untitled: All my Fault

 

He waked to Ceata slumped over his lap, fast asleep and clinging to him. The room is pitch black, but warm. The blankets are soft and have kept him comfortable till now. Even in the dark though, one can see Ceata's white face and the dark circles under his eyes.

 

Urius stares at him, his grey eyes beholding the face of his lover as he gets up. His head throbs, eyes feeling strained as they look through the gloom to see he is somewhere he was not before...slowly, he rubs his head, stopping when he looks to his hands. They are not his own. They are black...As he puzzles over them, his face contorting in shock, fear, disgust, and disbelief, a long black hair falls free from behind him.
Long hair....? He turns and holds a fist full, letting it slip between his fingers as he stares at it. What is going on? Slowly and carefully, Urius gets up and out of bed. He makes sure that Ceata is still sleeping before he wobbles to the bathroom, heading towards the sink. He feels so ill, unable to keep himself completely steady for more than a few seconds. At least here he can look into the mirror, frightened by the man he sees there. It's his face, but he seems almost different. His hair reaches down his back and there is a red raw wound about his neck...like a collar was there. Gingerly, he touches the wound. All the while, everyone continues to sleep, even Ceata. 

 

A soft sigh behind him was a reminder that his lover still rested there, completely passed out from exhaustion. He looked like he would have a back ache tomorrow, but the sight of him lying like that was endearing. However... Urius had other matters to attend to.

 

Hair was sheered cleanly off, Urius taking up the scissors that sat in the medicine cabinet and cutting furiously at his long locks to be rid of them. His hair returned to its normal style, albeit a little neater due to the recent cutting. He then set to scrubbing his hands fiercely in the shower, wanting to get rid of all the black that was there...No matter how hard he scrubbed, it wouldn't go away.......Finally, he gave in and left the shower, drying off and looking at himself in the mirror. He looked exhausted....He FELT exhausted...Even so, he wanted to find out what was going on.
Stepping out into the bedroom, he stopped a moment to admire the sleeping Ceata, all curled in the sheets like a child. It made him smile, a bitter and sad smile...

 

Another soft sound from his mate. The pale one curled tighter, mewling in agitation when his hand did not meet the feeling of his mate's body. Ceata looked exhausted as well... whatever had gone on?

 

Urius can't remember for the life of him, holding his head in his hands as it throbs angrily when he tries to recall just what has gone on...He remembers being found by Adonis in that swirling inferno, snippets of what happened after......and then nothing. It seems the world has continued moving without him, his mind left somewhere in the past. Only now has he been able to catch up.
"What's wrong with me...?" Urius says softly, then going to put on his clothing so he might find someone who can answer his questions.

 

His love slumbers on, though he murmurs in his sleep. A softly whispered word, hand clenching in the sheets. Urius even hears his name drip softly off of Ceata's tongue from between full lips.

 

Urius can hear it, turning out of the bathroom to watch the other's form. What has happened and why can't he remember it? Even now, his mind whirls with the possibilities behind this strange amnesia. And his hands....He has a hard time looking at them. Instead, he goes over and gently lays a blanket against his beloved's shoulders, watching his chest rise and fall. So sweet Ceata seems, calm and serene...Yet his face seems a bit more drawn than usual, Urius wondering if he had been worrying over him all this time...but for what?
With a frown, he fixes his coat and heads out the door, finding the hallway quiet. Perhaps Lord Death will know what's going on here? ...Especially why all the windows are broken. It looks as though something terrible has happened.

 

The halls are quiet. Most are fast asleep, exhausted from the events earlier that evening. Urius' foot falls echo deeply down the halls, the soft flickering of lights in wall alcoves along the way casting deep shadows where they do not cast light. 
It is an eerie time to be up and about wandering the halls. Urius finds himself walking towards the immortal's room. He knows from Ceata that the immortal is always willing to speak with those under his protection at just about any time of day or night and this is a sort of emergency.

