Twisted Ties

Aloha again amigos! I do aplogize for a bit of the delay. Brain drain leads to lacking in wanting to write, or in this case edit things in story format XP But I shall continue to the best of my abilities!

So next chappy. No lemon in this, but good old blood, gore and some creepyness. Will the rescue of Harper go well or utterly fail? Also, the hooded figure at the end is my character who shall be further introduced in the next chapter.

As well here is another sketch of Velacia I did a while back.

http://cobrastrife.deviantart.com/art/Velacia-Sketch-150805299

Enjoy!

* * *

She wasn't sure how many times she thought through the same plan but hopefully, for the last time, the hydra has reformulated it for the last time. All along, the path she should take was right before her... she just needed to go through different options before choosing the correct path. She wouldn't be able to get help from anyone in the end. No one could help her in this matter and she finally realized the truth. The only person she could count on was herself.

Once Harper was rescued, she would set the plan into motion, and she would do it alone. She didn't want to risk any more lives and too many inputs into this would screw up things more than help. She was going to get what she want in the end, and teach that purple haired man a lesson. But in order to do so, she needed to play along and do what he says till that time.

She was travelling on all fours within the forest, quite far from the recent battle, her brief discussion with her contract bearer still fresh in her mind. Tricking him was going to be harder than she thought. Perhaps doing that wasn't the key to help the elf but maybe to... play along? Her thoughts were distracted when a flash of bright gold light appeared around her, causing her to hiss and cover her eyes till she was slammed flatly to the ground.

"I wish he told me how to navigate..." came a familiar male voice, belonging to Tobias who groaned as he had landed on something soft... or someone...

"Will you get OFF of me?" Velacia hissed.

Letting out a yelp Tobias quickly got up off the woman below him, knowing not to prolong or else he would be beaten. Grumbling Velacia rose to her feet, glaring at the man.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"Toria got back from Daemokus and he is going to find the devil's name. By tomorrow we'll have it and a teleport stone to lead us to where Harper resides. I wanted to let you know... and give you the option on coming if you want".

Velacia arched an eyebrow, surprised that Kaine's father was this willing... but then, this matter was different then the one Harper had asked for prior, though almost the same outcome. And besides, Harper must be a loyal servant for him to help this much. Despite her guilty feelings, she wanted to help, or more so felt obligated. Besides, she could not hold onto this sword forever. It was not hers despite the fact that it did offer help against Kaine.

"Of course. I said I was going to help rescue him and I'm not going to go back on my word" she said softly. Tobias smiled, seeming relieved but then got a worried look again.

"... do you think that con-" he started and Velacia made a motion with her hand and Tobias got what she meant. Lately who
knew when they had eavesdroppers so they had to play smart when not under Dryzon's protection.

"Do you think he'll make you do anything? Cause of that?" he asked. Velacia was not sure if he could control her if they were to battle. She technically belonged to the devil... but to what extremes? She wished she had further studied the contract...

"I do not know. Hopefully Harper's sword would aid me in that aspect" she said quietly, the weapon still snug in her tail. Tobias glances at it, keeping his features hidden from the woman.

"Are you going to use it?"

"Yes, I might as well. And I am sure it will be effective against those Hell creatures".

"But you aren't that skilled..."

"Granted I am not, but I can learn quickly" she said softly, shrugging.

"You know, to make it easier, I could wield it for you, that way you can fight with how you know best" Tobias said casually, offering her a smile. She still shook her head no.

"Its not that I don't moreover trust you Tobias... but... I feel like I should hold onto it myself" she said. The wolf hybrid merely nodded, going along with it for now.

"What about Kaine?"

"What about him?" she asked slowly, raising her eyebrows again.

"You have a leverage over him with Harper's sword".

"As does he with my child Tobias. And I am not going to risk his life because I have this weapon. Besides, once I get this back to Harper the leverage will be on his side only".

"How can you let him control you like this?" Tobias demanded, his fists clenching to his sides.

"I have no choice in the matter" she said quietly.

"Or maybe Dryzon is right. You like being controlled by him" Tobias said disgustingly though he backed away a bit, expecting a beating. But none came and Velacia said nothing. The answer to that question... was still unknown... and for now that was best, though part of the answer she already knew but there was no way she would tell anyone else.

As an awkward silence flitted between the two hybrids, one little shadow dragon swoops out of nowhere and perches on a nearby rock, watching them like a bird might, tilting its head back and forth. Tobias inhales deeply, the white fur on his tail twitches as he eyes the little reptilian on the rock, his ears flattening against his head.

"What the hell is that?" he asked. Velacia glanced at it and then back to Tobias, unmoved, as if she was use to this sort of thing.

"It works for Kaine" she said simply.

"So that bastard is watching us right now?" he asked, not liking the fact more now that it was true. Velacia simply nodded, paying the creature no mind.

"We could kill it..." the man mused, eyeing the creature slightly. Velacia sighed, an annoyed noise coming deep from her throat, glaring at the man.

"Just how stupid are you? He already knows we are here... by all means provoke him more to come" she hissed.

"Why do you keep thinking you're weak?! You have that sword! You can take him!" Tobias growled, causing the woman before him to groan angrily, her hand going through her hair exasperatedly as her silver irises narrow into thin slits.

"No. I. Can. Not" she said slowly, biting out each word, a dangerous tone to her voice. "Not even my strongest form could and even though this sword hurts him, have we forgotten that I am risking my child's life if I try anything".

"Not that it matters with you be-" Tobias started but then was slapped hard across the face and he staggered back slightly, rubbing his lightly bruised jaw, but then it dawned on him why. Kaine still did not know of Velacia's pregnancy. His ears drooped slightly and his tone became apologetic.

"I am sorry" he said softly. The long black haired woman sighed, turning her back to him, the sword in her tail seeming to catch his attention briefly.

"Its fine. Look, we might as well head back to Dryzon's to get ready for tomorrow... no point remaining here" she sighed, waiting for Tobias to collect himself, her thoughts drifting to Harper, the one who had her binded and the other one who held her child... how far has he survived without her essence to keep him going? Even if Kaine was sustaining him... it wouldn't be the same... or natural...

Her thoughts were interrupted as the little shadow dragon suddenly lets out a rather cute sounding chirp and cocks its head to the side, watching them. Then a voice sounds right behind Tobias.

"Yes I agree, they really should relax and focus on poor little Harper's plight". Kaine stood behind Tobias, apparently having risen from the youkai's own shadow.

The wolf hybrid slowly turned, taking in the sight of the purple haired man, his inner thoughts swarming. Damn it! he thought to himself. It was never a good time for the youkai to see the purple haired man... but at the same... an opportunity... Hitching back on his common attitude, he smirked at the man.

"Well at least your dad is more of a help then you are... especially when you think you're the only one who can save him" he commented, moving slowly over to Velacia, making it seem that standing by the man bothered him which was partially the truth.

Velacia calmly turned to him, eyeing the dragon for a moment when it made the noise before looking towards the other man's direction, though her eyes could not meet Kaine's. Still those images of him being violated... she almost wanted to yank her hair out. He was evil, was it really that hard to see? But he wasn't always like this...

"Do you need something?" she asked politely.

"Yes. I need you people to get focused. You're too scatter brained to get Harper back right now" he comments, folding his arms over his chest. "You'll get yourselves killed if you try and get him in your current state".

"You're right. We shall keep that in mind" Velacia commented softly. Tobias was now at her side but moved a further ways behind her.

"Like we need your input. Toria already said the same thing" Tobias muttered, which was true. Himself, Velacia, Toria, Dryzon and Joey had completely different wavelengths. The only thing in common was to get Harper back... but that was it. It was true they needed to get better focused.

"Any other wise words we should know?" Tobias then asked.

"Yes. My father informed me of who has the elf. His name is Kobal. A personal... acquaintance of mine. It doesn't surprise me that he would try something this cowardly".

