Solus, Lily and Maroon

Lily Quarin smiled a crooked smile as the bus stopped in front of the infamous bar “The Bleeding Demon”. The tasteless facility was well-known amongst the local demons as a place you don’t want to be. As a place that only had an entrance and not so much an exit unless you’ve already kicked the bucket. It was only the poor wanderers or frenzied demons that entered there and judging by the bad condition of the sign (whose neon letters weren’t all working) the bar’s seen better days. As an entrepreneur Lily would have taken another approach. Of course, she didn’t mind this being a trap for the dangerous elements threatening the peace in her city, but it seemed like a waste to utterly destroy the bodies. If it was her, she’d use the remains to feed the Protected – a good way to keep your business legal in the eyes of both the Council and the Protected and still allow humans their fun. But no, Hunters were tough people resilient to compromise and set in their ways of senseless racism. Something Lily did mind, as it still presented a threat to her, even after all those years on the Surface. Of course, Hunters would be prosecuted by the Council if they offed a Protected but she really doubted the humans cared.

Flicking her fingers Lily set a small illusion in place to alter the sign. She didn’t deem it appropriate for such a scary place – it deserved a more hellish make-over. It now looked to be made of flesh dripping fresh deep-red blood on the pavement below. And on the heads of the few passer-by. The humans screamed and scrambled away from the building causing the demon to smirk. Then she realized that giving a human a heart attack might not be the brightest idea under the current circumstance and quickly undid the spell. 

Getting down to business, Lily examined the building with her demonic senses. She could clearly feel the passive hostility of the people inside and the fresh stench of blood and death that was seeped into the walls. She could also feel the presence of the beings inside, and of her target, Solus Grim, retreating from the pits of the torture-room in the basement. However, there was a Death Ward on the door that prevented her from entering. And while she could break through the wall, she didn’t believe that would be a great first impression either. 

[i]Well, since I can’t go in, I have to invite him out..[/i]

So she smiled, closed her eyes and sung. She sung a sweet song, one rivaling Melody’s skill with the harp and one that could lure any man to his demise. One she rarely sung and one that would make all the passer-by stop in their tracks and gather calmly around her, dazed like children around a magical storyteller. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having finished his quick conversation with Rina on the phone, Solus made his way back up the stairs, and climbed out of a trap door behind the bar right by Fuse's feet. A few customers that had arrived minutes earlier that were muttering to eachother suddenly stopped at the sight of Solus clumsily climbing out from behind the bar. They all squinted at him with the look that he got used to long ago. [COLOR="#000000"]"Well, these are some hateful patrons..."[/COLOR] He muttered in Fuse's direction as the retired Demon Hunter pulled Solus aside to a quiet corner. "Well?" He asked as him and Solus took a set at a table. "What did you get out of her?"

Solus held out a bloody black gem in an open palm, solumly looking down at it. [COLOR="#000000"]"The same cryptic shit. She almost blew up on me from this little gem... An interesting killswitch."[/COLOR] Fuse glared at the black stone. "That thing nearly blew her up? Well, is she still alive?" Solus shook his head. [COLOR="#000000"]"Vampire dust."[/COLOR] Fuse sighed loudly, loudly enough for everyone in the bar to hear. "Just like every other lead..."

[COLOR="#000000"]"Well you were a big help anyway. Here's for the trouble."[/COLOR] Solus descretely handed Fuse a large roll of money. [COLOR="#000000"]"Oh and, um... Mind if I keep this?"[/COLOR] Solus pulled out a menacingly large silver knife from one of his pockets. Fuse looked down at the cash, that was roughly held together by an elastic band. "I guess that could conpensate for the bowie knife." Solus gave him his trademark jigsaw smile. [COLOR="#000000"]"Thanks, I'll see you around."[/COLOR] Solus stood up from the table and offered his hand, and of course, Fuse shook it. "You too." It had been a while since they saw each other on actual good terms. Solus wished he could catch up, but he didn't have much time, and the patrons were giving him the dirty looks he always recieved everywhere else.

Solus left the bar, to be greeted by a small crowd of people huddled around a singer, a great singer infact. Solus couldn't see through the bodies of all the people, so he had no chance of catching a glimpse of the singing person. He shook off the thought of joining the crowd, he might scare them all away anyway. So he continued towards his four wheeled tank at the end of the street. He had a girl to save.

