Twisted Ties

Wooo it's been a while hasn't it? Sorry for the long delay. Work can be rather draining... and these rp sessions are now getting longer as we go along so much more fun of editing XP

But alas here I am, with a nice length of chunky chapter. Introduces a few new elements. The concept of the Opera House belongs to greyjay's friend, as do some key characters. The character of Joey Rosco belong to greyjay and if wanting to learn more of the character, more info is here:

http://wiki.realmroleplayers.com/Joey

An old drawing I did of him. Might do a revamp version later.
http://cobrastrife.deviantart.com/art/Joey-Rosco-105747105

The unnamed red haired character towards the end of the chapter belongs to me. His name shall be revealed within the next chapter.

Also have another fanservice drawing for Velacia. This one has a mature rating though... but heck with this story, wouldn't be surprised XP

http://cobrastrife.deviantart.com/art/Fanservice-Numero-2-122011984

So lots more craziness to come, as per usual. As well more characters shall be introduced later on and as before some of them will be reoccuring within the story.

No REAL lemon persay in this chapter, minus a limish background orgy and some mild tentacle play.

Please enjoy ^_^

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Her muscles were seizing and she forced her claws further into the grass covered soil, her fangs bared and grinding. She knew this was going to be bloody painful, but who knew that duplicating his DNA was like having one's insides skewered with hot lava... and barbed wires.

Velacia was almost on the verge of panicking, wondering if her inner tubes would get sliced as she could feel the recreated dark seed slithering through her tubes, hissing out with each time it rubbed against her walls, a sensation of scraping flesh off from the most sensitive of organs. Her head was dipped, her hair flowing over her shoulders as she growls lowly, her tail rubbing against her lower abdomen to ease some of the pain, but it was useless.

And then there it was, a searing pop that could not be heard but felt within. The spike like cloned sperm penetrating the soft shell of her eggs. Her muscles seized most violently, the burn going through her insides. Perhaps leaving Kaine's DNA the way it was may not of been such a good idea...

Soon the sensations passed and a long sigh of relief passed from the hydra's lips. To say that Velacia was downright exhausted was an understatement in itself. The process to recreate life took longer then expected and she was utterly drained... but at least successful. Oddly enough for her kind, at her age, it was a lot easier to reproduce from the stored DNA semen strain from a partner then it was to splice one's own genes.

But now she was pregnant again. She smiled slightly as she crawled over to a large oak and sat against it, letting the warmth that the tree itself provided warm her flesh, letting out a soft sigh. She knew there were risks for her trying this but she had too. As long as she didn't let slip to Kaine what she tried, she should be fine.

Granted, she could of easily tried to find another donor... but no. She had a plan, that and some personal feelings as well. She was not going to let some higher up have all the control and secrets...

Gazing upwards at the sky she'd let her weary gaze rove over the faint clouds. Currently Tobias was away from her location, keeping a guarding perimeter around her, that and to give her some peace and quiet. Lately the wolf hybrid had not been drinking much and was concerned for her well being. But he knew better then to pester her, less he wanted an early death wish. This brought a small smirk to Velacia's lips as her eyes closed. At least she still had power over someone. But unlike a certain spiked purple haired man, she wouldn't be abusing it.

Just then there was a flash of light and Harper appears, knelt down on one knee as if he had been bowing to someone. He lifts his gaze from the ground and turns his soft brown eyes to Velacia.

"Miss? May I have a word?" he asked. His encounter with Daemokus had been disturbing as usual. Ever since that incident with Daemokus' wife, Harper had a hard time even being around the greater devil.

Velacia opened her eyes upon seeing the the flash of light and sat straight up upon seeing Harper before her. She tasted the air around the elf with her long tongue, finding it safe though something wasn't right. But it was from himself... did something happen She worriedly pushed herself to her hands and knees, having not regained enough strength to fully stand. She approached him slightly.

"Yes, of course. Are you... alright?" At this she gets a mere nod as he speaks.

"I am fine, miss. Though I don't bring good news. M'Lord Daemokus refuses to have anything to do with this situation. Apparently the family is being targeted by some of the higher devils and he fully intends to let Kaine do whatever he wishes". He pauses and turns his eyes to hers, taking notice of her appearance, her paler complexion as well with how much more of an effort it took her to breathe. "Your weak. What happened?"

Velacia bowed her head slightly, bangs covering her eyes as she took in the information. Well, it was a gamble but at least on the flipside Kaine's father would not be aiding in the matter. She had thought of some plans herself so it wouldn't be too bad. Upon the next question she smirked slightly, raising her face to meet his gaze.

"The process to recreate life was more draining then I had anticipated, but a lot easier then to splice from my own genes. I should be fine in a while" she reassured him as he frowned.

"I really wish you had waited miss or found someone else. If Lord Kaine finds out...." Harper didn't bother to finish the sentence. But he certainly didn't think what the woman had done was the wisest choice to have made. She laughed slightly, giving him a wink.

"I know of the consequences Harper, rest assured. Besides, I am very picky with who I mate with and ironically enough, there really is no other suitable partner at the moment. Its too complicated to explain but I have plans of my own and to set them into motion, I needed to be pregnant with his child again" she said quietly as she sat on her haunches, breathing a bit heavily again. She could understand his point of view... and even sometimes she would question herself upon her actions.

"I do hope you don't think that having his children will give you some sort of leverage over him". He slowly stood and gazed down at her with a somber quiet gaze. Or even worse, he hoped she wasn't planning on threatening to give the children over to one of Kaine's rivals. She laughed again, but this time it was a saddened one as she looked up at him.

"Believe me, I know. He doesn't care for the children, though I do hope the other is alive. No, this child is for another use, and as long as I have it inside me, I have a leverage of my own..." she trailed off. "Though I still don't understand why he is keeping me alive. Well, I know he wants me to point out that devil, but still I don't get it". She then looked at Harper more fervently, a concerned look still on her gaze, her tongue probing the air again.

"Are you sure you're alright? I sense something odd about you".

"I'm fine, I assure you". His calm stoic tone revealed nothing. It was none of her concern, nor did he want to put more stress upon her mind and form. "May I ask what you intend to do, miss? Perhaps I might advice you on the situation, if you desire adivce that is, miss."

Velacia still felt he was hiding the truth from her, but then again, he didn't need to tell her anything he didn't want to and she respected that. Sighing she winced as she shifted her position slightly before looking at him again.

"Advice would be nice, but I can't tell you everything. Both for my safety and your own in case Kaine asks you about what I am up to. Granted once he finds out about me being in a actual contract to find his True Name he would be displeased but it'll be nothing to what I have planned" she said quietly, a small smirk to her feature. To be honest, it would most likely affect her then the purple haired man... but still it was big.

"Seeing as we don't have the devil's name who I have a contract with, he told me he would be watching me. Would there be any way to find out how he is doing this? Kaine uses those weird shadow dragons to watch me sometimes. Would this devil use something similar?"

"Chances are it is a form of scrying, or he has hired someone to watch you for him. Lord Kaine isn't fond of relying on minions, but others use them more extensively. It is highly likely that Lord Kaine is well on his way to identifying the being already however. Both he and his father are fairly skilled at detecting energies left behind" Harper replies, nodding slightly.

Velacia ran a hand through her hair, processing the information. She wasn't exactly too sure on what a scrying was, but guessed it to be some sort of scout. However, if Kaine was definitely searching hard to find who this person was... She looked at Harper again.

"Do you think you might be able to detect if I'm being followed? Your hunting skills are quite impressive and you can even detect things that my senses can not" she said, glancing around them for a moment before returning her gaze to Harper.

Harper lifts his chin slightly and closes his eyes, trying to focus in on the world around him with his other senses. He could feel the youkai not far away but...

Suddenly the horrible being that Velacia was in a contract with appeared right beside Harper and swung the massive broadsword at the elf. Harper's hand shot to the white katana at his left hip and blocked just barely, but the force of the blow sent him flying backwards into a huge tree, hitting his head hard enough to knock him unconscious, the elf slumped to the ground unmoving. The being then turned his attentions to Velacia.

"Well, we meet again...."

Velacia jerked slightly as she took in the devil's entrance. She gritted her teeth slightly, hoping the elf was alright before slowly turning her gaze to the behemoth, keeping her face neutral.

"Indeed so. We were just talking about you and I was wondering how I could contact you... you came at a wonderful moment. I am in need of your assistance, if you'd be so gracious to help" she said politely, her arms looping slightly in front of herself as the creature grinned broadly, showing off rows upon rows of long sharp teeth.

"And what do you want to ask of me? Better still, are you willing to pay the price for such a favour?"

"Well, perhaps we can find a means to make one another happy" she said slyly, knowing that this may not bode well, but she had no choice. Working with devils period bode nothing good from it.

"Currently Kaine knows of someone meeting me, though he knows its not you yet. He has me in a position where he wants me to tell when I would see you again but granted I don't want to, but he has a method of leverage over me. I was wondering, seeing as your well adept in various forms of magic and so on, if you think you could make a duplicate or something along the sort of your appearance that he can annihilate while you remain safe... that way he can get off my back and I can get back to work for finding the True Name..." she suggested, eyeing the creature carefully as the being seemed to think about the proposition for a long moment.

"I would have to call in a lot of favours to make a convincing duplicate. I will see if it is possible, and I will return to you with my reply". The creature glanced over at Harper, who was laying on the ground, bleeding from his head. "I think I'll take the elf with me. He has ties to the Ny'Tshaides".

"Alright. I know Kaine shall be checking on me soon. It has been a few days since the last encounter and he seems anxious to find who you are" she said quietly. Upon his comment about Harper she tensed, glancing at him slightly. "If you are so gracious, I would ask for you to leave him. He actually has been helping me on a way to go against Kaine. He even went to ask Daemokus for help, though he declined, but will not be helping Kaine out either. He may prove... beneficial to your cause if he were to remain with me. But... the choice is yours" she finished. She really was in no position to fight this creature right now... but she didn't want Harper to be some toy or something. The behemoth of a devil tromped over to the elf and picked him up by the hair, blood running down Harper's pale face.

"No, he will come with me. I have more use of him". The creature stooped down to pick up the white katana that laid on the ground but the blade zaps him, causing a smouldering wound. "Damn those fools..." The creature recoils from the sword and a spinning black and green vortex opens and he starts toward it, dragging Harper by the hair behind him. "I will see you again soon mortal" the creature sneers at Velacia viciously, the long tongue going over the various fangs of his large maw.

Velacia tensed once again, wishing she could stop the devil but she couldn't... and right now she couldn't risk calling Kaine, at least not until the devil makes a duplicate of himself. She kept her eyes locked on Harper, but upon the behemoth speaking she turned her gaze to it and nodded slightly, keeping a neutral face.

"I look forward to it".

The creature throws Harper into the swirling vortex before stepping in himself. The vortex snapping shut instantly and all going quiet once again.

Velacia hung her head slightly, mentally berating herself as she slowly crawled over to the katana that the beast could not pick up as at that moment Tobias came running in, looking around wildly.

"What the fuck happened?! I heard some commotion..."

"The devil I made a contract with appeared, but not till after knocking Harper out. He's agreed to make a duplicate of himself but he needs to pull in some favours. He'll be letting me know soon, but he took Harper because he's related to Kaine and the others" she said quietly, her hand reaching tentatively to touch his katana. The blade emanates a powerful holy aura and the metal seems to sing with a pure tone even so long after being drawn. The blade, however, does not try to zap Velacia.

"Goddamnit... this week just keeps on getting better and better..." Tobias groaned, slapping a palm over his face and then eyes Harper's weapon with a scrutinizing gaze. "What the..." Tobias started off but stopped as Velacia pulled the weapon onto her lap, examining it slightly.

"This weapon zapped the devil and stopped him from holding it... but..." she said but then stopped, a bit in awe from the weapon's song.

"Must be a holy weapon. No wonder then. Mm... maybe we can use it..." Tobias suggested. Velacia looked at him incredulously.

"And how do you expect for US to do that? I may be able to touch the sword but I am unsure if I can use it, well at least as well as Harper could, and this is his weapon. It would not be right".

"Well Harper isn't here right now and we may as well use it to save him!" Tobias responded, his arms crossed in front of him and his tail swishing back and forth behind him.

"And how on earth do you suggest we do that?! I have no way of knowing how to get into Hell or wherever that devil went and even if we were to get there, need I remind you how Kaine almost killed you? And I faired no better..." Velacia reminded him, causing the youkai's ears to droop.