Velacia and Tobias both remained silent in unison together at this, though their thoughts were slightly different. Velacia was for a more personal note, what with having a contract with him. Though knowing his name would only help now if she ever were to call on him, though she doubted, at least not for idle chit chat. Tobias on the other hand was curious as to how this devil was an acquaintance of Kaine's, though then again the man before them had plenty of enemies. He just hoped it was true they were on more ill terms then pleasant.

"Thank you" Velacia replied quietly, keeping her face impassive and her eyes settled still upon Kaine's chest as Tobias was now in alignment to where he wanted to be. He eyed the man slightly and then made his interest elsewhere. He just hoped he would not interfere to what he was about to do.

"That will take you to Kobal's... but I don't think you should go" he said as he stretched before tossing a simple gold coin to the two. His tone was fairly casual, like he really didn't think they would survive if they did go. Velacia's hand shoots out, catching the coin, looking it over slightly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"And why is that?" she asked as she slipped it into her upper garment, the material tight enough to keep it from slipping out. Behind her Tobias snorted.

"Isn't it obvious? He's confident that we're going to die... not that he cares or anything".

"He is a Devil. You can't even handle a mix breed, what makes you think you can survive a Devil with his own Word?" the dark clad man asked as he quirked an eyebrow at them curiously.

"We'll... manage" was all that Velacia said, in a subdued tone. It made Tobias want to grit his teeth. He hated seeing her like this around the man... that was not the Velacia he had met many years ago... but he would get her back. And besides, practice makes perfect.

I'm sorry Velacia he thought before lunging towards her suddenly. He was not surprised as she swiftly whirls around, her hand snapped to Tobias' left wrist, holding his intended punch away as she glared at the man.

"What are you trying to pull wolf?" she hissed dangerously, curious and surprised as to why he was wanting to fight her. Tobias doesn't reply, his eyes flitting to her for a moment, knowing he had to act fast. In all matters, Velacia could beat him easily. But the element of surprise was what would save him this one and only time.

His right hand snapped to her stomach and immediately a blast of cold emanated from his palm. Shrieking she dropped his hand, her own immediately going to her stomach, a layer of ice having surrounded her mid torso, directly above where the child resided beneath. The cold, it was draining and she immediately tried scrabbling at it, panic going across her dilated eyes. She had to get it off... what if it seeps through and kills her child? She couldn't bare to think such a thought.

Acting fast, in case Kaine decided to help, the wolf hybrid shoved her to the ground, pressing a hand to both her wrists, freezing them to her waist, emanating another pained cry from the woman.

"What are you doing?!" she growled, snapping her legs around his waist in order to crush his bones. Tobias merely smiled, his hands moving to her upper thighs, grinning as he lowered his head..

"Helping you..." he whispered into her ear before letting out a shock of cold, earning another long drawn out cry of agony.

This was almost over kill. He had to be careful. If he goes too far he might put her into a coma. He lets out a breath as her thighs dropped from his sides, releasing him from the crushing force as she heaved heavily. Grinning, he finally pressed a hand to her throat and her tail, freezing the full reptilian part of her completely and making a small collar of ice appear around her neck. Hydras had trigger points when it came to the cold... and thankfully he knew all of them.

Smirking, he hoisted the sword out of her frozen tail before patting her gently on the head, her dilated eyes looking at him in pain as he got off her. The ice would thaw and she would be able to move eventually... but not until he finished matters first. Grinning still he turned to Kaine.

"Care for a round?"

During the entire incident Kaine didn't so much as budge to stop Tobias from attacking Velacia. The mere act seemed to amuse him more than anything and with the wolf being so careful to not try to kill the woman, he really had nothing to worry about. Her life was still his, even now. Instead he just smirks cooly as the wolf hybrid turned with the sword in hand.

"And what exactly do you think that has achieved? You have a death wish? There are other ways to carry it out you know". His smirk grew but he didn't unfold his arms, merely just watching Tobias who just sneers back at the him, his grip remaining firm on the sword.

"No, I don't particularly have a death wish... unless by a wish involving death it results in yours. You're nothing but an annoying fly that we can't get rid of and I'm sick and tired of you treating others below you" he replied, moving to stand a bit before Velacia, who's skin had gone deathly pale from the ice upon her frame.

"Come now. If you're as powerful as you think you are then you shouldn't be worried from a little sparring" he continued, holding the holy weapon out before him.

"Who is worried? You're nothing. It is hard to spar nothing. And if you think that sword is going to help you any, you should rethink your plan. I'm just giving you fair warning. Poor clueless dog".

"Come on... indulge me..." Tobias purred out, slicing the air gently before him with Harper's sword. "How much did it hurt when Velacia pierced your leg with this? You let out a pretty hefty cry... I wonder how it would be if it went through your heart? I appreciate the warning but I decline. Besides you're not one to be trusted. You can kill us anytime you want and I'd rather go down
trying then to be taken when I least expect it".

It seemed the purple haired man was contemplating what... amusement the man before him would bring. Finally he unfolds his arms lazily.

"It is a shame, they would probably use the extra man power for getting the elf back, but if you insist on dying right now, then I guess they will just have to make due without their pet dog". His feet shift into a combat stance though he remains unarmed. Tobias grins darkly at this, once again swishing the sword out before him again, his muscles tense as he grips the weapon firmly with one hand, his eyes narrowing towards the opposing man.

"They'll manage fine without me though I intend fully on surviving this" he snickered. "Say Kaine, lets make a wager... if I were to win this sparring you're to release Velacia from your binds and return her child. However if I lose... well... I'll let you decide".

"Deal". His acceptance of the wager unnervingly quick. "If you lose, I own you. If I lose, she goes free and the child is returned". He continued to smirk wickedly, a hungry look in his eyes one that began to get under the wolf hybrid's skin. Tobias quirked an eyebrow, a little unnerved at the prospect of being owned by Kaine. But expected as much.

Probably wants me to play as his dog he thinks to himself, though inwardly shudders at what else could occur. No, he'd rather die then it coming to that.

"Fine. But remember, wolves bite hard to the hand that doesn't feed" he warned, slicing the weapon before him again, getting more use to how to handle Harper's sword. It wasn't really that much different than his own, despite being a bit smaller and slender.

"If you're going to fight, then fight and stop waving that little stick around like a feather duster. If you aren't going to take this seriously then I'll simply leave" Kaine comments, rolling his eyes once before narrowing them at Tobias with a cold gaze.

"Well kinda hard to take you seriously when you don't have a blade out" Tobias said, letting out a sigh but then shrugging. Fine, it'll only make it easier to hurt the man. Smirking he finally darts forward and brings the sword down on Kaine, though he is waiting, knowing the man is up to more then he lets on.

His opponent merely slides to the side to avoid the blade and spins around planting a solid side kick to Tobias' jaw to send him flying away. He grunts at this, slamming into a nearby tree, wiping the blood from his lips but is not deterred. Smirking he steadies himself, ignoring the ringing pain before darting forward again, thrusting the weapon out before him as he nears Kaine.

In the blink of an eye Kaine is gone and appears behind Tobias, kicking at the youkai's back to increase his momentum forward and, hopefully, drive him right off the edge of the cliff. Tobias growled out at this, swiping the sword out behind him, feeling it made contact with something as his free hand began to grow claws and he plunged it into the ground, slowing his momentum and finally to the point that it stopped him from falling off the cliff.

"Sneaky little bastard" he mused before darting forward again, eyes narrowed as he moved to trip the man, the sword held at an angle that if he were to jump, he would get hit.

Kaine once again blinks out of existence, but this time he appears high above Tobias with his wicked looking crypt dragon blade in hand, plummeting toward Tobias with the blade aimed at the youkai's head.

Tobias widens the stance of his feet and holds Harper's sword out before him, shielding against Kaine's attack as he presses back with all his strength, becoming a bit stronger as he slowly shifts form. Not into complete wolf, but only slightly, his muscles enlarging more and the claws on his hands coming out sharper. Kaine slides his blade along Tobias' and locks the weapons together in a notch in his sword, trying to hook the blade and yank the holy sword from Tobias' hands.

Tobias growled, sounding along the lines of feral as he keeps his grip solid with the angle of the sword, not backing down as he forces Kaine to move a bit back. His eyes seemed to have become more animalistic and his ears laid flat. He was not going to lose to him.

