(GM-led) Devils In The Details

[Ezra]

@mianngu
Character Name: Cye'tlov (kee-et-lov)

Demon Species and/or Sin Choice: Kaijin

Appearance: 6'4. Horrifically slender, somewhat androgynous with no defining sexual traits. Small, reflective, silver scales cover their whole body with thicker, rougher patches that appear to swirl like mercury on their forearms, shoulders, and the sides of the torso. They become more like metal plate armor starting at the thighs and going down to lithe, muscled bird-like haunches ending in paws with retractable talons. Human-like hands, and even a thick tangled mane of hair grows in a very wide mohawk and reaches all the way to the ground. Just like their body, their eyes appear slivery, no distinguishable pupil/iris/sclera and are reflective. In Hell, this demon can appear reddish from the flames, on earth they might look blue and gold on a clear day, or pitch black in the shadows.

Personality Type: Coy, but seldom smiles, more socially awkward than christian at a nudist beach, but not a prude. Just weird but in a charming way that puts humans at ease...

Gender/Pronouns: enbeeee they/them

Position/ job/responsibilities: Soul Seeker, often stalks therapist who treats celebrities in Hollywood to greater influence famous people to do infamous things. See ability.
Key Ability: Whispers. Cye'tlov is the little voice that makes you doubt yourself, that tells you you are a failure, that makes your anxiety whirl, that makes you question your friends and lovers intentions, that convinces you the others are conspiring against you.

Goals: collect more souls than anyone ever has.

Secret: was once a human scientist obsessed with perfecting the human form through gene selection in already living beings, traded their soul to a demon on ebay (thought it was a joke or a scam) to get the materials needed to run try the experiment on themselves. It went horribly, their body was mostly destroyed, but in Hell, they were reborn, and the "ebay demon" claims they could be human again one day if they get enough souls... maybe.... probably not...

[mianngu]

@mianngu
@Hanzilla
@KaeZero
@SwampCreature

Lulu cocked her head to the side, savoring the rich lingering tones of her drink. Lazatheth and his strange ridiculous contraption.

Too innocently, she rose crossing until she stood before him, pressing on the table between them.

"I can't help, but remember the last time you took… what is its name again? Barb? Betty? Birdy?"

With a pointed look, she drew herself lazily across the table, her supple figure stopping too close.

The sloth demon's eyes budged, his beefy muscles tensing. She knew he could feel the scars opening, could feel them oozing and ripping, just like the first time. When he had been too careless, too lazy. Memory was such a powerful tool. Tremors began to roll along his body, along the flesh of his palms as Lulu continued to stare innocently up at him.

"How are you going to carry it around anyway?", she mewed.

"Hey, Ba-I mean, Lulu, who is this senior negotiator and why do we need to meet him? I'm pretty sure I can handle myself out there no sweat. Come on, you know me."

Asta's interruption pulled Lulu's gaze from the trembling form of Lazatheth, and she caught Asta's wink at the last second.

Interruptions. Satan, how she hated interruptions. The ire inside her grew. An interruption meant she wasn't commanding the room, and that people weren't listening.

She took in Asta's frame. It towered over the table and made the 12-foot ceilings look small.

I think I prefer her on her knees, she thought.

The thorny vines snaked slowly from the floor, climbing Asta's legs, a sensation of satin across her skin before they tighten in excruciating ecstasy.
Anticipation permeated the room, and Lulu savored the rising note of panic, as new vines clasped Asta's arms. They pulled her to a gentle repose, knees folding, arms pulled slightly behind her. The thickest creeper threaded through her main, before twisting deliciously around her throat.

"If I didn't think you could bring in this mortal, you wouldn't be going. Your talents are undeniable," she said, a quirk of her lips giving way at the licentious turn of her thoughts.

"I put Fate into play because he has expertise in the music field. And while the main act is yours, these souls can only reach their full potential with the help of another mortal. It's a fixed point of destiny. " Exasperation fringed her voice. She hated explaining herself, laying out the finer points of a plan. Perhaps dealing in riddles for the better part of a millennia had made her too cryptic.

"Fate will corrupt the manager. Put him under our influence, inhabit him if necessary, and bring him to the cavern club."

Lulu's point was punctuated by the click of the door, soft and timid. The intruder was obviously hesitant at having stumbled into the scene. Lulu growled. If there was anything she hated more than being interrupted, it was tardiness.