"Well we can't just sit around and do nothing!"

"No, but I can't do anything right now till after I get a reply back. Either that or his highness pops up..." she muttered, fingering the sword lightly.

As both of the two were musing over their thoughts, a rustle and snapping of twigs is heard in the forest nearby. Someone is approaching, and it smells human. Velacia growled slightly, inhaling more of the scent and bared her fangs where as Tobias moved to stand in front of her, him being more fully healed then her.

"Let me deal with this. God I hope its not another stupid bounty hunter" he muttered, keeping within a loose stance.

A young man soon emerged from the foliage, clad in dark brown clothes, his dark brown hair a bit mussed looking, and his bright blue eyes attentive. He glances around the small clearing curiously and spots the two.

"Uh... Sorry... didn't mean to interrupt..."

Velacia growled again slightly but subsided into silence when Tobias made a shooing gesture with his hand. He then smiled at the human kindly.

"Eh, don't worry about it. We've just been experiencing some... issues lately. That's all. Please, don't let us stop you from passing through". The young man brushed a few leaves off his tunic; it was clear he wasn't exactly stealthy in the woods.

"I don't suppose you have seen an elf pass thr-" the young man began but then paused as he noticed the blade in Velacia's lap, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Where did you get Master Harper's sword?" he then demands, his hands going to a pair of tonfas hanging from his belt.

Velacia's hands moved protectively over the weapon and she bared her fangs again, the growl coming back full force. Tobias' eyes widened slightly and moved more between the two, holding his hands up towards the human.

"Now I know what this looks like! But we did not steal this from Harper. I'm guessing by you stating his name you know him... uhhh... how can I put this... he's been kidnapped by this devil and he dropped his sword in the scuffle. We're just in a very... very bad situation right now" he said sadly. Velacia's guard, though still up, lessened slightly. So this human knew Harper... she sighed wearily.

"... if I didn't ask him to sense that devil out..." she whispered, letting it hang in the air, the resonance of the words seeming to push more deeper within her. It was strange how she felt for the elf. She wasn't one for companions... but with the recent events, maybe feeling for others is what she needed...

"I'm sure he would of popped up either way Vel" Tobias replied reassuringly, bringing the woman out of her thoughts. The young man before them frowned, his bright blue eyes full of worry

"A devil got him... which one? Do you know?" he asked as he lowered the tonfas to his sides but still kept a firm grip on them.

"He's a devil I was forced into a contract with. I do not know his name. but I do know what he looks like and will be returning shortly to confirm with me a proposition I offered" Velacia said solemnly. And then, as an afterthought she added "I apologize that your master got caught. I'll do what I can to get him back..."

"This seriously has got to be the worst week ever" Tobias muttered before glancing at the human again. "Perhaps we dispel the weapons and go with introductions? I'm Tobias Wolfsbane and that's Velacia Serpanthos... and you are? As well as how do you know Harper?"

"I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. I'm Joey Rosco. I'm Master Harper's apprentice. I was told by Master Hitokiri that he was out here somewhere. He was needed for something but I guess now we have to get him back before anything else". Joey lowered his gaze, a stubborn look of determination crossing his face. "Great... go from one pain in the ass situation to another..." Tobias nodded towards Joey before looking to glance at Velacia again.

"How long will it take before the devil gets back to you?"

"I'm not sure. Could be anywhere from now to a couple of days" Velacia sighed, shrugging her shoulders. "And he already would not just willingly give Harper over. Perhaps I could trade him something... or make another contract-"

"If you make too many contracts with devils then you'll be in a more screwed up situation the you are now!" Tobias snapped, surprising Velacia slightly with his temper. He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry... told you being low on booze was bad for me. Well he works for Kaine's family right? Maybe... they might help? But then... the only one you have contact with is Kaine and then you have to inform of the devil's presence... goddamnit..." Joey holstered his tonfas, his brow furrowed in thought.

"Well maybe we could get him back ourselves. Master Hitokiri could probably find us means to get to wherever Master Harper is." Joey didn't sound all that eager about his own idea. "Problem is, it isn't exactly safe". Velacia pushed herself to her feet slowly, keeping a steady grip on Harper's katana as she did. She took in a deep breath before smiling at Joey.

"No place really is right now. And we're capable for a lot of things..."

"That's the spirit! No harm in trying..."

"Minus getting your ass kicked again Tobias" Velacia reminded again, causing Tobias to groan slightly.

"Well as long as it isn't your husband to be- GAOW!!!" he yelped, shutting up after Velacia backhanded him hard. Smirking, she turned her attention to Joey.

"Where do you suggest we go?" she asked as Joey reached up and scratched at the back of his neck, chuckling slightly as Tobias got smacked.

"Would you like a news paper for that, miss?" He smirked lopsidedly as he made his way toward the duo. "As for where we should start, I'll contact Master Hito and see if he can find us a way to get to hell". Velacia blinked slightly and then glanced down at the sword before nodding.

"Yes, a newspaper would be best, thank you. The sooner we get there the sooner we can get Harper out" she said quietly, moving closer to Joey as Tobias did as well, finally retrieving a bottle of booze from his bag and taking a good long drink out of it, seeming in better spirits as the human peered at the impressive sword in the hydra's hands before gently taking it from her, wrapping it in two sheets of newspaper before returning it.

"I hope you know how to use that. It will certainly come in handy where we'll be going". Joey pulled a small stone from his pocket and began to speak to it. "Master Hito? We have a problem. Master Harper was taken by a devil, we need some way to get to hell so we can start searching for him." Joey appeared to be listening to something, though no sound came from the stone, in all likelihood one had to be touching it to hear the person on the other side, both hybrids gazing at him curiously as he did. "Alright. I appreciate it Master. We'll wait for it". He glanced at Tobias and Velacia. "He is going to send us a package soon that should help us get Master Harper back". Joey paused and peered at the two. "How did Master Harper get cause so easily? Normally he is a defensive expert".

Upon his next question Velacia sighed, her bangs hiding the expression of her features though Tobias had a very good idea it was not pleasant ones. Her tail was swaying slowly behind her, almost touching the ground.

"I had asked him to see if he could locate the devil I had a contract with. Upon trying the being appeared and knocked him out unconscious. That was how he kidnapped him".

"I guess even he has his off days..."Joey said and sat down on the grass with a heavy sigh. "We'll get him back though. Don't worry. Master Hito is looking around for clues on where to have us dropped off to start looking". Velacia looked at the sword briefly before looking down at Joey, smiling slightly.

"I thank you for your help. I'm sure we'll be able to find Harper and get him out of there".

"Aren't we a bit optimistic?" Tobias asked,a happy dazed look upon his face as he was enjoying his alcohol.

"Hey, even I can have my off days" the hydra smirked.

"But you know Vel... the guy you have the contract with is the one who has Harper. I'm sure he won't take that too well when we reclaim Harper..." Tobias warned. Velacia nodded, tail swaying slowly still.

"I'll think of something if we are to encounter him". The wolf hybrid nods, accepting it for now as he took another long draw from his alcohol, Joey glancing over at him as he does.

"Hey, mind passing me some? I could really use a drink right about now..." He slides a hand back through his hair in a stressed fashion. It was evident in his behavior that he wasn't a master of any kind, but there was a weight about him that said that he had endured his fair share of hardships. "All we can do is wait for now anyway". Tobias grinned and casually slipped a hand into his pack, pulling out a fresh bottle and tossing it to Joey.

"That's more like it. Drinking makes everything better" he chuckled, taking another draw from his drink. Velacia shook her head slightly.

"Men. Sometimes I'll never understand you" she sighed, glancing at the human slightly. He seemed like he had a lot on him. It was odd, to see a human of all beings like that. But then again she knew she could not be ignorant to the fact that not all humans are like the ones that drove her species to near extinction. She watched Joey opened the bottle and took a long pull from it.

"So if we are going to be fighting together, why don't you tell me a bit about yourselves? Need to know at least a bit about you if I'm going to be willing to stick my neck out for ya". He smiled in a good-natured manner that had a certain innocence about it.

Tobias, seeming to be more in a chatty mood now, and perhaps it was due to the fact with meeting another friendly face or just to be drunk again. Either way, he took over first, which the hydra did not mind, her thoughts still troubled.

"Well I've come from a tribe of wolf hybrids up in the north. I use to be a guardian of a shrine to our god till I learned of the wonders of booze and other... perhaps taboo matters that I got kicked out. I do a lot of travelling now, as well as drinking. I don't stand others oppressing those around them though. I'm pretty good when it comes to any weapon handling and you don't need to worry about me falling behind in a fight" he said, grinning, his tail wagging happily before he made a gesture to Velacia. Noticing, she spoke briefly.

"I'm a hydra hybrid and the last of my kind. I've been on a mission for over a hundred years now to locate my ancestral grounds and to reproduce for my species so it will not be driven to extinction. The first I have succeeded as well as the second... if not for some problems..." she said quietly, trailing a finger over the scar on her stomach before continuing. "I can hold my own well in a battle and I have two other forms of battling to fall back on if the need arises. I am usually a lone fighter, but I do not take kindly to those abusing others... what about you?" she finally asked of Joey, glancing at the human, who rubbed at his neck absently.

"I'm just a farmer at heart, really. After my mom died I made my way by doing odd jobs here and there. Came into some money later and made an orphanage. I'm a bit of a handy man you could say. Trained at Master Hito's dojo with Harper, then got taken on as Harper's apprentice after a while. That's about it".

Velacia once again was getting the odd suspicion of not being told everything, but then again, neither did she speak of everything and neither did Tobias. But still... it felt that this human was putting on a happy face... oh well.

"Decent" she commented, smiling slightly. "I'm sure both your masters are proud of you". This earned her a chuckle from the brown haired human.

"Well, actually both of them say I have a lot of work to do still. But I'm working on it. I'm not sure where I stack up compared to you two but Harper is my teacher. I'm going to help get him back if you want me around or not. Sorry". He smirked at the two and took another long drink from the bottle in his hand.

"If you have the will to fight, even if the odds are against you, then you'll definitely be of help. After all, one can't do everything alone" Velacia commented genuinely, though the last statement was more so a reminder to herself that she may need help to complete her own conquests later on, even if another part of her seemed stubborn to accept this fact.

"We'll make quite a team. Ahh... can't wait to kick some devil ass!" Tobias exclaimed slightly, grinning from ear to ear as he drew out another bottle of booze, drinking it down easily, the empty one returning back into his pack. Joey stared at Tobias, a little shocked by just how much the wolf man was packing them back.

"Geeze. I think maybe we should assume there will only be two of us fight capable. Mr. Wolf over there isn't even going to be able to stand up if he keeps that up". Velacia laughed slightly, shaking her head.

"Believe it or not, Tobias is a more capable fighter when he is drunk then when he is sober. It heightens his senses compared to others where if they may consume alcohol it may be a negative effect".

"Awww Vel... that is the sweetest compliment I ever got from you. Now if only I can get you in bed with- OWWW! Damnit woman! No foreplay till later!" Tobias hissed as Velacia had chucked a rock at his head with her tail.

"And he's also a very lecherous wolf at that..." she add, smirking slightly. Joey just smirked and was about to say something when a flash of light distracted him and a large package appeared in the middle of the clearing.

"Looks like our stuff has showed". Joey had no clue what the stuff was, but it was there none the less. Velacia glanced at the package, as did Tobias, but they both waited for Joey to go pick it up.

"I wonder what it is..." she mused slightly.

Joey climbed to his feet and tossed the empty bottle to Tobias before moving over to the package and untying the rope that kept the bundle closed. Joey chuckled a little nervously upon peering into the contents, doing more so to hide his unease.

"Heh....heh heh............heh... well... I guess that will help..."

Tobias placed the empty bottle within his bag and even placed his own half full one too, tying it shut as both him and Velacia made their way over to Joey.

"What is it?" the hydra asked, wondering why the human was so nervous.

"Well, we've got a set of ward charms,some teleport stones and about a dozen healing potions... and a note saying that each of the teleport stones can only be used to get there and back once. But we do have three of them". He rummages down in the package. "Also have some holy water in here too". Joey was more nervous about the fact that twelve healing potions were sent then anything... it was like Hito was planning on them getting hurt, a lot.

"Well prepared your master has planned for us to be" Velacia commented, glancing at the items curiously. She had seen things like these, but never has she used them in her life. But now was not the time to disregard any help.

"Well lets boogey on down to Hell! Sooner we go, sooner we can get Harper back!" Tobias cheered, grinning slightly. The faze of danger rarely got through to this one.

