoke. Whatever was his masters plan must have been a great deal if he needed every single agent he could muster.

There was a small tap of a cane and a brief gout of flame as the seeming human man appeared within the sanctum just out of arm's reach of Duriel. "My Liege," spoke the smooth voice of the Shadow of Intent as he gave a slight bow of his head, "It's been quite a while." He was a strange demon, certainly not a Prince or Knight of Hel, but very unwilling to be a member of the rank and file in this devil's army. This Hel was not his original home, but now he'd found himself a part of it, and that part wasn't the top. He was a quiet one, a schemer, a deal maker, never easy to read and never one to tip all the cards in his hand.

"Ah, and Prince Duriel, how goes the flesh ripping? That is still a thing you do right?" he asked almost mockingly before turning his attention, and the smoldering eyes behind his crimson lensed glasses back to Lucifer himself.

"Your nickel my Lord, what is the nature of this little...get together?"

Lucifer eyed the newcomer with the staff with a smile on his face, as though laughing at some hidden joke. He addressed Duriel Directly, and directly to the point.

"Of utmost importance to me at this time is the sanctifcation of The circle of Violence. That needs addressing immediately, but I do not wish to send what few resources I have left to their doom. So Duriel, you are to take your most skilled of spies, and send them into the consecrated circle. I want every single detail, leave nothing out. I expect a report before the moons turn."

"After that, my most major concern is Erebuz and his plotting. I want his movements mapped, his decisions monitered, I want to know everything. If he so much as takes a shit, I expect it to be known."

Lucifer then leaned back and sighed tiredly. And then theres this issue in Wrath. At the moment it's being handled, but if things don't get cleared up before dinner, then I will be handling it personally. And as you know, such personal involvement leaves me rather... Testy."

The King of Lies sat on his throne and pondered for a bit, seeming lost in thought. After a long while, when it would seem he had finished, he spoke again. "And have some of your agents infiltrate the mortal realm. Have them seek out a group known as the priests of Hundall. I do not believe they will find them, but if they do I wish to know the location of these priests... That is... if your agents survive them."

Only after all this had passed did Lucifer turn to the Shadow of Intent. "I know you well, friend, but you are only recently come to this plane. Tell me, what is it you seek, what is that which you desire more than anything else?"