Infernoclan was impressive. So much so that Kahu had voiced a few approving grunts as he surveyed the land their neighbors guided them through. He listened, noting their wisdom, and watched as Rudian bowed his head and silently glided off to go and meet the Solarisclan guest. His gray and gold robes glittered by any reflective light, sparkling until he had seemingly vanished into the night.
Only after careful consideration did the faux deputy pick up his goblet and bring it to his lips, after which peering down into his rippling reflection. As Dante suggested, the quality was just as superb as the robes the man wore.
He could've sworn no time had passed at all when Rudian reappeared. He'd almost thought the deputy returned alone given the difference in height between the two. Sorir was hardly five foot, if that. Hardly noticeable to the taller group of men, which Kahu felt quick to blow off, even if she were one of the four leaders.
"Yomi Sorir of Solarisclan, gentlemen." Politely introducing the new face, the deputy gestured to one of the wooden chairs placed out for her. A spot where perhaps Maelstromclan would've been normally seated, had Kahu been witness to any meetings of past.
Raising a brow, Kahu noted how the seat beside her remained empty, even as Yomi took her place. "You arrived alone?"
"Yes, I did. You would've known if my former deputy joined me based solely on the noise."
While Rudian looked as if he hesitated to ask, Kahu on the other hand, did not.
"...Former?"
"He passed." An answer given matter-of-factly as she lifted her goblet before inspecting it and setting it back down. "Mysterious circumstances that may or may not have any relevance to Maelstromclan."
Clearing his throat as to cut into Yomi's conversing, Rudian took his seat beside Dante and likewise lifted his drink.
"My sincerest apologies for such tragedies. We can speak further about such details after Kolbeck and his deputy join us."
Dante's expression was deeply sad, but not surprised as Yomi mentioned the clan's loss. "Yes, we'll speak more of everything then." It was quiet for a moment, as everyone settled in their seats and a general breath of air was taken into their lungs as they all prepared for the final guest and the dark conversations that would follow.
The next few minutes consisted of a light chat regarding the weather, general health, and Dante's fascination with stick bugs. Then, a soft rustling in the grasses nearby, and a tall figure stepped up the stairs onto the platform of stone. Insignious glanced up casually, nodding silently in hello to the leader and his deputy close behind him.
"Hakon Kolbeck, and his deputy Arden, of Galeclan." Dante said, standing and bowing in honor to the man that towered over even he, before gesturing to Yomi.
"And Yomi Sorir of Solarisclan. She is alone tonight."
"Bold." Hakon said, peering down at the lady with an upturned eyebrow. The man was enormous, dressed in heavy black robes with slim trousers that tucked into his black boots. A pendant of obsidian hung from a delicate gold chain on one of his ears. His long tail, calm and resting against the back of Arden's legs, was adorned with satin ribbons and gold rings that clinked softly. He was a magnificent creature soured only by the subtle look of immature judgement on his face.
"Solarisclan recently lost their deputy." Dante quickly pointed out, to which Hakon said nothing as he turned away and took his seat. Resting his chin on his palm, the man eyed Yomi suspiciously with his ears laid back in annoyance. "I still don't understand why she had to come." He muttered in a low growl to his companion. Insignious noticed this, and held in the smallest of laughs as he looked back at Dante. The silver-haired leader smiled pleasantly at all of them.
Yomi rolled her eyes at the cat's comment, keeping to herself as he grumbled and found his seat. Gazing over him and his much shorter company, she watched as Arden took up his goblet, sipped at the wine, and quickly set it back down as Dante indicted the start of their meeting.
"If no one minds, I'll start off." Rising from her seat, short leader spoke up, staring right back at the cautious eyes accusing her of being suspicious. "Our former deputy, Maware, was found dead at the bottom of an avinus pit, as well as another clanmate who thankfully survived his injuries. Maware was heavily armored and extremely knowledgable of avinus traps; we at Solarisclan find it hard to believe that he simply "fell in" given how high security was for the evening of his passing, suspiciously during one of Solarisclan's sacred festivals. On top of that, we also had an unexpected visitor that evening: while no one truly had any idea what he rambled on about, I can provide a description of him. Most notable was his attribute to glow in darkness, but we can't comfortably confirm he had anything to do with Maware's passing." Inhaling sharply, she made sure to add a final note before sitting back down. "Regardless, we at Solarisclan are doing well."
Leaning over to the Galeclan leader, Arden brought a hand up to shield his lips, "Doing well-- You know what? About time someone from here finally did drop dead." A remark about past meetings. Ones where the western clans would childishly exchange insults at one another, annoyed by the sight of the other clansmen. Those they just barely got along with, brought together annually to check-up on one another. Navy blue irises drifted over to Tempestclan's leader for what was no more than a brief second before he resettled back into his seat.
