#( & Damon just found Kaia about three months ago. )

[schlemicl]

“ALRIGHT, YOU’VE CONVINCED ME.”

It was a lack of patience he had with the Xantrophn, EACH time the spy would encounter the towering creature he always seemed to raise hell even for the littlest of things. Today, Out was done with it. He was making it a point to approach Damon on the determination to make their relationship finally beneficial to the both of them. Hopefully… that was if the belligerent would listen for a few minutes instead of pushing him against the wall demanding payment for no reason. Black eyes looked around the Detritus Ring, the dark shades of evening cascading down his strong cheekbones, revealing styled raven hair and scarred lips tilting up in a small genuine smile. Maybe he’d finally be able to convince the man, who he poured his life story to, to accept him. Out had notified Damon through HOLO messages to meet up at the local bar, well local for the beast, not for Unwanted who had to travel from his home at the Silver Bullet, over to the Rogues infamous hideout.

Though it didn’t bother the spy much, he was used to traveling, from late night to early mornings it seemed his duties were never done, including now. Spotting the pub, Out prepared to met the devilish man and in hope would conclude the tension of greed in the Xantrophn. Walking with a skip in his step, he would arrive at the doors, pale fingers reaching out to grasp the handle pulling it to him so he could enter. Almost instantly the quiet environment erupted with loud booming sounds, people dancing towards the middle and shady deals conjuring from all sides. To Out this was a regular area where his contracts were made or his own questionable deals went down. It was a place meant for people like him… thieves, blackmailers, and liars. In the comfort of a bar, they were all sinners. However, the Unwanted wasn’t here for that or them. He was there for himself and a potential ally. His thin form would weave around the others enjoying themselves for the night. Those who’d prefer to be drunk on the high life and face consequences later than see reality as it’s true torment. People who would steal away with strangers and pretend love was in red lipstick or a half-empty bottle of the bar’s finest liquor. They only hid their true identities, masked by the drinks and fame. Out knew their kind all too well and saw it on their faces as he passed by them. Behind painted smiles and false laughs, they were in pain and only sought an end to it.

Finally, the spy had made it to the counter, seeing the line of patrons along the marble surface, watching as drinks clashed, spilled and were drank by merry men. His gaze would pry off of them and over to the large creature that sat towards the middle of the group. Damon wasn’t hard to miss in a sea of people. With golden horns crowning his head and his equally wealthy gaze to send chills down any man’s spine, he could send anyone coiling with fear if given the chance. Out had seen it before, the rage such a beast possessed, the fury in his eyes as he challenges each opposer. The sharp black claws that protected his fingers or the long lethal tail that at the moment swayed behind him in contentment. Damon was made for war but the spy hoped to quell the bellicose warrior enough to befriend him. Out’s abyssal eyes would stay back for a minute watching, examining the Xantrophn and his body language. It was a tactic the Unwanted like to use when making deals with people. Staying back, learning how the other blended with different situations and trying to analyze what mood they were in at the time. This method worked for him on most occasions. Slowly, after the spy was done interpreting his target, he’d make his way closer to him. Coming up from behind a pale hand rose resting it against the dark furs of Damon’s cloak, the soft and cooling fabric made his nerves calm slightly.

At the feeling of someone touching the cloak, the Xantrophn turned to face whoever it was, slits thinning he saw the familiar face of a man who few knew. The spy of the UPR, the Unwanted, or to put it simply, Out. There were stories he’s heard of the fellow and his work, doing wonders for the UPR and helping those who needed it. Damon’s even heard personal stories that he, himself spoke. All resorting to the discomfort and abuse of a former father that had a lack of love. Not like the King minded, he’d sit there listening to Out pour his heart on the table, looking for any comfort that he could provide which amounted to very little. Damon didn’t mind hearing him out but he usually wasn’t one to comfort a broken man. After all, no one did for him, not when he needed it most. Aside from Kaia, who was there only for him during the end of his grieving. But now here they were in a bar for whatever reason the spy had in mind. “Hey there.” The Xantrophn spoke, leaning back in his chair, raising a hand in the air he began to dismiss the group of people he had been hanging out with. “Alright my date’s here, you fellas better go unless you want him to steal all your secrets.” It didn’t take long for them to spread out dispersing while all giving him a glare and giving their farewells to Damon. Soon it was just Out who began to seat himself next to the king. “You wanted to tell me something or did you just come here to cry again because look, I understand you and your sob story but I’m here to have a good time. If you wanna cry, go find a dark corner. I don’t want to be bothered by your depressing shit.” He took a swig of his drink, looking down at it with his wealthy gaze feeling the strong drink’s burn.

