Twisted Ties

Greetings amigos and amigas again! Have the next chappie up and my oh my... the plot thickens! What will poor little Velacia get herself into today?

Introduction of a new character and the mention of another. The one at the end of the chap is unnamed for now but shall be revealed later. Belongs to one of greyjay's friends, as well as the mention of Daemokus.

No lemons in this chap. Just a very slight, SLIGHT, smidgen mention of lime... well I wouldn't really say lime... but yeah heh.

Hope you enjoy!

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Kaine stood at the pinical of a rocky cliff overlooking a choppy ocean, thunder rumbled in the distance and flashes of light could be seen on the horizon. He had been informed that the hybrid was heading in this direction and decided it was about time to check up on her once again. He would just stand there and watch the ocean and wait, his gaze distant as his mind wandered.

He was never fond of the ocean, not anymore anyway. Not after her. That waste of flesh he had spent so much energy on. So much time and emotion. Emotion he detested, but endured because his father claimed it gave strength, not weakness as most would claim. He almost overlooked Velacia's approach, due to his distracted mind.

The hybrid in question was feeling very weary, not physically mind you, but mentally and emotionally. Her mind still wracked over the unlocked power the ancestor had given her. A way to transform, twice, though her sanity was warped with each upgrade. Perhaps it would take time to control it, but the power she felt was nonetheless tempting. But at the same time, a menace. It made her feel sick on the inside at times as well. But, in times of dire need, she could rely on it.

Once again her mind wandered to Kaine. Goddamn that man. She couldn't shake the thought he was going to do something to her but question was what? He was never really upfront with her. Perhaps he was going to kill her after she gave birth. She didn't particularly want to die, but against him she only proved a struggle in her strongest form and even then he still outmatched her. But she couldn't deny she liked seeing him either. There was something about him, when he wasn't a complete ass, that he was almost... nice to her... in a weird way. She sighed, running a hand through her long hair. She wasn't sure what was worse with how he affected her. The arguments, the physical battles or the mind blowing sex...

She looked down at the top of her cleavage, briefly touching the pendant, remembering what it did to her last time. Would he do it again out of irritance? Too many questions and not enough answers.

Onwards she trekked, till a scent came across the air. His scent. Turning her head slightly, she saw him over looking the ocean on a vast cliff. She smirked wryly. Seems pretty ironic whenever she thinks of him, well as extensively as this, that he is just around. Debating on whether or not to move past him, she finally relented and approached his form silently, finding that she might as well attempt to start conversation and perhaps have a few of her questions answered. She was about a few feet away before she stopped completely, observing him for a moment before speaking.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Her voice snapped him out of his reverie, He had known she was there but hadn't so much registered her approach. He didn't turn to look at her however as he maintained his piercing gaze on the ocean.

"They are too many and too complex for you. A single penny would not cover the cost of such knowledge. A soul or two perhaps, but not a penny" he stated as he closed his ice blue eyes, anticipating some snippy remark from the female that stood behind him. He wouldn't even put it past her to stab him in the back, but he was used to that. It was common place in Hell.

Velacia raised her thin eyebrows slightly at the response before giving a simple shrug. She moved to stand by him but she didn't turn to look at him. Instead she looked out in the ocean but wasn't truly seeing it. She was just staring, inhaling the air softly.

"Someone's in a mood today. But no matter. I know you keep implying that a lowlife such as myself will never understand you or others like you. Its alright" she said softly. She was in a calmer mood today, what with the weather and how weary she was mentally. Besides, even if she asked, she doubted he would tell anyway.

He smirked knowingly. It was rather amusing, considering his first actual love had been a mere siren. So innocent and naive. He still couldn't understand how the two of them had ever gotten together and stayed together for any length of time.

"How are the children doing this fine day?" he asked, his tone smooth and soothing. It was her turn to smirk, somewhat surprised to hear the question. Again she shrugged, her eyes gazing briefly over the lightning in the distance.

"Still healthy and growing naturally within the embryo sacs. The time for the emergence is coming soon" she stated as he quirked an eyebrow slightly and opened his eyes, turning his gaze toward her finally. Her body didn't seem to be showing any outward signs of being with child, a curious trait he assumed was just part of her physiology.

"How soon?"

She quirked a grin at him, though her gaze was still outwards to the ocean, watching the waves roll up and down upon the other, just like her befuddled thoughts in her mind.

"Curious aren't we? Mmm..." she hummed, one of her hands gently going over her smooth stomach, pressing down lightly before drawing it away.

"A month at least. Perhaps a bit over" she finally replied.

"Hmmm... I see". The thoughtfulness in his tone was a bit unnerving. However he seemed to be in a rather mellow state. Not just being calm, but almost seeming lethargic. "And what brought you to this place? Do you intend to take to the sea?" he asked as he continued to watch her calmly.

She sighed, closing her eyes slightly before gazing downwards to the plummet beyond the cliff into the rocky depths below. She slowly shook her head.

"There are many unknowns in the ocean's depths that even I could have problems with. No. More along the lines of passing through. My mind has been duressed. I have just been wandering" she said softly, her tail swishing slowly behind her.

"You need a goal. A direction. Otherwise there is no point to life. Simple reproduction isn't enough. One should strive to better one's self. Push yourself to be more then just existing". As he spoke those cold eyes got a fire in them, a passion was visible that made it clear that he believed every word he spoke. "Mere existence isn't enough".

She smirked, finally turning to look at him. Though her eyes may have given off a passive look, they were cold as well, but not in a scrutinizing way. It just seemed that for some reason that was the way to stare at him, as he had done to her. Perhaps he was rubbing off on her a bit. She took in his gaze as well as one of his words and the meaning of them itself. She smiled.

"Speaking of yourself aren't we? No wonder you are what you've become. At least that method is working for one of us" she finished nonchalantly, crossing her arms, her tail lashing behind her in a slow gently fashion.

No wonder he is so bold and full of life though he worships death so much... or at least that of others she thought bemusedly.

"I have been clawing my way to greater power nearly from the moment I was born. I've made a name for myself in record time, even my enemies are surprised by my progress. I've even alarmed some by how quickly I've learned and adapted to my surroundings and circumstances. You need something to work toward as well".

He hooked his thumbs into his studded belt, his posture looking very casual and relaxed, not something Velacia has actually seen to this degree. All semblance of formality or practiced elegance having been dropped, letting a more roguish side of him shine through. She observed him as he held himself in this way, feeling somewhere that she felt she was seeing that this was more the real him, or at least what she thought it was. It could be due to his previous nature and quirks, or even his attire. She wasn't exactly sure, but it felt... normal.

"What else would you do with yourself for the rest of your life if you completed the repopulation of your race?"

At his next question she sighed, looking away from him, her swishing tail slowly coming to a still.

"I do not know. For a long time my instincts have been that of a beast, an animal if you will, as many have perceived me for. To find my ancestors and reproduce. That was my mission. I have no need to conquer nations or to drive fear into others. I use to only live by what was required. But now... I do not know. My mind is not on the same wavelengths as before. I wish I could of stuck to what I was feeling before, to the animal side, but now I simply can't. But there is not much I can do. There is so much out there. So much that I do not understand... as some, such as yourself, have pointed out to me. But I do not know where I can go after this, or if I can go anywhere. I should live on my instincts and yet I can't. I am... lost" she finished in a whisper, shutting her eyes softly, remembering the words of disdain from the ancestor skeleton. She was different then them... and she could never be the same.

There was a silence between the two after that, Velacia's gaze having the faraway look again as Kaine seemed to be watching her in what could almost be deemed a thoughtful manner. Not exactly a kind one, nor cruel.

