- Death and Lucifer -
Lucifer was flying alongside Death as the group approached Vázoluna's border.
"What could possibly be so important that Fensyr WANTS to talk to you?"
Death shrugged. "Maybe he tore down the Amaterasu statue?"
Lucifer rested his chin on his hand. "That would be quite the change. Centuries of Fenrir and Amaterasu worship won't just disappear though."
"That's what worries me," Death's grip on the reins tightened. "I really don't want to deal with a lycan civil war right now. Or ever, preferably."
Lucifer's tone shifted to be more serious, "Yeah, especially after the messy aftermath of the vampiric civil war. Took Gwyn and Lucius forever to fix the mistakes of their past rulers."
Death slowed down to a stop as he got to the border. Lucifer kept up with him this time, landing beside him.
The two guards awaiting them looked very similar. Both had messy dark brown hair that covered their eyes, thin black shirts, and black pants that had slits down the side.
"Coins," The guards asked simultaneously.
Death and Lucifer presented the coins. The guards handed the coins back and opened up the walls to Vázoluna. The rest of the group caught up to the two and everyone went inside the walls.
- Travelling group -
Elijah held a staff with a bulb on it, feeding it his magic to create a soft yellow glow.
"Ya don't have to," Peter said.
"Part of my training," Elijah sighed as he looked up at the staff. "Apparently it's good for teaching control."
Peter shrugged and walked towards the front. He wanted to eavesdrop on what Lao and Dimitri were talking about.
Lao and Dimitri were behind Yvere. Lao had given his reins to Yvere.
Dimitri kept his voice quiet, "I can't imagine coming through here every time you have a mission."
Lao looked around, his eyes creating a small trail of light as he did. "I like it. Other than the scouts, I find it peaceful."
Yvere was giving some of her attention to Lao and Dimitri's conversation. She was interested in what they had to say but didn't want to outright eavesdrop like Peter.
Yvere stayed in her head as she walked. 'Maybe I should try counting the scouts? No, that's boring and pointless. I wonder what the lycan leader has to show Death? I hope whatever it is it won't drag us into some civil war with them. Who's side do we even take in that? I shouldn't think about that...'
Heinrich and Sabu were near the back.
"Are you still trying to count them?" Heinrich asked.
"No," Sabu answered.
Sabu was squinting, trying to keep his eyes their normal color. He figured a place as dark as Vázoluna would be perfect for training his control.
Death was leading Hrom in the front, while Lucifer sat on top of the uništi.
"Maybe he's going to ask if he could join the Grim?" Lucifer guessed.
Death's face scrunched with doubt. "Unlikely. He's attached to this place."
Lucifer laid back on Hrom. "Maybe...maybe he bought you a barrel of Ra's beer?"
Death's face shifted to hopefulness. "Even if it's not that, I hope it's something that simple."
"Hmm," Lucifer hummed. "By the way; how many?"
"Only ten," Death answered. "Are you not counting?"
Lucifer scratched his stomach. "Only ten? I guess this really is a special occasion." His tone shifted to a tired one. "It has been so long since I last came through here peacefully. I hope Fensyr doesn't ruin that."
Death looked up at Lucifer. "I thought you two were on tolerable terms?"
Lucifer tilted his head toward Death. "We are but that tolerance can be shattered in a moment if he doesn't watch what he says."
"Be the bigger man," Death sighed.
"Nothing's gonna happen," Lucifer assured. "I'm in a good mood and he'll probably avoid speaking to me altogether."
Lao and Dimitri both looked back at Peter.
"Don't mind me," Peter said.
"I think we need better friends," Dimitri joked.
"Speak for yourself," Lao went back to looking ahead. "Yvere at least tries to hide her eavesdropping."
Yvere got a shiver down her spine after hearing that. She started walking slightly faster so she could get some distance from the two.
Dimitri looked ahead with Lao as he spoke to Peter. "You really think we're gonna have some fight while walking through here?"
"I'm the only one here who's friends with both of ya," Peter responded. "Not to mention that I know ya two better than anyone else in this group."
Dimitri sighed. "You've known him longer, Lao."
Lao gave a backward glance at Peter. "You know him better."
"You've been on missions with him," Dimitri added.
"You used to drink with him," Lao responded.
"That one isn't really on Dimitri, Lao," Peter interjected.
Lao clicked his tongue and spoke in an annoyed tone. "Could you just-" he stopped himself and spoke softer. "Just, leave us be. I don't need your help."
"Help with what?" Dimitri questioned.
"Not saying the wrong thing," Lao mumbled.
Dimitri looked back at Peter with a sharp glare that was barely illuminated by the light from Elijah's staff. He didn't say a word but his eyes screamed: "GO."
Peter walked backward toward Elijah and grabbed the staff out of his hands. "I'll take over for now."
- Death, Lucifer, Fensyr -
Death and Lucifer were expecting to meet Fensyr near the edge of the main town's border but were surprised to see the lycan leader by the Amaterasu statue. Fensyr had someone small hiding behind him.
"You gotten any better with children?" Lucifer whispered to Death.
"No..." Death answered.
Fensyr had a big smile on his face as he went to introduce the little girl that was gripping the back of his leg. He put his hand on the back of her head and gently led her to the front.
"Come on, they don't bite," Fensyr's tone was soft.
The girl walked around Fensyr's leg. She had long black hair that covered part of her green dress. She attempted to make eye contact with Death but kept darting her eyes away.
Fensyr knelt down next to her. "This is my youngest daughter, Vázi."
Lucifer and Death's eye went wide.
"You're breaking tradition?" Lucifer asked.
"Fu-" Fensyr stopped himself and covered Vázi's ears. "Screw the current traditions." He lifted his hands.
Lucifer knelt down slowly and closed his eyes as he spoke softly to Vázi. "I'm sorry for my eyes, can't help it. You must be as strong as your father for him to introduce you."
"Are ya an angel?" Vázi asked.
Lucifer created one wing and slowly moved it toward Vázi. "Go ahead."
Vázi patted the feathers of Lucifer's wings. Her eyes lit up as she grabbed onto the white plumage.
"Can I keep a feather?" Vázi excitedly asked.
Lucifer chuckled. "Sorry, they disappear. Remember that in case anyone ever tries to sell you one."
Death was nervously standing next to Lucifer, unsure of what to do. He decided to speak to Fensyr instead.
"Have you gotten any pushback for this?"
Fensyr kept his smile and his friendly tone as he spoke, "Obviously. After what you did though, I don't think anyone's gonna be aiming for my position for a little while. I'll keep you informed if anything happens."
Death gave a nervous smile to Vázi who flinched in response.
Fensyr looked up at Death. Death gave him a look that said "It's okay, I understand."
Fensyr stood up and tapped Vázi on the shoulder. "Thank you for your time." He looked down at Vázi. "Remember to thank the two for their time, V-V."
"Thank ya!" Vázi said with a big smile.
Lucifer stood up. "It was our honor to meet you, lycan princess."
Vázi giggled at the comment.
- Death and Lucifer -
The group kept traveling through Vázoluna. Lucifer was lying down stomach-first on Hrom.
"I'm guessing she takes after Fensyr's wife," Lucifer said.
"She seemed terrified of me," Death said.
Lucifer's arms hung to the side of Hrom's neck. "I'd find it more suspicious if a child wasn't afraid of you, no offense."
"Is it the arms?" Death asked.
"Do you want the truth?" Lucifer asked in response.
Death gave an annoyed look to Lucifer. "No..."
Lucifer flipped over and laid down on his back. "Just cover your hands and arms, wear lighter clothing, and try to make a more natural smile next time."
"Got it," Death sighed.