The Boundless
Running, running. It's all they could do. The screeching around them rose to a jagged peak of discordant noise, myriad arms reaching out, bones creaking and cracking as fingers turned into serpents, their touch rotting them to the core as their eyes melted and...
Waelin shot up, sweat beading on their face as they breathed heavily, weary eyes scanning their immediate surroundings. Silence reigned within the room, sunlight pouring through a window onto the bedsheets. They leaned back into the pillow for a moment as they remembered where they were.
Safety. Relative to their previous position, at least. Their mind wished for more sleep, and their body simply did not wish to move, but their person laid down, thinking.
What the fuck were they going to do now? It was a simple question, but there were so many ways it could be taken. So they looked at the facts. They were currently housed in a strange bar in a part of the city they've never been in. They have been mutated by apparent demons, who were also likely still hunting them. They had come in contact with a group apparently dedicated to killing demons, and they were currently being allowed boarding by a very suspicious barkeep.
They took a deep breath as they calmed themselves, content to curl up within the soft covers of the bed for a little while longer until one of their eyes spotted something new on the bottom corner of the bed. Folded neatly into squares, with a note atop was what looked like a set of clothes. Generic, simple, and maybe a little big for them, but clothes nonetheless.
They pulled themselves up, reaching over to grab the note. The firs thing they caught attention of was the writing style. It was as if it was made via typewriter with how neat the letters were, but they could note the slight imperfections with a closer look.
Got these for you. Perhaps they're loose, but anything is better than those rags you're wearing. I couldn't get a proper measurement for shoes, so I simply retrieved some sandals. Out the door and at the end of the hall is a bathroom with a shower. Use it before you head downstairs. I don't wish to be rude, but I could smell you from outside the guest room door.
-Enraku
Waelin gave a sharp exhale. Well, at least they were to the point. A shower sounded heavenly. They eventually got to their two feet, taking the clothes and sandals with them before taking a shower.
About ten minutes later, they eventually emerged from the stairwell, finding an empty bar aside from it's barkeep, their head slightly bobbing to the beat of the song on the radio, large hat swishing back and forth a touch.
Their head glanced slightly towards the stairwell before they went back to work.
"Good morning. I hope you had a good sleep, Ms. Brooke?" Enraku asked.
"...better than before." the girl spoke, voice still sounding a little tired. "Thank you."
"It's no issue. You deserve it." the barkeep replied, turning fully towards Waelin. "Now, I imagine you've been thinking about your current predicament?"
"I have, and I realized i'm pigeonholed." Waelin spoke. "As in, there's not much choice in this matter, is there?"
"Unfortunately, no, not really. I had some of my own allies do some digging, and from what they've found, is that you are very much a wanted person within the circles of demons now. You have a hefty bounty on your head, and there are many who would love to cash such a thing in." Enraku started. "But, if you're willing to work with me, I can offer protection to you. As much as I prefer to stay apart from my kin, I have enough reputation to throw around to dissuade most parties from going after you. Since, well, crossing me often does not go well for anybody."
"I... I still do not understand why you are so willing to do all this for myself. I'm a complete stranger to all this, why me?"
Enraku closed their eyes for a moment before looking into Waelin's own. "Several reasons, some of which are partially speculation. The main reason would be the fact that I do not believe anyone should be subjected to such conditions, and the second lies within the fact that I do not wish to give my kin any more leverage or power over this world, and you in their hands would certainly result in such."
"Impersonal asset denial?" Waelin seemed a little irritated at the notion.
"I wouldn't call it impersonal. That implies I lack care for you, which is incorrect. I have a speculatory theory, but... i'd rather not thrust such ideas upon you, especially if they're correct." Enraku continued. "What I do need to do however, is make us a contract."
Waelin's eyes narrowed. "Usually, when I hear demons and contracts together, it usually involves the collection of the contractee's soul."
Enraku gave a chuckle. "The vast majority aren't like that. Contracts like this are common among demons. You have to understand that my people are, for the most part, untrustworthy. Contracts ensure cooperation. It's essentially insurance. If a person goes against the contract, the contractor knows and can act accordingly. However, the part that's useful to us here is the fact that I can weave magic through it to produce effects. Such as being able to keep a glamour on you, allowing me to keep an eye on you, contact you from afar, etc. Simple, useful things."
"So you're using this to essentially give me... enchantments of sorts?"
"Precisely, Ms. Brooke. It is a tool. And a work reminder."
"Right, work..." Waelin mumbled.
