[IC] Saving the Damned Cont. (AkiraShadow & HiddenBeauty)

[akirashadow]

"Allura?" Akira asks as the angel stands over him, he could see the determination for answers in her eyes, a burning gaze of both betrayal and mistrust. Akira looks away from her unable to hold her gaze. "So he told you what happened?" Akira's voice was somewhat winded, he was still trying to adjust to being back in his own body.
'I told her some of what happened, though you cut me short... just when I was getting to the best part.'
"What did you tell her?" Akira probes out loud, though after a few moments pass it was evident that the demon wasn't going to co-operate. Akira looks to Allura a frown on his face, his voice sounding completely void of emotion as he says. "I'm sorry..." Upon speaking Akira's eyes roll back and blood begins to excrete itself from his tear ducts, gravity merely pulls the bloodtears down the side of Akira's face to the floor. 'If you will not tell me, then I'll take the answer from you' Akira's thoughts raged with the right for succession though in his current state, his control is overthrown by the demon with ease. Akira's eyes roll back to normal though Allura is merely greeted with their fire red gaze and a wicked smile.

"I am sorry that you wish to talk to that... mortal, though for both our sakes I cannot allow him to unlock that memory. I will be free, if he finds out it's likely to crush what little mortality and mentality he has left." The demon moves itself away from Allura as it stands up to his feet. "He has pressed me for the truth with his magic." The demon sighs dejectedly. "And unfortunately for me I am sworn in blood to abide to his bidding. Though I don't think you truly understood the story, that was my hope but I also hoped you wouldn't blabber like a fool to this man the second he returned..." The smile slowly changes to a frown as the demon steps towards Allura. "You ruined my fun... then allow me to show you the truth!" The demons steps hasten as he reaches and rests the palm of his hand against Allura's temple. As he does so, the house seems to fall apart around them and disappear from existence. The image of the demon flickers away from existence as a scene begins to build itself up, a town, or at least the outskirts of a town. Akira's body reappears as a silhouette next to Allura, though the Aura it gave off made it clear it was still the demon.

The silhouette points ahead and a person seems to materialise out of thin air, on initial inspection of appearance and attire, this person looked very much like Akira although on closer inspection it was clear that it wasn't. The man steps towards Allura, his face full of anger and hatred his lips move as if to be shouting though no words are projected. As the scene unfolds another man dressed in commoners rags steps through Allura as though she wasn't even there. It would seemed the angered hunter was addressing this man all along. The scene disappears almost instantly on the commoners appearance. The commoner remains in place as a room seems to build around them, but halfway through constructing itself it breaks apart a familiar voice says. "Fine, if they're getting too close I'll leave. Don't anger him, he may have lived here with us once but it's a dangerous game to play."
The silhouette shakes its head at Allura and Volkrans voice rings out 'This is merely a reconstruction, if you try to communicate or change anything it'll end in failure.' Then a third scene begins to construct itself before themselves the silhouette's voice is weak as it warns 'prepare yourself'. Before the scene is complete cries of fear and pain echo as though bouncing around within a councils hall. Bit by bit detail by detail, houses construct themselves only to be torn down by flames and waves of darkness, the hunter from the first scene materialises once more amongst it. The man hangs his head almost ashamed of what he has done.

He turns as though to look at Allura, and this time his voice projects. "I'm sorry Akira, when I revive them they're sure to tell the truth. You must be stopped." The silhouette materialises into a normal form before Allura's eyes anger striken on his face, though it was clear it was Akira but it was merely part of the reconstruction. The man approaches the hunter who's deteriorated and weak from the blood magic it'd just used, assuming Volkran's story had held true. Although angry Akira's voice seems completely void and inhumane speaking as he drives a dagger coated with his own blood through the hunters back. "This town.... These people, they die with you. I damned them.... and you.... I'll remember their cries." Akira drops to his knees covering his ears as the scene falls away once more.

The house that they currently reside returns to reality. The vision seeming as nothing but a fleeting dream, Akira stands before Allura the red flickering away from them as his brown eyes release more tears of blood. Shocked Akira staggers away from Allura back out into the hallway, his eyes look before him though not to Allura himself, he kneels down in the hallway. "Cover your ears." He calls to Allura, although his tone seemed more demanding then anything else. The man pulls his knees against himself, his head slowly rocking back and forth as it comes once again, that which had came for him in the caves, no level of noise suppression could block it out only muffle it to those that did not understand its origin. If one were to look outside, they'd see that only those who had witnessed the magic would be effected as cries of pain, anguish and blood curdled last breaths ring through the small house. Akira closes his eyes as though it'd make it that little bit less real to his psyche, once again the cries end with the all too familiar blood curdled roar of the cave demon that was killed only days ago. It was clear now, these cries were of those who'd fell victim to devastating effects of the blood magic Akira wielded: The death of his hometown and all those who'd fallen to his blade whilst he was using its deadly power, they were trapped now both guilty and innocent all would suffer and in return make him suffer due to his actions...