Suddenly Kaine tries to slide to the side and spin around to face Tobias' back and lashes out with a punch to the youkai's spine, a spike shooting out of his fist as he does so, intent on subjecting the wolf to the internal iron maiden like move he had pulled on Velacia not too long ago.

Tobias' eyes widen, feeling something press along his backside and an alarm rang off in his mind, warning him that if this were to happen he would fail. The bastard was being cheap... but then Tobias was a mortal. There was no way Kaine would lower his abilities at all. But seeing as he was using them didn't mean he couldn't.

Arching away, he pressed his free hand against his own chest, blue energy swirling about him till his back received a type of ice spiked armour that was hard to penetrate. Smirking he drove a kick back, directed to Kaine's knee while he tried to force Kaine's weapon out of his hand.

Kaine suddenly jumps and spins on a horizontal axis, avoiding the kick and twisting his blade free. He lands on one foot and swings his other at Tobias's sword hand, aiming to break some fingers. The black haired man let out a low growl, feeling the sound of some bones cracking as he jerked his hand back, blood dripping from his clawed fingers. Smirking he tossed the sword to his other hand, skilled in using both. Ice then enveloped his bleeding hand, sealing the wound and slowly fixing his bones. He could still move his fingers but it was like he was wearing an ice gauntlet.

Smiling slightly, he darts forward to Kaine again, before skipping around to face his back, bringing his elbow to land squarely on his back as he drove the sword forward again. Kaine dives forward to avoid the attacks, vaulting on his hands and flipping to his feet nimbly, spinning around to face Tobias

"Nice try, dog". Tobias let out a soft laugh, his voice a few decibels lower with his shift in appearance.

"You're amusing, I'll give you that. I guess you have become a lot more... bolder then to when that hot woman had her way with you" he snickered, darting forward again, the ice upon his wounded hand cracking slightly, indicating that his bones were almost healed. Smirking he brought the blade down upon Kaine again, moving faster and faster.

"That encounter was... " Kaine began as he brought his blade up to block the slash, with a calm demeanour. "... a character building experience to say the least". He didn't seem to be all that bothered by mention of the incident. "Don't lose your focus dog, it will cost you more then a few broken bones this time". He leans forward, pressing his weight against the blades, but being the slighter of the two his feet slide along the ground digging furrows in the dirt.

"Not losing my focus at all, don't worry spiky boy" he sneered, driving him further back, the ice shattering now from his hand, completely renewed. He smiles, baring his fangs. "Character building experience indeed... but in the worse way possible. Such a nice lad you were and now look at the bastard you are now" he sneered. Opposite common belief, chit chatting actually aids Tobias more than deterring. His sneer deepens.

"Do you wonder why she doesn't look at you? All she has in her eyes is pity for you... pity and sadness... as does the rest of us" he quipped and planted his free hand on Kaine's chest, sending a blast of ice.

"I couldn't care less what any of you feel toward me, be it loathing or pity". Kaine is thrown back against a tree at the edge of the cliff, nearly knocking it off the edge, shards of ice sticking out of his chest. "I'm looking forward to owning you, dog".

Tobias smirked, his grin becoming darker, though it could never be as evil as Kaine's was.

"I'd rather die than be owned by you. I've seen how you treat your pets and that is no life for me" he comments before letting out a soft growl as he darts forward, sending out another blast of ice, but this time a lot stronger, intent on throwing that man over the edge. Kaine brings his blade forward and slices down through the icy blast, sending shards of ice flying everywhere.

"Then I'll have your soul after your death, either way this ends, you're mine". He charges at Tobias, the wicked blade scything back and forth before him, a faint whirring sound could be heard as one of the portal chakrams materializes behind Tobias, aimed at the back of his neck.

Tobias glowers, not liking this turn of events. Some part of his mind was screaming at him for his stupidity, as it did before to Velacia... but now he realized why. There was a reason why she didn't intentionally fight the man... and there was another reason besides the leverage.

This time around... he was the fool.

But still, if today was his day to die he would make sure to cause this bastard some harm before he goes down.

Driving his hand behind him, he sends a wave of cold ice to whatever was approaching him as he darts forward, channeling all his strength into driving Kaine back, making sure to clash hard with Harper's blade.

The little portal blades passed right through the blast, teleporting a sliver of it away someplace and tries to slice through Tobias's neck as Kaine reaches to try and catch the holy blade between his hands, discarding his blade in the process.

Sweat started to slightly appear on Tobias' features and he hesitated for a split second. Finally he thrust the blade right into Kaine's hands, knowing they would have an effect as he darted out of the way to avoid the portal blades, moving a few feet back, his stance more along the lines of defensive now.

He was not liking this feeling...

... and for some reason, it was not only Kaine that was deriving it.

The nearly invisible portal blade spun around and tries to slice into Tobias's neck, who barely slips away as Kaine's hands burn and smoke from the holy weapon's energy.

"Time to step it up a notch". The whirring sound increases and there are nearly a dozen of those flying death traps zipping around.

"Fuck..." Tobias growled, eyeing the weapons flying around. What on earth was he going to do? He could shift into his full wolf form, he was definitely a lot more agile, but he wouldn't be able to wield a sword much.

He had two choices. Yield... though that would be if Kaine would end this and even if he did, being that idiot's slave was not on his list of things to do. As for the other option, it was to die, even if he says that taking his soul is along those lines.

He started darting back a bit, trying to place as much space between Kaine and him, the panic inside him increasing a bit. What was he going to do?!

An answer came to him... but not one that would help. A searing pain ran through his right side and he cried out. Looking around he paled as it was Velacia, finally free but deathly pale and sickly looking, her eyes rock hard... the eyes he remembered. Blood dripped from her right hand... his blood.

"Bad dog..." she spat as she back handed him, sending him flying to the ground, having moved him closer to Kaine's position, the wolf hybrid spitting up blood.

Kaine reached down to grab Tobias by the head and lift him up off the ground with one hand, his other hand moving to jab a spike into the youkai to perform the iron maiden move on him.

"Fuck... off..." he hissed, pressing both his hands against Kaine's chest, sending a blast of ice as Velacia calmly walked around the two, moving to pick up Harper's sword in her hand, examining the weapon. Though she did not show it, she was a bit worried about Tobias. But she was more furious then caring... he almost cost her everything...

Kaine's chest meanwhile is a mess of ice shards, black blood running from his wounds and pooling at his feet, the iron maiden tears into Tobias, spreading through his body... and then piercing directly through his heart.

Tobias lets out a cry of agony, jerking from the inflicting wounds. Blood dribbled down along his lips and across his throat at the pain. Velacia observed them slightly, only remembering far too well how painful that attack was. She kept her distance, but tested the weight of the sword in her hand.

"...does he wish to die?" she asked softly. She heard of their banter, and knew the wolf would never be his slave. If death was the only option he would take it. Tobias was very serious... a quality still hard for Velacia to accept.

"I don't recall giving him an option." He turns toward the cliff, holding Tobias up off the ground and holds him over the cliff. "How does it feel dog? Knowing that you are going to die having accomplished nothing?" he sneers at Tobias. "I almost pity you".

It was very hard to speak, almost as hard as it was to draw breath or even to move. He glares at the purple haired man, thoughts of countering flowing in and out of his mind. There was no way he could transform like this, and even if he could, what purpose would it serve? He would still be where he is right now.

"Not as much as I fucking pity you" he snaps out, his breath ragged and deep.

Velacia kept her face impassive as she slowly came up behind Kaine. In all truth, Tobias should probably die. But still... she felt... a slight pull to what the wolf was trying to do. She never saw him more then an acquaintance but he cherished her as a friend... and perhaps she would not care now, but the guilt of him dying for her would consume her more then what she was currently going through with Harper... and even that of her own child.

Friendship? What did that truly mean to her? She always told herself she had no friends, no use for companions. Having such a thing would hold her back... but should she forsake those that want to help her? To save her life? And what of her child? Again could she really handle Kaine alone? Her gaze became half lidded and she sighs quietly.

