What I must Do
Through The Gates of Hell
Black skies, no light could penetrate its depths. Ash lay beneath their feet it's chill bit their flesh harshly. The ash rained down with a malevolent tranquility upon the vast expanse of desert, the mottled grey of it's terrain created a grim atmosphere. In the distance was a tall structure of onyx which, if one thought logically, was the only reasonable destination for the two wanderers.
These travelers left two distinct prints within the ash, one was a set of human feet the other a hooves, one called this barren land home whilst the other considered it a treacherous and unknown plane. Said Human walked with a pondering pace as the leather sack he carried occasionally swung from left to right, it's essential contents shifting from side to side. Beside him was a tall and broad creature with ram horns protruding from it's skull it's flesh a dull crimson, the ash rain was smudged against his flesh, thick and messy black fur trailed from waist to hoof.
The Demon glanced at his Human companion for a moment before returning his gaze to the destination before them. A steady breeze managed to blow some ash into the Human's eyes, a mild inconvenience, the ash was easily brushed away however it did leave it's grey mark around his eyes. This was partial compared to the ash covering his bare upper body, he felt at comfortable without fabric on his chest, his strong body kept itself properly heated.
Said Human brushed a loose lock of his chocolate wavy hair, to remove the ticklish sensation it was inflicting upon his nose, two eyes one grey and the other a ruby red each stared at the pitch black structure. His bare upper body was covered in scars yet upon his face was a scar which jaggedly travelled from the right of his forehead to his chin, it was always a reminder of how he lost his eye originally. What made this being stand from other Humans was the network of crimson branches all over his body, it was almost like an ancient warriors tattoos.
"Distruttore. How will I hide my wings once we get in?"
The Demon looked over at the Human with a hint of concern. "Is the concealment charm fading? It should last longer than this!"
"Well it isn't, I can feel my wings coming through, see?"
Distruttore grabbed Salvatore's shoulder and forcefully turned the Human's back toward him, the still freshly anointed Archangel was right. "When we get closer I will hand you a robe, just cover your wings with it. It shall be hardy enough convincing my people that a Human being in our settlement is not the worst of decisions".
They continued walking and Salvatore rubbed the back of his neck where Distruttore had placed some Demonic charm to conceal his wings. Salvatore gave way to a sigh as he pondered on living within a Demon clan for a while, he didn't hold anything towards them as a race, he just knew that being Human would bring trouble of all kinds...Not just the fact he is an Archangel however he trusted his martial prowess to get out of a bad situation or, as a last resort, his swordsman skills.
"May I question you Salvatore?"
Distruttore's booming voice brought the pondering Human from his mind, which was a good thing the way his mind was going. "Of course, what do you want to know, a bit of talk would speed up the journey".
The Demon took a deep breath before speaking. "You have taken up my offer to train you in the ways of a Demon yet you bring not just a blade of your own making but an Angelic blade...What is your reasoning?"
Salvatore took a moment to revise his companions words and knew it was a genuine yet fair question. "My Master, Yamamoto, taught me that a warriors sword was more than a simple implement of killing. A sword is a warriors soul, it must be treated with respect, and in my case that Angelic blade is certainly a part of me".
The Archangel looked at Distruttore as they walked and awaited his response. When he finally turned his gaze back to Salvatore there was a gleam of understanding in his fiery orange eyes. "That I understand, as a warrior, you Humans have many similar traditions to both us Demons and the Angels themselves. I want you to know my questioning is not out of lack of trust just simple curiosity however I ask you to conceal it from my people".
An understanding nod was returned, the Demon's request was completely reasonable. They each found that little conversation transpired between themselves, their second conversation the whole journey being the one which had just transpired. Despite this silence they silently agreed to the void of social interaction between them, not out of spite or a feud, it was simply what each of them preferred.
Memories of the battle to save Equestria hit Salvatore harder than he thought...Although felling the many Demons whilst valiant Ponies fell left and right would leave it's marks even though said Ponies were brought back from death's cold grasp the blood soaked memories made him think about the Demons, yes they were trying to destroy Equestria and slay every living thing upon it's beautiful land, however from what he had learned from Distruttore all the Demons he killed were not too different from any other living being.
They had lives, families, roles in their respective clans and who knows what else more that made them more than simply mindless killing machines. During the battle Salvatore thought of as nothing more than moving piles of flesh...Now he did his best to count them all...So that he could place the weight of their corpses upon his shoulders and taint his heart with their blood that showered the meadows which they battled upon. The Archangel began to plan a form of physical punishment for his blind stupidity.
"Let not the burdens of war weigh upon thy soul".
Salvatore looked at Distruttore who was doing nothing but walking forward, always forward. "What?"
A sigh escaped the old Demon's lips. "That face you wear...It tells me more than you would like. War...War is something a warrior must endure for what is a warrior that cannot endure?"
A smile returned to the young Archangels lips. "You remind me of my old master...He would like you. A wise men in every aspect of his being".
"I would be pleasured to meet such a man. Do take my words and contemplate them...We Demons know grief far beyond war".
They each looked ahead and saw that they were only minutes away from their destination, speech was an amazing thing. A another glance elicited another form of concern from the Demon."I hope that you take on our customs as well as our techniques. You will be made to feel welcome in my house yet outside I will trust you have composure when faced with a firm opposition".
A toothy grin gleamed at the Distruttore. "If I gave in under pressure now then my whole life up until this moment has been a waste".
'There's the savior I know, that boy who destroyed my army and bested me.' Distruttore hid the warm smile which revealed sharp teeth. "Now remember to cover up good!"
Salvatore grabbed a long grey cloak from the leather sack he carried and wrapped it around his upper body to effectively secure his wings, though admittedly it was quite uncomfortable, his first task was t get to Distruttore's abode alive. Once he was ready Distruttore picked up his pace and they was soon standing face to face with the titanic onyx gate, it's structure could hold the Hell Beast they battled if necessary.
"I'm ready". Salvatore signaled the Demon to knock three times upon the metal door, three booms that resonated through its surface, that sound marked that start of a new journey that Salvatore the Human ascended Archangel would now embark upon to find answers both within himself and withheld by his master.