It had only been recently that the scares were made, and H'tes continued to to trace them. He knew that on his back was a rather dark mark. He didn't completely disagree with it, but he knew humans would never like to see such a mark, unless they were of the dark themselves. His new mark on his back was of an angelic goddess, hung on a cross, impaled, and rapped in two serpents. This was a mark that would not stay with him forever as a permanent reminder of Lady Darkness' tortures she had brought upon him.

H'tes was sitting in a small campsite. He had his shirt off, rubbing his hands over his back again and again. He was trying to get use to the scar, since it would be there forever. Memories coursed through him of the demoness, and his mind had been set against meeting any more demons for now, if he could avoid it. He knew that if he ever met Lady Darkness again, it would truly be a fight to the death, or to enslavement. He prayed it be just death, for the thoughts of being her prisoner again was simply too much.

He shook his head. He did not need to think about it anymore. He put his shirt back on, and lay down on the ground, looking up at the stars. It was a clear night, and the moon was shining bright. Beautiful, one might call it. It was indeed beautiful to H'tes, but his mind was not really looking for beauty. It was looking for danger. Alert for an intrudor, he was no longer as relaxed as he had been on, say, the night Lady Darkness fought and captured him. He would never be that relaxed again.

Moving slowly through the grass lands, the demon prince heard something nearby and thought it was best to see what it was. He did not what something else sneaking up on him. Ayperos moved to a large rock to look down. He saw someone putting their shirt back on. Right before it covered his back, Ayperos thought he saw a very sinnful mark. If he was right, he might be proud of the boy.

The Archdemon thought about going down to meet him for a moment. After deciding too, Ayperos put his palm on the rock and threw himself over it. Not even trying to hide his sound he shiftly moved closer to the camp. He was curious and when he got close enough something hit his sense of smell. It was of demon blood. Faint, but some. It was getting clearer when he got near the camp. The boy must of been a half demon. But he smelt more of human then anything else, it was slightly off setting.

Moving up behind him quickly, Ayperos coughed before speaking, not meaning to. Well, hello there. he said on guard if he attacked for what ever reason. He did have a smile on his face now and was hoping it didn't have to come to that.

H'tes tensed up from the sudden approach. It might have been in a pleasent, childish person, but H'tes was not going to let off his guard just based on how someone looked to him. After all, he still looked even younger then this 'child' and yet did that make him less dangerous? Not at all. All it did was make the foolish drop their guard, and the cruel lick their lips in anticipation of making him suffer.

H'tes jumped up quickly, grabbing his staff. He looked at the new comer with caution. He looked harmless, but there were certain things that caught the eyes of H'tes. For one, the wings were an eye catcher for sure. It allowed H'tes to know that it was not a human child. Then, he could smell it. Similar to Lady Darkness, but different in that it was a different type of demon. But, it was definately a demon, full-blooded. It made H'tes tense up more.

"I don't trust full bloods," he said, in warning. He was not about to let one of these demons catch him off guard. He could not know if all demons would act as Lady Darkness, but he knew he did not want to find out the hard way. "Don't come any closer. Why have you come here?" He readied himself for battle, for he expected it from demons at the moment. What he knew of that piece of himself was that most were cruel, bloodthirsty and prepared for battles all the time. If this one was after a fight, he'd give it to him, and go for the kill. H'tes would not act merciful at all. He had lost a sense of mercy, for the most part, since he was shown none at the hands of the demoness.

Ayperos stepped back a bit. He was being inspected. After he spoke of full bloods and trust, the Archdemon used his wings to jump back about two yards. Then he noticed his wings were out. 'Drat, that must've helped him,' he thought before bowing to the half demon from the waist up. Sorry for intrusion on you. I am Prince Ayperos, he said coming up from his short bow and looking at him dead in the eye. And whats not to trust about me, if I wanted to get rid of a halfy like you, I would've. Not like you've been captured by one before and tortured. Ayperos said moving a bit closer but keeping his hand on his Katana steath around his waist just incase this may break out in a fight.

