City Of Souls

Akaicia had far too much time on her hands these days - therefore, far too much blood on her hands these days, in some peoples opinions. Could there truly be too much blood, though? The cages throughout the building had been well utilized over the past couple of days... Many poor souls had fallen into Akaicia's dangerously charming grip, only to be locked away for playtime at her convenience. The scent of blood hung heavily in the air, and blood splatter decorated the walls. Cries of anguish echoed throughout the building and shrieks of pain could be heard from the bar on the upper floor. "Oh you know you're truly enjoying it," the silver-tongued vixen's accented voice echoed melodically throughout the room, muffled by the whimpers of her current victim, "quit your sobbing." She snapped suddenly, before fangs bit greedily into the throat of the man kneeling before her. He cried once more before he went limp. Akaicia released her grip on him and let his dead body fall limp on to the tiled floor. With the back of her hand, she wiped the blood from her lips and straightened her posture whilst stunningly emerald eyes wandered the dimly lit room. "What to do next?" She pondered out loud. Corpses decorated the room - some beheaded, others comically positioned as if playing pool at the table, other left strewn across the floor. Oh, if Derick could see her now.

The Devil had been drawn by the shrieks she had heard so her red heels clicked along the pavement until her hand had open the door to the bar, and her eyes looked around, before she turned her gaze upwards. She moved to the stares, climbing the to get to the floor above the bar, stopping when she got to the landing. Brown eyes swept over the scene, her face distorting into a slightly disgusted look, before forcing herself into a stoic expression. Laying eyes on the woman, she spoke, "Darling, this is dreadful decorating. Whoever you hired, fire him quickly. They need to go. Blood on the walls, tsk tsk, customers would never go for it. Now a dead animal head there," she pointed a the far wall, "and another there," her finger moved, pointing at another, "And people would be at home in." She then spotted the headless body, and added, "if the head of that one isn't missing, it could look very nice above the stairs." Well, would you look at that, being from hell offering decor advice.

Acaeus been awhile since he had been in hell. It was an in run for Bela, but he didn't like it. Reminded him of too many bad things, not that the bad things was felt now....but the memories still resounded as bad in his head. As he heard screams that weren't normal but the fear...the delicious fear truthfully drew him away from his task briefly, purple eyes flicking to stare into the room and notice a familiar figure before eyeing the other demoness who gave deco tips. "Like she could give a shit." was muttered in reply, making his way past Designer wannabe to walk up the stairs if he wasn't stopped. Gonna feed a bit? Probably. The selfish asshole didn't even ask, all while he took the one soul that was already vanquished by her fangs, sucking it up with a twist of his hand and the light was consumed by a black tar like substance covering over it before it disappeared from view.

Akaicia hadn't lost control of her senses, despite the scene unfolding around her. She could hear them coming long before she could even smell them - the clicking of the woman's heels came first. The red-headed vampire waited patiently for the approaching figure to finally appear. The Devil's humorous words beckoned a laugh from betwixt reddened lips. "This was no interior designer of mine!" She mused aloud, almost offended! "I don't live here, nor do I run the place, love." She explained coolly, with hand waving dismissively towards her drab (and corpse ridden) surroundings. "The bodies were me, the blood was me," she pointed to a few of them, "the rest of it was here when I got here this afternoon." Oh shit, right. "You," she called out as she glanced over her bared shoulder, "Nick? Aaron?" she bite at her lip ponderously, "Eric!" Her voice cut sharply through the air as she addressed the man in shackles just to her left, "I nearly forgot about you." She admitted, judging by how dilated her pupils were, she'd been feeding all day and was feeling the euphoria. "Are you thirsty?" She feigned concern, "Would you like some whiskey?" That's what humans liked to quench their thirst, right? She rose to her feet, just as Acaeus entered the room. Her body were adorned in a flattering black lace dress - a wise choice, it hid the bloodstains beautifully while making her body look fabulous. "Oh darling," she exclaimed excitedly, "I haven't seen you down here yet." By here, she meant Hell, of course. "I think he's scared to come down here," she pointed towards the man, whilst speaking to The Devil and Eric. "You're welcome for your dinner, darling." She gripped the chains connecting to the shackles restraining Eric's wrists and pulled him towards her, giving him a quick jerk if he resisted, "Would you like me to let you loose?"

Eric Caulson was a bit out of it at the moment, only truly coming to once he heard a voice calling his name. It took him a little while longer to realize what had happened- somehow, while he was out scavenging, he'd slipped up and gotten himself captured and dragged off to Hell. Again. He struggled against Akaicia's shackles, but a firm tug from her was enough to get him to come closer. "Let me go!" he snapped. "Aw, fuck, let me go!" He wasn't in the mood for a drink right now, he just wanted to get back to Earth. But without his weapons, his odds of escape seemed slim, especially given the fact that the vampire wasn't alone- it appeared two other demons had decided to join her this evening as well, neither one of whom Eric recognized right away. This was bad. This was really bad.