"You're late Cye'tlov."

[Ezra]

@mianngu

Cye'tlov cringed as they heard the muffled voices from behind the door. Asta had just said... something. Even from out here, Cye'tlov could feel the menacing power bleeding off Lulu at the interruption.

Hot cock on a rock, what is she going to do to me when I walk in...?

Just then they felt their own power well up inside. The Whispers as Cye'tlov called it. Though it was hard to say if it came from Cye, or was somehow separate. They couldn't let the other demons know how to new to this they were. That this power was not unquestionably in control...

The Whispers answered "maybe you'll enjoy it..."

With a not so steady breath, Cye'tlov opened the heavy door and hesitated at the threshold.

There sat the team. Cye'tlov had just heard Lulu mention Fate, smug snake, they thought. As usual, Asta looked ready to pounce on Lulu like a lovesick locus, Lazatheth looked crestfallen or maybe tired? Cye'tlov could never tell, but that demon's damned power was already slipping over their silvery bare scales. Lethargy was seeping in, making Cye want to drop into one of the chairs.

But it was Lulu's devilish stare that kept Cye'tlov locked in place. Like an animal caught in the hunt. Val seemed to twitch off to the side, expecting, as they all were, to see what Lulu was going to do to Cye.

[mianngu]

@TableTopProphet

"I have to confess, I never thought I would be sitting across from Fate Alcaps. I'm quite familiar with the Liverpool scene, if you are looking for something specific?

Mr. Stein turned his cup for the umpteenth time, the fidgeting sent some of his coffee sloshing over the rim onto the pristine table cloth. Inky brown lines permeating in all directions.

An encouraging smile from Fate, sent him rambling again.

"Take this group for instance, just came back after a tour in Hamburg." He spun Fate's copy of Measly Beat around, Lulu's message invisible to the mortals eyes.

"The Weevils, terrible name, but not a bad sound. "

[KaeZero]

@mianngu

Relief washed over Lazareth as Lulu's attention shifted to Asta. Bertha... that's her name, he thought, trying to regain composure; the tension still lingered in his body regardless. It had been a mistake to bring it up so soon.

Lazareth lumbered to the side with some effort, deciding to wait there until his team was ready to depart. That was enough excitement for the moment. He slid his hand into his jacket pocket, his fingers caressing his Kris dagger. Trina will have to suffice for now., Unlike Bertha, Trina was soul-forged and possessed a mind of its own—Greed, Wrath, Ambition. Everything Lazareth lacked, this weapon desired. Trina could give Lulu a run for her money, Lazatheth mused before quickly dismissing the thought. He didn't want Trina getting any ideas.

Then the door opened to reveal Cye'tlov. This really wasn't the best day to be late

[TableTopProphet]

@mianngu
Fate leaned forward, his eyes bright with interest. "The Weevils, you say? I've heard of them. In fact, they're one of the main reasons I'm here today. I wanted to hear more about them and potentially see them in concert."

Bran looked surprised, but pleased. "Really? That's great to hear. I think they have a lot of potential, and with the right backing, they could really make a name for themselves."

Fate nodded, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. "I couldn't agree more. That's actually why I'm here. I specialize in cultivating new talent and giving them the exposure they need to succeed. My job is a bit like farming for clout, if you will, but instead of padding likes and views for social media influencers, I do it in real life, at live shows."

Bran's eyebrows rose in interest. "That sounds fascinating. How exactly do you do that?"

Fate grinned, leaning back in his seat. "Well, it's a bit of a trade secret, but let's just say that I have a knack for influencing crowds and getting them to react in certain ways. It's all about creating an atmosphere, a feeling, a sense of excitement and energy that draws people in and keeps them hooked. And that's where The Weevils come in."

He paused, taking another sip of coffee. "I'd love for you to come see them in concert with me at The Cavern. I think you'll be impressed with what I have to offer. And maybe, just maybe, we can work together to help them achieve the success they deserve."

With that, Fate knew that he was one step closer. The Weevils may not be his cup of tea, but if they could help him climb the ladder of success, he was more than willing to pretend to be a fan.

[mianngu]

@TableTopProphet

Fate could smell the hunger wafting off Stein, It left the unpleasant tinge of greed at the back of this throat. He purged the sensation with a gulp of coffee and mustered a forced smile. Stein had grown uncharacteristically silent and was staring at Fate as though caught on the cusp of his next sentence, unable to speak, unable to blink. A coil of sulfur unfurled from the doorway and Fate stiffened in response. His hair rising in hackles along his arms.