To Damon’s words, the spy could feel his lips lift in offense but not a word was spoken. Instead, he carefully shook his head, dark eyes glaring at the drink in Damon’s hand. ( Had he been drinking a lot? ) No matter it wasn’t his problem at least not at the moment. “Actually I wanted to talk to you about our relationship. I hop--” “Whoa, hold the HOLO right there, buddy.” Damon leans in, close enough that their nose would touch and the stench of alcohol could be smelt on his breath. Placing his drink to the side as a hand slithered to rest on the counter, black talons begin to drum across the counter. “I didn’t think you were the type to be so straightforward with these kinds of things but I’m sorry to tell you, I’m taken. Now, I get it, the sexy looks and amazing body can get anyone to sin but I for one am committed to my lover.” Damon leans closer, blue lips grazing Out’s cheek until they rest on his ear. “Go find another fish.” As if on instinct the spy pulled back, surprise in his expression. With quick thinking, he’d use his hands to push against the Xantrophn’s chest putting distance between them. “No! No. T-That’s not why I’m here.” Embarrassment flooded his cheeks, tinted pale white to a darker shade of red. “I’m not interested in being your lover… I was talking about our friendship. I want it to be serious. No insults, no payments, nothing to involve with just your benefit. I truly want to be friends…” His words were spoken with confidence, offering Damon a gentle smile. “I hope that you see that I don’t like being insulted or hated and I certainly don’t like it when you demand money from me. That’s not how people interact.”

Damon pulls back listening to the spy prattle on, feeling his own lips lift with amusement. He couldn’t help the teasing that he pulled, liking the expression on Out’s face from the stunt he did. “So you’re meaning to tell me you want to be close buds. Does shit together, ruins lives, yadda yadda?” A dark grey eyebrow rose in question, thinking about the Unwanted’s proposal. In a sense, they were like friends but more frienemies than anything. Golden eyes looked back into Out’s black ones humming. ( Where would he get the extra money from then? ) “Alright, you’ve convinced me, but what about the money you give me. I still need it and since I can’t beat your ass for it where else am I supposed to get it?” Damon spoke aloud hoping that the spy was still willing to help him and Kaia’s financial life. Large blue arms crossed, leaning back in his chair a hum left him.

Out nodded, knowing Damon wouldn’t just freely agree without the idea of having money involved. Silly Xantrophn didn’t he know that work brought money, not threats or demands. “You could always help me on my missions.” The spy spoke, adjusting his posture to come off as more professional. “How can I do that?” He could hear the Xantrophn’s smart remark scoff. “Well, I know you live in a restaurant with your lover and words travels fast from gossiping. Mind you those rumors can provide true or I can investigate them. In turn, you’ll be paid for what information you obtain weekly.” Pale fingers stretched out, hand extended to make the deal. “Does that sound good to you?” There was a moment's pause for Damon as he thought over Out’s deal, finding it to be reasonably good. Lips lifted in a smile, three fangs revealed as his own hand collides with Out’s harshly. “Yeah, you got yourself a deal, Mr. Out.”

[oblivcscence]

OKAY, I KNOW YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE HERE...

CANON. Also, this one’s really long & really really important.

Running was his one of his favorite things to do. That’s what he was known for, his speed and the freedom he felt when doing it. His lips were spread in a smile so wide that it seemed like his planet wasn’t darkened almost a year ago. It had been that long… a year of change, a year of destruction but in the end, it worked out for Damon, even if it brought him depression with a side of heartache. There were times where he’d stop being his normal self and break down alone or with Kaia and only in the safety of their home, the restaurant she had made. The loss of all his people, all the Xantrophns was a horrible impact on his life. When he could’ve tasted his reign but never got to it, he never had the chance to be king. A low huff left the running royalty as he made his way across the Detritus Ring. Hands pounding against the dusty ground, going faster with each bound. His tail raised to keep him balance as the fast creature made his way across to the market. Kaia had requested to get some things from there to lighten up her restaurant, there was almost a new theme each three months, sometimes she’d even decorate it to celebrate their traditions, keeping them alive. Most customers wondered what it was and upon asking, Kaia would tell them all about the holiday and why was it celebrated.