 

 "Hello? Is anyone here?" Urius calls, his voice echoing down the hallway. He can't imagine where they've gone, seeing that Death's door is now locked and there aren't anyone in the corridors beyond. He sighs, thinking that perhaps Death has gone to the grand hall, not really knowing where else he might be. As it is, his head is throbbing with pain, his hands feeling numb. Perhaps he should have stayed with Ceata, as it's not the best thing to be wandering around without a gentle arm to lean on.
Meanwhile, not too far away, Stannis sits with Lord Death as the two were unable to sleep. Death finding comfort in his lovers hardly worked, as most of them were dead asleep or working shifts to care for the injured. It seemed like there was no sense in curling up alone in a bed...thus, Death went to drink, meeting Stannis who - for similar circumstances more involving his wife kicking him out of the room - seemed to be taking solace in some wine as well. 

 

Death peered down into his liquor, having picked the strongest stuff available. A mix of whatever strong alcohol he could find, really and he pouted a little into the glass while tentatively sipping at it. Dark eyes lifted to peer at Stannis, the other male looking just as messed and shaky as the redhead did. "She still angry with you, Stannis?"

 

"Let me put it this way, my lord.....My wife is famous for two things in her military career. Firstly, for her incredible ability to overcome amazing challenges despite gender stereotypes, overwhelming odds, and great displeasure from powerful Royals." Stannis takes a swig, finishing off his third glass of wine. He puts it back down, looking absolutely miserable. "Secondly, she has been known to hold grudges like God makes miracles - with a great force of nature that is good enough to be given its own prophet and bible..." 

 

"Lovely." The immortal mused softly, giving Stannis a piteous look as they sat together in relative comfort. Alcohol held in one hand, Death leaned his chin in the other. "Well... you can hope that she'll get over it I suppose." He mused softly, "Though that might be unlikely with her as angry as she is."

 

 "...I understand why, though...which is why I'm making myself scarce. If I truly didn't feel guilty about lying to her for our entire marriage - nay, our entire relationship, friendship or otherwise -, I would likely be arguing my case," Stannis sighs as he looks to Death, his relative equal as a God. However, it has come quickly to Death's attention that Stannis is a Seed God, a god that is of a lesser power and must exist as a subordinate or sub-creation to another God. Simply put, Stannis was a job created after the fact - a merger between the power of guilt and the power of sorrow. Thus, he is Regret. "I can't imagine you've ever had this issue...I see you are not in short supply of lovers, calm-natured or otherwise."

 

"I am never in short supply..." The immortal replied softly. "But they do not live forever Stannis and I have found no love among the gods save flings. I cannot truly relate to what you're going through." He smiled slightly in amusement and twirled a lock of his long red hair about his fingertip. "You're lucky to have yourself such a devoted, adoring wife... even if she's currently in ball busting mode."

 

"I feel bad for betraying her...I know she won't leave me, but...sometimes I wonder if she would have been happier if she hadn't married me at all," Stannis says gloomily, looking in that moment so much like his younger brother. Were it not for the stubble against his chin, he really would be the picture-perfect image of an older Urius. If he is the example of how Starcs age, they have wonderful genetics.

 

"You know Stannis, I've noticed something." Death murmured softly, watching the Starc thoughtfully through long lashes. "You really should accept Farryn into your marriage. I can tell it'd be good for all three of you." This was a tricky subject, one he was not sure he should bring up, but felt it was a must. Stannis needed the balance that Farryn would bring.

 

Stannis stopped a moment and glanced over at Death, his eyes narrowing lightly with annoyance. Yet the blue of his gaze flickered in knowing before he averted his stare back to his drink. He swirled the liquid a bit, sighing. "What makes you think I haven't already...?" His words were solemn enough to make Death quirk a brow, pondering whether or not Stannis had actually gone as far as adultery. However, that would mean that, under Angelic law, he would be turned mortal and his children would be born with some sort of genetic deformity. However, that hadn't happened yet, so.....just what was going on? 

