DragonOC

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

Kaia sucked the tip of her finger until the flow of blood from it lessened. She was following Death's movements when the reapers had joined with him, causing his human body to go through agony. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Death. All they wanted was to return to their duties, but was now forced to walk the earth and experience things they were never meant to. She assumed Death would despise thinking a mortal pitied them, a force so great and powerful, so she tried to hide it. Her eyes lingered on the burning symbols until they faded and disappeared again.

It may have been a good thing that it was Artemis who found them. He seemed to only want to find Death to report back to Life and the other gods. There seemed to be a decent amount of politics and unrest amongst the gods, especially since Death's disappearance. Regardless, the news of Life seemed to have breathed new life into Death. Kaia chuckled at her own thought, glancing over at Death. "So, Life and Death, hey? I guess it's settled, then. Opposites do attract."

Her eyes moved back to his arms where the symbols burned, they seemed to start from his wrists every time, she wondered if that was relevant somehow, "I believe Artemis confirmed my suspicions. Magic like that is no longer known in today's times. It'll be a bitch to figure out and translate, and that means keeping you from your duties for an extended time. You didn't perhaps see him with a tomb or even a notebook? Anything could help speed up the process." She looked to the window, the cool night air whispering by, "Before we leave. We might not have an opportunity like this a second time. He'll be on guard and possibly on the hunt once he discovers you've escaped."

Of Light and Shadow - Craw/DOC

She quickly wiped her eyes with a hand, "Poison? Under the nose of a demon? That'll be suicide." She stepped into the room, careful to not disturb the body or the pooling blood. Placing the tray softly on the desk, as if afraid to make sudden sounds, she turned to close the door. "You can have the drink. You look like you need it." The woman straightened the short dress, clearly frustrated by its lack of cooperation, before reaching for the decanter. It opened with a soft pop, the spiced liquid running over the ice with cracks. She slid a coaster closer to the man, placing the drink neatly on top.

"I've been trapped in this damned place for three months," she started as her eyes darted about the room, "They abducted me just as I got home from working the bar in a club. Then they stuck me in this awful, revealing dress and made me serve them. Said they'd sacrifice me if I didn't listen." She leaned back against the desk, pushing a stray lock of black hair behind her ear only for it to slip forward again, "So I listened. Tried to be friendly..." Her thoughts trailed off.

The wind howled outside, the scent of rain thick in the air. Lightning flashed brightly through the boards, followed by a boom of thunder. Her dark eyes were drawn to the boarded windows, arms wrapped tightly around herself as if chilled to the bone, "There's three more, you know. Involved in this ring. I heard them talking. Saw them. Each have their own following. Those poor sods don't know any better. Most believe themselves saved." Again, her eyes settled on the corpse, "Fuck, he's one ugly bastard..."

Of Light and Shadow - Craw/DOC

The glass clinked against the sealed decanter as she placed them on the tray. A scowl pulled at her lips. Patience, she reminded herself, she'll have what she's after soon enough. She just needed to keep her cool for a while longer. Her eyes moved to the ridiculous maid outfit she was wearing. "Depraved fucking demons..."

Picking up the tray, she went from the kitchen towards the study. Such lavish house, filled with useless artefacts. It lost its shine when these worshippers repossessed it. Doors locked from the outside, cultists praying behind each. A shiver ran her spine, not one of fear or discomfort, no. One of utter disgust. It's a wonder she'd been able to wear the mask this long and not be found out. Not much longer.

She pushed down the door handle, the golden brown liquid in the decanter swayed side to side. She sweetened her voice, reaching for the light switch. "Mister Reinolf, you're sitting in the dark again." With a click the light flooded the room. She froze, eyes on the corpse surrounded by blood. Slowly, her gaze moved to the man in a trenchcoat, processing, assessing.

Tears welled her eyes, a soft smile tugged at her lips, "He's dead... you killed the demon."

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

"Maybe I should let you stew in that thought for a while." Kaia walked around the cage, more closely examining the blood magic. "I'm getting you out of this cage now, but you're still trapped in that body." She felt a shift from Death after she said this, even Death's magic within her rippled. Her body trembled in reaction. "I'll try to help with that, too. Getting worked up will only make things more difficult."

