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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 11 months

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This is the first chapter of my new story, The Assistant. It’s about Dantalion, a young, rebellious demon who becomes the assistant to the icy angel of death. She must learn to unlock her true powers before the traitorous Astaroth executes her plot to topple Lucifer and start the apocalypse. I hope you enjoy it!

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The air was hot, rough gusts of wind combatting the cooling waves of the river. Her mind raced with thoughts of the future, scenes of the cold lord of death filling her head as the river’s breeze cascaded through her white hair. She almost zoned out, locking her eyes on the water before a clattering set of stiletto footsteps snapped her out of it just as suddenly as she had been consumed.

“Dantalion.” A stern voice barked, “What are you doing out here? You’re supposed to be getting ready.”

“Sorry, Miss Adepha.”

“Lady Death will never accept you looking like that. Now c’mon dear, we have much to do and not a lot of time to do it.”

Adepha grabbed her forearm, her claw-like nails digging into Danatlion’s skin. The manager dragged her into the ferry’s empty main hall, then down a winding hallway and into a stuffy dressing room. The smell of perfume burned her lungs as she sat in a tattered leather chair.

“Take your hair down, dear.”

Dantalion begrudgingly did as she was told.

“Now, we have to get you looking prim and proper for her majesty.”

“I know, you said that before.”

The stern demon huffed, “Don’t give me lip, missy. You’re already on thin ice with that attitude of yours.”

“And I’ve told you a hundred-fifty thousand times that how I look is perfectly fine, and that I don’t need some pretty dress to be ‘proper’ or whatever.”

“Lady Death is a very refined woman, she would not want her assistant looking like a common street rat.”

Dantalion felt her blood boil, “I’m gonna tell my father you said that.”

“Go on ahead. He’ll just laugh it off.”

The young demon sighed, looking to the side with a huff.

Adepha grabbed a brush off a nearby table, running it through the ends of the girl’s curly hair. “Here, I’ll appease you, I won’t do any makeup. It’s not like we have time for it anyway.”

Dantalion didn’t answer, crossing her arms as the woman ran the brush through the thickest parts of her locks, which made her wince harshly.

“Miss Adepha.” The girl spoke up suddenly.

“Yes?”

Dantalion’s expression turned somber, “Do you… think Miss Azrael will like me?”

“I’m sure she will, you are very bright, you have very high potential, I’m sure she will be pleased to have you around.”

“I guess.”

Adepha sighed, “Azrael is a cold woman, but she is not unfeeling, if that makes any sense.”

“It does, kind of.”

The stern demon stopped brushing, “You can put your hair back up now.”

Dantalion put her white hair back up, wrapping it tightly in her hair tie as she stood from the uncomfortable chair. When she walked back out onto the ferry’s lifeless dock, the air around her had turned cold and the sky changed to a deep violet. The land became swampy, with endless pools of brackish muck stretching as far as the eye can see. The old ferry creaked as the river got more violent, the rusted metal exterior flapping like wings against the wind. Scenes ran wild in Dantalion’s mind again, replaying in her head as the smell of death filled her lungs.

Soon, the ship came to a stop, docking at a rickety old port. The young demon grabbed her suitcase from her makeshift bedroom. She dragged it down to the old wooden dock, dreading the long trek through the swamp awaiting her. Her and Adepha began the trudge, being led down a narrow dry path through the thickening trees. Their clothes stuck to their skin as the sauna-hot air beamed down upon them. Adepha’s fiery hair frizzed like an angry cat and Dantalion felt her skin about to melt.

“Who in their right mind would wanna live here?” Asked Dantalion incredulously.

“Death itself, apparently.” Adepha answered off-hand, too busy trying to balance in her heels to give a solid answer.

“I feel like if I make one wrong step, I’ll get eaten alive.”

“Well, considering this place is called ‘The Swamps of Consumption’.”

The young demon peeped, “I’m moving in with a nutcase, aren’t I?”

“She’s one of the more well-adjusted nutcases, actually.”

Dantalion glared, “You’re not helping.”

They continued down the slushy path until they reached a silver stone bridge that looked relatively new, sticking out like a sore thumb in the endless abyss of the swamp. The pair walked across the stone overpass, staring down at the bubbling water beneath their feet as they approached two massive double doors towering high above their heads, connected to a Victorian-style palace. The doors themselves were covered in carvings, with images of hellhounds and ancient beasts scrawled across its wooden exterior. Dantalion felt her nerves rising, her anxiety boiling to the brim as Adepha slammed the doorknocker into the entryway.

There was a rustle from inside the palace, the sounds of arguing filling the space as the door soon swung open to reveal a beast staring them down. She was inhumanly tall, covered in fur, with canine-like features. Her jaws were like a bear trap, two massive razor blades for canines bearing down from her maw onto two bottom teeth that were just as jagged. She ran a hand through her furry head, adjusting her glasses as she stared at the demons on the other side of the doorway.

“Welcome to the Palace of Death.” greeted the beast, “You two must be our esteemed visitors.”

Adepha looked noticeably disgusted, “I didn’t know she employed beasts.”

The creature groaned, “I am Leviathan, Lady Death’s head servant.” She turned her attention to Dantalion. “Here, why don’t we take those heavy bags off of you, dear.”

She barked something in a different language towards a couple other beasts, making them run to her side. One of them quickly grabbed Dantalion’s bag while the other stood there awkwardly, following his buddy back into the palace as Leviathan led the pair in herself.

“So, you must be this new assistant I keep hearing about.” The beast hummed as they walked through the doors.

“Yes, ma’am, I am.”

“I must say, it’s rather exciting to have a new face around here, well, one that doesn’t look like mine at least.”

Dantalion looked around at her surroundings, noticing the horrifically empty walls. “Do you not like them?”

“My fellow species are all idiots,” Leviathan said with nonchalant cynicism. “The fact they haven’t gone extinct is a marvel of demonic conservation, also that no demon dares trek this far.”

“Except for me.”

“You and a few other common visitors. Lady Death isn’t very social, she doesn’t like visitors, except for a particular few.”

“And who might that be?”

Leviathan counted a couple fingers. “Some close friends.”

“You only counted to two.”

“Keep your friends close, and your enemies far away, that’s what I always say.”

Dantalion was visibly confused. “I don’t think that’s how that- y’know what, whatever. Where is Lady Death?”

“Ah, she’s in a meeting with a dead soul. It’s imperative we let her finish.”

“Can you ask her to hurry it up, then? This swamp makes me look like an unwashed dog.” Adepha spoke up.

“I’m sorry your looks are suffering,” The beast answered sardonically.

“What kind of creature are you, anyway?” Asked Dantalion, who hoped to change the subject.

“I am a Nighthound, as are the other beasts you’ll see around here. We once roamed these marshes with reckless abandon, lording with the iron fisted rule of an apex predator! Until they built death’s palace, and convinced us that this was the only way to save ourselves from being eradicated by bullets.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, not fun.” She off-handedly waved. “But, that’s not important now, what is important is that we need to get you ready to see Lady Death.”

“Am I… not ready?”

“Well, other than freshly brushed hair, you look like you just got out of bed.” Leviathan turned her head to Adepha, “Did you not bother to change her clothes?”

“I don’t want to change clothes.” The young demon said softly. “I look just fine.”

“Hmm…” The beast rubbed her furry chin, looking down at her own tattered outfit. “I guess I get your point, though she won’t be very happy about it. You’re probably exhausted anyway. I hear that ferry ride is something out of Lucfier’s torture chamber.”