Slowly the Xantrophn came to a slow crawl, looking along the stalls before rising to two feet. Nothing seemed to interest the prince, most rusty and unworthy to be bought at such a high price. A small snort left Damon before he paused to catch his breath from the run he had just gone on. “Looks like I might have to turn up empty handed.” He grumbled, running a hand through his hair as he gazes at a particular stall. Trinkets of gears and metal shaped to look like things that were simple or complex. His golden eyes looking at a metal heart with the engraving of ‘My Love’ on it. Kaia was always into those cute cheesy things, but it was worth the smile on her face. Pulling out 10 credits he placed it down on the table before taking the small object in his hands. “Thank you for the business, mister,” replied the owner. “It’s lovely, thank you,” Damon responded back with a gentle nod, slipping the heart in a pouch he had hooked to his side and continued along the streets. The odd smells of the close restaurants left Damon’s nose to scrunch. Kaia’s at least smelt decent, inviting even these poor things should just run out while they had the chance. None of them could compete with the Ischyros’ baking. Too good and everything was natural.

As the Xantrophn made his way onward, he couldn’t help the feel of eyes on him. Burning with an intensity that he had to turn around only to see the crowd of heads that were shorter than him. An uneasy snort passed his lips, something was up. The feeling was practically nagging the king as he tried to shake it off and just get this shopping over with but still he was being shadowed but by what? Suddenly he felt a hand grip his wrist harshly, “you vermin, I knew I’d catch you.” It was the sound of an elderly lady, though as she spoke her tone grew harsh and a cane suddenly came out to whack at his knee. “Hey! Stop that.” Damon snarled, tearing the hold she had on him and taking a step back. “What the hell are you going on about? I didn’t do anything to you!” She only ‘tsk’ waving the cane close to his face before a clawed hand slapped it out of his view. “You did too, don’t lie to a grandma. I saw you steal from my shop, those big ears and that horrible tail that knocked everything to the floor. Such a mess.” She mused, poking his stomach with the stick. Damon, who was confused beyond any reasoning advanced to the little human, teeth bared. “You crazy old bat! I didn’t steal from you. You’re looking for someone else.” “No, I’m not. I remember that tail, the two spikes at the end,” hitting the said appendage with her cane, before looking back up at Damon. “You thought you could get away with stealing but not me, not Granny Hags.” ( Two spikes? ) Golden eyes looked down to the flickering tail almost finding it incredulous to think that another species would have a tail like his. He’s only met at least two other creatures with a tail and none of them were spiked like that. There was a soft sigh that left the creature before he spoke. “I’m not a thief, but I can help you catch him. What did he look like?” Damon asked, hoping that the crazy elder wouldn’t accuse him again. “Hmmm.” She hummed, rubbing lips together in thought. “Well, he was tall, like you. Had a tail, as I’ve mentioned earlier, two spikes at the end with plates along it, like you. Honestly, he looked exactly like you. Except,” She paused, the curved cane coming up and latching onto a golden horn before yanking the king down. A pathetic sound left Damon’s lips at the caught horn and with being thrown to such a small height he was forced to kneel. Pain laced around the golden outgrowth as Hags gave it a thorough look. “He didn’t have these beauties.” She commented, flicking them with an index finger. “My, these look good and strong.” “They aren’t for sale, you bag of bones.” Damon hissed, pulling free from the grip the cane had on it, shaking his head to rid the pain away. “So are you’re saying you saw a replica of me?” He’d concluded, raising to two feet as he tried to think of what it could be.