A gray cat jumped through the window, landing gracefully with a chirp. Kaia turned her head towards it. "Quite the time for a visitor, don't you think, Death?" The cat stared at her a moment, then at Death, then at the hoard of reapers. "Is it different with animals? Or just cats?" An orange cat plopped in next, followed by a tuxedo. Kaia now frowned, confused as to the appearance of these cats. Her confusion grows as more jump into the basement, chirping and purring. Gods, it's the reapers all over again. Death seemed to be bothered by this, but she couldn't tell if it was concern or annoyance.

Kaia moved her attention back to the runes when the voice of a man sounded behind her, "Now this is golden!" She spun around as a hearty laugh came from the man. He stood at the centre of the cats, dressed in an old British hunting suit. A belted jacket with large pockets hung open to show the cream-coloured shirt beneath. The loose pants brought in at the knee by darker boots. The man had a fitting hat, a rifle over his shoulder. He wore a walrus moustache over a brilliant smile, eyes a deep brown.

Almost instinctively, Kaia activated the runes in her tattoos, her arm crackling with electricity. "Who are you?" She demanded, but was met with a chortle. "What are you?"

"Now that, my dear, is quite a question!" He takes a stance with the rifle as if posing, its stock against the floor, hand wrapped around the barrel. Cats rub against his legs as he nobly stares into the distance, "I have been called by many a name! Arnakuagsak by the courageous Inuit. Mixcoatl by the fierce Aztec. Artemis by the curious Greeks. I am the god of the hunt! Nature, the plants and animals. Tracking and hunting is the name of the game! Exhilarating! Don't you think?"

The lightning subsides as Kaia turns back to the runes, "I mean you no disrespect, but I need to focus on this. And I do bid you to please keep it down."

A frown furrows Artemis' brow, "You see, I have come out of curiosity. The gods are at each other's throats, each claiming the right to Death's throne."

"Only Death has the right to his throne. The balance would be screwed if another god took over the duties." She produced a multi-tool from her pocket, flicking open the small knife, "You wouldn't like if Loki now decided to pick up that rifle of yours."

He cats hissed at her as the god clutched his rifle tightly with both hands, "Don't be ridiculous. Loki wouldn't know a hare from a rabbit!"

Kaia cut the tip of a finger, drawing additions to the runes. She stood back as smoke started rising from them. A small section of the cage bars then started heating, glowing red-hot before losing their shape to a puddle on the floor.

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

The reapers made short work of her circle, gobbling up Death's magic within. It shouldn't have bothered her, she knows Death and its reapers are powerful, but dismantling it with such ease? It was unsettling. She'd have to work on improving them, then. Part of her wished that people could see reapers. Then they might've followed her request and not tagged along. But now, having a black mass of finality floating behind you through the streets? It sent a shiver down her spine, filling her with an anxiety. Unnatural. All of it. At least they got the raccoon, poor thing. Kaia kept fighting the urge to look back over her shoulder at the reapers. They took back the energy within that circle with such haste. Will they dismantle her for what remains within her, too?

They reached the house. She's never been here so regularly before. Kaia almost visibly startled when the reaper spoke again, she'd been thinking of how to get Death free without the magician becoming aware. She nodded, "That's where he is. Follow me."

She led the way around to the small basement window, it was blacked out, painted over. She scratched off a piece of the paint with a nail, checking for magic before peering in. It was dark, she could barely make anything out. Death was still in the cage. She could feel his familiar magic. The reapers surrounded the house, making Kaia feel like this was some kind of ridiculous skit or prank. She channelled the smallest amount of magic though her hand, drawing runes on the wooden window frame. It started rotting and crumbling away. Fuck... I'll have to move after this. I'll never get my ingredients so easily again. She quietly pulled the frame back and laid the window on the grass. Death was staring at her. She felt his eyes burning holes through her.

Kaia popped her head in, lights from outside barely illuminating enough to make out rough features. Death looked impatient. Well, he was going to have to wait. She was too short to drop down to the floor without either hurting herself, or making a noise. Then she saw it; a chair against the wall. She brought herself back up, turning into the face of her mother. "Shit... some space, please." The reaper backed away a full inch. She exhaled loudly, pointing into the basement, "See that chair? Please set it up just beneath the window here. Think you can do that?"