"He didn't say exactly where the teleport stones would take us though. Just said to use them in order..." He picked up the three stones and noticed different glyphs on each one. The glyphs were also written on the note in order they are to be used. "I guess they take us to different places... you guys ready for the first trip?" Velacia and Tobias nodded in unison, well as unison as a drunken wolf hybrid could.

"Ready as we can be. Let's do it" Velacia stated, her grip clenching slightly on Harper's katana.

Joey put the package save for the three stones into his pack and activated the first of the three stones, a white portal opening before them, large enough for all three to pass through at the same time. It swirled like a vortex before them, seeming neutral and calm. Whatever was on the other side none of them could sense what it would be till they actually passed through.

"You guys head in first, I'll follow". It was clear Joey was nervous about going through the portal, though he hides it with a helpless smile of his. Velacia merely nodded, her muscles tense as she walked through the white portal, it feeling the same to her as when she went through Kaine's. She could feel Tobias follow right after quickly as she tried to take in their new surroundings.

Joey emerged behind them as the portal snapped shut. Before them was a vast, very luxurious foyer. The floors were made of most beautiful marble, seeming to shimmer and shine no matter how many times it was trodden upon. No manner of dirt seemed to remain stuck to it. Grand columns of granite polished to be smooth to the touch towered up to the high ceilings, that in itself have various beautiful multiple ringed chandeliers lighting up the vast room; the slight golden glow giving a warm sensation, melding with the obsidian and mahogany colours of the room, though the trickling sensations of maliciousness could be felt in the air, feeling more so to the newcomers.

Different hallways led to and from this foyer, it unsure as to where it ends or where it begins, seeming to stretch on for miles. Large and wide black staircases, the banisters curling elegantly with each turn led up to various other floors where various balconies overlooked the area, seeming to appear as private boxes for each of the patrons.

Speaking of the patrons, all manner of beings seemed to be here. Humanoid or monsters it mattered not. Some had huge white wings, others were completely nude and obscene. Several of the nearby patrons glanced in their direction; there is a sense that something is looking at them like prey, causing the skin to crawl. They were new fresh meat... fragile souls to play and trounce with.

Joey merely just stands there dumbfounded and lack slack jawed, staring at the sight while Tobias glanced around slightly, eyes wide as he took in the impressive scenery before him, though his gaze was concentrated on some women in here. Ok, more so the majority of them.

"... I think I'm in Heaven..." he drooled slightly, only snapping out of it as Velacia punched him in the head, albeit lightly, her gaze riveting continually to all those around them, keeping her guard up.

"We're in Hell idiot... or suppose to be" she muttered, looking around cautiously, not liking the looks they were receiving. It was bad enough Kaine made her feel like prey. She did not need others to make her feel like a piece of meat. She was the predator... speaking of predators, this place, though never having set foot within it before, made her think of something.

"I wonder..." she murmured. Tobias turned to her, slightly confused.

"Wonder what?"

"If this is the Opera House Kaine mentioned to me. Normally Heaven and Hell has issues, right? Well he mentioned that his father owned this place of entertainment called the Opera House where various beings can associate, but its neutral in here and no one can cause fights or they get kicked out. Would make sense seeing as we have... well both opposing sides here".

"Well lucky us then, right?" Tobias asked.

"Wrong. They won't start fights but we are all mortals and stuck in a place full of angels and devils? They may not go necessarily over the top to deal with us but we can hardly put much of a fight here".

As those words sunk into the three of them, some sort of androgynous being started toward them, wearing something in a mix of thin strips of cloth and metal snaps that barely managed to cover the necessities. And the smile that the being was directing towards the three of them, wondering haphazardly what gender they were, or if they had one, was not very comforting. Welcoming yes... but with hidden intentions.

"Your new to this place perhaps I could show you around".

At the same time a female tentacled being made their way as well to the three mortals. She had no hands or feet by normal humanoid standards but a slew of various long tentacled appendages. Her skin was a hued tone of pale pink and fuchsia with black and gold eyes. Where should of been hair was another writhing mass of thinner tentacles, curling and coiling into the air. She was wearing what could be described as a dress, made of a teal coloured soft material. She also had a very long tongue, which slithered out from her jaws as she stepped behind Velacia and licked at her neck intimately.

"I can sssssshow thisssss one around..."

There was something very suggestive about those words as the creature stood uncomfortably close to Velacia's back. Joey just stood there looking pale and more then a little disturbed as a very feminine looking man cast him an alluring glance. Joey shuddered.

"Maybe Master gave us the wrong rock".

Velacia stood stock still, her hand clenching the katana in her hand very hard as the female continued to lick at her neck. It took all of her will power not to lash out and attack, though in a way she was coming close to that. But she couldn't jeopardize the safety of the others either.

"Well maybe Harper is here" Tobias suggested, glancing around. Velacia briefly tasted the air. There were far too many scents here... though some were oddly familiar... She then eyed Tobias and Joey carefully.

"Its your call. I do not know if he would be here but if he is... fine, we stay. If not, then we get out".

"Its not so bad here though..." Tobias muttered, glancing around, his eyes looking longingly at the exposed bosoms and genitalia of the various attractive females in the foyer.

"Tobias" Velacia warned in a hiss, her tail lashing slightly in impatience, lightly whipping the tentacled woman behind her, who only seemed to purr from the contact and the hydra forced herself to ignore the thoughts coming into her head. She was grateful however that she was here with these two and not Kaine himself. That would make things a bit more hectic. She truly hoped Harper was not someone's playtoy right now.

"M-Maybe we are supposed to ask around for information here. Seems like a good place for it...I guess..." Joey began before he let out a yelp and jumped closer to Velacia and Tobias as some passing angel mischievously smacked his ass and winked at him. "I really don't like it here". Joey was doing his best to keep his eyes on the floor, avoiding looking at all the very revealed beings that made up a good percentage of the patronage. The tentacled female creature behind Velacia whispered to her ear.

"What would you lllllllike to know? Perhapssss we should go to my boxssss and dissssscussss things?"

Joey quickly gave the hydra and her new friend more distance. He seemed to be extremely uncomfortable in this place.

Velacia once again did not like the turn of things. But if Harper was INDEED here... she let out a sigh. She had no choice. And even if she needed to do something in... return... she knew her embryo within would not be harmed. It could only be altered if she wanted to alter it. She then looked at Tobias hard.

"Stay close with Joey... and for godsakes don't screw everyone you see. Ask questions if you can..." she stated. Tobias gave a mock solute.

"Asking questions is my specialty... with sex involved" he grinned and pulled Joey a bit closer to him as he was trying to pick out someone that they can ask. "Come on man, choose some babe, or dude, depending on which path you follow, and interrogate!"

"WHAT???" Joey yelled out, looking at Tobias in a horrified manner as he immediately pulled away from the youkai quickly and accidentally bumped into a hermaphrodite that had been watching them with an unnerving grin. "I.. I... I'm sorry" he quickly apologized to the being and staggered back from the appearance of that which he bumped into.

"Remember Joey, you gotta make them feel good!" Tobias called after him encouragingly.

Joey had managed to backpedal back against a nearby wall and was busy trying to make himself seem invisible, but it wasn't working well, in fact the more nervous he acted, the more attention he drew from the less appealing patrons.

Soon enough, a very 'pretty' man made his way over toward Joey and leaned a forearm against the wall over the dark brown haired human's head and leaned in, whispering to the young man who looked as though he might just pass out at any second.

Joey tried to shrink away from the man but said man reaches out and places a hand on his shoulder and attempts to lead him of. Joey, however nervous as he seemed would not allow the situation to get that out of hand. He turned and swatted the hand from his shoulder, speaking as politely as he could.

"I'm sorry sir, but I am not interested, please be on your way".

Before the very attractive man could say anything else, Joey quickly high tailed it, darting off to another side of the foyer, causing more stares to be following him as went. Pressing against one the large staircases, breathing heavily, Joey looked like he would like to crawl into a hole and die as some dark clad woman, bound in various leather straps and buckles with thigh high stilettos comes up to him and seizes him by the arm. attempting to drag him up the stairs.

As much as Joey tried to struggle, this woman seemed stronger then she appeared and managed to bring him down to one of the various shut doors in the hallway, opening it and shoving him in, it snapping closed behind her. Looking around rapidly, Joey could see that he was in some sort of private box. He paled and gulped loudly, nearly jumping out of his skin as he felt a feather light touch on his shoulder and whirled around, being face to face with the woman. He scrambled back slightly at this, the woman herself merely following.

"What you all scared about sugar? I'm not going to hurt you... well at least in the way that you may think" she purred, flutterring her long eyelashes suggestively as Joey continued to step back.

"Um... well... you see I'm only visiting this... lovely place with my friends, trying to look for someone..." he stumbled over his words as his back finally met with the wall and the woman came up to him, pressing her barely covered cleavage against him, running a finger along the side of his face.

"Who are you trying to look for?" she cooed, lightly brushing her lips against his ear, Joey's face becoming bright red.

"M-My master... H-Harper Radai... he was kidnapped by a devil... we're wondering if he is here..." he stuttered as her lips now made their way across his cheek.

"Mmmm... his name vaguely rings a bell. Belongs to those Ny'Tshaides. There are plenty who are against that family... for example there is this fellow prankster of a devil who has something on the youngest son... Kaine..." she let out casually and then clasped Joey's face hard, kissing him deeply, her tongue probing deep down his throat.

Joey almost gagged and tried to struggle free but the woman kept a firm grip of his shoulders, pulling him away from the wall and pushing him down to the floor, her hands beginning to claw at his shirt. The human struggled and kicked out, now coming to the point he wouldn't care if he hurt a girl as long as he got her off of him and get the hell out of here.

However the more he struggled, the more this woman seemed turned on. He could faintly smell her arousal and paled, continuing to fight with her. In the back of his mind he was hoping that Tobias or Velacia would have the sense to come look for him and save him from this predicament...

... or else he'll end up ravaged... in a various number of ways.

* * *

As Tobias watched Joey clamouring away from the various patrons, he could feel something cold behind him. Turning around he was greeted with the sigh of a tall woman who was tinted with a blue colour in ever single way, from her eyes to her clothes and even her skin and hair. Her features were of the angular variety and she looked at him with a calmness that set the skin crawling. Unlike the other guests within the Opera House, this being was modestly dressed, though that did not deter the wolf hybrid at all.

"Is there something we here at the Opera House can do for you?" she asked.

Though he shuddered slightly from the cold sensation, though he was use to it from where he came but here it felt a bit different then the tundra lands. He looked her up and down once and grinned, his tail wagging behind him slowly.

"Yes. Any help would be appreciated. We are currently looking for a friend of ours. A male elf... a pacifist actually. Name is Harper Radai... works for Daemokus and his family. Someone... took him, and we're just trying to locate him. Do you have any ideas on his whereabouts?" he asked casually, though was sliding closer to the woman, already feeling a bit turned on. The fact she could very well be a dark and evil being seemed not to deter him at all. Actually, in some aspects, it was kind of kinky. But he could feel that with all women. Men, on the other hand, like that bastard Kaine, were exempt from that rule, as well as Tobias had no interest in men at all. The woman before him arched a delicate eyebrow.

"A servant of the Ny'Tshaides has been taken? How very interesting. I have not heard anything about it. My former slave really should keep better servants if they are so easily taken".

"A slave of yours? Do you mean that Harper had worked for your slave? Interesting..." Tobias murmured, his eyebrows having raised. That must mean it was the person Joey talked to perhaps... seeing as they both had the same master. Or maybe it was someone from the Ny'Tshaides... but could they really of been held as slaves? Kaine was pretty powerful... He turned his attention back to the woman again. "Apparently the one who took him was this devil that my scaled tailed friend is in a contract with. I know the Ny'Tshaides have various enemies... but this one has a particular grudge again one of them by the name of Kaine. Do you know of such a person?"

At this, a malevolent gleam crossed the ice woman's gaze at the mention of Kaine.

"Kaine has many enemies... I'm... well acquainted with both him and his father".

"Are you now? Well perhaps that may help... unfortunately, we do not know the name of the one who made a contract with my friend. I can describe him but I do not know how much help that would do here" Tobias sighed, glancing around to see how Joey was fairing, smirking at the various people he was trying to avoid, watching him run off to another part of the foyer slightly before returning his attention to the woman, noticing the gleam in her eyes, hie ears perking slightly. The ice woman seemed rather entertained by their conversation.