Everyone listened intently, even Hakon, as the woman spoke. As childish as he was at these meetings, Hakon took business affairs seriously. At her mentioning of Avinus, Dante leaned over and spoke quietly with Rudian about it. Insignious stared at his goblet, frowning hard as Yomi told them of a man that glowed in the dark. Parting his mouth, he started to speak up when he heard the cats mumbling again.
Soft-spoken words caught in Insignious' ears, and his eyes just managed to meet the deputy's glance before it broke contact.
He saw Hakon laugh, hard, but there was no sound. Only a ringing. A high-pitched, screaming ring as his brain slowly comprehended the overwhelming and sudden rush of hatred from his heart.
He laughed, and both Dante and Hakon looked at him in surprise. The laugh was weird. Dry, and nervous, as though even he was afraid of the feelings about to be expressed. "I know you didn't..." Sig said quietly, his hand slipping down and resting on the demon-slaying blade he had tied to his belt. "You wouldn't have said that. Not now." The little dove he'd brought on their journey fluttered wildly in its cage with discomfort, feeling heat rise from the man.
Instantly, Hakon's tail bristled and he grabbed the arms of his chair aggressively while leaning forward. "Don't you tell us what we can speak of. Your brother was a curse on this land and a curse on my people, I will piss on his grave if I wish too."
There was a stunned silence as Insignious stared at him across the table, unable to think with the immeasurable fury broiling his organs. Dante was staring at the cat as well, his knuckles whitening as he subconsciously tightened his fingers around his goblet. For Dante to show signs of anger was rare and, to those that knew him, concerning. He pursed his lips and took a sharp little breath.
"Hakon. That was-"
"YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!" As almost expected, Insignious was already out of his seat, his goblet clattering to the ivory floor.
Simultaneously, Hakon had risen out of his own. "Oh please! As if you could possibly deny the damnable sins of your kin!" Sig glared, pointing a finger at him. "You know he changed! You know he did! Unlike your primitive kind that still fucks their sisters!"
Kahu swiftly rose from his seat as soon as the leaders stood-- as did Arden, agitated and ready for a fight. Leaning back in her chair, Yomi watched as the men threw insults at each other, blissfully unaware of the details to their feud. Whatever reason there was, the land they remained on was not of her territory. Yet that was far from the minds of the two men, apparently. Each lost to their deep hatred even she could tell ran deep.
Even Insignious' aggravation rubbed off onto Kahu, his own expression darkening. "A sin he repented for over time which you refuse to let go of, even after death."
"Death was the first for his repentance after all the lives he cost our clan! Karma executes its justice!" Arden growled, eager to pounce at Hakon's command.
However, Rudian joined the men to stand, slamming his goblet atop the table's surface as it cracked and shattered. "Stop making it personal, the lot of you! Bring that back to your own territories-- not here."
Hakon's eyes widened as Kahu joined beside his leader. "You dare suggest his punishment is over?!" Stepping closer to Insignious, he looked down at him with a smile seething of mockery. "Apollo and his maggot clan will burn beyond the gates for all eternity if the gods have any heart at all." Leaning forward, the man added in a wicked whisper, "And the cries of our children that they tortured in their beds will ring in their ears until the end of time." Insignious was frozen, shuddering under his breath as Hakon's tail swished against his cheek degradingly before the tall leader turned away. Bold of him to do so. To think Insignious wouldn't plunge this knife into his spine, or slice that pompous tail off.
Oh how he wished too.
Blinking slowly, Sig looked over at Kahu who, for once, had not told him to settle down. A small fragment of him found comfort in that.
"...I'm sorry..." He said, but not to his companion. Turning his gaze over towards Dante and Rudian, he bowed his head.
"I brought anger here. I can't seem to set it down, hah... But this is not the place for it. Forgive me."
Bowing his head in return, Dante relaxed his grip and gave him the softest of smiles. "Forgiven." The man's expression hardened and he eyed Hakon, who was still standing. "While you're on your feet, Kolbeck, you may take your leave. Now."
Hakon shot his head over his shoulder in surprise to meet Dante's gaze. Lifting his chin, he glared and turned to leave. "Fine. Arden." With a quick gesture for his deputy to follow, he left down the stairs and into the darkness.
Arden lingered no longer than a moment to scowl at the others before turning and following Hakon into the dark of night.
Slipping his hands into his robe, the ethereal deputy began to relax as he took back his seat.
