Restless Night (Council)

[Miss Fifi]

Axel had been pacing the floor of his frigid chamber for quite some time, trying to settle his racing mind. When it became quite evident that it was a useless attempt, he decided to pace the halls instead. When that didn't work either, he came to wandering around the complex along with other places till his feet carried him to the Council Room. He hated it. Usually when a meeting was called, it turned into a "Bash Axel like a pinata" party. Then again, it always was dead quiet. The candlabras and the overall atmosphere gave it an almost creepy feeling. He liked that.

With no chance of getting to sleep, he slumped down in one of the simple wooden chairs. He rested his head on his hand, drumming on the table with his fingers. Life sucked. Maybe he was chosen to be the Guardian of Death because he already realized that fact and really didn't give a d*** anymore. His mind drifted to those he had met in his lifetime. His mother, his father, his ex-wife... Raphael... Miriel... All generated such conflicting emotions that it seemed strange. They all had played such different roles in his life, some more important than others. As his eyelids began to droop, his thoughts lingered on Miriel. As of now, she was the only light that invaded his darkness, and honestly he didn't mind it.

His head slid off his hand and slammed onto the wooden table. "GAH-!" He jumped at the pain and began rubbing his forehead, cursing quietly. He knew it was a useless attempt to get settled again, since this was usually the point in the day where he would get interrupted by annoying people.

[denduren]

"Axel..." Bael muttered as he rolled around the corner as if he had bee standing there the whole time. "You seem bored. Hard time sleeping?" He smirked as he felt he hit bulls-eye. "I could help you out." He muttered darkly, "Just a quick slice of the throat and it'll be over." His cocky grin started growing again. "Or if you want a more peaceful way I could hit you upside the head very hard." He started walking towards Axel and soon enough was sitting next to him. Eye to blind eye, they stared at eachother. "I see you still stink...." He huffed. "And I see you're still alive. You haven't gone mad yet? Or too chicken to steal your own life?" His grin grew to impossible proportions. "Well as you cannot sleep let me be the first to welcome you to the newly added Insomniac's Club... New population......" He looked down a bit in shame, "Two...."

[Miss Fifi]

Axel winced and gritted his teeth at the appearance of Bael. "How did you-!" He stopped and took a deep breath. "Forget it. You aren't worth the trouble." Looking away from him, he added, "Besides, if I killed you now, blood and other equally gross bodily fluids would get all over this nice clean table..." Still rubbing his forehead, he growled in reply, "I've already covered your second suggestion, thanks." Axel leaned away from the blind little creep. Even if he couldn't really see, it still seemed like he was looking right at him. It was particularly freaky. Paranoid, Axel pulled a strand of hair forward to his nose and took a whiff, a smell of dead leaves and sweat meeting his nostrils. Perhaps Bael was right about some things.

Axel just rolled his eyes and slumped back in the creaky chair. "Don't think I haven't tried." He sniffed, feeling no sympathy for this little stalker demon. He didn't really care that he couldn't sleep, especially since this little toothache was here. He would probably try to chop his head off while he was unconcious, or something equally dramatic. The old man, or kid, whatever the case may have been, certainly liked to go all out when he did something. It was irritating. He was like an infection that never goes away completely. Once you think you're rid of it, it comes back full force. Waving his hand in a dismissing manner, he grunted, "Look, I don't care about your problems. I couldn't care less if you fell off a cliff tomorrow. Why do you come to me with all of these complaints if you know I want to ring your little neck until your face turns purple, regardless?"

[denduren]

Bael smiled once more, "Because, Death, whether you want to admit it or not, we have what most people call a love-hate relationship. Though I think our case is a Hate-Hate relationship. Anyways, we need eachother to survive and our hate for eachother helps us have at least one goal. The goal being to kill one another. Anyways, and so since neither of us really want to kill anyone we just simply put up with eachother. And no, I wouldn't have killed you if you had fallen asleep. I prefer when you're alive so i can see the expression on your face as I stab the sword through your gut." He grinned. "So, whats got you up?"

[Miss Fifi]

Axel snorted in grudging acceptance. He figured he couldn't say anything to make him leave anyway. When he asked what was keeping him up, he shrugged with disinterest. He slumped back into the chair, leaning all the way back with his awful posture. "Life is. That good enough for you?" He could think of about a million other people he'd rather be having this conversation with. To think that this was where the attempt on his life had first been taken by this demon child. He hoped someone would come along soon to keep this from being a two-is-company party permanently.

[»Míríel«]

The light in the room shifted slightly and seemed to focus in one spot, becoming a blur in the shape of a bud. The blur became clearer and clearer until it started unraveling in the shape of pure white balls, revealing two women.

Miriel stumbled out of the light, as if she had tripped, and caught herself of a wooden chair. The chair, caught off balance wavered and wobbled and it seemed as if the both would be sent tumbling on the floor with a loud noise. But just when it seemed like when it seemed impossible to right themselves, Miriel pulled herself together. Her face was a shade or two paler, and her blue eyes showed some tiredness. It had been her first time teleporting, but not only that, but she had brought someone else with her. Even though, being a guardian, she had an ample amount of power, this had drained a bit chunk in such a short amount of time that it shocked her.