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

A mere fragment of Death's magic, yet the circle was barely able to contain it. Shit...she didn't think this through. Kaia felt better though, like her body was now able to move as her own. Death's magic still ebbed and flowed through her magic, but now lined her like veins instead of muscles. She was able to think again. Then a figure appeared. No, it was an energy resembling a figure. Made of the darkest shadow, moving weightlessly across the room. Its energy was similar to that of Death, but nowhere near as intense. It was a pail of sand compared to all the beaches at once. A reaper. It had to be.

The reaper was clearly searching for Death. It appeared calm in its panic. Strange, here she stood in a room with the very essence that will one day take her from this world, but she didn't feel fear. She wasn't sure if it was her circle making her feel safe, or simply the fact that she knew and accepted that her end will one day come. She sensed no malice from the reaper. Kaia felt a strange honor to be able to see one before her time.

But then a second reaper appeared and she frowned. Why did two come? Why did three come?! Her eyes grew wide as the shadows around her multiplied, completely taking over every room in her home. Their energy even filled the street outside! How many were here? She stood unmoving, uncertain, realizing she just lit the largest bonfire during a moonless night.

Then one approached her. A deep sadness filled her as she now stared into the face of her mother. She had forgotten those eyes like hers. The sweet voice filled her ears, saying words she never has. Kaia feels her sorrow for a second, allowing it to pass through. All the reapers had their attention towards her, waiting for her.

"No, no. There's no need to take my soul to find out," she quickly started. These beings didn't seem the type to harbor a lot of patience. "I can lead you to Death. He's been imprisoned by a magician."

Kaia felt a shift in the room as confusion sifted through the reapers. Her gaze fell to the circle at her feet. She knew it wouldn't keep her safe against reapers for long. Much less this many. "So, I'll take you there. But no appearing as a bloody shadow stampede through the streets, got that? You'll freak out the people. Plus, I don't want to be seen as some obscene leader of reapers and death. Aside from that, I'll be executed for exposure. And executions aren't really going all that well at the moment, either. That means only one of you. I'll sneak into where Death is and free him, but he won't be able to join you just yet. He's trapped in a different way, too." She braced herself and stepped over the circle, once more looking at the face of her mother before continuing to the door.

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

He was still here. It was either one hell of a spell gone wrong, or it really was Death. And judging by the countless articles, it made sense to be the latter. Kaia started inspecting the runes around the cage the instant the greasy man was out of sight, the list would keep him occupied at least a few minutes. Blood magic? What the hell? There's no way someone like him knew this kind of magic! Scanning over them, she realized they're a border meant to contain. Unbreakable from the other side. But from this side? Not too difficult. 

She listened as this "death" spoke, she struggled to wrap her head around the concept of Death having a physical body. Then, the symbols burned im jis skin, they clearly caused pain. Those runes, the glimpse she caught... they have no place amongst mortals. They're older than she's ever seen in use. She's only ever seen pieces in her research on fallen civilizations, never entire runes, and certainly not this many. She glanced to the other room, confused and concerned.

The man stepped forward, sticking a hand through the bars. This made Kaia instinctively step back. What? Give her a piece of Death's magic? This was stupid. She was stupid for even considering it. Either this was some crazy man or literal Death. Neither of those options seemed good. The image of her stuck in the dream flashed through her mind. "Shit," she gave a heavy sigh and stepped closer again, her voice quiet, "If this kills me, I will haunt you. Even if you are Death."

Kaia grabbed his hand, her vision immediately black as the man's magic shot through her body. She flooded with feelings of dread and peace, anxiety and acceptance. Inevitability. His magic weaved through her own at a great speed. Such a small amount, so overpowering. It tugged at the corners of her mind, whispered to her soul. Her own tattoos burned in retaliation against this intruder, her body fighting for its balance. Her breath hastened and her eyes fluttered, vision returning, gaze meeting his.

Everything in her now knew without a doubt that this mortal man is Death. 

She scream whispered, "What the fuck?! How'd Death end up in a fucking basement?!" She urgently glanced to the other room, then back again, "You got imprisoned by this second-rate caster? Maybe you belong in that meat suit!" She scolded, filled with disbelief. "Gods, this is a mess..."