"Must be a new record... Less than five minutes." He sighed, closing his eyes and settling in the momentary quiet.
"My sincerest apologies." Mirroring Insignious' bow, Kahu exhaled before he too took back his seat. Curiously, he glanced over to Yomi, noting how she silently judged the four men. Or perhaps she judged children, if her disappointing gaze gave anything away.
Unexpectedly, Yomi cleared her throat as she continued with business.
"Does anything I've mentioned align with the tragedy that occurred?"
Dante nodded at Rudian's comment, exhaling slowly and softly as he settled himself down and set his goblet back onto the table. At this, Insignious also relaxed a bit more. Honestly, the silver-haired man still scared him like he had all those years ago, however peaceful he appeared.
Clearing his throat, Sig leaned against the arm of his chair and gestured to Yomi. "The glowing man you mentioned, did he give you his name? Did he mention a purpose to being there? What exactly did he look like?"
"A man of average height. Long, tied up black hair. Blue eyes. A complete set of jagged teeth. But no, he never gave us his name-- nor did we ask it, as by then he was being politely removed from our premises." Folding her hands in her lap, her eyes narrowed as she tried to recall what the odd situation was about.
"When anyone noticed him amongst the Lunarisclan members, he was speaking complete nonsense: specifically about one of our clan members, Yuuka." Leaning forward in her seat, she made sure to stress her next sentence. "Mind you, she's someone who has lived her entire life in our territory. He claimed she was another soul entirely who went by the name Yuuki."
Shaking her head, she straightened back in her chair. "A baseless accusation, one even Yuuka herself denied. In any case, are you familiar with him?"
With his hands resting on his knees, Insignious suddenly clenched his fingers as Yomi described the man.
That son of a bitch was telling the truth.
"I've known him my whole life." He said wearily. "His true name is yet to be shared with me, but he's a demon. He used to go by Kirai, in his new body he's called Akihito."
Dante shifted in his seat, frowning with concern. Sig continued.
"He's talking about my sister-in-law, an angel named Yuuki. Apollo's wife, Kirai's obsession. Yuuki's been missing for nearly two years, vanished completely. I know her, Yuuki would have never abandoned her family. And as much as I hate to give him any credit, Kirai would know her presence. If he's been in hell the last ten years, which I fucking hope he has been, and he's still pursuing her despite her being his ultimate demise that sent him there, he would not mistake her spirit." Pinching the space between his eyes, he sighed and went on.
"I only just learned of Maelstromclan's murder a week ago, when the devil showed up holding the hands of my niece and nephew- Apollo's children, the only two that survived the attack." His voice wavered for a moment, and Kahu's offer of speaking up for him flashed in his mind before he cleared his throat again. "Akihito's story, was that he'd found Yuuki in Solarisclan. She was a misplaced soul, and, wishing to look after her, he left for Maelstromclan to inform Apollo of her whereabouts. When he'd gotten there, the entire clan was dead. Shot by black arrows, about like this, according to my deputy (Here, Sig parted his hand in a rough estimate of size). Even in the houses there were arrows. He found the children, protected beneath Apollo's body, and he led them away. Wanting to bring them to Yuuki, he traveled back to Solarisclan in search of her, but failed to find her again. Finally, he brought them to Tempestclan. To me." Subconsciously, he nodded, as though giving the smallest of thanks to his enemy for doing so.
"When I eventually learned who he really was...Things went down. Our prison was razed, killing a few of our clan members, releasing the demon and, coincidentally, one of his former followers." The last few words came out as an embarrassed grumble and Insignious picked at the carvings on his seat to distract himself.
Grimacing as Insignious described the demon and his story, Kahu turned his gaze away from his company. The moment the devil returned to the world, it was as if he brought a terrible curse with him.
"That former follower burned Maelstromclan to the ground the next day. There's nothing left of it-- no evidence and no references." Kahu added upon hearing Insignious' grumbles.
With a deep inhale, Yomi leaned onto an armrest and processed the information.
"Then that doesn't rule out his relation to the incident. The motive is there, and possible means, if more of his followers exist and have joined him." She spoke her thoughts aloud, in case she missed something that would suggest otherwise. "If that's the case, then it's a matter of hunting the threat down and eliminating them. Of course, we can't rule out the idea that they're completely unrelated." Briefly shaking her head, she turned her attention over to the ethereal duo at the table.
"Aphelion, I've been told you have a vast library of historic records. Do any of them speak of attacks that mirror or hold similarities to this tragedy?"
Flashing a glance to Insignious, the woman lowered her voice, "And Yuuka... will be a topic when the threat has been dealt with. I'll discuss this meeting with her, as I want her input on this matter. And I can't completely believe this until I hear it from her, herself."
