What I Must Do
Stranger in a Strange land
As the titanic onyx gates began to part a mighty groan called from the ancient metal of it's structure, like the waking sounds of a long sleeping giant. This was followed by a ear piercing whine which was more universally known as the sound of old machinery grinding, questions of the structures age began accumulating within Salvatore's head. The scent of fire hit Salvatore's sense of smell and from this a new curiosity was born although the scent was harsh at first it soon settled into a comforting warmth that spread throughout his body, such a comfort he did not expect to find.
"The scent of home...Tis a warming thing is it not?"
"I wouldn't know". Salvatore kept his gaze on the slowly opening gates. "This is not my home and I doubt any will accept me"
"What was that you said about always having somewhere to belong?"
A chuckle from the Archangel was unexpected. "That I do...Still it does not right the wrongs I have done to your people..."
Distruttore felt something tug inside his chest. "What did I tell you! You knew no better at the time...Even you have to admit you had no idea and what of your convictions? You fought for what you believed was right and was victorious. It is simply the nature of war..."
Salvatore looked at Distruttore and could tell the Demon was truthful in his words which warmed the sombre Archangel's heart. The Demon had more wisdom within him than he let on...Something else Salvatore respected him for. "Excuse my dim mood it must be simply annoying now-"
"Stop speaking nonsense! You have endured far more than any being I have met and survived...If you were to ask me I would say you earned the right to express your sorrows". They both looked into each others eyes before looking at the open gate before them, though it was only opened so the two could enter.
They slowly walked through the narrow pass yet before they took their final step into Distruttore's domain Salvatore whispered. "Thank you..."
Suddenly a barrage of cheers was all that Salvatore could hear as hundreds of Demons that were big, small, male and female even some children were being lifted high by their parents. Salvatore quickly pulled up loose parts of the cloak to make a mask and hood, a simple yet effective disguise. Thankfully all the attention was placed on Distruttore, expected since he was the Lord of this settlement.
This gave Salvatore the time he needed to use his observational skills to inspect his surroundings. It seemed that the Demons lived in very close and tightly packed spaces as deduced by the tall dark grey structures which went on without end and between them all were thin alleyways furthermore a orange glow emitted from nearly each and every window in the tall structures. A multitude of ropes crossed between the buildings from various heights and angles which made him become entranced by the strange architecture. All of the tall structure were littered with cracks, crevices and missing chunks of stone missing which added to the overall compact feeling of the vast city.
"Who is your friend my Lord?"
The question came from a rather thin and tall Demon yet he was a deep crimson...Just like Distruttore in fact they all were. "A traveller of realms. I have invited him to observe our way of life and stay within my abode for the time he is here".
"A rather mysterious figure...But a strong one none the less". This sultry tone came from a female Demon eyeing the partially exposed pectorals and taking in the full view of his abdomen. The smeared ash gave his skin a mottled black slash grey look which proved to be helping his disguise greatly.
"He is indeed strong and I expect our guest to be treated with respect..." Distruttore let his booming words settle upon their minds. "Is that understood!"
It was a rhetorical question of sorts with the strength of a command. It was clear to all of them that they were to treat the visitor with a common etiquette which brought a slight smile to his hidden lips. Then of course a tall and bulky Demon pushed the lanky Demon and the female who couldn't stop eyeing him up aside harshly...Salvatore nearly took action but was stopped by the lightest glance from Distruttore.
"Strong is he!? Look at him he looks good but I bet on one blow to knock him out!"
A purposefully loud sigh drew all eyes to the mysterious cloaked traveller. This seemed to spark a reaction from the meat head Demon as he squared right up to Salvatore looking down on him. "You think different? I think you should show some respect to the strongest Demon in this part of Hell!"
The meat-head was about to push Salvatore with one hand and just before he made contact a swift hand twisted the Demon's arm which allowed him throw the Demon to the floor easily and due to the Demon's size his weight easily threw itself to the floor...It was such a swift and fluid motion that no one had time to clearly see the mysterious stranger move, it was almost like they watched a river seamlessly flow.
A worrying silence settled in as they awaited the humiliated Demon to stand. "W-Wha...How did a scrawny thing like you beat me!"
Both his red and grey eye momentarily gave off a ruby glow..."Your size allowed me to distribute your weight in any way I see fit...Had I been serious you would have more than a wounded pride".
