Shadowess

"What look?" Damien asked obliviously. By the time James came out of the bedroom, he'd poured them each a glass of whiskey and had set up the board game battleships to keep them occupied for the rest of the night. "You ever played?" he asked while gesturing to the board. "I haven't since I was a kid. I found the box at the back of one of the cupboards when I moved in. I guess the previous tenants must've left it behind." --- "Yes, Sire." Azrael bowed to Death briefly in acknowledgement of the order. "Do you think that's wise?" David rose a brow at Death. "Forgive me, I know I'm an outsider here but I must express my concerns. With everything happening already taking on this mission yourself, as well as sending out so many reapers that your forces are thin will leave your kingdom in a vulnerable state." "This Kingdom and its King have withstood many challenges over the aeons. Including the war between Heaven and Hell." Azrael told him in a firm tone. "Yes, but-" "I have every faith in my King and his rule, Mr Sedley. You may be his guard but as you say, you are an outsider here. You would do well to broaden your expectations and heed my King. He would not risk his Kingdom so brazenly." David didn't seem convinced but he gave a frustrated sigh while throwing up his arms dramatically. "Fine! Fine. But I'll be tagging along. My priority first and foremost is Death's safety." "Enjoy the show, then." Azrael chuckled. --- Tom hesitated but gave the man a hopeful smile as he reached out to take his hand. Not entirely sure what to expect. "You're welcome." --- This being the first time she would encounter this Devil, Amelia was not aware of exactly what his power was. So, at his outburst about taking power, she had assumed he'd meant their rule over Hell as royalty. "There is more to life than power!" Amelia snapped back. She had jumped a little when he'd slammed his fists into the bars but now she was standing firm, glaring directly into his eyes. "You say you don't care about kin. Then what do you care about?"

Damien's eyes lit up at the sight of James's muscles being barely contained in his shirt and he struggled to keep a straight face. "Well, you've got taste, I'll give you that." he half chuckled. "I guess I should have taken our size differences into consideration." he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "But don't worry about it. Maybe get changed back into your normal clothes for now. Hopefully, some stores will be open again tomorrow so we can get you some clothes that fit." --- Azrael nodded in understanding and glanced at David briefly. Hearing that both Life and Death needed additional bodyguards was worrying and without saying as much, Azrael was determined to protect Death with everything he had. "Sire, while you were gone a few issues arose which I need to make you aware of," he said while taking a couple of steps towards the throne with his book in hand. "Firstly, since the quake, it would seem lost souls all around Earth have finally made themselves known. The good news is now that we are able to locate these souls we are able to send out Reapers to guide them on. The bad news is that the level of Reapers needed to do this, as well as guide the souls from our books, will stretch our forces within the Kingdom thin." he paused before adding. "Secondly, La Tramoggia has been found and is up to her old tricks again." La Tramoggia or 'The Hopper' was famous within the Kingdom of Death. They are a Trickster with a strong desire for immortality and an annoying knack for swapping bodies with some unknown young victim while her elderly body lay on her deathbed, just moments from death. She has been effectively cheating death as well as dooming dozens of poor souls to an early demise for well over four centuries. She always managed to disappear before Death or his reapers could locate her new body. "Her new vessel has been diagnosed with lung cancer and her doctors have estimated that she only has a matter of weeks left." Azrael then smirked as he held up his book. "But we have something more accurate than a mortal doctor and this diagnosis may have granted us the element of surprise that we need to stop her once and for all. I assumed you would prefer the honour of apprehending her yourself, you Grace." "Death can't leave this Kingdom until the other threat has passed," David told Azrael sternly, earning him an annoyed look from the Angel. "I forgive you of your ignorance but this-" He lifted his book slightly "is exactly the opportunity we've been waiting over four hundred years for! My King has jurisdiction." --- "And what's that going to solve?" Tom asked him critically while keeping a safe distance from his bat. "What you went through is awful and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But all you're doing by lashing out is hurting people like you were hurt. What if those people you hurt are like you were before your brakes were tampered with? You're just tampering with their brakes and the cycle continues!" Tom took a breath before daring to step closer. "Break the cycle, man," he said gently. "No one else needs to get hurt." --- Amelia followed them into the Cells and when the Ancient Devil asked why he would want to obey them, she stepped forward to face him. "Because we're kin," she told him simply, in a commanding tone. "You're like me, aren't you?" she then asked in a more curious and gentle tone. "I can sense it. You're like the type of Devil that gave me my powers. Ancient. Original."