 

"I don't know." Death replied, cocking his head to look at the other. "Which is why I suggested it. Your children look healthy, I've seen no deformities... so how would I know whether you two were doing anything... though... you might have something else going on, hmm? You are tricky."

 

"Lies, deception, and despair run in the family...It's unfortunate Ceata will be pulled into it," Stannis replied simply as he took another sip of his drink. Death couldn't imagine what the other was thinking. As cryptic as his brother, as depressing and lonely...Somehow, these Starcs had managed to exist for millennia and yet they had the emotional range of a paperclip. What's more, they seemed to make their love lives into a royal mess with very little effort. Perhaps Farryn was the only normal one among them. 

 

Death sighed and tapped a claw against his lips, watching Stannis thoughtfully. "Stick in the mud." He grunted and glanced up at the ceiling with a little sigh. Gods, why did they always have to do that? Misdirection and half truths. Such bratty creatures Starcs were.

 

"I am not a stick in the mud," Stannis retorted as he finished his glass, going to pour himself another. AT once, his muscles seemed to bunch and he stopped. Fingers slipped against the glass and, in their laxness, let it clatter to the floor and crack. Death was about to ask Stannis if something was wrong when he noted eyes watching them from the door. Following Stannis' stunned gaze, he fell upon a sight that made his heart instinctually clench with fear, though it was misguided towards the poor soul who looked with bewilderment upon the two.
"...Urius...." 

 

The immortal stood slowly, frowning. This did not feel like Sorrow... so it was Urius. The man looked fragile, like he would shatter if one handled him too roughly. Licking his lips nervously, Death managed a small smile. "Urius? Is something wrong?" He asked softly.

 

Urius stared at him and then looked to his brother. Stannis' hands were gripping his chair so hard that his knuckles had turned white. His long black hair slipped over one shoulder, eyes gleaming an intense cerulean. Urius felt the urge to step back, reminded of the years of the Starc civil war. His brother looked upon him like this back then too...a look of utter hatred. "What.......what's happened to me?" Urius asked in a shaking voice, raising his hands to prove his points. His blackened hands that were not his - the sight of them only reminded Death of what horrible events had occurred only hours before. 

 

"Well... you should sit first." Death replied softly, beckoning the other male to come and sit. Urius looked unsteady as it was, he would be foolish to just let the other stand around without having him rest a bit. Urius was weak, needed to rest. "I'll tell you exactly what happened, but I need you to sit."

 

Urius' eyes moved once more to Stannis, finding his brother glaring at him still. The fierceness of his hatred was almost overwhelming and Urius placed a hand against the frame of the door. Death felt like he was mediating the fight between two dogs - one growling by his side and the other standing tensely at the door, too afraid to set foot inside the room. 

 

Death gave Stannis a sharp slap to the back of his head and shoved him down into a chair with a low, threatening growl that caused the Starc to stiffen under his hand. The sound was like that of a huge predator, rumbling deeply and one would be mad to mess with such a beast.   Death looked up again, peering at Urius with a brow cocked. "Come sit."

 

He looked even more scared of Death now as Urius stepped slowly to the couch and settled himself down. His body was in pain all over and he couldn't help but wince. Though his scars were mostly gone, the strain that Sorrow had put on his body was enough to cause him a terrible ache. The wince was noted by Death, he already assessing the other's health....and his eyes. They were flecked with purple. Sorrow was definitely not gone. "Ceata is asleep in our room...the windows are broken. What happened here? Why are there no Death Angels around?"

 

"Much has happened since you raced off to stop Rowan." Death replied softly, hands on Stannis' shoulders, looming over the other. It kept Stannis seated, kept him from being too much of a threat to his brother. "What is the last thing you remember, Urius?

