During her walk, Persephone feels a powerful presence one she had never felt before heading towards her direction in a rapid speed. Her instincts tell her that the random aura would crash into her group so she performs a convenient barrier that covered her and her subordinates. Without notice, her subordinates does not question her precaution as from what they have been through, it's only natural to feel this type of suspicion due to previous events experienced before. As she felt it getting closer, she feels a dreadful ambience and intensifies her barrier. Persephone looks at her subordinates way and they too could feel a massive change in air as it for no reason, tenses up the moment they felt the detrimental aura heading towards them. Persephone quickly got aware that her tolerance in dealing with powerful auras was higher than her subordinates as they hold their breaths, mimicking as if the air was scented toxic and shouldn't be breathed or even have physical interaction through a conscious being. She ran towards her subordinates and made a twofold barrier for only just her subordinates but rather than being the same effectiveness to taking damage, she specifically controls it to be non-toxic and defending to one's system wether strong or weak. Her subordinates then gasps longing for air as they breath heavily and as expected, she was indeed right about her assumption. Furthermore, she waits in anticipation for the presence to strike. She didn't have to wait that long as the barrier she created was caught on very pale white smoke coming from the outside of it, although the barrier prevented damage and was barely at all cracked, Persephone couldn't help but feel scared not for herself but for subordinates as if the presence could just create something this atrocious before the fight actually begun, then her subordinates were in no place to fight. The mysteriousness of the aura causes a sense of responsibility to Persephone to protect her lowers and in order to do that, she surrendered her barrier and focused on numbering the defense system of her subordinates.
"Show yourself or whoever you are and come on and face me without being cowardly." Persephone yelled at the being and awaits for an answer, she secretly hopes it was just a misunderstanding as she just recently fought someone and caused a disastrous damage.
As she said that, a person laughs behind the smoky-white gas and emits a calamitous air surrounding him as it freely perishes the remaining plants. The unknown person walks towards Persephone but before they could reveal their identity, they stop suddenly. Persephone could feel her head rotate questioning the behavior of the abrupt act and change of manner. The man who Persephone could now clearly see was way to stunning for her own sanity as he grins prettily and wickedly at the same time. She ponders on why everytime she meets someone evil or has intentions of doing something vicious, they always have to be good-looking, completely opposite from their desired goal. Besides from the interactions she had before that always related in good-looking people, she swore even if it was just a little bit that the man who was right in front of her had the eyes of a misunderstood and lonely person desperately trying to fit in places.
He speaks up carelessly acting as if Persephone and he were close friends having a normal conversation but for Persephone, it was if a boss rudely interrupts a private exchange between two co-workers. His beautiful smile could not fool Persephone as she imagines it turning foul in an instant.
"Look, I don't want to hurt your pretty face lady so be a good woman and come with me without any distractions." His first words were unexpectedly not that harsh considering his twisted goal.
Persephone beams foolishly and in return to the comment, Persephone shakes her head with no hesitation. Usually, a normal person would use an offensive remark before attacking but he, being even more surprising just shrugged it off as if knowing she would say something similar to what he thought. Persephone feeling the emotion of being aggravated, she decides to..tighten the strings and displease the man who was right in front of her feeling the need to repay his kindness. She beckons the man to come closer not showing any signs of fear or reluctance in her voice giving off the impression of superiority and arrogance. She exactly got the reaction she wanted as the person infront of her made a "tsk" sound, certainly violated of his position of rank. Possibly even belittled. Persephone positions her head higher and forms a backwards C head movement.
"Could it be I have overestimated your skill, hm?" Persephone said obviously degrading his actual potential in strength causing him to give a stern look to Persephone. She sees this look and gives him back her fierce look in return.
"You are such a bitchy woman, I have no intention of holding back but I have to bring you back alive so be thankful you don't have to experience my true power." He says currently preparing for his straightforward attack.
"Oh my, such a gentleman you are. Didn't your mother tell you to watch your mouth when in the presence of women?"
She spoke meaning to ridicule his very aggressive nature towards women which worked as he sparks in fury and embarrassment.
She tilts her head in confusion as he spoke to someone out of sight which was obviously not her as he address a different name.
"Shut the hell up Kara!" He spoke loudly still boiling in anger.
Persephone smiles lightly as before he looked like a psychopath in court and instantly changed to a small boy getting teased by his mother for getting his first kiss on the cheek. He acknowledges her sudden softens and backs away in confusion and probably disgust.
"What are you staring at so lovingly? hopefully it isn't me, I already have three girlfriends." He said jokingly except for the second part which now Persephone knows he has three partners.