Crack. Stein wrenched his neck, a trio of pops followed, and he settled into his skin as though pulling on a wet shirt. His palms stiffened against the table, nails biting rivets into the lament finish. Glistening droplets of blood marred the irregular lines. Stein's eyes rolled back into his head and returned as ruby slits.

"Ahhhhh Fffffate," Steins voice now a gravely rumble. "Wwwwhat are youuu doing with ttthis mediocre moorrtal?"

Steins muscles loosened in tight wave from his shoulders, as the demon settled into the chair lounging his arm across the back cushion.

"Tttthese meat bags mmmuust always swwweat so much," he grumbled.

Of fucking course Metzil would be here, Fate though. It couldn't be that easy after all.

[Hanzilla]

@mianngu

Asta knew she had pushed too far as soon as she started uttering what would surely be the last thing she'd be allowed to say at this meeting.

Maybe she'll notice the wink and dig it?

She most certainly did not, at least that's not the impression Asta got from the look she was getting from Lulu. Then she felt the creepers doing what they do, and grunted in a combination of panic and... arousal? Knowing that Lulu was doing it certainly did nothing to settle her. Then Lulu was saying words, but who knows what they even were. There was no way Asta was going to be able to focus at this moment on anything other than the thought that Lulu Kaachu was binding her. A barely perceptible mewl escaped Asta's lips and she really hoped no one was able to hear it. Her face was once again aflame with blush.

Then the door opened to reveal poor Cye. Asta couldn't help but feel jealous that this bout of attention on her was about to end knowing Lulu and her peeves.

[mianngu]

@Hanzilla
@Ezra
@KaeZero
@SwampCreature

Cye'tlov eyes drooped heavily as the wax beaded, her breathing coming in sips. She couldn't see the source, only the molten trail it left over her scales. Clinging to her every curve.

She risked a fervent glance towards Lulu. The corporate demoness would have looked bored if her eyes weren't riveted to the slow cascade along Cye'tlov shoulders.

Lulu relished the hypnotic nature of wax. It's gentle flow over the flesh, scorching torment before the inevitable cool. The way it hardened and cracked, crumbling to reveal a ruby tattoo. A vibrant webbing of torment across the skin.

Oh, how she had suffered interruption after interruption. Surely, her team was doing this on purpose. Some souls just craved the delight of punishment and she could hardly disappoint them in their quest for absolution.

But this was a dangerous thrall. She risked getting lost in their panting breaths and clenched teeth. Each hiss, moan, and succulently wrenched lip a lure.

Play time was over.

Lulu huffed a sigh, and circled Asta with all the casual demeanor of a lion stalking its prey.

"As per usual you have been requisitioned mana meters." An electronic hum filled the room and over-sized wrist watches appeared on the table before her team.

"You are to meet Bob in the lobby. She will see you to the gateway and through."

"Team," She leaned before Asta and dragged her nails along the slender serpent's neck, clasping her jaw. Lulu's thumb ghosted her imprisoned pout, then pried her lower lip free with a silent pop. Impenitence and something else Asta longed to taste raged behind her eyes as she whispered, "You are dismissed."

With a healthy dose of fear and determination, they leapt from their chairs. Bob loitered by the elevator. Her bright eyes shifting to the doors at their approach, her aversion a confession of the meetings proceedings. No one spoke as she led them down and out into the back alleys of Shaitan.

They wound their way through the city and its scattering hordes of Hamcoons.

The feral scavengers' growls hounded their steps. Abruptly, Bob stopped before an unassuming dumpster. The smell of mung bean sprouts permeated its rusted frame and boxes of cinnamon peeps littered the ground before it. Even the Hamcoons wouldn't touch those.

"Okay, big baddy your first".

Bob lifted the dumpster's lid and motioned for Larazeth to approach. A dim glimmer of opalescent light brimmed over the dumpster's edge, the only indication of the gateway within. Holding their breaths, they dive inside and into the mortal realm.

Hamcoon Original Artist

[Mariano]

Hope I'm not too late!