“It was kinda nice, I liked looking at the water.”

“The water with the screams of the damned and the protruding limbs?”

Dantalion shrugged her shoulders. “I… didn’t see any of those.”

“Eh, you must’ve missed them.”

“Is Lady Death finished?” Interrupted Adepha snidely, much to Leviathan’s chagrin. “It feels like we’ve been walking this one hallway for hours.”

Leviathan gave her a taunting grin. “It’s only been five minutes, maybe.”

“In these heels, that’s basically an hour.”

“That’s not my fault, now is it?”

Dantalion visibly winced, expecting her case manager’s wrath to boil over any second. “I’ll have you know that I work for Lucifer, you disgusting freak, and she’ll have you shot faster than JFK in Dallas!”

“Luci-who?”

“Lucifer!”

The beast grinned. “I’m sorry miss, I have no clue who you’re speaking of.”

“Don’t play dumb with me!”

“Miss Adepha, I think you should calm down.” Dantalion said calmly.

“Fine.”

Leviathan gave the teenage demon a grin. “You’re quite the peacemaker, considering who your parents are.”

“How do you know all that?”

The monster grinned, “You’d be surprised how quickly gossip spreads around here, the other night hounds are like church ladies.”

As the trio kept down the hall, the emptiness of the place started to set in. Dantalion tried to look at her surroundings, but it felt like she was walking in place. Empty walls stayed empty, though as they got deeper into the palace’s annals it got darker and murkier. Finally, the beast stopped herself on a paw, turning on her heel to glance at the two again before they went down a spiraling set of stairs.

“Down here is your room, Miss Dantalion. You’ll be pleased to know that you’ll have one to yourself.” She said with a hint of a bite. “It’s just down these stairs and to the left. It’s the only door in the hall that’s not covered in scratch marks.”

“Scratch marks?”

“Down there is also the servant quarters, but trust me, we don’t get too loud… only on holidays.”

Dantalion made an ‘hmph’ noise. “You guys have holidays?”

“I’ll explain it more later, we should get you down there before Lady Death finishes her work for the day.”

The young demon looked back at her case manager, who had now taken off her shoes.

“I guess this is goodbye, Miss Adepha.” Dantalion whispered somberly.

“Well… not really.” The case manager half-scoffed, “I just got a call that the boat that was supposed to pick me up decided to crash into the rut in the river, and is currently six feet underwater, so I guess I’m gonna be here for a while.”

Leviathan audibly sighed, “Then I hope you two are okay with sharing a room.”

They reluctantly nodded in unison, leading the night hound to open the door to their new bedroom.

“I’ll come get you after her macabreness has finished with the final soul, Lady Dantalion.”

“Thanks.”

Leviathan bowed, giving Adepha a stank eye as she shut the door to the room behind her, leaving the pair alone in the vast space. It was as empty as the halls, with unpainted stone walls lit only by the light of dying candles. The room smelled of burning sulfur, but that was a relatively normal smell in hell’s smokey air. Dantalion sat her suitcase down on the bed, popping it open to unpack her many, many items.

She swiftly hung her clothes on old wooden hangers, placed her assortment of makeup and mirrors on her fancy regal dresser, and lastly shoved the empty traveling sarcophagus under her bed. She laid down on the sack’s soft mattress, feeling her body sink into its embrace as she stayed there for a few moments. Her rest wouldn’t last long, however, as the sounds of a snapping acrylic nail pierced her ear.

“SHIT!” Adepha shouted, throwing her heels on the ground.

“Miss Adepha?”

“I HATE this damned place!” She ignored the girl, “It’s hot, and I’m sticky, and my hair’s messed up, and my nails are broken, and my heels- Oh! My heels, and how in the hell am I supposed to get home?! I have a job dammit!”

“Miss Adepha?” Dantalion repeated with a bit more force, beginning to squeeze a nearby pillow.

“This place is filled with mortal scum and monsters!”

“I think it’s pretty…”

Adepha gave her a glare, “Of course you do, they’re sucking up to you.”

“You did call Miss Leviathan a monster at first sight.”

“Well, that’s what she is! She’s a freak! I can’t believe Lady Death would keep those abominations anywhere near her. If it were up to me, they’d all be fur coats.”

Dantalion was taken aback, beginning to hug the cushion a bit tighter. “Miss Adepha!” She yelled incredulously.

“Can it.” Adepha began to pace, “This place reeks…”

“Smells like death.”

“Yes, because that’s such a pleasant scent.”

The young demon tried to comfort her. “I’m sure it’ll be fine, Miss Adepha. I think you’re overreacting.”

“Overreacting?” She repeated with a venomous bite, “I’m stranded here! Do you not understand that? I’m stuck here in this scumhole until that bitch you call a queen remembers I’m gone!”

“Don’t call Aunt Lucy-“ Dantalion caught herself, her own emotions starting to boil. “Don’t call her majesty a bitch.”

“I’m allowed to call her whatever I please.”

The teenage demon let out a sigh, “Maybe you should rest, Miss Adepha. You’re clearly not thinking straight.”

The case manager scoffed, opening her mouth to shout, but stopping herself halfway. She ran a hand through her fiery hair, letting out a frustrated sigh of her own. “Yeah, maybe I should.”

She laid beside Dantalion on the bed, her breaths shallow and weary as the cloud-like mattress consumed her. The young demon stood from the kip, walking over to her closet to find something at least a little bit nicer. However, it turned out she didn’t have much time, as a slamming knock on the door scared her out of her shoes.

“Lady Dantalion!” Leviathan’s voice barked through the wooden door, “Lady Death is ready for you!”

The teenage demon let out a nervous sigh as she walked out of the bedroom, following the beast back up the hallway.

“Are you excited?” The Nighthound asked with a smile.

“Yeah…”

“That doesn’t sound very excited.”

Dantalion’s hand shook. “I’m kinda nervous, actually.”

“Well, that’s okay, her nightmarishness is a very intimidating figure at first. Trust me, when I first saw her, I was 100% sure she was gonna eat me alive.”

“Oh.”

Leviathan laughed, “Yeah, I was a pretty paranoid puppy.”

“I don’t think she’ll kill me, I’m just… nervous.”

The beast kept a grin, “Yeah, well, I’m sure she’ll like you.”

“You think so?”

“Her grisliness might seem all cruel and scary on the outside, but she’s not like that. She’s actually very sweet.”

Dantalion felt herself calm down slightly, not enough to be considered comfortable, but better than a shaking mess. “I’m glad.”

“Her throne room is right behind the corner, can’t miss it.”

“Are you not gonna go in with me?”

Leviathan chuckled, “Her blackness doesn’t like having too many people in there. It’s a tradition thing.”

“Right.”

Dantalion took a deep breath, looking up at the massive doors that led into the quarters of death. The door was lined with murals, all painted with shades of crimson and black. She slowly opened the gate, taking a step that echoed through the mostly empty room. She could hear her own heavy breaths as she entered the space with trepidation, the only light to guide her being that of a dying candle, just like in her own room.

“Step forward.” A cold voice hummed from afar, leading Dantalion towards it like she was in a trance. The teenage demon anxiously walked through the room, her own footsteps bouncing off the walls as she got closer and closer to the embodiment of expiration. Soon, the figure began to approach her, a dark silhouette towering in the dim light before her features finally came into view.

She was a head taller than Dantalion, her snowy white hair up in a loose ponytail, with a vibrant rose clipped in its mane. Her sharp red eyes looked down at the teenage demon, her tail whipping back and forth as she adjusted the collar on her dark uniform.