"Yes the ocean is unknown and strange... perhaps you should conquer it. I'm sure a kraken would serve as a good starting point. Make a name for yourself. Create your own legend. Leave a legacy for your descendants as your ancestor left you a legacy."

She gazed at the ocean again, for a moment, her eyes going over the rippled moments of water, before turning away, turning her back to it and to Kaine.

"Though I may be lost, I do not care to make a name for myself, as perhaps you do for your own reasons. My ancestor was powerful yes, but we have no stories of conquests or defeats or battles. That does not matter to us. We fight to live, short and simple. We are animals, that is why bounty hunters come after me, for the hydras are almost extinct and we make for good bounty. When we kill them, they are just dead to us. No glory in it at all. Just another bout of survival. Glory, trophies, whimsical things like that, matters none to us. Live and reproduce... that is what my clan lived by... what I should live by... maybe I'm the black sheep within my kind, who doesn't know what she wants. Who is indecisive... but other factors play as well" she said, sighing deeply, moving a few paces away from him, her words seeming to relate towards the man behind her.

"I don't know what I want to do or what I can do. As far as I've been told, I am a failure. But hopefully, my offspring will not be" she finished, shrugging her shoulders. At this he sneered at her, his features darkening somewhat.

"I was told I would never amount to anything. I proved them all wrong. Perhaps you should strive to be more then you are".

He folded his arms and turned his gaze toward the ocean again. Yes, he had certainly showed all those nay sayers a thing or two about what the youngest of the Ny'Tshaides could do. They all knew his name now.

"You know Kaine, I really don't care. Really, I have no will to care about anything right now. I am drained and tired. Perhaps that is something one such as yourself does not like to hear or care for and that's fine and dandy. Why do you keep bothering with me honestly? Do you have any other toys you can play with besides me? I am starting to wonder about your motives for our random visits" she said, turning to him slowly as he eyed the ocean again, her features hardening. Such an egotistical bastard. Were the majority of men all like this? No... not necessarily. Kaine was definitely on his own pedestal.

"If I recall correctly, you are the one that came to me this time. You could have continued to walk right past, but you stopped and came to chat with little ol me. As for the other matter, stop feeling sorry for yourself. It is pathetic and will get you nowhere". His voice took on an edge as he spoke. "Don't waste your life. Do something with it. Or someone will simply take it away from you".

"Like who? Yourself?" she asked stiffly, glaring at him for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Whether I waste my life or not is no concern of yours. The only thing I find pathetic is that someone as high and mighty as yourself keeps bothering with lowly mortals when you should really keep to your more important matters. I've seen many like you Kaine, if from a distance, but never have I seen someone as off track as you are. Oh well, I guess that human saying must be true. Rotten apples don't fall far from the tree. Perhaps it runs in your heritage... no matter. Who am I to care of your own trivial life?" she said, sighing as she started to move away from him. The comment she made was low, yes, but her cautious mind seemed not to be working today and she felt no threat from him.

Big mistake.

In an instant he was before her, his hand on her throat squeezing tightly, his gaze very dark.

"Never speak ill of my family. I don't care what you say about me, but NEVER speak ill of my family. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" The threat was almost tangible, like an electric jolt.

She was choking slightly and immediately her claws reached up to sink into his hand, trying to pull it off. She smirked though as her senses were now alive and her tail lashed agitatedly behind her.

"What? You can insult mine and others and I can say none of yours? You high ups are all alike. I can say whatever I like about you or your family and if this is how you treat others, their upbringing of you is downright horrible" she said, unsure as to why she was so snippy today. Perhaps it was the weather again... though his presence always did wonders to her personality.

"You make yourself perfectly clear dear, but I'll just conveniently ignore the information you gave". This however was not a correct answer.

"If I recall correctly I showed your family the utmost respect. However if you wish to ignore that I can simply snap your neck and be done with you" he snarled lowly, his eyes beginning to narrow. There was no mistaking that he meant what he said. The air seemed to chill around him and she visibly shivered, the cold emanating from him effecting her gradually. She closed her eyes to avoid his gaze, though she could still sense it. When she spoke, her tone was soft and submissive.

"You know, if you were going to do it, you would have done it already and have not given me a warning... however I do remember, and I was grateful..." she sighed, trembling again, bowing her head slightly.

"I apologize".

Slowly, after what seemed like an eternity, he released her throat and lowered his hand, her own having slipped out of his wrist and hung limply by her sides.

"Do not assume to know me. I've done far worse things, and given ample warning before doing them. Don't assume I won't follow through with a threat or that will be your ultimate downfall". He was serious, and it resonated through his voice.

Though her throat itched from his touch, she did not move to touch it, even when the urge to rub away the feeling was so strong. Instead she slowly sunk down to all fours, her tail lashing lazily left and right. It seemed she was regaining some nerve. Finally, after a while, she willed herself to look up at him, a neutral gaze upon her face, seeming to be a mask to hide her more fragile sensations at the given time.

"I'll keep that in mind if I have a death wish" she said solemnly, smiling lightly, though mentally berating herself. What was wrong with her lately? She has been taking a lot of risks and it was not boding well.

"I will be visiting you a week before you are due to give birth" he stated as he looked down upon her with a critical gaze. It was a completely random change of topic, but the way he said it, made it clear it was pretty pointless to argue.

She raised an eyebrow but decided not to argue. Apparently she did value her life enough if she was playing careful now.

"Oh? How nice of you" she said with a sarcastic edge. "Just don't randomly pop up when I am giving birth, that is all I ask. I do not need to be startled into a miscarriage". She was joking yet at the same time was serious. She wouldn't actually miscarry, but she didn't need her senses startled completely during one of the most crucial moments during childbirth.

"I'll keep that in mind". He found it hard to believe that such a creature would so easily lose its offspring simply by being startled. "I need to make sure they are healthy. It is my duty after all".

"Mm, indeed" she muttered, rolling her eyes, not feeling reassured completely as she started to move away from him on all fours, her tail swaying in the air.

"Well if that is all you need to inform me, then I best be off. I might as well start hunting for suitable breeding grounds" she said over her shoulder as she moved away while he turned from her and returned his gaze to the ocean.

"You have something you want to ask. Don't you?" He had a sense that there was something the female halfbreed wanted to ask though he couldn't tell what. "Go ahead and ask. But I don't promise an answer, or an answer you would like" he commented as he reached up and ran a hand back through his spiked purple hair.

She halted her movements, sitting on her haunches, her back to him, glad to know that at least he couldn't read her mind. It was true, she did want to ask him something, but after her near death, decided not to. But if he was prompting...

"I remember, when my mind was not in the best of states, you mentioning how would I think if there were another of my kind roaming around. What did you mean by that?"

"It is simple. There is one other". He spoke plainly, as if it was a simple fact to be spoken in a simple manner. His tone didn't change, it remained fairly monotone. She however felt otherwise as she turned to him slowly, her tail tense and her black and silver eyes wide.

"What? ... you lie... my ancestor spoke that I was the last. There is no other" she whispered softly, it almost seeming to come off dangerously. Was he just yanking her chain? Honestly there could be no other. Unless... did he do something?

"... what did you do?"

"There was only one when your ancestor said there was only one left. Now there are two". His tone remained level, as if it was no big deal.

She slowly raised herself up, growling softly as she approached him till she was standing right behind him, her suspicions about him only growing larger, as did her anger.

"What the hell did you do?! How can there be two?! I did not splice my genes prior to any of this so there should not be TWO! ONLY ONE! Answer me damnit!" she snapped, infuriated with his uncaring tone, seeming to brew more as he glanced over his shoulder at her casually.