( Was it possible for… no. No, it couldn’t. ) He was the only one left, the last of the Xantrophns there was no way. No fucking way that one could’ve escaped. He saw it all burn. The memory of the look his father gave him before he left their fiery home, Tresten’s cries to let him die with mother, Saiga’s pure rage for revenge… and Wolf. The young brother falling as he attempted to get to Damon. Behind blue lips, his teeth would clench with anger, finding his fury start to rise even from the thoughts of the destruction. It had been a year but his wounds would always be tender and it would always hurt, no matter the cost. “Of course, I’m saying that you idiot. Now come, I’ll bring you to my shop, where the miscreant stole from. Since you’re an alien, I think that nose of yours would be useful, is it not? And from the way it scrunched, I know it works pretty darn good. I can barely smell the crap here anymore, thank the star.” The elderly woman would ramble on as she wobbled through the streets, the cane extended, nearly hitting the ankles of the people that passed. A few minutes ticked by before the two would come to the entrance of a small shop. A sign read ‘Granny Hag’s Hopes’ on top of it. He suppressed a cruel laugh to threatened to leave him at the title, finding it almost stupid. “Just right through here.” She pointed to a tiny door, slipping in with ease. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Damon muttered under his breath, going down to four legs and with some trouble getting through the door, though the inside was worse, it did provide some space to kneel.

“He stole my favorite thing in this store.” Hags would grumble, walking down the aisle and to the register where she sat on a stool waiting for the lumbering fool to catch up. “You gonna take all day or what?” She’d snap tapping in a few numbers before the tool would open. “I did get a clue from the thief, as he was leaving his ear was caught on something and he left this behind.” A small golden earring was in the middle of her palm, blood around it edges. After having some trouble getting passed the useless junk, Damon finally stopped to see what she was holding and a part of him froze. The smell of it… the blood. There was no way. “You said this belongs to him?” Hags nodded, placing it down. “I thought it looked pretty enough to sell, so I want my daughter to clean it up but just came home yesterday night. When it happened.” Damon could care less about this woman’s daughter, he was interested in finding the crook who stole from her. The smell was all too familiar, that was the blood of a Xantrophn. HE WASN’T ALONE. “Do you mind if I have that until he’s found? It’ll help my sense of smell if the scent gets faded.” There was a moment’s pause as the granny gave Damon a glare of suspicion. “Alright, but you have to bring it back.” Damon nodded. “I will.” Soon taking the small thing and bringing it close to his nose. A small sniff of the Xantrophn’s blood was enough to make the creature turn away from it, the stench horrible but useful. After lifting his nose and getting the aroma, he’d place the earring inside his pouch with the metal heart before setting out again. “I’ll be sure to catch this crook, don’t worry,” Damon called behind him as the king left the run down shop and began his hunt.

From the market stalls to the edge of the town his trail leads him all over the place, several times passing by left and right, some spots he could see a scuffle or broken glass, the scent would vary from strong to weak within a matter of seconds. At one point he came across a dead carcass tucked away in a dark alleyway, flesh ripped to see bloody bones and barely recognizable of an alien species or not. There was no concern for Damon, he knew the smell of a dead Xantrophn and it wasn’t that. “You must’ve been hungry. All alone, maybe even scared…” He muttered, looking at the small bloodied footprints. It was a Xantrophn, the thought of that alone made the king more than happy. The joy and sadness he was experiencing colliding together made his mind undecided on what to choose. At least he wouldn’t be the only one of his kind left. As he continued to follow the trail, Damon wondered if it was someone he knew. A part of the king was sad it wasn’t female, but that didn’t matter one way or another. Kaia was his mate and he’d never turn his back on her. Though he knew that there would’ve been an opportunity to continue the pure blood Xantrophn if the thief was one. Though due to the evidence from Granny Hags it was male.