"Are you still thinking on what that Slayer said?" Enraku slightly tilted their head at Waelin as they sat down in a nearby chair.
"A bit. Learning how to use that... sword... thing would be useful."
"I could assist with the basics since magic is from the same source, but Figments are something I lack true understanding of." Enraku spoke. "Inquiring with them for training if little else would be helpful. But one thing at a time."
The barkeep snapped their fingers, and in a small burst of flame arrived a sheet of paper in their hands. Their eyes briefly glanced at it's contents before they glided the paper over to the girl with little effort, Waelin catching it before it socked them in the face. Their eyes read it over.
'Employee Contract'
This contract is to guarantee the assistance and protection of the contractee known as Waelin Brooke, with said protection being conducted by the contractor known as Enraku alongside their subordinates. The protection shall extend to the contractee's family. In addition, a set of spells shall be weaved into the contractee's being to ensure protection as well as disguise the more monstrous implements that have been forced upon them.
Said spells include a permanent glamour, the ability for the contractor Enraku to see and hear through the contractee's senses, as well as locate them at a moment's notice. These abilities are not intended to breach privacy and are not to be used as such, although it may occur if incidents pertaining to it's usage occur during said times. These protections do not extend to protection against human beings and apply exclusively to demonic forces, the sole exception being human entities who would possibly see fit to exterminate the contractee due to their current status as a half-breed.
In addition, the contractee may be provided lodging within a guest room within the upper floors of the Boundless.
In exchange, the contractee will be trained with the appropriate skills of a barkeep, including mixing and serving alcoholic beverages of both Human and Demonic varieties. They will be required to work a 3 day work week with pay within the Boundless alongside Enraku.
If in Agreement, the Contractor and Contractee must Sign Here ________________________________, ___________________________________
Waelin read over the contract in silence, sparing a glance to the barkeep, who watched them with quite some amount of interest, head leaning on a hand. Their fingers slightly dug into their face. It almost looked like anticipation. She wasn't sure that was a good thing.
"Are the terms acceptable, or would you like something reworded?" Enraku finally spoke.
"It seems fine." Waelin replied. "I don't believe I possess anything to write with, though."
"Ah, I knew I was forgetting something." Enraku suddenly appeared before them, startling Waelin's senses for a moment as they simply seemed to materialize in the air before them. In one hand was a pen. In the other was a small pocket knife.
"I will need to draw a little bit of your blood, Ms. Brooke." Enraku spoke, tone cold and formal.
It took a moment for Waelin to realize what they were thinking. "You want me to write my name in my own blood?"
"Correct. I will be doing similar, although it will be a touch different for myself." Enraku started. "It's the final act. It requires it to bind the spells to each other."
Waelin seemed hesitant, but held out their arm. Enraku gave a light cut along their forearm, drawing blood into the pen. Waelin barely winced. Their conditions before produced worse wounds, if the bruises further up their sleeve were to judge. Enraku spared a glance to it, lip twitching as they did before waving a hand over the fresh wound. In moments, it closed, with not even a scar to be seen.
"Healing magic?" Waelin inquired, before the demon handed them the now filled pen.
"No, but something to a similar effect." Enraku spoke as Waelin moved to sign the document. Their handwriting was scribbly, practically chicken scratch. But to Enraku, it mattered little, for it was the intention that mattered, not the quality. After they finished, they took the pen, dropping the rest of the blood into a glass to be disposed of. Then, they drew their own. Although Waelin didn't see the process. All they saw was the molten 'liquid' that was held within the pen, almost setting it on fire. They could feel the heat of it from here as Enraku wrote down their name in flaming lettering. As the final letter was solidified, Waelin would feel an odd feeling come over them, their mostly groggy self pushed to full wakefulness.
"The pact is sealed." Enraku stated. "Welcome, Ms. Brooke, to the wonderful world of employment."
"With the scheduling, it sounds closer to a part-time job to me." the hybrid noted.
"True, but it is still a welcome to the world of supernatural capitalism!" Enraku gave a soft smile.
"There's a difference?" Waelin rose an eyebrow.
"Of course, Ms. Brooke. The difference lies in that with supernatural capitalism, your clients often have more legs and arms than two." Enraku smirked.
The Demon Slayers Club (IC)
06/11/2020, 04:00 AM #101
Sometimes when you're driving down a road, a bug hits your windshield. It's ugly and unpleasant, but you just activate the wipers / cleaning fluid and it's gone in a few seconds. It's just part of driving down the road. You don't dwell on it, because that'd be silly. Bugs aren't worth the time.