"Are you upset that you are suddenly not so one of a kind? I would think you would be pleased to hear there is more then one of you left" he commented, that infuriatingly calm tone resonating through the damp air, as the storm grew closer toward shore.

"If my ancestor stated it, then yes, I would be glad. But he did not. So there is foul play here. There is no possible way there could be other... and whatever you're stating..." she grumbled before finally whirling away in exasperation.

"Why am I getting all worked up over this? You're lying, that must be it. You have never been one to be very upfront with me, so why should I take your words to heart? Utter nonsense. There is no other... you are just mistaken" she huffed, her tail whipping him lightly in the side as if being some form of reprimand. The longer she was around him, the more irritance it caused her. Not good.

"I'm still playing around a bit with his biology, but he turned out quite nicely. A spitting image of you. Though he has a darker complexion".

It was quite obvious that he was being completely honest in his words at this point.

Her eyes froze open wide, almost in fear even. She slowly turned back to him again, standing stock still.

"... w... what?" she whispered, still not believing this. How, how could he?

But the answer was simple, if not completely whole. He took some of her DNA, or blood... but when? Could of been the battle or....

The image of him puncturing her neck during the last two recent sexual bondings slowly formed within her mind. She growled angrily, bringing her claws down on his back sharply.

"You bastard! How dare you..."

His back tensed visibly as her claws raked down it, cutting through the sleeveless leather tunic and his flesh. He kept his gaze on the ocean however.

"I made another one of your kind. You should thank me rather then claw at me. I'm helping your species. Am I not?" The black blood started to seep from the slash marks, darkening the tunic. The aroma wafting as Velacia began to steel her resolve as the aroma wafted through her nose and she forced herself with all her might to not be attracted to it.

"You are illegitimately creating it. That is not the natural method... who do you think you are? Some god?" she hissed, though the last part may of sounded rhetorical but at this moment she did not care. "Don't take me for a fool. I know you care not to help my kind. I don't know what you're planning... but you're sadly mistaken if I will accept this graciously... what you took came from me... and I shall take it back" she snapped, her aura seeming to grow slightly in her rage, snapping her hands to his ribcage, her claws digging in deeply, starting to tear at his flesh even more as the tips of her weapons lightly grazed the bones.

"I don't think you realize you don't have a choice in the matter. You can shred me all you want, but it will not change the fact he exists now, and you can't get to him unless I allow it" he said softly, setting his jaw against the pain and closing his eyes calmly.

She growled angrily, but realized that it was true. She had only been to his castle once, and she was only in his bedchambers. She knew it was in Hell, but had no idea how to get there or if she'd survive.

She slowly removed her claws from his flesh and kneeled slightly behind him, resting on her haunches, her forked tongue reaching out to lap at the wounds, her mind still set against ignoring the tastes or effects, and it was mildly surprising her that it was working as she could concentrate her thoughts elsewhere. She may have lost her chance, but she could still try.

"... may I see him? Please? If he is as strong as you imply... then he'll have no trouble in defeating me..." she said quietly, probing her tongue in deeper into the wounds, taking in the blood. Though her healing effects were nothing like in her full hydra form, the muscles she tore slowly came together again.

"It amuses me how quickly you change your tune, just like any other woman. No, I believe he will stay in my lab for the time being. He is still developing. Just consider it to be another offspring if you want". He glanced over his shoulder at her, amused by the fact she was tending to his wounds when she very well knew that he could heal himself instantly in a matter of seconds.

She remained silent at the insult and comment, accepting it. She doubted even if she didn't attack him he would still not show her. She could not accept him as an offspring though... and it would be no surprise if Kaine was tampering with it to make it more... potent then her. Perhaps he was going to slaughter her with it in the end.

Soon, slowly, the wounds she caused along his rib cage were tended to and she moved to cleanse and fix his back, her resolve still steeled against his oh so wonderful blood. Once done she finally stepped back from him and turned around, moving away from him on all fours, swallowing whatever fluid that was left in her mouth down her throat, it flowing through against the muscles easily as she mentally sighed. How she hated to be played with.

"You really should think twice before using your claws on me from now on. One of these days I may not be so inclined to tolerate it" he stated, his tone taking on a cold edge as he turned to face her and folded his arms across his chest. She sighed, pausing slightly to gaze at him over her shoulder, an annoyed look upon her eyes.

"I'll keep that in mind... master" she drawled out, clearly joking before looking away from him, proceeding to move again. Perhaps she should visit her ancestor... maybe he could answer her questions. At least more willingly then the cryptic devil behind her.

"You are aware I could make it more potent right?" He meant his blood, but he didn't think it was necessary to actually point out that fact. He wanted to see the look of dread in her eyes.

She froze again, groaning softly. She was going to be done in for sure. She hung her head, her eyes giving off a slightly scared look, her muscles beginning to tense. If he were to do that... and knowing the bastard he would most likely poof away on her... oh gods. It was bad enough the first time she had to deal with it. She was beginning to assume that perhaps she had developed a tolerance to it but if he could up its power over her...

"... yes. I am aware you could" she said softly, keeping her voice low as she remained still. She really hoped he wouldn't. It was already well in her system. She tensed as she could hear him stepping forward, coming up behind her as he leaned down to her ear, speaking quietly.

"Why do you subject yourself to this?" He knew that she knew about his blood, yet she had still licked it anyway. "A little masochist aren't you? You enjoy it".

"...I...I do not..." she replied, trying to sound firm but her voice coming out weak. Truthfully she wasn't. She never was, ever. But...

Once again, with him it was different. She had her encounters with higher ups, but none like himself... and goddamnit was she attracted to him. Why? The answer to that question still alluded her. She would like to to think it was just those two moments of wondrous sex, but felt that didn't exactly cut it.

She was never a fan to be dominated by any male. No one would ever claim her, she would fight back with all her might. But him... he was different. In a weird way she wanted to experience what he could do to her, as appalling the thought was to her. She never felt the way she did around him... but she knew it was wrong... it had to be wrong.

"I do not" she spoke again, willing her voice to become louder, but still it shook.

"I think you like it. You like the sense of feeling helpless, powerless. Admit it Velacia" he said, letting her name roll off his tongue with a purr. "Those strong of will often enjoy experiencing the other end of the spectrum".

Her claws dug into the ground, her body shaking slightly, her tail once again becoming agitated. She shut her eyes, trying to will that he was not there. That voice... curse that voice...

"No. I don't... I don't.... I was never one to submit to anyone. I am not going to start now... not ever" she whispered, attempting to emphasize her statement. But his words shot straight through to her. What he said told her the truth even if she could not fully comprehend it. She had just not found anyone... well until now. But she couldn't admit it. Especially not to him.

"You can deny it all you wish. That's not my problem. But I know the truth. And you can't hide it from me" he stated as he traced a fingertip down her spine featherly, knowing full well it would probably make her skin crawl in more ways then one. "You know, whenever you need me you need just call my name. I can hear my name anywhere".

She shuddered, her eyes rolling back slightly. Damn it... She knew what he spoke was the truth, as much as she wanted to fight it and put on the front that it wasn't... and what he said tempted her. But she couldn't just give in to it.

Well unless he made her... and her resolve hasn't been strong lately.

"S...Stop it" she hissed, moving to smack his hand away from her, not intentionally clawing the skin as she did, her eyes beginning to widen as he peered at the claw marks on his hand as blood seeped from the cuts.

"You do enjoy drawing my blood don't you? Perhaps you just can't get enough of it" he mused as he smirked smugly before coiling an arm around her waist and lifting her up to her bipedal stance, hugging her to his chest firmly. It was strange, earlier he seemed to suck the heat out of the air and send a chill through her, now he was warm to the touch.