[HiddenBeauty13]

Allura's eyes opened wide in surprise as Akira attempted to use blood magic in order to access the memories that both he and herself wanted to know about. She hadn't expected him to do it since it already seemed rather drained from his previous bodily take over by the demon. However, then angel was not surprised to see that he was stopped and taken over by the demon once more. Blue eyes stared at red ones as she listened to what he said with an unreadable expression. At this point, all Allura wanted--no, needed was answers and she would get them one way or another. As the demon approached, claiming that he would show her the truth, the angel frowned slightly, wondering just how he would be able to do that but she soon found out as she was suddenly plunged into a terrible vision.

Throughout the entire vision, the angel stared in bother horror and wonder. So this is what truly happened...or at least parts of it. Though, while her eyes watched what seemed to be a ruthless killer, destroying everything in his path, Allura felt as though he had a reason to do this. That maybe someone had forced him. That's what she wanted to believe, that's what she hoped was the case, but as the vision came to an end, her mind was telling her otherwise. As the vision finally vanished, the angel simply stood there, her body and mind still in a slightly shocked state. They hadn't prepared her for such things before sending her below to earth and her angelic side was forced to take over. At Akira's command, she brought her hands up to her ears, wondering what in the world could happen next. The sound of pained cries filled the air and Allura closed her eyes, wishing that it would all go away. Even the sound was too much for the angel in her and she ended up putting a little protective water bubbled around the girl's head to make sure she did not go deaf. When the screams finally faded away, Allura slowly removed her hands, looking over to Akira with pained eyes. "I..." she started but did not know what to say. What could she say that would magically fix the situation and get that vision out of her mind?

Suddenly, the door to the little home opened and the old woman returned with her arms full of items that would need for their journey. When she noticed Akira on the ground with blood running down his cheeks, she frowned. "Looks like you were trying to use blood magic." The woman stated simply and, after sitting down her stuff, she walked over to Akira and attempted to help him up. "C'mere girl, help an old woman out." Allura did as she was told and gently grabbed onto Akira's other arm, ignoring the faint burning sensation that she experienced from touching him. The two carried him over to the same bed that he'd been in just the day before. Once in the bed, the old woman turned to Allura. "Go fix some hot water for him and then tell me when you're done so I can make this special teas for him." Nodding, the angel left the room leaving the woman and Akira alone.

"So, what made you use your blood magic, even though you know you have to pay for it later?" The woman asked with a raised eyebrow.

[akirashadow]

As Akira gets pulled up to his feet he muffles out 'I'm sorry' though it was too quiet for even the most sensitive of hearing to have heard. To what extent he could he walked himself, he wasn't so much heavily injured as he was temporarily drained. Though the question still remained to him, what had Volkran told her? He had enough time to curse and belittle himself in his own mind before being rested down on the bed. One thing was certain, he couldn't continue like this, if he did someone was sure to wind up dead, whether it be himself, a hunter or just a complete stranger. He'd have to learn to keep closer tabs on his own anger and figure out other methods of dealing with his problems. His eyes follow as Allura walks out the room, whatever Volkran had done he'd clearly done some level of damage to their bond. However it would seem that the demon had entered a slumber of sorts, his very thoughts were silent in Akira's head, for the first time in a while it felt almost as though he was human once more.

The old womans voice snapped him back into reality as she asked him the question, though his answer was somewhat dismissive. "Sometimes, the ends justify the means."
The old woman sighs to Akira's response it would seem he would be as difficult now as he has been the entire time. "And on this occasion? What was the end you were trying to justify in a house where no one is threatened?"
Akira avoids eye contact before answering. "He told her something... She... I couldn't handle the way she looked at me, I had to know what it was."
"And did you get your answer?"
Akira shakes his head in response. "No he managed to block me out, even though he was under the spells influence. Though I'm sure he'd claim it to be for my own good."
"You shouldn't rely so heavily on it, you may be bound with a demon, but some parts of you are very much still human."
Akira was about retort about being lectured over such a thing but holds his tongue, he dwells in the silence waiting Allura's return.

Though when she would return how would he react? What could he say or do, hadn't she already given more trust and help then he deserved? These thoughts plague and play on Akira's mind. A harsh reality hits him when the woman breaks the silence. "You shouldn't keep pushing her away, she's trying to help you and it's becoming clearer that you're avoiding that."
"What do you mean? I've done nothing to push her away intently." Akira responds as though greeted by riddles.
"She's opted to turn her back on her kind, believing in you. Don't make her regret that decision."
"I'm..." Akira notices Allura out the corner of his eye and turns away. What the woman had said hit true to the situation, he wasn't stupid there was likely be questions that he'd be having to answer very shortly, and their fragile friendship could be hanging on the balance of those answers. Though whatever he had just subjected Allura to, he didn't want to face it, but he already knew he'd have to. When he'd have to explain wasn't his decision he'd lost control of this situation, he had no right to decide when and what was discussed.

[HiddenBeauty13]

Once in the kitchen, Allura got to work on warming up some hot water for the old woman. First she had to restock the oven, which was low on wood and then find matches to light a fire with. She then filled a pot with water and placed it on the stove so it could warm. However, without having something to keep her mind occupied, scenes form the vision she'd seen only minutes before flooded her mind and a chill ran through her body. If she was feeling this bad then she could only imagine how Akira was feeling as he had to go through the actual events that had gone down in the vision. With that though in mind, the angel suddenly felt guilty. She'd gone on and asked him to dig up painful memories, in which he suffered even more than her, a person who was merely watching from the outside.