"Nothing. Is it your first time getting downgraded? if so then I'm sorry, I was irritated by your mean remark and decided to say my own rude comment as well." She said sincerely which made the situation even more confusing as before, they were basically in each other's throats and now were honestly talking to eachother as if again, friends joking around.
He nods hesitantly but his defense lowers as he gets slightly comfortable with her unexpected and innocent yet genuine apology. The air slightly gets more of a loosened mood as they both stopped insulting eachother and for once Persephone could actually have a fight that involves no harm—except for feelings. She sits down and gestures him to also sit down and while he didn't do it at first, he rolled his eyes and submitted to her request. She sits closer and calmly holds a conversation.
"So, before we get into the details on why you have come after me first. May I know your name Sir?" She starts first lightening the mood.
"Wow, can't believe I'm actually talking instead of fighting but I'm Ray lady." He suddenly was again now his usual laid back attitude and Persephone smiles, glad that he isn't that much of a bad person after all.
"Well Ray, I'm Persephone and I'm glad to meet you." She gives a hand to shake to which he doubtfully shook.
They continued on with their unforseen conversation as they talk to which they surprisingly had more in common. Despite the little fight they had the previous ten minutes ago, they gain each other's genuine laugh and smile. They forget about the argument they had and for some reason, the seriousness they both had previously dissolved. This turn of event came so suddenly that by the time that both of them realized they were talking which such an comfortableness in their voices, they flush red slightly due to them taking the other so easily. Their unexpected friendship blossomed so easily that Persephone was glad she took the friendly route instead of the aggressive one but mostly, only actually stopped being aggressive to the point where he looked embarrassed.
"I underestimated you girly, maybe we can be on good terms without actually me killing you" He said.
"My my, not even friends? how cruel mister Ray." She replied.
His eyes widens as he looks away feeling a slight tint of red in his face not expecting to hear the word "friends" as he never actually had a real friend in a while and for a long time didn't want one.
"W—what do you mean friends? like... supporting eachother and.. creating.. memories with eachother?" He said so innocently that Persephone's heart softened to the point where she honestly views him as a cute lost puppy lost in a cruel place.
"Yes, yes, like that. Actually your sentence isn't even half of it. Friends like supporting you at your lowest. They are willing to let you lean on their shoulder when your upset or sad. They make you feel special and they will never turn behind your back. You hold hands with them and go to favorite places while you share an amazing memory you'll never forget and if your friend is distant, they will always make an effort to keep in touch with you. There are so many things real friends are willing to do for you so Ray, if you want—" She sees him wide eyes in anticipation and smiles.
"Would you like to be my friend Ray? although this is sudden, I want you to feel like you belong somewhere. When I first met you, your eyes looked like a void of emptiness and loneliness so I'll selfishly ask you this. May I be the special person to fill your empty eyes?"
Her words lightly flows into his ears as he imagines her as someone who she perceives as a true friend. The air gently lifts their hair as Persephone again was now taking in an enemy as she previously did for Ralse and Relsa. She patiently waits for an answer to come out of Ray as he looks distracted with many thoughts on his head, her mind chuckles at how many people she befriended in just a small time as they grow a quick speed of attachment towards her. These were one of the times where an enemy was just a misunderstood child who did now grow up mentally and needed someone to help them get through tough times as their childhood was never anything happy. Even if they didn't exactly know eachother as they only talked for one day, she knows a person who had been through a lot because of their actions and though he never shows any of it, her conversation with him confirmed the sadness in his heart. She cups his chin and caresses his head gently with fondness as he melt into her care and his hunger for love was finally granted in such an unexpected way.
She lays him on her lap and continues to fondle him with a lot of love and tenderly speaks to him.
"Is that a yes?" She gently spoke.
"... Hmph, okay. I'll give you the chance to fill my empty heart." He says looking away feeling quite embarrassed at Persephone as she gave him more love than anyone from his family ever did.
"I promise I will be the one to fill the space that's lacking with love, thank you Ray for giving me a chance to be your friend. I'll always be your friend." She touches his hands and intertwines them in hers as she hums with melody while the air finally breathable with Ray's intense aura gradually calms down every second he spends time with Persephone.
Ray could feel something blooming in his heart as he looks at Persephone. Persephone sees this and looks at Ray in the same manner while both smile at eachother.
Ray felt like a new chapter beginning in his life as he continues to talk to Persephone. The conversation eventually led to Ray's saddening childhood, he lets go and finally for once, someone is there to listen to him break down.
***
"Turn that shit off right now Alan! I do not want to see that." He yells aggressively as he smashes the TV remote into the TV causing it to break instantly with the amount of force colliding with the screen.