Ahh fair do's. I'm thinking of adding in a little story for Azrael/Death that's inspired by it 😄

Have you ever read Tale of the Body Theif by Anne Rice?

"Well, don't keep me in suspense, buddy," Damien called back as he walked back into the living room. He purposefully avoided looking at the armchair again as he turned to face his bedroom door while taking another sip of the water. "Show me how you look." --- Having been shown to her own bedroom by now, Lilly would not be in the Throne room when the others arrived, as she was spending some time settling in and getting accustomed to having her own space. Azrael had been in the Throne room, flicking through his own book busily when everyone arrived. Seeing Death, he immediately bowed to greet him. "Sire, welcome home." He said and as he straightened up again he noticed Gabriel was with them. He faltered for a moment, knowing his work life and social life were about to collide. He gave Gabriel a subtle, questioning look before watching Life being escorted away. David watched patiently, standing at ease with his hands behind his back as Death gave his orders. "You have a daughter?" He asked curiously when Death had addressed him. "Well, I'll be here until the crises is averted, so I don't see why not." he smiled. "I know it goes without saying though, that I am here as your guard first and foremost." "Guard?" Azrael repeated, looking confused. Clearly, he had missed something critical in Death's absence. --- "Why?" Tom suddenly questioned the man. Although he was cautious, he seemed to lack fear. "What are we in the way of? Are you heading somewhere? We could help if you'd just take a moment to talk to us." --- Amelia appeared near Hell's Cells with Charles and Hades. She frowned at the sight of the half-crumpled building. "Oh, wow... That really was some earthquake... I didn't think anything could break those cells."

"Don't be daft." Damien chuckled as he pulled out a small bowl full of various cleaning supplies. "You focus on what you're going to wear. This won't take me long to sort out." he pulled on a pair of yellow gloves before he headed into the living room and went straight into cleaning. The blood splatter on the walls was a bit of a pain and he knew he'd need to repaint this room at some point to cover most of the damage. Carefully, he knelt by the coffee table and began picking up glass shards. As he placed shard after shard into the waste bag, his movements slowed slightly. His mind wandered. "I thought I knew how love felt but could I have been wrong? Are you my match, Liebling? The one I've been searching for?" He heard the vampire's words in his ear and shook his head as if shaking off the memory itself. He picked up a few more shards and threw them into the bag. "You will see. We are meant for each other." Vomit rose up, and burned his throat. Damien quickly covered his mouth to stop it from escaping. Swallowing hard, he took a few breaths and became aware of how fast his heart had been beating. "Oh, come on now." came a familiar voice to his right and Damien looked over in shock. There, looking no different from when he'd last seen him, Lucifer sat in an armchair. Wearing his usual black suit. Blond hair gleaming in the sunlight. He seemed relaxed as his cold, steely blue eyes stared at him. "I thought I trained you better than this." Gasping, Damien closed his eyes and shook his head before looking back at the armchair. Empty. No one had been there. Not really. "I'm losing my damn mind," Damien muttered to himself as he finished picking up the glass. Pale faced and shivering slightly, Damien headed into the kitchen where he threw the bag into the trash before grabbing himself a glass of water. Needing a distraction from his thoughts, he called through to the bedroom; "Hey, you found anything good to wear?" --- David smiled and nodded to them. "Alright. Best of luck to all of you. If you need me for advice, you know where I'll be." he said as he walked past them to head towards Raguel's office. He would end up bumping into Gabriel, Death and Life along the way. "Ah, apologies for keeping you waiting." he greeted them. He gave a thankful smile to Gabriel and then looked at Life and Death seriously. "Arch Demon David Sedley, reporting for duty. It will be an honour to work with you both." --- Feet firmly on the ground, Tom watched the spirit from where they both stood. He frowned at the sight of the man swinging his bat at passing mortals. "Oh, boy..." he sighed before glancing at Nate uncertainly. "I'll follow your lead on this one."