Once she was close behind Kaine, she gently pressed the flat of the sword against his back. It was a light touch, but the way she was doing it meant she was not indicating she would attack. She gently laid a hand on Kaine's right hip.

"I would like to ask for you to not kill my... dog. As stupid as he is we still require his assistance to get Harper back. I apologize for not training him better... but I assure you he will be disciplined to not do this again... if you are so gracious to let him live. But the choice is yours. As much as he means nothing to me, he is still my pet and his aid would be good for when we go to hell" she said calmly, pressing the flat of the weapon a little more, but keeping as submissive as possible as Kaine actually stiffened slightly as the blade that was pressed to his back, even without cutting him, smoke rose from where the blade was touching him.

"I see no reason why he should be let to live, it isn't like you will survive Hell anyway". He actually hadn't expected her to do anything to help the wolf boy, so when she came up behind him with the sword, he wasn't entirely sure what to make of the action.

She pressed herself against his back further, gently pressing the blade against him more, one of her arms encircling his waist while the other moved from his hip to gently loop around the arm that was inflicting the pain on Tobias.

"Perhaps all of our efforts will be futile and we will all die, but I'd rather he die there than here. This was not how it was suppose to go... he is still young... and eager, but blatantly stupid. I would never have him do this... but if I keep him on a tight leash, he is surprisingly useful. So please... don't let my dog die like this".

It seemed like a long moment of silence before Kaine finally grunts and suddenly withdraws the spikes from Tobias, letting him plummet over the side of the cliff.

Without a minute to lose, she releases Kaine and darts over to the edge, her hand snapping out to just catch Tobias' tail. Breathing in deeply she tugs him up, ignoring the little whimpers he makes, or the sound of cracking bones. She finally deposits him on the ground and waits for his breathing to settle slightly. She then turns to Kaine slightly and for once looks him in the eyes, keeping the gaze neutral.

"Thank you".

"Don't thank me, I intended for him to plummet to his death". He turns from them and starts to walk away with an annoyed expression on his face.

"Nonetheless, the appreciation is there" she said calmly as she flipped Tobias onto his back, starting to dip into his pockets for the gold scale he used to get to her, the expression upon her face grim.

Kaine steps into the shadows, looking very annoyed at something, what exactly, is unclear but he doesn't look pleased in the least. The little shadow dragon that was observing them this whole time flies off as well, leaving Velacia and Tobias alone on the cliff.

"T...T..Thank...you" Tobias rasped. Velacia looked at him slightly, offering him a tired look.

"Tobias you really need to stop pulling these stupid stunts. I thought you would learn by what I told you, or your first encounter, or even what he did to me that you are no match to him" she said softly.

"... I know... I just hate... to see you... so... lacking in life..." he said quietly. Velacia looked at him somberly for a moment and then offered him a smile.

"Silly man. Worry about yourself and not me. I'll be... alright".

"... yeah... right..." Tobias said, not believing her, but smiled.

"When we get back, I'll have Dryzon heal you... but expect a beating afterwards" she warned, earning a soft laugh from the wolf.

"Rather you then your hubby" he joked. Smiting him slightly, she found the scale and held it in her palm, clasping hands with Tobias and then both of them disappeared in a flash of gold light.

* * *

Velacia and Tobias were already in the grand hall the following day, the meeting place prior to the start of their rescue mission for Harper.

The youkai himself was a bit weary, part of it due to his previous actions against Kaine and the other part the onslaught Velacia put him through. But he deserved it, to some extent. Still, he knew not to try it again until he knew for sure that he could. That may not be for a while, but rushing into battle against Kaine would only result in his death quickly.

Velacia on the other hand was worried, naturally. Harper's sword was snug in her tail and she was getting the foreboding feeling that she may prove to be more of a problem then an aid in the upcoming battle. But at least the only people around already knew of her contract and it would not be like they'd tell Kaine, willingly anyway. Still she hoped Harper was still alive... they had to get him back...

Toria was the next to enter the room, looking rather calm and at ease. She had spent the night checking over the equipment and tending to preparations seeing as how she didn't actually need sleep. She sorted things into small packs for each person and laid them out on the table within the room so they could just get them and go.

Joey who was the next to enter looked downright exhausted and was dragging himself into the room looking like he had only just rolled out of bed, his eyes bleary and his hair a mess.

Dryzon had kept to his private chambers for the remainder of the previous night, gently readying himself, though he rarely did need any form of practice. He was pretty confident this would be different then his clash with Kaine and was fairly relaxed when he entered. Smiling slightly at Toria he picked up his pack, as did everyone else.

"Are we all ready?" he asked.

"Ready to kick some Hell ass" Tobias cheered, grinning as he strapped his pack on, full of fervor again. Toria simply nodded to Dryzon in acknowledgment before turning her attention toward Velacia.

"You have the item you were given for the teleportation I assume?"

"I can't belive we are actually going to teleport to some strange place like this...we don't know what is on the other side" Joey mumbled after a very long and drawn out yawn as he pulled his shirt over his head. Tobias grinned at the human, gently clapping him on the shoulder.

"That's half the fun buddy! Heck if I'm lucky... might be like that Opera place" he mused, scratching his chin only to get lightly smited by Velacia's tail.

"I highly doubt that" she muttered before nodding to Toria and pulling out the coin from her upper garment. "How does it activate?" Toria stepped slowly over to the hydra and extended her hand toward the coin, simply laying a finger on it.

"Everyone touch it, it should be that simple. I'm not sure where exactly it will drop us so you had better be on your guard".

Joey made his way over and hesitantly moved to poke the coin a few times before finally stilling a finger over it.

"I really don't like this..."

"Stop worrying Joey. We're all going to be together on this. Its not like you're going alone" Tobias stated, moving to stand beside Velacia as he laid his own finger on it. Dryzon was the last to move over, glancing over everyone, a small smile displayed on his warm lips as he layed a gauntlet finger upon the coin.

"Here we go".

Joey quirked an eyebrow at Dryzon curiously, thoroughly surprised.

"I thought you said you didn't think you were going to be c-" he started but was cut as by the moment all of them were touching the item, there was a flash of red light, the beautiful decorated halls of Dryzon's home fading from their vision and the group finds themselves standing in what seems to be a large dead hedge maze. For a long moment they were all disoriented and dazed but in short order they had managed to get their barings.

Toria stood there quietly, glancing around, the sky was dark and seemed to have hints of green lining the big dark clouds. Someplace off in the distance what sounded like a lunatic laughing could be heard. Joey glanced around and drew his tonfas preparedly.

"This is a bit messed up..."

"Hence being Hell" Tobias muttered, drawing his sword, his ears piquing in interest and worry, looking from the sky, to the hedge surrounding them and then to where the laughing was coming from. "I don't like the sound of that".

"Neither do I" Velacia whispered, tightening her grip on the sword, hoping that the voice did not belong to Harper, his mind having been broken.

"Well team, where shall we go forth through? Every maze has an end" Dryzon said casually, a flash of light glowing in his right hand and upon fading a long gleaming silver and ember sword laid within him outstretched palm, the length of the blade similar to Kaine's, but having a more ancient look to it, as if it hasn't been taken out in years.

Toria unslung a bo staff from her back and kept a firm grip on it as she glanced around, trying to determine if there was any cardinal directions in this strange place, but it was impossible to tell. Joey glanced around and frowned.

"So... what way are we going? Maybe the dog can find the way" he said slyly, smirking over at Tobias with a boyish look.

"Ha ha ha. Wolf here people... W. O. L. F... a little different" he said, playfully glaring at Joey.

"Just do it Tobias" Velacia quipped and Tobias nodded, grinning.

"Yes master" he drawled.

"I told you to stop calling me that" she hissed.

Laughing slightly he inhaled the air deeply, the different scents almost overtaking him, as they did at the Opera House. But the scents there had a bit more pleasant feel. Here was a lot more sinister. Big surprise.

"My best suggestion would be that way. The dark scent is the strongest from this path" he said, pointing down a section.