 

"....I don't know. It hurts. I can't...remember anything beyond the last moment I saw...." Urius says and then goes quiet, his eyes seeming to widen as his brow slowly furrows. A deep ache in his heart makes his breathing hard and he shakes his head to make the thoughts go away. "...I-I saw Ceata....I was riding towards fire and.....and our eyes met in the crowd. And then....I......." Urius stops and hisses, holding his forehead. He looks to be in great pain.

 

"Urius... Rowan is gone." Death replied softly and then began to fill in Urius of just what had happened, from the devastation that had gone on to how they had found him and Yoren in the area near the Sombs. All through it Death's voice was low and somber, his eyes shadowed.

 

Urius listened quietly, his eyes looking far off somewhere that even Death could not reach him. There, amid his despair, he saw a world that shattered around him piece by piece. One could equate it to stepping off a ledge one did not expect to find. First, there is the horrifying shock that runs from your belly to your chest, then the heavy fall of your feet as you hit the ground. You teeter and your whole being seems off balance. As Death finished his words, Urius was still teetering on the edge of sanity.

 

And the immortal continued on, watching Urius with eyes growing sharper and sharper as what went on was unveiled before Urius and he had to endure each painful, frightening event that he had not remembered. He was told of the newest troubles and of what he had become before Death finally finished explaining everything to him. Even the words of Future were re-spoken before Death trailed off into silence

 

An oppressive silence. Death couldn't tell what was going on behind the other's stone gaze, his body positioned forward and his head hanging a bit. The God was not a stranger to the sight of a man's shoulders sunk low in sadness. He had seen much of it throughout his existence, having been the cause for a great deal of suffering over the loss of loved ones. Yet, even though he had been witness to so much pain throughout his life, it still felt so fresh and new each and every time. Urius was no different. He did not cry...he did not speak......only a blank stare at the ground between his feet as what would normally be an immortal Angelic mind tried to grasp the true scope of mortality.
It is cruel of God to give them these unending lives and then deal them a blow like this...An Angel is not supposed to weep over lost loved ones. They simply don't have the capacity to strengthen themselves against that inevitable death.

 

When he didn't answer, Stannis looked to Death with a knowing glare and pushed him off a bit. He turned to go towards his brother, but Urius already slowly raised his head. If there could be a face for absolute sorrow, surely, it would be that pathetic expression he wore now. It was like being lost, having cried so many tears that there is nothing left in him. Truly, what does one say in this situation? The one that Urius dedicated his life to had turned into a monster, the man's little brother, who was Urius' dear friend, was slaughtered in a terrible way, Urius himself became a monster and hurt the one person he had left, Ceata.........What does one say in this sort of situation?

"It's all my fault..."

 

Death had no reply to that, silently watching the two. He was ready to get between them if he had to. If he was forced to tear Stannis off Urius he would... he would hurt them if he had to. Quietly, the immortal moved closer.

 

"It's about time you realized that," Stannis growled, making Death's eyes immediately shoot to the elder brother with every muscle in his face forming into the expression "Shut the hell up." Stannis, however, cares not for Death's threatening expressions. He places his hands upon his hips and glares down at his younger brother with venom in his smoldering blue eyes. "Were it not for you, Rowan wouldn't be this way, Yoren would probably still be alive, and, what's more, I wouldn't have to be covering for you. Indeed, a lot of things would be better if had the fortitude to strangle you in the crib like I was SUPPOSED to do.......You are my biggest regret, Urius. In a way, that makes all this my fault too."

 

Death growled softly, watching the two with his brows wrinkled in agitation. However, there was no way getting in on this right now would be wise. Stannis needed to speak these things and Urius... needed to hear them.
Death continued to watch though and watched closely.