"I guess you'll find out when you start dating her," Damien shrugged. They soon reached his apartment, and he unlocked the gate door before heading up the stairs. Halfway up, he paused. His door was ajar. "Oh yeah..." he mumbled as he dragged his feet up the rest of the way. He looked around his living room. Blood was splattered all over the place. His coffee table, among other things, was smashed. "I should probably clean this mess up now that I'm not going anywhere." he sighed and waved James into the apartment. "Don't mind the mess. This is just where that vampire attacked me when I was powerless. My bedroom is that way. Feel free to take a look at some of my clothes for your date. Grabbing a coffee is more of a casual thing, so maybe not a suit but you still want to look smart." he told him while heading to the kitchen to take out his cleaning supplies. --- Amelia stifled a chortle at Charles's remark. David looked at Hades and gave a relenting sigh. "Fine. You can either come with me to Death's Kingdom or stay with Charles and Amelia. Your choice." --- "Don't be so flippant." Raguel scolded Gabriel. "I put your name forward because you're the best soldier that I have. Because I trust you." he glanced at Death and Life as they continued to bicker in the background. "And between you and me," he leant in to say to him quietly. "I think you may have your work cut out for you. You may have to protect them from each other, as well as this boy." he stood and offered a hand to Death and then to Life to shake. "Gentlemen. Thank you for attending the meeting. I'm not sure what is holding David up but I'm sure he will join you all in Death's Kingdom momentarily. For now, Gabriel here will be your guard until the matter has been resolved. Please do not mistake him for an errand boy, he is here for your protection, not as a servant." --- Tom studied Nate's features with a small frown before gently cupping his chin to make him look at him. "And leave you to get in trouble alone? I don't think so." he chuckled. "I want to help. Take me with you."