A bubbling sound pulled Allura from her thoughts and she quickly glanced at the pot, noticing that it was thoroughly heated. The angel then did as she was told and returned to the room where she informed the old woman of the bubbling pot. "Ah, thank you dear. I'll make you some tea too." The old woman said good-naturedly before getting to her feet and shuffling out the room, leaving the two alone once more. For a moment, there was an uncomfortable and tense silence until Allura decided to speak up. "Akira...I'd first like to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for probing you for answers like that. If I would've known that blood magic was going to be used... and that I was going to see that vision, then I wouldn't have asked right away but...that demon...he caused me to become suspicious after mentioning something that was said before." The angel sighed before continuing on. "Though, while I don't necessarily trust you as much as I did thirty minutes ago, I am willing to wait a bit before asking you more question about your past. However, I need to know soon. We do have others closing in on us." Allura stated, her voice firm with a hint of coldness to it. It was clear that she truly meant business now and she was just itching to get as much info out of Akira as possible but her more humane side allowed her to resist hounding him for answers. For now.

[akirashadow]

Akira remained turned away from Allura whilst she spoke to him. He could feel the change and rift between them as she spoke. He was conflicted, though part of him wanted to tell her everything, another side of was telling him to hold onto his secrets as long as he could. When Allura finished speaking there was a short moment of awkward silence before Akira spoke up. "I wouldn't concern yourself too much about that. You'll know the truth soon enough, he won't let me keep it from you. As far as he'll be concerned it'll be for my own good." Akira didn't specify as to who he was referring although for once it would seem that he wasn't referring to the demon. He turns his head to look over toward Allura, his facial expression seemed void of any definitive emotion as he spoke. "Just know that, when you know the truth... there's a chance that this fragile connection will share will break... and if that happens, there'll be no way to repair it, or undo its effect." As he finishes Akira let out a sigh and turns away from the angel once more.

"Remember, we leave tonight, more importantly our next destination is the crypt on the outskirts of this town. You should be more concerned with the creatures that you're likely to meet there, then this creature that lays before you." Akira falls silent again just short of the old woman shuffling back into the room with tea for her guests. She looks at the pair of them and their behaviour towards each other, shaking her head she hands Allura her drink, then sets Akira's down on the small bedside table.
"The pair of you need to figure out your differences." The woman states shaking her head once more, their relationship had been up and down since she'd met the pair merely two days before. "The harsh reality is you won't last long out there if you continue the way you're going at the moment." What the woman she said hit true, at least with Akira, nothing slows people travelling together as much as distrust and paranoia would. Although it wasn't as if they were any regular pair travelling together, an angel and a demon, complete opposites, there'd always be a rift of some sort between them. "You should be more open and forgiving." The woman comments towards Akira. "As for you, you should understand that trust is a hard thing for a person like him to give." To Akira it didn't make any sense it was though the two statements merely contradicted one another, though maybe there was more to it then he thought. "And you both need to try harder to make whatever it is you share, work." With that said the woman shuffled back out the room to leave the pair alone. As she leaves Akira reaches for his mug of tea, mumbling to himself as he turns toward Allura, he takes a sip of the drink, he doesn't say anything but he at least now had the spine and decency to look at Allura, and not trying to block her out.

[HiddenBeauty13]

Allura frowned deeply as Akira practically brushed her off. While she actually enjoyed what little friendship she had with the demon, if it was bound to end, then she'd rather it end now than later, even if it would hurt her more than she'd care to admit. However, that thought changed as the old woman came back into the room and began to speak to them. Silently, the angel listened to her, occasionally sipping from her tea as she did so. What the old woman said was very true and, when she finally left, the angel realized that she reminded her of her late mother, who often said things like that whenever Allura and her siblings were arguing with each other. After a brief moment of silence between them, Allura decides to speak up once more.

"She's right...we won't even make it to the crypt like this at this rate." She said with a soft sigh and glanced up at Akira, wondering what they can do in the next few hours to fix their friendship that seemed to be hanging on by a thin strand. What can we do...what can we do... Then, suddenly, an old memory popped into her mind. It was one of Allura and her siblings doing some form of trust exercise per their mother's orders. Each of them had to take turns falling backwards into each others arms with the expectation that they would be caught. Although Allura did not see how this would help her and Akira, she decided to at least bring it to the table.

"Maybe we can try a trust exercise?"