Moving around him in a circle inspecting the half demon himself since he was inspected. I told you my name, what is yours. Or I may just call you halfy or john. The royal demon said, but not asking for his name, more of demanding it. Showing a toothy grin, but not a friendly one, more of a powerful one.

How in Arda was it that people seemed to just guess scenarios that had actually happened to H'tes? Was his life story just written on his face or something. First that vampire mentioned something about that damn drunken man incident where H'tes was kissed, and now someone mentioned a similar situation to what happened to him in Lady Darknesses clutches. it was like they could read his exact whereabouts at any time. It was just weird that they seem to mention actual situations every time.

But, there was one thing he said that was wrong. Halfy? No, not even half a demon resided in H'tes. "I'm not half demon," he said. "Try a quarter. And that doesn't mean you should underestimate me." He didn't say it with pride. In fact, if he could get more demon in him, he probably would. But to the question that came to him, he would answer very simply. "H'tes Enyar," he told the child-like demon.

He went over the name ofthe demon for a moment. Prince Ayperos? It was likely a personally created title. As far as he knew, there was no Prince of Demons, and whoever could call themselves that was likely very powerful, and he could not see that in this one. In fact, as far as he could tell, this demon did not seem stronger then Lady Darkness. He might be able to take him. Or, he might be taking the bait if he even tried to attack. He decided to go against attacking needlessly.

"Well, prince," he said. "You never answered my question. Why have you come here?" The demon did not seem to be looking for a fight, but H'tes didn't want to let down his guard. "If you are not here for a fight, then why come at me? Pleasent chats are not my forte, if that is what you are here for."

Ayperos's movements slowed while the half demon stand he was not even that. He had stopped by the time his name was given. H'tes, then. Nobody should underestimate anyone, not even a fairy should be underestimated by a dragon. And I don't underestimate you at all. But that also means the same for me and I am guessing that you are not doing so. he said still gripping his katana's steath ready for defense, he may not even need it.

When more questions where asked, Ayperos smiled and had been moving closer very slowly not showing his moments very much. Ahh, your question yes. I saw something on your back that interested me very much. I wanted to see if I was right about what I saw. Would you mind if I see it? The words came out of the Archdemon's mouth like an arrow spillting H'tes's skull. But he was asking this time, he would not force H'tes to show him the markings on his back if he did not want to. His voice had some niceness in it. Ayperos did perfer half-demons more, even if it was a quarter, because of his own aperance. He was still loyal to all demons though. Now being right infront of H'tes waiting for an answer.

The next question came, and H'tes hesitated. Well, since it was a demon and not a human, there was a lot less harm in showing him. But, at the same time, he was not willing to show his back to a potential enemy. "I'd rather not," he said. "Showing my back to a potential enemy is never a wise move."

He did not relax, but he felt more like this was not a threat to him. The demon did not seem to want a fight, or food, or anything of the sort, so H'tes was safe, but he was not sure whether or not it was an act or the true intentions of the demon, so he kept his guard.

At the same time, he seemed to notice that the demon had gotten closer. He had missed it. How had he missed it? thedemon just seemed to suddenly be closer. He almost wondered if it was closer or if he was just seeing things the way it happened. For now, he ignored it, but tried to keep better attention on the demon's movements. He wouldn't want it to suddenly be able to spring up and attack while it was too close for H'tes to block or anything.

H'tes also noticed that the demon had a hand on it's own weapon, which was understandible. After all, H'tes was the one in a more threatening position at the moment. H'tes realised itwas a deadlier weapon then his own, and that was dangerous. H'tes would have to be ready to teleport if the demon attacked. But it seemed unlikely the demon was going to attack at all by now. It seemed to be a friendlier demon then any other he had met or heard of, but H'tes was not prepared to give it the benefit of a doubt yet.

Ayperos frowned at this and noticed he was noticed getting closer. After coming in very close range, he turned around to show that he trusted him by turning his back. Taking a few steps forward he released his grip over his sword. The truth was that he didn't trust H'tes like this, but what could a staff do to an Archdemon. With his back still turned he spoke to H'tes. So, tell him about yourself now, why are you out here alone. I know that demons with human blood in them age like humans sometimes and you look young. I am not as young as I may look, I am older then I have heard of any human becoming.