 Lily’s eyebrows fluttered up and she actually had to wonder if she wasn’t losing her touch due to not having used her voice like that for decades. She got to her feet, the crowd splitting to let her through, and stood just at the edge of it. With the same melodic, but slightly less serious and more amused voice, she called. 

“Solus Grim? Are you going to ignore your date just like that?” 

He was just about to pull out his keys from his pocket when he heard that. He spun on his heels as the essence maelstrom flowed the smell of a demon into his nostrils. His eyes widened with surprise. [COLOR="#000000"]"Lily the Muse..."[/COLOR] Solus said almost to himself. [COLOR="#000000"]"Should have known it was you showing off your skills. And I would hardly call you my date... If you know my name then you know my stance on demons."[/COLOR]

"Oh, I was using the word in the broad meaning." Lily waved her hand carelessly and muttered a "scram" under her breath that made the crowd disperse almost as fast as it had gathered. Putting her hands up in the air, palms facing Solus, she walked closer. "I see you've heard of me and I see that you have no immediate intention on using any fine piece of military art on me. Both facts flatter me. After all, I did come with peace. May I have a word with you? In private. Perhaps in that nice little basement down there?"

[COLOR="#000000"]"I doubt they would let you in there... You need a ride?"[\COLOR] Solus gestured towards his car, which stood overshadowed in the distance, making it difficult to make out it's details.

Lily mused. She could make them let her in, she could convince anyone to do anything but... it wasn't really worth it, was it? As valuable as this meeting could prove, she didn't have to gather all the attention in town for it. Being a Protected demon did by no means mean that you were immune. It just meant your life was almost as valuable as a human's... almost. 
She didn't really need a ride either - she liked chatting with strangers on the bus who could later turn to valuable allies. But a bus was hardly the place for fateful conversations. So she nodded and silently got into his car. The smell of a female parfume that was lingering over the passanger seat [i]and[/i] the driver seat made her smirk. 

"Should I speak while you drive or do you have a place in mind?"

[COLOR="#000000"]"While I drive."[/COLOR] Solus said as he started the car and revved it. [COLOR="#000000"]"If you want a private conversation this is the safest place to have it. Where are we heading?"[/COLOR]

"East Beach." Lily siggested. Might as well. "Well, Mr Grim, I see you're not very weary of a demon seeking your attention in the middle of the night. As your elder I feel compelled to scold you and advise you to be more careful in these times of Chaos. While I see that you've had a very recent encounter with a poor possessed soul, many beings are entering the Surface that you should do best to avoid. Such as the flesh construct I heard you engaged a couple of days ago. A noble act but also a slightly foolish one, wouldn't you agree?"

The car set off with a roar that threw Lily into her seat. [COLOR="#000000"]"You are telling that to the very man who killed Mesphistopheles. So a scolding is pretty pointless. We will be at East Beach in..."[/COLOR] The car roared even louder as it accelerated to way beyond the speed limit. [COLOR="#000000"]"...five minutes. So get to the point."[/COLOR]

"Ah, but back when you dealt with the old fool there was no woman left in your apartment to await your return, no? You should be more careful now, a woman’s heart is fragile and too easy to break." She smiled, fondness more present on her face than malice. “In any case, it is exactly your attitude towards humans that lead me to you, Mr Grim. As I believe we share the goal of keeping Loom safe, I’d like to request your assistance on a certain matter. I am aware it isn’t the correct way to start our acquaintance but may I ask you how you became the way you are now? I am aware of the circumstance, however the information about what it feels like to be you is something I can only receive by asking you in person.”

Solus turned his head towards her as the car blasted past several other vehicles and passed two red lights. [COLOR="#000000"]"That's a story I just can't tell in... Four minutes. Now get to that certain matter before you run out of time."[/COLOR]

So this is as far as his patience went. 5 minutes, no more. He wasn’t exactly cooperative, so how much of the truth did he deserve? 

"Ah, but that is the matter, Mr Solus. I’m afraid I have to insist. A Chimera like you is a rare occurrence however you are not the only one. There might be others like you, others, who might even outdo your skills, and we need to know what to think of them. I would have liked to have a civilized conversation with you and explain the matter in detail but if you’re pressured by time then we could take a shortcut too. I would like a sample of your essence, a simple drop of blood is sufficient. I assure you I’m going to destroy it as soon as I take a look at it and not use it for any… foul purposes."