[akirashadow]

Akira looks to Allura when she doubts their ability to even maintain a short distance from the town. He shakes his head with a sigh before saying. "I have no intention of slowing down, trust or no trust. I cannot afford to get into unnecessary fights with the ghosts of the past." He was going to continue on before he hears what Allura said next. "Hmm, interesting idea... you have anything in mind?" Akira looks round the room before looking to Allura once more "The only technique I know of requires a lot more room, and preferably not performed in someone's house." The was a small pause before Akira continued "Sparing that is, very common technique to build trust between hunters was to have them train in combat together. Used to be a good way with dealing with problem hunters, like myself, the greater the trust a sparing pair had the less likely they would be to injure one another, and also cleared yourselves for using weapons rather then had-to-hand combat." Akira shakes his head once more. "So I hope you have a more practical idea, I don't think the lady that owns this house would very much appreciate us throwing each other around in one of her rooms." A rather poor attempt to try and put some humour on the situation. Akira stretches his arms as his mind was finally being able to fully adjust to being back where it belonged, in a body.

"Or... as much as neither of us it like it, we can probe each other for not so sensitive information, if you believe that knowing each other better will help with trust. I mean, other then both being human once upon a time, and what we are now, what do we really know about each other? The weird thing is, the demon probably knows more about each of us then I do." Akira takes another sip of his tea before placing the cup back on the bedside table and leaning back till he was laying on the bed once more. A sigh escapes him before he complains "Nothing can ever be simple can it?" More of a spoke thought then a question that he wished to know an answer for, if things were simple, lets face it they'd be boring. Although the harsh reality of the matter was this problem needed fixing, even if the fix was temporary enough to get the moving, for each moment they were remaining in the town their pursuers edged closer and closer. Unlike most Akira knew that the Shadow Hunters could pick up on obvious evidence of Akira's passing, and on this occasion enough corpses and power usage had been left in his wake to act like a breadcrumb trail.

[HiddenBeauty13]

Spring did sound fun, but Akira was right. They couldn't do that in the old woman's home. Pursing her lips slightly in thought, Allura sat back slightly in her chair and took a long swig of her tea. Thankfully it had cooled off a bit so she could drink it without scorching the inside of her mouth. This time, she was actually able to savor the flavor of the tea and, Allura had to admit, the old woman could make some good tea. Slowly, she felt herself relax and her previously cold demeanor was replaced with one that looked more open and accepting. Just what did the woman put in the tea? Whatever it was, the angel didn't think it was bad. In fact, she hoped she could get some more later. Shaking her head slightly, Allura cleared her mind of thoughts about tea and focused on what the demon saying. There were many things that they could do, but the angel did agree with Akira's idea of 'probing each other for information'.

"Well, what's your favorite food then?" The question was quite a random one, but it was also harmless and didn't require him to think of anything painful to come up with an answer. Even though they did not necessarily need food now, Allura was sure that he had a favorite food before he became one with the demon.

[akirashadow]

"favourite food?..." Akira see's himself repeating Allura's question as he begins to think. "Well I must admit that something that I've hunted myself tends to taste better then someone else fresh haul." Akira knew this didn't really answer the question so he continued. "Back at the guild house we use to have huge banquet type meals, although it was very informal. If I had to pick a particular meat though I'd have to go with pork and boar. Although the latter takes a bit more skill to ensure it doesn't spoil." He eventually gave what we probably be expected for an answer, even though he had gone off of quiet the tangent to get to that answer. Akira sits up before asking Allura. "What about yourself? I assume someone as well versed as yourself has tried all kinds of delicacy. if you had to pick a favourite. what would it be?" A question for a question, a rather simple method of getting to know someone, but if it'd work for them, all the better.

For a change it really was starting to seem that Akira was building a bond that may actually remain intact. A very rare occurrence though something he had to be cautious of, these bonds were usually always severed by bloodshed. He would do everything he could to prevent this from happening, although Allura wasn't exactly defenceless. Maybe he could just let this run its course and see where it leads. For a change the Demon was too dormant to be able to interrupt Akira's thoughts with paranoia and hatred, allowing him to think his own thoughts clearly for a change.

[HiddenBeauty13]

Allura hummed softly to herself as she gave Akira's question some thought. What was her favorite food? It wasn't as if she had anything extravagant... at least, not when she was a human since her family was rather big but there were some things that her mother cooked that were simply delicious. "Well, before I became an angel, I remember my mother cooking a special soup every year on Thanksgiving Day. It was a combination of our best vegetables and meat, along with a well seasoned broth that only my mother knew how to make. You could smell it cooking all the way from the outside and my mouth would water every time..." A small smile formed on her face as the memories of those days came flowing back: All her siblings pilling around the table, eager to get a bowl of Mom's famous soup; the warmth of the fire that burned steadily in the corner; the sound of laughter as Father told silly stories. Allura silently wished that she could have spent more Thanksgivings with her family and taste more of her mother's soup.

Shaking the thought away, the angel focused on thinking of another question to ask Akira. "What about your favorite season? I personally enjoy fall. It's not too hot and not too cold...plus I used to pick the apples and carrots for my family in the fall as well." Allura added with another smile before falling silent, waiting for the demon to answer her question.

