The Hound Meets The Queen

There was an unknown energy signature pulsating outside the gates of the Asthavon Manor. From the initial reports it seemed to be quite potent in it's power as it was estimated to be around the strength of a Demon Prince. Therefore, most of the guards were intending on confronting the foreign guest themselves -- before they received orders to pull back. Just who gave them, you may ask? Easy: their Queen. Being that she was preparing to leave the compound to have a brief meeting with her advisors that were concerned with matters in Demon World, Mana was already heading towards the exit gates of the Palace to ensure that her home was well guarded before she left. However, she did not expect to see such a visitor to her home that came in the form of this Hell Demon. So despite the fact that there was a sullen expression behind the face of Mana, The Demoness still was in enough of her senses to be battle-cautious and prepared for a clash if it should so come to it.

Henceforth, Mana decided to check out this individual to ensure that he wasn't here to attack. Taking a soft sigh from those pale lips of hers, she emerged to the from the depths of The Royal Asthavon Palace out of the mist of the nights shadow. From within the veil of the night, those gem green eyes of The Queen gave a look as if they pierced like daggers into the very soul of Mephistopheles. As she further materialized from the shadows, her black horns and wavy hair broke themselves free from the shades of darkness around them. And like a gentle breeze, an ankle length dress that was sleeveless in style and as dark as the night itself seemed to become fabricated from the shadows to mend itself to her body. As more winds blew over the area, the formation of these blobs of shadows brought about the construction of a pair of two inch pumps that were onyx in color and the crimson amulet fastened firmly around The Demoness's neck. The final article of clothing that came about appeared in a burst of strong gusts and formed into black gauntlets wrapped around The Queen's hands.

Now that The Empress Of Demonkind had stepped forth from her dark throne, The Royal Figure's eyes seemed to shine as bright as the flashing lens of a camera -- if only for a moment. This was because The Demoness already went to work with deciphering the origins of just who this lone male was on her property. Harnessing the knowledge vested within her from The Demon God's arsenal of magic, this information then began to become synchronized into her brain. In doing so, she skimmed over the records of Hell Demon's that were stored in the Hellverse as a result of this wicked magical skill. Giving this library of satanic data the visual reference of the cloaked figure and his canine, along with the spiritual frequency in which his energy operated on, it would not take too long to at least get a name on this individual.

Thus, after a brief moment of silence between the two demonic figures -- the background check on this strange male had all but became completed. What had came up -- was somewhat surprising to view for The Queen. But the results were nothing that shook Mana to her core for the time being. Judging from the intel that Hell itself recorded of its list of current Rakasha, this individuals aura matched the pattern of the Hell Demon of the 601st Layer: Mephisto. This man that stood before her was a newborn in terms of both traditional and Hell demons alike due to the fact he was forged from the aftermath of Khala's war against the Soul Society. After the Hellverse had been broken, freed from it's chamber and merged into Demon World; the destabilizing effects of the realm being thrown out of balance resulted in the former Hell Demon of that dimension dying off and The Dog Whisper before her must have taken his place.

So, with all of these facts on the table within Mana's mind, she could only wonder if he came here for a fight. There was something off with his aura and her curiosity was growing. Therefore, she'd put her internal sorrows to bed and make the first bit of conversation with the male to sort things out. "So tell me, Mephistopheles, what brings you out to the surface world? I don't interact too much with you natives of Hell, but I assume the lot of you prefer to stay in your own little dimensions." As she spoke out to the Hell Guardian, there was a sense of melancholy in the tone of her voice. With a clap of thunder roaring in the distance, it soon began to rain and cool the night further as it sent chills down many of the guards nearby. However, for Mana, it felt like nothing but reflection of The Queen's soul as she entered into these perilous times that her personal life, Demon World and Shadow Fall were all falling into with the wake of Khala's War.

The death of her brother still rang throughout her mind, the sorrow that bled in Khala veins flowed through Mana's as well, the yearning for peace eased into Mana's mind from her lovers intentions and the bond they shared and all around the internal conflict within herself still needed to be resolved. Even with those pressing issues at hands, there were still a plethora of problems to be found beyond this icebergs tip. So with the tilt of her head, Mana gazed into the eyes of the Hell Demon and awaited to see what his answer was. With her current state of mind? She wasn't much for doing battle, as her mind was far too apathetic and sullen. Thus, whatever explanation that comes out of his mouth was going to need to be a good one to keep the interest of The Queen.

"I assure you that one does not simply come to my doorstep for some sort of sight-seeing tour. I'm sure there is a reason, a purpose or motive bringing you to my sight, Hell Demon. Speak it now or get out of my way." And with those words spoken out into the rainy mist, the stage was set and the tone of the meeting was craved. The ball was now in the court of Mephistopheles and he'd better make a damn good slam dunk to leave a good impression on the Mistress of Demonkind.

They say that experience makes the mind and body grow sharper. Heh, this quote was more than true for The Demon Queen with the plethora of battles she had endured during her lifetime. Speedsters were nothing new under the sun for Mana and it wasn't that difficult to keep track of a straightforward movement given by the male as he approached closer to her. And despite all of his looks, The Empress failed to sense any sort of indications that he'd attack just yet. Henceforth -- there was nothing to get worked up about for the time being. "Well, I can see how affairs in hell may have changed after recent events."