The car slammed to a stop. Solus neck cracked as his head craned in her direction. The flame in his nostrils blew out like a blowtorch for a moment. [COLOR="#000000"]"If you seek my memories, you're not going to get them like that."[/COLOR] He said that as he knew how the essence would be used. He did after all, dabble with the art on occasions. Though a little difficult to manipulate for a human...

“I’m not after your memories, Mr Grim. At least not like that. I lack the skill to see through your essence like that. All I need is to compare its colour. That’s all. And I assured you that I will destroy the sample as soon as I look at it, didn’t I? Believe me, Mr Grim, if my intentions towards you were anything else but peaceful I would have chosen a different approach. Furthermore, the Council [i]will[/i] choose another approach. You know their ways, and I don’t suppose you like them any more than I do.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"And their previous ways have failed..."[/COLOR] Solus muttered out. He closed his eyes and thought for a few moments. [COLOR="000000"]"Why do you need my essence? For what purpose?"[/COLOR]

"I need to compare it to a sample I already have. One we couldn't identify." Lily explained calmly. But she wasn't going to offer more than he offered her. 

[COLOR="#000000"]"And from whom did this sample emerge?"[/COLOR]

“Oh, Mr Grim, I’m afraid our 4 minutes are running up. I thought you didn’t want to get involved in my little mission? If you insist on knowing more, I might insist on you giving me a reason to trust you more too. While I’m in the position to complete my given task, I’m by far not authorized to trust you blindly.”

Traffic was beginning to pile up behind and in front of the car as it was blocking both lanes. [COLOR="#000000"]"I see my time is being wasted."[/COLOR] Solus pushed a button on his door, and Lily's side door opened. [COLOR="#000000"]"We're done here."[/COLOR]

Lily sighed dramatically and shook her head. 
“Really, Mr Grim, you disappoint me. Are you going to kick me out if I refuse to leave on my own accord?”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Yes."[/COLOR] His voice was, strange, for a moment.

“Great!” Lily smiled brightly and slipped out of the car with the grace of a dancer. Before she shut the door she leaned over and said. “The person in question, Mr Grim, is someone you know. I will visit you again with my request and hope to find you in a better mood.” 

[COLOR="#000000]"Wait..."[/COLOR]

Lily stopped in the middle of the street and turned around with her hands behind her back. Smiling slightly, she walked back and stood next to the closed door, making no attempt to open it. If it could open automatically to let her out, then she assumed it could go the other way around too. That is, [i]if[/i] he wanted her inside now. 

[COLOR="#000000"]"Your request comes with a price, and that price is information. You will tell me what this is about. Everything. No more. No less. This offer is non negotiable."[/COLOR] Solus gripped the steering wheel, getting ready to leave.

Lily gave herself a moment to think this over. Maroon would certainly not be happy about this and he’d definitely object against a mere human holding information that could question the integrity and the ways of the Council. He would surely rather entrust it to any demonic Lord – a being much more dangerous but much more reasonable too. 

Humans, humans were another story. Their illogical loyalty to their own kin made them highly unpredictable and much harder to understand for either the Council or the Lords. 

However, Lily knew a lot about humans. She knew what they were and she knew what they were not. They were greedy, ignoble and stupid but they were also incredibly resourceful. Furthermore, they never lived their lives alone and their death always meant someone else’s anguish as well. A web so intricate and complex that it went far beyond demons' and angels' simple notions of good and evil. 

“Mr Grim, I have observed your actions in the past few decades and I’m quite confident that I can trust you. However if I do, I will request that you trust me as well. If I am to offer you information, then I will have to deem you my accomplice. As such I will expect you to be loyal to me just as I will be to you. Would you allow me to seal your lips and prevent you from ever discussing the matter with anyone we don’t trust in exchange for information? If so, then we have a deal. If not, I will have to retreat empty-handed.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Loyalty is as significant as a child's fart in the universe. Which is not at all."[/COLOR] Solus looked down at his tensed hands and shook his head. [COLOR="#000000"]"Fine, but don't mutter a word of my past to anyone."[/COLOR]

“I will have to. Two people you’re welcome to meet yourself. An angel and a demon. Ones I trust with my life, myself.” She smiled “And ones who probably wouldn’t give a shit anyway. They’ll only need to know [i]what[/i] you are, not [i]who[/i].”

[COLOR="#000000"]"They'll be surprised..."[/COLOR] The passanger door opened again, welcoming Lily back in. [COLOR="#000000"]"Where to?"[/COLOR] The traffic now started blairing horns and shouts from angry drivers.