She almost yelped as he drew her up, panting slightly at how warm his body was, squirming slightly in his grip, trying to push at his hands, seeming to ignore how they were shaking. And it wasn't out of fear.

"Nn... let me go..." she whispered. She liked the heat, being reptilian, the heat was more her thing. But this... this was too much.

He slips a finger under the strap of her bra and slides along her skin briefly before releasing her, the smug look still upon his face as he did.

"Very well."

He knew fully well that simply complying would drive her nuts. He could tell that she actually didn't want to be released.

The hydra gritted her teeth, her jaw clenching so tightly that one could actually hear the bone grinding against one another. Just that one touch. That one simple touch drove her nuts.

Her body was tense, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides, her tail lashing angrily, brushing against him slightly. Goddamnit. Why did he always do this? When she had something planned to do, he always went up and made her too distracted to concentrate.

She finally turned to him slowly, keeping her head bowed, her eyes hidden beneath her long bangs as she breathed heavily, holding herself back as best she could as she faced him, glad that he did nothing to his blood... well yet anyways.

"What can you show me that others can't?" she muttered, her claws clicking softly with each clench and unclench, seeming to itch with the urge to either caress him or claw him. And the latter didn't seem to sound on the attacking side either.

"I can show you entire worlds you never expected existed. I can show you strange creatures, I can show you the horrors of Hell, or the pleasures of it as well. There are so many things I could show you that mere mortals can't. And you know it" he said as he raised his cut hand up and licked the blood away slowly.

"But if you have things you need to do, I will not keep you here".

She let his words sink in slowly, her eyes watching as he lapped away his blood, her teeth biting into her lower lip as he did, almost wanting to do it herself. The gall he had... the gall this man had...

But what did she really have to do? Even if she went to her ancestor now, provided she could make the trip thanks to her own growing arousal, he would tell her the same thing before, that she was a fool for falling for him again. She knew not what to do. She was so unsure of her life. Maybe... just maybe... this may help her decide. That and she could relieve this goddamn horny feeling, if he was kind enough...

Keeping her head bowed, she moved closer to him and rested it slightly against his chest, laying one palm against it as well, somewhere over his heart, if he did have one. Her voice was still a whisper, but it was clear, if not a little afraid.

"I have nothing to do here. Show me. Show me it all... please..."

"In time, I can show you so much". His voice was soft as well as he rested his hand over hers, causing the hydra to hesitantly look up as he leaned forward to brush her lips with his own, her eyelids fluttering from the action, a slight jolt going through her form.

"You have so much to learn" he purred quietly to her as the dark clouds from the storm rolled through the sky overhead, an arc of lightning jumping from the clouds down into the ocean, briefly lighting his charming features in a haunting light.

She flushed at all these sensations. Her heart, which use to be stone cold, was now fluttering rapidly within her own chest. Her hand feeling most warm under his. Her eyes gave off a half lidded look, but she almost shrunk back at the way the lightning lighted up his features, but she was drawn to it as well as she was scared. Yes, she was scared, it was true. It almost was as if she was back to being a young hydra, new to the world.

Her tail lightly touched his leg as she moved to kiss the underside of his neck before pulling back to look at him again, feeling oddly subdued, if for the moment, her breathing still coming out heavily, her desires for this man only continuing to grow.

"You can't help it can you..." he whispered as he leaned in and lightly dragged his fangs along her throat. "You don't want to like it... but you do. To the point where you're frustrated not only at me, but with yourself. Why do you hate it?"

She shuddered slightly, almost pulling back from his touch. She clenched her eyes shut, willing herself to speak, to distract herself from his ministrations.

"... for I am not accustomed to this... being taken over by another. I never liked the fact of being dominated. It use to... disgust me... but now..." she paused, still not being able to believe she was saying it, but finding it surprising that it was the truth. "Yes, I want to experience it, and yet it appalls me that I do... that I'm submitting to something that I promised myself that I wouldn't" she finally finished quietly as her hand, the one that wasn't on his chest, clamped into her left hip hard, trying to stem her need as the man before her smirked faintly

"That seems to be a common threat amongst the women I spend any amount of time with. They hate it... but love it".

He pushed her hand from his chest and stepped forward as droplets of water started to fall from the sky. There was another flash followed by a low rolling rumble. He stepped closer, wrapping his strong arms around her easily, holding her form to his firmly, tightly, the feel of his muscles pressing against her soft, toned flesh.

She tensed, a force of habit before she willed herself to accept the embrace, and accept it to herself that it felt nice even. She rest her head against his chest lightly as the rain seemed to cool her burning skin slightly. Her tail, that was twitching with an agitated manner moments before seemed to lull softly now. Though her left hand was still clamped in her left hip, now the claws sinking in, the blood oozing out softly.

"... they must accept it eventually" she muttered against the fabric of his shirt, keeping her eyes shut against the rain, her breathing slowing slightly.

He didn't say anything else, he just stood there with his arms around her warmly despite the cool rain falling on them and the waves crashing against the rocks steadily far below. He nibbled her neck lightly as his hands rubbed at her back.

She gritted her teeth against his motion, though it was out of her growing pleasure, her left hand now raking up and down her hip slightly, more blood trickling out, her right hand hesitantly touching his left hip, her claws gently tickling over the fabric, but not enough to shred. Her wet hair stuck to her face and covered her eyes quite efficiently, a matter she was glad for, not wanting to convey how much she was enjoying this.

"Perhaps someplace more dry is in order" Kaine mentioned calmly as beads of water clung to the purple spikes of hair, a few rivulets of water running down his face. He studied her expression lengthily, a fact that still perturbed the woman as she sunk her claws into herself hard at the comment, her long spindly fingers almost touching her bone. She refused to look at him, she just couldn't. But she nodded all the same.

"Yes... I believe that would be... best" she said in the most restrained voice she could, her other hand still tickling his side as her need for him continued to grow and pool between her thighs.

At the very edge of the cliff the air seemed to ripple and warp before a portal formed.

"Shall we then?" he said as he gestured toward the portal in a gentlemanly way, allowing her to decide if she truly wanted to pass through it or not.

She gazed at it momentarily and then looked at her surroundings about her. She knew very well if she passed through, she will not be able to come back unless he let her, and it may not be as readily as the last time. Then again...

She sighed, keeping her head bowed as she detached from him gently, nodding at his comment as she moved toward the portal, her blood from her left hip now trailing down her thigh as she continued to move to the swirling black rift in the air, stopping before it as she gazed at it quietly, till she finally stepped through it.

She arrives in what appears to be a vast corridor with elegant vaulted ceilings and polished obsidian surfaces. Suits of armour lined the walls at regular intervals... no... they weren't armour. Upon closer inspection she can see that they are actually bodies, frozen in a state of partial decay, their final expression locked in place on their faces. The walls here, like in the bed chamber, are covered in weapons of all varieties. Mounted heads, other body parts, objects and trinkets as well. At the far end a massive window took up the entire section; wall to wall, floor to ceiling. The sky outside was tinted red and dark clouds could be seen as far as the eye could see. Giant barbed worms slithered through the air, using a dozen sets of wings along their bodies, all beating in a wave like pattern. Down below on the ground a city,no... a military camp of some sort seemed to be visible. Soldiers of a wide range of descriptions were training hard. The landscape was dotted with pikes sticking out of the ground, most of them adorn with severed heads of those slain by the army. Periodically a swarm of the small palm sized shadow dragons could be seen leaving the fortress and heading out into the world beyond.