[akirashadow]

"It may seem a bit depressing to most." Akira states as he begins to give his answer to Allura's second question. "But if I had a favourite season it would be Winter. I find that the cold is a small price to pay for longer nights, having its cover has often proved advantageous... though had I need for another reason..." Akira speaks up as though his original answer may have been a bit devious. "It's a good time for communities and towns to thrive, those that can plan and organise themselves well can usually continue on un-hitched or swayed by the weather. A time where people seem to care more for the person next to them, then they would on any other day." Akira smiles softly, mildly satisfied with the answer he had given. "I Personally find no joys in the heightened temperatures the summer would bring, it seems to bring out the worst in some people." Akira ponders the different questions he could ask Allura, concentrating more on this temporary concept than the bigger picture.

"So Allura tell me, though this may be a strange question to ask. Would you rather live in peace, leaving things unfulfilled? Or live a dangerous life, but in doing so gain fulfilment?... or would you see it the other way around?" A rather strange question to be answering. Akira's current path wasn't exactly safe however, he didn't want Allura walking down a path that she did not desire to walk upon. This activity although one of trust, was also an assessment as to whether the two of them really should be walking this path.

[HiddenBeauty13]

The angel raised a curious eyebrow at Akira's question. It was indeed strange but, since they were doing this to build trust, Allura figured she would answer the question truthfully. "Well, I've always been quiet a rebellious person," she started, a smile coming to her face as she remembered all the sneaky pranks and things she used to play on her siblings back when she was alive, despite her quiet and seemingly harmless nature. "so danger doesn't bother me much. Though I would be quiet disappointed with myself if I indulged in dangerous things only to have nothing change, preferably in the area around me than in myself. However, if I am able to change the world around me in a positive way while nearly getting killed in the process, then I would be content with myself. I hope that answered your question" The angel finished with a small smile of her own before falling quiet as she thought of other questions. Eventually, one came to mind:

"If your body hadn't been invaded by the demon, where do you think your life would have went? Allura had often wondered what her answer would have been to that question herself. Would she have still been with her mother and father, helping out around the farm? Would she have moved out and explored the world around her--she had often fantasized about doing so when she was younger? Or would she have met someone and ended up having a family of her own? So many possibilities and yet she had no way of truly knowing.

[akirashadow]

A question that Akira did not hear often, but one that wasn't exactly a mystery 'where would I be, if the demon hadn't invaded?'. There is a small pause between Allura asking before Akira looks to her and begins to explain. "Had I not been invaded by the demon that day, there would of only be one other outcome, the orb would have worked. In which event I would of returned to the guild having successfully trialled the weapons use. I would have, in all likelihood, been charge with heading its further development and the training of all guild members on its use. Our bounties for each hunt would drastically increase with this choice of being able to bring the mark back alive... The problem is there would of been many outcomes that would of been great for the guild and my own personal gain had the weapon worked, it's almost as though it had failed in order to maintain the balance." Akira passes Allura a small smile. "I wouldn't have to be on the run right now, I'd either be still hunting, or dead. Though I suppose the life I lead now is one close to death." Akira looked over towards the window, the day was beginning to grow shorter, and the skies themselves were beginning to take a turn for the worst. It'd appear that the weather would not be in their favour when they'd have to depart. The idea clouded Akira's mind as he thinks for another question to ask Allura, a thought nagged at the back of his mind as though trying to tell him something, though it was too distant for Akira to realise.

"This town.... so pitiful." Lance speaks as he turns to his quiet partner who merely stood there as though awaiting something. "Remember Irvine, we're here for Akira and Akira only. Though these peacekeepers may not be so peaceful, keep your guard up." The pair stood at the edge of the caves exit gazing out onto the street beyond. "To think, he didn't even seem to realise what he's walked into, but who can trust a town, built at the exit of a cave?..." Lance asks Irvine who once again doesn't answer. The talkative hunter slides some leather gloves on covering up the guilds tattoo that marked them. Irvine on the other hand merely kept his hidden within his oversized robe. Irvine steps forward about to walk out into the street but is blocked by Lance's arm. "Not yet... that 'angel' said that we must await the coming of the storm before we go into the town, granted it must have some intelligence, if you step out there now you're going to cause a blood bath." Irvine reluctantly listens to Lance's words as the pair stand staring out into the street, just about shielded from sight from the caves darkness, the time was drawing near, all they needed to do was wait for the sign.

Akira finally thinks of a question and turns to Allura as he finally gets up from the bed, energy starting to return to his body. "What will you do, when this is all over? Will your masters be so forgiving as to welcome you back with open arms? Or do you have other plans?" If the angel hadn't given it thought before now, it was as good a time as any to begin thinking about it.

[HiddenBeauty13]

"Hm, that's a good question..." One that she hadn't really given some thought until now. What was she going to do once she was done helping Akira and the entire ordeal was over? Allura was almost sure that her Boss and fellow Brothers and Sisters would probably be angry with her for helping the person she was supposed to eliminate a long time ago. In that case, they would probably vote to kick her out of the heavenly realm, which would result in Allura becoming one of the Fallen Ones. However, if that would become her fate, the angel knew that she would not become like other Fallen Ones who morph into corrupted beings. No, Allura would use her newfound freedom and travel the world, despite the constant threat of being attacked by other supernatural beings who did not favor Fallen Ones. That's exactly what she told Akira, after thinking it through for a few moments. "Then, when I get tired of moving around, I'll probably find a little town to settle in and live there for a while. Maybe I'll even pick up some sort of skill that will help me blend in a bit more." Her idea was simple, but there was still room for it to change as time went on.