Pausing for a brief few seconds, visions of the war for Hell started dance about in her mind. Imagery of Khala Asthavon's mental breakdown, the near destruction of Demon WOrld from the infusion of Hell into its mantle and the death of one of her brethren dying in her arms were some of the first things to come about in this battle that paved the way for this brave new world. Taking a soft sigh, she'd rub her temples as stories of Clarie Clixx death sprang up to further complicate matters and the distant nature of Ashlei Clixx did not help this much. Alas, The Queen needed to break out of the thoughts spiraling around within her head and tune herself back into the reality around her.

"And I do feel their pain...to an extent. It is rather difficult to maintain just the existence of one plane." Wriggling her nose somewhat, a grim chuckle exhaled out of her mouth as she recalled the domains in which she ruled over. It was quite the chore trying to maintain her rule throughout Demon World, Europe and America with many of the wild character that she had ran into over her time. It pushed her in a physical, mental and emotionally sense to endure all of these hardships throughout her many centuries of living. So she could only imagine what many of the elder demons of Hell had endured; yet alone The Demon God itself. "Since I myself have have to oversee the kingdoms of Earth and Demon World. So I can get a clear understanding of what you are trying at, hun."

Despite the usual mannerisms of a southern bell heard in her voices tone, there was a rather dry and dull side to it as well. As if she were quite saddened, tired and ready for this day to be over with in general. And to be truthful to these matters of the heart? That is what she was on the inside from all the events until now. Recollections of a battle against some rouge and idiotic Arrancar trying to overpower her, Mana went over the fact that she herself had barely been given the opportunity to rest with the chaotic timeline of her life. Yes, The Queen's body felt heavy, mind gray and everything felt too draining and exhausting to even step foot out of her own manor. If it weren't for the fact that her presence was required from the gathering of her council -- she may not even have bothered stepping forth to talk to this fellow. This Guardian of Hell only happened to be in the right time and place as this business affair was scheduled to meet The Empress face to face.

"And yes, I did lose someone dear. I'd rather not talk about." Sounding blunt, to the point and very harsh in the tone of her voice; it was obvious this was a subject she thought much about and did not feel like reliving old wounds today. A brief scowl even washed across her face for a few moments before it fizzled out into an apathetic expression. "Furthermore, I s'pose whatever i sense tunneling underground is the gift. This should be amusing, I guess."

While the sights morphing around the Queen may have taken lessen demons by surprise, it by no means even so much was brought a flinching of the face from Mana's position. Due to her pessimistic nature at the moment, everything she saw seemed to be a shade of black and white. Therefore -- there wasn't much of a reason to get worked up or excited over a few alterations to reality that she had seen so many times over in her fights and had done on much grander scales. The earth was going to hell all around her, literally, but she only gave a soft sigh and rubbed her temples as she didn't have time for such grandiose displays. She just wanted him to get to the damn point.

With a dull look etched into her eyes, Mana did pay a brief glimpse behind her as he would find that most of the area around and within the palace had, for the most part, stayed untouched and unaffected by his morphing. He took for granted the amount of Royal Magic here and the fact that they could indeed control the shape, physics and overall foundation of Demon World while The Queen was in power. Thus, a barrier meant to prevent the palace from falling to harm had already been programmed into the area and powered by a series of Asthavon Guards meant to maintain the integrity of the structure. Luckily for her, The Empress needn't lift a finger to perform such a feat and continued to look on at the show with a further deadened gaze behind those emerald hued eyes of hers.

In due time it seemed that he summoned a flock of canines from the depths of Hell to have a little play time in the surface world. Despite their savage nature, The Demoness still felt she could deal with himself if push come to shove. So this feeling was conveyed throughout the numerous Asthavon Family members and allies spread throughout the manor. If he was here for a war -- he would have came in swinging. Therefore, they were at ease and the task at hand was left in the hands of The Queen until further notice. After all -- The Empress was comparable to an entire army fighting alone. And if she needed to prove that fact again -- she certainly wasn't going to shy away from it because of a few blues.

Nevertheless, a raise of the eyebrow came when she noticed Mephistopheles still gazing upon her. If she had to assume, the Rakasha may have felt the same as herself with the suspicious glances upon one anothers being. That was the simple nature of Demon World to always be at odds end with thy neighbor. You'll never know if that person serves to be the best thing that ever to your life, or if they'll be the next force to bring your demise and prompt end to said life. Despite those grim thoughts, the outcome was anything less. There was a soft smile from the lips of The Queen as it seems the mutts decided to give her a present in the form of a puppy.

Utilizing a telekinetic pull, The Demoness constricted the space around The Pup and gently levitated him over to her. Petting the head of the pup, she'd nod her head at what the Hell Demon said based on the fact she was quite aware of their breed from ancient demonic scriptures. "It is quite a sight to behold. I decided I will take him in of my own accord." Quick and to the point, The Queen would then hold The Hell Pup in her bosom before absolving him into her skin and being transported into The Royal Asthavon Palace in one of the resting chambers for her to attend to later.

"Now, is there anything else I should know before I go on my way?"