Joey falls into step behind Tobias, following the youkai as he seems to try and look in all directions at the same time. Toria was considerably less neurotic looking, walking calmly with staff in hand behind the others. The manic laugher seemed to come from all directions as they walk, sometimes it sounds like it is just on the other side of the dead hedge and other times very far away.

Dryzon himself was in the back of the group. Strictly speaking, he was only here as a matter of backup and to aid in any situation, whether inflicted from the enemy or amongst their own members. Devils were tricky and he had experience in those matters.

Velacia was walking ahead of him, her senses very tense as she gazed around them, trying to also lock in on some shred of what would be Harper's scent. It was very hard in this land though. Kaine's home smelled nothing like this... but it would be silly if all devils and demons were the same. The hydra almost weakly laughed at the thought. There would be no way she could survive a gazillion purple haired assholes...

Tobias continued to follow the scent, though the stronger it was getting the more sick he was feeling, if a bit on an imaginative scale. The laughter was leaving him unnerved.

A slithering sound could subtly be heard over the cackling, and it seemed to follow the group as they walked, hidden from view by the thick dead hedges. Toria glanced in the direction of one of the sources.

"I'm fairly sure we are being played with".

"I agree... these hellbound creatures do enjoy playing mind games upon us" Dryzon sighed, his senses fully alive, narrowing in on all the noises around them, especially the one following them.

"They better not be bloody leading me in circles" Tobias growled, a warning to his tone as he continued to lead the group. Circles or not, however, the scent he was following was getting stronger, and a lot worse.

"Augh... what is that..." Velacia hissed, drawing her tongue sharply back into her mouth, not enjoying the foul taste that was becoming far more pungent in the air.

"I hope its just a random dead corpse and nothing else..." Tobias said in a wistful tone.

Suddenly something darted across the path behind them while none of them are looking, but one could sense there was something there, something hungry. Toria frowned faintly and shifted her staff into both hands, in preparation for using the blunt force weapon. In front of Tobias something jumps out of the hedge and sprints at the wolf hybrid. It was like a little raptor, but with a long slithering neck, and the head was anything but reptilian. It looked more like the head of a decaying infant child.

It let out a shriek as it pounced at Tobias with claws slashing forward. Joey yelped as he was startled, but was actually prepared for when another of the creatures attacked his ankle from the side hedge, just barely missing getting bitten by the decaying fanged baby head.

Tobias growled and immediately unsheathed his sword, bringing it down upon the creature hard as his ears were perked up, listening for any more to come. If they were working in a pack, then he doubted there would be just two.

Velacia growled lowly, her fingers splayed open as she looked from side to side, awaiting any more ambushes while Dryzon calmly looked around them, still not that worried.

Joey drove a tonfa down at the head of the disgusting creature and shuddered at the sick cracking sound as the skull popped like a ripe grape, dozens of tiny ones crawling from the corpse, each one no more then eight inches tall, but they all sported sharp looking fangs and they were all making little screeching sounds as they swarmed at the group. Green venom of some kind was dripping from their mouths.

Toria spun her staff, knocking one of the jumping creatures out of the air and away from her even as three more jumped towards Joey, four jumping at Tobias, three at Dryzon and it seemed that the creatures were leaving Velacia alone.

Dryzon held out his hand, flames coming from his fingers, scorching the raptors to a crisp as he smirked slightly, his sword remaining still in his other hand, surveying the situation with mild interest.

Tobias backed up slightly before bringing his sword down again on the coming creatures, eyeing the venom apprehensively, not wanting it to touch him at all.

Velacia looked a little surprised, wondering why none would attack her... but then, was it because of her contract? Or... something else? She lowered herself into a defensive stance, preparing to help any of the others if they were in an impending situation.

Throughout the entire encounter that maniacal laughter continued, one of the creatures snapping its tiny fanged mouth at Dryzon's ankle, but before it could complete the action it was crushed by a quick and dead thrust of Toria's staff. It seemed as though these things were easily killed but by the time the little scuffle was over they all realized, they were right back where they started.

"Fucking hell!" Tobias snapped, slamming his blade into the ground, breathing a bit heavily, thoroughly annoyed, as if that scuffle meant nothing... especially now that they were back at the start.

Dryzon smiled slightly at Toria's interference with the creature's attempt to hurt him, though he was confident in his immune system.

"Thank you" he said before looking around them.

"Well I guess we can't aimlessly wander" Velacia mused, rising from her crouch stance.

"I wasn't aimlessly wandering around!" Tobias retorted.

"I didn't say you did... but this is a maze right? And being in hell, Kobal could just make this maze neverending if he wanted to" she pointed out.

In a flash of light, Toria changed form into a great snowy owl and flapped upward to try and get a bird's eye view of the situation, but just as she reached the level even with the tops of the hedges, it was like she hit some sort of barrier which threw her back down toward the ground with painful force. Within a few seconds she changed back into human form, grunting from the mild pain and frowns while rubbing at her head lightly.

"I suppose I should have expected as much".

"I hope we aren't stuck here. I've got training to do" Joey said as he looked upward towards the sky, his lame attempt at humour to lighten the mood.

Dryzon, if keeping it casual in some sense, immediately went over to Toria's side, kneeling slightly beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, being wary that the claws of his gauntlet did not pierce her flesh.

"Are you alright?"

Tobias meanwhile glanced at Joey, smirking.

"Sure you do... just as I got a harem of women waiting for my masculinity" he joked, causing Velacia to roll her eyes before returning her attention to their surroundings. She stepped a bit away from the group, looking around at the hedges.

"How are we going to get through this? I doubt blasting our way through is an option" she wondered allowed.

"Yes, I am fine. Thank you" Toria had to said to Dryzon as she stood and dusted herself off. She was about to say something when suddenly the ground under all of them simply dropped away, a long dark tunnel yawned open to swallow them, a faint flickering of firelight seen way down in the bottom.

Joey yelped as suddenly gravity took him and started to send him hurling down into the darkness. Toria who had only just gotten to her feet, fell as well, changing mid fall into a small kestrel but gravity seemed to have a mind of its own and pulled everyone downward.

Tobias let out a yell of surprise, cursing greatly as he fell, Velacia and Dryzon not too far off from him. The dragon was surprised by the turn of events but went along with it, glancing down at the faint light at the bottom.

"I hope he's not going to drop us into an oven".

"THAT'S NOT FUNNY MAN!" Tobias snapped.

"You definitely are cranky without your fix" Dryzon teased.

Velacia tried to sink her claws in the sides of the tunnel, to slow down her fall, but it seemed any effort proved futile. The pull from the gravity was stronger then normal.

Joey hit the ground first, and boy did he ever hit. Upon impact there was a sick crack as his leg bent in a horrible direction and the young man let out a scream of pain, writhing in agony. Toria's landing was considerably lighter, she simply touched down lightly and folded her wings, changing back into her human form, appearing in a knelt position.

Tobias landed hard on his hands and knees, but the way he centred his weight would only leave bruises, though they were painful ones at that.

"Goddamn..." he hissed out as Velacia landed also hard by him, but managed to land on all fours, using her tail as leverage, having more weight to it then the youkai's.

Dryzon landed hard on his knees, but otherwise landed in a kneeling position. Dusting himself off he moved quickly over to Joey, gently placing a clawed gauntlet over the injury, working his magic to heal him. Velacia came over to inspect as well, gently holding Joey's shoulders down for him not to fight back too much.

Joey panted in pain as he was held down and healed, the expression of pain slowly easing from his expression, though the sweat remained. He seemed a little ashamed by the time he was able to walk again, seeing as how he was the only one that got injured during the fall. Velacia gently trailed her hand through Joey's hair at this as she walked by him, a soft smile on her lips that conveyed a message that none were ashamed of his actions. He was human and they had their limits. And the rest of them did as well. She found it amusing how she was taken by this human, but he was not like the rest, or perhaps it was because he worked for Harper, or just that her mind was elsewhere to care too much of the loathing her kind had for the humankind.

Toria glanced around their new location, it appeared to be some sort of vast underground cave made into a dungeon. There were cages everywhere, some with still living occupants, who moaned painfully at the group, while others were filled with rotting corpses. Some of them hung from the domed ceiling while others lay on the ground or stacked on other cages. Not one of the cages held Harper however.