You just discard their guts and keep on driving.
03/02/2021, 06:04 AM #102
The Boundless
"Don't forget the teeth old friend! Oh and eyes, and the occasional extra orifice. You never know what you might see in this line of work." A significantly older, and rather chipper voice suddenly spoke out from the entrance of the boundless.
The voice seemed to come from an older man standing at roughly 4 feet tall. His appearance was for the most part normal, wearing a nice, older fashioned blue coat, with a matching blue vest and red tie underneath it. His pants were clean and a tad darker than his shirt, and upon his feet were a fantastic looking pair of black and white dress shoes. The man's black hair is combed back, with the occasional streak of gray. Aside from that, the man looked to be a regular person with a case of dwarfism... However when one were to look at his face, they would see that he had an unnaturally large grin. One that stretched from ear to ear
"Anyways, sorry for the intrusion old friend. I'm simply stopping by for a quick hello." He said. His tone still sounding quite chipper. In fact it almost sounded like an old-timey radio host.
"Don't forget the teeth old friend! Oh and eyes, and the occasional extra orifice. You never know what you might see in this line of work." A significantly older, and rather chipper voice suddenly spoke out from the entrance of the boundless.
The voice seemed to come from an older man standing at roughly 4 feet tall. His appearance was for the most part normal, wearing a nice, older fashioned blue coat, with a matching blue vest and red tie underneath it. His pants were clean and a tad darker than his shirt, and upon his feet were a fantastic looking pair of black and white dress shoes. The man's black hair is combed back, with the occasional streak of gray. Aside from that, the man looked to be a regular person with a case of dwarfism... However when one were to look at his face, they would see that he had an unnaturally large grin. One that stretched from ear to ear
"Anyways, sorry for the intrusion old friend. I'm simply stopping by for a quick hello." He said. His tone still sounding quite chipper. In fact it almost sounded like an old-timey radio host.
03/03/2021, 03:25 PM #103
The Boundless
"Ah, but there's no need to overcomplicate the joke and work statement.." Enraku replied, giving a slight smile of their own as the man appeared. "Astaroth, meet Waelin, Waelin, meet Astaroth. They're a good friend of mine."
Waelin simply looked to the man and rose an eyebrow, especially at their height rather than the grin and their mind had to manually file them into demon rather than dwarf. Or gremlin, considering the smile. "Nice to meet you?"
Enraku gave a slight chuckle at the hesitance. "Don't mind the trepidation, Ast', they're still probably shell-shocked by the whole demon thing in general, especially given what they've gone through."
"Ah, but there's no need to overcomplicate the joke and work statement.." Enraku replied, giving a slight smile of their own as the man appeared. "Astaroth, meet Waelin, Waelin, meet Astaroth. They're a good friend of mine."
Waelin simply looked to the man and rose an eyebrow, especially at their height rather than the grin and their mind had to manually file them into demon rather than dwarf. Or gremlin, considering the smile. "Nice to meet you?"
Enraku gave a slight chuckle at the hesitance. "Don't mind the trepidation, Ast', they're still probably shell-shocked by the whole demon thing in general, especially given what they've gone through."
Sometimes when you're driving down a road, a bug hits your windshield. It's ugly and unpleasant, but you just activate the wipers / cleaning fluid and it's gone in a few seconds. It's just part of driving down the road. You don't dwell on it, because that'd be silly. Bugs aren't worth the time.
You just discard their guts and keep on driving.
03/04/2021, 11:06 AM #104
The Boundless
"Hmm. Yes, but it still accurate... mostly." Was the simple response Astaroth had towards his friend's first remark. He would have said more, but his attention was more focused on Waelin. A curious case indeed as he locked eyes with her. As he did his eyes narrowed a bit before his form suddenly began to shift. In a brief burst of unnecessary purple flames, Astaroth now stood in his more preferred form, An anthropomorphic cat with brown and black fur now stood before Waelin. His little show of purple fire wasn't needed for him to shift his form, but it's Astaroth, he likes making things look more... fancy. Or at least what HE calls fancy. Surprisingly the flames didn't cause any property damage when he transformed,..
After his transformation he gave a polite bow before approaching the young woman. "Well she has no reason to be wary of me!" As he said that he extended a hand to Waelin, his arm stretching a bit to better reach her. "You'll at least shake a gentleman's hand now, won't you?" He asked.