"I can think of many that would like to have some form of leverage over that family. I wouldn't mind having a reason to get my hands on Kaine again... but he has learned from past mistakes."

"Oh? So you've had a history with him too?" Tobias murmured. Perhaps that could maybe prove useful too. He could always hunt for two answers right now as well. Gently brushing his fluffy tail against the woman, he moved closer. "What do you know of True Names?" At this the woman eyed Tobias amusedly.

"We all have them. They have great power over us. And thus, they are guarded with the utmost secrecy".

The lights in the Opera House begin to dim as an angelic being walks out onto the stage with her eyes closed and stands in the center of the huge stage. All the idle chatter stops and everyone gives their full attention to the woman on stage.

"I guess that makes sense... its just... well my friend has to find one of them. But perhaps its just a wild goose chase..." he murmured, laughing slightly as he scratched the back of his neck. Downside to drinking... revealing some information that one really shouldn't. He then glanced towards the stage where the angel like being came out and noticed how deathly quiet it was.

"Who is that?" he asked.

"That is Sonata. The star performer here at the Opera House. You should go take a seat, she is about to start." The ice woman stated as she turned from Tobias and started to walk away. She apparently had no interest in sex at all.

"That is one cooooold lady" Tobias sighed and then decided to take the woman up on her suggestion... but perhaps first he should locate Joey. Who knows what trouble... well at least trouble in the human's eyes, he would get into. Inhaling deeply, he started to follow the human's scent.

As Tobias was searching the Opera House, the angel's great white wings spread as the first crystalline note left the woman's lips in a very moving melody, in fact, the music brought forth feelings of joy and happiness. He felt rather content with the sound, his tail swishing back and forth. If he knew how to come here a different way then teleporting stones, he would, for this angel's voice as well as the hot babes he could bed here too.

He finally pinpointed Joey's scent, it leading to a locked door, slight thumps and sounds of a faint struggle could be heard on the other side. Grinning he knocked slightly, calling through.

"Hey Joey, you ok in there? Popping some moves I hope!"

"Tobias! Open the door!" Joey's voice could be heard anxiously through the barrier. Though it almost was not heard with how the song continued to drift lightly through the air to a crescendo before it dipped down into a lower pitch, the song changing into something darker and alluring, bringing forth feelings of passion and lust.

Tobias attempted to open the door, however didn't succeed upon finding that it was well locked. He was also a bit distracted with the change of tunes of the song as his eyes wandered down to stare at his crotch, noticing the apparent bulge appearing in his tight pants, pressing against the soft fabric most tightly.

"Damn that is some good singing" he whistled, rubbing himself absently. He glanced at the door again. He knew that Joey probably would not be taking this as well as he. Tobias loved the company of any woman but the human seemed more of those types of wanting to develop a decent relationship with a person before pursuing other... venues. Besides, in this type of place he wouldn't want want to leave him alone. Therefore he held his other hand out before him, almost in a way a ninja artist does, and started to form random symbols, his fingers alternating into a tight fist to having his index finger up with his pinkie and the other two down to other random sort of symbols till he shot a bolt of ice to the hinges of the door, freezing them, thus making it easy to break down. The frozen liquid traveled up around the seams of the door, a frosty light seeping around it.

However as the ice was beginning to settle, it then shattered into dust a moment after, revealing that the rooms are heavily warded against intrusion. Wouldn't be much of a surprise actually with being in Hell. He was brought out of his thoughts as he suddenly feels a heavy hand fall on his shoulder and a gruff voice behind him speaking.

"What the hell do you think your doing?"

Tobias turned slightly to the guard behind him, gazing at how large the creature was, it resembling some type of frog-mouthed being with a tiny pair of beady eyes almost hidden beneath the thick green and orange tinted slimy skin.

Thoughts ran through his mind rapidly. According to Velacia, if they started a fight they would be kicked out, but that applied more to the angel and devils. He knew that they would not prove much of a challenge... yet... A thought then came to his head, causing him to grin sardonically, though it seemed to almost go unnoticed by the being before him.

"Well you see... my slave just ran off and I located him here. I knew what I did with letting him run off was wrong, but he's been really BAD lately" he said apologetically.

"If you did not keep track of your property, it is no ones fault that it was taken by someone else". The creature paused and narrowed its eyes at Tobias "Your new here?" he then asked as desperate knocking could still be heard on the other side of the door. Tobias grinned, scratching the back of his head.

"Well you know, I drink so much that I tend to forget sometimes, but clearly that is my own fault I guess" he said. Upon the next question he laughed. "New? Absolutely not! My acquaintance... Kaine! I come here with often" he laughed, pulling at anything he could. The frog like creature blinked at Tobias.

"Strange, I have never seen you with Master Kaine, or at this establishment ever before. I do hope you aren't lying. If it is your first time here however, I can see why you might think its okay to leave your property laying around. Stand aside and I will retrieve your property".

"Thank you very much. I will make sure to keep an eye on him next time and if I were to lose him again, then I know of the consequences" Tobias said, smiling as he moved aside to let the guard have access, meanwhile sniffing the air. His scent was becoming more acute now that he was getting use to this place. Velacia wasn't too far off... and there was that woman he talked to and...

He shut his eyes, letting out a soft groan that went unnoticed by the guard.

Oh great... he was here.

The guard pulls out a huge ring of keys and goes to unlock the door. As it opens Joey falls backward onto his back with a naked dark haired woman landing on top of him. His hair was messed up, his shirt torn and his face looked horrified. Joey turns his gaze to Tobias.

"Tobias! What took you so long?!" He scrambled to try and get out from under the woman till the guard speaks.

"Miss, please release the human, he belongs to this man here". The frog like being gestures to Tobias and Joey gets a puzzled look on his face, but the woman stands and sighs dejectedly, giving one last lingering look to the human before going back into the private box and closing the door. Joey scrambled to his feet, his entire appearance in a state of disarray as Tobias grabs him by the arm, pulling him close, growling quickly in his ear.

"Play along" he hissed and then speaks louder. "How dare you run off from me! If it wasn't for this good sir then I would never of been able to get you back and I thought at least you know of the rules Kaine told us!" he snapped before smiling at the guard.

"Thank you once again. I really appreciate this. Now COME slave" he hissed, dragging Joey away. He doubted they could get any more information here without them being separated again. At least he found out some things... but he did wish he could get laid... he was so horny right now...

Joey tripped over his own two feet as the wolf hybrid dragged him off. He was obviously extremely grateful for the rescue, however, and stuck as close to Tobias as he could.

"Where did Vel go? I want to get the hell out of here" he said quietly as he straightened his attire and hair as he stood waiting for the hydra as Tobias looked around, trying to pinpoint the long haired woman's smell.

"That tentacled woman took her somewhere, but I don't know if we can burst into the rooms. If another guard stops me like the last it may not bode well... and that fucking Kaine is here too" he growled, looking around again, his ears laying flat on top of his head. He then paused, thinking slowly.

"... but if we cause a scene... we automatically get kicked out, right? But the question is where would we end up? That I don't know. Joey, what are your thoughts?" he asked as he began to lead him back along the main foyer, standing somewhat in the center of the grand place as he was looking up at the private boxes, trying to locate the exact one Velacia was in.

Joey doesn't reply, seeming too preoccupied in practically hiding behind Tobias to keep from getting dragged off again. Off to the side, the ice woman that Tobias spoke to prior seemed to be keeping an eye on them in a suspicious manner.

"Joey, focus goddamnit!" Tobias snapped, having not gotten a response back. The feeling of being watched was still intense and he had to be careful. Being kicked out would be fine if they all ended up in the same place, but if they didn't...

"Joey, what do those wards do? Will they keep some trouble off our backs?" the canine hybrid then asked as he scouted the layout up around them. The human glanced at him distractedly.

"Temporary shielding wards, that's all. And I have no clue how things work here. Normally the only trouble I get into involves zombies and vampires, not damn devils and the like. Give me a break here".

"Well then buddy, you better boost up them shields for things are gonna get bumpy" he said, grinning darkly as light started to whirl around him while he was letting out low growls as his muscles were beginning to flex and then bulge.

* * *

Taking a deep breath, weapon still clenched in hand, Velacia slowly turned to the tentacled female, a seductive look in her eyes, brushing up closer to the tentacled woman.

"I would most indeed be happy in discussing matters with you. If you can help me with something then I shall gladly help in return" she purred, flickering her snake tongue out in an erotic fashion, her tail gently touching the woman's side. On the outside she seemed rather intent on being close with the woman... yet on the inside she was screaming. She was not one to interact with females on the... sexual scale. The tentacled female grinned appreciatively, oblivious to the hydra's inner distress.

"Come then, follow me. Ssssssonata issssss ssssupposed to sssing tonight".

"Sounds lovely" Velacia replied, smiling lightly as she followed the tentacled woman, glancing slightly at Joey and Tobias behind her, hoping that Joey can take care of himself. Tobias she could care less. When it came to sex, she knew the man could handle himself.

The woman led her up one of the large staircases and opened a door leading into a private box that over hung the main crowd in the huge opera hall.

As the hydra followed the woman in to her private box and needless to say, she was impressed by how vast this building was. Kaine's father did put a lot of work into this, but the number of people here and the type of people who were here did not make her comfortable at all.

The fuchsia coloured being Velacia was with ushered her eagerly in and closed the door, something the hydra refused to flinch to and she was offered a seat at the rail of the balcony.

"Would you llllllike ssssomething to drinkssss?"

Velacia moved to sit on the long polished rail, crossing one slender thigh over the other as her tail looped around the pole slightly. Upon the woman's request, she politely declined with a soft shake of her head.

"No thank you. You have a very nice view" she commented, gesturing to around them as she watched the woman.

"It issssss hard to find a bad sssseat in this plasssse." The tentacled woman moved forward to stand infront of Velacia. "I have not ssssssseen you here before...."

Velacia smiled kindly at the woman, wondering on how close the woman would get.

"No, this place has only been mentioned to me by..." she trailed off, debating on whether to state the name or not. Perhaps it may prove for some leverage here. "... by Kaine. But we've actually only come here by chance. I was wondering if you had seen an elf here by the name of Harper Radai? He works for Daemokus and was taken by a devil who I am currently in contract with" she let out.

The tentacle being leaned forward, bringing her face uncomfortably close to Velacia's, seeming to get a glint in her eye at the mention of the purple haired man.

"You are a friend of Kaine? Sssssso lucky... I have not had a chansssssse with him yet. But in time I will. He and hissssss father are bussssssy bussssy people".

Velacia meanwhile leaned back slightly, not enjoying the close proximity. She laughed slightly, noting for a moment the dimming of the lights and the being with the large feathered wings coming onto the large stage before returning her gaze to the woman before her..

"I wouldn't exactly say friend... but yes. Busy are they? Sometimes I wonder..." she murmured. If Kaine was that busy then he wouldn't of bothered with her so much. She glanced down at her necklace briefly, wondering if he had slain the other child yet. The thoughts made her eyes harden slightly.

The tentacled woman attempted to coil one of her long, slithering limbs around Velacia, her touch having a damp sensation the other female hybrid did not feel settled with.

"You will enjoysss the ssssssong... very powerful" she hissed.

Velacia tolerated the touch from the woman, having not divulged enough information from her yet. She nodded politely, her gaze going over the woman on stage briefly.

She watched the white feathered winged woman release the pure notes from deep in her throat, the sensations of pure bliss and happiness coursing through the air and amongst the audience. The woman with Velacia leaned against her lightly, apparently lost in the music and very content, her long tongue idly caressing her collarbone. The hydra herself tingled slightly from the gentle touches as her own eyes lulled slightly to the song. It was indeed very powerful and for some odd reason, it took away the mental pain she had from those horrible few days ago. Actually, it took away any pain she was feeling within her. Giving her the relief that she so desperately needed. Perhaps was it the fact this being was an angel? Or something more?

As the music continued drifting through the air it then dropped to a much lower pitch, the tune of the song changing into something much dark and alluring... the sensations of passion and lust hitting the patrons hard. The woman with Velacia who was quite obviously interested in such things before hand let the music take her over as she attempted to slide her tentacles along the long black haired woman's body sensually.

Velacia's eyes widened slightly at the new change of song and once again was reminded of Kaine. Her tail twitched in an agitated sensation as the woman began to touch her sensually. She briefly wondered how this would of affected Kaine if he were here, and counted her lucky stars that she was lucky that he wasn't. However... she narrowed her eyes at the thought that went through her head, trying to not think of the more pleasuring traits the man had when he wasn't killing her children or fucking around with her, mentally that is, as she then tried to slowly move from the tentacled woman, wondering briefly how Tobias and Joey were doing.