Athena, who had come in the room with more composure and grace rested her hand on Miriel's shoulder and nodded slightly. Giving the room a quick glance her eyes rested on two figures on the other side of the room. One was obviously Axel, and the other seemed no more than a boy. Though because he was here, there was certainly something special about him. "Where are we.." She asked Miriel quietly.

[elizabeth]

Elizabeth and Dai both appeared in a stark, simple room. Bright candlabras gave off eerie light in the corners of this long room. A dark slumped figure sat in one of the wooden chairs, his foreboding black feathers sprouting out from his back. What appeared to be a small child, but from his inner conciense she could tell he was much wiser, sat next to him in an almost casual manner. She could feel a wave of tension and almost hatred between the two. "That's what I would like to know," she whispered, catching the end of Athena's question.

[{Kaiji}]

Dai stood where he arrived. It was also his first time meeting Axel. His grip on his staff tightened. "We're in the Council room in the other universe." Dai answered their question. He strolled over to his regular seat at the table. It was across from where Elizabeth was. His look was that of the most serious he had ever been. At least that Elizabeth would know. He was at least twice as serious with his potions.

[Miss Fifi]

Axel's eyes shifted over to the newcomers. They narrowed as he examined every single one of them, his glance only resting on them for a moment or two. At last his hard stare settled on Miriel, his deep red irises filled with questioning. "Yes, it is indeed," he replied to Dai without moving his stare. Slowly he rose from his seat, the rusty metal wrapped around his wings settling as he did. "Might I ask as to what it is you are doing here?" he said with warning in his voice, looking at the two strange women who had accompanied the guardians. He closed his eyes for a moment and breathed out deeply. "And you," he said, directing it to the woman with the coarse black hair, "stop messing around in my mind. It'll only end in pain, and I don't mean for me."

Elizabeth didn't believe it was possible that one man could scare her so much in her life. He had sensed her touch when she was barely even scratching the surface of his conciense. But even with that insignificant little tap, she was bombarded with fierce, dark emotion and a feeling of being lost in a place so vast and endless that she would never escape. She was almost happy to pull away when he reprimanded her. Her lips quivered as she timidly took a step forward and inclined her head to him. "I-I apologize. I shouldn't have acted without thinking it through. But, the reason I and my friend," she gestured to Athena, "have ventured here today is because I believe I have seen a vision of the future. Or perhaps the past. I wished to share it with you... I had talked to Raphael, but he had suggested speaking to you-"

Axel held up a hand, telling her to stop talking. If Raphael had told her to come to speak to him, he could merely guess what she had seen. It wasn't exactly something he wanted to announce to the entire inhabitants of this room. He sighed then said to her quietly, "We will speak alone." He looked around at the rest of the people just standing around, all too close for his comfort. He then added out of paranoia, "Later."

[athena]

Miriel met Axel's gaze steadily. Blue eyes, like the peaceful waters of a lake clashed with his fiery red ones. She seemed lost for a moment, amidst all of the questions he seemed to be asking, and the feeling that rose slightly within her. Everyone in the room seemed to disappear for a moment, a moment that lasted for eternity. As his withdrew his gaze she dropped hers and stared at the chair she was cleaning against. Her shoulders slumped slightly at the weight of the energy loss descended on her. Never the less she stood up straight and gazed at Elizabeth and then Axel as he said, "later" nodding her head she shifted her weight on her feet for a second, as if sensing that he wanted to be alone. Looking at Athena she nodded slightly and said, "Why don't I show you my quarters...I think that you may like it." Walking to the council door she opened it and looked at the others in the room, "If anyone else wants to come.. you're welcome." A smile came to her face as she disappeared around the door.

Athena's firey amber stare looked at Axel as her lips were in a tight line on her face. She didn't know if she trusted him, though Athena really didn't trust anyone, besides Elizabeth of course. As Miriel mentioned leaving the two, her fists balled up in stubbornness to stay, yet the look and nod on Miriel's face calmed her. It was as if she were saying, "Don't worry, she'll be fine." Athena nodded back and stepped in the direction of the door. Resting a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder she looked into her eyes as she said through her mind to her, "I won't be far...I hope.." Letting go she watched Miriel disappear around the door and followed, through right before she did, she gazed at Axel fiercely, daring him to do anything that would harm her friend. There was a wild savageness that resided in her eyes. Turning she left following behind Miriel.

[denduren]

Bael's eyes had been wide as all this happened infront of him. He was stunned and couldn't get a word in. After two of the women had left he finally came out of his trance and gasped. "Wait!" he exclaimed, "She can read you're thoughts and such?" His expression dropped, "Did you read mine!?" He was in her face. "WHAT DID YOU SEE!?" He was shaking her now. His legs were resting on the table as he leaned back in the chair. He had stopped shaking her and gone back to his seat. "Sorry, I just remembered I have nothing to hide." He pouted a bit. "I should have something to hide..... don't I?" He moved his legs and rested his head on the table, "I can't remember if I have something to hide...."