"Hmm. Yes, but it still accurate... mostly." Was the simple response Astaroth had towards his friend's first remark. He would have said more, but his attention was more focused on Waelin. A curious case indeed as he locked eyes with her. As he did his eyes narrowed a bit before his form suddenly began to shift. In a brief burst of unnecessary purple flames, Astaroth now stood in his more preferred form, An anthropomorphic cat with brown and black fur now stood before Waelin. His little show of purple fire wasn't needed for him to shift his form, but it's Astaroth, he likes making things look more... fancy. Or at least what HE calls fancy. Surprisingly the flames didn't cause any property damage when he transformed,..
After his transformation he gave a polite bow before approaching the young woman. "Well she has no reason to be wary of me!" As he said that he extended a hand to Waelin, his arm stretching a bit to better reach her. "You'll at least shake a gentleman's hand now, won't you?" He asked.
03/09/2021, 08:16 PM #105
The Boundless
Waelin simply rose an eyebrow at Astaroth's appearance before carefully reaching out and shaking their hand. "Well, i'd be wary if you had fleas. I cannot imagine the hell that is cleaning that much fur."
Enraku gave a small snort at the comment. "Not as bad as you think, but you're not entirely wrong either. But regardless, Waelin here is my newest charge, you just missed the finalization of our own little contract."
Waelin simply rose an eyebrow at Astaroth's appearance before carefully reaching out and shaking their hand. "Well, i'd be wary if you had fleas. I cannot imagine the hell that is cleaning that much fur."
Enraku gave a small snort at the comment. "Not as bad as you think, but you're not entirely wrong either. But regardless, Waelin here is my newest charge, you just missed the finalization of our own little contract."
Sometimes when you're driving down a road, a bug hits your windshield. It's ugly and unpleasant, but you just activate the wipers / cleaning fluid and it's gone in a few seconds. It's just part of driving down the road. You don't dwell on it, because that'd be silly. Bugs aren't worth the time.
You just discard their guts and keep on driving.
04/09/2021, 07:45 AM #106
The Boundless
"It ain't the fleas you have to worry about little lady, it's the SUPERNATURAL parasites you gotta look out for. Once I got a bad case of elder ticks. Never. EVER again." Astaroth grasped her hand firmly and shook it with vigor as his grinned widened ever so slightly. "Well Waelin don't worry about any doubts regarding that contract you signed. You are in very good, and highly capable hands. As long as you follow your end of whatever deal it is you signed, then there will be no problems! Can't say the same if it were me you had made a contract with." Astaroth joked as he stopped shaking Waelin's hand. His grin disappearing into a more normal look for a... humanoid feline form. That's when he made his way over to a seat, of which he merrily plopped down on.
"Anyways old friend... Anything of interest happen as of late? Other than acquiring a new employee?"
"It ain't the fleas you have to worry about little lady, it's the SUPERNATURAL parasites you gotta look out for. Once I got a bad case of elder ticks. Never. EVER again." Astaroth grasped her hand firmly and shook it with vigor as his grinned widened ever so slightly. "Well Waelin don't worry about any doubts regarding that contract you signed. You are in very good, and highly capable hands. As long as you follow your end of whatever deal it is you signed, then there will be no problems! Can't say the same if it were me you had made a contract with." Astaroth joked as he stopped shaking Waelin's hand. His grin disappearing into a more normal look for a... humanoid feline form. That's when he made his way over to a seat, of which he merrily plopped down on.
"Anyways old friend... Anything of interest happen as of late? Other than acquiring a new employee?"
04/09/2021, 07:49 AM #107
Ortus Woods | Outskirts
Nick could barely see what Miranda was so spooked about, but knew that it seemed large. He himself was in no condition to fight, but had a feeling that Miranda couldn't stop it herself either. He had no choice in the matter though because his injuries would only serve to hinder the both of them.
"I'll try.", Nicholas finally said, "I'll be waiting in the truck. Don't die."
With that, Nicholas slowly left Miranda's grip and stumbled. He pushed off the ground with one of his palms and lunged a foot forward as he forced his weight forward. He could barely walk, but there was no other option; he had to get into that truck.
Nick could barely see what Miranda was so spooked about, but knew that it seemed large. He himself was in no condition to fight, but had a feeling that Miranda couldn't stop it herself either. He had no choice in the matter though because his injuries would only serve to hinder the both of them.
"I'll try.", Nicholas finally said, "I'll be waiting in the truck. Don't die."
With that, Nicholas slowly left Miranda's grip and stumbled. He pushed off the ground with one of his palms and lunged a foot forward as he forced his weight forward. He could barely walk, but there was no other option; he had to get into that truck.
