《Of Life and Light》Chapter 27 [Ageless]
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"My Lord God," called out Brutus with glee as he hefted a dying Human in red and gold armour from the centre of the clearing, "I've caught a Human for you."
"I caught this one first," crowed Amira, who had strung up something inhuman that was trying to pass as such a race, "It even has feathers. Must be a commander, or something."
"Idiot," Sisstra's right palm slapped against her face, smearing her metallic scales with crimson and brown, "That's an Avian. Can't you even tell? It even looks like Igris before she became like us."
"Oh, silly me," giggled the Fox-woman, of whom let her captive fall upon the ground with a sickening crunch, as my Lich hoisted his captive for my own desires.
'Thank you Brutus,' my mind whispered to his own, causing his body to shiver greatly as I took hold of the pathetic retch of flesh. Of which led to the invasion of its mind, whereupon I did find many perverted thoughts coupled with a desire to live and sleep with as many females as possible. 'You will not live,' my mind hissed inside the Human's skull, 'You will die, but not until satisfying my hunger to learn all of your and your society's secrets.'
"W-wha-?" it began, but immediately screamed a fierce and delicious scream as my mind tore away at everything and anything of value within the captive's mind. Of which, in turn, caused those still living to shiver with cold fright as the screams rose in pitch for a time. This then became an unearthly scream, as my magicks delved into its essences, tearing it apart to find the last shred of information I so desire.
Afterwards? Afterwards, when I obtained everything I wished from the pathetic waste of space, an ethereal hand erupted from my body, and sank into the others. Yes. All were able to view such an act, as I was thoroughly enraged from what I glimpsed inside the mind of the Human, and ate its essences.
Yes. I ate the creature's energy, its essence, its soul. For this thing would not return to the Reincarnation cycle of the Pantheon, nor would it trouble anyone ever again.
'I am,' my mind hissed to those before and around my person, 'grateful to have been called to this world. I truly am gladdened that those who are not Human desired my help.' My right clawed digits laid themselves upon my chest and abdomen lightly as my wings unfurled from my back.
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There were eight of them, by the by, each of them as dark as the Abyss itself, but did not absorb light as many had surmised. Instead, it pooled the darkness around my person, causing the world to dim within three hundred metres. Thus tricking a being's mind into believing it absorb the light around it.
The positions of the eight were as follows: To small wings, as leather as a bat's stretched themselves from my neck; a pair of endarkened dove's wings as large as I was tall from my shoulderblades; from my hips sprang forth two raven's wings as long as my arms; and from my tailbone, which spread up to the base of my neck, were thin wings of bone as sharp as daggers and twice as cruel.
All of which caused my shadowed appearance to take flight, as these wings of mine flapped once, granting my person the ability to levitate high above everyone's heads. Whereupon I did open my mind to them all, 'Thank you for granting we who are eternal the ability to breathe and dance upon this world. I know now what it is I shall do here. For although we seek to find a new home, one cannot rest easily when there are pests which needs to be exterminated.
'Henceforth, the Devil King of Terra claims this land as his own, and will make war with those who are Human and their allies.
*****
"Ooo," Nox's eyes widened as his father came to such a place within the story, his nine tails wiggling in every conceivable direction, "Papa fought Humans."
"Yes, I did," grinned the Ageless, who then frowned as he noted three personages in the doorway. Of whom were the guardians of the child's friends, and were beckoned to enter the room.
"Forgive us," cackled one of their number, who was a short demon of crimson and ocean blue hued skin and wore only a loincloth to cover that which was nonexistent between its legs. "Modesty," was what they called it, but had nothing to show for it. Of which soon became, "Tradition," and was left alone.
This demon, by the by, was of a race of Imps, and was in charge of guarding those who are deemed special or worthy in their eyes. One of which was young Anasi, who had claimed such an imp to be Friend and gave it a name.
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"Oceano," waved the Arachne, who then leapt from his high chair in order to scurry to the Imp. Where they did embrace due to the pair being of the same height, but when the child grows, this embrace may soon change.
The second one to approach was also for Anasi's sake. Not only this, but was his sister and guardian until their mother returned from wherever she had gone. "Everything alright, Anasi?" she asked slowly after bowing towards the God King with respect. Her form, by the by, was of a pale skinned female with waist length, silver hair that hid her eyes and nose, but not her mouth. Of which held the only true colour, but was of blood, and hidden behind such lips were several dozen rows of sharpened teeth.
This indicated that her race was that of a Devourer Demon, especially by what was upon her flat chest. For although she wore only a snow white robe like those who are of the Undying, upon the centre of her chest was the outlined symbol for the Hunger. A powerful curse which was long ago lifted from their race, and one that had kept their numbers low due to them always eating one another when sources for food was scarce. Now, however, the race kept such a symbol as a reminder of their past, and the promise each of the past Devourer Demons made for their children's future.
Salvation.
As to the third member? This one was nothing noteworthy beyond its loose grey clothing, shining yellowed eyes, and quiet demeanour. If one were not actively seeking such a being out, then no one would know they were there within arms distance, or plain sight. For such a being was called Ninja, and was Maya's and Mia's caretaker for the one called Mother.
The Mother, by the by, has a personal name of Sakura, but is called the former due to her station as a Nine-Tailed Kitsune. In that she is the matriarch for her clan, and has given birth to nearly all of those who serve her. Therefore, she is called as such, even by those of her race who are not solely her own.
For now, though, she desired the return of her youngest children, the twins Maya and Mia. Of whom had squirmed out of their own high chairs, and scampered over to such a being with happy yips. Thus, leaving Nox a little depressed, as it meant he would be all alone once against. However, he soon brightened when his father lifted him from his own seat, carrying him to the party.
There, he handed a rolled scroll of parchment to the Ninja, who accepted it with a low bow, and deposited it within the confines of its greyed Gi. Afterwards, he did turn towards Anasi, speaking slowly as though thinking aloud, "I do believe your mother shall be returning. Is this not why you have come to collect your younger brother?" This was asked towards the elder child of the two.
Of whom nodded once, then turned to see her brother's brightened expression, and giggled when he performed a routine called a "Happy Dance". "Yee," was the only sound he made, and hugged his sister's robed leg tightly before scurrying out the door.
It was only a few heartbeats when he returned, however, and waved at his friends as the Demons ushered him away, "Bye Nox. Bye Mia, Maya. Mom's coming home soon, so I'll talk to you later," and then he was gone.
As to the twins? Nox was set down upon the ground, which led to the pair hugging, nuzzling, and trying to kiss him once again. Of course, they succeeded in doing so, but only after pinning him to the ground. There, they took their time with savouring the moment, then giggled as he was let go, scampering back to their guardian. Of whom scooped them up with practiced ease, and vanished on the spot.
"Papa," mewed Nox as he sat upon the ground and peered up into his father's eyes, "where's Mama?"
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