Character Name: Nosra
Sin Choice: Wrath
Appearance: A ball of fire given humanoid shape thanks to a fireproof stylish black suit.
Personality type: Chaotic, not necessarily sadistic but love seeing the effect my fire has on everything.
Pronouns: They/them
Job: For the most part, trying to impede rival recruiters from ever poaching any assets; but known to have brought in a human or two that wanted to see the world (or anything) burn.
Key ability: Fire manipulation
Goals: Burn as much as possible, while keeping the job, so as to be able to keep burning stuff.
Secret: Actually two fire demons, each controlling one half of the body (top/bottom split)

[darkwalker57]

Character Name: Kuroda Icairit

Demon Species: Mastema

Appearance: Kuroda is a fairly sizeable demon, Standing at a height of 6'2". They're an imposing individual, who tends to hide their decrepit form underneath a cloak and various modern military garb conducive to the times. As ultimately he is a mockery of the human form as well as evolution itself. His Appearance tends to shift when dealing with those not familiar with demonic heritage. As such most mortal beings instead see him as a tanned-skinned individual while retaining similar garb to his demonic form. The only hint of the otherworldly that tends to poke out from his facade is his Royal blue eyes, Incapable of reflecting the visage those he sets his sights upon.

Personality type: The Stalwart Opportunist.

Gender/Pronouns: Male/ He, Him

Position /Job/ Responsibilities: Veteran Soul Seeker. Despite being a lower-ranking individual within the company, this demon has a veritable wealth of experience in finding coals to add to the furnace. As such he's naturally formed connections within the company and in turn spends most of their time scouting, even taking to filling out extensive field reports on potential "kindling." If you have gotten a job to tempt a particular individual, and if the report was made by him, the demon in charge of the contract would find a wealth of hooks and weaknesses to draw in a potential sinner. Yet Strangely enough he may have found the biggest fish in the sea, but he also has a decent failure rate in converting those around him into sinners. Meaning he may be earning the company cash. However, in actuality, he could be earning them a lot more. Despite this, he's a fairly hard worker.

Key Ability: "Empathy." - Empathy is a key ability to the Mastema, A rare demon if there ever was one. Empathy is a form of persuasion through understanding. The Mastema typically Incorporates themselves in the journey of their quarry. Gaining further insight into the character of the individual, making them capable of turning over even the most stubborn of individuals. Some would say they're better at negotiations such a job wouldn't bring this ability to fruition.

Goals/Secret: His Goals and Secret Coincide quite nicely with one another. As despite being a demon, he keeps it a secret as to why he searches for Sinners. He puts up the facade of being merely a Soul seeker. In truth, he uses his position to yes, create sinners, but also to elevate those who gain the power to greater heights of Kindness and devotion to their deities. As a Mastema his goals are to reinforce the faiths through trials, tribulations, temptations, and the like. As he himself serves no higher being other than the divines themselves. As to make this job easier, he retained "Empathy" by the grace of the divines and in turn set out on his duty.

Dis would be his Raw form without any form of glamour or the likes from preparing to jump into mortal realms

[Ezra]

@mianngu
@SwampCreature
@Hanzilla
@KaeZero

Cye'tlov could still feel her scales cooling where there was once molten wax burning her in a way she had never imagined being so... enjoyable. Why did Cye love this? Why did she want it to happen again? Oh Lucifer... was Cye'tlov about to become a lovesick puppy like Asta?

No, no. No. No no no no no. You have a job to do. Stick to the plan. Stick. To. The. Plan.

With the mana meter loosely clasped around her too slender wrist, Cye tried to ground herself as the group was dismissed. One more glance at Lulu, who now preoccupied with Asta, sent a blaze up her spine. Anger heated her face.

Ooooooh... are you jealous? Came the Whispers.

Cye'tlov quickly silenced the hushed voice, stamping down her emotions. It was time to work. Bob was by the elevator waiting, leading them down and out to the ally. Hamcoons snarled at their approach. Cye always liked the beasts and often idly wondered if they could be mounted for faster travel. But she didn't know much about them and it was just as likely that one would eat her hand.

Trailing behind Val, the little Imp stopped abruptly, causing Cye to crash into her wings. Val gave her a look that made Cye regret her nightdreams of befriending the Hamcoons.

Bob gestured to the dumpster's open maw, "Okay, big baddy you're first".

The rest of the group followed, and then groaned in unison. Somewhere in that in between place that connects Hell to the mortal realm, Lazareth got stuck. Again.