Just out of the corner of her eye, across the massive concert hall, in a private box in a way similar to the one she was in, she could see that tell tale purple spiked hair, and that this being is apparently busy with some female friend. She froze as she gazed at it more fervently, her eyes narrowing more so till her suspicions were confirmed. It was Kaine... and he was with another woman. Tense feelings ran through her body for numerous reasons. One, if he found out that she was here... well... that may not bode well. Two, who knows how much information the others divulged and who knows if this would relate back to him and three... well... was she jealous? Angry definitely to know he was within a certain proximity but... Velacia was not yet use to all these new emotions. She skirted them briefly during her younger years but she was more retained in the cold recesses of her animalistic mind. But now? There was definite anger yes towards what he had done to her and yet... perhaps it was her being a woman but she couldn't deny deep down this other feeling was there... and it hurt.

Of course when it also occurred to Velacia that everyone in the concert hall seemed to be getting it on, the seats down below turning into a variable orgy, that did not bode well. The tentacled woman attempted to pull Velacia closer as the hydra's eyes roved over the masses of beings, both humanoid and not, touching each other in various locations, the scent of different fluids and how strong their desires were rising through the air, making her crinkle her nose. Lips locking tightly in a mad battle of passion, whatever clothing that seemed to be on slowly being stripped or viciously torn away. Various ways of how these beings were getting in on the act, the ways that Velacia knew and other ways... that she did not want to think about how it was comprehensible.

It just then occurred to her that if everyone was getting it on... Tobias would most likely be in on this action... but what about Joey? He was a human and she doubted he could hold his own better then her and Tobias.

Oh dear...

Her tongue tasted the air, trying to locate the human's scent as she mildly rested against the tentacled woman, not planning on starting a scene... YET.

The fuchsia coloured woman attempts to move Velacia over to a reclining seat as the song continues to grow in intensity. The hydra squirmed slightly but allowed herself to be moved over to the reclining chair. It seems as though the performance schedueled for tonight was mostly geared toward those beings from hell. There are some angels taking part in the festivities, but somehow it seems different with them... such as how a bit more tolerable it seemed to the eye then with the hell beings. There were just too many scents, too many noises... she could smell a human but locking in on it and finding out if they were in trouble was hard to do, especially with how persistent the woman with her was feeling her up, getting a little more bold with her advances at the music grew louder and stronger.

Velacia was starting to writhe a bit more now, trying to keep her legs closed as she forced the music to not affect her and for some odd reason, unlike the happy tune, the darker one didn't make her very aroused. Perhaps it was due to the fact she was accustomed to Kaine or that her mind was not set for it... that and tentacles? Something she wasn't really into, the way the slickened slimy flesh was running across her curves and over her tail. Just the feeling of how it stuck yet slid around so easily at the same time made her scales crawl. Trying to not get too engrossed with what was happening to her, she briefly located the youkai's and Joey's scent. Apparently they were together. That was good. She just hoped they would last until she could get away from this woman.

The tentacled being then remove what little clothes Velacia was wearing and then locks lips with the poor hydra hybrid, her long slimy tongue, much thicker then her own, swirled around hers tightly, stroking it, pushing deeper into her throat, tasting every bit of her mouth as the various tendrils dip across her neck and collar bone and then swirl around her full breasts, attempting to elicit her nipples to harden, rubbing over them persistently. The hydra was not enjoying this turn of events and was half wondering if she should just keeping going along with it. But then would this woman let her go afterwards? She wasn't too pleased to become someone else's pet...

She briefly wondered if the pendant would save her from rape while she grabbed the sword with her tail, her hands clenching the sides of the recliner slightly as the woman was so caught up in the song that as she pulled her lips away, the look in those dark eyes was plainly telling her she was ready to do some very naughty things with those tentacles and that long tongue. Velacia swallowed hard, doing everything in her power now to claw this woman's face off and force feed her own tongue as the song had reached its climax and reverts back to a more pleasant, light sounding melody as it starts to die off, though somehow it seems like the notes linger in the air.

As the woman begins to lower her face to her nether regions, her tentacles wrapping gently around her strong and soft thighs, slowly prying them open, the hydra paled somewhat and started to squirm once again, really unsure of this downturn of events. If she fights back would the woman just merely overpower her? Or would she get kicked out? Kicked out wouldn't be that bad but then what about the others? Damnit. She did not like this at all.

... she could claim she belonged to someone else... maybe stall the woman a bit...

"... you know... I'm not sure how Kaine would deal with his pets being taken by others... I mean by all means if he would be ok with this then go for it... but I am unsure of the rules here..." she started randomly, making her words sound as convincing as possible.

"From what I've heard, Massssssster Kaine is not one to be overly posssesssive of those he sssspendsssss time with. Are you not having fun?" the woman asked, raising her head to meet Velacia's gaze as her tentacles caressing her flesh lightly.

"Well it's not that... its just I've always asked master's permission before I've done anything. He's always made a point of that... that's all... just wanted to be... cautious..." she let out, writhing again from the light touches, panting a bit. The tentacled woman leaned in, brushing her lips against Velacia's ear, the tip of the long tongue tickling along the canal.

"Massster Kaine is bussssy with sssssomeone elsssse right now. I don't think he will mind".

"I... well..." Velacia trailed off, unsure as to what to say, the instincts of wanting to fight to get the woman off her fighting with just trying to stall time verbally. That was till she was distracted by the scent of a wolf invading her senses... invading them really hard.

She jerked up slightly, the woman letting her do so for she was distracted as well, hearing commotion below them. Velacia could only stare incredulously out of the private box. Why on earth was Tobias transformed?

As the glowing light died down on the floor of the main foyer, Tobias was indeed within his hulking wolf form, large and breathing lowly. He picked up Joey gently with his jaws and placed him on his back before bending his muscles low to the ground before launching himself up into the air, heading towards the scent of where Velacia resided.

To say that a giant wolf was not exactly the best way to stay unnoticed was an understatement and many of the patrons of the Opera House turned to see the big white canine leaping up toward one of the private boxes. Across the concert hall, Kaine's attention was drawn from who he was doing and over to the disturbance, much to his current partner's chagrin.

"What the hell is going on..." he muttered as he moved over to the rail of his private box and leaned forward slightly, narrowing his ice blue eyes at the spectacle. Sonata, the angel on stage, also turned her attention towards the disturbance, a faint frown on her delicate features. Joey meanwhile clung to Tobias' fur with a death grip.

"What the hell are you doing dog boy?!"

"Making a scene so we can all get kicked out of this place at the same time. Either that or you activate those teleport stones when I grab Velacia! NOW ACTIVATE THEM SHIELDS!" he growled, before letting out a howl, leaping from private box to private box till he landed on the one where Velacia and the tentacled woman was in, balancing somehow miraculously, despite his size, on the railing. He growled at the woman who was still partially on top of Velacia, the tentacled woman's eyes widening considerably as she moved to get off of the hydra, baring her fangs at the intruder.

Velacia jumped up at his arrival, listening vaguely to all the commotions around them. She was glad but then angry. Kaine was just in plain view and the last she needed was him teleporting over here.

"...smooth move..."she hissed under her breath.

"You idiot! They are shield PENDANTS!!! I have to get them out of my pack and you have to WEAR THEM!" he yelled as he thunks Tobias in the back of the head with a fist, though due to the size difference it doesn't really come off as having much force. He then fumbled and frantically scrambled to pull the stone from his pouch and activated it, opening a portal to get out of the place, though it opened way up over the crowd.

From his own private box, Kaine smirked wickedly as he recognized those involved.

"Well well well... Look at what we have here..."

Velacia gently pushes the tentacled woman off her. Debating on the situation, she probably would have gone through with the impending sexual acts, as much as she didn't want too, physically that was. She thought this would be the sort of place that Kaine might want her to locate the devil... but now that did not matter. But still... this woman really did nothing wrong... well yet.

Smiling she actually kissed the woman hard, almost teasing her with the way her forked tongue caressed her lips, a tease of her own that she would never get claimed by her before hopping off, ignoring the fact she was nude and jumped up onto Tobias, seating herself behind Joey, the tentacled woman sighing as her would be lover just kissed her and took off. She slumped her shoulders. Was it that hard to want to give some tentacle loving?

"Tobias... you are an idiot, you do realize that?" Velacia queried lowly.

"Already been told twice" the wolf growled, noticing where the portal opened.

"And you do realize Kaine is on a balcony directly across from us?" she added.

"... vaguely..."

"Tobias..." she sighed, running a hand through her hair.

"I know I know. I'm an idiot..." the wolf laughed, jumping higher up upon various different private boxes till he could get enough momentum to get ready to jump at the portal. "BUT AN IDIOT SAVING YOUR LIVES!"

"Unless we get killed!" she snapped.

Kaine watched amusedly as the three made their escape through the portal, continuing to watch the spot they left through even well after their exit had faded away.

"Well, I guess her and I will need to have a little chat" he mused to himself before turning his attention back to the woman who was waiting impatiently for him to pick up where he left off.

Elsewhere, the trio popped out of the portal back in the clearing they had started in, Joey falling off Tobias as he lands on solid ground.

"Oomph! Damnit dog! What the hell were you thinking?!" he yelled as Velacia hopped off of Tobias, the wolf turning back into his hybrid state, dusting himself off before looking at Joey smugly.

"I just saved our lives without getting kicked out. A little more appreciation would be nice and I'm a wolf for godsakes".

"Well did anybody get any information?" Velacia asked.

"Well the woman I was talking to was the master of someone who employed Harper as his servant... a real ice queen. I'm guessing that's in a way your master Joey... and I learned that True Names are really well guarded. What about you Vel?"

"... not much except that Kaine is a total slut" she muttered. Tobias laughed.

"... sounds like someone is jeaaalllloooouuusss..." he crooned out, earning him a punch in the chest, sending him sprawling on the ground.

"The next joke I hear from your mouth involving me and him... you'll lose more then a little blood..." she warned before turning to Joey, who had his brow furrowed from Tobias' information. "What about you?"

"Could you reword that dog boy? I couldn't understand a think you said". He turned his gaze to Velacia, stopping still for a moment as he went red in the face before quickly averting his gaze "I uh...well..uh...."

"What is it?" Velacia asked, quirking an eyebrow. Tobias, sniggering, got to his feet.

"In case you forgotten snake lady, you are utterly naked. Don't be shy Joey, she's all woman... you don't see many bodies like that these days" he drawled out before getting smacked by Velacia's tail in the head.

"Can you control your penis for ONE MINUTE?!"

"Well that song didn't help you know. You saw the outcome!"

"Yes, I am well aware of that" she sighed before looking at Joey again, who kept his eyes on the ground deliberately. "As before, did you find anything interesting?"

"All I learned was that some sort of prankster is rumored to have something on Kaine's family. Or at least I think that is what she said before she tried to swallow my tongue" Joey said before he quickly turned his back to the two.

"Hmm. A prankster you say? So this guy has a sense of humour" Tobias muttered. "Interesting".

"Sense of humour or not, it was apparent that Harper was not there. We need to try somewhere else. Joey, please activate the stones again" Velacia urged, peering at the human.

"I don't think it is such a great idea to go running off blindly to the next place just yet. Not so soon after the mess at the Opera House" Joey said as he fidgeted awkwardly. "She dressed yet dog boy?"

"You can not ask me yourself?" Velacia asked incredulously.

"He's probably a virgin..." Tobias supplied. She sighed and looked at Joey.

"I do not have any other clothes on me and this isn't the first time I travel naked. On most cases I would prefer it really..." she said, sighing again. "Well what do you suggest we do?"

"Well you think that devil is done yet?" Tobias asked as Joey shucked his pack from his back and goes about removing his slightly torn tunic and tosses it back over his shoulder to Velacia.

"Here...you can wear that for now. As for our next move, maybe we should just sleep for now, it's late. I mean get some sleep... I didn't mean sleep together... I mean... well you know what I mean".

Velacia looked at the tunic for a moment before shaking her head and gently setting it on the ground.

"I can not wear something like this. It does not feel comfortable but thank you nonetheless. I'll go make some attire right now" she said as she moved to walk past Tobias.

"Sleep may be good" Tobias yawned.

"You two go ahead. I am not tired at all" Velacia said. "I'll keep watch. And Tobias... how much information did you divulge about me and my contract?"