A wave of reality hit the Demon and he then retreated through the crowds to god knows where. It was then a roaring cheer came from ever single Demon surrounding him which caused a bit of surprise however Distruttore seemed to of saw the confusion in his eyes. "My people respect a skilled warrior...".
He stood by the side of Salvatore and whispered through the roaring cheers. "Lets be sure not to ruin this..."
Salvatore agreed with a firm nod and looked over the many Demons which formed the massive crowd all had the same attributes whether they be tall, short, fat or strong they all had deep crimson skin with ram horns protruding from their temples and a set of goat legs...They all seemed to be members of a certain race of Demons...That would explain why Beelzebub looked so different to the thousands which formed his army.
"As great as it is to be home I must show our honoured guest to my abode!" As soon as he commanded his people went back to their daily lives and flooded down the many passage ways while some even climbed up the ancient towers where they lived, it was like watching an army of ants go about their business.
They began walking down what seemed to be a main path as it was wider than other passages within the city and as Salvatore was taken deeper into the city it's life and culture became evermore vibrant. Merchants of any and all trades did hasty business with many customers as it seemed the hundreds of stalls lining the edge of the path for what seemed like miles, it was almost like staring off into the horizon. Not only did the merchants draw his attention with their many wares and trinkets on top of that were the performers who created music from drums, maracas and many other instruments while others performed acrobatics while holding flaming torches. Salvatore had to admit...He was already liking this place...
"Not what you were expecting?"
The amused voice drew Salvatore's attention to Distruttore who had one of the most genuine smiles he had ever seen, despite what he had seen in Equestria this was still a Demon who smiled as though he was living in paradise.
"N-No...Not really. I didn't expect so much festivity". A happiness radiated from the undercover Archangel's words. "It feels close here, like they are all family. I feel a deep connection between them all...Their energy feels so radiant".
"Expecting fire and brimstone to rain from the sky while the creatures of Hell picked bones from their maws! Hahahaha!" Distruttore was chuckling carelessly loud and although we received many looks nothing ever stopped because of us.
"I wasn't expecting this...Where do you live seeing as you are the Lord of this domain?"
"Tis just ahead. See that large manor off in the distance flying banners?" He pointed straight forward as they made their way through the waves of Demons and it took Salvatore a few seconds to focus due to all the distractions lining the streets. When his eyes settled upon the manor he was pleasantly surprised since he was expecting a fortress of doom which turned out to be a undoubtedly sturdy looking structure yet it's architecture was exquisite
Suddenly Salvatore was stopped in his tracks as he bumped into something soft and warm. He look down and he quickly realized that he was now looking at a rather large pair of crimson breasts while the female Demon he bumped into was gazing into his bare chest. Her clothing consisted of dark brown cloth which barely stopped her breasts from popping out and only just covered up her womanhood however she had a beautiful head of long onyx hair.
"Excuse me?"
His voice caught her off guard as she viably jumped and looked up at him. Her amber eyes were gleaming with awe and something else..."I apologize stranger...I did not mean to disturb you yet I am quite glad I did". A cheeky smile revealed two sharp incisors.
"I am glad I wasn't a nuisance now if you will excuse me I must get going". The female held out an arm to halt him from escaping.
"You would be if I didn't know where to find you. It would make this Demonette overjoyed if she knew how she could bump into like that again, hehe". She giggled like a shy teenager yet behind it was always a hint of lust.
"I-I am staying right over there". He pointed at the manor. "In Distruttore's manor as a guest".
Her eyes widened. "Are you something special or just really damn lucky?"
"I guess". Again his eyes glowed ruby red. "A bit of both actually".
Her grin smile grew wider at seeing his little trick. "Well since you're in a hurry and all how about you give me a name to call for?"
"Salvatore...And you?"
"Vizira. You can expect to see me soon, hehe". She winked at him whilst holding that ever sensual smile.
After she left Salvatore only just noticed that Distruttore had carried on without him. Fair enough he knew where he was going but now he felt like the sexual advances and meat heads wanting a fight were the least of his worries with that in mind he took off at a brisk pace towards Distruttore's manor. It was a good thing he had a disguise on or else Vizira would of seen the bright red blush all the while they were talking..
With the Manor in sight he made sure to be as fast as he could so that his training could begin. He was anxious to learn their ways yet he has the feeling that Vizira was definitely serious with her words...