"Why do they always let you go first..." Cye'tlov muttered under her breath. Cye was now thoroughly annoyed. Between being late, the stupid Whispers, and some very concerning fantasies of Lulu playing through her mind, and now this?

Showing more boldness than Cye'tlov has in the past, she proceeded to give a good, hard roundhouse kick to Larazeth's massive form, pushing him solidly through into the realm of unsuspecting mortals. She idly noticed a blob of mushed, cinnamon smelling, white goop stuck to Lazareth's backside. Cye realized she must have stepped on one of the many disgusting peeps that littered Shaitan.

Oops. She didn't know why they always ended up in Hell. Couldn't the mortals keep their undesirables to themselves?

Wonder if he'll notice...

[Hanzilla]

@mianngu
@SwampCreature
@Ezra
@KaeZero

Asta already longed for the next interaction she would have with Lulu. Hopefully alone next time. She hated when she was reduced to a puddle in front of the team. Especially Cye, though, for some odd reason. There was something intimidating about them in a way that made Asta feel all mixed up inside. Ah, well. Best unpack that later.

It became increasingly hard to hold back her rage with those damn hamcoons biting at her ankles though. A low growl rumbled out from Asta's chest and she kicked at the larger of the hamcoons romping around at her feet.

"Get outta here, rats!" she hollered at them. "Hmph."

She looked back up to see that Bob had the portal open, ready for the team to jump on through. Asta groaned as Larazeth attempted to get through first. He was absolutely going to get stuck again.

The team all filed in, and Asta just happened to fall in behind Cye. The sudden closeness surprised her for a second, and then she was REALLY surprised when she fully bumped into the back of them. Asta grunted in frustration and perhaps a little bit of... ahem tension, and peeked over Cye's shoulder. Sure enough, Larazeth was stuck.

Asta heard Cye's little side comment and couldn't help but chuckle, immediately hoping that they hadn't heard. Then they did something SUPER unexpected and executed a perfect roundhouse to Larazeth's backside. Asta appreciated the front seat view for that, but then had to shake herself because the path was open and it was time to get back to work.

Asta followed behind Cye, chuffing to try and mask another chuckle when she noticed there was a cinnamon peep stuck to Larazeth's butt.

[mianngu]

@Mariano
@darkwalker57

"Here you are, sir. One whiskey on the rocks, and one Fiery German." The waitress paused after setting down the lowball glass, hugging the serving tray to her chest. It didn't take an empath to see her uneasy, the natural fear humans experienced when faced with the otherworldly, even if they didn't know it.

"Our bartender wasn't quite familiar with that cocktail, I hope it's all right". Her fingers fiddled with the rim of the tray, feet shuffling across the sticky floor.

Kuroda dismissed her with a head nod. She barely pauses to release her breath before turning and fleeing back toward the bar.

The Cavern club was dimly lit and barren this Monday at 2 pm. Located beneath a warehouse used for storing fruit, the pungent stench clung to the cellar's rocky walls and anyone who entered.

Kuroda noted two exits, the main door and the one behind the stage. No bouncer, one bartender, two waitresses, and three lonesome regulars. No one worth a damn. He settled for watching the smoky trail that spiraled above Norsa's form. Originally wisps of gray, Kuroda didn't think Nosra noticed the thickening of the wafts or the low cloud they were creating.

Nosra inspected the next set of musicians tuning their instruments, heads precariously close to the low arcing ceiling and swathed in glorious smoke. It couldn't be this group. Two hours at the club had yet to reveal anything of note. Nosra was getting irritated, boredom pulling their attention to the fruit-soaked oak planks of the floor and the idle inclination to see them ablaze.

INCOMING COMPETITOR. INCOMING COMPETITOR. SUSPECTED PROMITY 10 YARDS. The alarm blared across the open space, silent to everyone except the two demons. Norsa's suspicion that this soul search was a bust dissolved, as they quickly stood, Kuroda towering up next to them. 10 yards was too close for comfort.

[mianngu]

@Ezra
@Hanzilla
@KaeZero
@SwampCreature

Larazeth could have done without the tiny dumpster crawl or the minefield of sugary creations before it. He certainly didn't want to get stuck (again) or receive the ass pounding that (un)fortunately dislodge him from the twisting nether. But, he thought as he stumbled into the rotten fruit pulp, this is by far the worst.