[Miss Fifi]

When Bael suddenly attacked the woman, Axel grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and drew him closer until he was right in his face. "I'll give you something to remember." He lifted Bael by his neck and threw him out of the door, slamming it behind him. He was not about to share any information with this pint-sized bastard. He then turned to Dai. "Did I invite you?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened as she was suddenly being lunged at by what she could tell was a demon boy. She struck out at him, then stumbled backward when he suddenly released her. She took a step closer to Axel, more confident in his sanity. He seemed to have control of the situation, for the most part. When he took a menacing turn towards the wizard, she held out her arms towards him. "I think it would be fine if he stayed... He is a guardian, after all, and he was there with Athena and myself.." She hoped that wouldn't get him riled up again. His temper was said to be extremely unpredictable.

Axel just sniffed and shrugged with disinterest. "Whatever." He yanked a chair out, slumped down in it, and put his feet up on the table. "Let's hear it then."

[{Kaiji}]

Dai just about blasted the little demon when he lunged and grabbed Elizabeth. There would never be a female harmed if he could help it. Then he was adressed by Axel. Did he even need permission to come here, he was a Guardian, same as Axel. He was about to reply when Elizabeth did it for him. Good thing Axel didn't snap at them. Honestly, Dai had no idea whether or not his magic was capable of defending from Death itself. "Alright then. I guess she should start then." He said with a slight grin. His staff was leaning on his chair and he was leaning back. His fatigue from teleporting had taken its toll. Plus, he was tired to begin with. His eyelids began moving down. He sighed and began meditating. This way he was awake, yet sleeping as well. During his short, but awesomely good, rest his staff's crystal glowed red for a moment. He awoke. "I have to go. Some unlucky wizard to save." He laughed. He stood and grabbed his staff. In a flash of light he disappeared.

[Miss Fifi]

Elizabeth watched Dai go as an uneasiness settled in her core. Was he really going to leave her alone with Death? Apparently so. She cleared her throat, obviously uncomfortable. She didn't know how or where to start. She shifted back and forth on her heels, trying to muster the courage to speak. "I suppose I should continue, then.." When Axel simply gestured with a flick of his hand to do so, she cleared her throat again and began. She described to him the experience of the vision, the surroundings, the two figures in the sky. The raining fire and the snow, the figure of a furious ice nymph standing defiantly facing the two silhouettes in the firey red sky. She told him about the feeling she had had, like there was an invisible presence controlling the entire thing. His facial expression grew more and more grim as she continued. When she finally concluded, his face was contorted with a mixture of emotions that she could not discern. After a moment of him staring intently into space, she cleared her throat loudly once more.

Axel jerked out of his trance-like stare. So many thoughts were going through his mind right now. He vaguely remembered the entire thing, but the event seemed so distant. He shifted in his chair and stared at her with a blank look in his eyes, concealing his emotions. "Well, I can tell you that that particular event certainly was from the past. You have nothing to worry about." He said nothing more.

Elizabeth looked at him with confusion. Was that all he was going to say? "Is... that all?"

Axel narrowed his eyes as he looked at her. "You don't need to know anything else as of now." He gave her such a look that he didn't think she would have the will to protest. He turned in the other direction, not wanting to meet her searching eyes. His mind was whirring, the memories of that fateful day all flooding back to him. "Feel free to stay if you want. You're not nearly as annoying as Bael."

Elizabeth just sighed and nodded in acceptance. She began to turn to leave, but something stopped her. Axel's overwhelming thoughts and emotions were actually so strong that they were subconciously reaching out to her. Without even touching his mental barriers, Elizabeth explored his thoughts on what she had just told him. Feelings of resentment, hopelessness, and pure anguish were what met her. It seemed he had regrets, as if he had had something to do with it. She could discern traces of fear and worry and a sense of familiarity to the spirit that she had told him about. It was as if he had a complete and major involvement in the whole event. Mustering up her last bit of courage, she said quietly without turning around, "You... had something to do with it, didn't you?"

Axel flinched at her accusation. His head whipped around, his eyes blazing. He stood up, his boots clunking against the wooden floor. "Perhaps I did. Perhaps I didn't. What's it to you?" He got closer to her, staring her right in the eyes.

Elizabeth immediately took a step back, regretting she had ever said anything. "I apologize. It's just your emotions about the subject-"

"You know nothing!" His eyes flashed over, fire burning within their red depths. Within a moment of seeing the pure, innocent fear in her eyes, his anger disappeared. His shoulders sunk, and he relaxed his overall air. He glanced down at his feet, his fists balled. "Maybe you should just go," he said almost apologetically. He didn't even look up as she hurried quietly out the door, closing it gently behind her. He fell back into the chair, just wanting everything to stop. He wanted the past, all of the wrongdoings, all of the tragedies and mistakes, to just die. But he knew the one thing Death could never claim is the past.