Velacia could only gape, her left hand slipping out of her bloodied hip as she gazed around the room with wide, apprehensive eyes, eyeing everything critically, as if it would be the last thing she would see. She winced upon seeing the expressions of all the frozen soldiers as she inspected them closely, wondering what their last thoughts were.

The weapons, the trinkets, the other items of bodies and paraphernalia... it almost made her sick with how much was in this room. Upon moving to the large window, she could only stare in awe at the long writhy monsters in the sky and then gazed down at the military camp, guessing it was Kaine's. She tensed as she observed all the details... the scent of death so strong it made her head spin.

He... did ALL of this? A foreboding feeling almost engulfed her. She misjudged him greatly. Far too greatly. And now she was in his realm... never in her life had she seen something like this or meet someone who committed something along these lines...

She did indeed have a lot to learn.

Kaine had emerged from the portal moments after she, it almost seeming that he had given her ample time to take in his home purposefully as he started along the hall toward the massive window at a leisurely pace.

"Welcome to the Grand Hall. The heart of Dark Hatred".

Along the polished surfaces that were not covered by trophies, one could see ghostly faces flitting across the polished surface, as equally ghostly screams could be heard.

"The souls of thousands are trapped in the very stone that creates this fortress, gives it life. In a way, the fortress is living thing. Maybe one day I'll tell you how it came to be" he said easily as he stopped before the window and gazed out over the military encampment that seemed to stretch on forever. "You've already seen my bed chamber. This is just another facet of this fortress. My home".

She shrunk back slightly at the ghostly face wafting in and out of her view and she tentatively touch the surface, feeling a cold sensation go through her before she cautiously drew her hand back, tingles going down along her spine and tail.

She gazed around again, as if it was still new every moment her black eyes raked over it. She glanced outside again, watching the military in their training, the cold sensation never leaving her, the tightening of knots within her gut becoming more so.

"Most... impressive..." she finally said in a soft tone, and it was genuine, no witty remark in her. And even if she did have one, she would never state it. She was in complete awe of what this being has done. This was completely beyond her... and to think she thought the wilderness was neverending.

"I generally like fighting my own battles but at times an army is needed to fight other armies. If I had a choice I wouldn't have so many soldiers. But at the very least I take the front line in every battle... it truly is a thrilling experience. My men follow me without question because they know I'm the first line. Not them. And they give me their respect and devotion because of my fearless tactics in battle and my love of war".

She blinked, surprise still brimming within her as she stared down at the camp again, observing the soldiers training critically, picturing the words that Kaine said before her. Him running off into war, his soldiers following loyally. Slaying all of their foes that attempt to thwart them... attempt and fail most miserably.

"... you definitely have an impressive way of living your life..." she said quietly, her eyes never leaving the going ons of outside, her bloody hand clenching slightly at her side as she tried to take it all in, her mind still spinning from the new location, sensations and information.

"They safe guard my steadily growing territory. We are constantly under attack by lesser devils and demons that wish to try and make a name for themselves. Normally it is the last thing they ever attempt before they become a decoration" he stated as he turned to admire one of the nearby statues. "They all underestimated me. They never got the chance to do it twice".

Velacia slowly turned to convey the soldiers again, her tail tense as she once again took in their expressions of horror or pain, visibly shuddering.

"... I'm sure they wished they hadn't before... they became thwarted" she replied quietly, unable to take her eyes off one of the statues, seeming to get lost in that horrified gaze. To see what they had seen... no, it was probably best if those answers remain unknown.

"You seem troubled. Is there something wrong?" he asked as he had glanced over to her calmly. He was relishing her stunned state. He almost always enjoyed the first reaction of his guests when they first see the impressive grand hall.

She snapped out of her trance and turned to look at him for a moment before adverting her gaze, pretending to stare at something less... fearful, but that was hard with the vibe this place gave off. It was funny really... she faced off against many monsters that others would deem scary and she didn't lost her focus. But this... perhaps it was due to the nature of the slayer behind the dead monsters.

"I just never experienced or saw something such as this... it... takes a while of getting use to".

"This is the type of place I grew up in. My father's castle is worse in some ways, but on the surface seems more tame. Consuming Darkness is definitely a work of art" he said as he smirked. He saw his own home as a work of art as well, though he didn't expect this mortal to see it as such.

She almost made a comment about his upbringing, but kept herself in check, remembering how angry he was before when she spoke rudely of his lineage. Instead she smiled weakly, nodding slightly.

"... yes... it definitely is..." she said, turning her back to him as if to convey more, though it was more to hide how tense she was feeling, almost nauseous even. Never had she seen this much death... and she though when she first encountered him and the way the city was slaughtered was bad enough...

Definitely underestimated him. Hugely underestimated him.

The shadows in the corner near the window shifted briefly before a second Kaine stepped from them, nodding to the first and his guest. The two were identical in every way. The new arrival walked over to the centre of the window and a pedestal rose from the floor like liquid and solidified. A small ornate box resting atop it. The second Kaine simply took the box and heads back into the shadows without so much as a word.

Velacia staggered back as she gazed widely between the two, watching almost in horror as the second Kaine grabbed the box before heading back into the shadows, her heart beating heard in her chest and her lungs seeming to need to take in more oxygen to get over the vast shock as she turned to the other Kaine, finally managing to find her voice.

"T-There's... two of you?" Her comment made him chuckle coolly as he gently shook his head.

"No, there is only one of me... that was merely an extension of myself. I'm a busy man you know" he pointed out as he smirked at her slyly.

"But... I... he..." she began to speak but then stopped, closing her mouth slowly, merely staring at him in a bewildered fashion.

But it did make sense. It was odd the times she ran into him when she thought he should be doing other matters... and he was all along. While talking to her too. So he did this when they conversed, when they battled and when they... fucked? She flushed slightly and chuckled dryly.

"Eh heh... well I suppose it makes sense..."

"It is a skill I learned from my father at a fairly young age. Well, he didn't exactly teach it to me. I learned by observing. It was difficult at first, but it became second nature to the point where I am in two or three places at all times. Pulling the strings of my puppets".

"Must... be quite... useful..." she said, trying not to picture the not so appropriate ways he could use this method. Images of a Kaine cupping her face, kissing her deeply came to mind while another was standing behind her, holding her still as he stripped her of her clothing, his hands moving deftly over her flesh. As the image began to move to various different positions she could do with two to three Kaine's, she shook her head roughly, breathing almost in a ragged manner. Damn, he was a bad influence on her already.

Trying to distract herself, she looked around again, noticing that it was a bit too quiet, minus the other unearthly sounds coming from the souls or the faint noises outside.

"Where are your servants?"

"I don't have servants, not here anyway. Any servants that I do have are in my lab and they are few in number. I don't like being waited upon, I do my own dirty work. Something that sets me apart from many".

She cocked her head at this statement, surprised and impressed all the same. There were not many higher ups who would do their dirty jobs by themselves. That was something she could respect him for.

However, upon the mention of his lab, her thoughts wandered to the duplicate he created of her. Curiosity filled her. That's right... his lab must be here somewhere... But he already said he would not show her where her counterpart was. And she doubted he would let her try to find it herself. That would be very stupid, if not rude, now in his home. No... she wasn't going to go looking for it. Now was not the time. She just had to wait till he was ready to show her.

She looked at him again, smiling faintly.

"That's very impressive of you. Not many would do that" she said, complimenting his own choice of lifestyle. He simply folded his arms over his chest at her compliment.

"You see, I've never been one for taking short cuts, or delegating. If you want something done right you do it yourself. I've never done anything the easy way. I've always gone for the challenge, even if things don't go as I plan, if it doesn't destroy me it makes me stronger". There was a note of pride in his voice as he spoke. It was clear that he was proud of all the hard work he had put into getting to where he was.