"Oh, well that's actually easier! Maybe save the meal for a second or third date." Damien shrugged. "Honestly man, you'll be fine. Maybe having a girl on your arm will help you to finally relax." he chuckled. "Try not to over think it. Oh, and you said you're a werewolf, right? Maybe don't have the first date close to a full moon. A demon once told me about wolves and what the few days on either side of a full moon do to you guys. You don't wana end up getting her hopped up on your pheromones just yet. Maybe save that for your third date." he winked at him and then laughed. --- "Hey, I'm sorry that I frightened you," David said to Hades as she hugged him. "Ah, thank you." He groaned as he accepted the bottle of aspirin and glass of water. After taking them, he nodded at Charles's question. "I sure do. My son-in-law and King of Hell." he smiled at him and then looked between Amelia and Hades. "And these two are my beautiful daughters. I remember everything. It was no picnic getting my memories back but at least it's done." "Dad, I think congratulations are in order." Amelia beamed. "Oh, I wouldn't say I'd go that far." David chuckled, assuming she was still talking about his memories. "No, Dad. We've just had a meeting with the Spirit Council about the portal. They gave you your memories back then I guess promoted you to Arch Demon." "What-? Why? You actually spoke to the council!?" Amelia proceeded to very quickly fill him in on the meeting that he'd missed. By the end of it, he was staring at the end of the bed with a serious expression. "Right, then I suppose there's no time to lose," he said, getting to his feet. "Take me to the meeting room. Then you two need to try and talk to that Ancient Devil to see if he'll help. Please, don't take any unnecessary risks though." He then turned to Hades. "And you, missy," he said playfully, booping her nose with his finger. "We'll figure out how we can help you when all this is over. But for now, please go and make sure your friends are all safe, hmm? I think it would do you some good to be surrounded by friends who will support you right now." --- Raguel had been about to take another sip but Gabriel's words had caused him to pause and look at what he was doing. What was he doing? This isn't him. This has never been him. Yet he had been drinking away at this liquid as naturally as if he had been doing so every day for years. He put the glass down abruptly, spilling a little onto the table. Disturbed and even a little disgusted at himself. A snore from the other end of the room interrupted his thoughts and he glanced at Clarity, or rather the blanket covering Clarity, before looking back at Gabriel in his usual stoic manner. "We've just had a meeting with the Spirit Council." he began so that Gabriel would know just how serious this was. "With the portal being opened and the boy yet to be found, they have decreed that The Balance must be prioritised above all. Therefore, Life and Death are to remain in Death's Kingdom until the threat has passed. You and David will be representing Heaven and Hell's best by accompanying them to guard their lives. If the boy turns up, both Life and Death have been given strict orders to not engage him, to call upon Heaven and Hell's forces and to retreat, if safe to do so. The council have also decreed that no harm should come to this boy if it can be helped. We still don't know whether his life will affect the portal in any way. For all we know, killing him might make it bigger, or worse. So, for now, we are working on locating him to bring him in alive." --- Seeing his expression, Tom looked at Nate worried once the kiss broke. "What's wrong?" --- With hot cheeks and shivering gasps, Daisy tilted her head back. She closed her eyes and ran a hand through his soft hair. His hand brushing over her skin sent another excited shiver through her. Feeling his teeth lightly grazing her neck caused a soft moan to escape her. While Adam and Daisy were getting intimate, John teleported into the kitchen of the brothel with the rest of the group. "Here we are. Your new home where you will help Adam create a new Eden by serving his and his wives' every need," he said while showing them around. "Make yourselves at home. Pick out your rooms and get settled in. You all start work tomorrow." "John?" Eve's voice came from the doorway. She looked around at all the new faces shyly. "Ah! Just the lady I wanted to introduce you all to! Everyone, this is Eve. Yes, THE Eve." The group bustled excitedly, causing Even to jump a little. Seeing her nerves, John quickly stepped between them. "I know you're all excited but please give Eve some space for now. Go and settle in. There will be plenty of time for you to meet her when everyone is more comfortable." Trying to hide their disappointment but still staring at her curiously as they walked past, the group went about looking for their own rooms to settle into. "Where's Adam?" Eve asked John quietly. "With any luck, consummating his second marriage," John answered cheerily. "She seems sweet too. You might like her," he added as he turned to look at her. He then realised how cold that had sounded and hesitated before asking. "It doesn't bother you, does it?" "What? No. I spent a lifetime being his only wife but I meant what I said. I'm done with birthing children. So, if creating a harem is what is needed for him to save Eden, then I am happy." she walked further into the kitchen and sat at the island counter. John nodded in understanding, but then what Eve said next shocked him and caused him to do a double take. "I just hope he doesn't mind sharing a few of his female wives with me now and again." "I- I never would have thought-!" John half laughed. "Oh, don't be so prude." She smirked. "You know where I came from. I'm every bit Adam's equal. His likes. His dislikes. Even his sexual preferences. The only thing that has ever separated us was our experiences after we'd parted ways so long ago. That and childbirth. Lucky bastard." John laughed, amazed. He'd assumed Eve to be this timid thing but it would seem that once she becomes comfortable enough, she practically turns into a female Adam. "Can I get you anything? Food? Drink?" He offered, watching her in awe. "A drink would be nice." She said then tilted her head slightly. "And something to do. It is frightfully boring around here."

"One step at a time, big guy," Damien said while putting May's number into his phone. "There." he put his phone away and then gave the paper back to James. "And don't you worry. We'll get you ready. Come on, let's head back to my place. I'm sure I still have a few suits you could borrow." As they walked, Damien continued to talk. "So, maybe you could take her out to eat for your first date? Somewhere nice. Like maybe an Italian restaurant or something like that. When you meet up with her, be sure to tell her she looks pretty in whatever she's wearing. Then ask her about herself. You know she's a nurse so maybe ask her how long she's been a nurse, what med school was like. All that kind of stuff. Mostly, you want to make it all about her and while she's talking, try to find some common interests." --- "You don't know unless you try," Amelia said to Hades gently. "If they're your true friends then they'll accept you no matter what." Hearing Charles, Amelia looked over at him. Torn between him and her father. "Charles..." Amelia stepped to one side to take his hand. "I know we do. Just hold on a second, please? I need to talk to my dad when he wakes up." She looked at David's sleeping features with a worried expression. "I'll come with you. I want to see this Ancient Devil for myself." "What Ancient Devil?" David groaned, rubbing his forehead and wincing at the light. "And does anyone have any aspirin? My head is pounding." --- Raguel looked up from his drink when Gabriel would arrive. "Take a seat. I have an important mission for you." He lifted the glass to his lips again. Not taking any notice to how this would be the first time Gabriel would see him drinking anything stronger than water. --- It was a breathtaking view. And not just because they were so high that the air was thinner. The sun rose over the horizon, painting the sky and clouds in an array of pastel colours ranging from purple to pink, then amber to blue. The peaceful moment was almost enough to bring a tear to Tom's eye. "And to think, if Sebastian didn't have Amelia's blood in his veins when he turned me, I'd have missed sights like these!" he commented. Grateful to still be able to enjoy the sun. He looked at Nate lovingly before gently pressing his lips against his. Holding on to the kiss for as long as he could. --- It was a little awkward at first. Daisy had been sheltered for most of her life by her very religious parents. She had been on dates, sure. But having come from a strict catholic family, she'd had it drilled into her that she should get married before so much as kissing anyone. This ended up being a huge turn-off for many of her love interests who would ghost her before getting to the second date. So, this would not only be her first time, it was also her first kiss. As Adam kissed her though, she quickly picked up his rhythm and kissed him back. Despite her upbringing something about Adam was pulling her in. It all just felt so... natural. His hands touched her hips and she shivered excitedly. Without a thought or a care in the world, she brought her arms up to wrap around his shoulders as he moved her around the room. She lifted a hand to pull the scrunchie from her hair, letting her orange locks tumble down around her shoulders. Then she felt the bedframe behind her legs and stopped kissing him to look into his eyes again while biting her lip. "You're my first," she whispered to him while blushing deeply.