The hydra surveyed the dungeon around them apprehensively, her eyes narrowing at the various different cages, tasting the air. Tobias moved to stand by her, his ears once again pricked fully up.

"He's not here" he said softly.

"Not too surprised. One doesn't keep prized prisoners with the rest" Dryzon muttered, looking around quietly, his features narrowing slightly. Such vagabonds... using crude methods of imprisonment.

Around them there were several doors leading from the vast dome like cave, most of them seemingly leading into pitch blackness. Joey kept quiet as he glanced around again.

"How are we going to find him in all of this? There could be miles of tunnels leading who knows where..."

Tobias looked at the various tunnels, the fur on his tail bristling greatly as he looked at the many possible different directions.

"We could split up... or go all through them one at a time. But both options are not safe no matter what".

"Time is ticking" Dryzon commented. "Whatever option you guys want to do then I shall comply". Toria considers the place and ponders for a long moment before commenting.

"Some of us may be safer then others on their own. Perhaps some should go alone, some in pairs". She gazed at the others. She doubted that anyone would want to split up in such a place, but if they did, they could very well find Harper and get out of here sooner.

"I'll go alone" Velacia volunteered. Tobias quirked an eyebrow to her and she continued. "I find it odd that those raptors did not attack me... perhaps that was just a fluke. Still, maybe being in a contract proves some benefits... won't know till I find out".

"Fine. I'll go with Joey" Tobias said, grinning at the human. Dryzon turned to glance at Toria, a neutral look on his face.

"I have no qualms with going alone or going with you. That choice is yours" he offered, sounding casual though he was concerned for her well being, though he hid that part completely well. Toria nodded slightly

"I believe that I can handle myself, best to cover as much ground as possible." She turned slowly to the northern most tunnel and started to walk toward it calmly. Joey glanced over at Tobias and sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Why do I get stuck with fido?" Tobias lightly smited Joey in the head, pushing the human to the tunnel next to Toria's.

"Because all humans should have their canine companion accompany them" he said, grinning slightly.

Dryzon sighed, shaking his head at the two and then glanced at Velacia, giving a fleeting look, to be careful before taking a tunnel away from the others. Velacia got the meaning and kept note before heading down on one opposite the one Dryzon chose, her tail closing harder onto the sword.

The moment that each person had entered their respective tunnels, the exits sealed, plunging them all into darkness. Silence was now within the chamber, and the only thing Velacia could hear was her own breathing. However being the dark was not a worry for her, her kind being well adept to see. Not a hundred percent night vision, but enough to at least get the bearings around her. She cautiously stalked forward, hoping the others were doing alright, though her mind was mostly on Harper's wellbeing.

Not having travelled too far, the woman catches a faint familiar scent of elf, but it is mixed heavily with the smell of blood, rot and other less pleasant smells. Her eyes widened considerably at the smell, her tongue flickering from side to side in dislike. She wasn't sure if it was Harper, but it was a lead of some sorts. The other scents that wafted through made her feel greatly unsettled and she moved forward quickly yet carefully at the same time, hoping she wasn't too late.

She doesn't have a far way to travel and by the time she reaches the end of her tunnel she is in another domed cave, skulls on pikes and pits of fire scattered across the expansive space in the center of the room. Way up high above her a single form hangs by the wrists by a chain, but it is too hard to really identify it just yet.

Velacia cautiously stalked into the cave, taking in the skulls and the pits of fire warily before slowly gazing upwards at the figure that was bound. She tilted her head to the side. The scent in this room was too strong to truly identify but all she could tell it was an elf, or the scent of one was here. She moved to the center of the room and looked upward, calling up loudly.

"Harper?"

The closer she gets she can see red blood dripping from the figure hanging high above. The being's head is hung down and the dark hair veils the figure's face from view, but what is visible is terrible. The being, who is male, looks like his rib cage has been pulled open and his insides pulled free, hanging loosely. The heart even hangs loose, still pumping as it dangles from the arteries. That being shouldn't be alive but he was, especially with the occasional groaning. Some sort of magic was keeping him alive, his back flayed of skin and it looks like the shoulders and elbows are broken, more blood drips slowly from the figure's toes to the floor where a puddle has formed.

Velacia stared up horrified at the figure hung from the ceiling, eyeing all of the physical damage he endured, never in her life seeing something as disgusting as this. She approaches more towards the center, the scent of the blood becoming strong. She was feeling sick on the inside and her heart pounded hard within her chest.

"...Harper?" she whispered, distraught claiming her, though she expected no response. Even if it weren't him, this was despicable.

These devils... fucked up creatures...

Pain for him soared through her. Pain and guilt.

"Damn it..." she cursed, her fists tightening roughly. "Damn you Kobal!" she hissed as she forced herself to look at the person again. Even if she could free him from his binds, how on earth could she carry this person out like this? She was no medic and she doubted her healing measures could put everything back inside him.

Taking a look around her surroundings, Velacia sees something that only makes her dread grow. Harper's unholy sword is laying off to the side near the edge of a bubbling molten pit. Her eyes dilated at this. There was no other explanation. This was Harper.

Suddenly she hears a screeching sound as large bat like creatures emerge from holes up in the ceiling, which one could presume was probably their nests. They head for the hanging body, like it was feeding time.

The sickening feeling inside the hydra bubbled and she gritted her fangs, clenching them harder as she heard the screeching from the large bats.

"Oh no you don't..." she growled. His body was too high to reach but she could at least attempt to stop the bats. Lowering herself on her haunches, she tensed her muscles before leaping up high, attempting to catch one of the beasts and make sure its life would end short.

She catches one of the bats as it goes to swoop around and pick at one of the corpses littering the ground, hacking into it ferociously, tearing it apart while several others tug at Harper's hanging intestines. Something falls to the ground beside her and when she looks down, she sees a brown eye looking up at her from the ground where it had landed. She freezes at this, going rather pale. A groan of agony drifting weakly through the air afterwards. A dark laughter, however, drowns it out.

"Ahhh. You made it...Velacia..."

"Goddamnit Kobal! Why the hell are you doing this?!" she demanded, the muscles in her body tense as she observed the bats again, judging on which one she should slay next while trying to find where the source of his voice was coming from.

"Because, if the Ny'Tshaides want their pet elf back, they are going to have to give me exactly what I want" the voice replies as the sound of stone grinding is heard and an opening appears in the ceiling from which Tobias and Joey fall, chained in the same manner as Harper, however, they are still intact.

"This is so much fun."

"What is it that you want? Just Kaine's name?" she asked and then froze as she saw Tobias and Joey hang from the ceiling and more dread began to fill in her. They seemed knocked out. Her mind briefly wandered to that of Dryzon and Toria, knowing that the two were capable to take care of themselves... but for how long?

"You can't do this..." she hissed angrily, the blood from the large bat she killed dripping from her claws as she could feeling the pounding in her chest grow more.

"I can do whatever I want. You're in my domain".

Another hole opens and Dryzon drops down, hanging by his wrists like the others. Joey at this time opens his eyes barely, shaking his head to clear it and glances down, confused as to where he is till his gaze zeroes in on Harper.

"Master!!!" he cries out, the human's eyes fill with horror upon seeing what looked to be a living corpse, hanging there.

Kobal at that moment suddenly appears near Velacia. He was not the gruesome beast from the last time. This time he looks almost human, if it weren't for the viciously grinning mouth full of fangs.

"Time for a party. I haven't had guests in a while".

Tobias groaned from the noise and slowly opened his eyes, blinking as he looks around, trying to shift and then groans some more when he notices he can't move. Looking up slowly he blinks.

"Huh? ... is this a dream?" he muttered and then looked over, noticing Joey and Dryzon chained up... as well as Harper. "WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?!"

Dryzon looked over at Harper, a soft sad fleeting look going through his eyes. He had seen many things like this but to happen to this man... he couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Glancing around their surroundings, he spied Kobal down below. He wasn't in the form Velacia mentioned of, but this could be his true one. Looking around again he noticed Toria was the only one not here. Worry started to fill him. He hoped she was fairing better then them.