"...umm... not a lot..." Tobias said, scratching his head. "Why?"

"I do hope that the person you talked to is not a friend of his and relays this information to him" she said. "Because if he finds out... this really will not bode well".

"Well the person I talked to knows him well. But... ah... I'm sorry" he said quietly. Velacia sighed. She really hoped none of the people she or the others talked to would converse with him. But still, who knows?

"Oh well. I'll deal with it later" she muttered as she headed off in the growth, looking for materials for a new bra and underwear as Joey flopped down on the grass with a heavy sigh.

"I'm really not used to this stuff" he mutters as he reached over to pick up his tunic and put it back on.

"The joys of dealing with non humans I'm sure eh?" Tobias stated, grinning. "You'll get use to it eventually and things will get better".

He pulled out another bottle of booze, uncorking it as he set into his drinking, smiling to himself. Besides, they had help on the way, not that Joey or Velacia knew that, but soon they would and Kaine would be a mere problem instead of an extravagant one in no time.

* * *

Velacia was sitting against a rather large oak, the moon at the very middle of the sky, indicating it was well into the night. In her palms were some soft leaves, rubbery bark and some fine threads. She picked a scale off of her tail, manufacturing it into a simple needle. A trick she learned from her mother when she was a young hydra on how to fashion clothes. Came quite in handy. At least far simpler and at no cost at all compared to what humans or other beings did for attire.

She went about setting to the task, Harper's sword curled tightly into her tail. Her thoughts could not move far from the elf and more was she filled with dread on his well being. She hoped he was alright. She couldn't help feeling it was still her fault. Still, the adventure to the Opera House gave some answers, if poor ones at that. Of course Tobias' method of getting out could of been better thought through. She sighed shaking her head. Too many problems now and not enough solutions.

It was surprising she still had enough energy to stay awake with the recent events of Kaine's extraction of her children and Harper's kidnapping. Oh she was stressed, that was definitely certain. She could feel it, deep within her chest, how more of a strain it took on her heart, but granted anyone would be like her if they went through the same scenario.

How much time passed as she made her undergarments, she did not know, but as she pulled them onto her form, she felt it was time to return to the camp. Looking up at the moonlit sky, her tail still curled snugly against the holy weapon, she began to make the slow trek back.

Joey had meanwhile built a fire and had pulled a small blanket from his pack as he glanced over at his new drunk wolf friend.

"So... you think she is okay? She's been away for a long time". He was concerned that Velacia might have gotten into some trouble. Tobias let out a sigh, taking a small sip from his bottle thoughtfully, swishing the booze within the container.

"I'm sure she is. It's still calm around us. I hear no disruptions and she can take care of herself quite well, minus the random egotistical manipulative bastard. No, she probably wants some time alone. She's going through... a lot right now" he said quietly. Minus Velacia's brief episode of insanity after returning from Kaine's when he removed the eggs, she was holding on pretty well. But he knew she was stressed and doubted it would get better. She was putting on a front, that was pretty clear, if only to himself at the moment. He could see the cracks that were beginning to spread and she would break... and he feared it would be permanently the next time it is done.

"I guess you know her better then I do" the human said as he wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and nodded slightly. He peered at the small fire he had built somberly. "I hope Master Harper is alright. She's been clinging to his sword this whole time..."

Tobias looked out at nothing in particular, his eyes caught into the vast display of twinkling lights in the sky. Sighing he laid on his back, resting his booze at his side, his long fluffy tail brushing amongst the blades of grass beneath them.

"I'm sure he is. He's pretty tough and I bet he's sticking through it... and well... she does feel responsible for him being taken. It's odd to see her like this. So... warm in a sense. Either way, we still have two more stones to try so hopefully one of them will take us to where he is" he mused, tail rustling up and down lazily. He really did hope that nothing bad was happening to the elf but knowing these devils... they were rather disgusting creatures.

Not too far off from them, the shadows began to shift and twist, pulling into a solid mass which takes on the form of a human before they recede and Kaine is standing there, adjusting his attire.

"So, what exactly were you people doing at the Opera House? And how did you get there?"

Tobias slowly sat up, hoping for once in his life that his booze was making him hear voices. But upon seeing the purple haired man, knew that it was all real. He sighed, trying to remain calm. He was definitely glad Velacia was not in the proximity.

"I always was a fan of music. We just randomly dropped by for the fun of it. I hope we didn't distract you from your whoring" he said casually, propping himself now on his elbows, taking a drink from his bottle as Joey scrambled to his feet and drew his tonfas, glaring at Kaine.

"What the hell do you want?" Kaine simply glanced at Joey as if he were nothing as he responded.

"I came for answers". Kaine turned his gaze to Tobias and smirked. "Maybe one of these days I'll take you for a spin, dog."

Tobias made a motion for Joey, hoping the human didn't do anything stupid. He inhaled the air deeply. Velacia was still a bit of ways off, but could return any moment. Himself and Joey owed this man nothing, but he had a leverage over the hydra.

"Well I also wanted to have sex too with the hot babes though that ice queen lady was a real stiff" the wolf mused, recollecting his conversation with the attractive woman before peering at Kaine again, trying to comprehend his second comment though taking it in a different light then what Kaine was trying to convey. "A spin? How kind of you. Perhaps I may take you up on that offer. Anyways we were there cause Vel needed some relaxation" he drawled, taking another long drink as Kaine narrowed his gaze slightly.

"Don't play dumb, dog. One doesn't just pop into the Opera House... especially not mortals". Apparently he was ignoring the reference to the 'Ice Queen'. "You were looking for something. What were you looking for?" Kaine folded his arms across his chest. Joey looked like he was ready to try to attack the purple haired man, feeling more apprehensive with each second that passed.

"You know wolves and dogs have different appearances" Tobias laughed slightly, stretching as he laid back, saying dejectedly to Joey. "Now now Joey, lets not be inhospitable to our guest... especially one who knows tactics". He then eyed Kaine from under his jet black bangs, his tail lightly hitting against the ground.

"Fine if you must know, we were hunting for information for Vel, alright? She was looking for someone who isn't a mortal that she's an acquaintance with so we were probing for information. Last I checked it isn't illegal so I don't know why it bothers you. You're a pretty distracted man Kaine. Sometimes its better to focus on one thing... I'm sure your partner didn't take too kindly to you having stopped screwing her" he said casually, drinking again.

"What information were you looking for in my father's Opera House? And who gave you access?" Kaine mostly watched Tobias. Joey had never actually met those beings Harper worked for and thus didn't recognize Kaine as one of them.

"Tobias this guy just walked right out of shadows, that generally means he is a bad guy..."

"Yes he is. Believe me, he is. But take my advice and don't do anything please" Tobias warned, sitting up slightly, grinning at Kaine. "You know I'm not exactly a good person to ask for information seeing as I'm an alcoholic. I came along a merchant who sold teleport stones, though he didn't tell us where they took us. So that is how we got there. As for information, it's as I said before, we were trying to find an acquaintances of Vel's, nothing more. It's her own personal life Kaine. One should know not to pry into a woman's secrets. If she doesn't want to tell the father of her kids then its not my problem" the wolf hybrid continued, hoping Joey would not say anything on the teleport stones.

"Who is she looking for?" He focuses his gaze on the dog boy with a cold gaze. "You can tell me, or you can experience the full extent of what my blade can do, rather then me stopping it from killing you. It really is very simple to tell me what I want to know."

"You know, it's not my place to say anything. You should ask your wife" Tobias sneered, indicating with quoting hands.

"...whose wife?" came Velacia's voice as she came out of the darkness, approaching the three men. Upon noticing Kaine, well more so smelling his scent before seeing him, she groaned slightly. She kept her distance and crossed her arms. However she wasn't really that surprised, but she didn't expect him so quickly.

"Why are you here? I thought you were busy" she stated, the last part sounding a bit darker then intended. She inwardly berated herself for letting such a silly thing of him fucking other people bother her. Perhaps it was the inner parental instincts of seeing the father of her child sleeping around... but Kaine was anything but father figure material. She just hoped the other two didn't say anything too informative as Kaine started to walk toward Velacia calmly.

"You're going to tell me why you were at the Opera House, you're going to tell me how you got there, and who it is you were looking for. And if you don't answer these questions directly and in a way I am happy with, you can spend the next week in my home, and it will not be nearly as pleasant as the first or second time. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" he queried as his gaze scanned the hydra critically, taking note of the weapon coiled in her tail.

It took all her will not to step back from his closing proximity. She gritted her teeth, her jaw clenched as her tail swayed behind her, though she did her best to keep the sword away from Kaine's view, though had a good feeling he had a good look to it. She took in a sharp breath of air before looking at him coldly.

"We hardly caused any harm from being in the Opera House so I really see not much reason to inform you. We got there with teleport stones if you must know and that's all I am saying. Personal business dear. And if I recall correctly, the third time in your establishment was anything but pleasant so there's really not much that you can do to make feel worse then I already am" she hissed.

Tobias blinked slowly. She was being bold, which was good to see. But could she really hold any threat over that devil's head? Highly unlikely. Out of all three of them in their little group, Velacia was indeed the strongest, but it was quite apparent that Kaine had her trounced.

"Oh there is much I could do that is far far worse then what I have done already. And don't forget, I have your remaining child. Care to rethink your answer?" he asked as he grinned darkly.

Joey frowned as he observed the conversation between the two. He didn't like how this guy was moving toward Velacia and he himself tries to slip into position behind the intruder, getting ready to attack.

"Perhaps it is you who should rethink your threat" came a low, cool voice a ways behind Velacia.

The hydra froze, eyes widening as she slowly looked behind her, visibly paling at who she saw, where as Tobias on the other hand was grinning from ear to ear, which were pricked up in excitement.

"Bout time he shows".

Out from the trees came a tall man, about the same height as Kaine, if a bit taller. His skin was a warm flesh tone and eyes a bloody crimson. His hair was a bit unkempt, spiky in some ways and with some soft locks down in front of his eyes in others. The colour was red, matching that of his eyes, if only looking more along the bright colours of fire, seeming to burn with life. His whole essence seemed to brim with, even the land amongst which he walked almost vibrated more with the sensations. He was clad in an ornate red and black leather and velvet robe, gold clasps that lined down the middle that kept it closed over his chest, the length of the robe ending just above his knee where he wore knee high spiked boots and full metal gauntlets, both of a silver colour. His ears were pointed and his disposition full on masculine, his build similar to that of Kaine's if having a bit more muscle. There was something about the way he walked that made him tower over others.

Velacia cringed slightly as he came close to her, a smile upon his handsome features, a charming one yet no malevolent thought within. It did matter to her, however, as memories for their encounter a long while ago began to filter through. She had made it quite clear she never wanted to see him again...

"Its been a while last of the hydra" he purred out, before his eyes fell upon Kaine's form, taking him in with mild interest. "So this is who the wolf spoke of..."

Velacia froze and slowly turned to look at Tobias, an angry gaze upon her features. Catching it Tobias shrugged, moving to stand and to go to Joey, intending to pull the human back.

"Well Vel, I figured when dealing with a manipulative egotistical bastard, might as well pull in another that could take him head on..."

Kaine scanned the new arrival with a critical gaze at first, the contrast between the two was almost comical. Finally he returns his gaze toward Velacia, ignoring the newcomer.

"I suggest that you answer my questions, or we will head back to my home and I can rip the answers from your mind".

"Hey, let go of me" Joey muttered as he struggled a little against Tobias as was still pulling him back.

"Joey don't be silly. We're no match for him. Don't worry, the other guy is a friend" the wolf hybrid reassured the human, pulling him back a bit further.

"Rude isn't he?" the newcomer mused, looking into Velacia's eyes, where her own were darting between Kaine and him. She finally glanced at the red head again, hissing.

"I don't need your help".

"Mmm... and you think your boding well with how things are now? From what Tobias has told me it is quite the opposite. Here... let me see what has been going on..." he hissed and casually placed a clawed gauntlet gently upon her forehead.

Upon contact, Velacia's body seized slightly, remaining upright and rigid, her tail stilling in the swaying. Her eyes remained wide open, but her silver irises had disappeared. Though her ire towards this man has not waned much since the many years of their departure from one another, she knew, in truth, if because of his morals, ethics or standards, he would not harm her... and secretly, she wanted someone to understand, if not willingly. Or more so the person that she wouldn't mind divulging all too was not here and he was only the suitable replacement.

As he kept his hand on her head, it seemed the red head was reading some invisible text in front of him, a thoughtful look in his eyes. Velacia knew what he was reading, for she was letting him. Upon what seemed like a few moments he tsked, bringing his crimson eyes to Kaine's gaze.

