queendom come

What was this woman? The way she spoke was cause for suspicion. Did she have some sort of ulterior motive? She must have. What other reason could he shave to make all these inquiries? Or maybe it was just genuine curiosity. He acknowledged that he was different from most of the people in this world, so he might have been unique to her as well. Still, he didn’t want to let his guard down too much. He’d come to distrust anything with a pair of horns on it’s head.

{I do not make a habit of revealing much of myself to strangers. I’m sure you can understand why.}

Trust in a place like this was.. difficult to achieve. Anyone could stab you in the back or use your information to their advantage. And against yours. And for all he knew there might be some people here who were working directly under these ‘scientists’. Surveying them and giving back information on them all. Yes, it was a severe case of paranoia, but can you honestly say that that wasn’t a possibility?

Being a queen, Akasha was used to only one, extremely lavish way of living where she made all the rules. As much as she enjoyed this life of hers, she wondered about the lives of those beneath her often. So yes, part of it was certainly curiosity, but a larger part of it was certainly her ulterior motive to see if he'd let her break him. Even if he didn't let her, she was certain she'd get her way eventually.

"Oh yes, I suppose I can. You have to be careful in a place like this, correct? You never know what dangers may lurk around the corner. But I am sure someone as powerful as you would be able to take them."

A simple compliment, but one she hoped would tip the scales in her favor. She could tell he was wary of her, but hopefully things would change. Or maybe they wouldn't. Either way, Akasha didn't trouble herself. She knew what she wanted and she would get it.

     ❖ Special powers? She’d never needed those. As the woman delivered a powerful spinning kick to the face of the last of her attackers, his form crumpling to the ground, she laughed manically as she considered their claims of magical powers they’d spit out like arrogant asswipes only moments before. “Magic my ass! If I didn’t need to use my eye on you, you fuckers are as weak as a bunch of babies that’re still shitting themselves!"

With one final foot to the face, Juri Han spun on her heel and begun to walk free from the alley she’d been fighting within. No point wasting time with a bunch of losers like them. She’d barely worked up a sweat! Ah, well, it was good for some stress relief at any rate. Being ripped through space and time and being dropped into some otherworldly shithole by a bunch of fuckers in labcoats had really brought her blood to a boil. 

But was getting out of here a priority? It was a goal, yes, but that street fight had her realize something — she could do whatever the hell she wanted here. So why not have a little fun? 

But after hours of flying around, she still hadn't found anything worthwhile. She stopped on the rooftop of an apartment building and sat on the edge, huffing a bit as she looked down below her. If she didn't find someone to hurt soon, she was just going to take whatever she could get.

Cries of pain from below caught her attention, and a wicked smile crawled onto her face as she watched a woman wreak destruction on a crowd of attackers. Every yelp, every scream, every crack and thud only made Akasha more excited. Once it was over, she flew down, settling herself in the midst of the disaster.

She stepped on an arm here--crack!--another arm there--crack!--as she made her way over to the woman who had caused all of this.

Maybe instead of allying himself with her, he’d do well to try and keep an eye on her. In case she ever bared her fangs at him for whatever reason. He didn’t want to let her get the drop on him. She was far too frightening. But not frightening enough for him to want to kill her here and now.

Without having to deal with those pests from the Radiant, and other pests from the Dire such as Skeleton King (oh thank god he wasn't here), her only goal was to relax and have fun. She had time for grand plans when she went back home. However, she wasn't about to reveal this information.

"Oh of course not. Wherever you hear screams of pain and agony, I am sure to be there. Speaking of which, I am the Queen of Pain, and you will refer to me as such."

{Queen of pain?}

Such a name displayed not only sadism, but also arrogance. She waved the title around as though it meant something here. He was never quite fond of people who flaunted whatever title was given to him. Like some of his former comrades who loved to rub the fact that they were gods in others’ faces.

Either one worked.

"Yes, did you not hear me correctly?"

She truly did flaunt the title as though it were some sort of prize. Sadism, yes. Arrogance, perhaps. But wasn't a title like this something to be proud of, especially considering her origins and how she'd gotten it?

"Asura...? You would not be the first by that name that I meet in this city. However, I doubt I will get you confused."

He had thought that due to the stares he’d gotten from most of the populace that people would be wary of approaching him. Clearly that was not the case. He’d found himself confronted by more than a fair share of individuals since coming here. One by one, each for their own reason. This time it was no different. Hopefully these ones would refrain from throwing cleavers at him or threatening his life.

But oh, how'd she also love to see him squirm in pain by her hand. Wouldn't that be simply beautiful? But to get to that step, first she'd have to make nice.

"Who am I? You should know, but since you aren't from where I am, I suppose I cannot expect you to know. I am Akasha, the Queen of Pain."

It wasn’t the best turn of events, but Rubick wasn’t so conceited as to not admit that concessions had to be made in this situation. “Merely a suggestion, though."

Even if, as she had already stated, that person was Radiant trash.

"Incredibly generous, in fact. But I will give you that, magus. You are indeed the only other familiar face I have seen here. Though who knows, that may chance. Until then..."

"...until then, yes I suppose an agreement could be made. Seeing as we are not in our homelands, we do not have to live by the rules there. It is all in the favor of survival. Though that isn't a true worry for me. I don't know about you."

She said that, but she knew of his skills. The queen was being far too kind with him as it was, so she had to say something insulting. 

"Of course I leave the choice to you. I understand your reluctance to simply accept my proposition so readily. After all, I’m cowardly seeking aid from others so that I won’t have to be scared of this city. Even though I am frightened of you as well, but that is to a lesser degree."

Wise. In a way he was wise. He himself believed he was. Other simply believed he was an insane and delusional fanatic who deserved nothing more than death. His father, the Shinigami would opt for the latter. As would his little brother, Kid. Thankfully, neither were here at the moment The last thing he wanted was for them to try and seal him away yet again.

This woman was probably gauging his use. If there were no advantages to being allied with him then logically she wouldn’t be interested. Of course, he could promise her power. Power at a price, but power nonetheless. He’d wait for her judgement on the matter first.

"You are right to be scared, I'll give you that. But of course I won't ally myself with someone I know nothing about. Especially someone who seems so...unstable. I will be straight with you - I've no need for allies."

"Well, unless you manage to reach an agreement with someone, I hope you enjoy the cardboard box city they’ve prepared for us. And before you ask, no, I don’t have a room either. So I guess you’re stuck!"

"And why do you think I'd ask to room with you? Of all people I could live with in this city, you really think I would willingly live with Radiant scum?"

"It seems you think very highly of yourself. And your madness is more refined than those of the succubi I know of. This is the first I’ve seen of one capable of coherent speech. Not to mention resisting the urge to kill those around them. Perhaps you truly are the best."

"And likewise, I have never heard of succubi who act in such uncouth ways. In order to be a proper succubus, one requires a certain degree of control. Though I really will have to agree that I am simply the best. I am the queen, after all."

"I’ll have you know I’ve already sampled two new spells! Not that you really care, but regardless.

"A succubus, is it? It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen one of your kind. Shinigami has done a good job at pacifying or eradicating you lot from my world. A terrible loss. Your contribution to madness was to be admired."