The magician spoke from the other room, Kaia stepping back to where she was. She continued before Death could speak again, "I'll get you out as soon as I can. Stay right where you are." She playfully winked, doing her best to steady her shaking hands before the magician returned. 

"I'll have to order these feathers, seems I'm out. Should be about two-" he looked up at her, "You good? You're a little pale."

"Oh, yeah," she awkwardly laughed, "Stressed. And I just realized I haven't eaten yet. I better get home for a meal."

"Of course," he motioned to the stairs, "Let's get you going." The magician glared sceptically at Death as he passed by the cage.

Kaia charged home faster than when she left, Death's magic blending with hers. It felt uncomfortable. Upon returning, she rushed to get precautions in place, attempting to stabilize herself first. Next, she drew up two casting circles. This was an easy thing, something she's been doing since she can remember. One circle was for her, to keep her safe, controlled, balanced. The second to contain the casting. To keep it from lashing out and destroying. She had no idea what would happen if she released even the smallest piece of this magic, but she felt compelled. It had to happen. Kaia took in her place and focused. She released some of Death's magic towards the other circle, too afraid to throw out everything at once.

Balance had to be returned.

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

Kaia couldn't help but glance back at the door, something didn't sit right. The energy that flowed from that man, it was wrong. Even for a spell gone astray, it felt all kinds of... off. Calling himself Death, however, that was just absurd. Death does not have a physical form and they certainly cannot be contained in one. It's almost laughable! Quite the touch to be offended, too. And the level of panic, very amusing. She couldn't bring herself to imagine Death as anything other than morbidly composed. The poor soul's mind really did seem to have left him. "Never thought Death would look so depressingly handsome," she joked. "Really should give the unlucky man a blanket, though. And some water. Lest you intend on leading him to Death."

The grimy man made a dismissive gesture, "Of course, of course. I only hope that he will be willing to accept them in his protest."

With that, Kaia paid and set off on the remainder of her errands. The day passed with the man's eyes haunting her thoughts. The best solution for a spell gone wrong making you think of yourself as a different person was to keep you safe until it wore off. She's heard crazy stories of how minds broke under the pressure of a misspoken word or misplaced rune. Magic's a fiesty mistress and an innocent blunder could leave you without a face. Calmness filled her once more with her protection spell refreshed. She pushed the man from her mind and resumed her work. Kaia had pursued digital design; a career that had offered her freedom as well as decent money. She dissolved herself in work, allowing the outside world to slip by.

A week passed, and night after night, dreams would take her. She'd find herself trapped up to the hip in a thick, black goo. Days would tick by as she watched flames consume unburning trees. Caterpillars would turn to cacoons would turn to butterflies, but they wouldn't die. With wings ablaze, they would fall, but they wouldn't die. Trapped in the goo, they would drown, but they wouldn't die. The sun would not set and night never came. Crows sat atop the trees, eyes unmoving from the frozen sun, consumed by the fire. Each moment that passed, the chaos became worse, but the only thing that would end was her dream when she woke.

"Must be burned out," Kaia tried to convince herself after yet another night of restlessness. "It makes no sense." She moved to her laptop and did something she never does; check the news. She always avoided it. The news was always swamped with negativity. After all, positivity didn't garner enough attention and drama. She frowned as she looked through headlines, selecting a specific one. Critical church bombing victim still alive after 19 heart attacks Shit, that sounded awful. Reading through the article, it referred to the strange global occurences. She jumped from link to link.
Victims of collapsed building still heard screaming beneath rubble - search and rescue still underway
Car crash survivor lives with an impaled heart
Man lives after freak decapitation
Prisoner alive after receiving the injection - sentence served?
The further she read, the more panic and confusion seemed to fill the articles.
"Could it be? No... Impossible. Even the mere thought of is ridiculous!" She announced as the caged man came to mind again. "Yet..." Kaia quickly jotted down some of her obscure ingredients, grabbing her hoodie as she set out into the evening.

Rushing through the streets, she tried to assure herself that such a task is unachievable. Never mind that, it's completely illogical and idiotic! Kaia couldn't put this outlandish thought to the side, she had to confirm. She had to eliminate that possibility. Death couldn't be trapped in a basement. Death couldn't be contained.

It took a couple of minutes for the door to open after her panicked knocking, "I'm so sorry to bother this late. I seem to have run out of a few things I need urgently." She held the list forward.