Velacia meanwhile tensed slightly and turned to the man, probably would not of believed it was Kobal if not for their impending situation. Besides, those fangs looked all too familiar. Her muscles tightened more as she glared at him, taking a step back.

"I won't let you do this" she hissed, but deep down inside, she already knew those words were futile. This was his home and she was in a contract with him no less. The truth of that displayed upon her face and she eyed him wearily as Kobal chuckled and tilted his head slightly to the side.

"Ahhh here comes the last guest".

Another hole opened in the ceiling and a body came falling down. It was Toria, but instead of hanging from her wrists she had a metal collar on. If she reached the end of that chain in her fall-

Suddenly there was the sing of metal on metal and Toria reached the end of the chain... and then kept falling to the floor, the chain that was to hang her breaking and her body hits the ground hard, remaining motionless. Kobal frowns at this, looking from her and then to hole where she came from.

"What-" he begins but is cut off as Kaine falls through it and lands near her on one knee with his wicked looking blade in hand and a dead serious expression on his face.

"Kobal... you're not still sore about that little incident are you?"

"Oh fuck... great... JUST FUCKING GREAT" Tobias snaps, not too pleased upon seeing Kaine.

"Silence wolf... appreciate any help we get" Dryzon hissed, though his eyes were locked on Toria's motionless form. She didn't seem too hurt from what he could sense. His eyes then wandered over to Kaine. He had this slight suspicion that the man might show, and perhaps it was for the best. In truth perhaps only he could match Kobal.

Velacia tensed upon seeing Kaine emerge, her feelings mixed. On one side she was glad for in truth, she felt only he could take Kobal on. But on the other side, if Kobal lets loose she's in a contract... that would not bode well for her after. She did not like this but Harper couldn't stay like this. She already got herself in too deep. Taking a deep breath she moved a bit away from Kobal, judging her surroundings, debating on what she should do.

"You're damn right I am holding a grudge! You set me up Kaine. Have you ever been torn limb from limb by the Angel of Purity!? You made a fool of me!" Kobal hissed as a whirring sound began to fill the massive chamber and portal chakrams sliced at the chains suspending the others, leaving them to free fall to the ground, which is not a short fall at all, and they are still shackled, but at least they weren't hanging by their wrists anymore.

Tobias had swore loudly as he fell on the ground where as Dryzon remained silent, simply landing on his feet. The less attention they drew from the egotistical devils, the better. Instead he slowly moved towards Toria, having landed close to her, and inspected her carefully. Joey had hit the ground hard, yet again for the second time, and the sound of something popping crackled out as he crumples completely, hissing in pain. Harper's body fell limply to the ground with a wet thud and lays unmoving on the ground. Kobal seemed all the more furious at this and Kaine only grinned.

"Yes, I made a fool of you. And I enjoyed every moment of it".

Velacia immediately moved to Harper, getting on her knees, inspecting him, the pounding in her heart never ending. She gently lifted his face to inspect it, the stench of his organs filling her completely.

"Gods I am so sorry... so sorry..." she whispered continually, knowing he would not understand.

Harper's face is a mess of claw marks, the one eye missing and his hair matted thick with blood. Up close she can see his heart beating outside of his chest, his lungs fluttering with shallow weak breaths. How was it even possible for him to be alive?

Not too far off Toria stirs barely and half opens her eyes, locking gaze with Dryzon and furrows her brow.

"I don't recall how I got here". She rubs at the back of her head, glancing over slightly to where Kaine finally stood from his knelt position and starts toward Kobal the other devil snarling angrily.

"Since when does Kaine Ny'Tshaide care about pathetic scum like those? You're getting soft Kaine". Kaine simply smirked as he replied.

"Perhaps. But I also enjoy depriving you of your fun..."

In the blink of an eye both unholy beings were upon each other, Kobal having procured a sword of his own, the blades clashing violently as their fight raged on, moving too quick for the normal eye to see.

Dryzon meanwhile smiled softly at the woman before him, gently helping Toria to a sitting position as he inspects her head for a moment longer.

"I am not sure what happened to you, but you may have been knocked out and then brought here. Currently Kaine is dealing with Kobal, as you can see" he said as he glanced at the others, noticing the pain Joey was in and Harper's predicament.

Velacia was still looking over all of Harper's wounds, feeling a clawing at her heart for every damage she saw on this elf, the guilt consuming her more and more. She bent her head down, trailing her tongue along one of the slashes on his cheeks, gently sealing it, but knowing she could not heal the rest of him, or at least efficiently so. She had ceased talking but the apologies whispered to him in her mind, her tail clutching his sword ever so hard.

At that moment a huge serpent slithered from the shadows, its scales of the most deepest obsidian, bringing to memory of the same serpent that the hydra met during the time she wore the skeletal symbiote. It moved towards Velacia and Harper, making no sound as it approaches his and unhinges its jaws, starting to swallow Harper from the feet up.

Velacia growls angrily at the serpent, her arms remaining firm draped around his shoulders, readying to slash its face. Dryzon's voice carried out to her.

"Are you sure that belongs to Kobal? It may be Kaine's..."

Velacia paused, looking at the serpent in a narrowed gaze. It really did look familiar to the one Kaine summoned when he attempted to take Harper's sword... was this the same?

Toria reached up to her throat where the metal collar and length of chain were and frowns. She couldn't remember anything that happened. Joey still remained where he lay, sweating due to the intense pain he was suffering from the fall.

The noise of the battle above them continues and Kaine is suddenly run through by Kobal, the Devil laughing insanely.

"You stupid child! Learn your place!" Kaine only moved forward, driving the blade further through his chest, his sadistic grin growing. Velacia, who had caught the scene, wonder grimly if Kaine had a fetish of having things thrusted through his gut. Her attention returns to he serpent, who just seems to try and focus on swallowing Harper whole, walking its jaws up the dismembered body slowly.

Dryzon shifts somewhat over to Joey, eyeing the battle slightly as he moves. He shakes his head at the look Kaine was giving off. War monger he thought to himself before settling beside the human.

"Where does it hurt?" he asked gently, knowing the question was stupid but spoke it nonetheless. Joey murmured quietly, indicating the pain as Dryzon commenced to slowly heal him.

Tobias finally, after what seemed like a long while, sat up and took what was going on around him, his eyes locked on Kaine and Kobal fighting, seeming to remember his own fight and glad that he wasn't involved in this one.

Velacia herself finally decided to take the chance and let the serpent take Harper, though she had her claws at the ready.

"If you are only here to kill him though, I'll slice you to pieces" she promised dangerously.

The serpent didn't seem to have any communication skills, or at least none that Velacia knew. The massive python eventually swallowed Harper's head as well, its mouth closing, the lump where the elf was in the snake could plainly be seen. Behind them Kaine was tearing the blade right out from his chest, leaving a black bloody mess on the floor of this horrible place before engaging Kobal again.

"Great... don't need more of that stuff" Tobias commented, remembering the scent of Kaine's blood far too well and plugged his noise, profusely breathing through his mouth. Dryzon meanwhile gently ran his hands over Joey's limbs, still slowly healing him, wherever it hurt, the human murmuring every so often. Velacia stayed close to the serpent, eyeing it apprehensively though she mildly listened to the battle behind her.

The serpent started to heave and squirm and opened its mouth, promptly regurgitating Harper out onto the floor, where he looks healed, completely, but is still very much unconscious. Velacia could only watch in awe from this act. She smiled slightly at the serpent, reaching out to pat his nose, who avoids her and slithers back into the shadows, disappearing completely.

"I guess I was wrong" she said softly, moving down to move a strand of hair from Harper's face, thoroughly glad and yet... sad as well. He wouldn't have to gone through this if... she sighed deeply, getting up and moving over to where his other sword lay, grasping it gently before bringing it back to his form, laying it beside him and then, after a moment, laying the holy sword by him too.

"You guys... I wonder if we should bamboozle and let those guys handle the rest" Tobias commented. "Would that coin get us out of here?" Toria was the one who nodded at his question.