The angel then looked over towards the door as it swung open suddenly and in walked the old woman with two plates in her hand. "I figured you two could use a decent meal before you set off tonight, especially with the way those clouds are forming out there." The woman frowned a bit as she glanced out the window for a moment before placing one plate on each of their laps. "Now, while you eat, I'll pack a few extra things that I think will come in handy in a little bag for you two. No, no, no protesting. Who knows when you might need that ointment for burns again." Allura sighed softly as the woman shuffled out once more. She had a point; they might need that again but the angel wished that the could pay the woman back somehow for her hospitality. With that thought in mind, Allura picked up a piece of jerky from the plate, her eyes wondering back over to Akira as she did so. Once again, it was her turn to ask another question. However, just as she began to think of something, thunder echoed loudly from outside, making the woman jump involuntarily in her chair. After realizing that her reaction was rather childish, the angel flushed in embarrassment and glanced away from Akira.

"Ha, sorry. I've never really been a big fan of storms..."

[akirashadow]

"An interesting plan..." Akira states in response to Allura's answer. Though he does not comment on his own plans, perhaps he'd make those once it was all over, or perhaps he was prepared and expecting the worst. Either way he was more interested in Allura's answer then giving one of his own. He quickly changes the direction of his glance as the old woman brings in yet another meal for them. Akira himself didn't particularly feel hungry, but it would probably be for the best that he at least kept himself strong by eating on a regular basis. Akira nods a thanks to old woman as she comments about providing the pair with even more supplies before facing his plate of food. He looks to Allura with a small frown as he pushes the food about on his plate before picking up a piece of his own jerky and taking a small bite. Allura's own reaction to the storm was almost enough to make Akira react in kind as the rumbling roar of thunder filled the sky.

"It's quiet alright, I'm sure it isn't something you're used to experiencing or being within close proximity of. The only problem is, it's likely to get worse before it gets an better." Akira passes Allura a small smile. "You'll be surprised what you get used to when you're around it for long enough." Akira takes another bite of the jerky strip as he gazes outside the window. The storm was over the town, although the thunder seemed to be a further distance away, the rain could be heard pelting against the buildings exterior. "Well there's no question, it isn't going to be the driest journey either of us have ever been on. And of all nights for it to occur, why tonight, the night that we have to leave?" Akira asks openly although more of an aloud thought. Then as he ate a thought rushed to the front of his mind and Akira freezes where he is sat. A moment passes before Akira brings his eyes to meet Allura's, as they quickly flicker red. "They're here, and they're being watched...." The demons voice as usual distinctly different to Akira's natural voice before his eye's flick back to brown once more. "Shadow Hunters..." Akira stands putting the plate to one side, moving Allura's from her lap and grabbing her hand. "We need to leave, now!" How had they managed to get so close without Volkran even realising? This was probably the most advantageous drop they'd ever got on him, were the angels playing some part in this? After all Volkran said they were being watched, but by whom?

Lance smiles as he looks to Irvine. "It's time!" He orders before un-sheathing his sword and stepping out of the cave exit and onto the street of the town, Irvine merely following. As the pair step out, the streets were completely empty, the storm had seen to that.... or so they'd thought. As Lance turns to make his way down the street a person stands before the pair staring at them, frozen in his paces. This man before them was no stranger to their attire, he'd seen it before, though these before them didn't seem to have such a withdrawn vibe, after all they were here, one with his weapon drawn. Lance glances to his blade before back to the man. "Don't be stupid! You don't need to die here!" Irvine shouts over the storm to the man. However the man panics and goes to cry out...
"Huntgh!" As he goes shout his words are cut short from Lance's blade being driven through his stomach the sword emitting a faint white glow as he does so.
"I'm sorry..." Lance states as the man gasps for breath grabbing Lance's shoulder. "You the peacekeepers, seek no harm on the mortal realm... However the bodies you inherit, their original owner cannot rest until you're put to rest." Lance feels the man's grip getting weaker on his shoulder. "Reapers... release this ones soul, as his body is finally sent to rest..." With that being said, as though some incantation was spoken the body begins to disintegrate into a dust like substance as it's blown away in the storm. "Let's go Irvine, we must make for the tavern and find where our old friend is running to." with that said the pair begin to head down the street toward the tavern as though nothing had just happened.