Moving away and turning around while walking in and now walking backwards. He held his arms out showing that he still ment no harm. Next thing he knew, Aypero was on his back on the ground. He had tripped on a rock. Bringing his feet to his center of gravity he jumped back up.

Having an idea, the royal demon went back over to H'tes and procesed. Well, if I can't see it. Is my guess correct, did I see an angel in death? Asking this question with pure curiousity and it showed all over his face too.

H'tes watched as the demon seemed to show hisback. A sign of trust, it seemed. It also let go of the weapon. H'tes was able to relax slightly at the gesture, and the demon spoke on. "So, tell me about yourself now," it said. "Why are you out here alone? I know that demons with human blood in them age like humans sometimes and you look young. I am not as young as I may look, I am older then I have heard of any human becoming."

H'tes had to think on the answer. "I've been alone for a couple of years now," he said. "and truth be told, I don't know if I am going to age past this or not. I am sixteen, but I guess I look... what? about ten I suppose?"

He saw the demon trip. He had to say, he found it amusing. He chuckled a little, and the demon got up. It asked another question. "Yes," said H'tes. "Drawn in the image of a goddess of life. The last demon I left made that mark." Was he saying too much? He might have been. But, the clumsiness of tripping made H'tes relax more. He was not sure if the demon was actually as young as he looked and just bragging, but he did not seem to be a harm.

H'tes sat back on the ground, keeping the staff close enough so if he needed it he would be able to grab it and use it in battle quickly, but he was no longer expecting an attack as much. In fact, he felt relief in this particular demon. It would be only his second encounter with a full blooded demon, but it would also show that not all demons were hybrid hating murderous tormentors who only knew terror and destruction.

H'tes seemed to have lowered his guard a bit more. Well, maybe your like me, not gonna age anotha day. So to speak. I've been told that if I wanted to I could age, but I don't find the need. I still have my Archdemon strength. he said remembering his wings and letting them vanish. He took a seat infront of H'tes.

Also, I think that marking looks lovely. Ayperos added with a grin of pure evil behind it. The Archdemon liked this boy. But he had to say something about his own aperance. If you thinking about asking me why I look like a human, just say its my curse from birth. he said so he would not have to answer the question when it was asked. He was asked that a lot.

Alone for a few years now, eh, like four? I've only been on the surface world for a couple of years myself, like maybe twenty or thirty. Hell is such a lovely place. Err, back to what I was saying, well I have only recently started to look into the art of magic of the surface world, where you must've had a lot longer time since you were always around here. If you use magic that is. Ayperos said flipping through his spell book quickly and putting it away. He wanted to learn more, it was like a drug to him, he carved it.

Archdemon? Well, that was a surprise. Archdemons were generally more powerful and smarter then a normal demon, as H'tes had heard. He might not look it, but the childish demon was likely a dangerous enemy if he decided to fight. He commented that the marking was lovely. H'tes rather agreed, but still, he did not like that the marking had been forced on him. But enough of that thought.

There seemed to be a bit of conversation starting, and H'tes was, for once, glad ofsome company for a change. "About three years, I think," he said. He then heard the bit about magic. "I'd consider myself descent in the arts of magic." He said. Suddenly, he vanished and appeared closer to behind Ayperos. "But I suppose I should not be the judge of my own skill." He vanished again and appeared back in his seat. "I do know only just enough magic to scrape by in this dangerous world. But I learn as much as I can, hoping to eventually become stronger in my art. If I didn't have it, I'd be as weak as I look." He sighed at the truth of that statement. Without magic, he'd not even be able to transform into his demonic form, and he was physically too weak to be able to fight with just his natural strength. "Having more human in me then demon is really a curse. At least a half demon has more strength."

Ayperos stiffened when H'tes apeared behind him and then back. If he had a shape weapon and was swift enough, he might've been able to kill Ayperos right there. Good thing trust was still a factor here. Hey, who was the demon that captured you 'nyways. Someone important? the Archdemon asked keeping an eye on H'tes now. It was a little frightening that he could do that at will.