The demon went back in and put her seatbelt on. "Do you want to meet the angel now? If so, you know the destination. If not, you could just tell me and I will pass it on."

[COLOR="#000000"]"How the fuck would I know where to go with cryptic shit like that? Just tell me where I need to be..."[/COLOR]

"East Beach, as always." Lily laughed. 

Solus just glared at her for a moment, and then slammed down on the accelerator to get the car on it's way.

--------------------------------------------------

The Mustang rolled into the elegant courtyard with a roar, stopping outside the steps that lead to the front door. The mansion itself was that of a relatively common design, similar to the rest of the properties it's size in East Beach. A nice Victorian design with fancy floral arrangements and a fountain with a statue peeing into the water. This angel's lack of taste was clearly visible to Solus, that he almost scoffed outloud. The building just screamed Hierarchy.

East Beach was the only district in town that was clean, orderly, and filled with overpriviledged soccer moms. Proagia's attempt at the American Dream. [COLOR="#000000"]"We're here."[/COLOR]

Lily stepped out of the car and stretched. Not waiting for Solus she made her way to the front door, pushing it open with ease. A red-haired angel in a simple black t-shirt and trousers was there to receive her, a little smirk crossing his features as he saw his unexpected guest and his vehicle. 

“Seraph Maroon, Hunter Solus Grim.” Lily bowed theatrically but didn’t wait for a response, slipping past Maroon and straight into his living room down the hall. Maroon chuckled at her mockery and waved a hand at Solus in an accommodating gesture. 

“Welcome, Master Grim. It’s a pleasure to have you.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Let's not overdramatize this, shall we?"[/COLOR] Solus replied to the greeting with a cold glare towards the Seraph. Maroon, Solus knew who he was, the throne warmer for the last Seraph who's place he took. [COLOR="#000000"]"You could have told me I was meeting a Councilor."[/COLOR] Solus said to Lily.

“Why, would you have changed into a white robe?” Lily chuckled. 

Maroon led his guest to the living room and sat opposite him at the tea-table. 

“Well, Master Grim, you have my utmost gratitude for your cooperation. I asked my friend Lily Quarin to contact you in order to gain a glimpse of your essence but I’m glad to have you visit in the flesh. I would offer tea but I see you’re impatient to know the purpose of your presence. Of course, as you already know, we need a sample of your essence to compare to a sample we already posses. However due to some new information I have acquired I have to ask an even bigger favor of you – an access to your memories. Of course, I don’t wish to fully violate your private memories so we could avoid that if you agree to have your essence altered slightly into being unable to tell a lie. Of course, only temporarily. That way you could tell us what you deem necessary and avoid having your memories seen by anyone.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"I don't do handouts. If you want my memories to be of aid to you, you're gonna have to tell me what this is all about."[/COLOR] Solus replied, crossing his arms.

“Of course. But I have to warn you, should you be to misuse the acquired information, we will have to take less-civil actions.” Maroon warned and smirked. “Are you game?”

[COLOR="#000000"]"The Council has already been taking less-than-civil actions towards me..."[/COLOR] He paused for a moment. [COLOR="#000000"]"Probably without telling you..."[/COLOR] Solus shook his head and sighed. [COLOR="#000000"]"What have I got to lose?"[/COLOR]

“Your friends, your acquaintances, your city, your country…” Maroon shrugged. “It all depends on the scale of your treason and on the scale of our current matter.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"You'd be surprised to hear that I do not care about or have any of those things."[/COLOR] Solus uncrossed his arms. [COLOR="#000000"]"Alright then, deal. But you first. What's this about?"[/COLOR]

“Your words say one thing, Mr Grim but your actions say another.” Maroon said as he was getting up. “A man who doesn’t care doesn’t risk his life for strangers. We know of your devotion to the human race and we cherish that. We are on the same side, you should realize.” It was meant as a praise, even though Maroon was sure it wouldn’t be taken that way. Going over to the kitchen he clicked the electrical kettle on and turned around again, leaning on the counter. 

“It might seem trivial to you but it’s concerning one of our own. We are encountered with a peculiar phenomenon… and we have to wonder if she really is what we thought she was. We know you have encountered her in your heroic battle against the flesh construct in Thorpe. It bothers us that an angel seems capable of utilizing valgria-like claws so we are currently trying to examine her real nature. Do you remember her, Mr Grim?”

