Almost like a Fairytale

[Gwendolyn]

"So, let me get this straight. In exchange for the help that I definitely won't live without, you want me to cover the expenses of your little excursion into town, like supplies and a room at an in for x number of days. That just about sum it up?" Ballad nodded. "Great. Just wonderful, why do I get the feeling that this is almost unfair." Koal complained, throwing his hands up and bringing them back down to his sides. He ran a hand down his face and casually walked over to the backpack he had packed earlier.

"And since it looks like you scared my horse away earlier when you fired a shot into the air, we're going to be walking there." Koal grumbled half-heartedly, shrugging the pack on. He then belted the sword to his waist and gave it an experimental tug.Perfect. The violet-eyed half demon looked over the campsite and kicked out the fire. " Now where are we going exactly? "Koal asked," and what type of currency does this place use?"

Koal didn't even wait for Ballad's answer. "If I had to guess, people around here would probably use gold coins right? Or maybe a barter system. Or both." Koal began to talk rapid machine-gun style. "Iwonderwhatofpeoplewellmeetandallthecoolstuffwe'llsee-" Koal was cut short by a gloved hand clamping down on his mouth. Ballad had a look on his face like he had a migraine developing.

"Stop talking. We haven't even left yet and you can't shut up." Ballad's eyes were narrowed, "Now I'm going to move my hand, and If you say one more STUPID thing, I'm going to shoot you. Got it?" Koal nodded his head and gulped nervously. Ballad moved his hand. Koal kept his mouth shut.

[Corporal Light]

"Good. You're listening. Means you're improving." Ballad said, rubbing his gloved hand against the base of his green jacket. He probably should've mentioned the grease on his glove when he placed it on Lynch's mouth, but the kid would figure it out in no time. Besides, his head was pounding, probably due to lack of sleep, and he didn't want to lose his shit so early in the morning.

Ballad sighed, crossing his arms against his chest again as he stepped past Koal, looking around the area. He eventually found the area he had stepped through, motioning for Koal to follow him. He passed through the entryway, looking behind him to see Lynch obediently following him. He grumbled to himself as he walked towards the dirt path they had temporarily abandoned for a few hours before. It still didn't feel right bringing along the kid, especially after his breakdown, but this was a good opportunity to mooch off of someone less intelligent than yourself for a good week or so in order to get back onto your feet.

"The way out of here is this way. Should only be a half-hours walk or so." Ballad said, pointing his index finger towards the north. Lynch turned his head towards the general direction Ballad was pointing at, nodding silently. Before too long, they were walking down the path in a straight line; Ballad in front, Koal in the back.

---------------------------------

Around ten minutes later

"Were those horse tracks we just passed?"

"Probably not. Keep walking." Ballad replied, trying his best to keep his bluff convincing. In all reality, they pretty much did pass by horse tracks a few minutes ago. But in all honesty, there wasn't any point. It would be a waste of time hunting for a beast in the woods when you could just keep walking to a nearby village in the half the time. Besides, what was the point in worrying about it, anyway? The only thing it was really good for was food and a mode of transportation.

"Should be there in twenty minutes or so.." Ballad said, disgruntled.

"Shouldn't we go find the horse? You know, to save time?"

"No." Ballad said, his voice rising into an almost commanding tone as he turned to glare at him. The gangster kid scrunched his shoulders, still remembering the threat he made a while ago. Ballad nodded towards him without a hint of respect as he whirled his head back around. As it rotated, however, he caught a glimpse of a figure in some bushes, though any other details were practically imperceptible, even to him. He snapped his head back towards the bushes, his eyebrow cocked in a confused manner.

"OW! WHAT THE F-?!" Ballad yelped, whirling around to pierce the kid with his eyes. He had apparently stopped walking to divert his attention to the bush, and paid the price as a result.

"Woah! What's the matter?!" Koal replied, shouting as well.

"Shush, dammit!" Ballad demanded, raising his left hand upwards as if to hold him back. He brought his eyes back towards the bush, squinting his eyes so as to get a better look at it from his distance. It was around twenty or so feet away, and it seemed to be unoccupied. Then, without warning, a large rabbit popped out of the bush, hopping away.

"Just a damn rabbit. Figures." Ballad grumbled, lowering his hand before continuing to walk down the path, hopefully with Koal in pursuit.