 

Urius didn't answer, his brother already demoralizing enough with his first statement that he really couldn't think beyond it. His eyes stared forward and into nothing, already consumed by his own guilt to the point that he really couldn't defend himself. "Aren't you going to say anything, Urius? .....You ruin the lives of others out of your own selfish wish to keep Rowan alive, yet you don't even consider for one moment that his death could save you and everyone else a whole lot a grief! You've always been self-centered and self-absorbed ever since we were children...I shouldn't have even considered for a moment that you would change."

 

Death winced a little, Stannis' words truly sharp and bitter. They even hit the immortal in such a manner as to make his gut twist and a cold skill come over him. He did not even register the sound of someone at the doorway, hanging back and remaining in the shadows till a flash of white caught his eye for a moment.

 

Urius barely had time to look up before he had someone's arms wrapped tightly around him, his eyes widening somewhat as he was pulled from his gloomy self-loathing for the press of a warm smooth body against him. Ceata was already snarling at Stannis by the time he had gotten into Urius' lap, his limbs entwined around his lover protectively, as though his body could shield him from the hurt. It only served to make Stannis frown, he knowing that Ceata is far too irrational right now...then again, aren't they all?

 

 The soft, threatening growls rocked Urius' body as they rumbled deep from his mate's chest. He could feel the furious thundering of his lover's heart, the warm press of that pale body he had known for so long. 
Ceata said nothing, eying Stannis defensively as he shielded his mate from his sibling with his own body. As if he could keep him from everything bad just by being in his arms, pressed close.

 

"Oh, this is beyond ridiculous..." Stannis growls, looking to Ceata. "You protect that which endangers you in the first place...I warned you once before about knowledge, didn't I, Ceata? I warn you again," Stannis says sternly, only getting a growl in turn. Urius is so shocked by this sudden affection that he doesn't know what to do. Moments before, he was wallowing in self-pity. If there is one thing Urius doesn't like when he's sad, it's being close to others. Slowly, he begins to push Ceata off.

 

"T-That's enough, Stannis....don't drag him into this...'

 

Ceata clung to him like a leech, refusing to let go. He locked eyes with Stannis, glowering at him. If Stannis glanced away, he would be fucked. The pale male was in no mood for anyone’s' bullshit right then and exhausted as he was.... it would not be pretty if he became angry.

 

Stannis looked to Death in his anger, sighing as he knew that he wasn't going to speak with Urius anyway. With Ceata in the room, what he had to say probably wouldn't be good for him to hear. Thus, Stannis turns and heads towards the door, meaning to go find Farryn for some good de-stressing. Hopefully the other Starc wouldn't be aching too badly the next morning. "Urius, I will not forgive you for what you've done...I imagine Rowan will do the same," were his final words as he stepped out the door in rage.

 

With Stannis gone, Ceata relaxed enough to get off of Urius, though his hand rested on his shoulder, stiff and twitching from tension. The shadowshifters eyelids were red and swollen, his face even more pale than it normally was. He did not look at Urius, staring at where Stannis had gone before those mismatched eyes finally trailed to Urius.

 

He finds at the end of his gaze and equally exhausted mate, Urius' eyes tinged an almost permanent violet as the sorrow seeps into his very bones and corrupts whatever strength he had gained in fighting back his own sadness. Stannis really didn't seem to care if he was causing him so much pain. In fact, it was almost a goal to try and break Urius. One would have to wonder why, seeing as it would only cause Sorrow to come back again...though not as powerful as before, that's for certain. The prolonged exposure to the charm would weaken him considerably; perhaps even make him susceptible to attack for a time. Was that Stannis' plan? But, of course, that begged the question of how Urius would survive through something like that...To have a God surge through him once was obviously enough to make him the broken creature he is now. Twice and it would utterly shatter his being.

 

Ceata caressed his face, his cool fingertips gliding over the haggard face. Licking his lips, Ceata gave a tiny smile and a broken chuckle. "When you were not in the bed when I awoke... I got scared." He uttered, voice gone low and husky from stress and screaming.