"It should. We should go before a victor is decided". Joey nodded in agreement now that he was free of the pain of broken bones.

"Lets get out of here before they decide we should stay" Joey commented once he was free from the pain of broken bones.

Dryzon stands fully, a flash going through his eyes and at that, any shackles that remained on their forms were gone, disappearing into the wind. He then moves over to Velacia and Harper, as does Tobias, who still eyes the other two apprehensively.

Velacia wraps her tail around Harper's body and the two swords, hoisting him into a standing position and holds out the coin, placing her and Harper's finger along it as Tobias and Dryzon touch it as well. Toria moved towards them and touched the coin, as did Joey and there is a flash as all are ported back to where they had been before in Dryzon's home, the image of Kaine and Kobal's leering faces almost burnt into their minds.

Joey just collapses on the floor and looks relieved to be away from that place while Toria stands quietly of to the side. Tobias himself lets out a sigh, also sitting on the floor, running a hand through his hair, sighing softly.

"Thank whatever god out there that we got out... man do I not want to experience that AGAIN!" Tobias groaned. Dryzon chuckled bemusedly, shaking his head slightly.

"I am inclined to agree" he joked.

Velacia remained oddly subdued, gently depositing Harper in a sitting position, his swords laying by him. She runs a hand through his hair again absentmindedly and then looks to Toria.

"Would Kaine's sister want to see him now?" she asked. The other woman nods gravely.

"Yes, she would. But I do not think it is wise for her to see him in this state. Joey can take him away to recuperate. It will hopefully not take too long for him to recover... though I don't know what his mind will do to handle what happened".

"It may take a while but as long as Joey is with him I'm sure it'll happen given due time" Dryzon said softly. Nodding Velacia gave a slight smile in Joey's direction.

"We'll leave him in your hands then".

"He'll probably feel comfortable with only Joey around anyways when he comes too" Tobias added. Joey inclines his head barely.

"I'll take him back to the dojo. Master Hitokiri may be able to help him get over the trauma" he comments, seeming rather depressed for his poor master.

"Yes I'm sure that will help" Tobias said, though he was feeling partially unsure. He really hoped Harper would get over this but part of him was wondering if that were ever to happen.

Velacia was feeling greatly uncomfortable, a restlessness clawing inside her and she turned her attention towards Dryzon.

"I need to get out" she said softly. Dryzon quirked an eyebrow, asking without speaking of what she meant, so she added "I mean I have to leave".

"Oh? Any particular reason why? And wouldn't you want to wait for Harper to perhaps awaken?"

"...no... I don't think it would be best for me to be here" she said and then directed her words to everyone. "I'd like to thank you all for your help, first in this and even my own matters. However, with the recent current events, I think it would be best to part ways permanently. What with the contract I'm in with Kobal and with my problems with Kaine, I don't want to bring you any more problems" she said softly.

"But Velacia!" Tobias protested, getting to his feet. "You're going to be no match for them alone!"

"None of us was a match together and being alone... for this... would be better. So I'd like to ask that none of you follow me, or search me out and if I find out you are intentionally doing so... I will be prone to attack" she concluded. It wasn't a threat but a warning, and that of a promise. The way she was conveying her words showed she was under great duress and didn't want to bring anyone further into this then necessary.

"I have no problem with that. I respect your request" Dryzon said calmly. Tobias nodded but didn't sound too enthused on the matter... but really had no choice. Velacia could kill him if she really wanted too.

Joey seems to have no objection to the reptilian woman's demands and quietly reached into his pack, finding a small teleport stone which would take him and Harper back to their dojo.

"Bye guys. Thank you so much for helping save my Master" he said as he gazed at the group, the appreciation brimming in his eyes.

"Hey anytime. We'd do anything to help him, and the same goes for you. If ever you need help, feel free to call us" Tobias said, smiling gently. Dryzon nodded too and gestured to his home.

"You both are always welcome here, no matter what".

"Take care" Velacia said, nodding to him.

The human gives a brief smile at everyone before he finally activates the stone, light swirling around him and the unconscious elf before they disappear altogether. Silence fills the room for a moment before Toria turns her attention to Velacia.

"Running off alone will not serve any constructive purpose".

"And do you think dragging more innocent people into this would?" she countered. Tobias snorted.

"I am ANYTHING but innocent babe".

"The point I'm trying to lay out is that its obvious that I can do nothing to stop Kaine's actions against me, nor that of Kobal's if he ever survives. You guys don't need to be pulled into my mess" she said softly, her tail swishing slowly behind her. "You'll be better off not having to deal with this at all". Toria raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.

"Do you not think that your friends have the right to choose for themselves? Allow them to use their free will. You can not force them to accept your choice".

"I have no friends" Velacia said coldly. "All I see is acquaintances... and I've seen enough of them get hurt because they are trying to help me. They are only making the matter worse, both for themselves and for me. True that I can't force any of you to choose what I want you to, but I am standing by what I say before. If I find any of you following me or trying to interfere, I will attack". There was a finality to her tone, that no matter what else would be said, she would stand by it. Her features then softened slightly. "I can't risk my child's life anymore and that's why I need to play this alone".

Toria could just shake her head and sigh faintly, but had nothing else to say to Velacia for the time being. Dryzon himself was not fond of the hydra's choice, but knew deep down that any help they had try to give her and interfering with the purple haired man ran more problems then solutions. Nonetheless he could still watch her from his domain.

"Ready to go?" he asked. Velacia nodded, a sad look upon her features. Smiling he opened a red portal for her. "Do take care". She smiled wryly at this.

"I'll try... you three take care and thanks" she said before going through it, the portal closing behind her. Tobias sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"I'm still going to try to help her... but... at a distance..." Dryzon laughed slightly.

"Make sure she never catches you".

"The only way she'll catch me is if she wants to ravage my irresistible body" Tobias said with a chuckle as Dryzon rolled his eyes. The wolf hybrid winked and wagged his tail. "However given current circumstances, I doubt I'll get lucky".

* * *

Deep within a dark room, a tall emaciated looking robed man was staring down into a large hollow sphere made out of living creatures' flesh mixed with other raw materials. At times the carved out sphere would twitch whenever the man drew near. One would almost assume it was out of fear of him.

One could see right into the bottom of this sphere if not for a hazy screen. It shifted and warped till it showed two females, alternating between the form of a long black haired woman with blood red bangs accentuating her curves and her beautiful scales till it switched to another woman with long dark hair, tanned skin, dressed in the most simplest of garb with her different coloured eyes. Smiling to himself at the images, the person ran his long spindly fingers against his cheek, baring his too white teeth.

"Such lovely specimens. They would add so nicely to my collection. Rare and almost extinct... and would I be doing them a favour. So unappreciated in the world they live in now. But I'll make them feel loved within my home that they'll never want to leave" he purrs longingly. As the image flickers to the reptilian woman he looks at her thoughtfully. "A strong spirited woman that is nearly broken, so close to edge of breaking her sanity. I can taste the urge to drain her till she can only rely on me... that pitiful boy knows not how to treat such a fine specimen". He nods thoughtfully for a moment, as if agreeing with his words as the image then switched to the tanned woman. "Heh. I do love a challenge. Locking away the past so deep inside of her. Forever secluding herself. Heh... I'll love to break open her shell and feast on the juicy insides... and then captivate her with my spell that she won't be able to survive without me".

The images swirl away and he interlocks his long fingers, his tongue slipping out of his thin lips to wet them, a most delicious smile upon his face as he snickers darkly.

"Neither will be missed. Its always those that are unappreciated the most that come into my care and ironically enough the tables change and people become concerned. Fools. They are more then toys you can play with or prod sexually... to twist them inside out, live in their greatest fears and only have me to rely on to trust and survive... to obey me willingly, sacrificing everyone for me... that is the ultimate goal. All my trophies get treated this way... and these two fine treasures will not get treated any bit less".

He cackles as he turns away, his robes swirling around him as he stalks away from the large trembling sphere.

"Perhaps I'll pay them both a visit... break the ice so to speak..."