[Gwendolyn]

In all honesty, Koal tried not to laugh, he really did. He managed to keep it in for a good thirty seconds before he couldn't take it any longer. It started off as a light chuckle, which would stop every time Ballad would give him that venom filled stare, but then would continue as soon as he looked away. Then it grew into hysterical laughter, tears streaming down the swordsman's face. "Oh my-HAHA-You-you.." Koal couldn't even continue talking due to the amount of laughter erupting from his mouth.

After a few choice words that Koal is not allowed to repeat from Ballad, The swordsman calmed down and stopped laughing. But there was still a huge grin on his face. Koal began to admire nature as the two walked through the forest. "Back home there wasn't anything like this. Its was all radiation poisoned and twisted. Animals were monsters. Trees were mostly decimated. But here, everything is so full of life, it great." Ballad twisted his head to look back Koal. "What!? I can't be a little optimistic every once in a while?" He huffed out. "And you should probably tell me what kind of currency this, uh...verse! Yeah, what kind of currency does this verse use?"

[Gwendolyn]

Koal told Ballad that he would catch up in a little while. The shuffling of their feet against the dusty earth ceased almost immediately. Ballad whirled around and gave Koal a suspicion filled gaze. " I can't concentrate when I'm walking and trying to keep up with you. So I'll catch up." Ballad narrowed his eyes even further, as if trying to figure out if Koal was being untruthful. The swordsman could almost see the cogs turning in the green gunsmiths' head. Ballad nodded, a sharp motion and turned on his heel, and began to walk briskly in the direction they were previously traveling in.

Koal let out a pent up breath he had been holding in, the air condensing and forming a cloud in front of his mouth. He then looked around the path they were traveling. A few large trees and some thick bushes. Perfect. Koal then walked over behind a bush and sat down. Lynch closed his violet eyes and focused his mind on that one part he had never tried to communicate with. Seraph. He braced his mental barriers and made contact.

The effect was instantaneous. Koal's head began to feel darker and different. Foreign to him. Koal gave a small cry and his hand flew to his left eye. It felt like someone had lit it on fire and then poured liquid nitrogen on it. Koal's hair became even darker and his canines grew into fangs. And then it was all over. Koal was on his hands and knees, panting heavily. His left eye was blood-red.

Koal felt an entity move inside his head, and then his vision went dark.
--------------------------------
Seraph rotated his neck. Ohhhh how good it felt to be free of that idiots' mind! He could feel the presence inside his head mentally flailing,desperate to be free. "First rule of combat, Koal. Never underestimate your opponent." Seraph's voice was slightly deeper than Koal's, and had a rasping undertone to it. The demon gave a chilling laugh and closed his eyes, concentrating. About five minutes later, Seraph opened his eyes and beheld the sight before him. A medium sized pouch, made of silky black material. He grasped the drawstrings and loosened them, as to see the inside contents. Glittering coins made of gold. "Perfect" He quickly drew the pouch closed, the bag making a snap as it closed.

Seraph swiftly brought himself to his feet and walked out of the bushes. He stood in the middle of the trail and secured the pouch to his belt. A twig snapped behind him. Seraph whirled around, unsheathing the sword as he did so. He came face to face with the man Koal had been traveling with. Ballad. Seraph planted the sword in the earth. and crossed his arms. Smiling demonically at Ballad, his canines coming out from under his top lips. "Ballad. How... Wonderful to meet you."

[Corporal Light]

He should've known the kid would have the balls to trick him like that.

Ballad wasn't an idiot, as much as his general attitude and actions like to color him as such. He didn't know what the kid was doing, but he could tell that whatever it was wasn't anything he would've liked. So, when the kid wasn't looking, he took a complete U-turn to sneak up on him. A few minutes later, he found himself face to face with the gangster once again, only he was very, very different.

For starters, he now had piercing blood-red eyes that he would've noticed at any distance, even if he wasn't a few feet in front of him on the dirt road. He hadn't seen anyone else with eyes like those. Not even snow cats got predatory eyes that color, and they were some of the most ferocious animals he had ever seen back home. If that wasn't enough, he spoke with a deep rasp, and had large canines in place of some of his teeth. Ballad felt a cold sweat form on his brow, but he simply cracked his neck in response. This kid could have been the most powerful wizard in existence, and he still wouldn't back down from him. Even if he did feel a bit unnerved by his appearance.

"Didn't know you hadn't hit puberty yet, kid. Why didn't you tell me?" Ballad replied sarcastically, a smirk forming behind his red scarf.

"Amusing. I'm certain you remember what the boy had to say before, don't you? About how you don't know what WE'RE capable of? Now you know what he was talking about."

