[IC] Halos & Thorns [Prophet x Knuxieh]

[knuxieh]

The time was upon them. Max looked up at the rocky ceiling above him. Giving the window outside a passing glance, he saw city life busying itself. There were all kinds of people here. Lawyers – though none of them had an actual good motive for wanting to represent anyone, doctors – though they seemed to be more worried about if letting the patient die would benefit the demon population or not, and even those wanderers that just made it however they seemed to do. And then there was him – Max Reynolds, one of the higher ranked demons. He wasn't too bad looking. His peach colored skin was without flaw or defect, hair the color of ripe cocoa beans, and eyes that echoed of the lush forest of Earth. His looks here stood out from those around him, as did his choice of dressage.

He wore a simple black button down, an amber-colored pendant hung around his neck. Colored jeans hugged his legs and black sneakers that resembled skater’s shoes to match the black sweatbands around his wrists. He adorned thin black framed glasses as well. Did he really need them? Not really – but he liked them anyway. Plus he could read humans through the lens of these glasses. If you had looked closely enough at them, you could see tiny inscriptions of a language now lost to them. His reveling in how different he was from his brothers and sisters was cut short as a grand meeting was called by order of the Demon Queen, Nadia herself.

”I wonder what it is she’s announcing this time, it has got to be pretty important for her to even call the grovels of the sewers to her grand hall.”

He made his way out of his bedroom, and into the long corridor, through a staircase that led upstairs twice, and made his way through the double doors of Her Majesty’s grand hall. Demons of all ranks, and proper ages had been called. Only those with duties to their young or too elderly to participate were excluded. The queen smiled wickedly towards her group of loyal followers. “A time has come upon us where we are to again band with The Angels. – “Groans followed her statement, half-interrupting. “Silence.” The simple word hushed all conversations. “There are those of you who know what I am asking of you for another time – And those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, or why the even mention of our two kinds working together.” A few grumbles in agreement were heard, but the crowd listened intently.

“We are to go to The Heavens to meet with The Angels. Our mission will be explained in full detail there. Just know that we cannot fight this force alone. We need our other half intellect and planning to get through this oncoming battle. Now, come!” Hurrahs were heard as they all passed through a portal towards their destination. Nadia was sure that the King of Angels was informing his own to what they were expecting and their duty at hand with the oncoming Enlightened closing in with each passing moment.

[Prophet]

It had been just under twenty minutes since Archameron had made the announcement that the Angels would be joining the demons in their efforts to contend with the Enlightened, and the Council had been in a roar since. The 'King of Angels', who was most often referred to as the High Chancellor of the Angelic Council, a title he had taken upon the Angel's change in ruling structure, was sitting on his golden throne simply watching as the Council argued. To his left stood Hemril, the Archangel of Wisdom, who remained just as silent. To his right was Sylvanna, the Archangel of Hope. She had intervened quite a few times in an attempt to quell the chaos, as was her duty. However the serenity that followed wouldn't last long and within minutes the Council was back to shouting.

Behind her stood Azrael, her apprentice. In accordance with the High Chancellor's announcement there had also been the more private decree that the Archangel's apprentices would been included in the Angels that would be sent to aid the Demons. It was as a show of good faith, that even though the Angel's were not sending a massive force they were committed to this cause. Though it was very obvious that not every member, or rather most of the members of the Council were opposed to the idea.

It was the Archangel of Judgment, Eridian who was most outspoken. "First we are ordered to dedicate resources that should be used to defend our realm to instead be sent on a mad quest that is bound to fail, and now we must also sacrifice our apprentices as well. I cannot believe that any sane member of this Council would support such outrageous demands. We should be bolstering our defenses and ensuring the Angels that will one day sit on this Council are protected." He had been the first to voice his opinions and since had rallied half the Council behind him. Sylvanna was again took the brief moment of pause from Eridian to speak, "Archameron has already informed us that Queen Nadia assembled a sizable force, do you think she would do such a thing if she did not believe there was a chance or that the situation was desperate, Eridian?" The Archangel of Judgment humphed, "I have no faith in the Demon Queen's word, or that of any creature of Hell. The Heavens must be defended at all costs, and this escapade will only doom us." There was a roar of agreement following Eridian's words.

Finally the High Chancellor stood and the Council grew immediately silent. "I have already made my decision, and there will be no changing that. A contingent of Heaven's forces will be sent to aid Nadia in addition to the apprentices of every Archangel assembled here. The rest of Heaven's forces I leave under your command Eridian, to organize a defense. You will share this duty with Sylvanna." With that Archameron stood and exited the Council chamber, closely followed by Hemril, to greet Nadia at her arrival. The remaining Angels filtered out of the chamber, most in conversation with each other. Azrael walked beside Sylvanna as they brought up the rear of the group. When they reached the exit Eridian stood waiting. "I do not understand why you support this foolishness, we will only see destruction come of it... At any rate Archameron has left the two of us in charge of Heaven's defense. I would request that we meet in the War Chamber once this is over. For now I will take what time I have left with my apprentice." Sylvanna nodded silently, then watched him go. "Come Azrael, there is much I must share with you before the Nadia and the Demons arrive."

[knuxieh]

The Demons were steadfast on their journey to the Heavens. They all realized the threat that was coming upon them. Nadia already had doubts that they might be let in without any confrontations at the gates. Within moments, the sizable army she had brought with her stood outside the gates, and a few guardsmen looked at them with extreme scrutiny and disgust. “Let us through, guard. We’re here on official business under the High Chancellor.” The both of them glanced towards each other in order to ask themselves if they should let this Demon into their palace, but since the mention of his lordship, they stood aside and opened the door, much to their dismay.

“Thank you.” The gesture was small, but meaningful. Walking inside, they were automatically directed towards the Grand Hall where the meeting of two races was to come together. The Demons seemed to keep their wits about them as they all sat around in the chairs, while some began to roughhouse and do as they pleased. Queen Nadia got up onto the podium and simply placed herself there, waiting for the other half to show. “You would think they would already be waiting for us as much of a fuss as this is becoming.” She commented and brushed some of her raven hair back from in front of her eyes.

[Prophet]

When Archameron entered the hall, closely followed by Hemril, his eyes locked on Nadia. "You've caused quite a stir Nadia, the Angelic guard was in a ruckus at your entrance." his voice boomed, "I said you were to bring a select few to our meeting, not all of Hell." The High Chancellor made his way to the elevated platform near the back wherein two large thrones had been placed, one for him and one for the Demon Queen. Of course the Archangel of Wisdom took his customary position to Archameron's left. And as the Council filtered in Sylvanna made her way over to her usual spot, on his right. Azrael followed closely behind his mentor.

As they walked through the chamber Azrael whispered to Sylvanna, "They just let them in, isn't that a bad idea?" Sylvannas eyes scanned the crowd as she replied, "Archameron controls the wards that protect the Heavens himself, and there are few powers in this or any realm that could breach those defenses. If they are in this realm it is at the High Chancellors invitation, the guards know that." Azrael thought for a moment before speaking again, "Does that mean these things Nadia is worried about could enter Heaven?" Sylvanna glanced at the Demon Queen as they passed, "It means we're worried there is a possibility that they might be able to."