Originally posted by S121
Every time I see a new post on the Forum, I feel like a little kid during Christmas, all giddy.
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04/09/2021, 08:00 AM #108
Ortus Woods | Outskirts
Miranda, without turning her attention away from Nick, gave a large smirk. A clearly cocky one as she spoke. "Don't worry kid, I don't plan on it." She said with an air of confidence to it. However despite how hard she was trying to hide it, she was aware of this thing. It's a fairly dangerous demon, one that is usually incredibly difficult to kill. One that she has only read the files on. As such there was a small hint of unease in her voice, which she was trying to hide. Either way, her blood was pumping, and she was itching for a fight.
Without a weapon in hand she got into a fighting stance as a bright ball of energy started to form in her hand before taking the shape of what looked to be a very heavy caliber magnum revolver. "If I don't make it back in 10 minutes though... get on the floor of my truck and don't look out the windows. Not until morning! Now GO!!!" She demanded as she fired her summoned Magnum, the sound it made upon being fired reverberating loudly throughout the area, followed by a equally loud and unearthly shriek that could send a chill down the toughest of men.
Miranda, without turning her attention away from Nick, gave a large smirk. A clearly cocky one as she spoke. "Don't worry kid, I don't plan on it." She said with an air of confidence to it. However despite how hard she was trying to hide it, she was aware of this thing. It's a fairly dangerous demon, one that is usually incredibly difficult to kill. One that she has only read the files on. As such there was a small hint of unease in her voice, which she was trying to hide. Either way, her blood was pumping, and she was itching for a fight.
Without a weapon in hand she got into a fighting stance as a bright ball of energy started to form in her hand before taking the shape of what looked to be a very heavy caliber magnum revolver. "If I don't make it back in 10 minutes though... get on the floor of my truck and don't look out the windows. Not until morning! Now GO!!!" She demanded as she fired her summoned Magnum, the sound it made upon being fired reverberating loudly throughout the area, followed by a equally loud and unearthly shriek that could send a chill down the toughest of men.
04/09/2021, 08:08 AM #109
Ortus Woods | Outskirts
Nick practically tumbled his way back to the truck, barely avoiding eating asphalt as he stumble-ran down the ditch and back up onto the road. When he got a glimpse of the woman's truck, he ran towards it and opened the driver's seat. He may have been too weak to run at the moment, but he could still drive. If need be, he could still get out of here. Now all there was to do was wait. Nick remained deathly quiet, only hearing his heartbeat in his head at first, but then the slowing rain outside. Just how far was this mystery woman and her opposition? He remained silent for a whole minute, hoping to hear the fight.
Nick practically tumbled his way back to the truck, barely avoiding eating asphalt as he stumble-ran down the ditch and back up onto the road. When he got a glimpse of the woman's truck, he ran towards it and opened the driver's seat. He may have been too weak to run at the moment, but he could still drive. If need be, he could still get out of here. Now all there was to do was wait. Nick remained deathly quiet, only hearing his heartbeat in his head at first, but then the slowing rain outside. Just how far was this mystery woman and her opposition? He remained silent for a whole minute, hoping to hear the fight.
Originally posted by S121
Every time I see a new post on the Forum, I feel like a little kid during Christmas, all giddy.
sigpic
04/09/2021, 08:14 AM #110
Ortus Woods | Outskirts
Those few minutes were long, but not silent. As he waited in the truck he could hear the sound of gunshots. First there was one, then two... then three, four, and much more. All happening in quick succession, as if she wasn't even reloading. In between the shots being fired, the ungodly shriek could be heard echoing throughout the night sky.
Finally after a good 8 minutes... things went quiet. Quiet for a little too long, as for yet another good 7 minutes... there was silence. Until the sound of her suddenly popping up next to the truck, as the sound of her tossing *something* into the back of the truck could be heard before she yanked the driver side door open. "Move. NOW." She said as she started to push Nick off into the passenger seat.
Those few minutes were long, but not silent. As he waited in the truck he could hear the sound of gunshots. First there was one, then two... then three, four, and much more. All happening in quick succession, as if she wasn't even reloading. In between the shots being fired, the ungodly shriek could be heard echoing throughout the night sky.
Finally after a good 8 minutes... things went quiet. Quiet for a little too long, as for yet another good 7 minutes... there was silence. Until the sound of her suddenly popping up next to the truck, as the sound of her tossing *something* into the back of the truck could be heard before she yanked the driver side door open. "Move. NOW." She said as she started to push Nick off into the passenger seat.