 

"C-ceata..." Urius whispers softly, feeling the other's touch against him. His eyes gleam with a need he can't convey with words, but he soon lets it slip behind a mask of guilt. Slowly, he stands and steps away from the other, Ceata immediately able to tell that something is desperately wrong. This is his lover and yet...he's such a tattered person. Just looking at Ceata now makes the regret well in Urius' heart, he knowing he doesn't deserve those kind touches. 

 

"Urius?" The smaller male's voice cracked some, vocal cords strained to a point that speaking hurt him. He reached out again, gingerly. Urius was acting like a beaten dog, shying away from even gentle touches as if risking them would lead to him being hurt again.

 

"I..." Urius says softly, unable to let the other touch him as he back away again. Just then, Jinevae steps into the room with a bubbling wind of excitement, his eyes wide as he sees Urius and then beginning to tear.
"Ye're ALIVE!!!" he cries, completely sidestepping Ceata and grabbing Urius up in his big burly arms. Urius is just about to scream bloody murder, his eyes wide in terror, sorrow, and anger.
"Wow, Lazarus...you were right," Roaden says from the doorway, stepping in soon after with Sahenna and Lazarus tagging on nervously behind. It wasn't hard for Lazarus to note the sudden change in Urius' aura, for he was sleeping in the room just down the hall from Ceata. It wasn't hard to note the other's presence. 

 

The big male moved with cautious nervousness. He had not wished to bother Urius at all, but having Sahenna adamant about seeing the other, he had not pressed to stay away. Sahenna needed to be protected if anything went wrong. 
Ceata startled a little at the others coming into the room, eyes flickering between them and Urius before he backed away slightly and stood to the side.

 

 It was only a split second later before Jinevae was suddenly stumbling back, having been hit so hard by Urius that he almost lost his balance. Urius jumped back like a wild animal that had been wounded, his eyes wide and piercing as he stood to the other end of the room. "Don't touch me!!!" 

 

Jinevae looked puzzled at first and then incredibly hurt. His eyes filled with worry too, for this was obviously not something that his dear friend Urius would do. Even now, his hand smarted from being scratched so hard by the other's nails. ".......U......Urius?"

 

"Don't touch him." Death rumbled softly, watching them all with those dark eyes thoughtful and agitated. Ceata was silent, eyes on Urius and hands twitching to touch him again, to make sure he was real and not a figment. "He's... in shock."

 

Urius stood at the other end of the room, panting as he turned his back to them, his wild eyes burning into the wall as he leaned against it. He seemed such a pathetic man now. His shoulders hunched slightly as he seemed to want to curl into himself. The touching was obviously more than he could bear, leaving Jinevae to pout considerably with worry about what he had done. Roaden looked with concern to Death and Sahenna seemed pale and mortified.

 

 

Pacing closer to Ceata, Death's hand smoothed through the short hair, causing the small male to jerk a little, eyes darting up to stare. His lip twitched and yet he did not growl as he seemed to want to do.

 

"...I...I'm sorry, Urius...I..." Jinevae says softly, Roaden trying to direct him back towards the door. He shoots one glance at Lazarus, telling him silently to take Sahenna out of here before there's an incident. Urius just cowers in the corner, eyes looking off into nowhere and body wracked with his own sadness, fear, and guilt. Ceata wonders if his lover will ever come out of it, for, even standing this far from him, he can feel how deeply wounded Urius' soul has been. Is that because of Rowan, or.....?

 

Taking the hint, Lazarus gently motioned for Sahenna to follow him, holding the other by one arm and leading him out. It was plain to see that everyone crowding Urius like this was putting him on edge.  Ceata licked his lips and wondered to himself if his Urius would ever come back to him.