"That's a definite positive way of looking at it" she agreed, inwardly smirking at the way he conveyed himself as he told it. "It definitely proved to have worked for you. Congratulations".

Yes, she could tell, now that she could accept her surroundings, that what he did was of his own doing. It did prove admirable.

"So many expected me to use my father as a crutch to give me a hand surviving in this world..." he trailed off ash e smirked to himself and just shook his head, not finishing the thought. "Are you hungry?"

She cocked her head, slightly confused at the hanging sentence, though at the next once, her stomach conveniently rumbled and she flushed slightly, moving her hand over it.

"Yes, a little" she said with a faint smile as he simply nodded.

"What does your kind eat?"

The question was a simple one delivered casually as he turned and started to head away from the window toward a pair of large double doors off to one side of the hall.

She looked out the window, glancing down at the soldiers once last time before following him, if keeping a bit of a distance behind him.

"Normally any type of animal flesh. I'm not too picky on which. That and watercress leaves" she replied.

He threw open the double doors to reveal a lavished dining hall, a massive chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. The walls here are devoid of trophies of the organic nature. But jeweled items hung here and there on the wall as decoration, while the corners of the room are adorn with red satin curtain panels. The light from the many candles reflecting in the polished black surface of the walls and floors. One would probably expect to see a substantial amount of gold in such a fancy room, but there is none, only silver. The massive dining table is made of a heavy black wood and looks like it probably weighs several tons. Oddly enough, food is already laid out on the table, waiting for them.

Her eyes roved over the room again, taking it all in, grateful nothing disturbing was in this room. She could eat in a hive of slaughtered animals, but after seeing what was in the Great Hall, eating where there was no distractions seemed a better plan.

"Very shiny" she commented as they made their way to the table, not that surprised there was food waiting for them. "Thank you" she added sincerely as she sat at one of the chairs, touching the wood briefly before waiting for him to sit.

He lazily made his way over to the head of the table and dropped down into the chair, picking up an ornate goblet and taking a sip.

"Eat what you want".

There was a veritable feast laid out on the table before Velacia's spot at the table. Silver domed dishes laid out meticulously with a huge variety of foods.

She nodded as she removed some of the coverings of the dishes and her eyes roved over all the different types of meats and watercress leaves, eyeing it all in a light awe. She picked at a few items, laying along her plate. Upon noticing her still sullied hand, she wiped it upon one of her selected watercress leaves before eating said leaf, savouring the taste mixed with her blood. She then used her claws to gingerly slice at the meat before eating. She wasn't a messy eater, despite the fact of her living in the wilderness. Even if she were, she would tone it down. Perhaps Kaine would not care, but she had the sense that being in such a... tidy home, may as well eat neatly as well. She made no comments, keeping her eyes to her food as she continued to intake small amounts.

Kaine continued to sip at his drink in silence, apparently savouring every drop of the unknown beverage, but he doesn't seem to actually eat anything. He just watches her in silence.

Finally feeling full, she gingerly poked her long tongue out to lick her plate clean and then the remnants of the blood that still stuck to her hand, her hip having already healed. Upon feeling eyes on her, she glanced at Kaine's direction, watching him drink only whatever was in his goblet. She wondered if it was that bloodwine again. She then smiled lightly in his direction.

"That was delicious. Thank you again".

"You should be less trusting". He paused, letting her fret about what his words might mean before he continued.

"If you were to be so accepting of things from others, you could very well end up in a lot of trouble. Perhaps dead".

She froze, swallowing a lump that seemed to instantly appear in her throat at his words. She almost wanted to glance at the food again, an uneasy sensation filling her that he may have poisoned her meal.

"... are you implying you are going to kill me now?" she asked wearily, scratching her head. No, she was never really this trusting of anyone... but... well... he invited her... but then again, he was an evil bastard. She rubbed her forehead, groaning at the complex thoughts that went though.

"I'm saying there are beings far more kind and friendly then I who have far worse intentions. You need to be more critical about who's hospitality you accept. Especially now that you carry my children".

She gritted her teeth but chose not to make a snap back. She wasn't that stupid. She knew there was risks... why did he have to treat her like an incompetent? It seemed she could do nothing right for this man. Besides, if he thought he was kind and friendly, heck, he must be kidding himself. And if he seemed anywhere close to it, it was all an allusion. That much she thankfully learned over their few encounters. Sighing she bowed her head slightly, hiding her eyes behind her bangs.

"I'll keep that in mind" she replied, hoping that would appease him enough. She wasn't really in the mood to get into another argument, even if it ended up being one sided, usually relating her side with him only coaxing the fire.

"You may stay in the guest quarters if you would like, or I can return you to cliff we had been at and allow you to continue your hunt for a suitable place to give birth. It is up to you" he said as he sipped at his drink lazily, draping his legs over one armrest of the chair, and leaning his back against the other.

She sighed, gazing around the room again, seeing but not seeing it. To be honest, she already had an inkling to a certain birthing ground and it was private enough for her likes. Lately there were not many places she could choose, with recent bounty hunter sightings. And she had a feeling there was more she could see here.

"... the guest quarters sound fine thank you" she replied, moving to stand from her chair, collecting the blood that was still sticking to her side, moving to lap it off her fingers as she waited for him to show her, or give her directions of the sort.

A portal twisted into existence off in the corner as he climbed to his feet and started towards it.

"Follow me then" he said as he stepped through the portal without waiting for her and vanished from sight, the portal remaining.

Sighing wearily, she finished cleaning her fingers and moved after him, crossing her arms lightly over her chest as she followed him, her tail lulling behind her a bit sluggishly as she went through the portal.

She emerges into a room, again it has the same polished obsidian walls and floors, but everything about this room seems utterly contrary to what she has seen in the decor of this place thus far. It was very much a girly room. The canopy bed was a black wood frame and the covers were a rich hunter green with gold accents and embroidery. The colours carry on through the rest of the room's decor with a massive fireplace taking up the entire section of one wall. There are no trophies in this room either. Not even a weapon to be seen.

Velacia looks it all over, taking in the decor, the size of the bed to the fireplace itself, the temperature feeling rather nice, as if set to her liking. She smiled as she walked within it, looking it over some more before seeming satisfied. She doubt she could sleep within a room that was similar to the Grand Hall. His bedroom was tolerable... anything else more then that, she would begin to wonder if it would come to life and attack her.

"Very quaint" she mused.

"My suggestion is you don't leave this room. It is dangerous to wander Dark Hatred's halls on your own if you aren't prepared. I will fetch you in the morning" he states as he turns and starts to head back toward the portal, the hydra watching him go with raised eyebrows.

Not prepared? Dare she even try to explore? No, perhaps not. She was in new territory, nothing she was familiar with. And it was amusing that he was suggesting to her that she doesn't explore instead of flat out telling her not too, as if expecting her to do so and perhaps maybe gloating over her later of what her snooping would lead her to whatever misdeeds.

"I'll keep that in mind" she called after him as he left before turning her attention to the fireplace, a little surprised that he did not want to bed with her but then guessed something may had come up that he must attend too.

Sighing she undid her bra, pulling it off leisurely before removing her underwear. She then moved to fiddle with the clasp of the necklace, but upon realising she couldn't remove it, she smirked slightly, shaking her head, realising that after the battle, she wouldn't be able to remove it again, at least on her own.

"Foolish me" she muttered before she crawled onto the bed, not moving under the covers, but just resting on top, curling up slightly, her tail wrapped around her protectively. Again her mind wandered, half wondering if she would even wake come the morning. And then to the thoughts of her counterpart again...

Sighing she flicked herself lightly in the head, as if berating herself from thinking too much and forced herself to sleep, though it was an uneasy one at that.