“You must be Dantalion.” She spoke with a stoic glare, her voice quiet yet stern.

The young demon hesitated, “H-hello- I mean, good evening! Good evening, your…?”

“Please, just call me Azrael, or Thanatos, or The Arbiter, or the Grim Reaper, or Santa Muerte, or-“

“Uh…”

Death hummed, “Lady Death is the easiest to remember. I have so many titles and names now, it’s like every human has a different thing they call me.”

“Well, what’s your real name?”

“Azrael, that’s what my mother named me.”

Dantalion’s eyes widened, “You had a mother?”

“You seem a bit surprised.”

“Well, y’know, I always kinda thought you just-“

“Happened? What, did you think all creatures were immortal until I came along to take their souls?”

The young demon laughed anxiously, shifting her eyes around the dim, empty room. “Yeah, kinda like that.”

“No, actually, I had an entire existence before I ended up stuck in this infinite loop of torturous labor.”

“Torturous?”

Azrael’s face remained stoic, “It’s not as fun as it used to be.” She gave Dantalion a look, “I was hoping you would help with that.”

“Really?”

“It would be far better than spending every waking second alone.”

The young demon stared at her own feet. “I’d think anything would be better than that.”

“Loneliness is both a blessing and a curse, more often a curse.” Lady Death walked back towards her throne, grabbing a fire-engulfed weapon from its holder. “However, this isn’t about me, is it?”

Dantalion’s eyes went wide as the white flame lit the darkness of the room.

“This is my scythe. It burns with the flames of Tartarus. If you touch it, I will feed you to the servants.”

“Yes, ma’am.” The teenage demon answered with a nervous bow.

“Put your head back up.”

Dantalion anxiously did as she was told, feeling Azrael’s cold fingertips brush across her chin.

“You’re here to learn, yes?”

“My father told me I’d be here to be your assistant.”

Death chuckled, “Your parents are politicians, natural born liars.”

“What do you mean?” Dantalion raised an eyebrow.

“You ask a lot of questions.”

“I’m a very curious demon.” The younger one responded with a bit of a bite.

“I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

“I’d like to know now.”

Azrael whipped her eyes towards her. “Now I know why they warned me about you, that smart mouth of yours does seem to have a mind of its own.”

“I’m not being ‘smart’, I’m just asking for information.”

“And I told you that I would tell you tomorrow. You have to be patient.”

Dantalion huffed. “If my parents were lying to me, I’d like to know why.” She spoke now with a hint of desperation.

Azrael didn’t respond, putting her scythe back in its place and turning her back to the girl.

“Did you hear me?” The young demon raised her voice.

“I did.” The embodiment answered softly.

“Then why won’t you answer me?”

“Because I told you I would tell you tomorrow.”

Dantalion felt her hair raise, “I wanna know now.”

“Dantalion-“

“I said I wanna know now!”

Azrael scoffed, her eyes staring straight through the girl as her eyebrows furrowed. “Quit whining like a petulant brat. I said you would learn tomorrow, and yet here you are acting like a child. What? Do you think you’ll die in your sleep?”

“I-“

“No, I’ve had enough of you for the night. Go to bed.”

“It’s only 7:30.” The girl said incredulously.

The death demon flicked her wrist, turning on her heel and sitting back down on her throne. “Then sit in your room and scream for all I care. As long as it gets you out of here.” She gave her one final glare, “And next time I see you, you better be wearing something nicer than your pajamas.”

Dantalion let out an angry huff, storming out of the room with bullish footsteps.

“How’d it go, Miss Dantalion?” Asked Leviathan with her signature grin, however, she received no answer. She watched Dantalion storm by like a whirlwind before poking her head into the death demon’s chamber, seeing her lounging on her throne with an unfazed expression.

“I see you, Leviathan. You can come in.” She barked.

“Lady death, what happened?”

“Don’t pretend like you didn’t hear it.”

Leviathan sighed, “I did, but it was only part of it.”

“I messed up. I tried to approach her like an adult, and it seems she couldn’t handle it. The girl’s a bull in a china closet.”

“I could’ve told you that by the file, your macabreness.”

Azrael groaned with annoyed apathy, “Stop calling me that.”

“Right.”

“Anyway, it seems my efforts went haywire.” The demon spoke with a waving hand, “She certainly takes after those parents of hers.”

“You did tell her they were lying to her.”

“Was I wrong?”

Leviathan bit her lip, “Well…”

“She deserves to know the truth, I think. The girl isn’t a fool.”

“You also called her a petulant brat and told her to go to her room like she’s a little pup.”

The death demon’s expression remained unchanged. “She was acting like one.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little too hard on her? She’s just been through an eight-hour boat ride with an unpleasant wench and got dumped in the swamp with nothing but a suitcase. It’s probably the first time she’s this far away from home, cut her a little slack.”

“And make her weak? I don’t think so.” Azrael scoffed, “The last girl died because she was unprepared. I’m not repeating the same mistake twice.”

“But Miss Dantalion is of far superior blood to her, she’s a bonafide prodigy by genetics alone.”

The death demon rolled her eyes, “Of course, the beast lectures me on genetics.”

“Why are you being so obtuse?” The beast said with a bite, “I just want you to be nice to her. She’s just a scared kid.”

“And so were you, and yet here you are, doing just fine.”

Leviathan scoffed, “If you’re just gonna be rude, I’m leaving.”

“Stay.”

“Why?”

Azrael let out a sigh of her own, “I’ll admit that I lost my temper a little.”

“A little? You made her cry.”

“I just think-“ The death demon caught herself, letting out a begrudged sigh. “Just tell her I’m sorry.”

“Really?” Leviathan asked, a bit taken aback by the shift.

“Yes. Tell her I lost my temper and didn’t mean what I said.”

The beast stayed serious, “Maybe you should tell her that.”

“Why? She probably hates me.”

“And she’d probably hate you more if you apologized like a coward.”

Azrael rolled her eyes, “Fine. I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Leviathan watched the death demon walk back to her throne, sitting down with her legs crossed as she seemingly went back to her endless work. The beast let out a sighing huff, exiting the room with her head hung low. She walked back down the long, straight hallway, paying no attention to the world around her as her vision tunneled. Her feet moved like a machine, unconsciously leading her through the corridor and down the spiraling stairs, towards the only door without the signs of servitude.

“Miss Dantalion?” Leviathan spoke softly as she knocked on the door. “Are you okay?”

There was no answer, not even a sign of movement.

“Miss Dantalion, I know her grimness was rather cruel to you, but she’s not like that, I promise. I want you to be happy here.” The beast pleaded.

It was then when she heard a faint clatter, the sound of a foot hitting the stone floor as the pitter-patter got louder and louder. Then, the doorknob began to rattle.

“What?” Dantalion groaned tiredly as the door swung open.

“I’m just checking on you.”

“I’m fine.” The teenage demon answered quickly.

Leviathan gave her a warm smile, “You should get some rest.”

“Is that an order?”

“No, just a suggestion. You must have had a long day.”

Dantalion smiled weakly, “Yeah, I have.”

“I promise she’s not like that all the time.”

“You said she was sweet.”

The beast laughed awkwardly, “Well, you know, my perception is a bit biased.”

“‘Sweet’ my ass.”

Leviathan hummed. “She’s just being a bit icy.”

“A bit?”

“I’ve seen her be worse, if that’s any consolation.”

Dantalion put her head down, letting out a dim chuckle. “I guess it is.”

“Just don’t worry about her- OOMF!”