"...Is that really Ray right now or is that a fake?" A person said questioning the behavior of their superior.
"Disgusting. He looks so gentle and— AHHH! so goddamn innocent!"
"He really does look like a child oh and Francis, shut the fuck up and stop yelling before I put this broken remote control into your throat."
"He looks kind of adorable with that child-like look. If only I could crush it with my bare hands."
"Welp, there goes boss. He's not our superior anymore."
"Ew, goddamnit! I wanted to see action or that woman's power but I ended up with a romantic movie!"
"Wow, even boss fell in love with her charms. I couldn't believe the information I was given until I actually witnessed it."
"You mean those Twins? what were their names? Ralse? Relsa?"
"My cousins. Those brats betrayed their own father."
The room filled was filled with confusion as they try to think of reasonable explanations to why their Master was now suddenly In love with a girl he just met and what was even more confusing, she apparently was able to touch Ray without getting a hand chopped off or both. Ray smiling and actually submitting himself to someone especially a female was one of the most strongest headaches everyone had gotten and for a while, they just stood there looking bewildered. One scratches their head and after massages it chanting— "I must be dreaming, I must be dreaming." and others punching their faces trying to possibly "get out of this nightmare."
"What are going to do? boss is literally like..five times stronger than all of us and if we attack that lady over there—We would get instantly overpowered and killed."
"Yeah that's what I'm thinking and plus, who is going to be our new leader if he's gone crazy."
The puzzled people were trying to now think of a plan as to what they would now do next if Ray was now not on their side.
"QUIET!" Jake Thomas said loudly causing everyone to flinch in surprise.
They all look at Jake as he looked both dead on the outside and inside. If there was a person in the room who was truly angered and fuming with rage, everyone would point at Jake as he assigned his most powerful force to capture Persephone but instead got Persephone capturing him instead. Most people in the room feared his vile look while others tried not to laugh at how dead-serious his face was.
Jake Thomas could not think of another plan as he didn't expect of this and walks around the room back and forth. The bravest person in the room spoke up to confront Jake.
"Excuse me, I think I have a suggestion as to put Ray back in his place." One said calmly.
Jake Thomas head turned around so fast that others got goosebumps. He walks up to the person and waits for his idea.
"We all know Ray is stronger than all of us compared but what we haven't noticed is that teaming up on him isn't a bad plan at all. We are all level five hundred while Ray is on one thousand. It seems like a bad plan but if we combine our numbers we would be stronger than Ray. This room has nine people including me and besides Jake Thomas, if we use math, we'll be able to combine our powers and be level 4,500." He thought of a plan which now the others realized it could work.
"I never thought of that actually. That's a plan. I'll think about it." Jake Thomas clearly impressed with the quick thinking and left the room.
"That isn't how it works though—?" One said attacking the others logic.
"Ray has quicker reaction time than us but he'll quickly get tired because we are not far behind as our speed is not that slow. If we manage to tire him out, he'll get easily mixed about who to defend against first."
"What do you mean we aren't far behind? he is literally level five-hundred more than us."
"That's the thing, if my words are wrong, my prediction is correct that he'll still get tired although it'll take a while. We'll strike when he lowers his defenses.
"Eh, don't try to fight back. We don't have any more backup plan so we'll for now just stick to that."
"And if that doesn't work? what will we do then?"
"Eh, if it doesn't work than it doesn't."
"You do realize that we are literally hunting him meaning there is a chance that we'll possibly get killed? why are you acting to carelessly Kara?"
"Because he loves me and he wouldn't hurt me."
"I'm pretty sure he doesn't and knows your manipulating him to get benefits."
"Whatever, believe that. I know he loves me more than his ugly three girlfriends."
"Wow, your so fucking rude. They aren't all ugly, one's average looking."
"Kara..you are so delusional. Do you actually think he loves you genuinely or are YOU getting manipulated instead?"
"Shut the hell up Sarah. Don't think I've forgotten that your heart got broken because Josh didn't accept your "love."
"Don't bring Josh into this.. he never pays attention."
Sarah could feel her cheeks burn bright red as Josh looks away in uncomfortableness.
"KARA, YOU FUCKING WHORE, I'LL KILL YOU BITCH!"
Sarah plunges at Kara as they both have a heated fight while the men try to calm the angry girls and prevent one from getting massively injured. The angry girls pulls the other's hair while Sarah screamed at Kara to— "Take that back" and Kara shouting "No!"
"Ugh..so fucking stupid." He commented and ran out of the room, annoyed at the current situation.
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