"You demons are sad little creatures. Are your lives truly that boring that you must mess with that of a mortal's? Such a sad creature indeed". Kaine couldn't help but smirk at the man's words.

"I'm not a demon, perhaps you should get your facts straight before you open your mouth". Kaine started to walk toward Velacia calmly, heedless of the man beside her. "Stay out of our business. It doesn't involve you".

"Soul eater... succubus... incubus... your blood a healthy little toxification. Yes yes... a blender full of creatures all poured into one... and this is the result? It is always dangerous to put all life into one form" the man mused, keeping his clawed hand upon Velacia's forehead, his other hand gingerly going down over her stomach, touching the scar.

"This caused you much pain, didn't it?" he asked, but got no response from the woman, still under his trance. Though she was definitely giving him a response, straight into his mind, the pain of what lay beneath that scar running deeper then even he knew the hydra would let on. He smiled softly, nodding at something and then glanced at Kaine again, smiling slightly.

"You really have no idea how special this little hydra is do you? So many things about her physiology that you could still find out... but never will with the way you're doing things..." he laughed, pulling the hydra close to him. "Perhaps I should offer you a freebie? Something that you should of taken into account when you removed her eggs" he snickered, once again fingering her scar.

Deep within her thoughts Velacia tensed at this. Would he really state the truth? But a warm caress of her form, even if he wasn't moving his hands, reassured her that it would all be alright.

"I'm learning much of her species from the second. It takes time to decipher the secrets of their DNA. Now I warn you. Step aside, and run along. Your help or input is not needed or wanted". He ignores the fact that the other man has the woman held close, and continues forward, seemingly unarmed, and reaches to grab Velacia's arm while Joey tries to pull free from Tobias' grip while the wolf hybrid growled, his hands clenching down harder upon the human's arms, forcing the man to remain still, if somewhat.

"Joey stop it. Do you really think you can prove much harm against Kaine?" he asked as he watched the red haired man grin, a devious smirk upon his face.

"Little too late little demon. I guess Velacia has one up over you" he chuckled.

As Kaine reached for Velacia's arm, the air started to heat up between the two and Kaine was shoved back by an invisible force, keeping him away from the woman. The man merely smiled, looking down at the hydra, moving his left hand from Velacia's stomach to her face, stroking the contours.

"I do hate it when children can not play fair. Perhaps I should even the odds so you don't get hurt again... hmm?"

Though he got no verbal response, the plea from within the soul was enough and a devious smile was upon his features at that fact.

"You can either stand down and allow me to take her or I can take her by force and destroy the second child". The purple haired man starts to walk forward again, a blade sliding from his palm parallel to his fingers and he suddenly vanishes mid step, appearing behind the man and bringing the blade to his throat all in one smooth motion. He leans toward the other man's ear. "Make is easier on yourself and walk away".

The man merely smirks, a calm look upon his features, not fazed whatsoever by Kaine's actions.

"Who said anything about I going to stand up to you? You're not worthy of my time or effort" he said casually, ignoring the weapon against his throat as he petted Velacia's face. A small trickle of tears came down from her pure black eyes. He almost frowned at the amount of sorrow the hydra held deep within her soul, locking it away best she could from others. That in itself was almost as damaging as what this underworlder had done to her.

"There there dear. You still have that... and he doesn't" he said gently. Another trigger of emotion, another struggle to keep it hidden, but she knew it was futile to with him. She was letting him in willingly, of her own accord... though she felt shame from having to go to another, something the red haired man felt that she shouldn't.

A flash of warm red light enveloped the two for a brief moment, hiding them from view. When it dispersed, Kaine was standing alone and Velacia and the red haired man were now resting at a tree opposite of them, but this time the man held the upper half of a dragon's skull in his palm, the bone black and brittle looking and one of the long horns more chipped then the other, while his other hand remained on the hydra's head. The skull in question looked big enough to fit on someone's head... more so hers.

"I'm not going to take the woman anywhere that she does not wish. I'm just going to give her a means of protection, just like yours... but unlike yours, it will not bind her" he continued before gingerly placing the skull on Velacia's head, the bone keeping her face from view. Smirking he finally released the woman from his light grasp. She remained standing though her head hung down.

"Feel free to take her... if you can" the man simply said, taking a few steps back.

Kaine smirked darkly and gestured, the pendant around Velacia's neck starts to tighten steadily as he merely folds his arms and sneers at the red haired man.

"You've given her your gift, now be on your way, seeing as how we are not worth your time". Apparently Kaine was very used to being looked down upon, it didn't seem to bother him in the least. The red haired man merely grinned, offering Kaine a wink.

"Of course you aren't. I never took pleasure in trouncing... children" he smiled, a knowing glint in his eye before turning around slightly to walk a bit away, but was heading into Tobias' and Joey's direction. "But please do not be alarmed by the results... much".

Though the pendant was cutting into her neck, Velacia for some odd reason did not squirm, even when her flesh tore slightly, some of the blood dripping down along her collar bone. It was almost like she was dead... but not.

Kaine suddenly appears in the air before her and does a quick pinwheel kick to try and kick the skull off of the long black haired woman's head though all the while keeping an eye on the red haired man.

Red glowing orbs suddenly appear in the dragon skull's sockets and Velacia's right hand shoots up, clamping onto Kaine's ankle, halting his kick. The force in her grip was like a vice, similar to that of their first encounter when Kaine did the same to her.

As the orbs appeared, a neck spine comes from out at the back of the skull, trailing down along Velacia's back and along her tail till it reached the tip. Ribs appeared from the spine and curled around her torso and tail, encircling it completely. One set of ribs sets itself under the choking pendant. It would not break it, but would prevent further strangling. Skeletal fragments crawl along her arms and legs, going along her slender fingers as claws. It was if she was in a form on bone armour.

She does not speak at all, and it seems as if the skull was oddly alive. She slams Kaine into the ground but remains where she is standing, not moving to hurt him more.

"What the hell is that?" Tobias asked the red haired man, looking at the skeletal dragon upon the hydra. He had never seen anything like that, but did know of various forms of enchanted armour... just not as alive as this one.

"One could call it... a symbiote..." the man merely replied, smiling casually as he stood by Tobias and Joey. The human just stood there with his arms at his sides and tonfas in hand with a rather goofy looking expression of shock on his face, having long been released by the youkai after relenting in his struggles. They watched as Kaine hits the ground but lands on his hands, vaulting to his feet lightly and landing in a knelt position.

"Hmmm... interesting".

He stands fully and mutters something under his breath, a whirring sound filling the air as small chakram like portals start to spin around Velacia, some of them slicing into the branch and severing it from the tree, causing the branch to fall out from under her. He wasn't going to need his weapon for this, that was certain.

She merely lands on all fours before pushing herself to a bipedal stance. The red orbs flickered slightly as they watched Kaine but still remained docile. It seemed it would only attack out of self defense or to keep the hydra from being put into a certain situation.

"So you mean that thing is alive?" Tobias asked,

"In a sense, yes. But it needs a host. It works both ways. The symbiote provides protection and enhanced abilities in many different forms and makes them a tactical fighter, honing all their skills. In return the host gives something in exchange to feed the symbiote".

"And what is that?" Tobias queried with a raised eyebrow.

"For everyone its different. But in this case... her emotions... which means no manipulating her on the battlefield" the red haired man smirked.

Kaine himself ignored those standing on the side lines, but he heard what the man had said. Yes this would be interesting indeed. He viewed the portals zip toward Velacia and attempt to cut away at the 'helmet', with surgical like precision so as to try and cut through the bone, but not into the hydra herself. Like peeling an orange without damaging the fruit.

Velacia waited till the blades got close before ducking at the last moment. She remained on all fours for a moment and analyzed Kaine. She then stood again and held open her palm and from where the bone covered it, a similar black bone projectile emerged, pushing its way our of her protected hands and flew towards Kaine at a high speed, followed by two other shots.

"So... I don't think I've ever met you before" the red haired man stated as he looked at Joey, a kind smile on his face, completely disregarding the events behind him.

The first of the bone projectiles skims past his head and as the other two approach him, he reaches up and catches them out of the air before they have a chance to hit him as he grins slightly. He couldn't help himself. Fights always put him in a good mood, even if they were trivial like this. He flings the two spikes back at Velacia, aiming to drive them into each of her legs just above the knees.

"I think he's in shock man" Tobias chuckled, observing Joey's expressions, having not yet responded, as the red haired man merely smiled.

"Tends to happen".

"Wuh?" Joey let out as he slowly turned his gaze to the red haired man.

Velacia meanwhile tilted her head to the side, analyzing the flying spikes before she wraps her tail around her legs just as the spikes drive home, but instead hit through her tail, embedding itself in the flesh. Strangely enough, no sound emitted from her throat, though blood was dripping from the tail.

She then darted forward, a lot faster then before, slamming Kaine onto his back and into the ground, the bone claws digging into his shoulders hard.

Kaine grinned as she slammed into him and pinned him to the ground, that was exactly what he needed, he needed to get in close. He slides the blade that was hidden on his palm toward her chest and it becomes thinner and looks fairly fragile as he tries to drive it between the protective 'ribs' that served as armor, a whirring portal flying at Velacia from behind at the same time, in an attempt to sever her tail at the base completely.

"He looks like a good human..." the red haired man mused, looking over Joey thoughtfully. Tobias grinned, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Believe me, he is. If he drinks booze and is a good guy in all, course he is" he chuckled before he cast a gaze back at Velacia, wondering how long could she hold up.

If one could of seen the woman's features, she would be smirking. As the portal came close to her, she seized Kaine close to her, almost hugging and rolled away, narrowly missing the portal. After a few turns, she remains lying on her back, but continues to hug the man to her. Though the blade drives into her chest, the skeleton upon her body seems to come alive and thinner fragments curl up and around Kaine's form, pinning him to her, cutting into his flesh hard. She uses her right hand to grasp at his neck, lifting it up to look him straight in the eyes.

The bone armour seemed to shift, as if expanding, to not only keep him pinned, but more so to cover her limbs. Her wounded tail was completely concealed within the armour, absorbing the previous lodged bone projectile as well.

"... I wonder how you have sex like that. Looks painful..." Tobias mused aloud.

Kaine allowed her to grab his throat, as if it mattered very little, his intoxicating blood starting to waft through the hair. Inside the hydra, the thin blade started to grow and branch out and she could feel the thin spikes seemingly slithering through her body, not doing any serious harm, but it was hard to breath, and soon it would be impossible to move, like being a victim of an iron maiden that was inside her body.

"You guys... I think she is in trouble" Joey murmured, looking worried. Even as a human he could smell the strange blood from the darker clad man and felt a little woozy because of it. That foul blood doesn't just work on females apparently.

"Damn... no wonder she originally couldn't think straight before... that is some potent smell" Tobias muttered, looking down at his crotch, watching himself harden, not liking the fact that it was because of Kaine, of all people.

The red haired man was unaffected by the scent, merely looking upon the battle calmly. He was impressed by this one's techniques. And he was so young too... he surpassed far faster then anyone else. However in truth he knew the battle would take this kind of turn... but he was wanting to test something out. He then glanced at Joey, smirking slightly.

"She won't die and even if she did here and now... that which is most important to her won't. I promised" he gently said.

Rivers of red blood seemed to run from under the dragon skull, as if she were crying real rivers of blood. Her body twitched but the claws from her right hand clenched further into his throat, her grip also solid as was her skeletal armour.

The sword, which had forever been in her tail, she lashed out at Kaine, the bone keeping a firm grip upon the weapon as she drove through the man's leg.

"Oooo... I wonder if that will hurt as much as-" Tobias started then stopped from revealing something crucial. The scent of Kaine's blood was even more stronger now and again Tobias absentmindedly touched himself.

"Say I wonder if boning him would help her at all..."

Kaine let out an agonized hiss as the blade was driven into his leg, smoke starting to rise from the wound, the blade obviously burning him. The spikes within Velacia start to snake into her tail, or try to, immobilizing it and more or less putting them both in a dead lock, his black blood running down her clawed hand from his throat, his voice had an edge to it but it made her feel like he was waaaaaay too close for comfort.

"You made a fatal mistake my dear. You relied on someone aside from yourself".

Again she said nothing, but before her tail found it too hard to moved, she jerked it slightly, drawing the blade up higher into his thigh before keeping it pinned.