Leviathan staggered as Dantalion threw herself into the beast’s arms, her eyes widening as she felt the teenage demon squeeze her furry ribcage. She carefully put her arms around her, reciprocating the hug as a longing silence filled the air around them.

“Have a good night, Miss Dantalion.” The servant whispered softly, slowly letting the girl back away into her bedroom. Dantalion didn’t speak, her sniffles saying more than words as she waved goodbye, shutting the wooden door behind her.

She walked back to her bed, ignoring Adepha’s stares. The young demon laid back down, covering herself up tightly in her blankets as the warm embrace of sleep began to consume her.

One day down, who knows how many left to go.

#writing #demons #angels and demons #writers on tumblr #novel #chapter one #demon #fiction #supernatural #smallwriter #angels #action #adventure #comedy #drama #heaven and hell #death #azrael

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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I would really appreciate it if you guys would check this out!

#smallwriter #werewolves #urban fantasy #fantasy #novelist #writing #wattpad #humans #werewolf #female werewolf

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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Please check out my story!

#demons #smallwriter #angels and demons #writers on tumblr #writing #lucifer #azrael #helltaker #my ocs #high school #boarding school

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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This is my account, go ask some questions!

This is an ask blog for my character Azrael! I’m really excited for your questions!

#azrael #helltaker #helltaker oc #oc #ask me anything #asks open #ask box #send me asks #grim reaper #demon

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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“My ~~lover~~ partner Ares told me to write a “funny” story, so I guess I will for her sakes. I will be completely and utterly honest, death is not very funny to me, no matter how comedic the way it happened is. I’ve seen drunkards get stomped to death by angry mules but I’ve also seen families mourn to the point of infinite misery.

Death is an inherently respectful act; all humans will experience it. Though, since I’m telling a “funny” story, I guess I should end my spiel of misery. Let me set our scene:

There was once a man, I don’t remember his name, but he was in a rather unhappy marriage to a man we’ll call Tina. Tina was an unfaithful woman, and despite his love for her, it was safe to say she didn’t love him back.

One stormy day; he came home from work to see her cheating on him with some strange man. He was understandably upset, as I was when I found my first husband cheating on me, but he held it together enough to make it to the night.

That night, and keep note of this dear mortals, he waited until she was sound asleep (which doesn’t sound good as I write it) and he took one of his shotguns off the wall. I think you can guess what happened next.

I hope that amused all of you. It certainly gave my partner a chuckle. Maybe I’m just a prude.

May god have mercy on your soul, love Azrael.”

#demons #smallwriter #writing #azrael #short story #writers on tumblr

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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The first chapter of a new story of mine is up now!

It’s about a girl named Ivy working her way up the ladder to be the best mutant boxer there is! I would really appreciate y’all’s support!

#boxing #smallwriter #boxing woman #writing #fighting #mutants #mutantboxing #wolf girl #writers on tumblr

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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https://www.deviantart.com/lcproductions27/art/Mutant-Fighting-League-Fighter-Bios-940966248

I’ve decided to expand the tournament into a league! These are some of the main fighters in the Mutant Fighting League. I hope y’all enjoy!

#writers on tumblr #boxing #smallwriter #boxing woman #mutants #boxingmutants #fighting #boxing stories

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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Mutant Fighting Tournament: Part 1:

The Mutant Defense Corps Champions tournament was held every two years, a show of pride for the warriors who put their bodies on the line for the defense of the common man. This tournament had even more fanfare than usual, with non-MDC fighters making the final eight, and even the queen herself joining in. It was set to be an exciting showcase. An announcer made his way down to the ring in the middle of the arena, grabbing a microphone from the air and beginning his spiel.

“Ladies and gentlemen, beastmen of all ages and kinds, it is my honor to welcome you to the 24th biannual MDC champions tournament! We’ve got an exciting slate for you folks tonight, so stay put!”

The matchups shined brightly on the big screen above his head, reading:

QUEEN CARNELIAN VS. PHOENIX

AZALEA VS. AMBER

IVY VS. LEVIATHAN

VERA VS. ANASTASIA

The announcer gave the raucous crowd a smile as he waited for them to tire, “I should stop talking now, huh?” He taunted, much to the crowd’s delight, “Let’s get this show on the road!”

Fight 1: Carnelian vs. Phoenix

Before the fight even began there was pomp and circumstance, an entire legion of the Queen’s men leading her out into the ring, the sounds of fanfare echoing through the arena as the crowd stood silently in her presence. She was accompanied to the battleground by her assistant, Rose, a hawk-mutant with a mean streak of her own, and the original holder of this spot in the tournament before the queen herself decided she wanted a challenge.

“Our first fighter hails from the capital of the beastmen! She’s your reigning, defending, Queen of the land… your majesty herself, Carnelian!”

The ruler waved to her subjects as she removed her royal robe to reveal her gear, the lioness deciding to showcase a bit more than the people thought she would. Her boxing gloves were neatly fitted, the royal coat of arms stamped on them with shimmering glory, and she readied herself for the entrance of her opponent.

“And her challenger, hailing from the streets of Chicago, standing at a professional kickboxing record of 27-0, Phoenix Riley!”

In walked Phoenix, a fox-mutant with a chip on her shoulder. She was a veteran fighter, as shown by her record, and honestly wished to embarrass the queen as much as she could. Phoenix entered the ring in full kickboxing regalia, stepping foot in the ring to a lull from the hordes. She stared down her opponent like a woman on a mission, the lioness looking back with a grin.

“It’s not too late to quit, dear.” The queen chided.

Phoenix chortled, “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“It certainly would save me some trouble.”

“Too bad I like trouble.”

The referee brought the pair to the middle of the ring and explained the rules of the ropes: twelve rounds max, winner will be declared by knockout or by their corner throwing in the towel, and no headbutting or elbow strikes (kicks are allowed, thanks to Phoenix’s objections). The fighters touched gloves, put up their guards, and with a resounding DING! The fight had begun.

Both fighters circled each other to start, looking for any weaknesses as they patiently plodded around the ring. Phoenix threw the first strike, a jab that sneaked through the Queen’s guard and bopped her right on the cheek. The kickboxer gained a bit of momentum after that, following it up with a kick to her thigh and a short straight to her gut. Carnelian continued her tactic of encircling, throwing her first punch of the day which barely went wide from its target. Phoenix tried to capitalize, but was blocked by the Queen’s glove, then that same glove flung itself at her abdomen, landing in her abdomen with a thunk.

The veteran kickboxer felt the sting from the blow, but had no time to ready herself, feeling another shot to her ribs coming from the opposite direction. Carnelian had a smile on her face, momentum shifting her way in the fight as the bell rang to end the first round, both fighters walking back to their corners.

“She’s good.” Said Phoenix's cutwoman Azalea, who had a fight later on herself.

“She’s the queen, of course she’s good.”

“You’re the one who said you’d knock her out in round one.”

“I did say that, but after she nearly broke a rib, I think I'll take it back.”

In the other corner, the confidence was more palpable.

“You’ve got this, your majesty.”

“If I can just get a good hit on her…”

“You have the momentum, all you need to do is keep her at bay.”

“I know what I’m doing, Rose.”

DING!

The second round began like the first, with both fighters trying to find weaknesses in the other before laying down their cards. This time, the queen struck first, throwing an errant haymaker that flew just over Phoenix's head, causing the fox to count her lucky stars. The veteran fighter answered with a kick to her opponent’s ankle, knocking her off balance for a second before drilling her with an overhead left that slammed into her jaw. Carnelian stumbled, putting her guard in a defensive position until her ears stopped ringing. She could feel fists crash into her forearms and gloves, with every fourth punch or so hitting the target.