Standing up now curious at what he could do. Would you mind if we had a friendly match, first one to fall to their knees or lower loses. Ayperos asked not even touching his weapon at all. I won't use my weapon, but since your'ss won't cut, it wouldn't matter. You don't have to if you don't want to. he added getting ready to sit back down not expecting a yes from him.

The demon who gavehim this mark. He sighed at the thought. "Lady Darkness is what she called herself," he said. "Her importance I do not know, but judging from where she lived, I'd say she is wealthy and successful in whatever it is she does here."

Then, he heard the challenge. He smiled. "I guess that would be alright," he said. He picked up his staff. "It be a pain to go into demon form right now, so I will just be used this as my weapon."

He got into a ready position, and was ready for some light combat. He knew that as a full archdemon, Ayperos would be stronger then him, so he would have to watch out for getting hit. But, since this was just practice, he would try not to be too aggressive. He had not been able to havea fight that was not for his life for a while, so he was not use to holding back. He would wait for his opponent to move first before he came in at full action mode.

Not even removing his gloves for the use of his claws, Ayperos side stepped a bit. Scooping his hand down quickly, he picked up a hand sized rock and pegged it at H'tes. Then running at H'tes, he drew his fist back as if he was going to punch him. Ayperos then jumped into the air and his wings re apeared. Taking flight, the royal demon waited in the air.

Flying around thinking of an attack. Not wanting to wait for H'tes to attack him with his many spells. He attempted to dive down at H'tes's back with his feet. If this worked, the little match would be over soon. Come on now he said.

((OOC: Sorry about short post, I couldn't think.))

H'tes watched his opponent carefully. First, he threw a rock at H'tes. Well, that was simply enough to avoid by stepping to the side. But then, Ayperos came at him, and seemed to be going for a punch. As he came, closer and closer, and H'tes prepared to block, Ayperos soared above him.

H'tes did not wait to see what he would do in the air. He used Teleport to dodge the diving kick, and appeared only a small distance away. He smiled, knowing this battle would not be quite as hard as his more life threatening battles. He began to summon up his energy, and speak the words of his magic. "To those who fear the flames of hell," he spoke in the language of demons known as Black Speech. His blood became alit in fire, and every blood vessel seemed to be affected by it. He smiled, looking at Ayperos. He breathed in for a while, and then exhaled to blow out a large stream of fire that headed directly at Ayperos. At long distance, the flames were easy to avoid. After all, H'tes was not being quite as serious as he would be in a real battle.

Once the flames died down, he would be prepared for a counter-attack to come at him. Ayperos had the sky as his advantage in the battlefield, while H'tes had his Teleportation ability as his advantage. It would be interesting to see who would come out on top in this battlefield. H'tes had a feeling his magic would do him rather better then his opponents demonic strength and flying ability, and thus felt he had a good chance to win. But, he would not underestimate his opponent. Underestimating would only lead to mistakes.

Ayperos had missed, or H'tes had dodged anyways. The next thing he heard was the Black Speech, he smiled. Hell's flames should not be feared, and will not be by a demon. he said taking flight again moving out of the way of the flame. He flew over to a tree nearby. Letting his wings vanish for now, Ayperos put his hands on the tree and attempted to lift it out of the ground, it was a small tree not one of those huge forest trees.

Pulling the tree out of the ground by it's roots, Ayperos then hucked it at H'tes. This might of been over doing it a little. Trees did not need to be thrown, but fire was shot at him. This still may have been over done, but Ayperos did not know any spells to help him in combat yet. Moving a bit more up the hill the royal demon then started to run down at H'tes after the tree had landed. If he got close enough, he would attempt to knee H'tes in the stomach. Just hoping no more fire would be shot at him.

H'tes saw a tree get hurled at him. That one might have been slightly overboard, but H'tes would simply continue as normal. He jumped to the side, avoiding the tree. Long distance attacks like this were not good. Then he noticed that Ayperos had come in for a running attack.