 

"W-wait, I want to talk with him! Lazarus!!" Sahenna cried as he was taken out, Jinevae lingering at the door a few more moments before following. He obviously felt bad, nibbling on the nail of his thumb in his nervousness as only Roaden remained. The Valen angel watched as Ceata approached his love, touching him gently to soothe him from his fear. Only Ceata seemed capable of grounding him in reality and, very quietly, Urius finished his shaking and wrapped his arms around Ceata to burry his face in the other's shoulder.
"Chaos wanted to see you, My Lord." Roaden turned and looked at Urius. "She wants to speak with Urius...but....I don't think that's quite possible now - obviously."

 

Ceata gently caressed his hands down Urius's back and shoulders. The soft, gentle expression he wore made him look less like a statue. "I don't think Urius will be able to speak with her for a while Roaden..." He uttered softly and hugged Urius closer.

 

"Do you honestly think that will stop her?" Roaden sighs as he watches Ceata holding the man he once looked to as a commander. Urius was Rowan's Second, after all. Roaden, Rowan's Third, was often taking orders from the stern Starc without so much as flinching. Now things had changed so drastically...Not only had the world that Roaden had strived to create for most of his life crumbled into a crater of ash and broken dreams, but now those he called friends - Rowan and Urius - had gone mad in some twisted, cruel turn of fate. It seemed highly unfair that Urius had to suffer the brunt of the guilt in this, but...well...Roaden had seen too many things in his life not to suspect that Urius had something to do with all this. He was no fool, after all. 

 

"She can stuff it." Ceata replied darkly with a low growl. His eyes had hardened but they swiftly softened when he turned his gaze down upon Urius'.
Urius had done many a thing wrong; not usually on purpose, but he had done them and the guilt lay heavily upon him.  Ceata would help him... would help him get over the grief that so ate at him and tattered his soul and sanity.

 

"Well, I hope YOU are going to be the one to tell her that - not me. I really would like to keep my balls in tact, thank you," Roaden sighs as he glances over to Urius, who seems to be regaining himself slowly. It seems that Jinevae's sudden hug really did jar him. His eyes are blank, like a man who is staring into a flashback of the war. The hundred mile stare, Roaden believes it is called. Indeed, after what Urius suffered, it's understandable that he would have it.

 

The slow caresses and the smell of his mate are familiar and help to keep Urius from completely loosing it. Much like a child frightened by lightening will go running to a loved one and huddle up close in terror. "Is she coming?" He asked softly.

 

"Yes, so to speak...she's in Gai's room right now," Roaden says, Death snorting lightly at the innuendo. The Valen can only sigh and run his hand through his long brown hair. "Sahenna is the most worried..." At the name, Urius flinches and a shudder of something like fear and guilt goes through him. Ceata can feel it beneath his fingers, as that tensing of muscle and the gritting of Urius' teeth reverberates through him as well. "...And there's still no sign of Absinthe, My Lord. Rughal sent some Shadows out into the Sombs to search the tiny crevasses of the mortal realm, but nothing so far. They report a heavy fog though...similar to the one you found Urius and Yoren in."

 

"I did not expect to see Absinthe any time soon." Death replied with a sigh, watching the other three thoughtfully. "He'll be used as a shield if there is a need... it's rather obvious." Such was the fate of the hybrid prince. Ceata sighed softly and hid his face in Urius' hair.

 

"...There's no doubt he's with...HIM, though," Roaden says, sparing Urius the sound of the monster's name. Adonis is clearly the second major player in this strange drama they've been cast to. "Lord Death, I think it's safe to say that you're going to have to pull back your Death Angels from searching now before something bad happens...We need to rethink what we're going to do. The Angel and Demon war is still going on in the Sombs...no one is really aware of HIM outside of Tenshihana...the Demons are using this weakness as a means to attack...I don't know what we can do at this point, but staying neutral is not the answer. We have to fight."

 

The immortal nodded. There was nothing left for it and besides, Death's eagerness for blood had risen. So much to lose! This was not the time to cower and hide behind the fragile veil of neutrality. "I think you are right Roaden." He uttered as he stroked his chin.