Phoenix smiled inwardly as she noticed where her opponent was: pinned against the ropes, nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. She continued the assault with two jabs to her belly, then another pair to her ribcage. The queen broke the onslaught by grabbing her opponent by the waist and forcing her into a clinch, basically pushing herself off the ropes until the referee broke them up. The veteran kickboxer scoffed with begrudging respect at the clever move, then ate leather as the queen rocketed a straight to her jaw, sending a shockwave through her body.

The kickboxer staggered, allowing the queen to go on the offensive. She curled a fist into her foe’s side, then landed a right cross that connected right under Phoenix’s eye. Carnelian could hear her fallen father shout with glee as she hit her opponent with a hook that rattled her skull. The fox girl was saved by the bell, however, finally ending the walloping she was on the wrong end of.

“She’s wailing on you.” Azalea spoke with a shake, wiping the blood from her teacher’s face.

“I have to be more careful.”

“Just kill her. That’s what you always told me.”

Phoenix licked the blood from her busted lip, “It’s far easier said than done.”

Another toll, another round. Phoenix stood up from her stool and prepared herself for another beating, but the queen decided to start slow again. The veteran kickboxer watched her with anticipation, but soon she grew bored. She stepped forward, letting down her guard to let the queen think she had a shot, then a fist collided with Carnelian’s nose, then another drilled into her gut. The ruler was in shock, falling for the rather obvious faint.

Phoenix kept it up, giving the leader no time to counter as she sent punch after punch into every part of her body, trying to do as much damage as possible. But to her frustration, Carnelian didn’t go down. In fact, she barely even staggered. The kickboxer felt her rage boil-

THWACK!

The crowd gasped as the former champion went limp, her back crashing to the mat below with an echo. She looked up at the lights as the ref’s count rang through her ears. Phoenix’s mouthpiece had to be in the fourth row as she laid there, beginning to push herself up at the count of four. She got to her knees, then barely made it up to her feet in time, the ref shouting eight before stopping.

Carnelian stood in the neutral corner with a grin, flexing her muscles and staring Phoenix down as she stood.

“You should’ve stayed down.” The queen chided smugly. She didn’t get a response.

Azalea gave her teacher a new mouthpiece and the fight began again, but the rest of the round was one that both of them would want to forget. Phoenix’s vision was hazy, with one eye swollen and the other still rattling from the uppercut. She put up a weak guard that was quickly broken by a pair of hooks that sent her head side-to-side, a mix of blood and spit flying into the air. The veteran fighter was completely punchdrunk, drooling onto her chest. Carnelian stared at her handiwork for a few seconds before the bell rang to end the round, the queen wiping the coat of crimson off her royal gloves.

“What the fuck was that?!” The wolf shouted at her teacher, trying to get her head back down from dreamland.

“I was… too aggressive…”

“No shit!”

“Quit yelling.”

“No! I want you to kick her ass! Counter counter counter!”

Phoenix sighed, “I know what I’m doing.”

“Then show me, okay? You’re making me worried.”

“I just need to play more defense.”

“You better put your money where that mouth is.”

DING!

As if risen from the dead, Phoenix used her newfound approach to limit the Queen’s strikes as much as she could, making the next few rounds far more balanced, though far less exciting for the crowd. Both fighters landed the occasional hard blow, but neither seemed to get the upper hand. By the end of the eighth round, both were bloody, bruised, and battered to hell and back. When the bell rang to end it, the canvas was practically colored crimson, a mosaic of literal blood, sweat, and tears.

They both sat in their corners, staring each other down like predators fighting over their last meal. Phoenix’s left eye was swollen shut, the other was halfway there. The taste of blood filled her mouth as Azalea put ice on the bump and wiped her face with a wet towel. Carnelian didn’t look much better, a sizable cut above her right eye blurring her vision from all the blood running down her face. Though, it was her body that had taken the most damage, her abs as red as raw meat.

The bell rang for the start of round number nine, both fighters circling each other like they did at the start. Phoenix opened her guard for a moment, letting the queen take the bait and smashing a right cross into her liver. The veteran stayed stoic as she watched the Queen’s head snap backwards, blood flying into the stands before she received two hooks that swung her head back and forth like pinball. Carnelian staggered, throwing a straight that her opponent ducked and countered with a heavy uppercut to her solar plexus, making the queen spew crimson like a broken faucet as she was lifted off her feet.

The horde screamed with cheers as the queen doubled over on the mat, hearing the referee’s count echo through the arena.

“1…2…3…4…”

She didn’t stir.

“5…6…7…8…”

Phoenix heard her cough violently, that was about it.

“9…”

“10!”

The crowd cheered wildly as the man raised Phoenix’s arm into the air, Azalea running in to give her a hug as the final result was shouted through the PA system.

“AND YOUR WINNER BY KNOCKOUT, WITH A MINUTE AND 25 SECONDS REMAINING IN THE NINTH ROUND, PHOENIX RILEY!”

The veteran kickboxer let out a slight grin, watching as the medical staff carried the queen away.

#fighting #boxing #writing #mutants #tournament #fighting tournament #demihumans #beastmen #beastwomen #new story #writers on tumblr

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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“It was so kind of you to join me in the abyss mortal. How would you like to be my punching bag?”

Beelzebub, The Great Boxer

#angels and demons #demons #helltaker #helltaker beelzebub #beelzebub#art #boxing woman #boxingart #boxing #helltaker art #helltaker fanart #Helltaker boxing

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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“You’ve made this far too easy for me, mortal.”

Lucifer, The Boxing Demon

#angels and demons #demons #lucifer #art #helltaker #helltaker lucifer #boxing #boxingart #boxing woman #devil #small artist

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azrael-the-reaper-demon · 1 year

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So, now that I’ve learned that I can post stories on here without the link, I think I’ll start doing that for my stories. Here’s this one in that form if you’re interested, though I would recommend reading the first five chapters.

Chapter 6: Naphal’s Nightmare

Naphal entered the hot springs hesitantly, the creaky door echoing through the vast, empty room. The first thing her eyes saw was two of the queen’s burly bodyguards looking down at her with stoic glares, letting her pass by for the only reason that she held those horns in her hand. Finally, after the onslaught of guards and a slick floor beneath her feet, she made it to the queen, who stood on the edge of the spring,

wearing nothing more than a towel.

Her usually perfect black hair was strewn across her back in a long wet clump, her body shown off nicely underneath the piece of cloth she held over herself.

“I apologize for the nudity.” The Queen said with a slight laugh, “Your return was a bit unexpected.”

“Did you think I would die?”

“That certainly was a thought in my mind, yes.”

“Oh.”

Lucifer gave the assassin a smile, “But that wasn’t the main thought, of course. There are so many different possibilities.”

“And yet you thought I was dead.”

“Sweetie, when you’ve failed at something a lot of times, you start to think you’ll never accomplish it.” The queen bent down to get a good look at what Naphal had in her hands, “Now, let me see those…”

The assassin gave her ruler the horns, watching with a mix of fear and confusion as she caressed them like a mother with her newborn child.

“Yes… they’re perfect…”

“Ma’am?”

“Silence, just for a moment. I need to feel them for a second longer.”

Lucifer held the disembodied horns tight to her chest, nearly letting her towel fall in the process as she kept whispering and stroking them. She had the widest smile physically possible, stretching from ear to ear while her bodyguards stood perfectly still. Naphal watched the whole thing without a word before the queen finally gave them up to her bodyguard, and ordered him to keep them safe until a ceremony could commence.