[HiddenBeauty13]

Allura's eyes stayed glued to the window as the storm continued on, though she did look to Akira with a puzzled expression as he mentions that someone is here. The angel is immediately alarmed by the sudden news and does not hesitate to stand as Akira removes the bowl from her lap. They, including the kind old woman, were in danger and they needed to leave as soon as possible if they wanted to avoid getting both themselves and the old women injured. "Let me grab my stuff." The angel said and quickly exited the room so that she could retrieve her staff and bag from the other room. Sensing the sudden urgency in the girl's movements, the old woman came walking over, a slight frown on her face. "What's wrong? Did you to butt heads again?" She inquired and Allura responded with a slight shake of her head. "No, someone has managed to sneak up on us and, if we don't leave now, things could possibly get ugly." Now that she had an understanding of the situation, the old woman nodded and returned to the kitchen so that she could gather the ointment she had been packing into jars for them. Meanwhile, the angel was busy slipping her backpack onto her back and pulling her hair into a ponytail. If they did have to fight, then she did not want her hair to get in the way, especially with the heavy downpour outside. Thunder rumbled across the sky and lightning flashed, illuminating the window, reminding her that their situation was getting increasing dangerous. Once done, Allura picked up her staff and headed to the kitchen so that the old woman could slip the ointment into her back. "There you are dear." With a smile, the angel thanked her before calling to Akira. "Akira, are you ready to leave?"

[akirashadow]

Akira rushed himself up as he quickly scans around the room for all his gear. He quickly grabs his sword reattaching the sheathed weapon to his belt. The crossbow, as always was a bit more complicated, he fumbles with the weapon several times before successfully reattaching it to his belt. He lifts the freshly filled crossbow bolt quiver ad flings it over his shoulder. Equipment wise he was ready, there was just one more thing that needed to be done. Akira exhales slowly as he paces the room in preparation, a few contradicting thoughts flowed through his mind, this would be the first time he'd be in a close encounter evasion, whilst with company. 'Trust me Akira'
"Heh you want me to trust you, with Allura."
'Think of it this way, there are Shadow Hunters here, risking drawing their attention would be an almost suicidal move.'
Akira pauses in silence as he contemplates what Volkran tells him. "The first sign of hostility and I will take it back.... do it." Upon finishing what his said Akira's eyes flood red with the demons colouration before stepping out into the main room where Allura is waiting for him, the twisted voice soon following. "He's ready to leave now." He then turns his head slightly to look to the old woman "I'm sure he bids you farewell."

Suppressing his own powers the demon takes hold of the angels hand tightly to stop her pulling away in resistance. He feels his hand burn softly as the angelic power overwhelms his own from his choice of suppression. "This is normal, Akira has always lacked faith in himself to do the right thing, should the need arise. We stick to the side roads and alleys as much as possible. They'll be using the main streets to survey." The demon waits for the angel to say her final goodbye before heading out the door and onto the street. The storm was more then significant, visibility had been severely restricted by the downpour. The demon looks down to where they are holding hands "Akira feels this is necessary, he believes travelling un-joined will slow us down." He begins to walk down the street observing it closely as he heads for the closest side alley. As they head down the alley Volkran remains silent, watching ahead of them. As he steps out onto the side street he quickly scans the area. "Watch out." Volkran announces before stepping back into the alley and pulling Allura against him. He watches out into the street, silently watching as a pair of men slowly walk pass on the main street. As they finish passing Volkran looks to Allura, his fire red eyes looking into Allura's blue, a moment of strange silence before he pushes the angle away softly mumbling something about 'human feelings'. "Ok so long as we stay behind them until they head elsewhere, we should be fine."

[HiddenBeauty13]

Allura raised a questioning eyebrow as Akira enters the kitchen but not as himself but rather as the demon. The angel knew that he would not have given the demon control without a good reason so she decided to trust him...for now. Blue eyes watched sharply as the demon grabbed her hand quite tightly and, although it did not hurt much, it still caused the angel some discomfort. However, instead of pulling away, she turned her attention to the old woman and gave her one last farewell before allowing herself to be led out of the house. Allura wasn't all too happy with the weather, as the rain drenched her hair and clothes in a matter of seconds, though she decided that getting past the hunters without being detected was much more important at the moment. The angel stayed silent whenever the demon spoke to her, mainly because he seemed to know what he was doing, especially when it came to avoiding the hunters. They would hide some before trailing behind the hunters again, watching carefully to make sure that they weren't discovered. There was only one other incident that occurred and almost resulted in them being caught. The hunters had stumbled upon another soul that happened to be out in the rain on such a night. He couldn't have been more than twelve in age and the sight of the hunters startled the boy. "Akira, we have to do something. They might kill him." The angel whispered to him, her eyes glowing slightly in the dark, despite her powers being suppressed. The longer the scene drew out, the more tense the angel became and Allura's grip tightened around the demon's.

"P-Please don't hurt me...I only have this loaf of bread for my sister and I to eat. I don't have any money." The boy stammered, figuring that the pair wanted to rob him. He offered the bread to them, holding out the drenched, slightly moldy piece of bread. His head was down and his hands shook in fear. He probably thought they were going to kill him too.

[akirashadow]

Volkran chuckled quietly as he shakes his head. "You should learn Allura, Evil comes in many forms... just watch." Volkran states as he stops. Despite saying this the demon loosens and detaches the crossbow from its belt raising it just in case. "Just in case things do get ugly." The demon justifies to Allura before looking upon the situation.
"Irvine you're up." Lance states before leaning up against the wall of the building they stood beside. The cloaked hunter steps forward and kneels down before the child resting his hands on the boys shoulder. "I'm not going to hurt you kid, I just need to do a quick test..." Irvine peers into the child's eyes which display ,nothing but innocence, he then begins speaking in different tongues and languages, his voice wasn't exactly quiet as it carries just far enough for Volkran and Allura to hear. The words spoken were no stranger to Allura as Irvine repeated the word 'God' in different tongues. As one language is spoken Volkrans grip on Allura's hand becomes almost crushing in strength as he flinches and grunts softly, before loosening his grip once more.