Solus ignored his [i]Same side[/i] comment, he wouldn't be making threats to kill innocent people if he actually gave a damn about humanity. [COLOR="#000000"]"I wouldn't say that job was heroic, I was getting paid for it."[/COLOR] Solus stared at the ceiling for a few moments, as if there was a nasty spot of mold up there. He looked back down towards the Seraph and said. [COLOR="#000000"]"I remember her, but I never caught her name..."[/COLOR]

“Her name is of no importance. What could you tell us about her? Have you noticed anything peculiar about her?” 

[COLOR="#000000"]"For a black winged angel her abilities weren't the kind you see every day. She could harden her skin to be as strong as that of a Bomb Defusal Kevlar Suit, throw strands of her hair at people like needles, and she has those claws, as you mentioned."[/COLOR]

Maroon’s face showed his surprise. He turned ‘round and got some cups and sugar and tea out of the cupboard his hands mechanically mixing all the ingredients, his mind busy. 

Hazumi was a Battle angel and as such she could modify her body but that much? Not even Original angels had this good of a control over their own flesh. Furthermore, all those traits belonged to demons he had heard of – bowalls, slithes, valgrias…. Was there even a single one, capable of all that? 

“See, Mr Grim, this leads us to doubt her nature.” Maroon said thoughtfully , finally returning to the table with 3 cups of tea. “That is why we would like to confirm, or rule out, the possibility of her actually being possessed by a demon.” He tried not to show his discomfort at the thought that almost chilled him to the bone. Next to him Lily had blanched. 

[COLOR="#000000"]"Possession is possible. But that girl really hates demons. She attacked me on sight thinking I was a demon, no surprise considering that she is uneducated by the Academy, and my face being a plus to that. I told her that I am human..."[/COLOR] Solus took his cup and dunked the spoon that was provided to him into the tea, stiring it around a bit. [COLOR="#000000"]"...she immediately realized she made a mistake, and took pity on me. What exactly did she do to get your attention?"[/COLOR]

“She assaulted my school. Master Melody’s Academy for Fine Arts, the best music school in the country. She killed near half my students-- ” Lily’s voice broke and she fell silent, squeezing her cup of tea. 

Solus' jaw clenched, [COLOR="#000000"]"How many?"[/COLOR]

“Two hundred sixty one.” Maroon answered. “Within 5 minutes.” Lily added dully. 

The seraph cleared his throat. 

“Which leads us to question both her loyalties and her right to live.”

Solus closed his eyes in thought as he took a sip of the tea. [COLOR="#000000"][i]Not again[/i][/COLOR]. Solus thought to himself as the beverage trickled down his rough throat. [COLOR="#000000"][i]She pulled another poor dark wing into her web of lies[/i] "I may have a theory, Maroon. But you won't like it..."[/COLOR]

"That I'm sure of." Maroon nodded with a stern face.

Solus stared at his feet for a moment, thinking about how to tell Maroon about what was on his mind without pissing him off. He was already in enough trouble with the Council. [COLOR="#000000"]"Within your Council there is a Battle Seraph known as Phaliah, and her actions have been questionable in the last century... Knowing that the suspect you speak of is a black wing... em..."[/COLOR] He froze to think again. [COLOR="#000000"]"Black Wings search for a way to belong among their White Winged kin, and they would anything for the Council..."[/COLOR] He sounded like his voice was trailing off. [COLOR="#000000"]"I would say that she was perhaps sent on a mission to kill Lily, and was also lied to about the kids, so that the Black Wing would be considered a rogue without a second thought."[/COLOR] He stopped again to let that sink in. [COLOR="#000000"]"What we need to find out is if this girl was given an order. Ask the girl who ordered the attack on the school yourself, she won't lie to you."[/COLOR] Solus continued. [COLOR="#000000"]"Phaliah, as you probably already know by now Maroon, is a massive xenophobe. She hates Greys and Blacks with every inch of her being, and from what I heard, she doesn't like the idea of Protected Demons either."[/COLOR] Solus decided to ask a quick question. [COLOR="#000000"]"Sorry to derail my train of thought here but this is important... Do you have like, Council meetings or anything of the sort on a regular basis?"[/COLOR]

Maroon stared at Solus for a long moment trying to decide if it was vital to know how the heck the human knew of the Council’s inner workings. He knew Philiah, and this man’s theory wasn’t too hard to believe yet it was still outrageous to hear such accusations from a human's mouth.