"Really?" the gunsmith said, allowing his eyes to scan every single bit of the demon possessing the kid. Aside from the sword jammed into the ground and all the other, more menacing changes, it was still just Lynch. Still just a wannabe gangster with mommy issues. Ballad took comfort in knowledge like that, as it could certainly be the difference between life or death for him.

"I'm not impressed." the sharpshooter mocked, nary a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Seraph glared at Ballad, letting off a small growl as their eyes locked together. The winter soldier's hands slowly curled behind his back, making him look like someone who had a few bodyguards next to him, and therefore had no care in the world of what could happen. To an extent, that was the case, as Ballad slowly slid his .50 single shot pistol down his left sleeve, keeping it hidden behind his back as he kept talking to the being. He needed to be ready if things got ugly.

[Gwendolyn]

Seraph growled low in his throat. How dare this impudent low life insult him!?Seraph prepared to lunge, his feet digging into the earth beneath him. Then his right eye began to ache, almost as if... No. "You win this time, gunsmith, but I'll overpower Koal again and bring you to your knees. I swear it on my title as Archdemon of Despair" Seraph fell to his knees and his left hand covered his right eye. He let out a final demonic cry and his vision went dark.
------------------------------
"What the hell was that!?" Those were the first words that Koal heard when he came to. Accompanied with a sharp kick to his ribs. Koal let out a groan, his whole body hurt like hell. He tried to shift, his back erupted in pain. Koal let out a cry, clenching his eyes shut. He sucked in breath through clenched teeth. His body slowly relaxed as the mind numbing pain slowly drained away. Koal slowly opened his eyes, struggling to sit up at the same time. A heavy booted foot planted itself against his chest and roughly kicked him back to the ground. Ballad had the barrel of his shiny black revolver pointed straight in his face, his eyes wide with adrenaline and a slight hint of fear. " Give me one good reason as to why I shouldn't kill you, you freak." The gunslinger looked slightly unnerved by the appearance of his other half. Koal held Ballad's gaze evenly. "To be honest, I can't.Take the pouch off my belt before you kill me. Should be enough to buy you at least a room at an inn." Koal's gaze never wavered from Ballad's yellow eyes.

Koal closed his eyes and awaited his death. He welcomed it as an old friend. A small smile somehow made it on his face, his fangs glinting in the sunlight. He could feel Seraphs' spirit thrashing in his head, but he quickly silenced it and barricaded it with a strong mental barrier...

[Gwendolyn]

And awaited his seemingly certain demise.

[Corporal Light]

Ballad curled his finger around the trigger, the barrel of the gun pointed straight at Koal's head. He had no idea what the hell he did to cause some sort of.... archdemon or whatever to show up and swear vengeance on him. With a threat like that, there was little wonder why Ballad swooped forward and brought the kid onto the ground.

Now he had him at his mercy. All it would take would be a split second and some pressure, and he wouldn't even have to think about it. The only part of him that would get hurt would be his ears, but he's fired the gun enough times to get used to the ringing. His black revolver glinted in the sunlight as a brisk wind passed through the trees, brushing up against Ballad's coat. He brought his revolver forward, placing the front of the barrel onto the half-demon's forehead as he closed his eyes. He felt his finger twitch as it moved towards the trigger, hesitating.

The gunner stopped, the trigger inches away from firing. He noticed the eerie smile plastered on the gangster's face, as if he was okay with the fact that Ballad was about to kill him. The sharpshooter hadn't met anyone who would willingly give up just to allow him to shoot them in the face. It would be suicide, especially for this kid, who had already shown that he had a side to him that he kept hidden. It'd be retarded to just give up as soon as that side left.....unless something else was going on.

No....

What did that... thing say again? That he'd come back and bring him to his knees? What for?

Wait a second...

No 'archdemon' or whatever would simply go away. Not with that power. He wanted to create despair, just like his title said. And the way he could do that would be to-

"That motherfucker." Ballad whispered, barely audible past his scarf. Koal opened his eyes, rolling them up to the cold metal touching his skin. He prepared to speak, but was soundly cut off by the weapon thrusting forward, causing him to grunt in pain.

"Don't think I don't know what that little imp thing is planning inside your head, Koal. I'm too smart for that."

"Wha-what do you mean?"

"I mean that I'm not even going to THINK about killing you." Ballad said, removing the gun from Lynch's forehead. He parted his coat, placing it back inside his holster as he turned away from the kid. He would not allow him to look at his face no matter how hard he tried. He figured that, if Seraph wasn't fucking with him, then his best bet was NOT to say anything and just ignore him. With that in mind, he proceeded to walk away from the kid, not looking back for even a moment, his frown returning.