“Your highness.” Naphal spoke up.

“Oh, sorry, I got a bit caught up in the moment.”

“You said I could have one wish if I succeeded, anything I wanted.”

“I did say that, didn’t I? I guess I should hold up my end of the bargain. What is it you wish, Naphal?”

The assassin had thought she knew what she wanted to say, but now her mind began to question it, over and over again, but no, this is what she wanted. She had to say it, she had to get it off her chest, it had to be done, it had to be done-

“I don’t want to be an assassin anymore.” She nearly yelled, surprising everyone in the room, including herself, feeling her eyes water and her hands spew sweat. Lucifer gave her a somber-looking expression from above.

“I see.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“There’s no reason to apologize. I’m sure your job was difficult on you, most assassins either retire or die young anyway.”

Naphal barely held back her tears, “I don’t want to kill people anymore.”

“It’s okay, sweetheart. You don’t have to.”

“But-“

“Naphal, you are hereby relieved of your duties as an assassin of the royal court. You will be reimbursed kindly for your contribution to Hell’s safety and prosperity.”

Lucifer placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get dressed.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Guards!” The queen shouted as the former assassin began to exit the room, “Alert the other members of the infernal court immediately! There will be a ceremony tomorrow morning.”

“Of course, your highness.”

Naphal shut the door behind her as she exited the room, letting out a heavy, shaky sigh. She couldn’t believe she had just done that. A part of her wished she could take it back, but it’s too late now. She took a step forward, looking back at the door before going back up the stairs from which she came, the stench of sulfur and blood filling her nostrils again, though this time it didn’t seem as bad.

She made it back up to the hallway she walked through to get down there, retracing her path in perfect detail until she was out the door again, noticing that even the secretary had gone home. Naphal reentered the normal world with a pervasive sense of dread, yet also a sense of pride, thinking of the glory she’d receive. Those thoughts intruded on her headspace, making her feel sick to her stomach as they didn’t seem to want to go away, no matter how many times she tried to rid them from her mind.

Her feet began to move forward into the city, walking through the emptied palace square with the haste of the undead. She probably looked insane, not to mention that her clothes were still stained crimson, but to her surprise, she didn’t even receive a look, the demons passing her by without a second glance. I guess walking around with blood on your shirt is just normal around here, she thought to herself as she passed by the same buildings she always did.

She wandered for a bit longer, looking around to see the red light district surrounding her in all of its skeezy glory. Naphal knew this place about as well as any of the prostitutes, knowing what exact street corner her friend would be standing at.

“Hey, girl.” A male voice called out from the darkness, scaring Naphal shitless.

“Go away.”

“Why should I? You look so sad out here alone.”

The man stepped out of the shadows, revealing himself to be what the assassin thought he was. He was a rather beautiful incubus, flowing black hair on pale skin, with an ill-fitting shirt and baggy pants that flowed from his legs like wings.

“I told you to go away.”

“Playing hard to get, aren’t we?”

He stepped out in front of her, “My name’s Dean, yours?”

“I’m not telling you my name.”

“You’re a feisty little mortal.”

“I’m not a mortal.”

He grinned, “Even better… mortals are so dramatic.”

“This is your last warning.”

“Oh, come on, I’ll go buy you a drink. Won’t that be nice?”

“And I’ll drive a dagger into your intestines, doesn’t that sound pleasant?”

The incubus held up his hands, “There’s no need for violence, my dear. I’m just trying to give you a good time, frankly, you look like you need it.”

“I’m an assassin in the royal court and I have every right to kill those I deem to be dangerous to my own security.”

“You’re serious?”

“One more word, and I’ll gut you.”

He grinned, “Fine then, I’ll be going now.”

“GET AWAY FROM HER, CREEP!”

In came Tiff, who stormed in the space between them, inserting herself into the conversation.

“I was just about to.” The incubus said with a hint of annoyed defeat in his voice.

“Is this jackoff bugging you, Naphy?”

“He’s leaving, Tiff. Leave him alone.”

“Oh, they always say that, but incubi are no more than a bunch of lying man-whores!”

Dean turned on his heel, “What did you just call me?”

“You heard me! Do you want me to repeat it for the class?”

“Go ahead, slut. Make my day.”

The girl’s face contorted into a scowl, her hand flying into her pocket with the speed of a gunslinger, pulling out a bottle of mace and pointing it directly between his eyes.

“Tiff, calm down!” Naphal began to shout, grabbing her arm.

“Stay out of this, Naphy!”

“He was just about to leave, and here you are threatening him. You’re making a scene.”

“Listen to your friend, Tiffany.”

“That’s not my name.”

He scoffed, “Whatever.”

Naphal made sure the succubi let the boy go, watching him walk back down the alleyway from which he came. She held her hand on the girl’s shoulder until he was out of sight and out of mind, then turned her around away from the crowd that had gathered to see what was going on.

“I’m sorry you had to deal with that scumbag, Naphy. Incubi are all creeps.”

“It’s alright, but you shouldn’t interject like that. I can protect myself.”

“I know, but I’ll take any chance to mace one of those sleazeballs.”

Naphal sighed, “That’s not a good thing.”

“I know.”

The succubi quickly changed her tone, “But… What about you? You were gone all day.”

“I was out on a mission. I told you about that.”

“Oh yeah… how’d it go?”

“Well.”

Tiff smirked, “Come on, Naphy, you can give me a bit more detail than that.”

“No, I can’t. This was a personal mission from the queen herself, I can’t tell you anything without permission from her.”

“Buzzkill.”

“I don’t want to be executed, just a personal wish of mine.”

The succubus sighed, “It can’t be that top secret.”

“It won’t be in a day or so, just be patient.”

Tiff was confused by what she meant, but she didn’t choose to dwell on it, noticing that her friend didn’t really seem to want to talk about it. She led the assassin down the busy street, passing by the disapproving glares of other succubi until they ended up at the same bar they always went to, Naphal’s face one of defeat when she saw the neon lights shine in her eyes.

“Do you want a drink?”

“Considering that we’re already here, I’m going to guess that no isn’t an answer.”

“C’mon, Naphy! It won’t be that bad, promise!”

The assassin sarcastically rolled her eyes, “Fine.”

Tiff squeezed her tight, “You’ll love it, they’ve got this new drink that I think you’ll really like.”

“I don’t drink alcohol.”

“You will for this one, I swear.”

The succubus dragged her inside the dingy establishment, smoke hanging in the air as they walked through the narrow corridor that led into the bar’s main room. The sounds of distortion filled their ears, Naphal looking up to see the culprit: a band playing on the tiny wooden stage in the back of the room, inciting a miniature riot beneath their feet as the leader danced around the platform as best he could, looking down at the souls beneath him with a sinister grin.

His hair was dyed the blackest shade there was, his wails echoing through the interior of the establishment. The space under his eyes was blackened as well, and he wore a t-shirt with the sleeves haphazardly sliced off, a striking design of the crumbling Statue of Liberty emblazoned on it, and a pair of jeans with so many holes that they probably couldn’t be considered a single piece of fabric anymore.

Naphal hated the sound, her ears shrieking in pain as the band played on. Tiff seemed to be enjoying herself, yelling their drink order over the music.

“So… how was it?”

“Tiff, I can’t hear you over this noise.”

“If you heard me talk, you can hear what I’m saying.”

The assassin rolled her eyes, “Just repeat the question.”

“How was it?”

“The mission?”

“Mhm.”