* * *

Whatever dreams Velacia was having, they didn't seem that pleasant, at least in the beginning. Unnamed nightmares, another courtesy to her swaying mind as of late. She always had dreamless nights. But now... perhaps it was the given atmosphere, or the recent events, or perhaps that the children are reaching the time for emergence. Either way, she was not boding well.

Though towards her slow awakening, her hands were moving sensually over her body, as if having finally remembered the light teasing that Kaine had done the previous afternoon. Arousing images formed within her mind of the spiked purple haired man teasing her, disappearing every time she turned to him till he finally wrapped his arms around her, keeping her arms pinned to her sides as he sunk his fangs sharply into her throat, his hands roaming over her nude body as a second Kaine appeared before her, grinning darkly as he trailed a hand down her front, the fingers skimming against her perked nipples and then across her naval, the muscles of her taught stomach tensing till he finally dipped a bit lower-

At that moment she awoke with a jerk, breathing hard, her slender fingers poised delicately over her entrance. Grumbling she got off of the bed, her tail lashing out in annoyance.

"Damn that bastard..." she hissed as she began to put on her garments gingerly, forcing her body to cool down and not be so sensitive.

As if the room had sensed her waking, a portal forms in the shadows of a corner and the lighting brightens slightly. The dark green satin drapes pulling open on their own accord. Out the window a thorned, flying worm like creature passed by close to the window, one could actually see its underbelly and notice the large eyes that blinked slowly along the stomach.

It was clear that whatever the thing was, it was probably some sort of sentry that patrolled the hellish lands.

Velacia turned her attention slowly to the portal appearing, and then to the opening of the window curtains. She narrowed her eyes slightly at the passing of the winged worm, her eyes roving over that of the beast. Finally, turning her attention away, she approached the portal, thinking. She thought he was going to come, but perhaps he had other matters to attend. She shrugged, not really caring at this point and after another few seconds of pausing, stepped through the portal, unsure of where it would lead.

Upon emerging, the portal deposits her near the cliff they had been on the night before, the air having cleared from the storm and the sea breeze gentle and refreshing.

She blinked, a little surprised to back where she met Kaine the previous day, but in the end was pleased. She inhaled the air, it sending tingles along her body and she visibly relaxed, seeming a lot more at ease once being outside again. But the brief moment of bliss passed, and her mind was wracked with thoughts.

She felt tense, very wary, and once again scared. What was going to happen? Though she loved the unknown, at least when it came to battles, when it involved her personally, especially with the tampering of her life... it unnerved her to know then. What was that man planning? And why was he doing these things?

She was agitated, needing a form of solace. Finally, eventually, she came to a conclusion. Perhaps visiting her ancestral grounds can give her some answers or at least some comfort.

She turned to the direction she knew where it lay, not too far from this cliff, and got down on all fours, beginning to run off to the ancient ground.

As she runs she feels as though she is being followed. An unnerving sense of, whatever is following her is not something nice, and it was getting stronger.

Her tail was whipping behind her in an agitated fashion once again, her muscles getting tense as she let out a low growl. What was this presence? She did not like it one bit and it seemed powerful... very powerful.

She knew looking over her shoulder would prove nothing for she knew nothing was not in close enough proximity to see. Whoever was following her... did she really want to alert them that she knew? Instead she let out her tongue, tasting the air, trying to pinpoint the direction of the presence as she ran.

Quite suddenly a hulking form appeared out of nowhere directly in front of her, the creature in question wore vicious looking armor with spikes and blood stains across the majority of it. The being leers at her with a maw full of fangs.

"Why... hello there".

Velacia skidded to a halt and hops back to keep a bit of distance between her and the beast. She remained on all fours, her body tense as she eyed the person, whatever it was. Her tail whipped behind her continually as her eyes analysed over his form swiftly, judging the scenario before her.

"Greetings" she replied in a cool voice, her tongue taking in the scent of the blood, her nose almost crinkling from it. "To what do I owe the... pleasure?"

The being grins, the corners of the mouth seeming to split all the way up to its ears, showing all of its teeth, causing the hydra's eyes to narrow cautiously, her shoulders hunching defensively.

"You seem to be acquainted with the Prince of Twisted Leaping".

She could see a huge sword, as long as the creature was tall, and nearly as wide sheathed upon its massive back, seeming to adorn the blood, spikes and ugly features of this monster quite well.

Whether Velacia was intimidated or not, she was hiding it well. She felt a lot more at home dealing with threats such as these then manipulative egotistical bastards such as Kaine. Upon hearing the name, she could only surmise it meant the purple haired man and she blinked slowly, her frame crouching a bit lower as she responded, the cool voice still there.

"A brief acquaintance perhaps, but I am not close to him on any terms, I assure you" she purred out lightly, cocking her head to the side as she observed the giant weapon and all the fangs within the creature's mouth again. "Is there something wrong?" she added as the being took a heavy step toward her, a rolling hiss emitting from the disturbing maw.

"Would you like to know something about that little mongrel?".

The gauntlets the creature wore were black and had hand long serrated talons rather then fingers. It was quite clear that this creature was not from this world. She sat back on her haunches, her tail now stilling as he approached a bit more. She made no move to jump back or to really show any signs of anxiety. She kept one hand posed delicately on the ground while the other rested on her knee. She was wondering if this being came from Hell. She smiled slightly at the form, her silver irises locked with its eyes.

"If you are so gracious to divulge any such information, then I shall be happy to hear" she said evenly. She may of seemed relaxed, but she was ready for anything to occur. She doubted this creature was any friend of Kaine's though, with the offer of revealing information.

The being chuckled, it was a deep gurgling sound that seemed to start from its chest and roll up its throat. The bulky armoured being leaned down to bring its face close to hers, its foul breath washing over her face.

"I know how you can control him" it hissed, the words almost seemed to slither out of its mouth and curl around her.

She quirked an eyebrow, forcing her eyes to remain open and to ignore the stench this creature emanated, despite the fact of how badly she wanted to hack her lungs and her eyes threatening to water from the stinging sensation. Instead, quite the opposite, she flickered her tongue out to take in the scent, as if almost showing that she respected it. A ploy she sometimes used towards those with... less than appealing features. She tilted her head more to the side as she gazed at the behemoth before her.

"Control him? With someone as prideful as he, I doubted anyone could control him. How, preytell, could I of all beings do that?" she asked politely, remaining calm, though its words stirred a slight confusion in her. Perhaps it was only toying with her, using her as a means to get to Kaine. But as far as she knew, this being was wasting his time. Minus the children within her, Kaine really had no care, as far as she suspected. Her gaze was thoughtful as the creature's red eyes gleamed malevolently.

"Any being from Heaven or Hell can be controlled utterly, if you know their True Name" it stated, the being straightened and observed her, taking in her reaction.

Velacia blinked slowly, giving off a blank stare as she processed the information. Was that true? Was that what was different between mortals and Heaven and Hellbound creatures? But... how could that be true? She had said his name countless of times, and never in her encounters with him did she see or notice any difference. Some creatures seemed to know Kaine's name already. That Hadriel from the first battle did apparently and she saw no control over Kaine... or did it only apply to mortals such as she?

Or was Kaine even his real name?

She looked up at the being, smiling lightly.

"If that were true and if I did know this creature's name, I have seen no... effects by my using. I did not know that those from above or below could be controlled that way. If that were so they are not very careful then with who they tell" she replied, tilting her head to the side to gaze at him. "Do you know his name?"

The being cackled, finding something hilarious about her words.