“I’m afraid my status isn’t high enough to question her actions, Mr Grim. I appreciate your concern and I will do my best to revise her past actions.” Although the chances to actually manage were nigh zero percent. Just an empty promise to quell the spirits and allow him to change subject.
“Well then… could I ask you to complete your part of our deal as well?” 

"I haven't finished." Solus retorted. "If Phaliah saw this Black Winged kid, and wanted to get rid of Lily, she had an opportunity to hit two birds with one stone. Kill a Protected using the Black Wing and get rid of said Black Wing by framing her for mass murder. The kid then gets her wings clipped and that's the end of it. Because... Who's going to believe her story... Right? She's just a filthy Fallen now." Solus took a couple of steps towards the Seraph and said. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions. The answers to them are in my memories..."

Maroon was a bit taken aback by both the accusations to the Council and the sudden honesty of the man before him and reminded himself for the 100th time that he shouldn’t underestimate the humans so severely. With a serious expression and a nod he placed a hand on the stranger’s forehead and peered into his memories. 

Maroon's skull was immediatly flooded with visions, fragmented memories. It was like Solus' mind was a broken mirror, shattered and messy. But Solus fed Maroon what he wanted him to see.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[COLOR="#000000"]"You... You bitch!"[/COLOR] A young black winged male angel shouted towards the Six Winged Seraph. The Black Wing, a young caucasian angel with shaved black hair and green eyes, dressed in casual clothing that was custom to the mid 1980s. And the Seraph, a pristine blonde female with six golden wings, her body armoured in gold plating. [COLOR="#000000"]"Why... why did you..."[/COLOR] Both of them stood in what appeared to be an old park, during the cold winter, well clear of any human population, especially at this time of night. [COLOR="#000000"]"YOU MADE ME KILL ALL THOSE PEOPLE!"[/COLOR] The Six Winged Seraph chuckled to herself clearly amused by the Dark Angel's suffering. "You were always so gullible Azazel, just like the rest of your kind, black winged gullible filth." The Dark Angel stood there, simply speechless, staring at the Seraph with a dropped jaw. [COLOR="#000000"]"You'll pay for this Phaliah... The Council will hear of this!"[/COLOR] Hissed Azazel through his clenched teeth. "Ha! And who's going to believe you? The Academy? The White Wings? The other Members? The blood is on your hands, and you're just a dirty Black Wing, I however, am a prestigious member of the Council. Now answer the question, who's going to believe you over me?"

Azazel knew the answer all too well, no one would. He was alone just like every other Black Wing, alone and helpless, cowering in this dark corner of the world. His head lowered in despair. What could he do? Kill a Seraph? They would just flatten the city. He wouldn't be able to beat her anyway. And he won't let anymore innocents die. He couldn't take that burden, the guilt. It would turn him insane. Turn himself in? They would just kill him. "All you can do is run, Azazel..." The Seraph continued. "...run, run like the coward you are!"

[COLOR="#000000"]"I ain't running..."[/COLOR] He replied. [COLOR="#000000"]"I'll leave, but mark my words Phaliah. I will return, and I will crucify you and watch as you bleed..."[/COLOR] Phaliah was not impressed, or frightened by the threat, just gave him a hearty laugh to mock him as his massive wings pumped and lifted him into the air.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maroon felt his sides heat up with anger. Of course he knew Philiah was a nasty person and tended to misuse her position. It had angered him for the past 50 years and that was only based on her attitude towards the dark angels in the Council building. It was entirely different seeing this. Why the hell did the Council tolerate that? 

Breathing out he forced himself to calm down. It wasn’t his place to question his superiors, his own position was shaky enough. Besides, who knew what had actually happened? 

Fool. It’s obvious who’s telling the truth. He should seek that dark angel out. If he was still alive. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An earlier memory emerged in Maroon's mind, two days prior to the one he saw earlier he assumed.

Phaliah and Azazel stood together in the Great Hall of the White Tower, seeming on better terms. "I see you have answered my call." Phaliah commented to the Dark One as he stood there, looking around in awe. Clearly he had never been to the tower before, but Maroon would recognize that Hall all too well. [COLOR="#000000"]"This place... i-it's amazing!"[/COLOR] Azazel replied, obviously awe-struck. "Yes..." Phaliah continued, huffing up her chest proudly. "And there is more to see once you prove youself. A chance to crack it in the Academy awaits."

[COLOR="#000000"]"I can't believe it... Finally I'll belong..."[/COLOR] The Dark One replied still absorbing the heavenly interior. "You know your mission then. Kill Amethis, and end the lives of those tortured souls, send them to the void."