The Devil was more than just a demon, but that was her business. Delphine smoothed her red dress, as she listened to the explanation the woman gave, before she smiled. She vaguely wondered if the bodies would be a message for the owners, but then she saw the shackled man, which she had overlooked on her first look around. The other man though, the one that had slipped past her to get to the soul, had earned a shocked expression. Soul? Oh, right. She remembered. Demons did consume them. She was glad however, that she did not. She was like a vegan in that aspect, watching the meat eaters chomp and chew that disgusting meat. Her attention focused on the woman, as she said, "Is the shackled human desert then?"

Acaeus turned those purple eyes to Akaicia when she started to speak to him, and a fake smile rose on that face. Eyebrow rose as she pointed that out and Acaeus just snickered, stepping towards her only to eye Eric and the wave of fear that was coming from him....was just delicious. Acaeus went towards her more as he started to fight Akaicia in her grip. "He fears you, heavily." was mentioned, lips being licked as demonic fangs clearly were seen, lips curling upwards as he inhaled deeply, purple eyes half-lidding only to open and stare down Eric, tilting his head as he smiled a dead cheshire smile. Purple eyes flicking up to Akaicia. "Why cut him loose...when we could play? Play hide and go seek Akaicia, come on..." was mused. The shocked expression from the other demon was uncared for, as Acaeus hardly knew her, and B. He was in all rights a top demon, he got dibs on souls if she thought she had first dibs on it. "Yep." came his answer, eyeing Akaicia to confirm this.

Akaicia couldn't drink another drop of blood even if she wanted to. It was safe to say that Eric was safe for the evening - at least, safe from Akaicia herself. "Don't be such a spoil sport," she feigned a pout with expertise, "stick around for a while." She slid her thumb and forefinger into her cleavage and retrieved a skeleton key, waving it in front of Eric's face for a brief second before unlocking his cuffs with a click. The metal shackles fell to the tiled floor with a loud clatter. "There, you're free. But I'm sure it's safe to say that you're wiser than to try and run, yeah?" Delphine earned Akaicia's attention once again, and a charming smirk danced across her lips. "Ah, I'm not into sweets. I'm more of a woman with savory tastes, if you know what I mean. What's your business here, love?" An eyebrow arched inquisitively as she examined the woman for a moment. "Do you fancy a bite?" She gestured towards Eric, although she doubted the woman would spoil her pretty red dress. Acaeus' approach and words alike drew her attention in, "He's wise to feel that way, Acaeus. You should say thank you, after all, you seem to be well fed whenever I'm around." It was true, she'd sourced out many fearful souls for him now. "I'm too full to play," she admitted with a shrug of her shoulders, "come, all, let's have a drink." She mused lightly as she retrieved a bottle of whiskey from behind the bar along with four glasses. "This is how normal people play, isn't it?" It had been so long, but it was what she recalled of the mortals. They sat around, drank, and talked. She poured a generous amount of whiskey into each glass and handed one of to each of them. Best not decline her. "Come, take a glass," she would say as she handed them off to the individuals, "I'm Akaicia," she introduced herself generously. She didn't hide her name anymore.

Eric Caulson kept his eyes fixed on Akaicia. He'd met her once before, so he knew to be wary of her. He watched as the vampire pulled out a key and undid his shackles, but even once they were off, he knew better than to run. One on three, without his weapons? He knew he stood no chance. It was when Acaeus fixed his purple eyes on him that Eric froze in place. This demon was different- more powerful. He could feel it somehow. Cautiously, he reached out to take the glass from Akaicia when she handed it to him. "T- thanks? I guess?" he said to her. "Yes, I remember you from that night in the bar. This... this is because I got away, isn't it?" Though whether that was from her, or from Hell in general, was left unsaid. As for The Devil, Eric could only shudder nervously at her when she asked if he was dessert. Was she a blood drinker, too?

The Devil listened to the conversation, and taking in what information she needed. Nephalem moved closer to the newly freed human, observing him a moment, before turning to the pool table, and settling herself upon a corner, and crossing a leg over the other. "Oh no thank you," she spoke, when asked for a bite. She didn't consume that either, but best be polite! Manners mattered, after all! Delphine offered the human smile, as she accepted the glass of whiskey from the host. Her lips touched the edge of the glass, as she tilted it slightly as to take a sip, before the glass was lowered, her eyes once more on the vampire.

Acaeus that increasing fear from Eric had Acaeus pulling a tad bit of his soul out, just a taste of that fear as Acaeus leaned into his space to inhale him deeply, fangs still there as he growled briefly before flicking those purple eyes back to Akaicia. "Thank you, you are right." was admitted, bumping shoulders with Eric as he strode past the guy after feeding on him for a little bit to snatch the offered glass. Free arm tucking Akaicia into his lap as he sat down on the stool she had been in. Staring at the others as she introduced herself, Acaeus did not introduce himself. He simply flicked those purple eyes back on Eric. "HE's so full of fear..." was muttered, pressing that short hair head into the back of Akaicias shoulders as he took a deep inhale, only to feel a familiar tug on his heart. "Got to go, sorry to run out on you." was said to Akaicia in the most toneless voice, but that smile meant something! Even if it was outwardly faked. With a snap of a fingers, he'd be gone.