"It's late, my girl," the man proclaimed through tired eyes, "You can be happy you're my favorite." Again, he stepped to the side for her to enter. His eyes scanned over the list once more, "Oh, these are your strange ones. What are you up to this time?"

"Practicing some family magic," Kaia smiled, "I have a test coming up, you see. It'll decide my position." She tried acting normal. She despised lying.

"Aah, that's quite a thing. These old family traditions can be stressful and demanding. I keep your weird requests downstairs. You're the one who buys most of them. I'll have to dig a bit for this third one, though," he spoke as he started the way down. Kaia eagerly followed this time.

Death's little predicament- BunniesOfDoom x DragonOC

Balance. It is one of the most important things. Across the earth, the universe, the cosmos, it is a law that will always come to be. In a world where magic is attainable by few, there are strict regulations to ensure the safety of its users as well as those unaware. It is a secret that, when betrayed, can sign a death warrant. Being the other side of the coin, those who are blessed by the touch of magic still live amongst those who only dream of it. 

Kaia was one such person. Having known of the secrets in her blood since she was a child, she chose the path of a witch. Knowing of gods and entities with power beyond comprehension, she chose to follow the energy of the universe, often finding herself guided by the Wheel of Fortune. She embraced balance, knowing and understanding that the river will always find a way to flow, even if it requests the aid of a storm to clear a fallen tree. 

Wavy platinum blonde hair fell in a mess over her shoulder. Kaia sighed as she descended the step ladder, having confirmed her suspicion; she was out of snapdragons. She'd bypass the ingredient, if it wasn't one of the main ones in her preferred protection spell. It had to be done today because, like an idiot, she already got rid of the old one. There was no choice, then, she'd have to go out to restock on a few ingredients. Barely pulling a brush through her hair, she went through a mental list. Deciding it better, she tore a page from the book on her desk, scribbling what she needed down with a nearby pen. She'd have to make a trip to the grocery store, too. Kaia slipped on a white shirt with a pair of dark blue jeans. Tattoos decorated from her hands to her shoulders, each of her own design. She'd spend weeks to months on each, their beautiful appearances incorporated intricate spells. 

The streets were busy, even for a Saturday morning. Her thoughts scattered between her errands and work to the café across the street. She'd have to eat when she returned. Kaia breathed in the morning air, autumn had arrived. What a sight it would bring. Passing by an electronics store, she froze, the TVs ran different news channels. BREAKING NEWS, the banner read. Church bombed during function. 37 confirmed dead with many injured and critical. The footage taken from a helicopter showed a horrific scene of smoke and blood. "No suspects," she read, peeling her sky-blue eyes away from the screens, "How sad for those families." She continued on to her destination. 

Producing the list from her pocket, she knocked. Kaia preferred to keep visits here short, the man always made her feel uncomfortable, but he was the only one who supplied her sometimes obscure ingredients. The chubby man opened the door a moment later, "A! Kaia! My favorite customer." He smoothed back his already flat, buttery hair, "How can I help today?"

"Morning," she quickly responded, almost shoving the list into his hands, "Just in need of a few things I ran out of, if you'd be so kind."

"For you, my dear, anything." His eyes scanned over the writing as he stepped to the side, "I can help with about half of these. For the rest, you might want to check the grocer down the street." He motioned her in.

"Of course. Sorry, should've made two lists." She stepped inside. His home was lined with shelves of boxes and jars containing many an item and ingredient. She's enquired before on where he gets everything, he simply responded with "I know a lot of people". Kaia thought she should make polite conversation before he tried asking personal questions again, "How's business been? I hear people are stocking up early on some things for winter."

"You know how it goes," he grunted, "old traditions die hard. The newer generation insists on getting their ingredients fresh and drying it themselves." He led from shelf to shelf, gathering the items on her list into separate small paper bags. "I suppose I should be grateful, no? I see many businesses on our side of the world closing. They fear being exposed." He opened the next box, "Damn, I forgot to refill this one. Come, follow me downstairs."

Before Kaia could request to wait where she is, the man had already disappeared around the corner. Reluctantly, she followed to the basement. 

I'm Back! 1x1 interest check (Updated Dec 7th /2024)

@Crawkid
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