The searing tang of fermentation filled his nostrils as he struggled to gain his footing. The slosh churned around his calves, fruit flies swarmed and Larazeth suppressed the gag that would bring up his morning Muskbucks. He scrambled to climb over the side of the dumpster and into the alley beyond.

"INCOMING COMPETITOR. INCOMING COMPETITOR. SUSPECTED PROMITY 10 YARDS"

His mana watch scream the warning, but he was already scanning the warehouse windows above. Clear. The roof and each loading bay. Clear. Turning toward the street, he unfurled a lazy smile. Today wasn't going to be so bad after all.

Fuck. Yah.

[darkwalker57]

@mianngu
@Mariano
@Hanzilla
@SwampCreature
@Ezra
@KaeZero

Upon receiving the notification Kuroda had risen to their feet alongside their co-worker Nosra. Upon receiving the estimated proximity to their competitors, he quietly sat back down and took a sip from his Fiery German. It lacked cinnamon but it was a decent first attempt.

"10 yards... And here I was hoping to listen to The Beatles... oh well." He had begun to trace a finger around the rim of the glass, he was naturally contemplating their options. The stench of fruit in the air. Upon realization of what was directly above them. Kuroda stood up once more.

"This became far simpler than it needed to be... We should wait for our competitors down here for a moment. This is the perfect location to stack the confrontation in our favor." A crooked smile would form upon Kuroda's face underneath his calcified mask. The problem with forming a club underneath this particular warehouse was made evident when Kuroda was alerted to his competitor's appearance.

Kuroda would then motion for the waitress to come and top off his drink once more all the while he would reach underneath his cloak to pull out a small notebook of various miniaturized slips and forms. A concession was made for Kuroda while working for his current employers. He was already filling out a possible termination notice for this highly valued "kindling."

[Hanzilla]

@mianngu
@KaeZero
@Ezra
@SwampCreature

Asta hissed at the screaming mana watch. Yeah, sure it's probably useful information, but why is it so PIERCING?! So MADDENING?! First she was embarrassed in front of the team, then the fucking hamcoons doing what they do, Larazeth getting stuck, now THIS?! She could feel herself almost full to boiling over with rage. She had the sudden urge to rip the things from each of their wrists, crunch them all into little mana watch balls, and toss them into next week. This was really not her day.

"SHUT THAT DAMN THING UP, WILL YOU?!" Asta roared at no one and everyone, her face deforming wildly.

What Asta thought would be a terrifying display wound up just looking like a silly temper tantrum to her colleagues.

[Mariano]

@mianngu
@darkwalker57

Nosra had been sitting at the club for what felt like ages. Kuroda had to go ahead and ask for a weird-ass drink again... I'm a fan of the name at least.

When the waitress finally left, they reached out for the glass of whiskey. Alcohol always made their flame burn stronger, and melting the ice cubes by just holding the glass was the kind of small doses of burning that Nosra needed to hold back from burning down this club and everyone in it.

They liked coming to this era, most people indoors were holding lit cigarettes, so no one even noticed there shouldn't be this much smoke accumulating. Nosra looked towards the stage as another carbon copy of four pasty white teenagers tuned their instruments. Are these The Miners we need? No wait, they'd changed their names to Weevils or something.

Another bust. Two hours. They poured the whiskey into the glamoured face and felt instantly better, albeit for a couple seconds. Hell, this floor looks so flammable.

INCOMING COMPETITOR. INCOMING COMPETITOR. SUSPECTED PROMITY 10 YARDS.

They failed to pretend not to have heard the noise as Kuroda stood up first. 10 yards? This suddenly? Has to be some gateway bullshit. As Nosra stood, Kuroda was sitting again, then standing, his inner monologue seemingly going a thousand miles an hour.

He motioned for the waitress to come over as he pulled out a notebook. Seems like we're waiting here; at least I might get another glass of something. The glamoured face translated his thoughts into a smile, as he figured a confrontation here would mean burning this whole basement down would just be "collateral damage".

[mianngu]

@darkwalker57
@Mariano
Norsa grumbled and fidgeted, his impatience brewing. Kuroda knew this was taking too long, and turned his sense toward the room. The bar was beginning to pick up as the next band took the stage.

The Weevils. It was them. By fucking Satan, it was them.