Naphal sighed, “Like I told you, I can’t tell you. It’s classified information.”

“Just give me the short version.”

“I took a boat ride into the swamp-“

“The swamp!? Why the hell would you go out there?”

The assassin gave her friend a glare, “Mission.”

“Oh, yeah, god I’m forgetful.”

“Anyway, I walked through the marsh, and made it to a big scary palace at the edge.”

“Go on…”

Naphal gave her friend a cheeky grin, “I can’t, that’s where the story has to end.”

“Naphy!”

“What? I’ve told you a good three or four times that this mission was confidential.”

Tiff sighed, “Fine, you win, I’ll shut up.”

“Why don’t you tell me how your day went?”

“Oh… yeah, there is something I need to tell you.”

It was then when the band finished their song, the applause of the small few paying attention echoing through the spacious establishment. The lead singer grabbed the mic with force and pulled it as close to his lips as possible, the microphone’s feedback creating an ear-piercing sound.

“This next song is for my girlfriend.” He said with a pant after headbanging for the last six minutes, pointing a finger directly at Tiff, “I love you bitch!”

The band’s guitar began their endless distorted shredding once again, Naphal watching with confusion as her friend stared at them with a look of longing in her eyes.

“Isn’t he so romantic?”

“I was only gone for a day, how did you manage to get a boyfriend?”

“Well, we actually got together last night, but you were already in bed and by the time I woke up, you were long gone.

The assassin sighed, “I see.”

“I know he doesn’t look like much, but he really is very sweet. I think you’d like him if you met him.”

“I’m sure I would.”

Tiff let out a wishful sigh, “I just wish he wasn’t on stage and he was sitting right here beside me. Wouldn’t that be adorable?”

“A boyfriend sitting next to his lover? That’s something I’ve never heard before.”

“The only times we ever see each other is after he’s done with a show, and he’s all gross and exhausted. Do you think Miss Marchosias would let me have him over?”

“I’ve never asked, personally.”

“You’re no help.”

Naphal shrugged, “I never claimed to be.”

“Naphy, have you ever loved anyone before?”

“Of course I have.”

“Like… love love.”

The assassin scoffed under her breath, “Then I guess not.” Naphal tried to change the subject before she got too deep into her own thoughts, “Is Asmodeus fine with this? I thought succubi weren’t supposed to be committed to anyone.”

“She can shove a stick up her ass for all I care.”

“Tiff, I know you don’t like her, but it’s not a good idea to disobey your superiors so blatantly.”

“What can she do to me? Report me to Lucifer?”

“She could kill you if she felt so inclined.”

The succubus’ face flushed as she looked around for the bartender, hoping to get his attention for the first time tonight. Once she did, she ordered her usual, and Naphal ordered herself a seltzer water like always. The man took their order, walking over to the massive wall of tabs and bottles that towered behind him and making both of their drinks. He slid them over to the women, who both took a sip at the exact same time.

There was a silence between them for a moment, neither really knowing how to start a conversation until the music finally stalled, the dying sounds of an electric guitar flowing through the venue. Tiff clapped as hard as she could, her whistles louder than the band itself.

“Thanks y’all, have a good night!” The leader shouted into the microphone, his band leaving the stage with little fanfare as the group joined the bar patrons who had just spent the last hour or so ignoring them.

Naphal stared at her bubbling glass for a moment before feeling a presence approaching the pair, wearing a smile on his face.

“Adelitas!” The succubus squealed, practically throwing herself into his arms.

“You know I can’t carry you, Tiff.”

He was probably right about that, being scrawny and covered in sweat, his black hair flopping over his face as he leaned in to give the succubus a kiss. They shared a moment before releasing each other, the man sitting beside her, ordering a drink with a grin.

“Adelitas, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

Tiff yanked on Naphal’s arm, pulling her off her stool and standing her in front of the singer, their eyes locking for a second before the assassin quickly looked away.

“This is Naphal, she’s my best friend.”

The man smiled, “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

He reached out a hand for her to shake, the assassin staring at it hesitantly for a second before taking it.

“It’s my pleasure.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you, y’know? As long as Tiff and I have been talking, she’s never shut up about her assassin friend.”

“Is that so?”

The rocker gave his girlfriend a look, “I think she loves you more than me.”

“Adelitas!”

“What? I’m just making a joke, you know I don’t mean it babe.”

They shared another kiss, Naphal watching with awkward horror. “I should probably go. My mother is probably worried sick.”

“Naphy, my boyfriend just got here…”

“We can all chat some other time, I need to get home.”

“But-“

“She’s probably worrying herself to death as we speak.”

The assassin began to walk away, but Tiff ran up behind her, grabbing her shoulder and yanking her backwards, nearly earning herself a slap in the face for her effort.

“Naphal, are you… alright?”

“I’m fine, Tiff. I need to talk to my mother. She’s probably planning my funeral.”

“You don’t seem fine.”

The assassin sighed, “We can talk about it later.”

“Naphy, I…”

“Tiff, what does later mean?”

“Sorry.”

Naphal placed a bill on the bar and walked out of the establishment with her head hung low, going unnoticed in the crowded streets, just like she wanted. She took the so-called scenic route outside of the city, staring into the infinity that was hell’s mountainous landscape. Her mind began to drift into the possibility of what laid behind all those summits, some interesting, some horrifying. It was a much needed reprieve from the thoughts that had tormented her all day.

She couldn’t believe it had only been a day. It feels like decades ago she killed Mephistopheles, yet it had only been a few hours. This had to be the longest 24 hours she’d ever been through, though at least it was close to its end, the sky turning black above her head as she wandered back to her mother’s massive mansion. Naphal began to see it in the distance, its towering ceilings standing above the hill she walked upon. She let out a small smile to herself, her breaths turning heavy as she came down the rounded mound, slowly stepping up each stair that led her back home.

Knock.

The assassin waited for what felt like years until she heard the patter of footsteps approach, the latch on the door rattling with reckless abandon before the heavy wooden panel swung open, revealing Marchosias standing there, her griffin’s wings spread wide as she stood in shock at the sight of her only child, her clothes still stained in blood, her shoes marred with mud and crimson. The wrathful queen burst into tears, throwing her arms around the girl, nearly making her fall backwards in the process.

The queen held the hug until her body couldn’t anymore, hot teardrops blazing her skin as she wept in joyous glee. She let the girl back into her own home, sitting her down on the couch and clearing her tears before speaking.

“Naphal, you… made it.”

“I did.”

“I’m… so proud of you.”

The assassin nearly began to tear up herself, “I’m proud of myself.” She lied.

“Lucifer said that you would come back crippled, Astaroth said she’d give me mortal riches if you came back alive.”

“I’m here, mother. I’m alive.”

“I’m sorry, Naphal, I just have to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

The girl wrapped her own arms around her mother, “Does this prove anything?”

“It proves your home. That’s all that matters to me.”

“Mother, I need to talk to you about something.”

“Can it wait?”

Naphal sighed, “I guess so.”

“I’m so happy you’re alive.”

“I was only gone a day.”

“And yet, it felt like years. I’m so used to you being around, when you were gone, I thought you had run away again.”

The assassin chortled, “No, mother. I wouldn’t do that again for the life of me.”

“All the precedents and failures, not even Abaddon could kill him.”

“Enough about killing. That’s all I’ve heard about today.”

“Oh, alright.” Marchosias said with a slight snicker, “We can talk about everything tomorrow morning before the ceremony.”

“Ceremony?”

“Yes, I got a call from Lucifer, she said she’s planning a celebration of his demise. There might even be a parade.”