After traveling another three hours the demon came to a stop at a surprisingly empty lot. No one was there but the scent was very strong now, there was no denying it. He had to be here. Damon was about to address his presence but was suddenly cut off as two thralls came crawling out from where he had just entered. A low growl sounded as an even bigger one stood in front of him. “Looks like we found our dinner, boys!” The leader would call out, giving Damon a disgusting smile. His tail lashed furiously at the sight of them. His anger from earlier flaring back, golden eyes burning to life at the thought of fighting. To seek revenge. “He looks big enough to share, what do you say?” The biggest advanced, horns ready to pierce the Xantrophn as he charged. A loud roar sounded passed the creature’s lip jumping up just in time to hop on top of him and rank large claws all the way down the thrall’s back. In turn, the thrall voiced an equally loud roar, whirling around as the others came into the fray, their teeth snapping at Damon. One latched onto his ankle, biting down harshly to the blue skin while the other attempt to get behind the king, he was soon shot down with a sharp stab to the face from Damon’s tail, falling back dead. A hiss as deadly as ever sounded passed the Xantrophn’s lips as he shook his foot harshly, kicking the beast in the side and throwing it halfway across the area before the large one came back for more, ramming horns into Damon’s cloak, just above his shoulders. “You pathetic piece of shit!” The king snarled, gold dripping down his foot and coating his black claws. Though he was injured Damon’s legs were up frantically trying to kick at the beast’s stomach and barely missing by a few inches, almost to taunt him. “I can’t wait to see what price your horns would make, being gold.” The thrall snickered a hand coming to grab Damon’s torso before backing up. Rearing his hand back, the leader threw him across the lot and with a hard thud the king would land roughly with his stomach on the ground. “Fuck.” He’d spat, crawling to four legs slowly. “You’ll pay for that you oversized cow.” Damon hissed. A laugh left the thrall before charging at the Xantrophn again, horns pointed directly at the chest. Bunching up his muscles Damon was about to jump before a strong grip on his ankle and tail prevented him from doing so, the thrall he had kicked away, having more strength now that he recovered. “Let go!” He hissed, front claws clawing the fallen one’s face, each hit making the grip weaker though it was too late. Golden irises looked up to see the leader a few inches away, preparing himself, the king closed his eyes tightly. So close to finding the other Xantrophn, so close that he’d actually mean something. Damon waited for the pain to stab through his chest, to feel the defeat and last hope of the Xantrophns. Though all he felt was guilt, slight pain, and fear of his death. He didn’t want to die, he didn’t want to leave Kaia to defend herself. He couldn’t. He waited but still, it never came. Slowly the creature would open his eyes, seeing a form on top of the thrall pulling on the large horns with all of its might. The thrall no longer in control of his direction began to fall backward. As quick as the form disappeared it came back, ranking long claws down the chest continuously. Blood flying, making a pool on the ground and coating the king’s savior.

“Bleed you bloody bitch! Bleed!” Damon could hear him chant, as each slice brought the beast closer and closer to death. Slowly recovering, the demon would rise to two legs finding it almost impossible not to see the tail on the form lash lethally. There he was. “This is what you get for hurting MY KING!” Roared the Xantrophn, as a ball of purple-black venom was spit onto the thrall’s visage, sizzling it to the bone and leaving the large beast to finally die. ( King… ) Golden eyes blazed with a pride he hasn’t felt in a long time, he knew that this one would be true. “Whew, now that that’s done.” His rescuer would continue, though something about this Xantrophn was far more familiar than normal. The red-brown skin tone, the markings, his voice, hell even his hair all seemed to point to someone that clicked in Damon’s mind. “B-Bultin.” There was desperation in Damon’s tone, a longing he knew that made him look weak but the king could care less at the moment. He didn’t want to admit but he could feel tears stinging his eyes as the Xantrophn turned to reveal amber eyes. “I knew you’d find me, Damon.” He spoke as lips pulled back in a huge smile. Bloody as it was, Damon still invited it in with his own. “I…” He was speechless, to think this rascal who stole from an old grandmother was his best friend. “Holy shit.” The man he thought of would breathe. “That thrall certainly had a strong will, huh? At least he didn’t stand against us. The Xantrophns, especially the king.” Bultin nodded, giving Damon a bow out of respect. When he would come to raise he’d be greeted by a strong hug. A laugh shook the friend’s shoulders as he returned it. “I missed you, Dammy.” He voiced into the king’s chest, giving his back a few pats before taking a step back. “You have no idea how good it is to see you. No idea.” Damon could feel his voice crack slightly as he tried to fight back the tears. For a year he was alone, being called a king of nothing, a king of the dead. But now that Bultin was here, Damon had hope. Even if it was just a little, he still had it. “I’m glad to see you too, brother. But I would suggest getting yourself looked over, that bite seems nasty and I wouldn’t want you getting a horrible infection.” Golden eyes seemed to look down at the still bleeding wound, a part of him had forgotten over the emotions he had felt but now to the mention of it, the pain started to settle back in. “Here let me help you, just like the good old times,” Bultin commented coming alongside Damon and wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “You know where a healer is?” His friend would ask and soon the smile only seemed to grow. “Yeah, I know the perfect one. Trust me, you’ll love her.” With the two Xantrophns reunited they slowly started to make their way back home.