Four young men, their ridiculous mop-tops bopping through the smoke, had taken to tuning on the stage. Ordinary like every human in the room. Non-existent when one considered the vastness of the world. Four small lives.

But from them, beneath their basal layer, into the essence of their being came power. The tiny orbs of their souls filled them with black emblazed mana. It rippled in waves of glittering substrate. Each torrent contained the energy of every thought anyone had every had or would have about the Weevils. Ever.

Kuroda had never seen orbs in so much turmoil, so much bad and good. They were each a small sun of energy. These men would be remembered for a millennia, he was sure of it. His excitement ebbed as an irritation settled between his shoulders.

Something was off. It was an insidious feeling, like the instinctual knowledge that bad things lurked in the dark. The smell of sulfur grew and a man stumbled down the stairs, filling the doorway with a thud. He was predatory, with his vest open and coat in hand. His oiled coif gleamed in the dim light as he casually strolled into the room. If leopards could stroll.

Kuroda stiffened. This stranger's gate was off, mistimed and deafening for a human. His shadow bellowed from him, tendrils creeping over the naïf patrons. He caught Kuroda's eye and turned for their table, plopping down in the vacant stool.

"Kuroda. Norsa," he said with a clipped head nod. "I see even rats get lucky sometimes." HIs mouth twisted into a leer.

"Matzil", Kuroda whispered.

Norsa flared and was lurched from his boredom as the suit slid into the stool. His body reeked of demonic power, another mana pirate like himself. But his flame smoldered at Kurodas revelation. Matzil was a parasite, a tongue-eating mana louse. The demon had no corporal form, their species need to habitate the source of every demonic possession story in human existence. But he wasn't inhabiting a human.

Norsa sputtered, "Demonic possession is a sin, Metzil. What the fuck do you think your doing?"

"Touching your concern for dear Fate," he sneered pressing his hand to his chest in mock tenderness. His sleeve pulling back enough to reveal his mana watch, the ominous blinking yellow face catching Norsa's eye. It read 75 percent depletion. He was out of mana, wastefully spent possessing this demonic body. Who, judging by the perspiration across Metzil's forehead, was none too please to play host

Metzil pulled at his shirt sleeve, hiding his weakness. No mana meant no magic. "But a lion does not concern himself with the opinions of sheep", he quoted. Standing he turned to the human that had followed in his wake. "Come Mr. Stein, let's sign these boys".

[Ezra]

@darkwalker57
@mianngu
@Mariano
@Hanzilla
@KaeZero
@SwampCreature

Once they were out of the portal, Cye immediately felt dazed.

What year is it? she thought absently. It was night, and this city felt alive, must be a weekend. Not that the group could see anyone nearby, but merely a sense of pressure. Souls were all around them, bobbing about doing human things.

INCOMING COMPETITOR. INCOMING COMPETITOR. SUSPECTED PROMITY 10 YARDS.

Cye'tlov jumped as the annoying contraption on her wrist screamed to life. This was quickly followed by a demanding snarl from Asta. The whole scene quickly devolved into a temper tantrum.

Larazeth was busy scanning the warehouses and the ally the group had emerged into, he seemed to be grinning. But 10 yards was not a lot of space and everything looked dark and empty. No roof party. No humans catcalling on the street. No humans pissing themselves in the ally. No movement. But there was music.

Ignoring Asta's outburst, Cye grabbed Val's shoulder and motioned the imp to follow. The two quickly though not subtly found their way into the warehouse on the right via the window that Val headbutted. The sound of shattering glass was enough to make the others turn.

Yes, there was music coming from downstairs. Before she realized what she was doing, Cye found herself crawling into the vent where she had heard the music. It was tight, but her and Val could fit, but Larazeth would need to find another way surely. The vent went into a bathroom. The human male's bathroom if the smell was any indication. Pushing the vent cover off, Cye and Val dropped down. A human defecated in the stall next to them and Cye shook her head as the little imp was gesturing manically acting like a human using a toilet. When Val started playing with fire, literal fire, Cye slipped to the door, not waiting to see what prank was about to take place.

Voices. Now there's voices. Not just voices, other demons. Using a bit of glamour, Cye let her reflective scaly body blend seamlessly into the shadows. Sliding into the corner of a dimly lit room, all the lights seemed directed at a stage. Four young men were playing, but that's not why Cye'tlov was staring. There souls... the mana... it was like watching an apple ripen right before her.

Mouthwatering.