Insignious nodded silently at Yomi in reply before looking back to the other two.
Dante had leaned back and rested his head against his chair, his eyes glazed over in deep thought. "There....have been stories, over the years, that told of long black arrows killing people at random. Even in the buildings, they would appear." At that, Insignious sat up.
"Etoah mentioned that! They were inside. Everywhere. Even crawlspaces. No one managed to escape but the children, and that's only because Apollo shielded them." (He wasn't going to miss a chance to mention his brother's heroic end. Not after that bastard of a cat spat all over his memory.) Dante nodded slightly. "The sporadic killings have never been found to connect in any way. This is the first I've heard of an entire massacre by the arrows."
He reached for his drink, but, upon a thought, paused and looked at Yomi.
"But I would guess...I would guess it was done by an ethereal being. This was not done by a mortal magician." His eyes traveled towards Sig. "Even Apollo at his strongest paled in comparison to when his body hosted Kirai and had access to demonic strength. The whole of Maelstromclan, masters at their craft, could not protect themselves. Whether devil or angel or unknown creature in between, this was no magic of the earth."
"Kirai could be planning to take the available land with his men, but if he's going to do that...Why would he have brought Sera and Bleu to me? Without any harm done to them? Without a ransom or demand? He must have known we'd find him out eventually, it couldn't possibly have been a ploy to trick us. He thirsts for violence and agony far too much to pass up a chance to torture those kids. And when he left, he made no attempt to hurt any of us. It was merely the prison that he caused to fall."
"Mm...And how did he do that?"
"Oh, ah, Kahu?" Insignious glanced to his companion.
"The Demon went berserk." The jailkeeper started, looking from Insignious over to Dante. "He was overcome by rage and unleashed a power that completely crippled my prison. The chains which bound him aged and rusted; the pen he held turned to dust. The prison walls collapsed in seconds." The man closed his eyes, recalling the memory and holding back his own anger. Not only was the jail his responsibility, but also his dwellings. A quiet space that suited him. Enjoyable solitude.
"I don't believe he knew what he was doing. He acted akin to a cornered animal with no options left." A simple explanation with no correlation to the massacre, as Dante suggested.
"This brings up more questions than answers." Yomi sighed, rubbing her temples. "For all we know it could've been some kind of mass sacrifice under a cult-like group, following the orders of a higher deity or ranking devil."
"That's very interesting. I've heard of the angels of decay before, never a demon."
"An angel of decay?" Insignious repeated, frowning at the thought. Dante nodded slowly, taking his goblet and sipping from it.
"A morbid title, but a rather beautiful creature, actually. Decomposition is vital to nature and brings forth new life, but I've never seen it used in such a violent way."
Looking down slightly, Sig recalled the taste of Akihito's blood. Soured by demonic essence, but otherwise the finest and purest of flavors. He gave a long sigh and closed his eyes.
"...He's in an angel's body." Undoubtedly one of the most wicked injustices Insignious had ever spoken aloud. Bitterness turned his stomach and he swallowed back a bit of bile as it rose up his throat in disgust. Dante looked at Rudian with a subtle expression of interest before eyeing the young leader again.
"What is it that makes you say this?"
"It's difficult to explain, Dante. But I know he is. Everything adds up. The unnatural glowing, the smell he carried, even the way he let my deputy beat the absolute shit out of him. He's trying to pull off this new angel role. That's why he brought me the children, that's why he didn't attack us when he took the building down, that's why he allowed me to put him in the prison cell in the first place. That man could have turned me to dust too, I'm sure." Though he loathed admitting Akihito's strength, he wouldn't deny such an obvious truth.
"Unbelievable." The faux-deputy muttered under his breath. His foot gently collided with something as he readjusted himself in his seat, only for him to notice Insignious' fallen goblet. His shoe dripped with the wine it had accidentally stepped in, to which he stopped the goblet from rolling any further with his foot.
"I'd like to add that while it's not unheard of, it's rare for a demon to get ahold of an angel's body, and it's certainly reserved for demons of high caliber. An honorable feat to them, to have succeeded over the angelic mind and will."
Confusion was clear on Yomi's face as she sat back and listened to such foreign information.
"I think he struggles with long-distance decay. It stemmed from him. Quickly, but as long as he cannot touch you, he shouldn't be a threat. I suggest we avoid him if possible rather than seek him out until things stabilize."
Kahu couldn't help but to recall what a wildcard Kirai was all those years ago-- at least from the stories told to him. Outside of their recent interactions, Kahu had never met the demon who perished before his own appearance.