The Grunt was nothing more then a pin drop in the raging storm but Irvine turns his head to look behind him, though his line of sight was not as beneficial as Allura's and Akira's. "Irvine, what are you doing? Continue." Lance orders and Irvine reluctantly turns back to face the boy once more.
"Here." Irvine states as he takes one hand from the boys shoulder reaching into his cloak, before offering the boy a silver coin. A crude trick to test if the boy was a wolf in sheep's clothing, the boy merely glances at Irvine confused before nervously taking the coin. No reaction... "Is the rest of your family like you boy?" Irvine questions and the boy frantically nods. "Where's the closest tavern?"
"Just two doors down mister."
"You live close by?" The boy nods once again in relation to the question. "Then you tell your family, if they hear any cries before the night is through... leave this town and don't turn back."
"We're not exactly the kind with gold to do that mister." The boy responds looking back down to the floor. Irvine looks towards lance, before turning back towards the boy reaching to his clock once more and producing a piece of paper.
"The you tell your parents, regardless what happens, they're to take this to the nearest town with a hunters guild. They should say they're collecting a bounty on behalf of the Shadow Hunters. Now run home boy." The child takes the piece of paper before doing what he's told and running off in the direction of his home. Once he's out of eyesight the two hunters make there way to the tavern door and walk in.

Volkran lowers the crossbow as the hunters disappear inside a building turning to look at Allura. "Now we make for this so called crypt, until next time angel...." The demon speaks as the red fades back to brown. The transition seemed very smooth much more natural than what was normal for Akira. He passes Allura a quick smile "I guess this means the coast is clear? Lets go." Akira states before calmly walking down the street, travelling on the opposite side to the tavern maximising the distance from the nearby hunters. Though if Akira knew them well enough, they'd be in there for a while, this was an opportune moment for the pair to buy themselves some time. "So how was he? He didn't hurt you did he?" Akira asks still holding the angels hand. The whole situation just seemed less serious, they'd gone from following to just simply walking away from their pursuers.

[HiddenBeauty13]

The angel watched with cautious yet curious blue eyes as the scene played out in front of them, her body tensed slightly in anticipation. She wasn't sure what the hunter's intentions were, but she did know that she would defend the boy if it came down to it. However, Allura's eyes narrowed slightly as the hunter soon began to speak to the boy in languages that only a selected few knew about. She had begun to question how could he have known such things but soon reminded herself that hunters were educated in practically everything since they dealt with all form of life, from humans to pure demons. When she heard the language of demons flow out of his mouth, the angel was slightly surprised by Akira's reaction and winced slightly as his hand practically crushed her; Allura ended up biting her bottom lip slightly to keep from crying out. Thankfully, both the grip on her hand and the hunter's interrogation of the boy ended soon and the angel was able to relax slightly. Very slightly. She was also able to give Akira a somewhat genuine smile as he regained control over his body once more.

"No, he didn't hurt me. He was just fine actually." The angel told him. In fact, the demon had not tried to mess with her as he had done earlier that day, which intrigued her, but Allura decided not to question it for now. Instead, she focused her energy on getting away from the hunters as quickly yet calmly as possible. Soon, the amount of homes and other buildings around them began to thin out until nothing was left but a trail that was surrounded by thick, untamable forest. The darkness of the night mixed with the heavy rain that assaulted them from above would have made finding the crypt impossible if they were mere humans, though with the amount of dark energy radiating from the crypt, Allura was surprised that even the humans couldn't feel it from their homes. "Over there." The angel informed Akira before taking the lead for a moment so that she could take him straight to the entrance of the crypt as she did not want to spend anymore time out in the rain.

As they approached it, Allura noticed that the appearance of the crypt greatly added to its evil aurora. Long, angry vines wrapped around the stone sides of the entrance and hung down like long arms from the top of the crypt, acting as veil, shielding it's insides from the outside world, though nothing but darkness could be seen through the vines. The amount of evil energy heightened the closer they got to it until it was so thick in the air that the angel swore she could touch it with her hand. However, Allura was able to ignore those things as she quickly pushed the vines off to the side and entered the crypt, thankful for the fact that it was at least dry on the inside, though the angel still found herself shivering slightly, her teeth chattering quite loudly inside the eerily quiet crypt. "I-It's c-c-cold." She commented as she let go of Akira's hand so she could rub at her arms, hoping to gain some type of warmth from the action but to no avail. It was frustrating how much the rain was affecting her at the moment: her hair and clothes were soaked, she was cold and there nothing she could do to light a fire as since she could barely see a thing in the unnatural darkness, even with her being an angel.

"D-did the o-old woman p-pack s-s-some matches I-in one of o-our bags to u-use?" Blue eyes glanced over to where she knew Akira was standing and waited patiently for him to answer.