[COLOR="#000000"]"Of course. Anything for the Council."[/COLOR]

"Good." Waving at him in a [i]Be off with you[/i] motion.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amethis, the Protected demon who had been working in the field of Quantum Theory for over 2 millenia only to be killed along with 36 of his students by a culprit that was never caught. 

The seraph felt a chill run down his spine. This was more than evidence, Solus wasn’t just a Hunter, he was a witness. And Maroon had a terrible feeling he was even more than that… 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suddenly Maroon felt like his wings were being torn out of his shoulders, but he would momenteraly realize that it was just a side effect of the memory.

The memory was two days after the first vision. All he could see was Azazel, sitting on his knees rocking back and forth. He was muttering something, but it was hard to make out, it was however slowly getting clearer as Azazel's voice rose in volume. [COLOR="#000000"]"I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy."[/COLOR] He repeated the same words over and over again, gradually getting louder. He suddenly grabbed the joints of his wings, his hands as strong as vices. Now his voice was at shouting point. Then, he pulled. The wet crack of his wings dislocating was sickening, gut wretching. The angel screamed in pain. But he didn't let up, he kept pulling.

The flesh around his shoulders began to break and bleed, the tendons that held the wings on his shoulder wetly ripped and sprang apart like broken rubber bands. The angel stopped, but the wings weren't severed yet. He panted, regaining his breath, then he began to repeat the same words again. [COLOR="#000000"]"I'm not worthy."[/COLOR]

He pulled for the last time, and the wings were no longer a part of him. He dropped them behind him, and his arms slumped to his sides. The two open wounds were the wings used to be, clearly visible for all to see.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maroon removed his hand as if it was on fire. He should be used to it by now, to seeing disgusting things but this was a whole new level of disgusting. Never, in his 3 millennia of conscious existence, had he seen or heard of anything like that. And he honestly could’ve gone without witnessing it. 

His wings twitched absent-mindedly in a convulsion that wasn’t his own. He was vaguely aware of Lily’s fixed stare and of how less than dignified he must look right now and he tried to regain his composure. Clearing his throat and tucking his wings closer together, he spoke. 

“Forgive me. I have ventured too deep. Could you... Could you please concentrate on the demon incident so I find my way easier..” He asked, his voice annoyingly uncertain. He tried his best not to stare at the man who had once been one of his kind and had lost everything, even his face, at the hands of the organization he was serving.

Solus' eyes were closed as Maroon made his request. [COLOR="#000000"]"Isn't what I showed you evidence enough?"[/COLOR] He asked opening his eyes. His voice was quiet, almost a whisper, a broken one. He sighed. He didn't want to show him any more, but he knew he had to. [COLOR="#000000"]"Alright..."[/COLOR He acknowledged, closing his flaming eyes again.

The seraph cursed his job for the hundredth time in his life. He thought that would actually be a happier memory. He’d love to quit now but he couldn’t. Whether Hazumi was tricked into attacking the school or not didn’t change the fact that there was something abnormal about her essence. And it was his duty to get his hands dirty and unravel it. 

“I don’t have to see your memories.” He tried to negotiate. “You’ve gained my trust. I understand what you were saying and why. I believe now your version of events might well be true. However you came here with another purpose, and we still need to know whether you and Hazumi became the same kind of being. I still need to know what you are so I might know what she is.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Fine."[/COLOR] Said the Necromaster, taking a seat in one of the fancy, yet comfortable chairs. Solus wasn't sure whether to tell him all the details or just keep it simple. [COLOR="#000000"]"You want the short version or the long version?"[/COLOR] He said, grabbing the cup of his tea that had now gone cold. He didn't give two shits if it was cold or not. Well, actually... He did.

He put the cup down and asked. [COLOR="#000000"]"Do you have anything stronger? I need a stiff drink after that..."[/COLOR]

Maroon nodded and moved to the top right cabinet – one that didn’t stand out in any way but held the greatest treasures in the room. Well, save for the one full of exotic spices. He returned with 3 glasses of whiskey… and the bottle. 

Lily took hers silently and finished it with one swift motion, but remained otherwise silent and discreet. 
Maroon decided to help Solus out with some leading questions that might save him some trouble.