"They do not use their Name in introductions you silly creature! And if I knew his I would have my revenge by now. However, if you find out his Name, then you will have absolute power over him. You could limit his abilities, call him to you on a whim. Command him to do whatever you want. He would be little more then a powerful slave. His own father is slave to his mother. I don't know how she found out Daemokus' true name... but it allows her to control him". The creature grinned wider. "You could have that power over Daemokus' son".

She blinked slowly again, taking in the information. Ah, so Kaine was indeed not the name, or at least the True Name. That proved quite interesting... no wonder they would guard it so carefully. She smiled gingerly. It would definitely give her a one up on him, being able to finally get the answers she so rightfully deserves, as well as other matters, such as finally putting that man in his place...

... but the effort would prove futile, in her opinion. Kaine was not stupid. If he even had an idea what she was trying to pull... and for all she could know, he was listening to their conversation right now. She hardly believed he would ever tell her his True Name and she doubted she could just find it. But still, it was tempting. She wouldn't deny that. She bared her fangs slightly as she smiled at the creature.

"I thank you for the information. Though I am surprised you gave this to me so graciously. Was there something you wanted in return?" she asked politely. Of course, if it was downright ludicrous she would indeed not do it. As stupid as Kaine may perceive her, she was actually a very cautious creature. Still, she was polite to a degree and felt she owed something to this beast. Information always came at a cost through her travels.

"All I want is to make a deal... that if you find out his Name, you will tell me what it is. We all have to write down our names once. And that paper can not be destroyed after, but must be guarded and kept hidden. It is the ultimate weakness. Not many have ever had their Name revealed".

She cocked her head again, taking in the information. So there was something with his Name... and it did make sense, if a weird one at that. These Heaven and Hell creatures, leading such complicated lives. But still, how could she find his Name? It seemed like a goose chase for her.

"I do not know if I would be able to find it" she said smoothly. "But if I do... very well, I suppose its only fair to tell you the Name. After all, I doubt you would let me live if I broke the bargain" she said respectively. She was stroking the creature's ego. She surmised he was powerful. Though she doubted if it was a bargain she had to keep. She need not divulge anything if she can't find anything.

At that moment a scroll appeared in the blink of an eye before her, a black and red feather quill floating along side it, the aura emanating from these mere two items tasting most... dark.

"Sign the contract and seal the deal".

The creature seemed overly eager about this, almost excited about the prospect of getting what it wanted.

Velacia eyed the paper and the quill, a sense of foreboding filling her. She was not liking these turn of events for her...

Living in the wilderness was a fairly simple life but now, her life was getting only more and more complicated. She doubted if she ever would have any peace. And she thought bounty hunters were her only problems once...

She glanced at the creature, taking in its excited state. She inwardly sighed and delicately took the quill, posing it over the scroll for a mere second, seeming to glance at the parchment but not seeing the words, lost in her thoughts before finally writing down her name in her ancient tongue. She then let go of the quill, it returning to its floating state as she glanced at the beast.

"Can he see what we're doing right now?" she asked casually, referring to Kaine. If one of those... shadow dragons? If they were flying around... well, there goes trying anything. The being seemed to be not worried as it grinned, the face seeming to look even more disgusting ever time it did.

"No, he cannot see us right now. He is busy, and I made sure none of his spies were around" it confirmed, the scroll vanishing as it did, as did the quill. "There is something you should know about contracts like the one you just signed. You physically cannot break them. If you find his name, and try to keep it from me, the contract will compel you to fullfil its terms against your will".

"That is good" she replied, though upon his next warning, she inwardly froze. That would not bode well.

But then did she really care what was to happen to him? He obviously gave no damn for her and only enjoyed screwing with her head. She had loyalties to no one but her ancestors... yet... this just wasn't good. She wasn't sure why, just something was nagging at her that this was not a good idea. Though her interior was buzzing with worry, her exterior was calm and collective as ever. She smiled dangerously at him, her eyes glinting in the light.

"You make it sound as if I would even try to go against my word? I am not a dishonourable creature. Fret not, I shall willingly tell you the name if ever I come across it" she reassured him, her tail moving lazily behind her.

"Good. But a word of advice... Next time you sign a contract, read it first". The creature ran a long black tongue over its vicious looking fangs, eyeing her in a hungry manner.

Why was it all these demons thought she was stupid? What could they expect? She lives a different lifestyle then they, though she doubted they even gave a damn about that fact. And he did have a point. She didn't know why exactly she didn't bother reading the contract. Perhaps she thought the rules would be simple... a foolish mistake. Despite this she smiled politely again, tilting her head to the side.

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your information".

She wasn't fond of that look. It made her feel like prey... a feeling a hunter never enjoyed.

"Perhaps you care to come with me... I am curious to see what the mongrel sees in you" it offered, the voice taking on a serpentine edge.

Oh yes, that foreboding feeling was growing in her deeply. She did not like these turn of events at all. She continued to smile gingerly, shrugging her shoulders, playing off that she seemed calm.

"I am sure you are a very busy... being. I know not what he sees in me and I doubt it is anything special. As I said, our acquaintances are very brief. I believe he only takes pleasure in toying with my mind" she surmised, making it sound like she was nothing special.

At the moment, she almost wished that she wasn't so... unique in some ways.

The creature reached out a taloned hand, and attempts to grab her by the arm, more of its foul breath exhaling from its massive jaws as it looked at her darkly.

"I'll find out for mysssself I think" it hissed. There was definitely an undertone of threat in the voice. And plenty of suggestiveness.

A warning went off in her mind and she took a step back, to get out of its reach, though she attempted to still play it smooth.

"Now now... is that really a way to treat one's partner?"she asked casually. She forced herself to remain calm, willed herself to show no fear or panic.

This was starting to irritate her. She wasn't a mere toy! Why did everyone with huge egos think otherwise?

"Perhapsss nexssst time" the being hissed again, smirking at her. It sounded more like a promise then a suggestion. "I'll be watching. Just imagine what you could do..."

Trying to ignore the underlying tone, and she'd be damned if she would let another touch her. It would rue that day... she definitely would...

"Tempting possibilities" she hissed in return, and indeed, there were tempting possibilities. But unlike these beings, she did not like toying with other people's lives. She never liked using anyone. Perhaps that is what made her so different... but still, she could fancy the ideas.

"Though you would most likely be killing him?" she asked casually, expecting such a thing from this creature, or humiliation to the extreme.

"Why would I want to kill him when I could use him? Destroy everything he has and ruin his reputation. I could knock him back down into the scum and dregs of our society. Or I could make him my weapon. Both against others and his own family. There are so many things I could do with his Name".

She pictured what this beast was saying, imagining the prideful purple haired man submitting to all these acts of indecencies. And in some weird way, it almost made her feel sorry for him.

Damn... what was she getting herself into? For now she would have to play the field cautiously. She owes this creature nothing if she can't find his name. But she did not like the prospect of being viewed by another now. A manipulative egotistical bastard and a revenge seeking monster... wonderful odds. Absolutely wonderful.

"Yes, so many that you could" she replied quietly, agreeing while her mind was buzzing with too many thoughts.

The being cackled chillingly before vanishing and leaving Velacia standing there on her own, not giving her a chance to ask any further questions or make any further comments.

Velacia remained gazing at the place where the creature vanished, feeling dead on the inside. No, she did not like this one bit at all. She was an animal, a beast, and why did she think with the flittery mind of a human? What could she do? What can she do?

She chuckled softly to herself, a sad sound coming from her lips as she closed her eyes.

"Such a fool" she whispered to herself before moving to run on all fours again, resuming her journey back to her ancestral grounds, though not really expecting any good from coming from the travel either.

She was beginning to wonder what it was like to have a boring life.