[Gwendolyn]

Koal tried to get up and follow after Ballad and explain everything to him, try to make him understand. But as he tried to stand up, pain once again exploded from his back. Koal let out a short scream and fell back to the earth. A tear formed at the corner of his eye from the amount of sheer pain he was experiencing, but Koal wouldn't let it fall. He had learned a valuable lesson here, never show anyone your weaknesses. Koal lifted a lip in the beginnings of a snarl. "I Don't know why I even tried to be nice to him. All he ever did was be an asshole to me, never showed me any respect." As the half-demon was ranting, he was able to stand up his eyes flashing and snarling at no one in particular. Koal closed his eyes and focused on an image in his mind. A mask, made of black metal totally blank with one eye hole to be positioned above his left eye. A mask to hide his expressions and weaknesses from all others. It only took about six minutes, his anger allowing him to fully concentrate on the task at hand.

With a silent gust of wind, Koal felt a sudden weight settle in his hand. Success. Koal let out a grin that could only be described as wicked, as he lifted the blank surface of the mask to his face. It fit perfectly, allowing his jaw to move enough to talk, but not enough to be loose. "Perfect." Lynch said. He loved the way his voice reverberated through the mask, making his voice sound deeper than it actually was. Koal stood to his full height; an impressive six foot four inches and let out a laugh. "Nobody has time for nice people here. Only the strong survive." Koal snorted, "Sounds like something Seraph would say." He felt around in his head for the demon who held residence there. He felt a feeling of approval emanating from where Seraph's mind resided.So now you see,Koal, nobody can be trusted. Those were the only words that were directed at him, and then the voiced and presence subsided.

"One last order of business." Koal said, looking at the dirt path ahead of him. He stretched his legs so that he wouldn't pull a muscle and took off at a sprint.
-----------------About Ten Minutes Later--------------------------
It didn't take long, Koal was much faster than he was, and Ballad was walking, not running. Koal stopped a good 10 feet away from Ballad."Ballad!" Koal called his name out, yelling it in a condescending tone.His former travel companion was ignoring him. So he did the sensible thing. Koal took a single gold coin from the pouch at his waist and sidearm threw it at Ballad's body. It wouldn't hurt, it would get his attention. Ballad whirled around and drew his gun out of it's holster as he did. His eyes asked a silent question. Koal simply removed the bag from his waist and threw it on the ground a foot away from Ballad. "Repayment for not shooting me. I always pay my debts." The half-demon then proceeded to gauge the direction from the position of the sun, and walk back towards the gate he came from.

[Corporal Light]

Ballad easily heard Koal's cries as he walked away from him, not giving the half-demon the satisfaction or the time to see the look on his face. He knew the best way to deal with others was to straight up ignore them. Even if that didn't work, a short shouting match would follow that preceded Ballad to directly deal with them. By force.

He did not hear any of Koal's rant. He was far enough away at that point to not hear him. That, or he didn't care enough to be bothered with it.

He silently walked through the forest, following the dirt path straight to the exit. The sunlight's rays glared through the opening, though it only served the expose Ballad back to the elements. He brought his hand up to his forehead, wiping off some sweat.

Just then, he felt a light tap against his shoulder as a coin flew into him. He whirled around, sliding his revolver into his hand before pausing, seeing the supposed attacker. He looked familiar, but any semblance of recognition was removed as soon as the mask was taken into account. It was as black as his revolver's steel, with only a single eye hole for sight. He thought he saw a shade of violet inside the hole when a blur passed through his vision, snapping his attention towards a bag sailing towards him. It landed on the ground with a thump and kick-up of dust. Ballad stared at the bag for a few moments before looking back up at Koal, who had just started talking.

He gave no response as he looked back down towards the bag. He slid his revolver into his holster as he knelt down, opening the bag. It was filled to the brim with gold coins. More than enough to last him a couple of days. Ballad slithered his hand inside the bag, feeling the weight of the metal as it slipped between his fingers and back into the bag. He looked back upwards, as if to say something, but saw that Koal had already walked away, out of earshot.

"Even after all that... he still kept his promise..." Ballad muttered to himself, sealing the bag shut before standing back up. He began to walk towards the exit of the woods, stopping just short of leaving. He took a moment to look behind him, his eyes unable to find the kid before turning away.