H'tes smiled, and prepared himself. When Ayperos was in close range, he suddenly teleported, and appeared beside his opponent. He used the staff to trip Ayperos. The momentum of Ayperos running at him would most likely cause the trip to make Ayperos fall to his knees, thus giving H'tes the victory for the practice match. It would be a simple enough way to win, that was for sure. If, however, Ayperos had jumped just in time, H'tes would be at a disadvantage. Since hewould not use thefire to actually hurt Ayperos, it was likely that the true strength of a demon would beat him in close combat.

Thus, H'tes would have to move quick if he wanted to win. But, in truth, he did not care if he did win. He had gotten to show off his skills quite a bit, and this was only a practice fight anyways. He would only really go for the win if his life was on the line. But this fight was more like just showing off. Win or lose, it was how he played his spells that counted.

He had become rather skilled at this type of fighting. It might be tiring for him to just teleport and dodge endlessly, but eventually, his power would be able togrow into even greater spells. Soon enough, he wouldn't even have to dodge attacks. But he could only dream of that day for now, for he still had a long way to go until then.

H'tes moved and came to Ayperos's side. The next thing he knew, he was face flat on the ground. This was the end of that. He got up and burshed himself off. I ment to do that, really. he said walking over towards where they were sitting a short while ago. The tree was coving have of it. He hopped over it and took his glove off. His claws showing fully. He carved into the tree, 'Ayperos was here' and underlined it deeply writen. He was pround of himself. He went over to another part of the tree and dug his claws into it pulling out a chuck. He worked quickly so he was halfway into the tree slight and take the top off. He then sat down in the seat he made out of the tree. Another thing he enjoyed was not having to sit on the ground even though he was use to it.

H'tes had won the fight. He felt proud of himself. Ayperos scoffed it off, but H'tes just smiled. Damn good to win something, that was for sure. But, Ayperos got his own chance to show off with his claw work. H'tes was impressed as he made himself a chair. H'tes found himself having to clap for thework, since it was indeed rather impressive.

He then went to sit back on the ground. "Well, that was a good little bit of practice," he said. He saw the fire was slightly dimming in his camp, and used the wood from the tree that had just ben cut up, and blew on it with his still flaming breath. He still had a little while with this spell, so might as well use it when he had it.

OOC: Can't think of anymore to add to this little post >.<

Ayperos put his gloves back on. He was interested in the fire spell that H'tes was using. It was cool to see. It was his turn to clap. That spell there is quite interesting. he said watching the flames. He wanted to learn more magic art, it was gnawing at his skull like an evil head crab.

He turned to the tree's side on his right for a bit. Running his fingers along the wood, it felt smooth for some reason enough through his rough handy work... Sometimes nature amazes me, but during this sometimes I just want to get rid of it other times I want to use it for my own perposes. Ayperos said removing his right hand glove again. He dug his index finger into the wood and carved out a six, followed by two more. Writing out the numbers six six six on the tree. He did not have a reason for this but he just felt like it. Under it he used his index finger claw, again, to draw a small picture. Stick figure anyways. He was sloppy but Ayperos wanted to draw something on it.

He jumped down from the tree courching infront of the fire on the other side from H'tes. So, are we friends? he asked holding his still ungloved right hand out over the fire for a handshake. He liked this boy probably enough to be a friend. Hopefully he would likely say so.

Ayperos was impressed with H'tes' spell. H'tes smiled. "The blood of hellfire has been useful for me so far," he said. "Especially when I run into someone particularly gifted in fire magic. It makes me immune to fire, as well as let me breath it. Pretty useful in offense and defense, don't you think?"

H'tes understood Ayperos next words well enough. He understood nature was both a wonder to behold, but also annoying at times. But, Ayperos moved on to something else that made H'tes think. He asked if they were friends. H'tes had not had much to do with friends before. But, he smiled, taking Ayperos' hand into a shake. "Yeah," he said. He supposed if he had ever had anything close to a friend, it be something like Ayperos.

OOC: Dang, what ish wrong with me >.< I can't post longer for some reason.

After shacking his hand, Ayperos withdrew his hand and put his glove back on. He thought he should bring something to their attention, or just one of their's. So, Lady Darkness correct? Shes brutal from what I heard. What did she do to you exaclty? he asked trying to remember what he had heard about this women. Not much was coming up besides that she was powerful, very. He went back over to his tree chair while H'tes spoke. He paid full attention. Hoping that he would share much about this. The Archdemon sat there.