“If I remember correctly your current look is the result of you defeating a Hellion. Did you find a way to assimilate his abilities and utilize them for yourself? Or is he sealed away in your body?”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Both"[/COLOR] Solus replied. [COLOR="#000000"]"It took 3 years to seal him away. During that time he was in total control of my body. He used it to cause havoc in the neighboring cities. He had his own plans for me, and I had plans for him. His plan was, to use my body as a way of bypassing Melody. Making my body his own, mutating it to fit his needs, hence my current condition."[/COLOR] Solus lazily gestured towards his face with his right hand. [COLOR="#000000"]"My plan was to steal his powers, and then purge his soul and syphon it into a Soul Stone. But that failed."[/COLOR]

“And currently?”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Currently what?"[/COLOR] Solus asked, a little confused by Maroon's inquiry.

"Currently are you able to use his abilities without his permission? Does he.. still live inside you?"

Solus chuckled. [COLOR="#000000"]"His powers? They are a part of me now. They're not his anymore."[/COLOR] Solus took a hold of the whiskey glass and chugged it down in one go. Setting down the empty glass he continued. [COLOR="#000000"]"And yeah, he's still in there, and not because he wants to be."[/COLOR] He kept it short. But they were direct answers.

“I presume you’re using magic to keep him sealed away. However Hazumi has her wings intact and angels cannot use magic.” Maroon sighed. 

“May I take a peek at your essence?” Lily spoke. “It might give us some answers.”

Solus smiled. [COLOR="#000000"]"You won't get anything out of it, but sure."[/COLOR] He got off his chair and walked over to Lily offering his hand, which was supernaturally smooth, as smooth and as soft as a baby's bottom. Really easy to cut or rupture at the palm. On closer inspection, it looked like it had been severely burnt at one point. The skin had been almost singed off completely, but somehow healed with minimal scaring.

Lily gently held his hand and quickly ran a pointy fingernail over it. The cut wasn’t deep but it was deep enough to form a small deep-red drop. The demon stroked his hand, taking a second longer to curiously examine it, before taking the little droplet between her fingers and held it like a glass bead, staring right through it. 

Maroon helpfully offered her a small glass vial full of what seemed like tar which she took in her free hand. 

“There is a slight similarity between them… The deep red colour though Hazumi’s is almost black. If you look closely at Mr Grim’s you could notice the swirling darker and lighter shades of red, which is absent in the second sample. I would have to confirm that the essence in the vial seems more homogenous… However even if it was entirely of demonic origin it wouldn’t be [i]so[/i] dark.”

“Right.” Maroon said with a sigh. Filling his guest’s glass once more he smiled wearily. “Thank you for your cooperation… Mr Grim. My guest room is at your service. And even if you should be to decline, I would be happy to meet you again.”

Solus waved away the second drink. He only needed one. [COLOR="#000000"]"Thanks for the offer, but I need to go... Don't worry, I'll see myself out."[/COLOR] Solus turned, and walked away from the Angel and Demon duo, who watched him walk away.

“Mr Grim.” Lily called after him and walked over, reducing her voice to a whisper. “If there is anything we can do for you, please don’t be afraid to say so. Even if it’s concerning certain.. permanent illusions. We are indebted to you.” 

Solus raised a rhetorical eyebrow. [COLOR="#000000"]"Permanent illusions? What does that mean?"[/COLOR] Solus was a much more direct individual who never bothered to use bullshit words, everything with him was always simple.

Lily gently reached out and placed her hand on his cheek. “I mean this. I’m a siren.. my job is to enchant. Shall you ever desire a more.. regular life, I could aid you.”

[COLOR="#000000"]"Honestly, I prefer it this way. I think it's better if people see me for what I am, rather than have them look upon a lie."[/COLOR] Solus said whilest gently pushing her hand aside. [COLOR="#000000"]"Either way, your debt is noted."[/COLOR] Solus turned around again, and made his way towards the front door. A lot of things were on his mind as he walked down the steps towards his car. He just spilled the more troubling time of his past to a Council member. [COLOR="#000000"][i]You stupid fool.[/i][/COLOR] He thought to himself. He didn't trust Maroon, not with his history.

He climbed into his car and started it up. The fuel pumped in the engine and ignited, pumping the pistons of the V10 and making it roar to life. He gripped the steering wheel hard. There were a lot of risks with giving away his past like that, more than he could count off his fingers. He sighed heavily. [COLOR="#000000"]"Well that was quite the experience."[/COLOR] With that phrase hanging in the air, he set off to his next location. An address sent to him via SMS on a magic phone from some Demon Lord Solus never heard of. What could go wrong...?

Well... Just about everything....