Akaicia seemed more than enthused by the fact that Eric recalled her from the other evening. Ah yes, it had been quite amusing. Poor Samuel. "I wouldn't phrase it like that," she clucked her tongue disapprovingly, "I just wanted to get to know you better." She lifted a hand and dainty fingers tapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Come now, have a seat, Eric. You look incredibly awkward standing there like that." She brought her glass to her lips and took a sip of the poor quality liquor. This bar clearly wasn't up to her standards. Noted. Perhaps she'd look into taking over the place... improving it. "What business do you have with that preacher, anyways?" Delphine's presence behind her wasn't missed, but she w as waiting for an from Eric, first. Acaeus re-situated her into his lap and she didn't seem to object any. But just as quickly as she'd been placed in his lap, she was back upon her own seat. What a peculiar demon he was. "Good evening, love." She said her fair well to him. "He's quite lovely when he stays to play." She stated once Acaeus was gone. She slammed back the rest of her alcohol and then swiveled on her seat to eye Delphine. "Are you at least going to give me your name before you leave?"

Eric Caulson stared at Acaeus as the demon leaned in close. He was enjoying his fear, he could tell. A lot of demons did. Fortunately, it wasn't long before Acaeus snapped his fingers and disappeared. Eric quietly breathed a sigh of relief- at least there was one less threat to contend with. He took a seat next to Akaicia. "Well, you chose an interesting way of doing that," he said to her, before taking a sip of the whiskey. It didn't taste very good, though Eric suspected it might be better if he didn't have such an empty stomach. "Who, Samuel? He's a good man," he added, in response to the vampire's question. "One of the few I know I can rely on these days." He glanced over at Delphine, who had retreated to the pool table to sit down, and cracked a nervous smile at her. At least they weren't trying to re-enslave him tonight. But he still had no idea how he was going to get out of this mess.

The Devil processed the introduction that Akaicia had made, second too late, yet she she remained quiet, while the others spoke. She watched Acaeus leave without saying a word. When she was asked of her own introduction, in bit of a rude way, The woman slipped off the pool table, as she looked from Akaicia to Eric, and back, as she moved toward the woman in black, as she said, "My dear I had forgotten. I am sorry," she explained, thrusting out her hnd for a handshake. If accepted, she'd pulled Akaicia's hand low, with her other hands help, as she said, "I am Delphine," inclining her head so to press her lips to the back of the hand, "Delphine Morningstar. It is a pleasure to meet you. She'd release the hand, turn to the human, and thrust her hand to him, though keep to the handshake,"wonderful to meet you, sir, as well."

Akaicia was clearly amused by the man she'd taken captive. "How else am I to keep myself entertained around here? Taking people by surprise is the best way to do it." She then scoffed mockingly when Eric claimed that Samuel was a good man. "Every man has their faults, even the preacher man," she smirked wickedly, her eyes gleaming mischievously, "even the preacher sins and enjoys it." Delphine's words soon caught the vampire's attention again, her head turning and allowing crimson waves to cascade freely over her bare shoulders. "Delphine," she mimicked respectively as she imprinted the name and face in her mind, she'd accepted the handshake and even the pleasant kiss to the back of the hand, "charmed, I'm sure." She returned in time. "However, my darlings," her vocals chimed suddenly as she feigned a yawn - quite hard done by, didn't you know? It had been an exhausting day. "Put your shackles back on, Eric." Her emerald eyes suddenly set upon Eric's own eyes - perhaps tapping into her compulsion - her expression quickly changing from pleasant to unreadable. "I'm not quite done with you yet, love. I'm willing to bet there's more fun to be had. For now, I'm exhausted." Her tone was light, but a wise man would know better than to underestimate her. Should he obey, and return to his shackles, she would soon escort him from the building to a location unknown.

Eric Caulson nervously extended his hand to Delphine when she offered it to him. "I'm Eric," he said. "Not that your kind ever cared about that." He released the devil from his grip and went back to his whiskey, hoping to finish it before it could be taken away. "So he does," he said to Akaicia. "Perhaps that's why he didn't get Raptured with the rest of them? I don't know." Just then, her eyes met his, and he felt a shudder run through his body. He grumbled, but after all his time as a slave, he know better than to try to resist the vampire. He'd find a chance to escape, he hoped. But for now, Eric would let Akaicia put the shackles back on his wrists. Then he'd rise to his feet and follow her wherever she led him tonight.

The Devil quirked an eyebrow when she heard Eric, mentioning,"Don't stick us all in the same box, darling." Delphine would feel the power the vampire used on the human, backing way, since it wasn't her business. Preferably, she hoped the man would be safe and returned to whatever he called home. Surprised the being would care for a human like that? Well, this Devil was certainly different, her apple fell away from the tree. The nephalem would finish off off her own whiskey, wondering if she should find this preacher an for herself, and meet him. could be useful. "Have a good night," she spoke, following the two out of the building, yet picking her own path.