(OOC: OMG sucky ass post.)

H'tes smile vanished, replaced by a look of sudden fear, anger and memories of pain and suffering. He looked down. "First she attacked me," he said. "Simply for being of mixed blood." Memories swirled in his head of the battle. "She was better then me from the beginning. I didn't know how to teleport at the time. She teleported around me, and cut me with her claws. When I decided it was too much, I tried to change into my demonic form. It's not the most impressive looking demon you can find, but it's what I got. But, she revealed her true form as well. Large, powerful, with wings. She beat me, knocked me out, and took me to her lair."

He shook slightly, as the memories continued to come. "In there, she chained me to a wall. The chains were rough, so they would hurt when you struggled. She pushed something the made the wall move back, so I was just hanging. Thats when she made this mark with a knife." He pointed to behind him with his thumb, indicating his back. "After that, shegot a whip and whipped me for a while. I passed out during that. Next I woke, I was strapped down in a chair." He shivered. "I begged for some kind of mercy. She told me she would, if I made it out in 20 seconds. She then cut my heels and released me from the chair. I made it as far as the wall. I begged for her to just end it, but she just laughed at me. Then she gave me bandaged me up so I wouldn't die yet. She fed me, let me rest."

His eyes burned in anger. "The next night, she took me out to Lomedor. Revealed her little piece of artwork to the humans of the square, revealed me for having demon blood, and basically unleashed them at me. I used Teleportation for the first time to escape. But she followed. I would have been beaten and dragged back into being her prisoner, but suddenly, she smelt prey she considered more important and just... left. Like I was just some kind of toy she was playing with." He was shivering in anger and fear.

The torture sounded a lot worse then Ayperos could have thought. That sounded pure evil, some of them at first gave him grand ideas for some humans. H'tes looked very uncomfortable talking about this. Ayperos was going to stop him half way through but he kept going. The sudden twist, mix, and blend of emotions in the air around H'tes was obvious that he would hate that women to the day he died. Some of the things she did sounded too cruel even for Ayperos to do to humans. That would be like dragging a human into Hell for the fun of it, butmore importantly just because they were different then other humans. Half demons, or quarters, whatever on that, and full blooded demons are together like the human problems of white and blacks. Sometimes they just don't get a long well when they don't have a reason to not get a long. Somethings in these world just made Ayperos wonder.

He moved towards H'tes still standing up and put his hand on H'tes's shoulder. I'll help ya get back at her if you want, what are friends for 'nyways. Of course that won't be very soon. he said and meaning it also adding, Also get back at the humans for the years of hatred they have given you.

"Thanks," said H'tes with a smile. It was truly greatly appreciated. His new friend would make a worthy ally to have in times of need. "But, for now, I just need to get stronger for her, and other things." He yawned a bit. "I need a bit of a rest. I still have a long trip ahead of me." He lay down on the ground. "I'm glad I've met a friend. Makes the day worth having." He smiled, closing his eyes to slowly fade into the unconciousness of sleep.

He thought about his new friend. Sure, he was a little bit sadistic, perhaps even a bit evil in human terms, but he wasn't as cruel as Lady Darkness, nor was he stupid like a human. That made for a worthy friend in H'tes' book. It was good to know not all demons would react the same way Lady Darkness did. Perhaps there was still some silver linings left in this world.

OOC: Another short post >.<

Ayperos grinned, of course they would have to get stronger. They were not going to beat her sooner or later, and she was a lot stronger then both of them. Even together, with their magic both combinded wouldn't be enough. As H'tes layed down to sleep he continued talking. One friend can make a life time worth having. Ayperos said in the demonic tongue as H'tes drifted off to sleep.

He moved back to his tree. He watched H'tes and the now Night sky for a while. It was peacefull for a while. He thought he should get going, he did not have a reason to stay here, hoped to see his new friend again and hoped he could keep his new promise. It was something he intended to do even if he died trying. He got up and started to walk away towards the nearest city. Looking back a few times before continuing.