"There is no shame in accepting help from others child" the redhead's voice carried out over to them as he observed them mildly. "Besides she never really needed this to be equal to you... she just needed a reminder, that's all".

"Can you repeat that in english for those of us who don't understand?" Tobias asked curiously. The man stated nothing, his words only meaning home for the woman only. Just because someone is over a hundred times more powerful then you, doesn't mean one is ultimately defeated in locking combat with them. The odds are high in the other person's favour, perhaps, but the weaker fighter is not ruled out just yet.

Velacia's body was only twitching and her head did a violent jerk. Deep within her the blood began to boil and the skeletal bones seemed to vibrate gently against Kaine's skin, pulling him further to her slightly and pushing the blade into more of his thigh. Her fingers tingled slightly within his neck. It was almost as if she was charging an attack.

"I really am sorry, but I can't allow you to believe in that delusion of grandeur" Kaine wrenched out through gritted teeth as his leg was mangled further, his words directed toward the red head. "None of you are my equal, and you never could be".

He pushes his throat further onto Velacia's claws and mutters, his voice sounding oddly calm despite how much blood was dripping from the corner of his mouth.

"You want to save Harper? Then rethink what you are about to do". It was like his words caressed her ear. "Because I am one of the only people that can get him back". Black mist started to seep from his wounds.

"Being equal does not mean in all forms child. You are strong in many various ways, but she may be equal in others... and surpasses you in a mode that you can not. Also, of course I am not an equal to you. I am above you. You're nothing to my own skills" the red head said casually. There was no contempt in his voice or that he was laying it on. It was just a calm statement.

"How the hell do you know about Harper?" Tobias hissed, but then his eyes roved to the sword in his leg, realization hitting that obviously if the elf works for his family, he would know.

Though the symbiote prevented Velacia from being emotionally manipulated, she could still understand the words he was saying. Deep down, she acknowledged it. Was it true? It was obvious to a point that he would want all information in exchange... but could she really risk that?

And then a small part of her whispered to her... poked and prodded at her... was her own revenge worth taking the life of another who helped her? Even though one of her children is dead because of this man? A life for a life? Hydras came first, above everything... she rarely had any consideration for others, striving to keep herself and her own kind onwards... but would she let Harper die because of one, single choice?

She gritted her teeth hard, the blood surging within her flesh, her face giving off a pained feature, though the skull kept it hidden from view. The bones trapping him clenched Kaine harder to her for a moment, almost threatening to crush him to a pulp...

And then the pressure against him lessened. Though it was very hard for her to move at the moment, her tail, best that it could, shifted the blade haphazardly upwards, before finally jerking it out of his thigh, though the grip on the weapon would not slacken. Her chest rose up and down heavily, the armour doing nothing to hurt Kaine yet would not let go of him either. At her actions he sneers at her, and she can feel a pin prick in her chest, like those spikes within her were threatening to impale her heart.

"You need to learn your place my dear. This stunt is going to cost you". Kaine was completely ignoring the red haired man, his entire focus on Velacia. "Yes, I can only assume that Harper has come to some harm, seeing as how he would never willingly leave behind the blade his master gave to him. It is simple logical deduction. Now what will you do?"

On the sidelines Joey was holding his head and sat down on the ground, raking his hands through his messy brown hair, he couldn't think straight. That stench of Kaine's blood was hitting him really hard.

"Fuck Velacia! Don't submit to this asshole! You know you're going to be screwed in every sense of the word if you reveal anything!" Tobias yelled to her, not caring about being prudent at the moment.

The pain inside her body hurt immensely, even though the symbiote would not allow her to show it on the outside. The words met more and more at home with her, the meaning becoming painfully obvious. She wanted to help Harper... but revealing everything to Kaine... and for all she knows he was going to kill the second child anyway... and maybe even her after. But then her ancestor's words rang home into her mind.

Sometimes being the fool has its perks...

Though Velacia's body could not move, the symbiote did not truly feel the affects of Kaine's blade. Slowly the bones uncurled from his form, resetting themselves against Velacia, only residing on her body now as the man above her was now free from its grasp, hugging her own frame tightly. She still did not talk, or make a sound, though it seemed along the lines that the symbiote was a reason for that.

"That's a good girl..." His voice was eerily soothing. "Was that so hard? Now, tell me the details". She felt another prick at her heart, as if being prodded to encourage her to speak. Joey continued to look downright ill, Tobias getting more pissed off and the red haired man in the silver gauntlets looking on thoughtfully.

The bright red orbs in the skull's head dimmed slightly, seeming to give the wearer the ability to speak.

"... the devil... who encountered me... from the beginning... took him... knocked him out... and took him... that's when we... encountered Joey... who told his master... and we received teleportation stones... had no idea where it would take us... the Opera House was a fluke..." she rasped, her chest heaving more and more.

"Dude... can't you just kill him right now? Like snap your fingers and poof!" Tobias demanded of the red head man who merely smiled in response.

"Never interfere between couples".

"... they're not a couple man... and if they were he's a damn abusive one if I ever saw" Tobias growled, really not liking this turn of events, his expression darkening as he watched Kaine grin sadistically at the news.

"Is that so? Well, how very interesting. It seems I may find out who your little accomplice is after all". He reached with his free hand to push the skull helmet up to try to reveal Velacia's face.

By this point Joey was laying on the ground, arms over his head, groaning as if his head were going to explode. Tobias looked like he would too, if not by a different outlet.

Upon the skull being pushed off of her face, the skeletal armour retreats off her form, seeming to disappear back into the skull itself, leaving that as the only remaining item.

Velacia could not bare to look at Kaine, not like this. Her eyes remained closed, though some tears of blood loosely flowed from them. It seemed like she's awaiting more pain... both physically and otherwise.

The red haired man merely smiled, watching the two. Or more so analyzing Kaine. His methods, how he had attacked her earlier, the information he got from Velacia...

Perhaps he could be someone he would try against...

Though it was to his great displeasure to see Velacia being treated the way she was, he would not interfere. It was not because this seemed to be a personal matter between her and the dark clad man, but more so that Velacia did not want his interference, at least on this level. That much he could feel from her, resonating strongly from her soul.

Velacia could feel the network of spikes within her slowly starting to retract. It was a strange sensation, but did it ever hurt. It was akin to being flayed alive, though chances are it didn't normally feel this way. But this was her punishment.

"You should be more careful Velacia. Choose your friends more wisely. Try picking some that aren't going to get you in trouble. Hmm? I would hate to have to do this again." Finally the blade finished retracting and she could move once again, a bit of her blood on his palm where the blade retracted. He brought his hand to his mouth and licked the blood away.

"Now give me the elf's sword" he then stated. Kaine's leg, where the white katana had cut into him, was charred and the hole appeared to go straight through. It was obvious that sword had done a great deal of damage. He rolled off of her and sat on the ground and glanced down at his thigh, his hand out held to accept the sword. Joey lifts his head and glares at Kaine

"Don't give him the sword Vel!" Joey called out as he managed to lift his head and glare at Kaine.

The pain was unbearable... excruciating. Something she never felt before. She was surprised she wasn't torn into a million pieces. She watched as he got off of her as she struggled to sit up herself. Joey's words were acknowledged and her tail clung onto the sword, not moving towards him, or away.

"I don't get why you still keep me alive" she rasped.

"Would you rather I simply destroy you? I can if that is what you wish. I have no qualms with it" he said as he glances at her calmly before he reached toward the white katana. Joey climbed to his feet with some effort. He was looking rather pale as he tries to move towards Kaine.

"Not really... but you've had plenty of opportunities" she continued, gently holding the weapon out of his reach. She looked at Joey briefly then at Kaine, a somewhat submissive look if not pleading.

"Is there not some way... we can make a compromise? If you allow me to keep the blade till Harper is safe... and if something I can do in return..." she started.

Tobias moved to follow Joey as well. If the human were going to get into a scuffle, then he wouldn't let him do it alone. He was not keen on Kaine getting the sword... but at the same time Velacia didn't have much choice. Kaine grinned, sensing the approach of the human and the youkai.

"Ah ah ah, keep your distance".

Joey is suddenly thrown back, and apparently deliberately tossed at the red haired man, as is Tobias. The man merely holds up his palms, and instead of crashing into him, Joey and Tobias are gently deposited to the ground. He would not interfere, at least not for now.

Kaine tries to grab the sword but it zaps him as it had done to the other devil, he hisses and glances at his smoking hand.

"Why would he do that..." Apparently speaking to himself, he gestures toward the shadows and a large viper like creature slithers from the shadows, moving toward Velacia and the sword. "You have no use for such a blade, I will keep it safe till it can be given back to the elf".

Velacia turned her eyes to the viper and solemnly stared at it, but clutched the weapon closer to her still. She spoke, blood still dripping from her wounds.

"Please... I know I am nothing to you... I am aware of that but for once... please... you've taken my children from me... you've taken my DNA to make something else... you've taken everything... please... allow me one thing... I have no intent to use this on you again. I'd rather return it him myself. Please Kaine..." she said quietly, finally turning her eyes to the purple haired man solemnly as Kaine climbed to his feet slowly, favouring one leg, but somehow it was obvious that he didn't need to.

"Do you even know how to use a blade?"

If looks could kill, Joey would have killed Kaine already. Something about that... thing so much as touching his master's sword sparked a deep hatred in the young man.

"Yes" she said quietly. "I am no master with a sword as perhaps yourself or Harper is but I can wield it enough just to defend myself". The red haired man sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Is it really so hard to give her something child? You've basically proven yourself countless times to her... letting her hold on to the weapon will prove no harm". This man was so selfish... greed never gets one far.

It was as if Kaine didn't even know the red haired man existed, or even any of the other two men. He just eyed the white katana

"If you ever try to use it on me again. I will take your life without so much as a moment's hesitation. Do I make myself perfectly clear? And it will be a very slow and torturous death at that, something especially designed just for you my dear".

She closed her eyes, bowing her head in respect at his words. Though this weapon harmed him, she would not try against him again. She can not take another risk like this... at least not right now.

"You do. I'll never turn this weapon against you ever" she whispered. "You have my word".

"Know that having that sword with you, will put you in more danger. I hope you've learned your place Velacia. I'm getting tired of having to teach you the same lesson over and over".

"I have... I apologize..." she whispered again, hating this feeling right now but being able to do nothing about it. Once after Harper is free... she's going to need to take another route with this... she just needed to play the obedient role for now. She hesitantly raised her eyes to Kaine's, wincing as he smiled at her.

"Do take care. I'll have a gift for you next time we meet". Somehow that wasn't much of a comfort, in fact, it made her skin crawl. Kaine then turned and started to walk slowly toward the shadows, the large shadow viper following suit as he smirked to himself.

"Never even drew my sword."

Velacia blanched slightly as he walked off with the viper. She looked down at the sword in her hands, holding it close to her, eyes closing shut. How much more of this would she have to endure? All she wanted was this all to end, for Harper to be back safe and for her to have her remaining child, as well as to be left alone in the end after this was all said and done.

Tobias waited till Kaine was well beyond ear shot before letting it loose, and it was on the redhead.

"WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU KILL HIM?!"

"It wasn't my fight" he claimed calmly, observing the wolf hybrid.

"YOU COULD OF SAVED HER A WHOLE LOT OF TROUBLE!!!"

"My are you angry when you're off your addiction..."

"WHY DIDN'T YOU-"

"Tobias, you don't interfere in something that someone doesn't want you to. There will be a next time. He truly is nothing to me... the next time we meet... it'll be in my playing field" the red head smirked, walking over to Velacia, picking up the skull as he did. He gently caressed her hair before moving off.

"Don't fret dear. You did fine... and you will continue to. You're not as powerless as you think... I'll be watching..." and with that disappeared into the shadows.

Velacia said nothing and moved to lay on the ground where she sat, currently exhausted, his words only feebly clinging into her mind. She would need rest, especially if needing to try to save Harper again. She would fathom about everything else later. Joey quietly made his way over to the female hybrid and sat down next to her.

"Are you okay miss?" Joey still wasn't looking all that healthy, apparently he had a bad reaction to that blood.

"Not now..." she sighed, her eyes closed. "But eventually I will be. Let's just concentrate on getting Harper back" she whispered.

"...I agree" Tobias replied, though it was implied that he felt otherwise. Damn that bastard... would they ever get a chance to get a lead over him? Why did it always seem like he was one step ahead?

As Tobias moved to sit beside the two, his eyes glanced over at the katana, his brow knitting thoughtfully.

Perhaps they do have a one up on him...