I swear AI images have improved so much since I last messed with them lol So based on that, Eve would look more like;

Thank you 😄 Hmm, Like these?

Daisy

I'm messing around with AI images again lol What does Adam look like?

May watched him leave and wondered if she might be making a mistake. Not because of James, though. She genuinely liked him. But because she knew any kind of love life would be difficult to maintain with such a demanding job. She supposed she would have to just try and maybe they could figure it out along the way. Outside, Damien stopped for a quick smoke and waited for James to meet him. He was eager to hear how it had gone. When James ran in front of him, he broke into a wide grin. "Wait, you got her number? Dude! That's a good thing. Take a moment to celebrate a little before you worry about what comes next." he laughed and patted James's shoulder. "Way to go for taking the first step. So, next, we need to get you a phone. Maybe not right now with the riots and everything. In the meantime, I guess keep that note somewhere safe. Actually..." Damien took out his own phone and pulled up his contacts. "Why don't I save it to mine, just in case? Then I can text it to you when you get your own." --- "Gabriel, you might want to head to Raguel. I can take care of my dad from here. There's been a meeting and he has a new assignment for you. It's a pretty big one." Amelia told him, then smirked at Hades's last comment before she looked at her seriously. "I swear I won't do anything to take advantage of your condition. Your free will should still be your own... How are you holding up?" --- Raguel watched Charles leave then turned his attention back to the bottle. "Enough bickering," he said firmly as he picked up the bottle and poured himself a glass. He poured one for Death as well then slid the glass over to him. Although Raguel had enjoyed a single glass to himself in private on rare occasions, it was a little out of character of him to be drinking freely in front of others. Even less so for him to encourage others to join him. Yet he lifted his glass to his lips and took a sip, savouring the flavour. "You need to loosen up, Death," he commented before looking at Life. He frowned at the question and averted his gaze from them both. "I would not take pleasure in it, but if the boy needs to be stopped then I will do my duty." he then looked back at them both gravely. "But it would be as a last resort. Besides, we have our orders. No harm is to come to the boy." he lifted his glass, turning it slightly to stare at the liquid in contemplation. "Regardless of how we feel about it." --- Tom held on tightly to Nate and shivered a little as they flew higher. "Oh, it's cold up here." he chuckled and pressed his head against the side of Nate's. "But at least you're warm." he sighed while turning his eyes to watch the sunrise. --- The teleportation had shocked Daisy. She looked around wildly, wondering how they'd appeared in this strange place. Then she felt Adam's arms around her and her eyes met his again. Once more she was lost in his light. Her deepest desires rose to the surface as she melted into his embrace. She knew she should be questioning everything, but his eyes, his light and his aura consumed her senses. Causing her to forget her concerns completely. All she wanted in the world right now, was him. "Me?" she sighed dreamily. "You'd choose me? Oh, Adam..." The name tumbled off her tongue so naturally. Her heart was fluttering. Everything about this felt right. "Make me yours."

Don't forget Adam 😅