“All of that because of one dead man?”

“Mephistopheles was a traitor to all of demonkind, he made lives miserable, and turned friends into enemies. I know you don’t think anything of it, but we’re far better off with him in a casket than him walking this plane.”

Naphal sighed again, “If you say so.”

“Get some rest, my love. I’ll see you in the morning. We can talk but we’ll have to get around quickly.”

“Yes, mother.”

“Goodnight, Naphy.”

The assassin grinned slightly, “Goodnight, mother.”

Naphal walked down the endless hallway that led into her bedroom, not bothering to get herself ready for bed before flopping down on her comfortable billet, resting her head on a pillow and letting the darkness of night consume her with speed she had never seen before. Her world was dark for a moment, but then, her eyes opened again. It was still pitch black, though now it felt… different. She felt something crushing her, keeping her trapped in the gloom. She weakly reached her hand out to feel what it was, feeling a thick fluid run through her fingers, coating her arm with its warm, viscous nature.

She tried to raise her head above the goo, fighting and shoving her way to the top to see what it really was. There was a dim light shining above her head, and when the assassin looked down at herself, all she saw was blood, covering her lower half and stretching from here to a distant patch of land. The sight made her want to vomit, each push forward feeling like she was Atlas holding the sky above her head. It kept trying to keep her under, to drown her in its might, but she prevailed, finally clawing her way onto the small island placed in the middle of the sea.

It seemed to be empty, though as she made her way back up to her feet and began to walk its trail, she noticed that the place seemed oddly familiar. A violet sky stretching as far as she could see, her feet beginning to sink in the dirt below. Naphal wanted to run, to hide, to get out of here as fast as she could and never see this place again, but something in her ear told her to keep moving forward. She walked without hesitation, almost like her legs controlled her, and eventually made it to a blasted out palace, the once beautiful stained glass windows destroyed from the outside.

The assassin entered the space to see it rotting, wallpaper tearing itself from the walls, portraits melting from the lack of upkeep. She made it into the main room where she first met him, but this time, it was empty. She expected to find his corpse somewhere, flies floating around it, maybe a chunk eaten off by that beast. Instead, all she found was just the inside of an abandoned house.

THUNK!

There was a sudden sound from the other room, her head whipped around to see where it was coming from. She saw nothing, so she ran. She ran into a big empty room, and it was there she saw a figure stand up in the shadows, its monstrous figure igniting memories of the day that began to rush through her brain like a flood from a broken dam. Naphal reached for the dagger that she usually kept in her pocket, noticing quickly that it was absent as she stared into the eyes of the beastly K, whose fur was soaked in Mephistopheles’ blood.

It approached her on two legs, which struck her as odd. The creature approached her with a look of existential dread in its eyes, its violet pupils looking down at her with no light behind them, just their color. She watched it get closer, her legs unconsciously stepping backwards, but she kept her body as still as she could while shaking violently. This thing could eat her alive if it desired, frankly, she didn’t want to take any chances.

K reached for her shoulder, the assassin allowing him to place his paw on her. He clinched her tight, holding onto her for dear life as another figure began to spawn from the darkness, carrying a dagger in its hand. She whipped the monster behind her back and put her dukes up, hoping that whoever this figure was would be willing to have a fair fight. As it approached the light however, she began to recognize the person. Long black hair, pale skin, dress the color of roses.

“Lucifer?”

“Ah, Naphal, there you are. I’ve been waiting on you.”

“Why?”

The queen grinned, “Because you need to finish the job, my dear.”

“But he’s dead. The job is already done.”

“Not yet…”

“What are you on about Lucifer?”

She pointed at her shoulder, “I’m sure you see the beast hiding behind your back. I would like you to finish the thing off for me.”

“He’s innocent. You told me not to hurt the innocent.”

“Did I really?”

“I remember it clearly, your highness.”

The grin on her face grew wider, “It doesn’t apply to beasts, now does it?”

“Ma’am…”

“Kill the monster, Naphal. He’s the last remnant of that traitorous fiend.”

“Mephistopheles was innocent too! There wasn’t an army! It was just him and the dog!”

“He was a scoundrel and you knew it! He tried to kill you, didn’t he?”

Naphal held back tears, “It’s not my fault you sent assassins to his door every year for a decade!”

“And you were my only success, dear. Poor Abaddon couldn’t speak for a week after he embarrassed her.”

“He didn’t do anything…”

“You don’t know what he did in the past.”

“There wasn’t an army, Lucifer.”

The Queen suddenly began to dissipate, her form blowing into the darkness as Naphal watched with horror. Her and K stood there alone, the dagger she carried sitting on the floor beneath her feet, shining in the dim light that poked through.

“I’m sorry what happened to your master.” She said solemnly, “I wish I could take it back.”

The assassin picked the dagger up off the ground, staring at it for a moment until another figure began to approach her.

“Congratulations.” It was the voice of the high commander, “I’m proud of you.”

“I’m proud of you.” A new voice said, this time it was her mother’s.

“I’m proud of you.” Another voice.

“I’m proud of you.” And another.

She was surrounded by the applause of her cohorts to the point where it was deafening. She again stared at the dagger in her hand, noticing the silhouettes begin to corner her in the palace. It wasn’t long until they were practically on top of her, crushing her in their might and pushing her back into the sea of blood from which she came. The girl didn’t know what to do, so she started swinging her knife aimlessly, hoping to cut through the figures but every time she landed the shadows distorted out of its way.

Then, SHIKK!

She heard the sound of her knife hitting flesh, the dog collapsing in the corner of her eye. When she turned around on her heel, he was gone, replaced by the rotting corpse of Mephistopheles. She began to feel his blood on her feet again, the world seeming to return to the memory she tried so hard to repress. She stood there for a moment before a light began to shine through the blackened sky. It was then when the real Naphal awoke from her nightmare, her stomach churning with pain, hot tears burning her skin as they trickled down her face.

The former assassin had no clue how long she slept, all she knew was that it was still dark outside, the city lights shining in the distance. She forced herself out of bed and into the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face to make the tears go away. Her face was stained red from the saltwater, her eyes a bloodshot hue as she looked at herself in the mirror, disgusted at her own appearance. She wallowed in her own sorrow for what felt like forever, until she heard the clattering of footsteps begin outside. Naphal quickly left the bathroom behind and threw the curtains off a nearby window, seeing nothing in the darkness.

The assassin hesitantly walked through the corridor, careful not to wake up Tiff or her boyfriend whom she had somehow smuggled into the mansion. She could hear the floor beneath her feet creak slowly as she opened the door to reveal an empty staircase, a gust of warm air blowing through her short hair as she noticed what the stranger had left. It was nothing more than a small envelope, the paper shell wrinkled and wrecked. Naphal picked it up and brought it into the kitchen, turning on a stove light to read what the contents said.

She ripped open the shell and took out the small note that laid inside it, the words scrawled with ink on a torn piece of parchment.

“Meet me after the ceremony. I need help. I’m behind that bar you go to. If you can’t see me, ask for Ivy, someone will point you my way. See you tomorrow.”

Naphal stared at the cryptic message on the paper, taking it in as she felt her body begin to punish her for waking up so early. She walked back through the corridor and into her bedroom, sticking the note in the shirt she would wear tomorrow and laying back down on her bed.

She wasn’t going back to sleep, but it was worth a try.

The new chapter of my story is out now!

#demons #writing #writers on tumblr #angels and demons #chimera #lucifer #smallwriter #new chapter #new things #Naphal #Azrael

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